News and reports from the .

Netflix offered an exclusive preview of its upcoming South African programming and global titles set for release by the end of 2024 at MIP Africa in Cape Town. Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of Content for the Middle East and Africa, presented a diverse slate that underscores Netflix's commitment to delivering authentic local stories from South Africa across various formats and genres.

Civil society urges EU regulation on spyware

CDT Europe has published a joint statement with a coalition of civil society organizations, urging EU institutions to regulate spyware technologies in the new legislative term.

Labor Department recovers $450K for Honolulu air cargo workers

The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered over $450,000 from a Honolulu air cargo carrier that failed to pay 250 employees their full wages and benefits while fulfilling a $113 million U.S. Postal Service contract to transport mail between airports in Hawaii.

Former NYS official charged with acting as an agent for China

An indictment was unsealed today charging Linda Sun, 41, with violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, bringing in aliens, and money laundering conspiracy. Sun is alleged to have acted on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sun’s husband and co-defendant, Chris Hu, 40, was also charged with money laundering conspiracy, as well as conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification. Sun and Hu were arrested earlier this morning and were arraigned in...

Secretary Blinken congratulates Malaysia on National Day

On August 31, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement congratulating the people of Malaysia on their National Day.

DEA announces indictments of 12 for murder, drug trafficking and more

Individuals from Florida, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico were charged in four indictments. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced this in a news release on August 23.

US seizes aircraft linked to Nicolás Maduro over export control violations

The Justice Department has announced the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and associated individuals in Venezuela. The aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and transferred to the Southern District of Florida at the request of the United States, based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

Ex parte meeting on unfair fees rulemaking between Commissioner Ferguson and towing association

Commissioner Ferguson and the Towing and Recovery Association of America will participate in an ex parte meeting on the Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rulemaking. This meeting is closed to the public.

Border Intelligence Expert: Cartels represent the 'most significant National Security and Public Safety Threat'

Border intelligence expert Jaeson Jones stated that cartels are the "most significant National Security and Public Safety Threat" facing the United States. Jones made this statement in a post on X on August 26.

America First Policy Institute: Migrant Children Smuggled & Trafficked at the Southern Border up 175%

An America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released a fact sheet titled "Border by the Numbers" comparing statistics regarding the border to the previous administration, which shows an increase in the smuggling and trafficking of migrant children. AFPI released the fact sheet on August 21.

Hearing scheduled for W. Bret Calhoun under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled before Administrative Law Judge Dania L. Ayoubi in the matter of W. Bret Calhoun, Docket 9430. The hearing will take place on August 29, 2024.

Netflix announces production of 'Mantis,' spin-off film from 'Kill Boksoon

Netflix has confirmed the production of "Mantis" (WT), an action film following Mantis, an ace assassin returning to a chaotic hired killer industry after a vacation. Upon reentering this anarchic world, Mantis encounters Jae-yi, his fellow trainee and rival, and Dok-go, a retired legendary killer. All three characters are vying for the top spot among killers.

Secretary Austin discusses Gaza hostages and West Bank violence with Israeli defense minister

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided a readout of the call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.

Kinship Care Month recognized by Secretary Xavier Becerra

Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement on September 1, 2024, marking Kinship Care Month. He emphasized the importance of children being with their families and acknowledged the challenges many families face due to persistent poverty and inequality, particularly those from underserved rural areas and communities of color.

Special Representative Fay Rodríguez to visit Germany for labor rights discussions

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Kelly Fay Rodríguez will travel to Berlin, Germany from September 1-5 to promote President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing Workers’ Rights, Empowerment, and High Labor Standards Globally.

HHS officials highlight initiatives during National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, released statements to mark September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

U.S. extends congratulations on Slovakia's 32nd national Constitution Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the government and people of Slovakia as you celebrate your 32nd national Constitution Day.

U.S. extends greetings to Vietnam on its National Day