News from December 2023
Overdose reversal medications to be available at all federal facilities
By Federal Newswire | Dec 31, 2023
President Biden has tasked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the mission to reduce overdose deaths. In this regard, regulations are being proposed to ensure that all federal facilities are equipped with overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. The General Services Administration (GSA) is supporting these measures.
FTC and DOJ release annual Hart-Scott-Rodino report
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Antitrust Division have published their Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022. The report provides data for FY 2022 on the HSR Premerger Notification Program.
GreenMet supports domestic mining processes following China's ban on refining technologies
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
GreenMet, a U.S. company, has announced that it supports the development of cleaner methods for refining and processing minerals domestically. This comes as an alternative to relying on China, especially in light of China's recent ban on technologies related to rare earth refining.
EDU to provide $44.5 million to 22 universities to help rural students find careers
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
In a bid to increase college attendance among rural students, the U.S. Department of Education (EDU) is set to allocate $44.5 million in grants to 22 schools. The funds are being distributed through the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program, which aims to attract these students towards highly skilled, well-paying careers that are in high demand within their local communities.
The pressure against Apple and Google is building in Japan
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
Tech giants Apple and Google, who have been embroiled in numerous antitrust battles in the United States, are now facing mounting pressure in Japan. As per a report by Nikkei Asia, Japan is gearing up to implement new regulations that could compel these two technology behemoths to permit third-party app stores on their mobile operating systems.
DOT advisory committee to help with transportation innovation
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the establishment of an advisory committee to facilitate road innovation. The Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC) will comprise experts and advocates from various sectors including municipalities, industry, labor unions, and academia.
DHS conducts 11th removal flight to Venezuela since Oct. 5
By Federal Newswire | Dec 29, 2023
This week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) executed migrant removal flights to Venezuela and Central America. This initiative was supported by a joint effort between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Reps. Comer & Jordan investigate whether President Biden sought to obstruct his son’s cooperation with the House’s impeachment inquiry
By Federal Newswire | Dec 28, 2023
House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are launching an investigation into whether President Biden attempted to obstruct the ongoing impeachment inquiry by influencing his son, Hunter Biden, to defy congressional subpoenas. The investigation comes after an official White House statement suggested that President Biden had prior knowledge of Hunter Biden's plan to ignore the subpoenas.
Committee on Ethics establishes investigative subcommittee for Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
By Federal Newswire | Dec 28, 2023
The Committee on Ethics has announced the establishment of an Investigative Subcommittee to determine whether Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick violated any laws or standards of conduct in the performance of her duties. The Subcommittee will focus on allegations related to campaign finance, failure to disclose required information, and acceptance of voluntary services from an individual not employed in her congressional office.
DOT sets aside $9.7 billion in multi-year funding for bridge planning and repair projects
By Federal Newswire | Dec 27, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened applications for bridge projects to any municipality or state government that requires funding for related initiatives under $100 million. The projects may encompass renovation and planning, with the FHWA allocating $9.7 billion in multi-year funding to aid these infrastructure endeavors.
US Bureau of Land Management plans wild burro gather near Kingman for early January
By Federal Newswire | Dec 27, 2023
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced plans to conduct a wild burro gather in early January aimed at reducing the number of wild burros in the Black Mountain Herd Management Area. The operation is expected to last up to two months.
Interior Department creates Landsat 2030 Partnership Initiative
By Federal Newswire | Dec 27, 2023
The international partnership initiative aims to empower government partners to manage land, surface water, and resource use sustainably. The initiative will leverage Landsat’s data records and provide a new capability to comprehend and manage the impacts of climate change on landscapes at state, regional, and international levels.
Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of U.S. Border Patrol, USBP said Smugglers got “Scrooged”
By Federal Newswire | Dec 27, 2023
Drug smugglers attempting to transport narcotics through the Indio Station were thwarted by border patrol agents, as reported by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. The announcement was made via X, previously known as Twitter.
China leads countries causing continuation of African energy finance gap
By Federal Newswire | Dec 27, 2023
A recent article by the Carnegie Endowment reveals that a select group of African nations is receiving the majority of energy financing, leaving the rest of the continent struggling to meet their energy objectives. This disparity is attributed to a small consortium of financiers, spearheaded by China, whose individual interests dictate the direction of most energy financing allocated to Africa.
DOE accepts applications for $40 million Energy Auditor Training program grants
By Federal Newswire | Dec 26, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that the Energy Auditor Training program (EAT) will distribute up to $40 million in grants for states, with the aim of training individuals to conduct energy audits or surveys for commercial and residential buildings. The DOE has initiated the application process for competitive funding, with a view to bolstering the workforce with energy efficiency certifications.
CBP officials intercept stink bug known to damage plants at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
By Federal Newswire | Dec 26, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officials at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport recently intercepted a stink bug known to damage plants by piercing and sucking sap from leaves. CBP agriculture specialists discovered the insect, identified as Euschistus rugifer, in a package of fresh herbs.
Chief Border Patrol Agent: ‘Two convicted felons were encountered by agents near Escondido’
By Federal Newswire | Dec 26, 2023
San Diego Border Patrol sector agents have apprehended two convicted felons, as announced by Chief Patrol Agent Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel. The individuals were found in possession of a loaded firearm, according to her statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Ohio industrial rubber hose manufacturer fined $389,534 by DOL for violating safety protocol
By Federal Newswire | Dec 26, 2023
HBD Industries, an Ohio-based industrial rubber hose manufacturer, is once again facing scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The company's subsidiary, HBD/Thermoid Inc., which operates in Bellefontaine, has been cited by the DOL seven times since 2013.
Discounted backcountry camping permits will be offered at Big South Fork for Martin Luther King Jur. Day
By Federal Newswire | Dec 25, 2023
Backcountry camping permits will be available for half off the usual price on January 15. This offer is part of six special days where fees are waived or discounted in national parks, with the next one scheduled for December 19.
Border Patrol Chief: 'Unknown groups are potential threats to your safety'
By Federal Newswire | Dec 25, 2023
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens expressed concern over the risk posed by migrants attempting to illegally enter the U.S. in groups. He pointed out that managing such illegal entries often strains resources.
