Stories by Federal Newswire on Federal Newswire


EPA announces $125 million funding for cleaner engine upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, replacing them with cleaner and zero-emission solutions to improve air quality and public health. The awards are currently in final workplan negotiations with the selected applicants.


Peruvian national sentenced for defrauding Spanish-speaking immigrants in transnational scheme

A Peruvian national, Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano, has been sentenced to 98 months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $700,000 in restitution for his involvement in a transnational fraud scheme. The scheme targeted over 1,100 Spanish-speaking immigrants in the United States.


Under Secretary Jenkins to speak at Spelman College nuclear forum

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins, is set to visit Atlanta, Georgia on October 19-20, 2024. During her visit, she will address the Spelman College Nuclear Deterrence Forum.


Radio Free Asia: Facebook censors political content in Hong Kong

Takedown requests from authorities have led to increased Facebook censorship for Hong Kong residents, with a significant rise in such actions over the past five years, according to an October 14 report from Radio Free Asia (RFA).


Mike Hammer visits Boston to engage with students and Ethiopian diaspora

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, is visiting Boston, Massachusetts from October 18 to 22. During his stay, he will engage with students and faculty at several academic institutions.


Jonathan Czin joins Brookings Institution as chair after notable government service

Jonathan Czin, a former CIA China expert, has taken on the role of the Michael H. Armacost Chair in Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution as of September 30, 2024. Czin's career includes significant positions such as a member of the Senior Analytic Service at the CIA and director for China at the White House National Security Council from 2021 to 2023. He also served as an advisor for Asia-Pacific Security Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and overseas at a CIA field station in Southeast Asia.


EPA settles with Keystone-Conemaugh Projects over coal ash regulation violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Keystone-Conemaugh Projects, LLC, based in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The agreement requires the company to monitor and potentially remediate groundwater at its Conemaugh Generating Station in New Florence, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Keystone-Conemaugh Projects will pay a civil penalty of $185,927.


Chinese Human Rights Defenders: Chinese government violates the rights of Xie Yang with continued detainment

Xie Yang has been detained for the past 32 months by Chinese authorities. This is not the first time he has faced detention, according to a news release from the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) on October 9.


TD Bank's $3 billion settlement shows Chinese money-broker networks are laundering drug proceeds

TD Bank’s U.S. unit has agreed to pay $3.09 billion in penalties and face growth restrictions following charges it failed to effectively monitor money laundering activities linked to drug cartels and Chinese criminal organizations. The settlement exposes flaws in federal anti-money-laundering (AML) systems related to international schemes by networks based in China.


SEC fines against crypto industry rise 3018% in 2024 amid regulatory uncertainty

A report from Social Capital Markets revealed an increase in the fines levied by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the crypto currency industry. According to the report, SEC fines increased from $150.26 million in 2023 to $4.68 billion in 2024, marking a 3018% rise in penalties.


IRS Criminal Investigations former chief: 'The U.S. government needs to step up' efforts to secure release of ex-federal agent

Richard Weber, a former chief of IRS Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), has called for the U.S. government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan from a Nigerian prison. Weber made his remarks during an October 3 podcast.


Alabama man charged over alleged hack of SEC social media account

An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.


Biden-Harris Administration approves $4.5 billion in relief for public service workers

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the approval of an additional $4.5 billion in student loan relief for over 60,000 public service workers nationwide. This development is part of ongoing reforms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which aims to alleviate student debt burdens for those in public service roles. The administration's efforts have resulted in a total of over $175 billion in loan forgiveness for more than 4.8 million Americans, with $74 billion specifically allocated through PSLF.


EPA allocates $15 million for cleaner engine projects in NY & NJ

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced selections amounting to nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, promoting cleaner and zero-emission solutions that enhance air quality and public health. Entities in New Jersey, New York, and the tri-state area will receive about $15 million for related projects.


Lawmakers question Pentagon on China's Arctic military research

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have raised concerns regarding China's military research activities in the Arctic. They addressed these issues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlighting potential national security risks posed by Chinese dual-use military research in Iceland and Norway.


Under Secretary Zeya visits Europe focusing on security, human rights

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom from October 18-22, 2024.


Blinken discusses Gaza and Lebanon issues with Saudi Foreign Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion centered on the death of Yahya Sinwar and emphasized the significance of ongoing efforts to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages.


U.S. targets Chinese firms over involvement in Russian drone production

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on three entities and one individual involved in the production of Russia's Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones, which have been used in Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, are designed by experts based in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and manufactured at factories in China before being transferred to Russia.


US condemns Yahya Sinwar amid ongoing efforts to resolve conflict

Yahya Sinwar, a leader associated with Hamas, was described as responsible for orchestrating significant attacks resulting in numerous casualties. These acts included the murder of Israelis, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries. Sinwar's actions were linked to the kidnapping and hostage-taking of civilians across various demographics.


US imposes sanctions on entities linked to Russian drone production

The United States has announced sanctions against three entities and one individual involved in the development and production of Russia's Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These UAVs have been used in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and causing significant casualties.