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The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission recently took part in the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit held in Rome. The summit aimed to address how competition can be maintained within AI-related technologies, products, and applications.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mobilized resources and staff to assist with recovery efforts. The USDA is implementing contingency plans and program flexibilities to support farmers, foresters, and communities affected by the storm.

This week, two prominent House Republicans addressed a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough. The correspondence, from Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (R-TX) and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), concerns a reported $12 billion healthcare budget shortfall within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding aimed at providing technical assistance and training for small drinking water and wastewater systems, particularly those serving rural communities. The funding is also intended to help private well owners improve water quality.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department's Antitrust Division recently participated in a summit with G7 enforcement partners to address competition challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI). The event, known as the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit, focused on ensuring fair competition in AI technologies, products, and applications.

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has released its strategic priorities and recommendations aimed at enhancing Europe's cybersecurity capabilities. This announcement comes as Europe navigates a complex geopolitical and security environment, underscoring the importance of effectively implementing the EU's extensive cybersecurity rulebook to safeguard digital infrastructure.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reaching out to small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit entities for participation in the development of a new regulation on perchlorate in drinking water. The agency is inviting these groups to act as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) and provide input to a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel.

Delegations from the United States and Mongolia convened in Ulaanbaatar on October 1, 2024, for the second U.S.-Mongolia Energy Dialogue. The meeting was led by Kimberly D. Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), and Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. Representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia joined from the U.S. side, while representatives from Mongolia's Ministry of Energy, Ministry of...

The Justice Department has revealed the unsealing of a warrant authorizing the seizure of 41 internet domains used by Russian intelligence agents and their proxies for computer fraud and abuse in the United States. This action is part of a broader effort outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy, aiming to disrupt malicious cyber activities through public-private collaboration. The department's move was made alongside Microsoft's civil action to restrain 66 internet domains used by similar actors.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment in rural communities across 34 states to expand access to clean energy and reduce energy costs. USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement, highlighting the initiative as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda.

Corn syrup and starch producer Roquette America Inc. of Keokuk, Iowa, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay a civil penalty of $207,488 and donate emergency response vehicles to the Keokuk Fire Department. This settlement resolves alleged violations related to chemical risk prevention under the federal Clean Air Act.

On October 1, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs (MDA) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in cybersecurity and emerging technology. This agreement aims to strengthen the existing partnership by providing a framework for future cooperation in policy and operations. It also signifies a mutual commitment to the transatlantic security alliance in addressing global challenges like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) has urged the European Commission to uphold children's fundamental rights in the digital space. Online services are essential for young people, providing them with access to information, online communities, educational resources, and support for mental or physical health issues.

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed the recipients of the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Among the honorees is Viridis Chemical, a company based in Columbus, Nebraska.

Following a nearly four-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis, Tennessee, has convicted three former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officers of federal felonies connected to the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023.

NFIB President Brad Close recently appeared on Bill Martinez Live to discuss the significance of making the 20% Small Business Deduction a permanent fixture. He highlighted how this deduction benefits middle-class small business owners by enabling them to expand their businesses, hire more employees, increase wages, and contribute to their communities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Indoor AirPlus Leader Awards, honoring nine home builders and three home raters for their contributions to healthier indoor air quality. These awards recognize organizations that have excelled in promoting safer and more comfortable indoor environments through the Indoor AirPlus program.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $1.1 million in refunds to consumers who were misled by deceptive advertising practices from LCA-Vision, the largest LASIK surgery provider in the United States.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period for its third review of the cleanup efforts on PCB-contaminated sediment in the Upper Hudson River. The deadline, initially set for October 8, 2024, has been moved to November 7, 2024.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated a total of $498,801 in research funding to five college teams to advance their innovative technologies addressing environmental and public health challenges. Among the recipients is the University of Missouri team, which received $100,000 to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the provision of federal disaster assistance to Georgia following Hurricane Helene, which began affecting the state on September 24, 2024. This aid is designed to support state and local recovery efforts in the impacted areas.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2024 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Established in 1999 by then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the award acknowledges U.S. companies' efforts to enhance global business conduct standards. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the awards ceremony on October 22, 2024, at the State Department.

Special Envoy Jessica Stern is set to visit Italy and Poland from October 4 to 11. The trip aims to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.

The United States and Ghana held a joint security dialogue in Washington on October 3, 2024. The meeting was led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Ghanaian Minister of National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah. Officials from both countries discussed international peace and security, focusing on enhancing collaboration to advance the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Coastal West Africa.

The Justice Department has initiated legal proceedings against the owners and managers of Suburban Heights Apartments in Kinloch, Missouri, alleging discriminatory practices against Black tenants. The lawsuit claims that Suburban Heights LLC, Crestline Property LLC, Triline Properties LLC, and Jingle Properties LLC violated the Fair Housing Act by enforcing a ban on tenants with felony convictions and certain other criminal histories.