News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) announced a new initiative to enhance data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The initiative, named Open DAGIR—Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories—will establish a multi-vendor ecosystem that integrates data platforms, development tools, services, and applications while preserving government data ownership and industry intellectual property.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
As Washington delays on AI legislation, states take the lead on regulating evolving technology
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two companies linked to the Wagner Group in the Central African Republic (CAR). Mining Industries SARLU and Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU have been designated under Executive Order 14024 for their involvement in supporting Wagner Group security operations and illicit mining activities.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Department of the Interior announced $30.59 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to clean up legacy pollution in Arkansas and Louisiana. Arkansas will receive a $5.59 million award to plug and reclaim approximately 274 orphaned oil and gas well sites, while Louisiana will use its $25 million award for approximately 540 similar sites. These investments aim to create union jobs, stimulate economic growth, protect public health, and advance environmental justice.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the allocation of $11,030,000 to Arkansas schools for the purchase of clean school buses. This funding is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $31,510,000 in funding for Texas schools to purchase clean school buses as part of the Investing in America agenda. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition selected various school districts across Texas to receive these funds.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced a series of steps aimed at modernizing the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). The initiatives, detailed in a letter to staff and posted on the Education Department's Homeroom blog, focus on improving management and operational efficiency to better serve students, families, borrowers, and schools.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Director Manolo Caro and actress Cecilia Suárez will reunite for the new comedy series "Serpientes y Escaleras," following their previous collaborations on "The House of Flowers" (2018) and "Someone Has to Die" (2020). The series, set in Guadalajara, centers on a teacher who becomes entangled in a conflict between two students, an event that dramatically alters her life.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Earlier this month, the Department of Commerce Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, in collaboration with Hispanic Access, hosted the National Latino Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The event aimed to empower the Latino community and enhance their advocacy capabilities.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is accepting public comments on two tentative permits under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act for a climate change mitigation study proposed off the coast of Cape Cod. The study, initiated by a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will investigate ocean alkalinity enhancement as a potential method for removing and storing carbon dioxide from ocean waters.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the allocation of $10,360,000 to Oklahoma schools for the purchase of clean school buses. This funding is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of two new ENERGY STAR resources aimed at helping American households leverage Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades. The initiatives include a new home improvement savings web tool and the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regarding its Plan for Global Engagement on AI Standards. TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in AI.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Thank you to Code for America for inviting me to speak at today's conference about IRS Direct File, our new option for Americans to file their taxes for free.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
A former investment banker, who was formerly a registered broker with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for a fraud scheme that resulted in approximately $1.5 million in investor losses and for a separate access device fraud scheme.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the appointments to the newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee. This committee aims to provide advice and recommendations on measures to enhance the competitiveness of producers of seasonal and perishable produce in the Southeastern United States.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Prague, Czechia on the sidelines of an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages, as well as the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and preventing regional instability. They also discussed opportunities to support peace and prosperity in the Caucasus region.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Gregory Edward McLean, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced today to 160 months for distributing child sexual abuse material and 120 months for unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. The sentences will be served concurrently.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has urged Vermont Governor Phil Scott to veto H.121, a bill proposing the Vermont Data Privacy Act and an age-appropriate design code standard in the state. While the CCIA supports Vermont's aim to enhance data privacy protections and online safety for minors, it raises concerns about several components of H.121 that present constitutional and compliance issues.
By Federal Newswire | May 30, 2024
MONTGOMERY, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor filed a complaint on May 30, 2024, asking a federal court to prevent three Alabama companies, including a Hyundai U.S. assembly and manufacturing plant, from employing children illegally. The complaint also requests that the court require the three companies to surrender profits related to the use of oppressive child labor.
