Latest News
FTC announces virtual open commission meeting set for September 19
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan announced that an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The meeting will commence at 11 a.m. ET and will begin with time for members of the public to address the Commission.
Controversy surrounds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigation into primate imports, boosting Chinese vaccine research
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
A watchdog group has raised concerns over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) five-year investigation into the sourcing of nonhuman primates (NHPs) from Cambodia, calling it a failed operation that may have given China an edge in vaccine research.
FTC schedules virtual hearing on proposed amendments to energy labeling rule
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will conduct an informal hearing on the proposed amendments to the Energy and Water Use Labeling for Consumer Products Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, commonly referred to as the "Energy Labeling Rule." The hearing is scheduled to take place virtually on September 19, 2024.
Nearly half of Halloween shoppers start buying before October
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Early Halloween shopping is on the rise, with 47% of survey participants beginning their shopping before October, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from 37% five years ago and compares with just 32% in 2014. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion, after last year’s record-setting $12.2 billion.
EPA launches Spanish-language version of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of a Spanish-language version of its ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager on September 19, 2024. This online energy measurement and tracking tool is now accessible to Spanish-speaking building owners, managers, and tenants, enabling them to manage their property’s energy use, water use, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions in their native language.
FTC finds major social media firms fail in protecting user privacy
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
A new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) staff report examines the data collection and use practices of major social media and video streaming services, revealing extensive surveillance of consumers to monetize personal information while failing to adequately protect users online, especially children and teens.
EPA partners with Elgin on accelerated replacement of lead water pipes
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a collaboration with the city of Elgin, Illinois, to identify and replace drinking water lead pipes, aiming to protect public health. This initiative is part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which seeks to achieve 100% lead service line replacement nationwide. The initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities across the country.
EPA fines Ayer-based company for peanut oil spill
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
BOSTON (Sept. 19, 2024) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Catania-Spagna Corporation (Catania) to resolve alleged violations of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, stemming from a peanut oil spill at the company’s headquarters in Ayer, Massachusetts.
EPA partners with Maywood on accelerated lead pipe replacement
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a partnership with the village of Maywood, Illinois, to expedite the replacement of lead water pipes and enhance public health protection. This initiative is part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims for 100% lead service line replacement nationwide. The program will offer technical assistance to around 200 communities across the country.
Biden-Harris administration awards nearly $5 million to advance semiconductor innovation
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded nearly $5 million to 17 small businesses across nine states under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The SBIR Phase I awards will fund research projects to explore the technical merit or feasibility of an innovative idea or technology for developing a viable product or service for introduction in the commercial microelectronics marketplace. This is the first award for the CHIPS Research and Development Office.
EPA appoints inaugural members of advisory council including Angelina Adams
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 19, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the members of the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council.
EPA lanza versión española del gestor energético ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
La herramienta recientemente traducida ayudará a más propietarios y administradores de edificios a ahorrar energía, economizar dinero y reducir las emisiones de los edificios comerciales y multifamiliares.
EPA partners with Monmouth on accelerated replacement of lead water pipes
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a partnership with the city of Monmouth, Illinois, to accelerate the identification and replacement of lead water pipes. This collaboration is part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Utah Attorney General: federal government’s control of 70% of Utah land ‘seriously limits state sovereignty’
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes said, "the fact that the federal government controls nearly 70% of Utah land seriously limits [Utah’s] state sovereignty." Reyes shared his statement in a press release on August 20.
Aspen Institute Cybersecurity Summit to feature key regulatory leaders
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Chair Khan will appear on a panel alongside FCC’s Chair Rosenworcel and CFPB's Director Chopra at the Aspen Institute Cybersecurity Summit.
Editor at Persuasion Magazine: 'Mexico’s system is badly distorted by its hugely powerful drug cartels'
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
Quico Toro said that Mexico's judicial system is largely run by cartels, which operate as a "quasi-government" and have gained control over the Mexican government under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Toro's statements come from a Sept. 16 Persuasion Magazine commentary.
House passes supplemental bill addressing $3B shortfall in veteran benefits
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2024
The House of Representatives has passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, allocating $3 billion in mandatory funding to address a shortfall in veteran benefits. The measure was approved by voice vote.
Senator Lummis announces legislation to shield U.S. farms from foreign land purchases
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2024
Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis announced the introduction of the bipartisan Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. The bill aims to enhance oversight and identify foreign adversaries' purchases of agricultural land.
Sen. Blackburn: Kids Online Safety Act would ‘stop social media companies from pushing drugs & fentanyl’
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2024
Senator Marsha Blackburn said that passing the Kids Online Safety Act would help prevent fentanyl-related deaths by stopping social media platforms from allowing drug sales. Blackburn shared her statement in a Sept. 16 post on X.
Rep. Rob Wittman: ‘limited pool of qualified professionals’ in critical minerals sector
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2024
Rep. Rob Wittman, head of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Critical Minerals Working Group, said that the U.S. faces challenges in its critical mineral production capabilities, such as workforce shortages. Wittman shared his statement during a roundtable on September 11.
