Lina Khan Sworn in as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission

Lina Khan Sworn in as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission | site |



(Information contained in Federal Trade Commission [FTC] press release dated: June 15, 2021)

Lina Khan was sworn in today as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. President Biden named Khan, a Democrat, to a term on the Commission that expires September 25, 2024, and designated her as Chair. Khan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 15, 2021. “It is a tremendous honor to have been selected by President Biden to lead the Federal Trade Commission,” said Chair Khan. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect the public from corporate abuse. I’m very grateful to Acting Chairwoman Slaughter for her outstanding stewardship of the Commission." Prior to becoming Chair of the FTC, Khan was an Associate Professor of Law at Columbia Law School. She also previously served as counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommit...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Investment Advisers With Cherry-Picking, Obtains Asset Freeze | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington D.C., June 17, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has obtained an asset freeze and other emergency relief, and filed fraud charges, against a Miami-based investment professional and two investment firms for engaging in an alleged “cherry-picking” scheme in which they channeled millions of dollars in trading profits to preferred accounts. According to the SEC’s complaint filed under seal on June 10 in federal court in the Southern District of Florida and unsealed today, defendants Ramiro Jose Sugranes, UCB Financial Advisers Inc., and UCB Financial Services Limited engaged in a scheme since at least September 2015 to divert profitable trades to two accounts believe...

Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Aug. 11 | site |



Test Messages Will be Sent to TVs and Radios Along with Select Cell Phones That Have Opted-in to Receive Test Messages



(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: June 11, 2021)

Washington - - FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this summer. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests will begin at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed only to consumer cell phones where the subscriber has opted-in to receive test messages. This will be the second nationwide WEA test, but the first nationwide WE...

U.S. Census Bureau says New Vintage 2020 Population Estimates Available for Nation, States, Counties, and Puerto Rico Commonwealth and Municipios by Demographic Characteristics | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Census Bureau release dated: June 17, 2021) June 17, 2021 - - The U.S. Census Bureau today released Vintage 2020 evaluation estimates of population for the nation, states and counties by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and for Puerto Rico Commonwealth and municipios by age and sex. These estimates are available as a limited number of downloadable datasets. These estimates are based on the 2010 Census and were created without incorporation or consideration of the 2020 Census results. They are typically used in comparisons with the 2020 Census to make determinations about the accuracy of the estimates. Differences between the estimates and census counts are interpreted as error in the estimates and are used to inform population and h...

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today in regard to the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule: “We intend to reconsider the prior Administration’s interpretation that the Organic Foods Production Act does not authorize USDA to regulate the practices that were the subject of the 2017 Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. I have directed the National Organic Program to begin a rulemaking to address this statutory interpretation and to include a proposal to disallow the use of porches as outdoor space in organic production over time and on other topics that were the subject of the OLPP final rule. We anticipate sen...

Federal Reserve Board extends Comment Period on Proposed Changes to Regulation II regarding Network Availability for Card-not-present Debit Card Transactions until August 11, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 22, 2021)

The Federal Reserve Board announced on Tuesday that it will extend until August 11, 2021, the comment period for its proposed changes to Regulation II (Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing) that would clarify that debit card issuers should enable, and allow merchants to choose from, at least two unaffiliated networks for card-not-present debit card transactions, such as online purchases.

The Board extended the comment period to allow interested persons more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments. Originally, comments were due by July 12, 2021.

The Board's Federal Register notice is attached. ...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 2020 Fatality Data Show Increased Traffic Fatalities During Pandemic | site |



Risky Driving Behaviors Including Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, Speeding, and Drinking While Driving Identified as Contributing Factors


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: June 3, 2021)

June 3, 2021 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released preliminary estimates of crash fatalities in 2020 involving motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, and people walking and biking. Alongside the release of the 2020 fatality projections, Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2020, the agency issued two special reports, Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate by Sub-Categories in 2020, and Update to Special Reports...

U.S. Small Business Administration Reconvenes the Council on Underserved Communities | site |



SBA Administrator Guzman restores Council to address the immediate needs and concerns of underserved and underrepresented communities hit hard by COVID-19


(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: June 22, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it is reconvening the Council on Underserved Communities (CUC) under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). In conjunction with the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda, the restoration of the Council will help support the SBA’s prioritization of equity across its programs and initiatives. The Council will consist of 20 diverse stakeholders from every region of the country tasked with advising the SBA on strengthening and improving its strategies to help underserved...

National Telecommunications and Information Administration Creates First Interactive Map to Help Public See the Digital Divide Across the Country | site |



NTIA map links poverty usage and broadband access by compiling data sets to show where high-poverty communities are located with relation to internet usage patterns and access to computers and related equipment


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: June 17, 2021)

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a new publicly available digital map that displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country. This is the first interactive, public map that allows users to explore different datasets about where people do not have quality Internet access. The public “Indicators of Broadband Need” tool released today puts on one map, for the first time, data from b...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona Holds Virtual Listening, Learning Roundtable with Rural Youth From Across the Nation | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 21, 2021) Today, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona held a virtual roundtable conversation with rural students from grades 6-12. The Secretary discussed with participants what it was like to be a rural student during the pandemic as well as hear from them on what the Department can do to support them and improve their learning experience. After welcoming the students to the roundtable, Secretary Cardona opened the discussion saying that he has been talking to different students from across the country to hear their perspectives and incorporate their experiences into the Department's work. "Compared to urban schools, rural community schools have a hard time offering a wider variety of classes and extracurriculars," he said. "Ou...

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves First Oral Blood Thinning Medication for Children | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: June 21, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) oral pellets to treat children 3 months to less than 12 years old with venous thromboembolism (a condition where blood clots form in the veins) directly after they have been treated with a blood thinner given by injection for at least five days. The FDA also approved Pradaxa oral pellets to prevent recurrent clots among patients 3 months to less than 12 years old who completed treatment for their first venous thromboembolism. In addition, Pradaxa was approved in capsule form to treat blood clots in patients eight years and older with venous thromboembolism directly after they have been treated with a blood thinner given by injection for at least five days, and to preve...

U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed Rulemaking to Protect Tipped Workers; Clarify use of the Tip Credit | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: June 21, 2021)

Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to limit the amount of non-tip producing work that a tipped employee can perform when an employer is taking a tip credit. The proposed rule clarifies when an employee is working in a tipped occupation and when a worker has performed such a substantial amount of non-tipped labor that an employer can no longer take a tip credit and must pay the full federal minimum wage to the worker.

The Fair Labor Standards Act allows employers with tipped workers to pay as little as $2.13 per hour in direct wages, while taking a credit against the tips earned by the employee to make up the balance of the federal minimum wage of $7.25...

U.S. Secretary of State on United State's Leadership Role in LGBTQI Movement | site |



Washington, DC, June 21, 2021 - - Today the U.S. Department of State issued a press release in which the Secretary of State spoke of the United State's leadership role in the LGBTQI movement.

The release is located at https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-atlantic-councils-front-page-pride-edition-virtual-conversation-with-jonathan-capehart-on-pressing-for-equality-engaging-on-lgbtqi-issues-around-t or press HERE...

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Representative Xochitl Torres Small to Serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 18, 2021)

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Representative Xochitl Torres Small to Serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development

Washington, June 18, 2021 – “Representative Xochitl Torres Small’s nomination to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing rural prosperity. Her nomination is responsive to rural stakeholders and Congress; both have emphasized the importance of having a dedicated advocate for rural communities among the Department’s Subcabinet. As the daughter of migrant farm workers and a native of rural New Mexico, Torres Small represents the heart...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award 200 Million Dollars for Disease Intervention Specialist Workforce | site |



Funding awarded to 59 jurisdictions as part of the $1.13 billion investment over the next five years as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021


(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release dated: June 21, 2021)

On June 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services awarded 59 jurisdictions with $200 million to bolster support and enhance the disease intervention specialists (DIS) workforce. These awards represent the initial funding of the $1.13 billion investment being made over the next five years, consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will provide these jurisdiction public health programs and CDC with the...

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona Holds Virtual Roundtable with Early Childhood Stakeholders to Discuss Priorities for Early Learning | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 15, 2021) Today, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona held a virtual roundtable conversation with a diverse group of early childhood stakeholders and leaders who bring perspective from the experiences of early educators, families, and communities during the public health emergency. Today's conversation will help inform the Department's early learning priorities. Topics that the early childhood stakeholders discussed included the early educator workforce, childcare and pre-K, early intervention and early childhood special education services, and family supports. Secretary Cardona opened the discussion saying, "We know that this upcoming year is going to be critically important, and this conversation t...

IRS unveils Online Tool to help Low-income Families register for Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: June 14, 2021)

Washington - - The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today unveiled an online Non-filer Sign-up tool designed to help eligible families who don't normally file tax returns register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit payments, scheduled to begin July 15. This tool, an update of last year's IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don't normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free File Alliance, this tool provides a fr...

Federal Communications Commission offers Guidance on Connected Care Pilot Program; Announces 36 newly approved Projects | site |




$100 Million Program Will Support Connected Care Service Across Country, Focus on Low-Income and Veteran Patients


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Today the Federal Communications Commission approved a Report and Order offering further guidance on the administration of its $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program, including guidance on eligible services, competitive bidding, invoicing, and data reporting for selected participants, which will enable applicants selected for the Pilot Program to begin their projects. Additionally, the FCC this week voted to approve 36 additional pilot projects for a total of over $31 million in funding. The newly selected Pilot projects join an initial set of 23 p...

U.S. Department of Education Confirms Title IX Protects Students from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: June 16, 2021)

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights today issued a Notice of Interpretation explaining that it will enforce Title IX's prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include: (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination based on gender identity. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal financial assistance. The Department's interpretation stems from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, issued one year ago this week, in which the Supreme Court recognized that it is impossible to discriminate against a p...

Veterans Affairs Secretary statement on Richard Stone, M.D. stepping down as Acting Under Secretary for Health | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] press release dated: June 10, 2021) The contributions of Dr. Richard Stone, Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. to the country and Department of Veterans Affairs are immeasurable. I admire and rely on him a great deal and have been discussing this important assignment and his role with him for months. I respect his decision to leave, especially given the reason he told me he would do so: to ensure the incoming Under Secretary, whom I strongly believe needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has the opportunity to fully assume leadership of the Veterans Health Administration. We owe Dr. Stone an immense debt of gratitude for his leadership, especially during the pandemic. When COVID-19 first began to spread, Dr. Stone was among the first people Veterans and their...