News from September 2023
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
According to a recent report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), expanding the Information Technology pact (ITA) could add $766 billion to the global economy over the next ten years. The ITA, which eliminates tariffs on certain goods, has not been amended since 2015. The proposed expansion, known as "ITA-3," would cover over 400 unique products and has the potential to boost economies worldwide.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
In the face of ongoing delays in implementing life-saving pretrial services in Los Angeles County jails, Michelle Parris, director of Vera California, has expressed serious concerns and called for immediate action. Parris criticized the county's decision to contract with management consultancy firm Accenture in a multi-million dollar deal, viewing it as a further setback when urgent measures are needed to address the increasing number of deaths in the jails.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the initial project selection for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently visited a farm in Wisconsin to commemorate this milestone. The projects selected through this initiative aim to raise awareness and implement climate-smart production practices on working lands, benefiting farmers, ranchers, and private landowners while also addressing climate change.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced his support for President Biden's nomination of Dr. Basil Gooden as the Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack praised Dr. Gooden's extensive experience and dedication to affordable housing, community advancement, and economic development. Dr. Gooden currently serves as the Director of State Operations for Rural Development at USDA and has been instrumental in expanding access to USDA programs and opportunities for rural communities.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have announced a historic data-sharing partnership to better understand and treat cancer in veterans. This landmark agreement will facilitate the exchange of cancer registry data, providing crucial information for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in veterans and all Americans. By allowing VA access to vital information on cancer diagnoses and treatments outside its jurisdiction, this collaboration will enable researchers to identify trends and investigate...
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
Tanya Bradsher, a combat veteran of Iraq, has been appointed as the deputy secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), making her the highest-ranking woman in VA history, the first woman to hold this position, and a woman of color. The Senate chose Bradsher for this role, recognizing her extensive experience and dedication to serving her country and fellow veterans.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
Enrique Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison and 36 months of supervised release in Miami, Florida. Tarrio and three co-defendants were found guilty of multiple felonies, including seditious conspiracy, for their involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement recently held a hearing titled "Terrorist Entry Through the Southwest Border." The hearing, which took place on September 14, focused on the current security challenges at the southern border. Livestreamed for public viewing, the hearing aimed to shed light on the national security implications of the Department of Homeland Security's open-borders approach and the policies implemented under the Biden Administration.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made a significant move in its investigation into a secret Chinese lab in California. The committee recently issued its first subpoena, demanding documents and records from the City of Reedley, where the lab was located. The lab, known as Prestige Biotech and Universal Meditech Inc., has raised concerns due to its ties to Chinese companies and nationalists.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity of $25 million for the Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) partnerships program. This initiative aims to support communities in expanding affordable and dependable clean energy access throughout the United States. Through the program, six community teams will receive assistance in developing customized decarbonization plans and clean energy solutions.
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By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
China's control over rare minerals is becoming a growing concern for American defense systems, according to a report released by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). The report highlights how China has a majority control over rare earth minerals, which are crucial for American national security. These minerals, known as Rare Earth Elements (REEs), are essential for advanced technologies like magnets, batteries, and critical military equipment.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently announced that it will be allocating over $44 million in funding to support rural development in various regions across the country. The funds are aimed at promoting economic growth in high-demand sectors and providing job training and services to underserved communities.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
DHS Bolsters Nationwide Resilience with $20 Million in Anti-Violence Grants
By Federal Newswire | Sep 15, 2023
Cartels have been able to obtain massive amounts of weapons with the help of American buyers, according to a report by CBS News. Despite the U.S government's awareness of this issue, little action has been taken to address the problem. The cartels reportedly pay Americans to purchase weapons on their behalf, which are then smuggled into Mexico through various networks.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
A global network of think tanks, led by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and ITIF's Center for Data Innovation, has released a "Global Declaration on Free and Open AI." The declaration urges governments to ensure that generative AI tools uphold democratic ideals and advance human progress. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the freedom to develop and utilize AI for legal purposes, fostering accountability, and building trust in AI systems.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, has designated key Hizballah operatives and financial intermediaries in South America and Lebanon. This action targets individuals and organizations involved in funding Hizballah's terrorist activities and facilitating their presence in Latin America.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
According to a recent press release, the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), a trade accord aimed at eliminating tariffs on various products, has remained unchanged since 2015. However, an expansion of the agreement, known as "ITA-3," could potentially include over 400 distinct products and contribute over $750 billion to the global economy over the next ten years.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has recently announced the addition of two esteemed individuals to its Board of Directors. Tadayoshi "Yoshi" Kohno, a well-known security researcher and academic from the University of Washington, and Erica Astrella, Head of Technology at Parkwood Entertainment and an advocate for diversity and equity in the tech industry, have both joined the EFF.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
On September 11, 2023, significant agreements were reached between the United States of America, the Republic of Peru, and four non-governmental organizations under the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act. These agreements aim to reduce Peru's debt payments to the United States by over $20 million over the next 13 years. Instead of making these payments, the Government of Peru will allocate funds to a conservation program dedicated to protecting and revitalizing the country's tropical forests. Local non-governmental organizations will utilize these grants to...
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
Overdose deaths from fentanyl-laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010, according to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal "Addiction." This, along with many other factors, showcases how dangerous the fentanyl epidemic is in the United States.
