Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


Education Secretary appoints new members to National Assessment Governing Board

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the appointment of six education leaders to the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the Nation's Report Card. The new members include Danielle Gonzales and Jared Solomon, while four current members have been reappointed.


VA proposes grant program for veteran legal services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed a new grant program to assist veterans and former service members in upgrading their military discharge status and accessing VA benefits. This initiative aims to fund entities that provide legal support, helping veterans improve their military records or seek a review before correction boards.


Meta announces winners of European AI startup program

Meta, Hugging Face, and Scaleway have announced the winners of the “European AI Startup Program” at STATION F. This initiative aims to stimulate European entrepreneurship and foster innovation.


Austin speaks with Gallant after Iranian missile attack on Israel

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The call followed what was described as an "outrageous act of aggression" by Iran against Israel.


USDA announces $1.7 billion investment in locally produced foods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1.7 billion investment to purchase locally and regionally produced foods for emergency food assistance. This funding, facilitated by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), aims to support American producers by providing access to local and regional markets and the financial benefits of selling directly to institutions. The initiative also ensures that American children and families in need have access to healthy food at schools, child care facilities, and emergency food providers.


U.S., Israeli defense chiefs discuss potential Iranian threat

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, held on October 1, 2024. The discussion focused on the threat of an imminent Iranian attack against Israel.


Global tech trade group outlines strategy for EU sustainability goals

BRUSSELS – The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has presented its Tech Sector Vision on EU Sustainability Strategy. This initiative aims to harness the potential of technology to achieve the European Union's environmental goals in the upcoming mandate.


US imposes sanctions on two Israeli individuals linked to West Bank violence

The Department of State has announced sanctions on two Israeli individuals, citing their actions as contributing to violence and instability in the West Bank. These measures are part of efforts to address activities that undermine peace, security, and stability in the region.


J.R. Simplot settles for $363K over environmental violations at California plant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with J.R. Simplot Company regarding violations of federal environmental and public health laws at its fertilizer manufacturing facility in Lathrop, California. The EPA found that the company breached the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. As part of the settlement, J.R. Simplot will pay a civil penalty of $363,700.


U.S. intercepts Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, says Defense Secretary Austin

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a statement regarding Iran's missile strikes against Israel, confirming that U.S. forces in the Middle East successfully intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran towards Israel. "We condemn this outrageous act of aggression by Iran, and we call on Iran to halt any further attacks, including from its proxy terrorist groups," said Austin.


National Retail Federation calls on Biden administration amid port strike

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has issued a statement following the initiation of a labor strike at all U.S. East and Gulf Coast container ports. The strike began after the expiration of the six-year master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on September 30.


HUD allocates over $22 million to fight housing discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the allocation of over $22 million to fair housing organizations nationwide to address housing discrimination. The funds, totaling $22,241,793, will be distributed through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to support various activities such as education, outreach, testing, and enforcement.


U.S. Treasury designates extremist settler group Hilltop Youth under E.O. 14115

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Hilltop Youth, an extremist group in the West Bank, under Executive Order 14115. The group is accused of violent actions against Palestinians, including attacks on homes and property, which have destabilized the region.


Heritage experts comment on IDF strike killing top Hezbollah leaders

On September 27, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a precision strike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, Abbas Nilforoushan, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Deputy Commander, and 20 other Hezbollah fighters.


EPA announces $4 million for phosphorus reduction in Western Lake Erie Basin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $4 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to support phosphorus reduction efforts in the western Lake Erie basin. The funds will be used for farmer outreach and technical assistance, with applications being accepted until November 22, 2024.


USDA celebrates National Cooperative Month's 60th anniversary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has issued a proclamation recognizing October 2024 as the Department’s 60th anniversary of National Cooperative Month.


EPA announces funding opportunities supporting farmworker communities

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced three new funding opportunities aimed at supporting pesticide safety education for agricultural workers, training healthcare providers to better address pesticide-related illnesses, and providing technical assistance to manage these grants. A total of nearly $10 million will be awarded to at least four beneficiaries over five years.


Under Secretary Fernandez travels to Atlanta for economic dialogue

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Atlanta, Georgia from October 1-3, 2024, to attend the 9th Annual U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Senior Economic Dialogue (SED). This marks the first time the SED will be held outside of the capitals of either country. The event will spotlight over $24 billion in ROK private sector investment in Georgia pledged over the past three years.


Registration opens for SelectUSA Investment Summit set for May 2025

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that registration is now open for the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit, scheduled for May 11-14, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.


Heritage Foundation releases first-ever strategy for US engagement in Pacific Islands

The Heritage Foundation has released its inaugural Pacific Islands strategy, aiming to advance American interests and counter China's influence in the region. The report, titled "Pacific Pivot: An American Strategy for the Pacific Islands," outlines a comprehensive national strategy for U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands.