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.
Justice Department settles gender-based pay discrimination case with Wisconsin agency
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement to resolve a gender-based pay discrimination lawsuit filed in January 2023 against the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (WDMA). The lawsuit alleged that the WDMA discriminated against former employee Michelle Hartness, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, when it offered her a lower salary than similarly or less qualified men for a director position in the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.
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.
Biden-Harris administration announces final awards for meat processing investment program
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is awarding more than $35 million in grants to 15 independent meat processors in 12 states to increase processing capacity, spur competition, expand market opportunities for U.S. farmers, and create jobs in rural areas. This marks the final investment in the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which was first launched in 2022.
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.
Alaska man arrested for threatening Supreme Court justices
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
An Alaska man was arrested yesterday in Anchorage for allegedly threatening to injure and kill six U.S. Supreme Court Justices and some of their family members.
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.
Biden-Harris administration allocates $1.3 million for wildfire response enhancement
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The Department of the Interior announced nearly $1.3 million in awards through a pilot program aimed at enhancing local governments' wildfire response by converting vehicles into wildland fire engines. Authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program assists small, remote emergency response agencies in expanding their wildfire response capacity amidst the increasing impacts of climate change, drought, and intensifying wildfires.
Labor Department allocates $12.7M for national workplace safety training grants
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $12.7 million to 102 nonprofits across the nation to support education and training initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace safety. The funds, administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are part of the Susan Harwood Training Grants Program.
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 invests nearly $17 million in tribal land pollution cleanup
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The Department of the Interior announced a $16.73 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to assist five Tribal Nations in cleaning up orphaned oil and gas wells on their homelands. This funding aims to address legacy pollution, reduce methane leaks, and tackle environmental hazards affecting Tribal communities. This initiative builds on previous grants totaling $12 million last month and $40 million allocated last year.
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.
US Department of Labor recovers $43K from San Leandro restaurant over wage violations
By Federal Newswire | Sep 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $43,874 in back wages and damages from Angry Fish Sushi Inc., a San Leandro-based restaurant, following an investigation that found the employer had violated labor laws affecting 24 workers.
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.
