News from May 2024

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
Ramin Toloui, the Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, will be departing his position in June 2024. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy, particularly emphasizing the intersection of economic security and national security.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
In the ongoing New York City criminal trial against former President Donald J. Trump, Judge Juan Merchan has instructed jurors that they do not need to reach unanimity on the specific crime committed by Trump in order to convict him. This directive implies that jurors can disagree on the particular offense while still rendering a unanimous verdict.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed support for legislation aimed at repealing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Walkaround Rule. The rule, finalized in April 2024, permits impartial union representatives to accompany OSHA inspectors during worksite investigations.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
SEATTLE (May 29, 2024) – The Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. In Washington, 16 school districts will receive over $24 million to replace 111 older school buses with new electric or propane buses. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older diesel-fueled school buses linked to asthma and other health conditions.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
Three Rhode Island nail salons in Cumberland, East Greenwich, and North Providence, along with their owner, have agreed to pay employees $753,500 in back wages and damages. This agreement resolves violations of the anti-retaliation provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), as well as FLSA’s overtime requirements.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
El Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. ha impuesto una multa a un restaurante en Port Isabel por violar las leyes laborales federales al emplear a menores. Dirty Al's 2 Inc., que opera bajo el nombre Dirty Al's at Pelican Station, fue investigado en su local ubicado en 201B S. Garcia St., Port Isabel, TX 78578.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
In a coordinated international operation, authorities have dismantled the 911 S5 botnet and arrested its administrator. The botnet had infected over 19 million IP addresses, facilitating billions of dollars in pandemic and unemployment fraud, as well as providing access to child exploitation materials.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will enable the purchase of five clean school buses in four West Virginia school districts. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older diesel-fueled school buses linked to asthma and other health conditions affecting students and communities.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), and Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) led a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning. The letter requests information on recent decisions that could delay the permitting process for new mines and limit public input.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Biden administration’s recent decision to increase tariffs on strategic goods imported from China underscores its commitment to maintaining American workers' leadership in the global transition to a cleaner future.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced nearly $21.5 million in rebates for clean school buses across Connecticut, part of the Investing in America agenda. This funding is allocated through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The PBS NOVA program "Secrets in Your Data" offers valuable insights into data privacy. Viewers are encouraged to explore the outreach toolkit for comprehensive information on protecting personal data.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
A disbarred California attorney pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to operate a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded victims of more than $9.5 million.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has fined Dirty Al’s 2 Inc., operating as Dirty Al’s at Pelican Station in Port Isabel, Texas, for violating federal labor laws by employing minors. The investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division revealed that the restaurant employed eight minors, including 14 and 15-year-olds, to work as hostesses and bussers.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is actively providing intellectual property (IP) and entrepreneurship resources to the military community, including service members on active duty, military spouses, National Guardsmen, Reservists, veterans, and military family members worldwide. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s commitment to supporting veterans, military families, and caregivers.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation Ambassador Jessye Lapenn hosted a virtual meeting of senior representatives from 36 members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation on May 23. Atlantic Partnership members received preliminary findings from the marine spatial planning working group, co-chaired by Angola, Morocco, and Spain. Members also welcomed the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance’s effort, via the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on ocean observation and modeling and a convening on sustainable aquaculture as a...

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has launched its second original short film series, “The Human Component,” produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. The series features innovative technologies that support a more resilient planet, stronger societies, and healthier communities through compelling human-led films and immersive written content.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
During the recent State Visit of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, the United States and Kenya announced new initiatives and public diplomacy programs aimed at elevating culture as a diplomatic platform. These initiatives are designed to bring people together, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the economies of both countries.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued guidance urging mortgage servicers to implement a targeted moratorium on foreclosures for Veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, 2024. This measure aims to help Veterans and their families remain in their homes beyond the current foreclosure moratorium ending on May 31.

By Federal Newswire | May 29, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration announced today the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will assist selectees in purchasing 213 clean school buses across 21 school districts in Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, diesel-fueled school buses linked to asthma and other health conditions.