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Fifth Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Negotiating Round Joint Readout in Thailand by the U.S. Department of Commerce and USTR

The fifth round of negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) took place in Bangkok, Thailand from September 10-16, 2023. Led by Sharon H. Yuan from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Sarah Ellerman from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. delegation worked alongside their counterparts to advance negotiations under Pillars I, III, and IV of the IPEF. This round of negotiations built upon discussions held during the previous round in Busan, South Korea.


The role of Hispanic-serving institutions in preparing the next generation of leaders for the jobs of the future is discussed by Secretary Raimondo.

In a recent roundtable discussion with National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the country, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of equity, access to education, and a skilled workforce. The event, hosted by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, marked the beginning of National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, which precedes Hispanic Heritage Month. During the roundtable, Secretary Raimondo emphasized the crucial role that HSIs play in preparing the next generation of leaders for the jobs of the future.


Economic Development Administration announces 2023 STEM winners

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced the winners of the 2023 STEM Talent Challenge. This competition, managed by the EDA, aims to support local innovation economies and develop STEM talent across the country. As part of President Biden's economic strategy, known as Bidenomics, these awards are a crucial component of investing in American workers and talent streams.


At an event hosted by Samsung Electronics America and ITI, leading technologists and policy experts discuss climate solutions.

An event titled "Tech's Playbook for Public-Private Climate Solutions" was recently held as part of Climate Week NYC. The event, organized by international tech trade association ITI and Samsung Electronics America, brought together leading climate experts from the Biden Administration, New York State, and the tech industry to discuss the role of technology in addressing climate change.


The mental health treatment program at Central Alabama VA is improved

The Central Alabama VA has announced significant improvements to its Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, thanks to a close collaboration with the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The program, which has long been a beacon of hope for Alabama Veterans struggling with mental health issues and addiction disorders, has been redesigned to provide better assistance, security, and care. With a focus on addressing the complex needs of Veterans facing severe psychosocial challenges, the 73-bed program now offers improved services to even more...


New ITIF Report: Big Tech's Free Online Services Don't Cost Consumers Their Privacy

New ITIF Report: Big Tech's Free Online Services Don't Cost Consumers Their Privacy


The VA Affairs Department stated that three VA facilities in Michigan will serve as test sites for voter registration.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that three VA facilities in Michigan will serve as test sites for voter registration. The Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Detroit Regional Office have been designated as voter registration sites under an interagency agreement signed on National Voter Registration Day, September 19, 2023.


A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the aim of improving transparency in healthcare. The bill mandates hospitals to disclose the true costs of health services in a consumer-friendly format, in an effort to encourage price transparency and combat deceitful billing practices. Families USA executive director, Frederick Isasi, expressed approval of the legislation, stating that every family in the nation should be able to know the cost of a hospital service before it is provided. The bill also includes provisions to promote competition...


The proposed rule to restrict short-term health insurance plans has sparked controversy among healthcare experts who warn of the far-reaching consequences. One prominent healthcare authority, Michael F. Cannon, has voiced concerns about the potential impact of this regulation on short-term limited duration health insurance (STLDI) plans. Under this rule, STLDI plans would be limited to a four-month duration and renewals within a 12-month period for the same individual would be prohibited, potentially leaving those with illnesses without coverage.


The naming of public lands holds significant importance, as it shapes our collective identity and impacts future generations. Recently, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that Mount Evans in Eastern Colorado will be renamed Mount Blue Sky. This decision came after a thorough process that involved consultations with various stakeholders, including tribal governments.


Nelson: "We remain strongly committed to the victims and their families"

Nelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, has reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to the victims and families affected by the actions of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former leader of Iran. Ahmadinejad has recently been blacklisted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control for providing support to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, which is also under sanctions by the Department of State.


Urgent Call to Shield Polling Places from Gun Violence Ahead of 2024 Elections


Olsen: 'Today’s action reinforces the Department’s commitment to protect U.S. security'

In a recent development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has detained a Russian international money launderer for smuggling military-grade electronics from the United States to Russian elites. Maxim Marchenko, a Russian citizen residing in Hong Kong, has been accused of various offenses, including conspiring to defraud the United States, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering. The DOJ believes that Marchenko was involved in an illegal scheme to obtain dual-use microelectronics with military applications from the US for end users in Russia.


Williams: "The career prosecutors in this Office are dedicated to securing justice for the most vulnerable victims of sexual abuse and exploitation"

Williams: "The career prosecutors in this Office are dedicated to securing justice for the most vulnerable victims of sexual abuse and exploitation".


Vilsack: "USDA is committed to helping the beginning farmer, the young farmer, access and make use of USDA programs"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking candidates to join the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, starting on September 18. The committee, established in 1992, provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on improving USDA's objectives for beginning farming and ranching businesses. The USDA is encouraging nominations from various sectors, including the ranching and farming industry, state and tribal agriculture organizations, academic institutions, and trade associations. Interested individuals can also nominate themselves.


Vilsack: "USDA is committed to making sure that those recovering from the devastating Hawaii wildfires get the vital food assistance they need"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to ensure that low-income residents in Hawaii who have been affected by the devastating wildfires receive the necessary food assistance. The USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) may be able to provide aid to 16,000 households that would not typically qualify for assistance under normal guidelines. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has emphasized the commitment of the USDA to help those impacted by the disaster.


On the fifth anniversary of Anton Black's untimely death, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is releasing a groundbreaking report that urges defenders to take an active role in tracking police misconduct. The report, titled "Dismantling the Blue Wall of Silence: Why Every Defender Should Track Law Enforcement Misconduct," highlights the importance of databases like the Full Disclosure Project, which has been monitoring over 150,000 law enforcement officers' misconduct records from 2020 to 2023.


DOE Pathways to Commercial Liftoff reports reveal prospects for extensive clean energy deployment

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled the latest Pathways to Commercial Liftoff reports on Sept. 18, which delve into the prospects and hurdles associated with industrial decarbonization and the deployment of virtual power plants (VPPs). The reports, encompassing the Industrial Decarbonization Liftoff Report and the Virtual Power Plants Liftoff Report, offer insights into the pathway for technologies to attain widespread deployment for private sector and industry partners, according to a press release.


Gallagher: 'The American people deserve answers'

Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, who also serves as the chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, is seeking answers regarding a secret laboratory owned by Chinese entities in California. Earlier this month, a subpoena was issued by the House Select Committee on China in the City of Reedley to investigate the lab's discovery.


U.S. Geological Survey lead scientist: 'These airborne surveys will provide much-needed data about geology just beneath the vegetation and up to several miles deep'

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a $5 million-plus investment in mapping critical minerals and mineral resources. The USGS and Florida Geological Survey will identify potential sources of quartz sand, limestone and gravel to be used in reinforcement of structures to withstand hurricanes or to rebuild afterward.