News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Julie Sweet to deliver keynote speech at CES 2025

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, will deliver a keynote address at CES 2025. The event is scheduled for January 8 at 2 p.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Accenture has been a regular exhibitor at CES, demonstrating how businesses can utilize emerging technologies such as AI to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency.


Survey shows tech regulation ranks low among voter priorities

A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) reveals that regulating technology companies is not a priority for U.S. voters. The poll, carried out in September 2024, included interviews with 2,500 U.S. voters. It was designed to represent registered voters considering various demographic factors.


EPA and White Mountain Apache reach agreement on wastewater treatment improvements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White Mountain Apache Tribe have reached an agreement to address non-compliance with the Clean Water Act concerning wastewater treatment on tribal land in Arizona. The Tribe operates five wastewater treatment plants, including those at Sunrise Park Resort, Hon-Dah Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, and Whiteriver Sewage Lagoons.


Teva settles $450M over false claims act violations involving kickbacks

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and Teva Neuroscience Inc., collectively known as Teva, have agreed to a $450 million settlement to resolve allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the False Claims Act (FCA). The company, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, is recognized as the largest generic drug manufacturer in the United States. The settlement amount was determined based on Teva's financial capacity.


Microsoft sets date for Q1 fiscal year 2025 earnings release

Microsoft Corp. has announced the release date for its fiscal year 2025 first-quarter financial results. The company will publish these results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Interested parties can access the information on the Microsoft Investor Relations website.


EPA extends comment period for Newark Superfund site cleanup plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period for its proposed final cleanup plan for the 80-120 Lister Ave. portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site in Newark, New Jersey. The deadline, initially set for October 10, has been moved to November 12. This decision follows a public meeting held on September 19 where the EPA explained the proposed plan.


Defense leaders discuss US commitment to NATO

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a discussion with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on October 8, emphasizing the United States' unwavering support for the NATO Alliance. The conversation was aimed at establishing a constructive working relationship as Secretary General Rutte assumes his new role.


Blockchain Association criticizes SEC's actions against Cumberland

The Blockchain Association has issued a statement in response to the recent actions taken by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Cumberland. The statement, attributed to Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith, criticizes the SEC's approach under Chair Gary Gensler.


Mizer represents U.S. at OECD roundtable on equal access to justice

Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer represented the United States at the OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, held in Ottawa, Canada, on October 8-9. The roundtables serve as a platform for exchanging practices and sharing experiences to enhance access to justice for all, including individuals and businesses.


FTC revises premerger notification form rules under HSR Act

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has unanimously approved changes to the premerger notification form and related instructions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. These modifications aim to enhance the FTC's and the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division's ability to identify illegal mergers before they are finalized.


Microsoft introduces new AI tools for enhanced healthcare services

Microsoft has announced new innovations in its Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, aiming to enhance care experiences and improve collaboration within the healthcare sector. The tech giant is introducing AI models in Azure AI Studio, healthcare data solutions in Microsoft Fabric, a healthcare agent service in Copilot Studio, and an AI-driven nursing workflow solution.


CCIA Europe celebrates 15 years with focus on EU digital innovation

On October 2, 2024, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) marked the 15th anniversary of its Brussels office. The event featured discussions on the future of digital innovation in the European Union and an exhibition highlighting technological advancements over the past 15 years driven by CCIA Europe's members.


Private credit boom implications for US financial policy and nonbank lending

In a report dated September 24, McKinsey & Company indicates that private credit has grown to nearly $2 trillion. This expansion raises significant implications for U.S. financial policy as non-bank lending increasingly dominates the market, shifting assets away from traditional banks.


Lawmakers ask Biden-Harris administration to enforce DNA collection under immigration law

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), along with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 31 other lawmakers, called on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to comply with federal immigration laws by collecting DNA samples from every immigrant encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).


Weekend interview: From demographics to supply chains, Dennis Unkovic discusses China's vulnerabilities and quest for global dominance

Dennis Unkovic is a partner at the law firm Meyer, Unkovic, and Scott LLP in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the author of “The Fragility of China: Breaking Points of an Invincible Regime.”


Weekend interview: Religious martyrs and political strife, Gary Marx on Ukraine's struggle for freedom

Gary Marx is the president of Defenders of Faith and Religious Freedom in Ukraine and is a volunteer faculty member at the Leadership Institute. He previously served as the executive director of the Judicial Crisis Network.


Weekend interview: The economics of art education and Ray Ficca's mission with tuition, careers and success in the arts

Ray Ficca is the President of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. He is an actor, director, producer, writer, and songwriter.


Crypto analyst: CFTC accepting tokenized collateral would be a 'boon for the digital assets market'

Crypto analyst Mr. Legend said if the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) were to approve using digital assets as trading collateral, it would be a "boon for the digital assets market.'


Biden-Harris Administration commits $29M for Arkansas clean water projects

The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented new regulations aimed at eliminating lead pipes across the United States within a decade. This initiative is part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which mandates drinking water systems to identify and replace lead pipes in ten years. The rule also requires enhanced testing and communication about lead risks in drinking water.


USDA invests over $46M to aid underserved veteran and new farmers nationwide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment exceeding $46 million to support veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers across the United States. This initiative aims to assist new producers in entering the agriculture business while enhancing their skills and knowledge for long-term sustainability.