News from September 2023
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking public input on the revised Advance Travel Authorization (ATA) initiative, according to a recent notice in the Federal Register. The ATA initiative, part of the CBP One application, allows certain noncitizens and their immediate family members to request advance authorization to travel to the United States on a case-by-case basis.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
Ripple, the blockchain-based digital payment network, has announced that it will be hiring the majority of its new employees from jurisdictions with more regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies than the United States. This decision comes after Ripple faced regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., though it won a court victory earlier this year when a judge ruled that its token XRP is not a security.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
In a historic case, J&J Korea Inc., a South Korean company, has been fined $9 million in a U.S. federal court for bid rigging and fraud related to U.S. military projects in South Korea. This ruling sets a precedent in the investigation of bid rigging and fraud involving U.S. military facilities in the country.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced nearly $3.5 million in funding for eight Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) projects. The IYSC program aims to provide vocational skills training and career development opportunities for Native youth while also contributing to the protection and conservation of natural and cultural resources. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland believes that by providing early and frequent access to nature, the program can help foster the next generation of Indigenous land stewards.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced over $40 million in funding to support collaborative partnerships aimed at protecting endangered species in the United States. These grants, provided through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), will assist state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies in their efforts to conserve imperiled species and their habitats. The funding will be used for land acquisition and conservation planning projects covering more than 7,200 acres of habitat for 65 listed and at-risk species.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 20, 2023
The recent shooting incident involving American tourists in a Mexican border town was a result of a firefight between rival cartels, according to a report by Border Report. The incident, which occurred on September 9, took place in the town of Miguel Alemán, across the border from Roma, Texas. A group of 15 to 20 tourists, including several Americans, were caught in the crossfire and suffered injuries.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 19, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled the latest Pathways to Commercial Liftoff reports on Sept. 18, which delve into the prospects and hurdles associated with industrial decarbonization and the deployment of virtual power plants (VPPs). The reports, encompassing the Industrial Decarbonization Liftoff Report and the Virtual Power Plants Liftoff Report, offer insights into the pathway for technologies to attain widespread deployment for private sector and industry partners, according to a press release.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 19, 2023
Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, who also serves as the chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, is seeking answers regarding a secret laboratory owned by Chinese entities in California. Earlier this month, a subpoena was issued by the House Select Committee on China in the City of Reedley to investigate the lab's discovery.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a $5 million-plus investment in mapping critical minerals and mineral resources. The USGS and Florida Geological Survey will identify potential sources of quartz sand, limestone and gravel to be used in reinforcement of structures to withstand hurricanes or to rebuild afterward.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
An investigation raises doubts about the Biden administration's commitment to border security amid revelations of U.S-enabled artillery smuggling to Mexican cartels.
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2023
DOE: The 2023 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) Award Recipients announced
By Federal Newswire | Sep 18, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy recently revealed plans to invest more than $13 million in seven research and development initiatives aimed at promoting hydropower as a vital clean energy resource.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommended everyone aged 6 months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This move comes as a strategy to fend off the potentially grave repercussions of the COVID-19 illness that are anticipated this fall and winter, according to a press release.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
In a bid to address healthcare disparities faced by individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency (LEP), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new initiative. Guided by its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the department is investing over $8 million to promote culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate healthcare education, according to an announcement from Sept. 15.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) held its fourth in-person meeting last week, focusing on vital matters, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), workforce adaptation and the Homeland Security Grant Program, according to a press release. The meeting saw the launch of the Customer Experience Directorate and AI initiatives, reflecting the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) commitment to modernization and protecting the American homeland.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) has reintroduced a bill that would prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Fifty original cosponsors, including members of the Financial Services Committee, are supporting the bill, according to a press release.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers announced that they filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the SEC's new public disclosure requirements for private businesses. An economic analysis released by NAM found that the new requirements will lead to a decrease in liquidity, increased borrowing costs and significant job losses.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 18, 2023
A group of 1,609 scientists, who have formed a group called CLINTEL, claim that the so-called climate emergency is a myth. An article by the American Stewards of Liberty from Aug. 31 said that the group has publicly stated that they are against the Biden administration's net-zero CO2 policies.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
The Biden-Harris administration is taking a major step towards increasing access to trees and green spaces in cities and neighborhoods across the United States. Through the Investing in America program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has committed $1 billion in competitive grants to approximately 400 projects. This initiative aims to combat extreme heat and climate change, promote public health and safety, and improve access to nature.
By Federal Newswire Report | Sep 15, 2023
New rankings of "Innovation Competitiveness" have revealed that U.S. states are leading the way ahead of the majority of European and Latin American states. The rankings were created by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in collaboration with other think tanks in the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance (GTIPA). The researchers examined three types of economic indicators related to knowledge work, globalization adaptation, and innovation capacity.
