News from August 2024
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Mexican Foreign Secretary Bárcena, focusing on the Maduro regime's obligation to release untampered and detailed vote tallies from the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela. The discussion also covered the necessity to end human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and indiscriminate detentions.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
VareCo to pay $125K, settling alleged violations at multi-unit rentals
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Netflix has announced the launch of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity in Taiwan, aiming to identify, train, and provide opportunities for emerging creative talent from underrepresented communities worldwide. In collaboration with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), a six-week series writing workshop will be hosted for new filmmakers in Taiwan.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
As digital natives, teenagers are among the most active users of online platforms. According to recent statistics, approximately 95% of teenagers and 40% of children between the ages of eight and twelve engage with social media in the U.S. While social media platforms offer opportunities for connection, learning, support-seeking, and entertainment—necessary for teens’ development—they also expose young users to risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, discrimination, and even child sexual exploitation.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
A chair is for sitting. A clock is for telling time. To look at these objects is to understand their primary use. Until recently, AI was, in most cases, a similar technology where design and use were closely linked. A facial recognition system recognized faces, a spellchecker checked spelling. Today though, with the advent of powerful “transformer models,” a single AI application can (at least in appearance) be used to countless ends — to write poetry, evaluate a resume, identify bird species, and diagnose diseases. As possible use cases become broader, so do the potential...
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of $100 million in competitive grant funding aimed at reducing regulatory barriers, increasing housing production, and lowering housing costs. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader effort to address housing affordability as outlined in a recent White House fact sheet.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Netflix announced the launch of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity in Mexico today. This fund is part of a global initiative started in 2021. With its introduction in the country, Netflix aims to promote Mexican-made content and develop future Mexican audiovisual talents.
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 13, 2024
Bob Passmore, vice president of auto and claims policy for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), told Federal Newswire on Aug. 9 that "legal system abuse" coupled with inflation is causing insurance to get more expensive.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council, informally known as the Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council. The USDA is currently seeking nominations for membership on this new council, as stated in a Federal Register notice published today.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Google's recent announcement to abandon its plan to phase out third-party cookies in its Chrome browser has sparked disappointment among privacy advocates. Initially announced in 2019, the Privacy Sandbox aimed to replace third-party cookies with more privacy-respecting mechanisms. Instead, Google now plans to introduce a new experience in Chrome that will require users to make informed choices about third-party cookies.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding today’s White House event to secure a post-quantum cryptography future. Announcements included a report on international cooperation in quantum computing technology and post-quantum cryptographic standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at a meeting with government and industry leaders, including CTA members:
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The United States has expressed strong opposition to Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on August 13. The visit was seen as a blatant disregard for the historic status quo concerning the holy sites in Jerusalem. According to U.S. officials, such actions exacerbate tensions at a critical time when diplomatic efforts are focused on achieving a ceasefire agreement, securing the release of hostages, and fostering broader regional stability.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Super sleuths dominated the Top 10 Lists this week. "Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie" topped the English Films List with 13.4 million views, revealing the mystery of the missing undersea town. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, the film achieved significant popularity.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Widespread software outages can often be prevented through resilience—a software program's ability to maintain critical functionality despite bugs or unexpected conditions. Given the significant role software plays in economic infrastructure, addressing common types of software flaws through systematic and known processes is essential. These processes include rigorous testing of code and configuration, incremental rollout procedures, and the development and use of APIs that minimize risk.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided the following readout:
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Florida in response to Hurricane Debby, which began on August 1, 2024. This measure is aimed at supplementing state, tribal, and local recovery efforts.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Devin T. Robinson provided the following readout:
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty today to all charges against him in the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in March 2024. The charges include conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
On behalf of all Americans, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 13, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed an amicus brief in the case brought by Epic Games Inc. against Google LLC, detailing potential remedies to restore competition after Google was found liable for illegal monopolization of its app store.
