CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 19 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2024: Today, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Ohio filed an amicus brief in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in a lawsuit by Plaintiff-Appellants (the "parent group") challenging Olentangy Local School District's (the "District") student speech policies. The policies at issue apply to speech both on and off campus and, taken together, raise significant First more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- The Department of Education (DOE) is seeking applications from parent organizations for its Special Education Parent Information Centers (PTIs) program. This initiative aims to empower parents of children with disabilities by providing them with essential training and resources. Funding Available for Parent-Led Organizations The program prioritizes applications from parent organizations with diverse leadership encompassing parents of children with disabilities, special e more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation issued the following news release: New rule ensures higher safety, security, and manufacturing standards The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced a final rule to further enhance the safety of the U.S. freight rail industry by introducing tougher standards for newly-built freight cars placed into service within the U.S. The new regulation establishes and ensures compliance with stringent limitations on the use of sen more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced today that his Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Co-led with U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), this legislation will make it easier for "Good Samaritans," such as state agencies, nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up and improve water quality in and around abandoned hardrock mines. Heinr more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Dec. 13, 2024, entitled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels". Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the rayed bean ( Villosa fabalis), sheepnose ( Plethobasus cy more ST

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service issued a request for comments in the Federal Register on Dec. 16, 2024, entitled "Endangered Species; Recovery Permit Applications". Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct scientific research to promote conservation or other activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangere more ST

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: A Youngstown, Ohio, resident was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Teqwan Scott, 29, also ordering Scott to serve four years of supervised release following more PR

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 19 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania issued the following news release: Two residents of New Castle, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court on December 18, 2024, for their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and related charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The defendants were among 17 individuals from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto R more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, issued the following news release: Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) passed her legislation to make it easier to complete conservation projects, open new businesses, and build affordable housing on federal land. The legislation streamlines Department of the Interior (DOI) processes and led by Representatives Susie Lee (D-Nev. 03) and Dave Joyce (R-Ohio-14) in the U.S. House. This now heads to President Biden's desk for signatur more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2024: Today, the House Judiciary Committee and its Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government released an interim report titled, "Censorship's Next Frontier: The Federal Government's Attempt to Control Artificial Intelligence to Suppress Free Speech." The interim report details threats to the free and open development of AI and identifi more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Delaware, issued the following news release: Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) celebrated passage today of his bipartisan legislation with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to create a U.S. Foundation for International Conservation (USFIC) as part of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill was led in the House by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.). Representative Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) led t more PR