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Department of Labor schedules ERISA Advisory Council meeting for October 22

The Department of Labor has announced an upcoming meeting for the 2024 Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, known as the ERISA Advisory Council. The meeting is scheduled for October 22 and will be accessible to the public online and via teleconference.


Five Country Ministerial outlines strategies on AI risks, cybersecurity, foreign interference

The Home Affairs, Interior, Security, and Immigration Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to shared democratic values and national security. In a joint communique from the Five Country Ministerial 2024, they outlined efforts to address key security challenges.


EPA allocates over $5M for cleaner energy initiatives in Missouri

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants program, with over $5.5 million allocated to selectees in Missouri. This funding aims to encourage and speed up the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines, transitioning them to cleaner and zero-emission alternatives.


Five Country Ministerial issues joint statement on irregular migration

The Five Country Ministerial has issued a joint statement addressing the issue of irregular migration. The countries involved reaffirm their commitment to welcoming migrants and protecting human rights, including those of refugees. They emphasize the importance of integrating migrants and refugees who have a lawful right to remain in their communities.


Interior Department settles with Jemez Pueblo over land use rights

A filing was made in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, seeking to finalize litigation and implement a settlement agreement signed by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and the Jemez Pueblo. This agreement acknowledges the Jemez Pueblo's rights to occupy and use Banco Bonito in the Valles Caldera National Preserve for cultural and religious purposes. Banco Bonito covers about 3,035 acres within the 88,900-acre preserve.


U.S. Marshals arrest hundreds during Operation Nazare Wave

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has concluded Operation Nazare Wave, targeting violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. Conducted by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) from April to September, the operation led to the arrest of 826 fugitives, including 63 for homicide. Additionally, 54 firearms were recovered and seized, alongside 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in cash.


USDA invests over $46M in projects addressing nutrition insecurity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment exceeding $46 million to combat food and nutrition insecurity in underserved communities. This initiative also aims to promote healthy diets by enhancing access to fruits and vegetables for eligible families.


EPA allocates funds for cleaner energy projects in mid-atlantic region

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of approximately $12.1 million across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines in favor of cleaner and zero-emission solutions, promising significant reductions in emissions and improvements in air quality and public health.


Biden administration allocates $125M for cleaner vehicle solutions under DERA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. The initiative aims to encourage the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines in favor of cleaner and zero-emission alternatives, providing significant benefits to air quality and public health. The grants are currently in final workplan negotiations with the selected applicants.


FTC denies H&R Block's bid to disqualify judge in ongoing case

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rejected a motion from H&R Block Inc. to disqualify the Administrative Law Judge presiding over a hearing related to a complaint against the company. The complaint involves allegations of deceptive and unfair practices by the tax preparation firm.


Temporary access changes announced for National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial remains accessible to visitors, though there will be temporary changes due to maintenance work. From Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. EDT until Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 7 p.m. EDT, the pedestrian tunnel connecting the Hayes Street Parking Lot and several lanes in South Parking will be closed for milling and paving.


Washington man sentenced for attacks on Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Halls

A Washington man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for federal civil rights and firearms offenses. Mikey Diamond Starrett, also known as Michael Jason Layes, was involved in four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls in western Washington. In addition to the prison term, Starrett was ordered to pay $714,608.70 in restitution.


EPA mandates compliance from Puerto Rico DOT over clean water act violations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an administrative order to the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). The order demands that DTPW address violations of the Clean Water Act related to its storm sewer systems in Ponce, Puerto Rico. These systems are located on PR-123 Road and PR-585 Road at Playa Ward.


US official visits Singapore and Philippines to strengthen defense ties

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, has completed her visit to Singapore and the Philippines. The trip aimed to strengthen defense ties and advance mutual priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit followed her engagements in Cambodia for the U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue.


Labor Department grants $800K for worker training in Kansas

The U.S. Department of Labor has allocated $800,000 to the Kansas Local Area I Workforce Investment Board, known as Kansas WorkforceONE. This funding aims to assist individuals impacted by layoffs and closures that occurred from January 2024 to June 2024.


FTC to host second marketing and public policy conference in Washington D.C

The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics will host the Second Federal Trade Commission Conference on Marketing and Public Policy on October 18, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This one-day event aims to bring together scholars and policymakers interested in issues at the intersection of marketing, information economics, and public policy.


Biden-Harris Administration launches $1.6 billion competition for semiconductor technology advancement

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a funding competition for up to $1.6 billion aimed at advancing U.S. semiconductor packaging technologies. This initiative is part of the CHIPS and Science Act, supporting the adoption of new advanced packaging flows within the U.S. semiconductor industry. The effort aligns with President Biden's Investing in America agenda, which focuses on enhancing American competitiveness and boosting future manufacturing industries.


European AI roundtable discusses code of practice for GPAI models

On October 16, 2024, the European AI Roundtable convened for its second edition, hosted by CCIA Europe. The event gathered key stakeholders from the artificial intelligence sector to discuss future governance of AI in the European Union.


Biden-Harris Administration expands clean energy efforts in rural Pennsylvania

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new partnership with farmers and small business owners in Pennsylvania to expand access to clean energy, create jobs, and reduce energy costs. This initiative is part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. The funding includes 654 grants for small businesses and farms across the country to implement cost-saving, clean energy systems.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $2 billion for power grid resilience projects

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an allocation of nearly $2 billion for 38 projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of the U.S. power grid against extreme weather threats. This initiative, part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, will increase grid capacity by over 7.5 gigawatts and support approximately 6,000 jobs.