News from July 2024
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
China's biotech industry is transitioning from imitating Western firms to becoming an innovator, producing more highly cited biotech research than any other country and conducting increasing numbers of clinical trials across various therapeutic areas and drug modalities. This development is highlighted in a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a leading think tank for science and technology policy. The report notes that China's share of value added in pharmaceuticals has more than quadrupled over two decades, reaching nearly one-quarter...
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
Five new games are now available on Netflix, offering a range of genres and experiences for subscribers. The new titles include "Arranger," "The Dragon Prince: Xadia," "Minesweeper," "Sports Sports," and "Too Hot To Handle 3." Additionally, an upcoming game titled "Netflix Stories: Emily in Paris" is set to debut on August 15.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced an additional five awards totaling $9 million for the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). The initiative aims to expand the domestic supply of ingredients and materials for U.S. supply chains by building bioproduction infrastructure.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the opening of applications for the $36 million Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) competitive grant program. This initiative aims to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy through demonstration projects that will lower heating and cooling bills for American families. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) will support low-income homes by implementing advanced weatherization techniques, enhancing safety and comfort, and showcasing best practices nationwide.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
In response to a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office request, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) submitted comments on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on existing rules regarding prior art and obviousness that regulators consider when granting patents.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 30, 2024
The Justice Department filed a statement of interest yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, asserting that a church’s claims under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) are ready for judicial review in federal court.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
Washington – A new report commissioned by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) Research Center suggests that implementing robust supply-side reforms in broadband funding could enhance the efficiency of network investments, facilitating universal access to high-speed internet by 2030.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
WhatsApp has launched a privacy campaign in India, emphasizing the importance of secure communication. The initiative highlights how WhatsApp’s multiple layers of protection offer users more control and privacy over their conversations with friends, family, and businesses.
By Thomas R. Alber | Jul 29, 2024
The need for me to rescue 36 individuals during the collapse of Hamid Karzai International Airport stemmed from insufficient planning and a lack of action by government officials. This experience underscored the importance of timely and effective responses in crises. In reflecting on that operation and its aftermath, I find a troubling parallel in the situation with Tigran Gambaryan. The lack of a robust response from Washington, D.C., regarding his unlawful detention contrasts sharply with his significant contributions to combating illicit activities. This discrepancy highlights a need for a more proactive approach from our government.
By Thomas R. Alber | Jul 29, 2024
Chinese organized crime (COC) syndicates have deeply entrenched money laundering operations in the United States, utilizing sophisticated strategies to cleanse their illicit profits. These operations are multifaceted and involve a blend of legitimate business ventures, financial institutions, and advanced financial instruments to obscure the origins of criminal proceeds.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
Farm Action has announced the release of data across the food and agriculture sectors, revealing market shares held by top firms. The non-profit organization stated that this is the most up-to-date and comprehensive concentration data available.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population segment of longfin smelt as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The decision is based on scientific evidence indicating a significant decline in longfin smelt populations throughout the San Francisco Bay estuary over recent decades.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) announced the successful migration of its shoreside technology infrastructure, including its reservation system and mobile apps, to Amazon Web Services (AWS). This strategic move positions NCLH as one of the first passenger cruise lines to transition its core technology operations to AWS. The company aims to leverage AWS’s secure and high-performance infrastructure to reduce processing time, increase availability during peak periods, streamline operational infrastructure, and enhance the overall cruising experience.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The United States, in collaboration with the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, hosted high-level government representatives from Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom in St. Michaels, MD. The meeting focused on quantum information science and technology (QIST). The U.S. delegation was led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and included senior White House and State Department officials.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led a letter with eight other members to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Bill Nelson, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council Chair Mathew Blum, Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, and U.S. General Services Administrator Robin Carnahan, requesting the withdrawal of a proposed federal acquisition regulation related to disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk. In part, the...
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced awards totaling $150.9 million for new affordable and innovative housing investments in Tribal communities. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio made the announcement in Anchorage, Alaska, where he presented $6 million to the Cook Inlet Housing Authority to build 51 new housing units for low-income Alaskan Native families.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Maricopa County, Arizona, for the July 30 primary election.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The United States is sending Ukraine a significant new package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to support its military forces as they defend against Russia’s assault. This $200 million package, which will be provided under Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes air defense interceptors, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, small arms, demolitions equipment, spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation. This support aims to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced its current estimates of privately-held net marketable borrowing for the July-September 2024 and October-December 2024 quarters.
By Federal Newswire | Jul 29, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog today. Secretary Blinken expressed condolences for those killed in the village of Majdal Shams in the attack by Lebanese Hezbollah and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah. He emphasized the importance of preventing escalation of the conflict and discussed efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to allow citizens on both sides of...
