Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


USDA announces historic funding boost for climate-smart agricultural practices

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an allocation of up to $7.7 billion for fiscal year 2025 to assist agricultural and forestry producers in adopting conservation practices on working lands. This includes up to $5.7 billion for climate-smart practices, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, a part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, along with $2 billion from Farm Bill funding. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years.


Justice Department announces improved language access in Colorado courts

The Justice Department announced that the Colorado Judiciary has taken steps to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the state court system.


EPA finalizes plan for Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its plan to address contamination at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn, New York. The site spans over 190 acres across several city blocks in the Greenpoint and East Williamsburg areas.


CBP seizes over 12 kg of cocaine hidden in wheelchair at Houston airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Houston have announced the seizure of over 12 kilograms of cocaine at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The drugs were discovered hidden within a motorized wheelchair during an inspection conducted in late September.


Justice Department allocates $4 billion for public safety initiatives

The Justice Department has announced a significant financial commitment to enhance public safety and community justice efforts across the United States. A total of $4 billion in grants will be distributed by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to support various initiatives aimed at reducing violence, assisting crime victims, and improving outcomes for individuals involved in criminal and juvenile justice systems.


Facebook introduces unified content monetization program

Facebook has announced the launch of Facebook Content Monetization beta, a new program designed to expand monetization opportunities for content creators. This initiative consolidates three existing Facebook-funded creator monetization programs—In-stream ads, Ads on Reels, and the Performance bonus—into one streamlined program. The new system will allow creators to earn from various content formats including Reels, longer videos, photos, and text posts.


Labor Department awards over $1M in grants for mine safety education

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the distribution of $1 million in grants to seven organizations across five states. These funds aim to support education and training initiatives designed to identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in mines.


U.S. congratulates China on its 75th National Day

The United States has extended its congratulations to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of its 75th National Day. This message reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. to manage its bilateral relationship with China amid global challenges.


Assessment reveals urgent climate risks facing mauritius

The Stimson Center's latest CORVI rapid risk assessment highlights the growing climate vulnerabilities faced by Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation. The assessment reveals that Mauritius is increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, loss of coastal ecosystems, flooding, and tropical cyclones. These environmental challenges have significant implications for the nation's economy and public health.


Biden-Harris Administration invests $1.3 billion in rural infrastructure across 30 states

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced a significant investment in rural infrastructure projects across the United States. The USDA is allocating $1.3 billion to fund 116 projects aimed at improving access to clean and reliable electric grids, safe drinking water, and job opportunities in rural and Tribal communities. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which focuses on economic growth from the middle out and bottom up.


Argos Puerto Rico fined for clean air violations; commits to solar projects

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Argos Puerto Rico Corp. regarding violations of the Clean Air Act. The company, which operates a Portland cement manufacturing plant in Dorado, Puerto Rico, will pay a $111,000 fine and invest over $200,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP). These projects involve installing solar energy systems at a nearby school and a center for children facing issues related to abuse and neglect.


Interior Department revisits legacy of federal Indian boarding schools in Pennsylvania

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, along with Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kathryn Isom-Clause, visited Carlisle, Pennsylvania as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. This initiative, launched in June 2021 by Secretary Haaland, aims to address the legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies and their impact on Indigenous communities.


Argos Puerto Rico fined for Clean Air Act violations; commits to solar installations

Argos Puerto Rico Corp. has agreed to settle Clean Air Act violations by paying a $111,000 penalty and investing over $200,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the settlement today, which includes installing solar energy systems at a school and a childcare facility.


Precision Toxicology agrees to pay $27M over false claims allegations

Precision Toxicology, operating as Precision Diagnostics, has agreed to pay $27 million to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act and similar state statutes. The company was accused of billing Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for medically unnecessary urine drug tests and providing free items to physicians who referred laboratory testing business to Precision. Based in San Diego, Precision is one of the largest urine drug testing laboratories in the United States.


Commissioner Bedoya’s office and NCTA to discuss NPRM on unfair fees

Commissioner Bedoya's office and NCTA will participate in a virtual ex parte meeting on the Unfair or Deceptive Fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2024.


Netflix releases documentary on pivotal moment in Spanish women's football

Netflix has announced the release of a new documentary film, "It's All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football," set to premiere globally on November 1st. Produced by You First Originals, the film delves into a pivotal moment in women's sports history following Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup.


CCIA opposes South Dakota's age verification act citing privacy concerns

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed its opposition to the South Dakota Age Verification Act. In a letter to the state's legislature, CCIA highlighted concerns about data privacy and security associated with age verification and parental consent requirements outlined in the bill. The organization supports digital citizenship programs that promote responsible online behavior and empower parents with tools to manage their children's internet use.


DHS adds Chinese steel and aspartame firms to forced labor entity list

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the inclusion of two companies from the People's Republic of China on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. This action increases the total number of entities on the list to 75, as part of efforts to combat forced labor and address human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.


Justice Department addresses unconstitutional conditions in New Jersey veterans homes

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey have taken legal action against the State of New Jersey, filing a complaint concerning conditions at state-run veterans homes. A proposed consent decree has been filed to address findings of unconstitutional conditions at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes located in Menlo Park and Paramus.


U.S.-India CEO Forum focuses on strengthening bilateral trade ties

The United States recently hosted the second in-person meeting of the U.S.-India CEO Forum, co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. This forum serves as a platform for leaders from both nations' business communities to collaborate on strengthening commercial ties and expanding trade and investment between India and the United States.