Latest News
Sec. Haaland Grilled in Hearing over FGI docs
By Press Release | May 15, 2024
Today, while testifying in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Interior Sec. Deb Haaland was grilled by Sen. Josh Hawley over FGI docs which revealed that DOI leadership secretly met with the Wilderness Society about the Twin Metals critical minerals project while they were suing the DOI to stop the mining project.
Interior Secretary Haaland Faces Scrutiny Over ‘Secret’ Meetings in Senate Hearing
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faced inquiries from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) during a May 2 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing about undisclosed meetings between Department of the Interior (DOI) officials and the Wilderness Society concerning the Twin Metals critical minerals project.
Commissioner Pham to participate in 2024 Digital Chamber Blockchain Summit
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Commissioner Caroline D. Pham is set to participate in a panel discussion titled "Working Together: CFTC and SEC" at the Digital Chamber's 2024 Blockchain Summit. She will be sharing the stage with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Hester Pierce.
US imposes visa restrictions on Nicaraguan officials undermining democracy
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Department of State announced today that it has imposed visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government. This includes police and paramilitary personnel, penitentiary officials, prosecutors, judges, and public higher education officials, as well as select non-government actors. These individuals have been targeted for their roles in supporting the Ortega-Murillo regime in its attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms, repression of civil society organizations, and profiting off vulnerable migrants.
OBO emphasizes mental well-being in Construction Safety Week campaign
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
During Construction Safety Week, which took place from May 6-10 this year, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) reinforced its commitment to exemplary construction safety practices. OBO and its partners have consistently set high standards for international construction safety, emphasizing the importance of safety measures, sharing best practices, and reinforcing safety protocols on construction sites.
US extends congratulations to Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The United States has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Lawrence Wong as he assumes his new role as Singapore's fourth prime minister. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, expressed the country's eagerness to work with Prime Minister Wong in order to further fortify the U.S.-Singapore strategic partnership and uphold international norms and standards in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.
Brothers charged with stealing $25M from Ethereum blockchain
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
An indictment was unsealed recently, charging Anton Peraire-Bueno, 24, of Boston, and James Pepaire-Bueno, 28, of New York with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from an alleged scheme by the defendants to exploit the Ethereum blockchain's integrity to fraudulently obtain approximately $25 million worth of cryptocurrency within approximately 12 seconds. The brothers were arrested in Boston and New York respectively and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson for the District of...
Justice Department settles with Maxim Healthcare over immigration-related discrimination claims
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with Maxim Healthcare Services, a Maryland-based home healthcare company operating in 35 states. The agreement resolves allegations that Maxim violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) at its Gardena, California office by discriminating against a non-U.S. citizen worker.
Court affirms Labor Department's right to sue over coercive contracts
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 8, 2024, a court affirmed the U.S. Department of Labor's ability to sue two Brooklyn-based staffing agencies that allegedly violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The employers, Advanced Care Staffing LLC and Priority Care Staffing LLC, along with their CEO Sam Klein, were accused of making employees sign contracts that would force them to work for the company for three years or repay rightfully earned wages.
Justice department investigates conditions at Kentucky youth detention centers
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Justice Department disclosed that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center managed by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice.
Implementing sociotechnical approaches for practical AI governance
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are being built, integrated, and deployed by organizations across the globe. The key to ensuring these systems fulfill their potential without causing undue harm lies in recognizing and engaging with the broader contexts in which they operate. Policymakers and public stakeholders increasingly expect a sociotechnical approach to AI system construction and governance that safeguards people's rights and safety.
Chair Lina M. Khan testifies on FTC's fiscal year 2025 budget request
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
Chair Lina M. Khan appeared before the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government for a budget hearing. The session was held to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Federal Trade Commission. The event took place at the Capitol Complex, 2359 RHOB, Washington, DC.
CDT CEO joins Access Board's AI MOU for disability community engagement
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 15, Alexandra Reeve Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), joined the Access Board in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU also included the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and aims to address equity and accessibility under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development & Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative ensures that the disability community is engaged around AI developments.
Second Century Ventures announces eight companies for 2024 REACH LATAM cohort
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
MEXICO CITY (May 15, 2024) – Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, has announced the selection of eight companies for the second annual REACH Latin America (LATAM) cohort. The selected companies will join a portfolio of more than 250 technology firms across six major markets worldwide.
Justice Department investigates Kentucky youth detention centers' conditions
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The Justice Department has announced a statewide investigation into conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center run by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. The probe will assess whether Kentucky safeguards children in these facilities from harm caused by excessive force by staff, prolonged and punitive isolation, and inadequate protection from violence and sexual abuse. Additionally, the investigation will scrutinize whether Kentucky provides sufficient mental health services and necessary special education to children with disabilities.
Secretary Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Turkish Foreign Minister
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
On May 15, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The dialogue was centered around efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. This information was confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Biden-Harris administration allocates record $1.1 billion for tribal housing development
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a record $1.1 billion in funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, along with a $75 million funding opportunity for the Indian Community Development Block (ICDBG) program. The announcement was made by Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman during a meeting with the Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee at HUD Headquarters.
Labor Department cites Chicago firm over asbestos exposure during hospital demolition
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has accused K.L.F. Enterprises, a Chicago-based demolition subcontractor, of knowingly exposing its employees to asbestos hazards during the demolition of a former hospital in Waukegan. The company has been cited for 36 safety and health violations following a federal investigation.
State Department leads tech partnership delegation to London
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
From May 20-24, the U.S. Department of State's Special Representative for Global Partnerships, Dorothy McAuliffe, and Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, Patricia Gruber, will spearhead a "Deep Tech Inclusion" Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) to London, United Kingdom. The objective of this visit is to foster business-government and business-business partnerships between emerging technology companies and research institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom. The focus will be on fields pertinent to national security — artificial...
ChinaAid publishes recently released Pastor John Cao's poetry
By Federal Newswire | May 15, 2024
ChinaAid has exclusively published a series of poetry and writings from Pastor John Cao, a recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience. The pieces were written on May 11, 2024, and have been minimally edited for clarity.
