News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Department of the Interior has revealed a significant investment of $71 million to assist Tribal communities in electrifying their homes. This funding, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aims to transition all homes in Indian Country to clean energy sources, aligning with the administration's objective of achieving a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035.Secretary Haaland expressed the department's commitment to supporting Tribes in enhancing their electricity infrastructure, stating, “As the Interior Department implements this new program, we...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Treasury Department has released updated guidance for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits, a move that has drawn a response from the National Farmers Union (NFU). In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew emphasized the role of family farmers in driving climate solutions through sustainable aviation fuel production, stating, "Family farmers have the potential to rapidly drive climate solutions with the production of sustainable aviation fuel from homegrown feedstocks."Larew also expressed appreciation for the modifications made to the Greenhouse Gases,...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink is set to embark on a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Canberra, Australia from May 2 to May 8.During his visit to Honolulu, Kritenbrink will participate in the USINDOPACOM change of command ceremony, where Admiral Samuel J. Paparo will take over command from Admiral John C. Aquilino.In Canberra, the Assistant Secretary will engage in meetings with senior government officials and experts. The focus of these discussions will be to strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance, address global...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of mental health in a statement released for World Mental Health Awareness Month 2024. He stated, “Mental health is an essential component of overall wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Many individuals and communities are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Now, more than ever, we need accessible mental health resources and support systems for all because mental health is health. Period."Secretary Becerra highlighted the...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has recently finalized a rule aimed at enhancing protections against disability discrimination. Titled "Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities," this rule is a significant step towards advancing equity and bolstering safeguards for individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the significance of this rule, stating, “This rule strengthens the protections...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Insight Global LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, has agreed to pay $2.7 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect health information obtained during COVID-19 contact tracing.According to Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, "The resolution announced today reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill their cybersecurity obligations. Failure to do so can compromise sensitive...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a partnership with Webster County, Kentucky, to provide technical assistance through the Energy Communities Technical Assistance Pilot program. This initiative aims to support community-driven energy transition and economic revitalization goals in Webster County and other recipient communities.Vicki Arroyo, EPA Associate Administrator for Policy, highlighted the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act in promoting low-carbon and renewable energy generation. Arroyo stated, "Our Energy Communities pilot is...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Student protests against the war in Gaza are gaining momentum, prompting a need for clear principles to guide universities in handling these demonstrations. In a politically charged environment, various concerns must be balanced to protect the rights and safety of all individuals involved.Speaking on the need for a balanced approach, it was stated, "The Hamas attack was heinous; the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza have been reprehensible; free speech is necessary; hate speech is intolerable; true security must be enforced for all; peaceful protests are bedrock; and...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Computer & Communications Industry Association submitted statements for the record with the House Ways & Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee responding to statements made in the oversight hearings of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) held on April 16 and April 17, respectively. The hearings were held as scrutiny has grown over USTR’s decision to reverse long-standing and bipartisan support for strong digital trade rules on the global stage. The testimony offered some novel rationales for the agency’s retreat from long-standing U.S. policy, but many members...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024Established in 1999 by the Council of Europe, the Group of States against Corruption, or GRECO, is a multilateral body that monitors member states’ compliance with its anti-corruption standards. The United States joined GRECO in 2000 and is one of only two non-European member states.The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in countering corruption. According to a statement, "The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The United States has issued a strong call for Taiwan to be reinstated as an observer at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). In a statement, they emphasized the importance of Taiwan's expertise and experience in global health matters, stating, "The United States strongly encourages the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year’s WHA so the world may once again benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and experience."Acknowledging recent efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to involve Taiwan more actively in technical work...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made significant announcements today regarding key staff appointments and promotions within the organization.Jeremy Adamson has been promoted to the position of Chief of Staff for Research, Education, and Economics. Adamson, a native of Merrillville, Indiana, and a graduate of Purdue University, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served in various positions related to trade, foreign agricultural affairs, and international climate efforts.Deidre Deculus Robert has been...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
"A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years and seven months in prison for possessing deepfake child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting numerous child celebrities. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on two separate occasions, James Smelko, 57, of Pittsburgh, possessed and accessed pictures that digitally superimposed the faces of child actors onto nude bodies and bodies engaged in sex acts. Smelko possessed the pictures at his home in Pittsburgh. After law enforcement discovered the pictures during a search of Smelko’s computer, he...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has declared federal disaster assistance for the State of Washington in response to severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from January 5 to January 29, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for several counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.HUD is taking immediate action to support survivors of the disaster. According to a statement from the department, "Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma emphasized the significance of the American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, during a ceremony at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the American Legation as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2024.Verma highlighted the enduring friendship between America and Morocco, stating that the building, gifted from Morocco to the United States in 1821, "remains a symbol of the friendship between America and...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland faced tough questioning today as she testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources on the Biden administration's Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) expressed deep concern, stating, "America is in jeopardy, and we need to take immediate action. Congress holds the power of the purse, and we will not just rubber stamp an administration that completely disregards oversight authorities and the communities most impacted by their decisions."Westerman highlighted the...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Health and Human Services have announced an extension of the comment period for the Request for Information on Consolidation in Health Care Markets (RFI) by 30 days. The new deadline for submitting comments is now June 5.According to the announcement, the extension aims to gather more insights into how health care mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions could potentially impact competition in the industry. The agencies are particularly interested in understanding how such...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Nine winners were recently announced in the Hackster.io Challenge, and among them was an interactive GLaDOS robot. The winners were recognized for their innovative projects that showcased the capabilities of artificial intelligence and robotics.One of the winners, who created the interactive GLaDOS robot, expressed their excitement, stating, "I am thrilled to have been selected as one of the winners in the Hackster.io Challenge. It is a great honor to be recognized for my work in combining AI and robotics to create an interactive experience."The Hackster.io Challenge...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission has taken decisive action against digital marketing and data aggregator InMarket, finalizing a settlement that prohibits the company from selling or sharing precise location data. This move follows allegations of unlawful collection and use of consumers' location data for advertising and marketing purposes.According to the FTC, InMarket was found to have collected location information about consumers without fully informing them of how it would be used. This data, which includes sensitive details about where individuals live, work, and...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Director General Marcia S. Bernicat will lead the Department of State’s 59th annual Foreign Affairs Day, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Foreign Service. The event, scheduled for May 3, will gather current and former employees of the Department of State and other Foreign Affairs Agencies at the Dean Acheson Auditorium.In a pre-recorded video message, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will address the morning plenary opening of Foreign Affairs Day. Deputy Secretary Richard Verma will deliver the Keynote Address at the event's opening session and participate...
