News published on Federal Newswire in September 2024

News from September 2024


FTC targets Invitation Homes for deceptive practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action against Invitation Homes, the largest landlord of single-family homes in the United States, for several unlawful practices. These include deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed fees, failing to inspect homes before residents moved in, and unfairly withholding security deposits.


U.S. and Vietnam enhance cybersecurity cooperation under strategic partnership

Ahead of President Joseph R. Biden’s meeting with Vietnam General Secretary and President To Lam during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, the U.S. Department of State has highlighted new progress on opportunities for cooperation under the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).


Blinken meets with Angolan president in New York

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Angolan President Joao Lourenco today in New York City. The meeting underscored the growing importance of the U.S.-Angola partnership, highlighted by President Biden’s upcoming trip to Angola.


VA surpasses goal: Over 43K veterans housed this fiscal year

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has housed 43,116 veterans experiencing homelessness between October 2023 and August 2024. This achievement surpasses its fiscal year 2024 goal of housing 41,000 veterans, one month before the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, VA reported that 96.3% of these veterans have not returned to homelessness and engaged with 38,476 unsheltered veterans to provide necessary housing and services.


Homeland Security Committee report says cartels control southwest border

The House Homeland Security Committee Majority released a report titled, "Crisis By Design: A Comprehensive Look at the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unprecedented Border Crisis," which said that cartels have control of the border. The report was published on September 18.


Public transit and Uber partner to reroute urban mobility

Rideshare giant Uber is forming partnerships with public transit agencies across the United States in an effort to bridge transportation gaps, expand access, and reduce costs in urban areas.


NRF Foundation launches conflict de-escalation training for retail workers

The NRF Foundation has introduced a new Customer Conflict De-escalation training program aimed at front-line retail employees. This initiative is part of the RISE Up educational training program, which seeks to create a safe and positive environment for both retail workers and customers.


House passes resolution repealing EPA vehicle emissions standards

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed approval for the recent passage of H.J.Res. 136 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution aims to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule on light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards.


Fielding Graduate University's Wendi S. Williams elected American Psychological Association President

Wendi S. Williams, PhD, provost and senior vice president at Fielding Graduate University, has been elected the 2026 president of the American Psychological Association (APA).


Justice Department updates guidelines on corporate compliance programs

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri addressed the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) at their 23rd Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute, highlighting the Department of Justice's efforts to hold companies accountable for corporate crime.


Commerce Deputy Secretary meets with Dutch Economic Affairs Minister

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves met with Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Dirk Beljaarts in Washington, D.C. today. The meeting focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between the United States and the Netherlands.


James B Nutter agrees $2 4m settlement over false federal mortgage insurance claims

James B. Nutter & Company, a former mortgage lender based in Kansas City, Missouri, has agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. The company allegedly underwrote Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet program eligibility requirements.


HUD charges Florida property owner with disability discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged Tallahassee housing providers Greenbriar Partners, LLC, Jackson Properties and Financial Services, LLC, and Erwin D. Jackson with violating the Fair Housing Act. The charge stems from their alleged failure to grant a tenant with a disability a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal.


Blinken emphasizes digital governance at UN General Assembly event

Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the Freedom Online Coalition Ministerial Event on AI for Humanity during the UN General Assembly's High-Level Week. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of digital governance and international cooperation in protecting human rights online.


EPA proposes settlements over illegal discharges on Tutuila Island

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced proposed settlement agreements with Paramount Builders, Inc. and Continental Transport Corporation over Clean Water Act violations on Tutuila Island, American Samoa.


EFF challenges Texas' HB 1181 at Supreme Court

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), along with the Woodhull Freedom Foundation and TechFreedom, has called on the Supreme Court to invalidate Texas' HB 1181. This law mandates age verification for access to online sexual content, which the organizations argue infringes on constitutional rights.


Blinken addresses launch of Friends of Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty at UN

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed a high-level meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2024. The event marked the launch of the Friends of Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty group.


DoD commits $500 million annually for advancing women's health research

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced new initiatives to address health disparities faced by women, including conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect them. This effort is part of the broader mission to support the health of women service members, veterans, and beneficiaries. The DoD aims to enhance medical readiness and aligns with the President's Executive Order on Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation.


Commerce Secretary welcomes new Indo-Pacific economic framework agreements set for mid-October

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and ministers from 13 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partners held their third Ministerial meeting this year to discuss IPEF Pillars II, III, and IV. During the virtual meeting, Secretary Raimondo noted the progress made since the last meeting in Singapore in June 2024. She highlighted steps taken by the partners to build resilient supply chains, transition to clean economies, and level the playing field for businesses.


Antony J. Blinken calls for reform at Summit of Future

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the Summit of the Future at the UN Headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2024. During his remarks, Blinken emphasized the urgent need for support, reform, and revitalization to fulfill the United Nations' crucial purpose.