News published on Federal Newswire in September 2024

News from September 2024


California CEO sentenced over distribution of unapproved stem cell drug

The founder and chief executive officer of a California-based company that marketed stem cell-based products allegedly linked to 19 hospitalizations was sentenced today to 36 months in prison following his conviction under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.


Blinken meets Iraqi Deputy PM Hussein to discuss regional stability

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Hussein today in Washington D.C. On the occasion of the D-ISIS Ministerial, Secretary Blinken emphasized the ongoing U.S. commitment to defeating ISIS globally to ensure greater security and stability.


FTC bans John B. Hess from joining Chevron board amid acquisition deal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a proposed consent order to address antitrust concerns related to Chevron Corporation's acquisition of Hess Corporation. The order prohibits Chevron from appointing Hess CEO John B. Hess to its Board of Directors.


Former California man sentenced for attempting murder outside LA synagogues

A former California resident has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for shooting and wounding two Jewish men last year as they left religious services in Los Angeles. Jaime Tran, 30, previously of Riverside, pleaded guilty on June 3 to two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.


Secretary Blinken congratulates Tuvalu on its National Day

On September 30, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement congratulating the people of Tuvalu on the occasion of their National Day. The celebration marks the 46th anniversary of Tuvalu's independence on October 1, 2024.


Panasonic CEO Yuki Kusumi announced as CES 2025 keynote speaker

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that Yuki Kusumi, Group CEO of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, will be an opening keynote speaker at CES 2025. Mr. Kusumi and CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio are set to discuss the event's expectations during a presentation in Tokyo, Japan.


Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to speak at NRF's Retail’s Big Show

Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon will join NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay for a fireside chat on January 14 at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show. The event will take place in New York City from January 12-14.


EPA settles with Ameresco Palmetto over hazardous waste violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Ameresco Palmetto, LLC (Ameresco) of Wellford, South Carolina, regarding alleged violations of hazardous waste management laws at its facility in the state.


Global Coalition reaffirms commitment on tenth anniversary

Ten years after the formation of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Senior Officials convened in Washington, D.C., today at the invitation of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The coalition remains committed to defeating Daesh/ISIS wherever it operates.


HUD announces aid measures after Hurricane Helene impacts South Carolina

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for South Carolina, following Hurricane Helene's impact starting on September 25, 2024. This action follows President Biden's major disaster declaration for several counties in the state.


Special Envoy Perriello travels to Kenya and Ethiopia for Sudan peace talks

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello is set to travel to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, beginning on September 29. The visit aims to further diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and engage with Sudanese refugees and civilian leaders on restoring a path to an inclusive democratic future.


Blinken discusses Middle East conflicts with French foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on September 29, 2024. The conversation focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. They discussed advancing the political process and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.


Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand to attend conferences in Warsaw

On September 30, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand will travel to Warsaw, Poland, to participate in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC) and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF). She will meet with senior officials, civil society members, and human rights defenders to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in U.S. foreign policy.


US and UK defense leaders discuss Middle East situation

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence John Healey to discuss the situation in the Middle East, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


Governor Newsom vetoes stringent CA AI regulation bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed S.B. 1047, a bill that would have introduced stringent AI regulations and extensive compliance burdens on companies developing large-scale AI models. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent science and technology policy think tank, responded with a statement from Vice President Daniel Castro.


Pentagon outlines military readiness amid rising tensions in Middle East

Secretary Austin has been receiving updates and providing guidance to his team throughout the weekend on the latest developments in the Middle East. He and Department of Defense (DoD) leaders remain focused on protecting U.S. citizens and forces in the region, defending Israel, and de-escalating the situation through deterrence and diplomacy. Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.


U.S. affirms support for Israel amid Lebanon tensions

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held two conversations with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding the situation in Lebanon, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


U.S. issues Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon amid rising security concerns

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country due to an increasingly volatile and unpredictable security situation. This update follows the ordered departure of non-mission-employed eligible family members (EFMs) and authorized departure for mission-employed EFMs and non-essential U.S. direct hire (USDH) employees.


Defense Secretary Austin reaffirms support for Israel in call with Yoav Gallant

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on September 28, 2024.


KT Corporation partners with Microsoft Corp. to drive ai innovation in South Korea

KT Corporation and Microsoft Corp. have announced a five-year multibillion-dollar partnership aimed at accelerating AI innovation in Korea. This collaboration involves KT investing in AI, cloud technologies, and IT business while Microsoft commits resources to infrastructure and personnel. The partnership is designed to advance KT’s AI and ICT transformation and boost AI services in Korea.