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EPA opens applications for student and teacher environmental awards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Announced by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, these awards aim to honor students and educators who contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and awareness.


USDA invests $500 million in local food sourcing for healthier school meals

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the USDA's dedication to connecting local farmers with schools across the United States, serving meals to approximately 30 million children daily. In celebration of National School Lunch Week and National Farm to School Month, Vilsack noted a recent $500 million investment for schools to purchase local, unprocessed foods as part of ongoing efforts to enhance school meal programs with nutritious domestic foods.


Department releases fiscal year 2023 report on state-by-state defense spending

The Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has released its Fiscal Year 2023 report on defense spending by state. The document aims to assist states and communities in understanding the economic impact of defense procurement, personnel, and grant expenditures.


Outer Banks tops Netflix charts as Menendez brothers case captivates viewers

OBX marked a significant achievement this week with Part 1 of Season 4 of "Outer Banks" debuting at number one on the English TV List, garnering 15.5 million views. The show, featuring stars such as Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline, attracted fans to Charleston for its premiere celebrations. Part 2 is anticipated to release on November 7.


Former Air Force member charged with sexual assault at UK base

A former U.S. Air Force member has been indicted for a 2019 sexual assault at Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The indictment, unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida, charges James Loubeau, 36, from Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact.


Border patrol apprehends 11 non-citizens traveling from St. Thomas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials apprehended 11 non-citizens from Romania, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic traveling on a private vessel from St. Thomas to Culebra, Puerto Rico. The incident occurred on Sunday when the vessel experienced mechanical difficulties near Botany Bay, USVI.


USDA announces food aid for storm-hit regions in three states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in certain areas of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee affected by Tropical Storm Helene may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This initiative aims to support approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 in North Carolina, and 54,692 in Tennessee with grocery expenses.


U.S.-Cambodia hold first defense policy dialogue since 2019

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, has concluded her visit to Cambodia. The trip marked the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019. This dialogue was part of a series of meetings with Cambodian defense and foreign policy officials.


Heritage Foundation warns about Venezuelan gang threat amid US immigration policies

The Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center has released a report highlighting the growing threat posed by Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, to the United States. The report scrutinizes how current immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration have allegedly enabled the gang's entry into the country, leading to several serious crimes against Americans.


Deputy Secretary highlights hurricane recovery efforts during Georgia food bank visit

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia, to discuss efforts related to Hurricane Helene recovery. The visit included a roundtable discussion focused on the organization's role in providing food and support to families affected by the hurricane.


U.S.-Qatar military talks focus on strengthening defense ties

The United States and Qatar conducted the 16th U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission (MCC) at the Pentagon on October 15, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel B. Shapiro, and Qatar Defense Attaché to the United States, Major General Ali Al-Kuwari.


NRF forecasts modest increase in holiday spending for 2024

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has projected an increase in winter holiday spending for 2024, estimating growth between 2.5% and 3.5% compared to the previous year. This would result in total holiday spending ranging from $979.5 billion to $989 billion during November and December, up from $955.6 billion last year.


USDA invests over $15 million in higher education at Hispanic-serving institutions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment exceeding $15 million to bolster agriculture-related higher education programs at Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) across the United States. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students in fields related to food and agriculture.


Biden-Harris Administration proposes $750 million investment with Wolfspeed under CHIPS Act

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with Wolfspeed, Inc. for up to $750 million in proposed funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This funding aims to support the construction of a silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina. The initiative is part of efforts to secure a domestic supply chain for semiconductors essential for the future energy economy and AI technologies.


U.S. Department of State hosts international musicians for exchange on social change through music

The U.S. Department of State recently hosted 13 international musicians and music professionals as part of its Global Music Diplomacy Initiative. This initiative aims to use music as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy. The event was organized through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which serves as the department's leading professional exchange program.


Justice Department monitors voting rights compliance in Portage County

The Justice Department has announced its intention to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio. This monitoring will occur during the early voting period and on Election Day. The department's role is to ensure that all citizens have access to the ballot without facing intimidation or threats.


Acting Secretary Su comments on surge in union election petitions

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has reported a significant increase in union election petitions, with figures more than doubling in the fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2021. Acting Secretary Julie Su commented on the report, emphasizing a shift in power towards workers.


USDA announces aid package for farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for producers affected by Hurricane Helene. The USDA has identified counties eligible for payments under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement. Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days to issue payments, although they often do so sooner.


Virginia contractor settles over data security failures involving Medicare beneficiaries

ASRC Federal Data Solutions LLC (AFDS), based in Reston, Virginia, has agreed to settle allegations related to the False Claims Act. The allegations involve a government contract concerning the storage of unsecured personal information of Medicare beneficiaries. As part of the settlement, AFDS will pay $306,722 and forgo any reimbursement rights for costs incurred during a data breach remediation, including at least $877,578 spent on notifying affected individuals and providing credit monitoring services.


Blinken discusses regional stability with Jordanian Foreign Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, on October 15, 2024. The discussion centered around regional developments.