News published on Federal Newswire in December 2023

Epic Games has celebrated the verdict delivered by a jury in a California court in its case against Google, describing it as a victory for app developers and consumers. The company asserts that the decision confirms Google’s app store practices exploit its monopoly power.

HUD provides $40 million to pay salaries of service coordinators helping seniors and people living with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Multifamily Housing Programs has announced that it will provide $40 million in funding to service organizations assisting people with disabilities and seniors residing in affordable apartment complexes. The funding is supported by the Service Coordinator in Multifamily Housing (SCMF) program, which aids elderly individuals and persons with disabilities living in federally-assisted multifamily housing to secure necessary supportive services from community agencies.

New Jersey medical provider fined $160,000 for failing to provide patients with medical records in timely fashion

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a settlement with Optum Medical Care of New Jersey, a multi-specialty physician group serving patients throughout New Jersey and Southern Connecticut, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) supported this announcement.

DOT will provide $817 million to enhance roadways near 70 percent of the nation’s population

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced approximately $817 million in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants, aimed at enhancing safety and preventing fatalities on American roadways. This initiative forms part of the larger $14 billion infrastructure law targeting improved roadway safety.

DOL issues penalties against Houston-based companies for exposing workers to safety risks during roof collapse

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has imposed fines totalling $315,000 on two Houston-based contractors for exposing employees to safety hazards during the demolition of Friendswood High School in June. An investigation found that the companies did not comply with federal requirements for an engineering survey to be conducted before work commenced.

Federal government sanctions Mexican cartel for drug and human smuggling

The U.S. government has initiated measures to counteract the activities of a human smuggling and drug trafficking group based in Sonora, Mexico, operating on the southwest border. This initiative is also supported by the Mexican government.

Chief Patrol Agent: 'Twenty years ago today, Yuma Sector suffered the loss of Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling'

Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin of the Yuma Sector Border Patrol recently commemorated an agent who tragically drowned two decades ago while attempting to rescue migrants. The memory of the agent's service, according to McGoffin, will be forever etched in the annals of the agency.

Chief Patrol Agent: 'Brian A. Terry lost his life in the line of duty'

John R. Modlin, the Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson sector, recently commemorated the 13th anniversary of a fallen agent on social media platform X. He emphasized that the agency would forever remember the sacrifices made by the agent to protect their jurisdiction.

Chief Patrol Agent: 'We pumped the brakes on this smuggling operation'

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents conducting a routine checkpoint on Highway 86 uncovered an attempt by a motorist to transport cocaine. The individual behind the wheel is identified as a 30-year-old female U.S. citizen.

Chief Patrol Agent: 'Three people perished that day in 2022 because they trusted their lives to criminals who only care about profits'

The individuals implicated in a fatal human trafficking incident that occurred off Imperial Beach in 2022 have been sentenced to prison. The incident resulted in the deaths of three people after their boat capsized. The United States Attorney’s Office Southern District Office officially announced the sentencing.

Chief Border Patrol Agent: ‘Sault Ste Marie Border Patrol Agents assisted Bay Mills PD and other agencies with a suspect who pulled a knife on officers’

A 28-year-old man was detained with the assistance of Sault Ste Marie Border Patrol Agents after he brandished a knife at officers from the Bay Mills Police Department. The agents were summoned to aid in the arrest.

FTC says Sanofi’s termination of $755M Maze deal is a win for Pompe sufferers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to dismiss its case aimed at preventing Sanofi from acquiring an exclusive license for a therapy in development by Maze Therapeutics for the treatment of Pompe disease. This decision was taken following Sanofi's termination of the proposed deal.

Rep. Langworthy introduces Defense of Property Rights Act

The American Stewards of Liberty (ASL), a nonprofit organization, recently disclosed that US Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY) introduced his Defense of Property Rights Act earlier this week. The ASL press release states that the bill is aimed at addressing private property rights under the Fifth Amendment.

Director of BlueRibbon Coalition opposes NAC rule: 'We don’t trust the administrative rulemaking process'

Ben Burr, Executive Director of BlueRibbon Coalition, recently informed the Federal Newswire that both members and supporters of the coalition are in opposition to a proposed rule that would establish a new investment entity known as the Natural Asset Company (NAC). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently considering this rule.

Congress members warn of cartel expansion into cigarettes: ‘The American people can’t afford for the cartels to grow more powerful’

As the U.S. government contemplates a ban on menthol cigarettes, concerns are being raised about the potential creation of a black market for these products, which could be exploited by Mexican drug cartels. Several members of Congress expressed these worries in a letter to President Biden, indicating that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has already initiated cigarette smuggling operations.

US anti-money laundering rule could target Latin American crime groups

In a recent report on the US beneficial ownership rule, journalist Mike LaSusa discussed the potential impact of the rule on Latin American crime groups and the challenges it faces. The report was published by Insight Crime on December 12.

Center for American Progress publishes resource on child care and early learning trends

The Center for American Progress (CAP) has launched its "Data Dashboard: An Overview of Child Care and Early Learning in the United States." This interactive tool is designed to aid policymakers and advocates in addressing what CAP identifies as a crisis impacting children and families.

Chinese drug makers exploit social media for illicit fentanyl sales