News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Biden-Harris Administration advances geothermal development on public lands

The Department of the Interior has announced progress in geothermal energy expansion on public lands, aiming to support the Biden-Harris administration's target of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Beaver County, Utah. This project could potentially generate up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of power, enough for over two million homes. Including this approval, nearly 32 gigawatts of clean energy projects have been sanctioned on public lands under the current administration.


Stephanie M. Hinds appointed director of Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the appointment of Stephanie M. Hinds as the new Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA). In his announcement, Garland praised Hinds, stating, "Stephanie is a superb leader with decades of experience at the Justice Department who will be an outstanding advocate for all 94 of our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country." He highlighted her extensive career and dedication to the department.


Austin discusses Israel's security and Gaza ceasefire with Yoav Gallant

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III had a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to address reports concerning the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder released a statement detailing the discussion.


Study reveals societal undervaluation of unpaid caregiving

Americans tend to value volunteering for strangers over providing unpaid care for family and friends, according to a study by the American Psychological Association. The research highlights that unpaid caregiving is undervalued despite its significant contribution to society.


Treasury reports August 2024 TIC data showing significant financial flows

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has published its Treasury International Capital (TIC) data for August 2024, revealing a net TIC inflow of $79.2 billion. This figure includes net foreign private inflows of $79.7 billion and net foreign official outflows of $0.6 billion.


EPA allocates $125M for cleaner diesel engine upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. The funding aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, transitioning them to cleaner and zero-emission solutions. This initiative is expected to lead to significant reductions in emissions, improving air quality and public health.


OPINION: 30x30 and Natural Asset Companies Are Not in the Best Interest of the American People

The recent request to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list Natural Asset Companies (NAC) on the New York Stock Exchange has raised concerns across the United States and especially in the West.


U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission: China's development of humanoid robots raises concerns

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has raised concerns about China's rapid advancement in the development of humanoid robots, citing the country's military-civil fusion policy. The USCC shared its findings in an October 10 issue alert paper.


Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report assesses China's relationship with Iran, North Korea, and Russia

Christopher Chivvis and Jack Keating of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace released a report on October 8, analyzing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The report recommends that the United States work to weaken China's relationships with these three nations.


SEC delays decision on Ethereum ETF options trading amid regulatory uncertainty

On October 11th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced an extension of its decision-making process regarding the Cboe Exchange, Inc.'s proposal to list and trade options on exchange-traded products (ETPs) tied to Ethereum, citing the need for additional time to evaluate the proposal's implications.


Sen. Hagerty unveils legislative draft on stablecoin regulation

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has released a discussion draft for legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers. This move seeks to clarify regulations that have been seen as obstacles to the growth of stablecoins.


Blinken discusses Middle East conflicts with UAE's Abdullah bin Zayed

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed on October 16, 2024. The discussion focused on the ongoing conflict across the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic resolution in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Secretary Blinken emphasized the urgency of delivering additional aid swiftly.


U.S. conducts airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

U.S. military forces conducted precision airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, targeting underground weapons storage facilities. The operation involved U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers and aimed to disrupt the Houthis' capacity to threaten civilian and military vessels in the region.


Ohio man sentenced for concealing Croatian war crime charge

An Ohio resident, Jugoslav Vidic, has been sentenced to three years in prison for immigration fraud. Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, concealed his past war crime charges in Croatia when applying for U.S. residency. According to court documents, he falsely claimed no legal charges and understated his military service history during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia.


HUD appoints new members to housing counseling advisory committee

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the appointment of 11 new members to its Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee. This group plays a significant advisory role, helping HUD shape the direction of its Housing Counseling Program and providing guidance on serving prospective buyers, homeowners, and renters.


Department seeks input on civil rights data collection for future school years

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced the submission of a proposed Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) Information Collection Request to the Federal Register. This request, which covers the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years, is open for public comment.


Netflix announces new film based on Jugend Rettet's true story

Berlin, October 16, 2024 – A new Netflix feature film inspired by the true story of the German NGO Jugend Rettet and its ship, the Iuventa, is in production. The film follows a group of young Berliners who, driven by passion and courage, launch a crowdfunding campaign to purchase an old ship. Their mission is to save refugees attempting to reach Europe by sea. As they venture into the Mediterranean, their efforts challenge their understanding of law and justice.


Department of Labor releases roadmap for responsible use of artificial intelligence

The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a set of Artificial Intelligence Best Practices aimed at ensuring that AI technologies enhance job quality and benefit workers in the workplace. This initiative builds on the department's AI and Worker Well-being: Principles for Developers and Employers, released under President Biden’s Executive Order concerning the development and use of AI.


Austin and Poulsen discuss defense cooperation at Pentagon meeting

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen at the Pentagon, as confirmed by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


Secretary Del Toro leads US delegation at XVI Conference of Defense Ministers

From October 13 to 16, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation at the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The delegation included senior officials from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, as well as representatives from U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command.