News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


NFIB reports record high uncertainty among small businesses

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index saw a slight increase of 0.3 points in September, reaching 91.5.


EPA mandates nationwide replacement of lead pipes within a decade

The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also call for stricter testing of drinking water and set a lower threshold for communities to act on lead contamination. This initiative aims to enhance communication about lead risks, pipe locations, and replacement plans.


CBP officers arrest man with homicide warrant at Laredo Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry apprehended a man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for homicide: negligent vehicular manslaughter. The incident occurred over the weekend when CBP officers encountered the individual in the pedestrian environment.


Austin and Nakatani discuss alliance priorities in phone call

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a phone conversation with Japan's Minister of Defense, Nakatani Gen, as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


Assistant Secretary Robinson visits Dominican Republic for security talks

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Todd D. Robinson, is set to visit the Dominican Republic from October 8 to October 11. During his stay, he will engage with senior government officials, experts, and civil society organizations. The aim is to strengthen security cooperation against illicit synthetic drugs, corruption, and transnational organized crime.


Cybercrime expert: Binance employee imprisoned in Nigeria is 'the top federal agent in history' for crypto investigations

Andy Greenberg, author of "Tracers in the Dark," said that Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee imprisoned in Nigeria, was the most prominent crypto crime investigator during his career with the U.S. federal government. Greenberg shared his statement during an October 1 podcast.


CSIS expert: ‘bans are likely the only effective way to reduce risk’ of China spying through connected cars

James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said that Chinese-manufactured technology used in cars provides China with the opportunity to spy on Americans. Lewis made this statement in an October 1 commentary.


Biden-Harris Administration mandates national replacement of lead pipes within ten years

The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require more stringent testing and a lower threshold for action on lead in drinking water, aiming to protect communities from lead exposure. The rule also enhances communication to inform families about the risks of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for their replacement.


Gary Shapiro releases new book on leadership adaptability

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced the release of "Pivot or Die: How Leaders Thrive When Everything Changes," a new book by CTA CEO and New York Times bestselling author Gary Shapiro. The book is available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.


U.S. Treasury announces awardees under small business grant program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has unveiled the complete list of awardees for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP). This $75 million competitive grant program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's effort to boost small business growth, particularly focusing on underserved and very small businesses. The initiative aims to connect these businesses with financing opportunities in key sectors such as electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor production, construction, transportation, and...


Homeland Security honors 350 employees at annual awards ceremony

On October 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., where 350 employees were honored with a Secretary’s Award for their contributions to the department's mission.


HUD charges New Hampshire property owners with disability discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has brought charges against Good Team Realty LLC, Jack O Cohen Revocable Trust, and Jack Cohen, alleging disability discrimination in their New Hampshire rental properties. The charge claims that these entities violated the Fair Housing Act by not negotiating with or showing apartments to potential tenants who required assistance animals due to disabilities.


Import cargo remains strong despite recent port strike

Imports at major U.S. container ports are expected to remain strong this October, despite a recent strike that temporarily halted operations from Maine to Texas. This information comes from the Global Port Tracker report, released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.


Blinken visits Laos for ASEAN meetings focusing on regional cooperation

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to visit Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) from October 8 to 11. During his visit, he will represent the United States at the ASEAN and related leaders’ meetings.


Netflix reveals top-viewed shows and films for late September

Erin Foster's semi-autobiographical romantic comedy, "Nobody Wants This," has climbed to the top position on the English TV List with 15.9 million views in its second week. The series, featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, has captivated audiences who continue to revisit their favorite scenes.


NH Learning Solutions settles $975K false claims suit over GI Bill benefits

The Justice Department has announced that NH Learning Solutions Corp. (NHLS) will pay $975,000 to settle allegations of submitting false claims for educational benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The suit was filed in December 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.


Lorrie Cranor joins CDT Board as expert in privacy technology

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has announced the addition of Dr. Lorrie Cranor to its Board of Directors. Dr. Cranor is recognized for her expertise in privacy, security, and public policy and is currently part of the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University.


Crypto.com sues SEC over alleged jurisdictional overreach

Crypto.com has initiated legal action against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), claiming that the agency has overstepped its regulatory boundaries. The lawsuit, representing over 50 million American cryptocurrency holders, challenges what it sees as an unlawful expansion of the SEC's jurisdiction.


Biden-Harris Administration mandates nationwide replacement of all lead pipes within a decade

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule requiring the replacement of lead pipes within ten years. This initiative, part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandates drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes, conduct more rigorous testing, and improve community communication about lead risks in drinking water.


Consumer Technology Association announces new executive board for 2025

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced the election of its 2025 Executive Board (EB) and Board of Industry Leaders (BIL). The EB serves as CTA's governing board, while the BIL is a group of industry executives who provide advice on CTA policies and events, including CES.