News published on Federal Newswire in November 2023

News from November 2023


Bureau of Land Management seeks public comment on solar projects in Nevada

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on proposed Esmerelda 7 Solar Projects near Tonopah Nevada.


DOE to invest up to $440 million in rooftop solar and batteries for Puerto Rico

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it has chosen solar firms and nonprofits to install rooftop solar and battery storage systems in Puerto Rico through the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). Up to $440 million in initial PR-ERF funding will support installing solar panels to cut energy expenses for 30,000-40,000 single-family households in Puerto Rico, according to a press release by DOE.


CCP infiltrating University of Texas system

An investigative report by Kristen Stanciu and Michael Quinn Sullivan revealed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has infiltrated the University of Texas system. Stanciu and Sullivan are investigative reporters and authored a report in the Texas Scorecard on Nov. 6.


Distributor of pharmaceutical drugs in Puerto Rico charged with failure to report suspicious orders of drugs

Drogueria Betances LLC was ordered to pay $12 million for failure to report suspicious orders of pharmaceutical drugs and other controlled substance violations.


Wildlife safari owner is charged on federal wildlife trafficking and money laundering

The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari in Myrtle Beach, SC, has pleaded guilty to charges of federal wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Doc Antle was accused of violating the Lacey Act, a law that prohibits trafficking of illegally obtained wildlife.


Over eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills seized in Massachusetts

Over 220 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills have been seized on the North Shore of Massachusetts, marking what is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures in New England.


SEC struggles to hire crypto experts: 'Candidates are often unwilling to divest their crypto assets to work for the SEC'

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said in a recent report that the agency is struggling to hire cryptocurrency experts because the candidates would be required to sell any crypto assets they hold. The report, titled The Inspector General’s Statement on the SEC’s Management and Performance Challenges, was published in October and modified on Nov. 2.


Conservative leaders back Chairman Gallagher's bill to protect U.S. land from Chinese Communist Party

A bill designed to prioritize the protection of American farmland against threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party has received backing from a group of conservative figures, who have sent a letter endorsing the bill to the House-Senate Conference Committee Conferees.


A report from AFPI warns of the threat of terrorism on the U.S.

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released a report explaining the current threat of terrorism in the United States and calling for adaptive policy change in response. Kristen Ziccarelli, a policy analyst at AFPI, authored the report.


Biden issues Executive Order on AI, industry remains committed to security and US leadership

President Joe Biden has issued an Executive Order (EO) aimed at ensuring that the United States leads the world in developing and mitigating risks related to artificial intelligence (AI). The EO sets standards for safety and security in AI development, intending to protect consumers' privacy, promote innovation, and advance America's leadership in the field, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.


DOE allocates $1.3 billion for electric transmission expansion and released a needs study

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated up to $1.3 billion for the expansion of three electric transmission lines spanning six states, while also publishing its final National Transmission Needs Study (Needs Study). The study provides key insights into areas where strengthened transmission infrastructure could benefit both the grid and American communities, said the DOE.


Savit: 'The lack of reciprocity between the CCP and the U.S. affects nearly every sphere of American life'

Adam Savit, director of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), told Federal Newswire that the lack of reciprocity between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) needs to be tackled as it affects almost every aspect of life in America. Savit voiced his concerns following U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)'s introduction of a bill intended to address imbalances in the relationship between the U.S. and China across various domains such as trade, media, and diplomacy.


Leader of $70 million fraudulent cryptocurrency and binary options schemes has been extradited to the US.

The leader of a fraudulent cryptocurrency and binary options scheme worth $70 million has been extradited to the US, where the Serbian national is facing charges from two federal indictments, in the Northern District of Texas and the Eastern District of New York. "Serbian man charged with cryptocurrency fraud has been arrested," reports say.


More Veterans than ever received care and benefits in fiscal year 2023

Veterans Affairs (VA) has set a record in the fiscal year 2023 for delivering healthcare and benefits to Veterans across the nation. It's reported that more Veterans received care and benefits in 2023 than ever before, improving their access to healthcare resources.


Treasury enforces tighter sanctions on entities supporting Russia's war against Ukraine

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is stepping up its sanctions with 130 new Russian evasion and military-industrial targets in an effort to disrupt producers, exporters, and importers that are aiding Russia's technology and equipment acquisition from other nations.


Hageman introduces amendment to prevent passage of new listing standards for Natural Asset Companies

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced an amendment to H.R. 4664, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill. The amendment prohibits funds from being made available to the SEC to approve a rule change proposed by the New York Stock Exchange LLC to adopt listing standards for Natural Asset Companies (NACs).


Russian national was sanctioned for money laundering with virtual currency for Russian elites

Russian national, sanctioned for money laundering with virtual currency for Russian elites, was designated by the Treasury as a collaborator with cybercriminals. The United States confirmed this action in a recent press release published on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's website.


Financial Stability Oversight Council approved new analytic framework to help with financial stability risks

The Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) gave approval to a new analytic framework for monitoring financial stability risks on Nov. 3rd. The novel structure also provides guidance regarding the process of determining nonbank financial company categorizations, with a primary focus on risk evaluation and mitigation.


Agricultural Research Service engineer earns prestigious award for research on food safety systems

Joseph Capobianco, a research engineer for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), was recently honored with a 2022 Arthur S. Flemming award for his groundbreaking work in enhancing food safety systems globally. "Agricultural Research Service engineer awarded for his research on food safety systems", announced an official statement.


USDA announced that they will be providing $32 million in funding for regional food system programs

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has announced an award of more than $32 million in funding. This award aims to strengthen local food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products.