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EPA intensifies efforts against illegal hydrofluorocarbon imports

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Enforcement Alert under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) to address the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This action is part of a broader effort to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to global warming.


Economy ‘on cusp’ of soft landing with recession unlikely says NRF economist

WASHINGTON – With the economy slowing but still growing and inflation down as the Federal Reserve prepares to lower interest rates, the United States appears to have dodged a recession, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.


CDT joins amicus brief supporting user empowerment in Zuckerman v. Meta

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined an amicus brief led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California and the Electronic Frontier Foundation in support of Professor Ethan Zuckerman’s challenge against Meta.


United States announces new $250 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States is providing a new $250 million package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to its Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks.


Justice Department announces new measures against machine gun conversion devices

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco addressed a gathering organized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to combat the production and spread of unlawful machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). In her remarks, she extended sympathies to those affected by a recent school shooting in Georgia.


Defense Science Board releases study on climate change's impact on global security

The Defense Science Board (DSB) has posted a 2023 Summer Study report on Climate Change and Global Security. The report provides a high-level overview of how a changing climate may directly or indirectly affect regions of the world, presenting new challenges for improving global security and addressing potential conflict.


Leader sentenced for orchestrating $110M stolen identity tax refund scheme

Abraham Yusuff, of Round Rock, Texas — the leader of a scheme to defraud the IRS of over $110 million — was sentenced today to more than 14 years in prison. Meghan Inyang, of San Antonio, and Christopher Eduardo, of Round Rock, two of Yusuff’s co-defendants, were also sentenced today to over three years and over two years in prison, respectively. In total, seven individuals have now been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the scheme.


Deputy Secretary Campbell to visit Europe for strategic dialogues

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will travel to Belgium, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Iceland from September 9-13.


Acting Secretary of Labor comments on August employment figures

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su issued a statement regarding the August 2024 Employment Situation report, highlighting key developments in the U.S. labor market.


Biden-Harris administration progresses on Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris administration moved closer to designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary with the release of a final environmental impact statement. The new sanctuary along 116 miles of the central California coast aims to protect this ecosystem from offshore oil expansion, acoustic testing, and other threats while generating an estimated $23 million in economic activity and 600 new jobs for the local community.


House Republicans introduce bill addressing veteran benefit shortfalls

House Appropriations Committee Member Mike Garcia (R-CA), along with House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Judge Carter (R-TX), Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao (R-CA), and House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), have introduced the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill aims to ensure uninterrupted veteran benefits and hold the Administration accountable for budgeting...


New Mexico launches federal program to improve energy efficiency

Los hogares de Nuevo México pueden recibir hasta $14,000 a través del programa de Programas de Reembolso de Energía para el Hogar para ahorrar energía y dinero en actualizaciones de eficiencia energética para el hogar.


19 charged in Boston gang sweep

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced charges against members of two different Boston gangs for financial fraud and drug conspiracy, according to a news release issued on August 30.


Department of Defense awards $25.8 million to bolster radiation-hardened microelectronics supply chain

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today a $25.8 million award to Honeywell in Plymouth, Minnesota, to produce or acquire trusted strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics. The Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) award provides an assured capability of essential DoD components for operation in radiation environments. This effort supports the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy to expand domestic production and increase supply chain resilience.


United States and Peru resume defense discussions after over a decade

On September 6, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Ms. Jana Nelson, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.–Peru Defense Bilateral Working Group (DBWG) with her Peruvian Co-Chair, Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo. The meeting took place at the Peruvian Army Headquarters in Lima, Peru. This was the first U.S.–Peru DBWG held since 2011.


The Digital Chamber: Certain NFTs 'should be outside of the SEC’s jurisdiction'

The Digital Chamber (TDC) stated that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sending a notice of an upcoming enforcement action to OpenSea is a regulatory overreach. TDC shared its statement in an August 28 post on its website.


Assistant Secretary Bitter to review visa operations in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait City, Kuwait, from September 6-10, 2024. During her trip, the Assistant Secretary will review visa operations and services for U.S. citizens. This visit underscores the Department of State’s longstanding commitment to the protection of U.S. citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the United States.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $43.5 million for Western U.S. water storage projects

The Department of the Interior has announced the availability of up to $43.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for small water storage projects aimed at creating new sources of water for communities in the West. Surface water and groundwater storage are critical tools for managing limited water supplies, which are increasingly strained by climate change. These projects aim to enhance water management flexibility, improve supply reliability, and bolster community resilience.


Medical device company settles false claims act allegations for $700K

Medical device manufacturer THD America Inc., based in Natick, Massachusetts, and its corporate parent, THD SpA of Italy (collectively referred to as THD), have agreed to pay $700,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act. The allegations concern the use of incorrect codes by physicians to secure inflated reimbursements from Medicare and State Medicaid programs for the Slide One Kit (the Kit), a hemorrhoid removal system.


Indiana man sentenced for sexually exploiting children

An Indiana man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in prison for possessing and creating images of child sexual abuse.