Stories by Federal Newswire Reports on Federal Newswire


Former Louisiana sheriff's deputy sentenced for civil rights violation

A former deputy from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana, Javarrea Pouncy, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting a detainee. Pouncy, aged 31, admitted to using excessive force during a strip search in September 2019, where he and another deputy repeatedly punched the detainee who posed no threat. The assault led to severe injuries including a broken eye socket and nose.


Biden-Harris administration boosts tribal role in Alaskan resource management

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have announced a final rule aimed at enhancing Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). This board is responsible for managing subsistence use on federal lands and waters in Alaska. The changes reflect the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to involving Tribal leaders in decisions that affect their communities.


Trilateral talks reaffirm ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation on security issues

The Vice Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Korea and Japan, along with the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, released a joint statement following their meeting in Seoul on October 16, 2024. This was the second meeting this year for Vice Minister Kim Hong Kyun from South Korea, Deputy Secretary Kurt M. Campbell from the United States, and Vice Minister Okano Masataka from Japan.


HUD supports safe housing initiatives during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has reiterated its commitment to providing safe and affordable housing for survivors of gender-based violence. This initiative aligns with President Biden's 2021 proclamation and aims to address the housing needs of those affected by domestic violence.


Data center CEO charged with fraud over false certification claims

A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia has indicted a Maryland man on charges of major fraud against the United States and making false statements to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The indictment accuses Deepak Jain, 49, from Potomac, of participating in a scheme to mislead the SEC about his company's data center certification.


Kansas man sentenced for racially-motivated threats and housing interference

A Kansas man has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for issuing race-based threats and interfering with housing rights. Austin Schoemann, 31, from Wichita, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including interference with federally protected activities and interstate threats.


OSHA cites Kumho Tire Georgia after worker's fatal injury; $271K penalties issued

Federal safety inspectors have cited Kumho Tire Georgia Inc. for multiple safety violations following a fatal incident involving a 57-year-old maintenance worker. The incident, which occurred on April 10, 2024, involved the unexpected start of machinery during maintenance.


Deputy Secretary Verma visits Bethlehem for UNESCO inscription ceremony

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is set to visit Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on October 17. The purpose of the visit is to participate in an inscription ceremony that acknowledges the Moravian Church Settlement of Bethlehem as the 26th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in the United States. This site will be recognized as the first UNESCO transnational site in the country.


Lawmakers call for further restrictions on Huawei over clandestine chip facilities

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have urged Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to take further action against Huawei. The lawmakers are concerned about Huawei's alleged clandestine semiconductor facilities, which they claim are used to bypass U.S. laws.


Guatemalan national indicted for illegal reentry into U.S., faces potential prison sentence

Fort Myers, Florida – Edgar Rolando Suruy-Xiquin, also known as Marvin Martinez-Vazquez, has been indicted for illegal reentry into the United States.


Border Patrol intercepts human smuggling attempt; 16 migrants apprehended

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents recently thwarted a human smuggling operation, resulting in the apprehension of 16 migrants. The incident occurred on October 15 at approximately 9:50 p.m., when agents responded to a call from a concerned citizen about suspicious activity near N. Lamar Boulevard and Interamerica.


Sakamoto Days announces new cast members for upcoming Netflix anime

New voices have been announced for the anime adaptation of "SAKAMOTO DAYS," set to premiere on Netflix in January 2025. The popular manga series, serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since 2020, will introduce new cast members for characters Nagumo, Shishiba, and Osaragi of "The Order."


EPA seeks feedback on Puerto Rico's sulfur dioxide noncompliance

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments until December 2, 2024, regarding proposed actions related to air quality and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Puerto Rico. The EPA sets standards for certain air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The agency has identified two areas in Puerto Rico—one in San Juan and another in Guayama-Salinas—that did not meet the SO2 standard. This formal determination of noncompliance is proposed because these areas failed to meet air quality standards...


FTC issues final click-to-cancel rules amid CCIA's concerns

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its final Negative Option Rules, commonly referred to as "Click-to-Cancel." These rules introduce new requirements for sellers offering subscription services online. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) had previously commented on these proposed rules in June 2023, voicing concerns about their alignment with federal law and lack of support by the record.


US announces $425 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States has announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $425 million. This aid is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing Russian attacks. The package includes a variety of weapons and equipment sourced from the Department of Defense stocks under the Presidential Drawdown Authority.


Albuquerque seeks partial end to police consent decree after achieving high compliance

The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque have jointly filed a motion seeking court approval to terminate certain parts of the consent decree involving the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). This move follows an independent monitor's report indicating that APD has achieved full compliance with 99% of the decree's terms, marking its highest level of compliance.


U.S.-Guatemala high-level economic dialogue highlights ongoing cooperation

Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez and Guatemalan Finance Minister Jonathan Menkos co-chaired a virtual meeting for the High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) mid-year review on October 15. The event included senior U.S. representatives from various departments, including the Office of the Vice President, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Inter-American Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Guatemalan representatives participated from the Guatemalan Embassy in Washington, DC, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Alaska Tribal representation strengthened on Federal Subsistence Board

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have announced a final rule to enhance Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). This board oversees subsistence use on federal lands and waters in Alaska. The changes are part of efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to engage more directly with Tribal leaders in decision-making processes that affect their communities.


AMA teams up with MedCerts to improve blood pressure measurement skills

The American Medical Association (AMA) and MedCerts have joined forces to enhance the blood pressure measurement skills of healthcare professionals, including medical assistants. This collaboration aims to provide standardized educational content that will train these professionals in accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement techniques.


U.S. Ambassador Sfraga visits Iceland for Arctic Circle Assembly

Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs Michael Sfraga is visiting Reykjavik, Iceland, from October 16 to 20. His visit aims to attend the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly and engage with partners on matters of Arctic security, cooperation, and other regional concerns. As the inaugural U.S. Ambassador to the Arctic, Sfraga's trip emphasizes ongoing U.S. involvement with allies and partners in the area, aligning with shared strategic and global objectives.