News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
President Joe Biden's recent announcement regarding the halting of offensive weapons transfer to Israel if an invasion of Rafah occurs has been positively acknowledged by Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress. Gaspard expressed his approval stating, "President Biden has just announced a monumental and welcome shift in U.S. policy on the conflict in Gaza." He emphasized the importance of holding Israel to the same standards as any other ally and prioritizing the protection of civilians in Gaza to avoid further bloodshed.
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
The global tech trade association ITI, the Information Technology Industry Council, presented policy priorities for the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. ITI's recommendations focus on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Europe's economy and improving the Single Market. Additionally, ITI provides guidance on key policy areas such as connectivity, telecommunications, cybersecurity rules, and Artificial Intelligence.
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
National Hurricane Preparedness Week
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided a readout of the Defense Business Board's third quarterly meeting for fiscal year 2024, hosted by Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks. The closed, classified session took place at the Pentagon and included the participation of Defense Innovation Unit Director Doug Beck.
By Federal Newswire | May 8, 2024
The Department of Energy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye issued a joint statement on May 8, 2024, following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Türkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar in Washington, DC.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Miguel Ramos, a 25-year-old Honduran citizen, has been sentenced to five years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and heroin. In January, he pleaded guilty "to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and four counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine, and heroin."
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Eric Ares, a 38-year-old resident of Utica, NY, has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for his involvement in fentanyl distribution. Ares was found guilty of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, distributing the drug, and possessing it with an intention to distribute.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The United States Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Health and Human Services have announced an extension to the public comment period for the Request for Information (RFI) on Consolidation in Health Care Markets. The deadline has been moved from May 6 to June 5, granting the public an additional 30 days to submit a response.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee Republicans have stated that Mexican drug cartels maintain control at the border. This assertion follows the discovery of eight bodies alongside the Panamerican Highway near the El Paso border, in what appears to be the aftermath of a feud between rival cartels. The Committee made this statement in an April 24 post.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has launched an inquiry into the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Chairman Jordan expressed concerns about the FBI's emphasis on DEI initiatives over qualifications in recruitment and retention processes.The letter highlighted the FBI's shift towards DEI initiatives following President Biden's Executive Order on Inauguration Day, which mandated DEI programs across the Executive Branch. It also noted the...
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown stated that the FEND Off Fentanyl Act will assist law enforcement in their fight against fentanyl-dealing drug cartels. He made this announcement in a press release on April 24, the day the act was signed into law.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Paul Triolo, Senior Associate and Trustee Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), has expressed concern over a potential overcapacity in the mature-node semiconductors industry. This is due to China's subsidies, which could potentially lead to price wars, security risks, and industry dependency with China leveraging the market strategically. Triolo made these comments in a blog post for CSIS on April 24.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced a 50-count indictment following a 63-month law enforcement operation that charged 41 individuals in Texas with alleged drug trafficking and related crimes on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The announcement was made in a press release on April 1, highlighting the U.S.'s concentrated effort to combat cartel influence.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Guatemalan President Arévalo
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the introduction of ENERGY STAR® NextGen™ Certified Homes and Apartments, a new voluntary certification program for residential new construction. The program, developed with funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, aims to boost national energy and emissions savings by promoting advanced, energy-efficient technologies.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor finds that a restaurant in Arkansas illegally fired a worker who took leave protected by federal law.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors®, shared insights on the real estate market during the "Residential Economic Issues & Trends Forum" at NAR's 2024 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. He predicts a rise in existing-home sales and falling long-term interest rates. Yun anticipates an increase in existing-home sales to 4.46 million in 2024 and 5.05 million in 2025, with continued growth over the next decade.
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder shared a statement on a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov. The discussion revolved around Ukraine's security needs and recent U.S. security assistance efforts. Secretary Austin highlighted the National Security Supplemental's impact, including the $1 billion Presidential Drawdown and $6 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Minister Umerov updated on battlefield dynamics and Russia's ongoing aerial attacks in Ukraine. Both leaders committed to...
By Federal Newswire | May 7, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a federal consent order and judgment requiring three service providers of the United Employee Benefit Fund, a Chicago-based multiple employer welfare arrangement, to restore $883,333 to the fund and pay $176,666 in penalties for violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
