Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello is set to travel to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, beginning on September 29. The visit aims to further diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and engage with Sudanese refugees and civilian leaders on restoring a path to an inclusive democratic future.

Blinken discusses Middle East conflicts with French foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on September 29, 2024. The conversation focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. They discussed advancing the political process and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand to attend conferences in Warsaw

On September 30, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand will travel to Warsaw, Poland, to participate in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC) and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF). She will meet with senior officials, civil society members, and human rights defenders to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in U.S. foreign policy.

US and UK defense leaders discuss Middle East situation

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence John Healey to discuss the situation in the Middle East, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Governor Newsom vetoes stringent CA AI regulation bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed S.B. 1047, a bill that would have introduced stringent AI regulations and extensive compliance burdens on companies developing large-scale AI models. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent science and technology policy think tank, responded with a statement from Vice President Daniel Castro.

Pentagon outlines military readiness amid rising tensions in Middle East

Secretary Austin has been receiving updates and providing guidance to his team throughout the weekend on the latest developments in the Middle East. He and Department of Defense (DoD) leaders remain focused on protecting U.S. citizens and forces in the region, defending Israel, and de-escalating the situation through deterrence and diplomacy. Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.

U.S. affirms support for Israel amid Lebanon tensions

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held two conversations with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding the situation in Lebanon, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

U.S. issues Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon amid rising security concerns

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country due to an increasingly volatile and unpredictable security situation. This update follows the ordered departure of non-mission-employed eligible family members (EFMs) and authorized departure for mission-employed EFMs and non-essential U.S. direct hire (USDH) employees.

Defense Secretary Austin reaffirms support for Israel in call with Yoav Gallant

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on September 28, 2024.

KT Corporation partners with Microsoft Corp. to drive ai innovation in South Korea

KT Corporation and Microsoft Corp. have announced a five-year multibillion-dollar partnership aimed at accelerating AI innovation in Korea. This collaboration involves KT investing in AI, cloud technologies, and IT business while Microsoft commits resources to infrastructure and personnel. The partnership is designed to advance KT’s AI and ICT transformation and boost AI services in Korea.

Organized crime expert: US subsidizing cartels with ‘state-of-the-art technology’

Dr. Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, Head of Security Research Programs at the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies and the University of California San Diego, said the U.S. has failed to address firearms trafficking to Mexico, which has resulted in “subsidizing” the costs of criminal groups, mainly Mexican drug cartels. Farfan-Mendez made her statement in a Congressional hearing titled “The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Victim Perspectives” before the House Judiciary Committee on September 10.

U.S. House passes Pfluger bill targeting Chinese infiltration of U.S. universities

The US House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1516, a bill sponsored by US Representative August Pfluger to bar Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to US universities with a Confucius Institute, according to a September 10 news release.

United States signs $480 million MCC grant with Sierra Leone

The United States has announced the signing of a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant with the Government of Sierra Leone. This agreement aims to enhance access to electricity, promote sustainable economic growth, and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leonean citizens. The grant is supplemented by a voluntary contribution of $14.2 million from the Government of Sierra Leone.

15.9 Million awarded during National Diaper Needs Awareness Week

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced new funding for the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot. This announcement coincides with National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

FTC withdraws from memorandum with labor agencies on merger investigations

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced its decision to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding with federal labor agencies concerning merger investigations. Despite this withdrawal, the FTC stated it will continue to scrutinize all issues related to mergers, including potential impacts on labor, following its established merger guidelines.

Iranian nationals indicted for cyber operations targeting US elections

The Justice Department has unsealed an indictment against three Iranian nationals, who are employees of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The individuals charged are Masoud Jalili, 36, Seyyed Ali Aghamiri, 34, and Yaser Balaghi, 37. They are accused of conspiring to hack into accounts of U.S. officials, media members, NGOs, and individuals associated with U.S. political campaigns as part of Iran's efforts to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Florida financial advisor charged with promoting illegal tax shelter