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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.


EPA partners with AmeriCorps to launch Environmental Justice Climate Corps

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and AmeriCorps have announced the launch of the Environmental Justice Climate Corps, a new initiative introduced as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps. This announcement was made on September 25 during Climate Week NYC.


FTC targets deceptive use of artificial intelligence in new crackdown

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a crackdown on deceptive claims and schemes involving artificial intelligence (AI) through its new law enforcement sweep, Operation AI Comply. The FTC is taking action against several companies accused of using AI to engage in deceptive or unfair practices that harm consumers.


Biden administration addresses concerns over information blocking rules

The Biden administration is set to clarify information blocking rules, addressing concerns raised by the American Medical Association (AMA). In a letter, the AMA expressed support for clear exceptions that allow patients to request physicians deliver life-changing information rather than making it immediately available on electronic health records. The proposal also permits physicians to protect patients from efforts to criminalize reproductive health care without facing penalties.


DOE launches pilot project to measure greenhouse gas intensity

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a pilot project to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of certain industrial products. This initiative aims to address the growing global demand for materials produced with low emissions, driven by new climate-focused trade policies, national green procurement efforts like the Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean initiative, international accords, industry commitments, and consumer preferences.


ICPEN Fall Conference to feature key addresses from FTC officials

Chair Lina Khan will deliver opening remarks on Wednesday, September 25. Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya will deliver remarks on Thursday, September 26, and Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam Levine will deliver remarks on Friday, September 27.


New op-ed questions impact of age verification tech on young disabled people

CDT’s Aliya Bhatia and Ariana Aboulafia have collaborated on a new op-ed that was published in Teen Vogue on September 24, 2024. The article discusses the impact of age verification technology on young disabled people.


USDA advises preparedness as Hurricane Helene approaches

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a reminder to communities, farmers, ranchers, families, and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Helene about available assistance programs. USDA staff at regional, state, and county offices are prepared to help.


EPA honors New England firms for environmental performance in freight industry

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


Biden-Harris Administration and AmeriCorps launch Climate Justice Corps

La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA) y AmeriCorps han anunciado la creación del Cuerpo de Justicia Ambiental Climática. Esta nueva asociación, presentada durante la Semana del Clima en Nueva York, forma parte del Cuerpo Climático Estadounidense del presidente Biden. El objetivo es abrir oportunidades para carreras en justicia ambiental, especialmente para comunidades desventajadas y de bajos ingresos.


State Department launches initiative for young leaders in South Asia

On September 25, 2024, Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Lee Satterfield and Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu launched the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI). This initiative aims to bring together youth from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to address shared issues of importance. These issues include economic opportunity, environmental resilience, and civic participation.


VA reviews link between PFAS exposure during service and kidney cancer

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will conduct a scientific assessment to determine if there is a relationship between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during military service and kidney cancer among veterans.


DHS outlines safety measures during Hurricane Helene

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected populations.


Meta unveils advanced augmented reality glasses named Orion

Five years ago, a project to build augmented reality (AR) glasses was announced. The goal was to merge digital information with the physical world without compromising presence in either.


DHS outlines safety measures during Tropical Storm Helene

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement regarding safety and enforcement measures during Tropical Storm Helene. During emergency events, DHS collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected communities.


Under Secretary Nellie Liang addresses voluntary carbon market integrity

On September 25, 2024, Under Secretary for Domestic Finance Nellie Liang addressed the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM), the Global Carbon Market Utility (GCMU), and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) on the topic of voluntary carbon market integrity. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of delivering high-integrity carbon markets to meet climate goals.


HUD releases latest American Housing Survey results

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau, has released the 2023 American Housing Survey (AHS). This release marks the 50th anniversary of AHS, which remains a key source for comprehensive data on the nation's housing inventory.


Department of Labor partners with Albany State University for veteran employment

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) has entered into a partnership with Albany State University to improve career readiness and employment opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Albany State University Interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II.