Stories by Trina Thomas on Federal Newswire



EPA to inspect completed cleanups at 14 New England Superfund sites

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is performing extensive audits of the completed cleanup work at more than a dozen Superfund sites in New England, the agency announced recently.


America's largest urban national park receives grant to enhance 'fun, memorable and hands on' learning experiences

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California recently received an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation.


'Every life lost is a tragedy': DOT announces roadway safety strategy to prevent fatalities

The U.S. Department of Transportation in a Jan. 27 press release announced a comprehensive roadway safety strategy to prevent traffic deaths and injuries.


DOL announces $15M in state grants to improve unemployment programs

The Department of Labor on Jan. 31 announced that state grants of $15 million will be available to focus on improving state unemployment systems.


2022 Hire Vets Medallion Award application period now open

The U.S. Department of Labor on Jan. 31 announced through a press release that they have opened up the application process for the 2022 Hire Vets Medallion Award.


Department of Transportation announces nearly $18M to go toward tribal programs

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Jan. 24 announced that will be helping tribes administer transportation programs through an assistance program.


Department of Justice implements new firearm storage rule

The Department of Justice on Jan. 3 announced a new rule to help enable the safe and secure storage of firearms and published a Best Practices Guide for federal firearms licensees.


2021 saw 41% uptick in aviation 'laser strikes'

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Feb. 4 released 2021 laser strike numbers showing a 41% increase from the previous year.


DOC highlights broadband solutions provided to first responders

The U.S. Department of Commerce on Jan. 28 made an announcement that a federal agency will provide broadband solutions to first responders to assist with daily operations.


'Bring some justice to the victims’ families': ICE announces arrests of 10 smugglers tied to 19 2021 murders

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) investigation resulted in the arrest of 10 smugglers.


Florida Polytechnic receives $150K grant to develop low-cost supply of rare earth elements

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded a grant to Florida Polytechnic University's Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) to focus on outpacing China in the supply of rare earth elements.


USDA publishes 2020 Pesticide Data Program summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently published the 2020 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary.


'Those who prey on our youth must be held accountable': Seattle man arrested for human trafficking

A 23-year-old from Seattle has been arrested at Sea-Tac Airport as he drove to the arrivals area to pick up a person whom he believed was a 17-year-old minor prostitute.


Beloved 'Snow Cone the Whale' apparently in good health, according to recent sitings

There have been several sightings of a popular whale that stole the hearts of many across the globe last year.


NOAA saved 330 lives last year thanks to advanced satellite information

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Jan. 31 released information about the number of lives saved last year in the United States.


Longest lightning strike from Mississippi to Texas captured on satellite imaging

The world's largest single lightning bolt to date was captured by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite earlier this month.



DOL sends $1.8 million to New York to rebuild jobs in opioid-devastated communities

More than 90 people in the U.S. die every day from opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which for New York means a 11.5% increase in deaths between June 2020 and last summer.


Census Academy launches series on 2022 Back to Data Basics Webinar

The Census Academy on Jan. 27 introduced the 2022 Back to Data Basics Webinar Series.


Biden appoints five new USDA directors with 'experience and talent to serve on the front lines'

The US Department of Agriculture announced on Jan. 27 that five individuals will be appointed for new regional director positions.


Tonga eruption creates tsunamis that have never been detected by modern technology

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano on Jan. 15 erupted, creating tsunamis never before detected with modern instruments.