News published on Federal Newswire in November 2021

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule to implement an expansive critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl.

Release of Daniel Fenster

By State Newswire | Nov 15, 2021

Release: We welcome the release of American journalist Daniel Fenster from prison in Burma, where he was wrongfully detained for almost six months. I commend Ambassador Tom Vajda and his team at U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, the expertise of Consular Affairs and the dedicated partners, including Governor Bill Richardson, who helped facilitate Danny’s release.

San Marcos Man Charged Federally with Austin Synagogue Arson

News Release: AUSTIN - A federal complaint was unsealed charging Franklin Barrett Sechriest, 18, of San Marcos, with arson in connection with the fire intentionally set at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Austin on Oct. 31, 2021. Sechriest had an initial appearance in federal court today in Austin on the complaint.

Narcotics Trafficker Extradited from Colombia to Face International Cocaine Distribution Charges

News Release: BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Fabian Emilio Zapata Taborda, also known as “Milo" and “Milito," was arraigned today before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him with leading an international cocaine distribution conspiracy. The defendant, ...

DOE recognizes project management teams with awards

Each year, the Secretary of Energy recognizes teams that completed major Office of Science projects on time, within budget, and ready for their science missions. The Project Management Awards are based on cost and schedule, complexity, problem solving, communication, and other achievements.

Temporary Closure of Odell Road in Joshua Tree National Park

News Release: For three days, Tuesday, November 16; Thursday, November 18; and, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, Joshua Tree National Park managers will close a section of Odell Road north of Queen Valley Road for visitor and staff safety. This temporary closure will allow the park to continue to repair damage to vegetation and soils caused by unauthorized pull-outs along this road.

Previously Convicted Felon Who Shot Another Individual Sentenced To 84 Months In Prison

News Release: NEWARK, N.J. - A Hudson County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with an incident in which he shot another individual in Jersey City, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Two Mexican Natives Sentenced for Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin in the Central Valley

News Release: RESNO, Calif. - Antonio Valencia-Hernandez, 65, and Jose Reyes-Pineda, 48, natives and citizens of Mexico, were sentenced today to 12 years and three months and one and a half years in prison, respectively, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Mark Your Calendars for the 99th National Christmas Tree Lighting at President’s Park, Hosted by LL COOL J

News Release: WASHINGTON - Start your 2021 holiday season with the 99th National Christmas Tree Lighting ! This beloved American tradition, presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and National Park Foundation (NPF), features musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. This year, the ceremony and official lighting will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Peters Provisions to Strengthen Cybersecurity Signed Into Law as Part of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

By Homeland Newswire | Nov 15, 2021

News Release: WASHINGTON, D.C. - Provisions secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to bolster our nation’s cybersecurity defenses have been signed into law as a part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The provisions Peters secured provide...

USDA authorizes import of fresh melons from Japan to US

The United States Department of Agriculture has issued the following press release:The U.S.

Grijalva expresses disappointment that COP26 lacks sufficient Indigenous representation, intends to discuss the issue when he arrives

Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) issued the following statement this morning before departing for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26.

Two L.A.-Area Men Found Guilty of Federal Charges for Collecting Ransom Proceeds for Cross-Border Kidnapping Conspiracy

News Release: LOS ANGELES - A federal jury today found two Los Angeles-area men guilty of collecting ransom payments for a criminal conspiracy in which multiple victims were kidnapped near the United States-Mexico border.

Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

News Release: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.

What to Expect in FEMA Home Inspections

By Homeland Newswire | Nov 15, 2021

News Release: PEARL, Miss. - Individuals and households who live in Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties who were affected by Hurricane Ida from Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, 2021 and applied for federal assistance may need to have their homes inspected to verify losses.

LBJ Ranch Unit of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Certified as an International Dark Sky Park

News Release: STONEWALL, TEXAS - The National Park Service and the International Dark Sky Association announce the certification of the LBJ Ranch Unit of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park as an International Dark Sky Park. This certification recognizes the exceptional quality of the park’s night skies and provides added opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei Announces Intent to Step Down from Eastern District of Texas Leadership

News Release: BEAUMONT, Texas - Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Nicholas J. Ganjei announced today that he will be stepping down from the role of Acting United States Attorney effective November 16th.

Mount Rainier National Park Announces Temporary Closure of Carbon River Area

News Release: Deputy Superintendent Kevin Skerl today signed an closing parts of the Carbon River area of Mount Rainier National Park. Effective immediately and until further notice, the Carbon River Trail and all attached trailheads are closed to public entry.

New Orleans Man Indicted for a Violation of the Federal Gun Control Act

News Release: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NELSON RAYMOND, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on Nov. 12, 2021 in a one count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Duane Evans.

APHIS' Kevin Shea receives awards from National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, United States Animal Health Association