News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Heritage Foundation appoints Steve Yates as senior research fellow for China policy

The Heritage Foundation has announced the appointment of Steve Yates as a senior research fellow for China and National Security Policy at the Davis Institute’s Asian Studies Center. Yates previously served at The Heritage Foundation as a senior policy analyst from 1996 to 2001, during which he was awarded the W. Glenn and Rita Ricardo Campbell Award.


NFIB encourages small businesses to vote for supportive candidates

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is urging small business owners to participate actively in the upcoming election.


HUD begins updates on multifamily housing management handbook

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has initiated a process to update its Multifamily Asset Management and Project Servicing Handbook. This marks the first comprehensive revision since 1992. The department is also seeking public feedback to enhance the implementation and operational efficiency of multifamily projects for its internal asset management team, property owners, and managers.


Justice Department unveils strategic approach to countering cybercrime

Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Head of the Criminal Division, addressed a symposium organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Her remarks focused on the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence in law enforcement.


Rep. Davidson announces Evaluating DeFi Opportunities Act

Ohio State Representative Warren Davidson has announced the Evaluating DeFi Opportunities Act, which mandates that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Secretary of the Treasury conduct a study on decentralized finance (DeFi). This legislation aims to explore the potential and regulatory implications of DeFi.


Mexican Cartel Activity Spreading to the U.S.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Mexican drug cartels are the primary suppliers of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl to the United States. The DEA's 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment named fentanyl the deadliest drug in U.S. history.


New class of military veterans join HERO Corps

The Sept. 12 graduation of 28 new computer forensic analysts was the largest to date, according to the DHS HSI news release. All of the graduates are military veterans.


Mexican cartel leader convicted for drug trafficking, firearms

Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez, known as El Menchito, was convicted of conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other charges, according to a Sept. 24 news release from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).


House Foreign Affairs Committee advances resolution urging Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a resolution, with amendments, calling on Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance executive currently detained in the country.


US Department of Labor partners with NJDOL on new child labor law enforcement

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development have initiated a joint strategic enforcement initiative to address violations of federal and state child labor laws. This effort aims to prevent children from working in hazardous jobs, which is a priority for both agencies.


US congratulates Claudia Sheinbaum on Mexican presidential inauguration

The United States has extended its congratulations to Claudia Sheinbaum on her inauguration as President of Mexico. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement recognizing the significance of the democratic process in Mexico and acknowledging the historic nature of this event.


U.S. Department of Energy addresses labor disputes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports

The Administration is taking action to monitor and address potential impacts on consumers of labor disputes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. The strike at these ports will not impact crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, and other liquid fuel exports and imports, as such operations are handled by other workers. Therefore, the strike will not have any immediate impact on fuel supplies or prices.


Education Secretary appoints new members to National Assessment Governing Board

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the appointment of six education leaders to the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the Nation's Report Card. The new members include Danielle Gonzales and Jared Solomon, while four current members have been reappointed.


VA proposes grant program for veteran legal services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed a new grant program to assist veterans and former service members in upgrading their military discharge status and accessing VA benefits. This initiative aims to fund entities that provide legal support, helping veterans improve their military records or seek a review before correction boards.


Meta announces winners of European AI startup program

Meta, Hugging Face, and Scaleway have announced the winners of the “European AI Startup Program” at STATION F. This initiative aims to stimulate European entrepreneurship and foster innovation.


Austin speaks with Gallant after Iranian missile attack on Israel

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The call followed what was described as an "outrageous act of aggression" by Iran against Israel.


USDA announces $1.7 billion investment in locally produced foods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1.7 billion investment to purchase locally and regionally produced foods for emergency food assistance. This funding, facilitated by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), aims to support American producers by providing access to local and regional markets and the financial benefits of selling directly to institutions. The initiative also ensures that American children and families in need have access to healthy food at schools, child care facilities, and emergency food providers.


U.S., Israeli defense chiefs discuss potential Iranian threat

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, held on October 1, 2024. The discussion focused on the threat of an imminent Iranian attack against Israel.


Global tech trade group outlines strategy for EU sustainability goals

BRUSSELS – The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has presented its Tech Sector Vision on EU Sustainability Strategy. This initiative aims to harness the potential of technology to achieve the European Union's environmental goals in the upcoming mandate.


US imposes sanctions on two Israeli individuals linked to West Bank violence

The Department of State has announced sanctions on two Israeli individuals, citing their actions as contributing to violence and instability in the West Bank. These measures are part of efforts to address activities that undermine peace, security, and stability in the region.