News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


FTC issues final click-to-cancel rules amid CCIA's concerns

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its final Negative Option Rules, commonly referred to as "Click-to-Cancel." These rules introduce new requirements for sellers offering subscription services online. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) had previously commented on these proposed rules in June 2023, voicing concerns about their alignment with federal law and lack of support by the record.


US announces $425 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States has announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $425 million. This aid is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian attacks. The package includes a variety of weapons and equipment sourced from the Department of Defense stocks under the Presidential Drawdown Authority.


Albuquerque seeks partial end to police consent decree after achieving high compliance

The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque have jointly filed a motion seeking court approval to terminate certain parts of the consent decree involving the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). This move follows an independent monitor's report indicating that APD has achieved full compliance with 99% of the decree's terms, marking its highest level of compliance.


U.S.-Guatemala high-level economic dialogue highlights ongoing cooperation

Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez and Guatemalan Finance Minister Jonathan Menkos co-chaired a virtual meeting for the High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) mid-year review on October 15. The event included senior U.S. representatives from various departments, including the Office of the Vice President, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Inter-American Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Guatemalan representatives participated from the Guatemalan Embassy in Washington, DC, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Alaska Tribal representation strengthened on Federal Subsistence Board

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have announced a final rule to enhance Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). This board oversees subsistence use on federal lands and waters in Alaska. The changes are part of efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to engage more directly with Tribal leaders in decision-making processes that affect their communities.


AMA teams up with MedCerts to improve blood pressure measurement skills

The American Medical Association (AMA) and MedCerts have joined forces to enhance the blood pressure measurement skills of healthcare professionals, including medical assistants. This collaboration aims to provide standardized educational content that will train these professionals in accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement techniques.


U.S. Ambassador Sfraga visits Iceland for Arctic Circle Assembly

Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Michael Sfraga is visiting Reykjavik, Iceland, from October 16 to 20. His visit aims to attend the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly and engage with partners on matters of Arctic security, cooperation, and other regional concerns. As the inaugural U.S. Ambassador to the Arctic, Sfraga's trip emphasizes ongoing U.S. involvement with allies and partners in the area, aligning with shared strategic and global objectives.


Austin discusses regional security with Israeli defense minister

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a discussion with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on October 16, focusing on Israel's operations in Lebanon and regional security issues. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the details of the conversation.


Court halts Alabama voter roll purge ahead of election

A federal court in Alabama has issued an order halting a voter removal program recently implemented by the state. The program, aimed at removing voters from registration rolls, must be stopped until after the November 5 general election. The court also instructed Alabama to guide counties to reinstate deactivated voters unless they requested removal or qualify for other reasons.


Small businesses face record uncertainty amid election and economic pressures

NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade discussed the September Small Business Economic Trends survey, highlighting growing concerns among small business owners.


Macon resident pleads guilty to armed credit union robberies

A Macon resident, Felix Cordes, has admitted to committing two bank robberies and an attempted robbery in 2022.


Connecticut fisherman sentenced for tax evasion on fishing income

A Connecticut man has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for tax evasion related to his earnings from commercial fishing activities in Massachusetts.


Parker Hannifin fined $366K by EPA for hazardous waste breaches

Parker Hannifin has agreed to pay a $366,000 penalty following an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into its Enumclaw, Washington facility. The EPA identified multiple violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act during a visit in January 2023.


Electronic Frontier Foundation reaches first labor agreement with union

Employees and management at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have reached their first labor contract, as announced jointly today. EFF employees have joined the Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20, IFPTE.


Chief FOIA Officers Council plans virtual meeting open to public

The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has announced that the Chief FOIA Officers Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET.


OPINION: Federal Approaches Are Placing Western Counties Under Attack

The western United States is largely comprised of public lands owned and managed by the federal government.


OPINION: 30x30 Prioritizes Dirt Over Disabled Americans

Across the western United States, the Biden Administration has closed millions of acres of public lands for a wide variety of uses as part of the 30x30 agenda.


Center for Immigration Studies fellow: ‘Hundreds on the U.S. terrorism watch list’ in American cities

Todd Bensman at the Center for Immigration Studies said that the "people-moving machine" in Colombia has "mainlined nearly two million foreign nationals" from 150 countries, many on the terror watchlist, through the Darien Gap and into the U.S. Bensman made this statement on October 2.


Former CBO director: 340B program 'contributing to the federal deficit' with minimal financial oversight

Dan Crippen, the former director of the Congressional Budget Office, said the 340B drug program is "contributing to the federal deficit" as it continues to grow in size and cost.


American Investment Council President: Priority under the next administration is 'economic growth' for the country

Drew Maloney, the president and CEO of American Investment Council (AIC) said the "top policy priority" after the upcoming presidential election will be "economic growth" and protecting jobs across the country.