Stories by Federal Newswire Reports on Federal Newswire


Future of nation tops list of major stressors for Americans

More than 70% of adults in the United States consider the future of the nation a significant stressor, according to the latest Stress in America™ survey by the American Psychological Association (APA). The economy and the upcoming 2024 presidential election are also major concerns for many.


Defense Department announces new small business investment initiatives

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have announced the approval of the first group of Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Licensees and Green Light Approved investment funds under the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative (SBICCT Initiative). This group aims to invest over $2.8 billion into more than 1,000 portfolio companies.


Tennessee Attorney General: Biden needs to 'secure the release of Tigran from Nigerian imprisonment'

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has called on President Joe Biden to secure the release of former U.S. federal agent Tigran Gambaryan from a Nigerian prison, citing concerns over his deteriorating health. Skrmetti shared this statement in an October 18 post on X.


Former IRS-CI agent: Ex-colleague imprisoned in Nigeria 'served his country for over a decade in law enforcement'

Matthew Price, the Strategic Engagement Lead at Elliptic, has called for the U.S. government to take action to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former colleague of Price at IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), from Nigeria. Price expressed his views during an October 3 podcast.


Rep. Fallon: ‘the CCP has been driving America's fentanyl crisis’

Congressman Pat Fallon has attributed the U.S. fentanyl crisis to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), accusing it of misleading the United States regarding its commitment to reducing fentanyl exports. Fallon made these remarks in a post on X dated October 16.


Wilson Center expert: ‘cobalt is one chapter in this century’s sharp-elbowed geopolitical marathon’

Matthew Zolnowski, a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center, has proposed several measures for the United States to enhance its position in the global cobalt supply chain. In a report released in September, he emphasized leveraging trade and promoting domestic production as key strategies.


Threads introduces educational resources for user engagement

Threads, a platform designed to foster community building around ideas and thoughts, has announced the introduction of new educational resources. These resources aim to guide users in driving conversations and increasing their visibility on the platform.


U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen addresses IMF achievements and future challenges

The International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) recently held its annual meeting, marking the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods institutions. During this event, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen emphasized the significant achievements of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the past decades and highlighted ongoing challenges.


Deputy Secretary Adeyemo discusses AML/CFT efforts with PA Prime Minister Mustafa

Today, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo held a meeting with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The discussion focused on security and economic stability in the West Bank and efforts to enhance the Palestinian Authority's anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.


USDA launches initiative to boost wildlife habitat connectivity

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a comprehensive effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance wildlife habitat connectivity across both public and private lands. This initiative, detailed in a memorandum released recently, seeks to coordinate various USDA programs and work with state and tribal authorities while respecting private property rights through voluntary conservation efforts.


Blinken visits Middle East focusing on Gaza conflict and regional stability

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to visit Israel and other countries in the Middle East from October 21 to 25, 2024. The trip aims to address critical issues in the region.


Netflix unveils documentary on Spain's longest kidnapping case

On November 22, Netflix will release the documentary series "900 Days Without Anabel," which explores the longest kidnapping case in Spain's history: the abduction of Anabel Segura. This series provides a detailed account of the events that transpired during her 900-day captivity.


UT Southwestern resolves racial hiring discrimination claims with $900K settlement

The U.S. Department of Labor and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have reached a conciliation agreement. The university will pay $900,000 in back wages and interest to resolve allegations of systemic racial hiring discrimination at its Dallas facility. This agreement addresses issues affecting 6,123 Black applicants.


Philadelphia man charged with making election-related threats

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with threatening to kill a representative of a state political party involved in recruiting poll watchers. The indictment, unsealed today, accuses John Pollard, 62, from Philadelphia, of sending threatening text messages on September 6 to the victim, referred to as Victim 1. The victim had posted online about recruiting volunteers for Election Day and included their phone number.


Under Secretary Bass visits Missouri for discussions on U.S. foreign policy

Under Secretary of State John Bass is set to visit Missouri from October 21 to 23, covering Kansas City, Independence, and Warrensburg. The purpose of the trip is to engage with community members and leaders across various sectors including industry, local government, academia, and relief organizations. Discussions will focus on U.S. foreign policy and its role in enhancing the safety, security, prosperity, and values of Americans.


U.S. and Montenegro discuss economic cooperation at senior-level dialogue

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez met with Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj in Washington, D.C., on October 21 for the inaugural U.S.-Montenegro Senior Economic Dialogue. The meeting included several Montenegrin ministers and representatives from various agencies.


Georgia attorney pleads guilty in IRS obstruction case

A Georgia attorney, Vi Bui, has admitted guilt in a case involving the obstruction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through participation in a fraudulent tax scheme. Bui, formerly a partner at Sinnott & Co., was involved from 2012 to 2020 in promoting illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized by Jack Fisher and others. Fisher and Sinnott were previously convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.


Secretary Blinken honors global anti-racism champions with prestigious award

On October 21, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will present the second annual Secretary’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions at the U.S. Department of State. This award recognizes six civil society leaders for their significant contributions to advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights. Following the ceremony, the awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C., and New York City, NY. During this program, they will engage with their U.S. counterparts to exchange knowledge on promoting human rights and...


Grand Rapids restaurant ordered to pay $105K for wage violations

A federal court has mandated The Saucy Crab and its owner, Jixi Qiu, to compensate 28 former employees with $105,000 in back wages and liquidated damages. This decision follows the cessation of operations by the Grand Rapids restaurant in October 2022.


American Lung Association receives $2.4 million grant for cleaner diesel solutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the American Lung Association will receive a grant of $2,418,202 under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This funding aims to promote the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines, replacing them with cleaner and zero-emission solutions. The initiative is expected to lead to significant reductions in emissions, benefiting air quality and public health.