News published on Federal Newswire in August 2024

News from August 2024


Mexican cinema day celebrated with 'Pedro Páramo' sneak peek

The recognition of Mexican cinema and literature within and beyond national borders is well-established, resonating deeply as they reflect the nation's identity. Today marks the celebration of National Day of Mexican Cinema, a moment to reaffirm commitment to Mexican cinema and highlight significant projects such as "Pedro Páramo," a film adaptation of Juan Rulfo's novel. Nearly 70 years after its publication, "Pedro Páramo" remains a cornerstone of Mexican literature with universal significance.


EPA orders closure of five large capacity cesspools in Hawaii

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlement agreements and a closure order involving the owners of Large Capacity Cesspools on Maui and Hawai‘i Island, citing potential water contamination risks.


Deputy Secretary Verma's upcoming visit aims at strengthening ties with Nepal and India

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will lead U.S. delegations to Nepal on August 16 and India from August 17-22 to advance and support a prosperous, secure, and resilient future for both countries.


Department reminds Michigan employers about responsibilities towards temporary agricultural workers

As Michigan’s harvest season intensifies, the U.S. Department of Labor is reminding employers of their responsibilities and seasonal workers of their rights under federal law.


Treasury releases international capital data for June 2024

Washington – The U.S. Department of the Treasury released Treasury International Capital (TIC) data for June 2024 today. The next release, which will report on data for July 2024, is scheduled for September 18, 2024.


Garland highlights collaborative efforts against violent crime during Kansas visit

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas on August 15, 2024, expressing gratitude towards law enforcement officers and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combating violent crime.


Inflation remains top issue for small businesses according to NFIB survey

NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade joined Bloomberg's "The Close" for an exclusive interview to discuss the results of NFIB’s latest Problems and Priorities survey. Using data from the report, Wade analyzed how uncertainty over future economic conditions continues to impact small business owners in how they operate their businesses and prepare for the months ahead.


Man charged with threats against businesses supporting Israel

Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Florida, is charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing yesterday, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial.


Administration announces lower prescription drug prices

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced agreements for new, lower prices for 10 selected drugs, marking a significant step in reducing prescription drug costs for millions of Americans. These drugs, which are among the most expensive and frequently dispensed in the Medicare program, treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The new prices will take effect on January 1, 2026, for those with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.


Justice Department secures agreement with Nebraska School District over ADA violations

The Justice Department announced today that it filed a complaint and proposed consent decree to resolve allegations that Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), in Lincoln, Nebraska, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying some deaf and hard of hearing students an equal opportunity to attend their neighborhood schools or participate in the high school choice program.


Wrongful death suit against Disney highlights concerns over digital agreements

A wrongful death lawsuit against Disney has brought attention to the often-overlooked implications of clicking "I agree" on digital agreements. John Davisson, director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, emphasized the challenges consumers face with these contracts.


Doña Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff Stewart on increasing illegal alien deaths: ‘The condition on the other side of the border is worsening’

According to Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart, cartels involved in human trafficking are intentionally starving and releasing illegal aliens into harsh desert terrain as a strategic diversion to open up smuggling routes in other areas.


Ex parte meeting between Commissioner Bedoya’s office and Expedia on unfair fees NPRM

Commissioner Bedoya's office and Expedia will participate in a virtual ex parte meeting on the Unfair or Deceptive Fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 14, 2024. The meeting will be closed to the public.


Former DHS Secretary: ‘Criminal organizations, such as the Tren de Aragua gang’ have extended ‘influence into the U.S.’

Former DHS Secretary Chad Wolf stated that "criminal organizations" like the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang have expanded their criminal operations into the United States from South and Central America. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) shared Wolf's statement on August 5.


Biden-Harris administration allocates nearly $140M for disability housing expansion

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $138.5 million in grants to 18 state housing agencies to expand housing and supportive services for low-income persons with disabilities. This funding, part of HUD’s Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities program, aims to develop strategies to identify and refer low-income persons with disabilities to eligible homes while providing rental assistance and support services.


NFIB launches ad campaign urging Congress for permanent small business tax deduction

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a prominent small business advocacy organization, has launched a new national advertising campaign across 24 states. The campaign includes targeted radio, digital, and video ads urging Congress to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent.


HUD joins interagency effort against extreme heat with new national strategy

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced its participation in the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), joining forces with over 25 federal agencies to address the dangers of extreme heat and climate change. This collaboration aims to build awareness and develop solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of extreme heat on communities nationwide.


Secretary Blinken extends congratulations on South Korean National Day

On August 14, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the Republic of Korea on its National Day.


Blinken urges Sudan's al-Burhan to join peace talks

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with President of the Sovereign Council of Sudan and Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The Secretary reiterated the need for participation in ongoing peace talks in Switzerland to achieve full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.


Former Pennsylvania attorney pleads guilty to tax evasion charges

A former Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, attorney pleaded guilty today to tax evasion for calendar year 2016 in connection with substantial legal fees he earned while associated with The Powell Law Group P.C., a Luzerne County-based law firm. Powell was released on an unsecured bond while awaiting his sentencing.