Stories by David Beasley on Federal Newswire


Research expeditions by federal agency expands knowledge of ocean ecosystems

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department has successfully completed a series of 21 expeditions over a span of several years to learn more about aquatic life, a news release said.


New federal program aims to 'address a range of threats' from radioactive material nationwide

The National Nuclear Security Administration's Office of Radiological Security (ORS) has launched a new program to remove radioactive material from facilities in 100 metro areas nationwide, a news release said.



New federal center using artificial intelligence to help the environment

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has established established a center on artificial intelligence to help it gain a better understanding of the environment, a news release said.


EPA challenges research institutions to conduct evaluations, 'reveal new insights' of U.S. aquatic ecosystems

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is challenging research institutions to use large, nationally consistent statistical survey datasets to evaluate the health and impact of the aquatic ecosystems in the United States, a news release said.


Clearing the air: Kansas City area now compliant with federal sulfur dioxide emission standards

After a 10-year effort to improve air quality, all of Jackson County in Missouri is now in compliance with federal standards for sulfur dioxide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release.


Bronx man arrested for possessing 20 kilograms — 19 of them at home — of fentanyl

Officials say the amount is equal to 10 million doses of 'the most dangerous illegal drug'


Bookeeper sentenced to federal prison for stealing $1.6 million from San Antonio law firm

Financial manager gets 87 months in federal prison for stealing $1.6 million from the law firm where she worked.


U.S. top general: Russian invasion of Ukraine would be 'horrific'

The top military U.S. military leader warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that an invasion of Ukraine would be "horrific" CNN reported


Blinken: U.S. deliver written response to Russia on Ukraine that highlights 'concerns'

The United States has issued a written response to Russia in hopes of preventing an invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.


Hot Springs National Park to launch reservation system Feb. 1 for Gulpha Gorge, limits campsite access to '30 days' annually

Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park has grown too popular for "first come, first serve."


'I am honored': Bureau of Reclamation selects Morrow to lead Denver office

Heidi Morrow has been named director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Mission Support Organization in Denver.


Financial controller of San Diego investment company sentenced to 20 months in prison for wire fraud

The former financial controller of a San Diego-based investment company has recently been sentenced to 20 months in prison for embezzling more than $400,000 by issuing checks to himself using the company CFO’s electronic signature.



‘Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism’: Biden administration takes aim at soaring meat prices

President Biden recently supported an initiative providing $1 billion to independent meat processors through the American Rescue Plan in an effort to combat a perceived lack of competition in the meatpacking industry leading to price increases.


USDA offers new insurance option to corn farmers who ‘split-apply’ nitrogen

A new insurance option has recently been made available to corn farmers in some states who ’split-apply’ nitrogen fertilizer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in hopes that the practice, considered better for natural resources, is more broadly implemented.


'We really appreciate the extra assistance:' Federal food assistance available to Kentucky storm victims

Residents in 14 Kentucky counties affected by tornado storms Dec. 10-11 are now eligible for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), Gov. Andy Beshear's office announced recently.



Agricultural Research Service acquires large beetle collection ‘to identify potential new pest species’

A collection of 25,000 beetle specimens has recently been acquired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to help researchers study the genus Agrilus, a potentially invasive species that threatens U.S. agriculture and forestry.


Two years after earthquakes in Puerto Rico, FEMA still helping island with repairs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing its work to assist Puerto Rico's recovery efforts after the island was rocked by a series of earthquakes in 2019.



Hurricane Ida disaster-recovery center remains open in Montegut

Louisiana residents affected by 2021's Hurricane Ida can still go to the Disaster Recovery Center in the Montegut Recreation Center for help, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced.