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Today, the global tech trade association ITI expressed approval of the final rules released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC). This credit is part of the Biden Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to attract an estimated $24 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing and equipment within the United States.

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning expressed support for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new rulemaking on powered-lift integration. The FAA's recent announcement addresses the incorporation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies into the National Airspace System.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry have apprehended a man wanted on a felony warrant issued by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest took place following a coordinated effort between CBP and state officials.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have announced the approval of the first group of Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Licensees and Green Light Approved investment funds under the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative (SBICCT Initiative). This group aims to invest over $2.8 billion into more than 1,000 portfolio companies.

On October 20, 2024, officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), stationed at the Camino Real International Bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, apprehended a man wanted for a felony warrant related to child sex offenses. The individual was identified as Gerardo Gutierrez Ramos, a 57-year-old Mexican citizen.

The Justice Department has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement President Biden's Executive Order 14117, aimed at preventing access to sensitive personal data and U.S. government-related data by countries of concern. This move addresses national security threats posed by efforts from certain nations to exploit Americans' sensitive information.

The United States has welcomed a new investment in Brazil's Serra Verde rare earth elements project. The investment comes from Denham Capital and the Energy and Minerals Group from the United States, along with Vision Blue Resources from the United Kingdom. This initiative is expected to bolster global rare earth supply chains.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry recently seized heroin valued at over $267,000. The incident occurred on October 19 when a 2015 Ford van was subjected to a secondary inspection at the Camino Real International Bridge. During this examination, which involved a CBP canine and non-intrusive inspection technology, officers found five packages containing nearly 16 pounds of alleged heroin inside the vehicle.

The Biden-Harris administration has announced a significant loan guarantee to support the development of solar and energy storage facilities in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Loan Programs Office (LPO), is providing a $861.3 million loan guarantee for the construction of two photovoltaic solar facilities equipped with battery storage and two standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the municipalities of Guayama and Salinas.

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on October 18, 2024. During her visit, she expressed unwavering U.S. support to various Ukrainian officials including Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova. She also engaged with leaders from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and other anti-corruption bodies.

Sebastián Incháustegui, an Attorney at Law from Universidad Panamericana, has expressed concerns about the current state of cartel violence in Mexico. He attributes this escalation to a recent constitutional amendment that he believes could potentially empower cartels within the country's judicial system. Incháustegui published his commentary on September 19.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rejected a motion from H&R Block Inc. to disqualify the Administrative Law Judge presiding over a hearing related to a complaint against the company. The complaint involves allegations of deceptive and unfair practices by the tax preparation firm.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, promoting cleaner and zero-emission solutions. The program targets areas impacted by air quality issues, particularly those benefiting disadvantaged communities facing public health or environmental justice challenges.

Takedown requests from authorities have led to increased Facebook censorship for Hong Kong residents, with a significant rise in such actions over the past five years, according to an October 14 report from Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Xie Yang has been detained for the past 32 months by Chinese authorities. This is not the first time he has faced detention, according to a news release from the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) on October 9.

A report from Social Capital Markets revealed an increase in the fines levied by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the crypto currency industry. According to the report, SEC fines increased from $150.26 million in 2023 to $4.68 billion in 2024, marking a 3018% rise in penalties.

Netflix is expanding the celebration of its hit series, Stranger Things, beyond the traditional November 6 "Stranger Things Day" to what it now calls "Stranger Season." The streaming giant plans to mark this occasion with a variety of events and merchandise offerings for fans worldwide.

The United States has announced sanctions on five companies and five individuals, while also identifying eight vessels as blocked property. These measures are in response to their connections with a network linked to Sa’id al-Jamal, a U.S.-designated Houthi financial operative backed by the Iran-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. The U.S. government asserts that the Iranian regime's support for regional terrorist groups is contributing to instability in the Middle East.

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning expressed support for the U.S. Department of Commerce's new rules on space-related export controls. The announcement was made following the release of these regulations aimed at modernizing the sector.

In August, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced a new rule impacting how businesses can use endorsements and testimonials in their marketing strategies.

This week, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited New Mexico and Colorado to emphasize the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts in conservation and Indigenous knowledge. The focus was on the Indian Youth Service Corps, part of the American Climate Corps, under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) have reached a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company regarding violations of the Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law at its oil and gas production sites in New Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the appointment of 11 new members to its Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee. This group plays a significant advisory role, helping HUD shape the direction of its Housing Counseling Program and providing guidance on serving prospective buyers, homeowners, and renters.

Berlin, October 16, 2024 – A new Netflix feature film inspired by the true story of the German NGO Jugend Rettet and its ship, the Iuventa, is in production. The film follows a group of young Berliners who, driven by passion and courage, launch a crowdfunding campaign to purchase an old ship. Their mission is to save refugees attempting to reach Europe by sea. As they venture into the Mediterranean, their efforts challenge their understanding of law and justice.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the opening of applications for up to $900 million in funding to support the deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. This initiative is part of the administration's Investing in America agenda and aims to advance nuclear technology across the United States.