News from November 2024


US envoy discusses North Korean human rights during European visit

US envoy discusses North Korean human rights during European visit

Ambassador Julie Turner, the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, is set to embark on a European tour from November 5-8, 2024.


Civil society groups demand transparency in DHS-Paragon Solutions contract

Civil society groups demand transparency in DHS-Paragon Solutions contract

The Center for Democracy & Technology, along with 35 other civil society organizations and several spyware experts, has urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to disclose information regarding its $2 million contract with Paragon...


US congratulates Maia Sandu on reelection as Moldovan president

US congratulates Maia Sandu on reelection as Moldovan president

The United States has extended its congratulations to Maia Sandu on her reelection as President of Moldova.


Blinken discusses hostilities agreement with Ethiopian Prime Minister

Blinken discusses hostilities agreement with Ethiopian Prime Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to Spokesperson Matt Miller.


Adrianne Todman attends G7 summit focusing on sustainable urban development

Adrianne Todman attends G7 summit focusing on sustainable urban development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Agency Head, Adrianne Todman, is attending the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Sustainable Urban Development in Rome from November 3-4.


Blinken discusses Gaza crisis with Israeli defense minister

Blinken discusses Gaza crisis with Israeli defense minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Department of Defense awards contract for open radio access network prototype

Department of Defense awards contract for open radio access network prototype

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a contract worth $6,514,697.51 to Hughes Network Systems, LLC for the development of an Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) prototype at Fort Bliss, Texas.


U.S.-CARICOM hold meeting on firearms trafficking cooperation

U.S.-CARICOM hold meeting on firearms trafficking cooperation

On October 31, the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held a significant interagency coordination meeting to enhance U.S.-Caribbean efforts against firearms trafficking.


US delivers vital equipment to support security efforts in Haiti

US delivers vital equipment to support security efforts in Haiti

The United States has delivered additional equipment to support the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.


US congratulates Tonga on National Day, highlights growing partnership

US congratulates Tonga on National Day, highlights growing partnership

On November 4, the United States extended congratulations to the Kingdom of Tonga on its National Day.


EU coalition combats misuse of spyware technology

EU coalition combats misuse of spyware technology

The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has launched a Spyware Coordination Group aimed at combating the misuse of spyware technologies within the European Union.


HUD announces federal aid measures following Juneau flood disaster

HUD announces federal aid measures following Juneau flood disaster

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance for Alaska following the flooding that affected the City and Borough of Juneau from August 5 to August 6, 2024.


EPA awards nearly $1M for pollution prevention initiatives in Michigan

EPA awards nearly $1M for pollution prevention initiatives in Michigan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), along with Central Michigan University, will receive grants totaling $987,645.


EPA awards over $300K for pollution prevention initiatives in Minnesota

EPA awards over $300K for pollution prevention initiatives in Minnesota

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced grants totaling $334,133 to support pollution prevention efforts in Minnesota.


Doctor pleads guilty in drug distribution conspiracy involving cash-for-prescriptions scheme

Doctor pleads guilty in drug distribution conspiracy involving cash-for-prescriptions scheme

A New England doctor, Adnan S. Khan, has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances.


Department of Defense names new director for Asia-Pacific center

Department of Defense names new director for Asia-Pacific center

The Department of Defense has announced the appointment of Maj.


U.S. GDP rises as consumer spending boosts economic growth

U.S. GDP rises as consumer spending boosts economic growth

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported a significant increase in the nation's real gross domestic product (GDP), which rose at an annual rate of 2.8 percent during the third quarter of 2024.


U.S. remembers embassy takeover in Tehran on its 45th anniversary

U.S. remembers embassy takeover in Tehran on its 45th anniversary

Forty-five years have passed since the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, an event that resulted in American diplomats being held hostage for 444 days.


AI-bioscience collaborative summit focuses on international cooperation

AI-bioscience collaborative summit focuses on international cooperation

On November 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology held the first government-led global summit on AI-enabled bioscience.


EPA awards $281K grant for Illinois business pollution prevention

EPA awards $281K grant for Illinois business pollution prevention

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the University of Illinois will receive $281,280 in grants to assist businesses in adopting pollution prevention practices.