Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


Former federal employee admits guilt in classified document mishandling

Margaret Anne Ashby, a former employee of a Department of Defense component agency, has pleaded guilty to mishandling classified materials. The 26-year-old from Henderson, Nevada, admitted to the unauthorized removal of sensitive documents during her employment in the Southern District of Georgia.


EU prepares code of practice for general-purpose AI regulation

The European Union has introduced a pioneering framework for regulating artificial intelligence technologies through the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This legislation includes specific provisions for general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, also known as foundation models. While the law is finalized, it allows for compliance methods to be determined post-adoption via a multi-stakeholder consultative process.


Cyprus becomes 46th nation to join Artemis Accords

The Republic of Cyprus has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 46th nation to sign the agreement. The signing ceremony took place in Nicosia, with Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou representing Cyprus. State Department Assistant Secretary James O’Brien and NASA Associate Administrator James Free participated virtually.


G7 commits $50 billion loan package for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has collaborated with global partners to counteract Putin's aggression. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, speaking alongside Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, emphasized that the coalition will not retreat and is committed to supporting Ukraine.


Department of Energy announces recipients of 2024 C3E awards

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the winners of the 2024 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) Awards, recognizing nine women for their leadership and achievements in the clean energy sector. The C3E Initiative, now in its 13th year, is a collaborative effort by the DOE with institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative, Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy, and Arizona State University's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.


Data breaches highlight need for stronger cybersecurity measures

The increasing integration of technology into daily life has led to a rise in data breaches, exposing personal information and affecting one in three Americans. These breaches disproportionately impact disenfranchised communities, which often lack resources for digital safety. The issue is particularly pressing during Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October.


Austin discusses Middle East operations with Israeli defense minister

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The discussion focused on Israel's operations in Lebanon and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


Department of Defense launches hypersonic infrared targeting sensing research project

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the selection of the Hypersonic Infrared Target Sensing (HITS) joint-service proposal as the winner of the fiscal year 2025 Applied Research for the Advancement of S&T Priorities (ARAP) Program award competition. The HITS team, led by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL), includes collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Missile Defense Agency.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates billions for U.S. water infrastructure upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a substantial investment of $3.6 billion to upgrade water infrastructure across the United States as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding, combined with an earlier allocation of $2.6 billion this month, brings the total investments for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


Verma attends conference in Paris supporting Lebanon's sovereignty

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is set to visit Paris, France from October 23 to 25. The purpose of his trip is to attend the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, which is hosted by the Government of France.


Under Secretary Jenkins to discuss defense in Luxembourg and Brussels

Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins is set to visit Luxembourg and Brussels from October 23 to 26. During her time in Luxembourg, she will engage with government officials to emphasize the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Luxembourg as NATO Allies. The discussions will concentrate on transatlantic defense industry matters and space technology.


Justice official outlines DOJ’s revamped approach to corporate crime enforcement

Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller recently addressed the New York City Bar Association Compliance Institute, outlining significant updates in corporate criminal enforcement. Miller emphasized the Department of Justice's focus on individual accountability within corporate crime, noting that "corporate crimes are committed by real people."


Seizure at Port of Memphis: unsafe infant products detected

Successful enforcement efforts at the Port of Memphis led to the seizure of infant products valued at $61,000 due to safety concerns. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) identified high lead paint content and choking hazards in these products.


CCIA supports Apple's right to innovate amid antitrust claims

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has joined an amicus brief led by the Chamber of Progress, requesting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold a district court decision in favor of Apple. The case, AliveCor v. Apple, involves allegations from AliveCor that Apple acted anti-competitively by replacing an application program interface (API) with an improved version.


Tompkinsville man indicted for methamphetamine trafficking by federal grand jury

A federal grand jury in Bowling Green has indicted a man from Tompkinsville, Kentucky, on charges related to methamphetamine distribution.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates over $87M for Missouri's water infrastructure improvements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.6 billion in new funding as part of the Biden-Harris administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at upgrading water infrastructure nationwide. This funding is part of a larger $6.2 billion investment for fiscal year 2025, which seeks to improve the management of wastewater, protect freshwater resources, and ensure safe drinking water delivery.


Treasury allocates $246M for affordable housing via Capital Magnet Fund

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that 48 organizations will receive $246.4 million to support the development of affordable housing and community facilities aimed at low-income families and communities in need of investment. The funding is part of the fiscal year 2024 round of the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF) awards.


Voters show strong support for national data privacy law before election

A recent survey conducted by ACT | The App Association reveals that likely voters in the United States strongly support the enactment of a national data privacy law. This poll, fielded by Embold Research, also indicates significant concern over the government's current antitrust strategies and lawsuits against technology companies.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $61 million for Minnesota's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new allocation of $3.6 billion under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water infrastructure nationwide. This announcement, combined with an earlier $2.6 billion release this month, brings the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $145 million for Illinois' water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment in water infrastructure as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A total of $3.6 billion will be allocated to upgrade water systems nationwide, building on the $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, making a combined $6.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2025.