Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


Biden-Harris Administration mandates nationwide replacement of lead pipes within ten years

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems across the United States within a decade. This regulation, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), aims to enhance testing protocols and lower the threshold for action to protect communities from lead exposure. The initiative is part of a broader commitment by President Biden to ensure all Americans have access to clean drinking water.


Chamber of Commerce announces support for bipartisan Chips Act

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has commended President Biden and Congress for the enactment of the bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, which aims to bolster semiconductor production. Marty Durbin, senior vice president of policy at the Chamber, emphasized the necessity for broader permitting reforms.


BIS announces proposed ban on China and Russia-linked vehicle tech

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced a proposed rule to ban the sale or import of connected vehicles and components linked to China or Russia. This move is motivated by security concerns related to specific hardware and software integrations.


NCUSCR announces meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister

The National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR) has announced that its senior leaders held a private, off-the-record meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion centered on U.S.-China relations amidst current global challenges.


Culver Cup finalists announced for LA Tech Week's GenAI Film Competition

Filmmaking is poised to explore new possibilities at LA Tech Week, as FBRC.AI and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have revealed the top eight finalists in the Culver Cup, a pioneering GenAI Film Competition. This event merges advanced AI tools with the creative talents of emerging filmmakers.


San Diego CBP seizes $21 million worth of narcotics in August

CBP officers from the San Diego Field Office reported significant narcotics seizures in August, totaling over $21 million in value. The operations resulted in the confiscation of 10,827 pounds of drugs across 108 incidents. Among the seized substances were 9,525 pounds of methamphetamine, 968 pounds of cocaine, 298 pounds of fentanyl, and 36 pounds of heroin. All suspects involved have been handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.


Podcast discusses AI romantic companions' data privacy concerns

AI chatbots have become a significant part of daily life, with many people using them for various tasks. However, AI romantic companions, a specific type of chatbot, are not as widely recognized. These companions play a personal role for users, making data privacy practices crucial. Concerns arise because many developers lack mature privacy and security protocols, leaving sensitive user data unprotected.


U.S. Treasury targets international network financing Hamas

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken action against a significant international fundraising network supporting Hamas. The designations include three individuals, a sham charity, and a financial institution in Gaza controlled by Hamas. Additionally, a longstanding supporter of Hamas and nine associated businesses have been targeted.


Assistant Secretary Witkowsky leads delegations in Germany-Ghana dialogue

Assistant Secretary Witkowsky is set to lead an interagency delegation to Germany and Ghana. In Berlin, she will participate in the second U.S.–Germany Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Dialogue, hosted by Germany’s Director-General for Crisis Prevention, Stabilization, Peacebuilding, and Humanitarian Assistance. The discussions will focus on shared interests and cooperation under the U.S Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.


Amanda Dory visits Europe for defense talks with allies

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Ms. Amanda Dory, is set to visit Germany and the United Kingdom from October 7-9. According to Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Garron Garn, USMC, her trip will begin in Berlin on October 7, where she will engage in a strategic dialogue with Dr. Jasper Wieck from Germany's Ministry of Defense.


Precision Castparts Corp settles export violations case with $3 million penalty

The U.S. Department of State has finalized an administrative settlement with Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) of Lake Oswego, Oregon. This resolves 24 violations related to the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The settlement follows a comprehensive compliance review by the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance within the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.


U.S. marks anniversary of October 7th attack with calls for hostage release

Today marks the anniversary of a significant tragedy that occurred on October 7, 2023. On that day, over 1,200 individuals, including 46 Americans and citizens from more than 30 countries, were killed by Hamas in what has been described as the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reflected on this somber occasion.


DHS outlines safety measures during Hurricane Milton

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to address the needs of people in potentially affected areas. In these situations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) emphasize that sites providing emergency response and relief are designated as protected areas.


Under Secretary Jenkins set for Tennessee and Illinois visits

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins, is scheduled to visit Knoxville, Tennessee on October 8 and Chicago from October 10-11, 2024.


Mystery series "Don't Come Home" trailer reveals secrets of Jarukanant house

The trailer for the mystery series "Don't Come Home" has been released, unveiling clues about mysterious incidents at the Jarukanant house. The series follows Varee and her daughter Min as they return to their ancestral home, where unsettling events unfold. The plot thickens when Min disappears, leading a police officer to investigate suspicious clues tied to chilling secrets hidden within the old house.


Austin and Petri discuss US-Argentina defense ties and global security

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has reported on a phone call between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Argentine Minister of Defense Luis Petri. The conversation focused on strengthening the defense relationship between the United States and Argentina.


U.S. imposes sanctions on international supporters and sham charities linked to Hamas

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting international financial supporters of Hamas, marking one year since the group's attack on Israel. The sanctions aim to disrupt both external and domestic fundraising efforts for Hamas. According to a statement from Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, these measures are directed at "a network of international financial supporters of Hamas, a Gaza-based financial institution controlled by Hamas, and a prominent Hamas supporter along with his businesses."


Netflix reveals Korean film lineup for 2025 at Busan International Film Festival

Netflix recently presented its 2025 Korean film lineup at the Busan International Film Festival. The event, titled "Next on Netflix: 2025 Korean Films," provided a glimpse into seven upcoming films. Vincent Taewon Kim, Director of Content (Film) for Netflix Korea, along with several filmmakers, discussed their projects and shared insights into their creative processes.


Norfolk CBP seizes dental supplies worth $450k for marking violations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Norfolk, Virginia, have seized dental supplies valued at over $450,000. These goods, originating from China and destined for Baltimore, violated country of origin marking laws.


Treasury proposes tax exemption rules for tribally owned entities

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) clarifying the tax status of wholly-owned Tribal entities. According to this proposal, these entities, which are chartered or organized by one or more Tribes, will share the same federal tax status as their owning Tribes, making them exempt from federal income tax.