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US hosts event at UN General Assembly on security progress in Haiti

On September 25, 2024, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield hosted an event during the 79th UN General Assembly to highlight the progress of the Haitian National Police in restoring security in Haiti. This effort is supported by the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.


Report criticizes AI developers for neglecting third-party safeguards

In the past six months, AI developers have not significantly improved third-party safeguards, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP). This follow-up review examined the external-facing policies of six major AI developers: OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta. The findings indicate that none of these companies have implemented the changes recommended by CAP.


FTC Chair Khan and Sen. Luján discuss consumer rights at CAP event

The Center for American Progress (CAP) hosted a discussion today with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The event focused on enhancing competition and providing consumers with more choices. Chair Khan discussed the FTC's initiatives to halt anticompetitive practices in various industries, including efforts against price-fixing in rental housing and the elimination of junk fees for concert tickets and delivery services.


Labor Department awards $6.5M for farmworker housing solutions

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $6.5 million in National Farmworker Jobs Program Housing Services Grants to assist seven organizations across eight states in providing housing solutions for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents.


Meta unveils budget-friendly mixed reality headset Meta Quest 3S

Today at Connect, Meta unveiled the Meta Quest 3S, a mixed reality headset priced at $299.99 USD. This new device offers similar capabilities and performance as the Meta Quest 3 but at a lower cost, targeting newcomers to mixed reality and those seeking an affordable upgrade from previous models.


Treasury Deputy Secretary discusses principles for responsible participation in voluntary carbon markets

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo recently spoke on the topic of Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) at an event hosted by the Global Carbon Market Utility, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM), and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative. In his remarks, Adeyemo highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts in addressing climate change over the past three and a half years.


EPA honors leaders in freight industry for environmental performance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized 47 truck carriers and freight shippers for their leadership in supply chain, environmental, and energy efficiency with the annual SmartWay Excellence Awards. The awards were announced at a virtual ceremony attended by EPA's SmartWay Partners, affiliates, key stakeholders, and media.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $9.9M for abandoned mine cleanup in Colorado

The Department of the Interior has announced over $9.9 million in fiscal year 2024 funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to address abandoned mine lands (AML) in Colorado. This initiative aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while addressing environmental issues.


Justice Department announces nearly $30M in grants against hate crimes

The Department of Justice has announced nearly $30 million in grant funding to combat the rise in hate and bias crimes. The funding, distributed through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will support law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, national civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders. These grants aim to improve the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, solve cold cases, serve victims, and support related research.


AIA urges Congress for long-term funding after continuing resolution passage

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning commended Congress for passing a continuing resolution that maintains key functions, including the Department of Defense (DOD), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).


Biden administration awards nearly $17 million for clean energy projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the latest recipients of awards from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This round will distribute $16.9 million to 22 local governments and the state of New York to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower overall energy use.


TechNet supports legislation to establish permanent AI Safety Institute

TechNet has announced its support for the Future of AI Innovation Act and the AI Advancement and Reliability Act. These bills aim to establish the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI) within NIST permanently. The AISI focuses on developing standardized metrics for frontier AI, improving testing and validation methods, and supporting global coordination on AI safety issues.


Interior Department announces $254 million investment in local parks

The Department of the Interior has announced a historic investment from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). The National Park Service (NPS) will allocate $254.68 million to 54 projects across 24 states for the redevelopment or creation of local parks.


CCIA argues against Texas social media law in Fifth Circuit

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and its co-plaintiff NetChoice have returned to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas. This marks their first brief since the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that online speech deserves First Amendment protection. The court has requested further briefing on how CCIA and NetChoice should proceed with their First Amendment challenge to Texas HB20 and a similar Florida law, SB7072, following the Supreme Court's finding that Texas has likely violated the Constitution but that the scope of the challenge may need adjustment.


House committee advances bipartisan bill targeting international trade crimes

The House Judiciary Committee has passed the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act with unanimous support. The bill, introduced by Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), aims to combat trade crimes such as fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment often committed by Chinese companies. The legislation directs the Department of Justice to establish a new structure dedicated to prosecuting international trade crimes.


EPA signs pact with airport authority over PFAS in Tuscon's main aquifer

Responding to the urgent threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Tucson aquifer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into an agreement with Tucson Airport Authority. This agreement aims to address contamination from the airport property, aiming to combat an ongoing threat to a primary drinking water source for the city of Tucson.


Biden-Harris administration awards $71M in grants to improve job quality

The Biden-Harris administration has announced the allocation of approximately $71 million in grants aimed at improving job quality, expanding access to good jobs in critical sectors, and preparing workers for new employment opportunities. This funding is part of the administration's Investing in America agenda.


USDA highlights advancements in equity during final national convening

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its Final Equity Convening in Washington, D.C., to mark the achievements of the USDA Equity Commission and highlight progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration. The event, held at USDA Headquarters, was the culmination of a series of equity summits and regional convenings aimed at emphasizing equity and inclusion within USDA programs.


United States announces new $375 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States has announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine valued at $375 million. This aid comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against ongoing attacks from Russia.


EPA settles with meat company over chemical risk violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement with Mountain Meadows Lamb Corporation, operating as Superior Farms, Inc. This resolves alleged violations of toxic chemical-related regulations at the company's North Denver meat processing facility located at 4900 Clarkson Street, Denver, Colorado.