News published on Federal Newswire in December 2023

News from December 2023


Hudson Institute says Xi is playing US leaders with US-China fentanyl agreement

John P. Walters, President and CEO of the Hudson Institute, alongside Senior Fellow Tod Lindberg, have expressed concerns about the efficacy of the recent agreement between the Biden Administration and China to combat the fentanyl overdose epidemic. In their commentary piece released on November 29, they argue that this effort will prove insufficient due to the extensive opioid crisis and China's purportedly deceptive strategy to weaken the United States.


Former US Ambassador acted as an Agent of the Cuban Government

Victor Manuel Rocha, who served on the National Security Council from 1994 to 1995 and also acted as the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002, is under serious allegations of espionage. According to a press release by the U.S. Department of Justice, he has been accused of secretly supporting Cuba's intelligence-gathering mission against the U.S. since 1981.


Border Patrol Chief:  Agent 'rescued a subject from drowning in the Rio Grande'

A Border Patrol agent in Laredo, Texas recently risked his life to save a migrant who was drowning while attempting to cross the Rio Grande. This incident occurred amidst ongoing attempts by migrants to cross this border river, often under dangerous conditions.


7-Eleven is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for anticompetitive acquisition violation

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused 7-Eleven of violating an anticompetitive acquisition order by acquiring a fuel outlet in St. Petersburg, Florida without giving the commission prior notice. The order in question was mutually agreed upon by the FTC and 7-Eleven.


Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force launched by the US Department of Treasury

The U.S. Treasury is set to establish a new task force aimed at combating the illegal trafficking of fentanyl across North America. This proactive measure targets an ongoing issue affecting communities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.


EPA announces a total of $20 million in grants to improve Long Island Sound

Federal and state environmental agencies, alongside officials from New England and New York, recently collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to announce that they will provide $12 million in grants aimed at enhancing the Long Island Sound. These funds represent part of an extensive effort to protect and improve the water quality and overall health of this vital estuary.


DOE allocates $42 million to enhance US power grid

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a $42 million initiative aimed at improving the nation's power grid across 11 states, involving 15 projects under the Unlocking Lasting Transformative Resiliency Advances by Faster Actuation of power Semiconductor Technologies (ULTRAFAST) program. The purpose of these initiatives is to advance semiconductor technologies and enhance the resiliency of the national power grid.


RAISE program receives $1.5 billion from Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a $1.5 billion grant to support communities across the nation concerning developments with significant local or regional impact. This funding will facilitate essential infrastructure projects through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program.


Federal Trade Commission releases its annual Report on Ethanol Market Concentration

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently publicized its 2023 Report on Ethanol Market Concentration, following a unanimous vote of 3-0 in favor of the report's approval. This report forms part of an annual review process mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, aimed at scrutinizing the state of competition within the ethanol production industry in America.


Blinken thanks supporters at Kennedy Center Honors Dinner

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the audience at the Kennedy Center Honors Dinner, expressing gratitude to those within government who have been instrumental to the department's work. The annual event took place at the prestigious Kennedy Center.


New Report Details FBI's Targeting of Traditional Catholics as Potential Domestic Terrorists

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new interim staff report released by the House Judiciary Committee and its Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has shed light on the FBI's alleged targeting of traditional Catholics as potential domestic terrorists. Titled "The FBI's Breach of Religious Freedom: The Weaponization of Law Enforcement Against Catholic Americans," the report reveals the extent of the FBI's categorization of certain Catholic Americans as threats and its proposed measures to infiltrate Catholic churches for "threat mitigation."The report...


International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations and H3D Foundation will continue working together to boost medicine research in Africa

The under-representation of Africa in medical research regarding new infections is an issue the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and H3D Foundation (H3D-F) aim to address, as their renewed partnership focuses on equipping early and mid-career African scientists with skill development opportunities.


Weekend Interview: John O'Brien, editor, Legal Newsline

John O’Brien is a veteran journalist and editor of Legal Newsline. The American Legal Record Podcast interviewed O’Brien last week regarding his recent article, “Company being crushed under weight of feds' child labor probe, despite no charges.”


Aerospace Industries Association president calls on Congress to pass Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization legislation

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning is calling on Congress to swiftly pass legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This call to action is intended to improve regulatory and safety processes, strengthen the workforce pipeline, restore global leadership at the FAA, and bolster the impact of aviation on the U.S. economy.


Border Patrol Chief: 'USBP has interdicted over 100 cases with over 3,400  pounds of Meth'

Border Patrol agents in the Laredo sector made a sizable meth bust recently that took roughly 112 pounds of the drug off the streets and has a motorist facing smuggling charges. The incident, which led to a significant dent in drug trafficking activities, occurred with the assistance of Duval County Sheriff's Office during a vehicle stop.


Majority of patients on Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program have undetectable viral load

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commemorated World Aids Day by announcing that 90 percent of people with HIV receiving medical care through a department program are virally suppressed. The revelation comes as part of an effort to increase awareness and support for those living with the disease.


DOT earmarks $300 million for transit upgrades providing easier access for people with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a major investment to improve transit station accessibility for people with disabilities and mobility needs. This action is part of President Biden's infrastructure package.


America commits to spending $11 billion annually to globally fight climate change

America's commitment to the Paris Agreement is set to be led by U.S. officials eager to accelerate the worldwide transition towards clean energy and help vulnerable nations and communities become more resilient to climate change impacts. This move is a part of an overarching effort by the U.S. government to tackle global environmental challenges and promote sustainability.


Austin: 'Met again today with Grant Shapps  to discuss our continued work together to support Ukraine'

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his counterpart from Great Britain this week to discuss how the two nations can continue to work on cooperation and their military support for allies around the world. The meeting, which saw various critical issues being addressed, took place at Moffett Field in California.


Mayorkas: 'DHS is leading the way in the safe and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence'

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have joined forces to create a blueprint for AI developers. This collaboration aims to provide guidance on cybersecurity measures for developers in the emerging field of artificial intelligence.