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CDT responds to NIST digital identity guidelines with focus on equity and privacy

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has responded to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) request for comments on the latest draft of the Digital Identity Guidelines. This marks the second public draft of revision four of Special Publication 800-63.


Dual citizen charged over alleged scheme violating US sanctions against Iran

Kambiz Eghbali, also known as Cameron Eghbali, was arrested in Los Angeles following an indictment that charges him and two Iranian nationals, Hamid Hajipour and Babak Bahizad, with violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The arrest occurred after the indictment was unsealed. Bahizad and Hajipour remain at large.


EPA mandates nationwide replacement of lead pipes within a decade

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule under the Biden-Harris administration requiring drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also call for stricter testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to act on lead contamination.


Netflix hosts first Creative Asia Forum at BIFF

The inaugural Creative Asia Forum occurred during the 2024 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), drawing over 130 emerging filmmakers from across Asia. This event connected young talent with creative leaders in the region, featuring masterclass discussions and workshops with Netflix's content and production teams.


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

The Biden-Harris Administration has issued a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) aim to enhance testing, lower action thresholds for lead levels, and improve communication with communities about the risks of lead exposure and plans for pipe replacement.


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

The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new rule requiring the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within a decade. This initiative is part of the administration's broader agenda to improve public health and infrastructure under the Investing in America plan.


Department of Labor sanctions Washington contractor over unsafe practices

The U.S. Department of Labor has taken action against a Kennewick-based farm labor contractor, Harvest Plus LLC, following an investigation that uncovered multiple violations of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. The department's Wage and Hour Division found that the company provided workers with substandard living conditions, transported them in unsafe vehicles operated by unlicensed drivers, withheld wages, made illegal pay deductions, and instructed workers to falsify documents to conceal breaches of federal regulations.


CBP prepares for Hurricane Milton as it responds to Helene

As Hurricane Helene continues to impact North Carolina, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is finalizing its preparations for the approaching Hurricane Milton in Florida. The agency has activated a Lead Field Coordinator (LFC) to oversee essential operations in affected areas. CBP's priorities include lifesaving activities, safe evacuations, maintaining public order, preventing property loss, and aiding in the region's recovery.


Biden-Harris administration mandates nationwide replacement of lead pipes within a decade

The Biden-Harris Administration has issued a final rule requiring water systems across the United States to locate and replace lead service lines within ten years. This move is part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which also mandates more rigorous testing of drinking water and sets a lower threshold for communities to act on lead contamination. The rule aims to improve communication within communities, ensuring families are informed about lead risks, pipe locations, and replacement plans.


U.S. sanctions Sudanese official for weapon supply role amid ongoing conflict

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, a key figure in Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under Executive Order 14098. Algoney is recognized for his role in supplying weapons to sustain the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.


Austin discusses regional security with Saudi counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in discussions with Saudi Minister of Defense His Royal Highness Khalid bin Salman on Monday, focusing on U.S. efforts to bolster security in the Middle East. The dialogue underscored the enduring commitment of the United States to Saudi Arabia's defense and highlighted the significance of their defense partnership for regional stability.


Justice Department resolves discriminatory hiring claims with Durham Fire Department

The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the City of Durham, North Carolina, to address claims that the city's fire department's hiring practices violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The department alleges that the written test used by the Durham Fire Department (DFD) discriminates against Black candidates.


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

The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new regulation requiring the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within ten years. This initiative, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), also mandates more stringent testing of drinking water and sets a lower threshold for action on lead contamination to safeguard public health. The rule aims to improve communication with communities about the risks associated with lead in drinking water and plans for pipe replacement.


USDA announces measures promoting fairness for farmers; aims to lower food prices

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a series of measures aimed at fostering competition within the agricultural sector, in line with President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy. The initiative seeks to create fair markets for farmers and ranchers while also aiming to reduce food prices for consumers.


Khan to speak at AMVA forum; event closed to public

Chair Lina M. Khan will be speaking at the AMVA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum on October 8, 2024. The event is not open to the public and there will be no livestream available.


Labour government launches Regulatory Innovation Office aiming at economic growth

The recent announcement by the new Labour government to establish a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) has been met with support from various quarters. The Center for Data Innovation's Policy Analyst, Ayesha Bhatti, issued a statement welcoming the initiative. According to Bhatti, "Regulatory red tape has long stifled UK businesses. Establishing a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) marks a significant step toward kickstarting long-term economic growth."


Raimondo discusses commercial issues with Chinese counterpart

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently engaged in a call with China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao. The conversation revolved around the second meeting of the U.S.-China Commercial Issues Working Group (CIWG) that took place last month.


NVIDIA partners with US tech leaders to advance industry-specific AI solutions

NVIDIA has announced collaborations with several U.S. technology leaders to create custom AI applications using NVIDIA's NIM Agent Blueprints, NeMo, and NIM microservices. Organizations such as AT&T, Lowe’s, and the University of Florida are leveraging these technologies to develop data-driven AI solutions tailored to their specific needs.


Biden-Harris administration backs California's home energy rebate launch

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that California is launching the first phase of its federal Home Energy Rebates program. Supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative aims to reduce utility bills for residents by promoting energy efficiency improvements.


U.S.-Chile High-Level Dialogue addresses democracy, economy, security

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Chilean Under-Secretary of Foreign Relations Gloria de la Fuente led the U.S.-Chile High-Level Dialogue on October 2 in Washington, DC. The dialogue included senior representatives from various U.S. departments and agencies, alongside Chilean officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.