News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


G7 summit addresses AI market competition challenges

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department's Antitrust Division recently participated in a summit with G7 enforcement partners to address competition challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI). The event, known as the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit, focused on ensuring fair competition in AI technologies, products, and applications.


Congressional leaders urge Biden to act on detainees in China

The Chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley, have issued a letter to President Biden.


Blinken reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine in call with Foreign Minister Sybiha

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion focused on the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.


Experts discuss bridging gaps between child safety research and policy

Last week, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) hosted a symposium to discuss child safety online. The event brought together academics, researchers, digital rights advocates, and government representatives to explore how research can inform policy decisions in this area.


Labor Secretary Su comments on September jobs report showing economic growth

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su has released a statement regarding the September 2024 Employment Situation report. The report indicates that the U.S. economy added 254,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate decreasing to 4.1 percent. According to Su, "With an average of 186,000 jobs added over the past three months, it’s clear that people who need a job are finding a job."


Biden-Harris Administration supports Latino workforce through education partnerships

Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has reported the creation of nearly 16 million jobs, with unemployment among Latinos reaching a record low. Latino entrepreneurs have been starting new businesses at an unprecedented rate in over 25 years. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves participated in events that highlighted these achievements. They emphasized the administration's dedication to fostering a skilled and diverse workforce for future generations of Latinos.


Boston marks cleanup milestones at Lower Neponset River sites

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Boston city officials have marked significant milestones in the cleanup efforts at the Lower Neponset River, specifically focusing on the Lewis Chemical Site and Riverside Square PCB Site in Hyde Park. The event was attended by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Undersecretary Stephanie Cooper, MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, and other local partners.


Labor Department allocates $5M for disaster relief jobs after Hurricane Helene

The U.S. Department of Labor has approved up to $5 million in emergency grant funding for Florida to support disaster-relief jobs and training services in response to Hurricane Helene. This initiative targets 31 counties affected by the hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26, 2024, at Dekle Beach in Taylor County.


Facebook unveils local tab, AI tools, video updates at Austin event

Facebook has announced a series of updates and new features for its platform and Messenger at the Facebook IRL event in Austin. These changes aim to enhance user experience by fostering connections and facilitating content discovery.


Justice Department awards $84M in grants to tribal communities

The Justice Department has allocated 152 grants to 90 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, totaling over $84 million. These funds are distributed through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) program.


U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases August statistics

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents encountered 58,000 undocumented migrants along the Southwest border in August, according to a September 16 news release.


U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration attends 38th International Drug Enforcement Conference

The Hellenic Republic Ministry of Citizen Protection and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) presided over a conference, which convened drug enforcement officials from more than 130 countries, as said in a news release dated September 27.


Local opposition driving rejections of wind and solar nationwide

As the federal government is ramping up support for renewable energy through subsidies and mandates, local opposition continues to bring rejection of renewables, particularly at the county and city levels.


United States and Gabon outline plans for enhanced bilateral cooperation

The United States and the Republic of Gabon have issued a joint statement marking 64 years of diplomatic relations and outlining plans to enhance their partnership. The announcement emphasizes collaboration in economic, environmental, and security sectors.


EPA Region 7 invites public to virtual environmental justice stakeholder meeting

EPA Region 7 has announced a virtual Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting scheduled for October 17. The meeting, open to residents of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations, will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.


Justice Department hosts AI symposium focusing on cybercrime strategies

The Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) recently co-hosted a symposium focused on artificial intelligence at the Department of Justice. The event took place in Washington, D.C., at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on October 2.


App Association welcomes CMA's approval of Amazon's investment in Anthropic

ACT | The App Association has expressed its views on the UK Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) recent decision regarding Amazon's £3 billion investment in Anthropic. Stephen Tulip, the UK Country Manager for ACT | The App Association, issued a statement addressing the CMA's ruling.


ITI outlines strategy to enhance Europe's cybersecurity capabilities

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has released its strategic priorities and recommendations aimed at enhancing Europe's cybersecurity capabilities. This announcement comes as Europe navigates a complex geopolitical and security environment, underscoring the importance of effectively implementing the EU's extensive cybersecurity rulebook to safeguard digital infrastructure.


ITI announces scholars for 2024 Diversity Leadership Program

Global tech trade association ITI has announced the scholars for its 2024 Diversity Leadership Program. This initiative is designed to support professionals from underrepresented groups in the tech industry. The program offers a year-long development journey aimed at enhancing participants' visibility and presence in the industry through mentorship, executive training, and thought leadership opportunities.


EPA invites input on regulating perchlorate in drinking water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reaching out to small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit entities for participation in the development of a new regulation on perchlorate in drinking water. The agency is inviting these groups to act as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) and provide input to a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel.