News published on Federal Newswire in August 2024

News from August 2024


U.S.–U.K. teams awarded funds for research on adversary social influence campaigns

The Department of Defense announced the selection of a team of United States and United Kingdom academic researchers to investigate the growing threat that malign social influence campaigns pose to democracies. Awarded through the Bilateral Academic Research Initiative (BARI)'s Social Science Program, the project, "Influence, Manipulation, and Information Threats as Adversarial Techniques: Events, Evolution, and Effects," is led by Professor Jacob Shapiro at Princeton University in the U.S. and Professor Martin Innes at Cardiff University in the U.K.


Biden-Harris Administration announces $42M loan for Utah's drought resilience

DENVER – Today, at an event with Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Mae Wu announced a $42 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Ogden City, Utah. This WIFIA loan aims to help the city replace aging water pipes to reduce leaks and save millions of gallons of water daily.


Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 proposes changes affecting worker access to overtime pay

Washington, D.C. — A new column from the Center for American Progress outlines how Project 2025, a proposal by the Heritage Foundation, would complicate eligibility for overtime pay and potentially allow employers to misuse these regulations.


United States congratulates Singapore on its 59th National Day

On behalf of the United States of America and its people, I send my wholehearted congratulations to the people of Singapore on your 59th National Day on August 9.


Federal grand jury indicts company executives for $100M price-fixing conspiracy

A federal grand jury in Oklahoma City returned an indictment, which was unsealed today, charging Sioux Erosion Control, Inc. (Sioux), its vice president, and another employee with a price-fixing conspiracy targeting over $100 million in publicly-funded transportation construction contracts across Oklahoma.


Project 2025 proposes eliminating aid for rebuilding after natural disasters

In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, the Southeast faces the challenge of rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives. Initial reports indicate at least six fatalities due to the storm.


Treasury Secretary Yellen announces $3.9 billion in budget support for Ukraine

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen issued a statement on August 8, 2024, regarding the disbursement of $3.9 billion in direct budget support for Ukraine.


Aerospace Industries Association appoints new senior director

Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the leading voice for the American aerospace and defense industry, today announced that budget and acquisition expert Adam Garnica has joined as Senior Director of Acquisition Policy.


Treasury's FinCEN launches PSAs for beneficial ownership reporting

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced the launch of a public service announcement (PSA) campaign to educate small business owners about new beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The PSAs, which are being broadcast on television and radio nationwide, aim to inform business owners and stakeholders about these requirements and encourage compliance. This initiative complements ongoing digital and print advertising efforts.


Global coalition convenes virtual meeting on countering ISIS finance

On July 23 and 24, the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia hosted the 20th meeting of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) virtually under the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of State jointly represented the United States at this event, which included over 50 member states and observers.


Biden-Harris administration invests $10 million in domestic critical mineral supply development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an allocation of $10.2 million for four projects aimed at advancing cost-effective and environmentally responsible processes to produce and refine critical minerals and materials within the United States. This funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is intended to develop new and alternative supplies from domestic resources, thereby reducing dependence on foreign sources.


EPA awards $2.4 million to mid-Atlantic states for wetlands program development

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $2.4 million to support projects aimed at protecting, managing, and restoring wetlands in the mid-Atlantic region. The funding will benefit recipients in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia through the Wetland Program Development Grant (WPDG). These grants are intended to help states and Tribes develop and manage wetlands programs.


Justice Department disrupts North Korean remote IT worker fraud schemes

Matthew Isaac Knoot, 38, of Nashville, Tennessee, was arrested today for his alleged involvement in generating revenue for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK or North Korea) illicit weapons program, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD).


CCIA responds to CMA's investigation into Amazon's investment in Anthropic

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has issued a statement in response to the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) announcement of an investigation into Amazon's $4 billion investment in AI company Anthropic, which grants Amazon a minor ownership stake.


Forensics expert Martinelli on border rancher murder trial: ‘I think the entire case was politically generated’

Allegations of cartel-related corruption have emerged in Arizona against Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway and County Attorney George Silva following a controversial high-profile murder case involving a border rancher who was charged in the shooting death of an illegal alien.


Biden-Harris administration announces $26.5 million in planning grants for national bridge projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the allocation of more than $26.5 million in planning grants through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program. Created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will fund 28 projects across 18 states to develop future bridge construction projects aimed at improving safety, economic competitiveness, and resilience to climate change.


Treasury releases data showing significant savings under inflation reduction act

In 2023, more than 158,000 Pennsylvanian families saved over $267 million on clean energy and energy efficiency investments.


Blinken discusses Venezuelan election with UN's Guterres

Secretary Blinken’s Call with UN Secretary General Guterres


Florida woman pleads guilty to filing false tax refund claims

A Florida woman pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns with the IRS to fraudulently obtain tax refunds.


USDA directs aid for Hurricane Debby recovery efforts

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers, and residents affected by Hurricane Debby, which continues its track up the East Coast. USDA staff across the country are prepared to respond with various program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and communities in need.