News published on Federal Newswire in September 2024

News from September 2024


Attorney General Garland marks 30th anniversary of COPS Office with new funding announcements

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks on September 17, 2024, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). He began by acknowledging an ongoing FBI investigation into an apparent assassination attempt against a former official in Florida, emphasizing the Justice Department's commitment to thoroughly investigating the matter.


Rebel Ridge' leads weekly viewership; 'The Perfect Couple' tops English TV list

Jeremy Saulnier’s high-velocity thriller "Rebel Ridge" maintained its position at the top with 38.6 million views, making it the most-watched title of the week. The film stars Aaron Pierre, who delivers a standout performance as a former ex-Marine navigating small-town corruption.


US Department of Labor resolves labor rights dispute at Mexican parts maker

The United States and Mexico have announced the successful resolution of a Rapid Response Mechanism petition alleging workers’ rights were denied at Impro Industries, a parts manufacturer in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.


House passes supplemental bill addressing $3B shortfall in veteran benefits

The House of Representatives has passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, allocating $3 billion in mandatory funding to address a shortfall in veteran benefits. The measure was approved by voice vote.


EPA recognizes three companies for pollution prevention efforts

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Awards to Vallourec Star and Avantor Solon Manufacturing Center in Ohio, and GEOTEK in Minnesota. These companies were recognized for their efforts in reducing, eliminating, or preventing pollution at the source.


BlackRock partners with tech giants on new $100 billion AI investment initiative

NEW YORK, REDMOND, WA, AND ABU DHABI — September 17, 2024 – The drive to develop more powerful AI capabilities will require significant infrastructure investment. Today, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Microsoft, and MGX announced the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP) to invest in new and expanded data centers to meet growing demand for computing power and energy infrastructure. These investments will be primarily in the United States and partner countries.


EPA announces winners of the 2024 Green Power Leadership Awards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the 2024 Green Power Leadership Awards on September 17, honoring four organizations for their contributions to green power: Microsoft Corporation, MilliporeSigma, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Signature Aviation. These organizations have been recognized for their efforts in advancing green power procurement and demonstrating replicable projects that contribute to a pollution-free electricity sector.


Justice Department supports voter registration efforts on National Voter Registration Day

When signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson called on leaders to register voters and to use the courts if necessary to defend the right.


Lawmakers urge inclusion of Coast Guard sites under CFIUS jurisdiction

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), have urged U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to include U.S. Coast Guard facilities and other sensitive sites under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). In their letter, they also requested that CFIUS reviews be held retroactively when a site is newly added to CFIUS’s list of sensitive sites.


Ted Sarandos emphasizes UK's pivotal role in global TV & film industry

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, delivered a keynote address at the Royal Television Society London Convention 2024 on September 17. Reflecting on his previous appearance in 2016 when he introduced the first trailer for "The Crown," Sarandos highlighted the series' success and its role in showcasing British talent.


National Restaurant Association responds to TIPS Act proposal

Washington, D.C. – Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for Public Policy at the National Restaurant Association, released a statement on the introduction of the TIPS Act. The proposed legislation aims to end taxes on tips while also eliminating the tipped wage for servers and bartenders.


Retail sales show modest growth amid easing inflation

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that retail sales continued to grow in August, driven by rising wages amid falling inflation, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.


HHS reports progress on national strategy supporting family caregivers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Community Living (ACL), has submitted a progress report to Congress on the federal implementation of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The strategy outlines a vision, establishes goals, and provides recommendations to ensure family caregivers receive necessary support and resources. It includes commitments from 15 federal agencies to nearly 350 actions, most of which are either completed or in progress, with almost 40 new actions added since the strategy's release.


10th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit set for September in Washington D.C

Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress will host the 10th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit on September 23 and 24. This two-day event aims to bring together advocates, survivors, policymakers, students, religious leaders, doctors, and other stakeholders to discuss significant challenges and opportunities in the gun violence prevention movement.


Deputy Attorney General celebrates 30th anniversary of COPS Office

On September 17, 2024, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks on the 30th anniversary of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) in the Great Hall. In her speech, Monaco highlighted the significant contributions and achievements of the COPS Office since its inception in 1994.


Secretary Blinken discusses democracy with Venezuelan opposition leaders

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado


Instagram introduces Teen Accounts with enhanced protections

Today, Instagram introduced Teen Accounts, a new experience designed for teenagers and guided by parents. These accounts feature built-in protections that limit contact and content exposure, while also allowing teens to explore their interests. Teens under 16 will require parental permission to alter these settings.


Deputy Secretary Graves addresses inaugural International Open RAN Symposium

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves addressed the International Open RAN Symposium in Golden, Colorado, marking a significant event organized by the Department of Commerce. He began by expressing gratitude to NTIA’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and its international affairs office for facilitating the symposium.


Cardiology practices settle allegations over inflated Medicare reimbursements totaling $17.7 million

Sixteen cardiology practices and associated physicians across 12 states have agreed to pay a total of $17,761,564 to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act.


Brad Close discusses importance of making 20% Small Business Deduction permanent

NFIB President Brad Close recently discussed the significance of the 20% Small Business Deduction on The Lars Larson Show. During the interview, Close emphasized how this tax provision benefits middle-class small business owners by enabling them to grow their businesses, hire employees, raise wages, and contribute to their communities.