Stories by George Willis on Federal Newswire


EPA fines county in Hawaii $28,500 for failure to meet design deadline

Deadline missed for the design of wastewater treatment facility.


U.S. sanctions Nicaragua over 'sham' election

Ortega-Murillo cited for corruption, arrests of opposition leaders


Awards given to programs fighting impact of COVID-19

Three awards from the COVID-19 Private Sector Engagement and Partnership Fund were recently given to recognize and support programs that address economic recovery and assist the public to overcome the negative impacts of the pandemic.


U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo was in Asia for a series of meetings with the Japanese government and business leaders to expand economic cooperation.


U.S. Commerce Secretary reaches partnership with Japan

Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo and Hagiuda Koichi, Japan’s minister of economy, trade and industry, issued a joint statement on Nov. 15, announcing the establishment of the U.S.-Japan, Commercial and Industrial Partnership (JUCIP).


EPA among agencies recommitting to water quality, 'tackling the climate crisis'

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with several other federal agencies and non-governmental partners, took time recently to reflect on a decade of progress under the Urban Waters Federal Partnership program, while recommitting to restoring urban waterways.


EPA funding projects for tribes in California, Arizona

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $25 million in funding through grants and interagency agreements to 85 tribes in California.


Cape Dredging Inc to remove boat from North Carolina beach

Agreement on funding of $295,000 project ends delay


Homeland Security sets framework for climate change 'to maximize sustainability and resilience'

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prides itself on being at the forefront of national initiatives to address climate change. That topic is the impetus for its first Strategic Framework for Addressing Climate Change announced recently.


DHS sets new policy for enforcement in protected areas: 'Adherence to this principle is a bedrock of our stature as public servants'

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a first-ever comprehensive policy to guide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when contemplating enforcement actions near protected areas.


DHS Secretary issues memo to terminate immigration program

The Secretary of Homeland Security has made a stand against the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program in the midst of a court injunction requiring its reimplementation.


'Their efforts have led to tangible progress in fight against modern slavery': CBP forced labor team presented with prestigious Sammie award

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s forced labor team was awarded the 2021 Service to America Medal for Safety, Security and International Affairs by the Partnership for Public Service.


U.S. announces nearly $144 million in additional assistance 'to those affected by humanitarian crisis' in Afghanistan

The United States is pouring more money into Afghanistan. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced that nearly $144 million in humanitarian assistance has been targeted for those in need of aid in the battle-scarred country.


Vaccinated non-citizens can enter U.S. beginning Nov. 8

Non-citizens who can document they've been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be allowed to enter the United States through land ports of entry and ferry terminals beginning Nov. 8, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced recently.


Judge orders protection plan for Mexican gray wolf

The Mexican gray wolf has a better chance of survival after a federal district court judge ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to produce a draft recovery plan to keep the animal from becoming extinct.


Interior Secretary announces plans to sell offshore leases

Department of the Interior Secretary, Deb Haaland, recently announced plans for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to sell offshore leases by 2025 to help with the development of offshore wind energy.


Little Rock Central High Historic Site increases visitor capacity

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (NHS) in Arkansas, increased access to the visitor center and park programming Oct. 12