News from August 2024
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
A spokesperson for Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) stated that the Congressman continues to work with the State Department to secure the release of his constituent Tigran Gambaryan from Nigeria, where he has been detained since February 26. Rep. McCormick's office shared its statement with Federal Newswire on August 16.
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 21, 2024
Anthony Anastasio, president of the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute (NJCJI), told Federal Newswire in an Aug. 19 statement that NJCJI supports state and federal efforts to require transparency in third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and will continue advocating for it in New Jersey civil lawsuits.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
On August 21, 2024, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya traveled to New York City for an audience with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Under Secretary Zeya was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Democracy and Human Rights Kelly Razzouk.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the commencement of hazardous waste cleanup at the former Goo Smoke Shop and Select Distributors Warehouse in Clinton Township, Michigan. The site, located at 19100 15 Mile Road, was the scene of a fire and multiple explosions earlier this year.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the allocation of $53.6 million in Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) grants to fourteen state and territorial weatherization offices. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aiming to provide low-income households with energy-saving measures and materials not traditionally included in DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
Yuanjun Tang, 67, a naturalized citizen of the United States and resident of Queens, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with acting and conspiring to act in the United States as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and making materially false statements to the FBI. Tang was arrested today in Flushing, Queens, and will be presented this afternoon.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
Senior Director for International Economics at the National Security Council, Nora Todd, is traveling to Costa Rica from August 21-23 to participate in an Americas Partnership planning meeting. The focus of the meeting is the 2025 Americas Partnership Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by Costa Rica. The U.S. delegation includes Senior Coordinator for the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity at the Department of State, Ambassador Lisa Kubiske; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Kevin Sullivan; and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the...
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, Aug. 21, the allocation of $9 million in grant funding to four institutions for research aimed at addressing knowledge gaps and improving the management of antimicrobial resistance risk. Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health concern, complicating the treatment of infections in both animals and humans. Wastewater treatment facilities are considered potential receptors and sources for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The Digital Chamber (TDC) stated that companies might hesitate to do business in Nigeria due to the Nigerian government's detention of Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan. However, TDC noted that Africa is a "diverse" continent with many ambitious young people and will likely remain a tech hub. TDC shared its statement with Federal Newswire on August 15.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The consumer filing has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to mandate the release of a broad spectrum of information as part of labeling requirements. The filing enumerates various types of sensors on devices, such as cameras, microphones, thermometers, and presence sensors. It also highlights the data and inferences these sensors collect, particularly if they can detect location or sensitive personal information.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
This week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974. This legislation created several programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher program, the Project-Based Rental Assistance program, and the Community Block Development Grant program, to provide access to quality, safe, affordable homes for all. These initiatives ensure families have access to affordable housing. The HCD Act also introduced the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, known as the...
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
4-H, a longstanding youth development organization in the United States, is expanding its educational programs to include technology-focused learning, with support from Apple.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
Oleg Chistyakov, also known as Olegs Čitsjakovs, 55, of Latvia, made his initial appearance in a federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, today after being extradited from Latvia. Chistyakov is the third defendant in this case to face charges in connection with a years-long conspiracy to sell sophisticated avionics equipment to Russian companies, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent U.S. economic countermeasures against Russia.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an open house and "Superfund 101" training session on Thursday, August 29, for residents interested in the cleanup of the Michner Plating-Mechanic Street Superfund site in Jackson, Michigan. The event will take place at the American 1 Convention Center located at 128 Ganson St., Jackson, Mich., starting at 4:30 p.m.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Nebraska, following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from May 20 to June 3, 2024. This federal aid aims to supplement state, Tribal, and local recovery efforts.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced an organizational assessment of the Charlottesville, Virginia, Police Department through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. Over the next year, the Charlottesville Police Department will collaborate with the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative team to focus on community policing/problem solving, crime analysis/crime prevention, employee wellness, training, development and retention, resource analysis/strategic planning, and accountability, oversight and evaluation.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding over $7.3 million in grants to support four drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities in California. These communities are facing challenges such as drought, wildfires, and other impacts of climate change. This marks the first time the EPA is providing funding under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program. The program has selected 16 recipients nationwide across nine states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania from August 21-28. The visit aims to advance ongoing U.S.-led investments in the development of the Lobito and Trans-Africa Corridor and explore opportunities to expand the economic corridor to the Indian Ocean.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on August 21, 2024, regarding the Secretary’s recent trip to the Middle East. The conversation focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation and their shared commitment to creating conditions for a durable ceasefire, bringing hostages home, and ensuring vital humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza. Additionally, they discussed a range of regional issues.
By Federal Newswire | Aug 21, 2024
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released its preliminary annual benchmark report for nonfarm payrolls, indicating a decline of 818,000 jobs. This represents the most substantial revision since 2009 and accounts for approximately 30% of job growth for the 12-month period ending in March 2024.
