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The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a preliminary agreement with Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) to expand U.S. production capacity of semiconductor-grade polysilicon. The U.S. Department of Commerce and HSC have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) for up to $325 million in proposed funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment aims to enhance the domestic supply chain and create over 1,000 jobs in manufacturing and construction.

U.S.-Peru Child Protection Compact holds final annual dialogue on anti-trafficking efforts

Officials from the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), the U.S. Embassy in Lima, and the Republic of Peru, including members of the Multisectoral Commission against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, along with implementing partners, the International Labor Organization, and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, convened in Lima for the final Annual Dialogue of the U.S.-Peru Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership.

Trilateral engagement held on DPRK human rights anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on human rights in North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, South Korean Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada hosted a trilateral meeting on North Korean human rights in Washington, D.C. This event reinforced commitments made at the August 2023 Camp David Trilateral Leaders’ Summit to address issues involving abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war while promoting human rights for North Koreans.

Lessons from non-English NLP groups highlight need for diverse AI development

Many language models are predominantly trained on English text, which is significantly more than texts in other languages. This imbalance has tangible effects on racialized and marginalized communities. "For example, they have resulted in inaccurate medical advice in Hindi, led to wrongful arrest because of mistranslations in Arabic, and have been accused of fueling ethnic cleansing in Ethiopia due to poor moderation of speech that incites violence."

US announces $400 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States has announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $400 million. This aid is intended to support Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russian attacks. The assistance is provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks.

Truist Bank resolves allegations over SunTrust's handling of trust accounts

Truist Bank has agreed to pay $9,125,000 to the United States to settle allegations related to SunTrust Bank's administration of certain trust accounts. The claims fall under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) and involve actions by SunTrust between December 2011 and December 2015. Truist Bank emerged from the merger of SunTrust with Branch Banking and Trust Company in December 2019.

Florida water park fined $151K for repeated child labor violations

The U.S. Department of Labor has mandated a Jacksonville Beach water park to pay $151,606 in penalties after it was found to have violated child labor laws. This decision follows an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division into 1944 Beach Boulevard LLC, which operates Adventure Landing.

EPA funds Louisiana project for cleaner energy solutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a grant of $1,815,256 to Louisiana Clean Fuels, Inc. This funding is part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program and aims to encourage the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines in favor of cleaner and zero-emission alternatives. The initiative focuses on reducing emissions and improving air quality, with an emphasis on supporting disadvantaged communities facing significant environmental challenges.

Justice Department sues Rocket Mortgage over alleged racial discrimination

The Justice Department has initiated legal action against Rocket Mortgage LLC, Solidifi US Inc., Maverick Appraisal Group Inc., and Maksym Mykhailyna. The lawsuit alleges that these entities discriminated against a Black homeowner by undervaluing her home based on race during an appraisal required for a mortgage refinance application. Additionally, the complaint claims that Rocket Mortgage retaliated by canceling the homeowner's refinance application after she reported the alleged discrimination.

Uzra Zeya visits Kyiv announcing new US initiatives supporting Ukraine

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18, 2024. During her visit, she expressed unwavering U.S. support to various Ukrainian officials including Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova. She also engaged with leaders from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and other anti-corruption bodies.

U.S. congratulates Indonesian President Subianto on inauguration

The United States has extended its congratulations to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on his inauguration. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released a statement emphasizing the significance of this event, noting that "his election is a testament to the shared values of democracy and rule of law that bind the United States and Indonesia, two of the world’s largest democracies."

Blinken to honor global anti-racism champions at State Department

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to deliver remarks for the Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions on October 21, 2024. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Dean Acheson Auditorium at the U.S. Department of State and will be available via live stream on state.gov and the Department's YouTube channel.

Assistant Secretary Mallory Stewart travels to Morocco for AI-focused conference

Mallory Stewart, the Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, is set to visit Rabat, Morocco from October 21-24, 2024. During her visit, she will participate in the Global Conference on the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Advancing the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Stewart is scheduled to be a keynote speaker at this event.

United States signs $491 million deal with Zambia for agricultural development

The United States and Zambia have signed a significant agreement aimed at boosting growth in the agricultural sector. This project, valued at $491 million, involves a $458 million debt-free grant from the United States, alongside a $33 million investment by the Zambian government. The initiative is designed to improve infrastructure, enabling farmers and rural communities in Zambia to access regional and global markets more effectively.

Ambassador Rao Gupta leads U.S. delegation at UNECE event in Geneva

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, is set to visit Geneva, Switzerland from October 20-22. She will lead the U.S. delegation at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s Regional Review of the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, known as Beijing+30.

Defense Secretary Austin discusses regional security with Israeli counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to address regional security issues. During the discussion, Secretary Austin elaborated on the United States' adjustments in force posture, highlighting the recent deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system aimed at strengthening Israel's defenses against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iranian proxies.

United States congratulates Niue on 50 years of self-governance

On October 19, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken extended congratulations to the people of Niue on their 50th anniversary of self-governance. In a statement, Blinken emphasized the strong partnership between Niue and the United States, noting its benefits for both nations and the Pacific region.

Austin and Nakatani discuss alliance priorities at G7 Defense Ministers' Meeting

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Japan's Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen in Naples, Italy. The meeting took place during the G7 Defense Ministers' Meeting. Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Nakatani on his recent appointment.

The Digital Chamber announces survey on crypto policies' impact on 2024 voting