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Lenfest Institute partners with OpenAI & Microsoft on $10M fellowship program

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism has announced a new collaboration with OpenAI and Microsoft to explore the use of artificial intelligence in local journalism.


California firm settles false claims act allegations over blood testing services

Veni-Express Inc., a mobile phlebotomy service based in California, along with its owners Myrna and Sonny Steinbaum, has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle allegations of submitting false claims. The allegations involve fraudulent claims for blood testing services and travel mileage under the False Claims Act, as well as violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.


U.S. tech group supports new rules boosting domestic chip manufacturing

Today, the global tech trade association ITI expressed approval of the final rules released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC). This credit is part of the Biden Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to attract an estimated $24 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing and equipment within the United States.


US-Australia defense talks focus on industrial cooperation and regional alliances

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met with Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy at the Pentagon. The meeting aimed to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Australia.


South Carolina men plead guilty to hate crimes targeting Hispanic victims

Two men from South Carolina have admitted guilt in a federal court to hate crimes and other charges related to racially-motivated armed robberies targeting Hispanic individuals. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, and Michael Joseph Knox, 29, both residents of Columbia, confessed to their involvement in several incidents that occurred between January and February 2021.


HUD invests $750K in Waldorf housing energy upgrades

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the completion of a $750,000 transaction aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and climate resilience for affordable rental homes in Waldorf, Maryland. This initiative is part of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), which seeks to modernize HUD-assisted housing.


Blinken meets Herzog in Israel amid regional tensions

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss recent developments in the region, including the implications of the killing of Sinwar for a potential ceasefire. The meeting took place amid ongoing tensions and attacks on Israel's northern front.


CBP reports decrease in border encounters amid increased enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for Fiscal Year 2024, including the data for September. The statistics reveal a significant reduction in southwest border encounters and increased enforcement efforts.


Everyday harms from AI need more attention alongside high-risk scenarios

Developers and regulators have long focused on the significant risks of artificial intelligence (AI), such as those that can result in life-altering consequences. However, less attention has been paid to more everyday scenarios where AI can cause harm. For example, errors in AI transcription systems may complicate insurance reimbursements, and service chatbots might misinterpret prompts, failing to process requests correctly.


Brandon B. Brown resigns as U.S attorney for Western District of Louisiana

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown has announced his resignation from the Department of Justice, effective January 20, 2025.


AIA supports FAA's new rule on powered-lift integration

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning expressed support for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new rulemaking on powered-lift integration. The FAA's recent announcement addresses the incorporation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies into the National Airspace System.


Blinken meets Netanyahu: talks focus on Gaza conflict resolution and regional security

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The meeting focused on several key issues, including the aftermath of Israel's action to bring Yahya Sinwar to justice. Secretary Blinken highlighted the importance of securing the release of all hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza, aiming for lasting security for both Israelis and Palestinians.


Homeland Security honors 325 employees for exceptional service

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony on October 22 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., recognizing 325 employees with a Secretary’s Award for their exceptional contributions to the department's mission.


Florida man admits to $1.7 million tax evasion over a decade

A Florida resident, David Albert Fletcher from Deltona, has admitted to evading more than $1.7 million in taxes owed for the years 2004 through 2014. Fletcher operated several furniture liquidation businesses, including Century Liquidators, but failed to file federal income tax returns or pay taxes for the years 2004 to 2013.


U.S. Treasury releases final rules on Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has issued final regulations for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (CHIPS ITC) under the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act. This initiative aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the United States by revitalizing domestic supply chains, creating jobs, and fostering innovation.


Penn State settles false claims act allegations over cybersecurity non-compliance

The Pennsylvania State University has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by not adhering to cybersecurity requirements in several contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA. The settlement addresses claims that, from 2018 to 2023, Penn State did not implement necessary cybersecurity controls as required by these agencies.


Global Sports Mentoring Program pairs US mentors with emerging women leaders

The 2024 Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP), a collaboration between the Department of State and espnW, has commenced. This initiative, now in its 13th year, seeks to utilize the influence of sports and mentorship to engage international women in sports alongside American industry executives. The program aims to foster a global network of women in sports to enhance access to education, economic equity, and societal inclusion.


EPA cancels pesticide dacthal due to health risks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the cancellation of all products containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, commonly known as DCPA or Dacthal. This decision was made under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), based on scientific studies indicating thyroid toxicity risks.


Blinken meets Israeli defense minister to discuss regional security and humanitarian issues

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. The discussions centered on deterring regional aggression from Iran and its proxies. Secretary Blinken emphasized the United States' strong commitment to Israel's security, particularly in light of Iran's recent ballistic missile attack.


Treasury's Janis Bowdler emphasizes CDFIs' role amid major economic transition

Janis Bowdler, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Counselor for Racial Equity, delivered remarks at the Opportunity Finance Network 2024 Conference. She acknowledged two significant anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and the 40th anniversary of OFN.