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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.

As the Southeast recovers from Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued a reminder to employers involved in disaster recovery about their obligations to pay proper wages to workers. The department's Wage and Hour Division offers resources, including a natural disaster compliance assistance toolkit, aimed at helping both workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration has announced the allocation of $44,553,338 in grants for the fiscal year 2024 to expand and improve state Veterans' cemeteries. The grants aim to enhance burial and memorial services accessibility for Veterans.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle 1,321 pounds of cocaine into Puerto Rico on Wednesday. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is $11.9 million.

A federal investigation has determined that a North Dakota railroad company unlawfully retaliated against an employee who reported an injury and raised safety concerns. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted the investigation following a complaint by an Enderlin-based claims representative of Soo Line Railroad Co.

Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), said that China is advancing its technological innovation at the expense of Western companies. Atkinson shared his statement during a September 24 hearing.

Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said that the trilateral partnership between the U.S., UK, and Australia is crucial for countering threats posed by China. McCaul shared his statement during a Sept. 18 hearing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the closing of two transactions, amounting to $1.1 million, aimed at financing repairs and enhancing energy efficiency and climate resilience in two multifamily properties in Baltimore, Maryland. These properties are home to 143 seniors.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to expand the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by adding 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories, representing over 100 individual PFAS. These chemicals would be designated as chemicals of special concern, necessitating more stringent reporting requirements, including for small concentrations.

Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested 42 individuals connected to the SFV Peckerwoods, a white supremacist street gang based in San Fernando Valley, California. The arrests stem from a 76-count federal grand jury indictment that accuses them of engaging in a range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and fraud related to COVID-19 benefits.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released its 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, highlighting the persistent threat of domestic and foreign terrorism within the United States. The report aims to inform both the public and DHS partners about potential threats to public safety and security, helping federal, state, and local agencies prepare for evolving challenges.