Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


Department of Defense awards $19 million to establish domestic tin processing facility

The Department of Defense has awarded $19 million to Nathan Trotter & Co., Inc. (Nathan Trotter) to establish a domestic facility for the smelting, refining, and recycling of tin in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This funding comes through the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program.


United States announces nearly $199 million aid package for Rohingya refugees

The United States has announced nearly $199 million in new assistance for Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them in Bangladesh and the surrounding region. This announcement was made by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya during the High-Level UNGA Side Event on the Rohingya Crisis.


HHS announces major donation of mpox vaccines globally

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), has announced measures to boost the supply of mpox vaccines. This move aligns with the U.S. Government's commitment to making over a million combined doses available globally. The initiative marks the largest international donation of JYNNEOS, a vaccine recently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).


Treasury sanctions Colombian clan leaders and Mexican businesses tied to Sinaloa Cartel

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against five Colombian nationals and two Mexico-based businesses under Executive Order 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.” The sanctioned individuals are leaders within Colombia's Clan del Golfo (CDG), also known as Los Urabeños, a major drug trafficking organization. The sanctioned businesses are owned by designated Sinaloa Cartel fentanyl traffickers.


Federal court permanently bars Illinois-based My Unity Tax from preparing federal returns

A federal court in the Northern District of Illinois has permanently barred Joliet tax return preparer Sir Michael Joseph Davenport and his company, My Unity Tax Financial & Tax Preparation LLC (My Unity Tax), from preparing federal tax returns for others. The injunction also prevents them from owning or operating any tax return preparation businesses in the future. Davenport agreed to this permanent injunction.


Biden-Harris Administration announces major semiconductor investment with Polar Semiconductor

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced its first award under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities. The U.S. Department of Commerce will provide up to $123 million in direct funding to Polar Semiconductor to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. This investment is part of the administration's broader Investing in America agenda.


EPA announces 2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the winners of the 2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year awards. A total of 43 awardees from 20 states and the District of Columbia were recognized for their contributions to safer chemical design, manufacture, promotion, selection, and use in various products.


FTC targets Invitation Homes for deceptive practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action against Invitation Homes, the largest landlord of single-family homes in the United States, for several unlawful practices. These include deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed fees, failing to inspect homes before residents moved in, and unfairly withholding security deposits.


U.S. and Vietnam enhance cybersecurity cooperation under strategic partnership

Ahead of President Joseph R. Biden’s meeting with Vietnam General Secretary and President To Lam during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, the U.S. Department of State has highlighted new progress on opportunities for cooperation under the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).


Blinken meets with Angolan president in New York

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Angolan President Joao Lourenco today in New York City. The meeting underscored the growing importance of the U.S.-Angola partnership, highlighted by President Biden’s upcoming trip to Angola.


VA surpasses goal: Over 43K veterans housed this fiscal year

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has housed 43,116 veterans experiencing homelessness between October 2023 and August 2024. This achievement surpasses its fiscal year 2024 goal of housing 41,000 veterans, one month before the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, VA reported that 96.3% of these veterans have not returned to homelessness and engaged with 38,476 unsheltered veterans to provide necessary housing and services.


Homeland Security Committee report says cartels control southwest border

The House Homeland Security Committee Majority released a report titled, "Crisis By Design: A Comprehensive Look at the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unprecedented Border Crisis," which said that cartels have control of the border. The report was published on September 18.


NRF Foundation launches conflict de-escalation training for retail workers

The NRF Foundation has introduced a new Customer Conflict De-escalation training program aimed at front-line retail employees. This initiative is part of the RISE Up educational training program, which seeks to create a safe and positive environment for both retail workers and customers.


House passes resolution repealing EPA vehicle emissions standards

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed approval for the recent passage of H.J.Res. 136 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution aims to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule on light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards.


Fielding Graduate University's Wendi S. Williams elected American Psychological Association President

Wendi S. Williams, PhD, provost and senior vice president at Fielding Graduate University, has been elected the 2026 president of the American Psychological Association (APA).


Justice Department updates guidelines on corporate compliance programs

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri addressed the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) at their 23rd Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute, highlighting the Department of Justice's efforts to hold companies accountable for corporate crime.


Commerce Deputy Secretary meets with Dutch Economic Affairs Minister

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves met with Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Dirk Beljaarts in Washington, D.C. today. The meeting focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between the United States and the Netherlands.


James B Nutter agrees $2 4m settlement over false federal mortgage insurance claims

James B. Nutter & Company, a former mortgage lender based in Kansas City, Missouri, has agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. The company allegedly underwrote Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet program eligibility requirements.


HUD charges Florida property owner with disability discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged Tallahassee housing providers Greenbriar Partners, LLC, Jackson Properties and Financial Services, LLC, and Erwin D. Jackson with violating the Fair Housing Act. The charge stems from their alleged failure to grant a tenant with a disability a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal.


Blinken emphasizes digital governance at UN General Assembly event

Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the Freedom Online Coalition Ministerial Event on AI for Humanity during the UN General Assembly's High-Level Week. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of digital governance and international cooperation in protecting human rights online.