News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


U.S. offers $5M reward for disrupting North Korean financial schemes

The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the disruption of financial mechanisms supporting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).


Long Beach man sentenced for $2.7 million jewelry store heist

A Long Beach resident, Jimmy Lee Vernon III, has been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for his involvement in a daylight smash-and-grab robbery at a Beverly Hills jewelry store.


Department of Defense awards $16.3M contract for student steel manufacturing competitions

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a contract worth nearly $16.3 million over five years to the Steel Founders' Society of America (SFSA).


VA announces life insurance premium cuts effective spring 2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a reduction in life insurance premiums for over 3 million veterans, service members, and their spouses.


Newberry County man indicted for gun charge after fatal shooting of SLED K9

A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted James Robert Peterson, 37, of Prosperity, on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.


Authorities warn against 'pig butchering' scam in new holiday season PSA

During the holiday season, Idaho residents face an increased risk of online scams and fraud schemes.


Gloversville man receives decade-long sentence for drug trafficking

Lamont McWhite, a 51-year-old resident of Gloversville, New York, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking.


LaPorte man sentenced for child pornography possession; receives 120-month prison term

Matthew Frazier, a 51-year-old resident of LaPorte, Indiana, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography.


LaPorte brothers sentenced for fraud using sports betting apps

Raymond Calvin Smith, 27, and Bruce Milik Smith, 25, brothers from LaPorte, Indiana, have been sentenced to prison by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco.


Cranston man pleads guilty in fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pill distribution case

A Cranston resident has confessed to leading a conspiracy involving the sale and distribution of tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit Oxycodone pills.


Heritage Foundation updates election fraud database with new features

The Heritage Foundation has released an updated version of its election fraud database, which now includes a new Election Fraud Map.


Department processes over 1.5 million FAFSAs for academic year 2025-26

The U.S. Department of Education has reported that over 1.5 million students have submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–26 academic year.


Discussion explores impact of US-China relations on American cities

U.S. metropolitan areas have developed various economic, social, and official connections with China over recent decades.


State Department releases 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism

The Department of State has released the 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), providing a comprehensive overview of the changes in the counterterrorism environment and related threats over the past year.


CBP seizes weapons cache at Eagle Pass Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized a cache of weapons, magazines, and ammunition during an outbound examination.


Maryland woman sentenced for role in million-dollar fraud scheme

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Kamila Horakova Dudley, a 43-year-old resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced to three years probation for her involvement in a fraud scheme at the Marine Forces Reserve facility in...


President nominates Maj. Gen. Brett G. Sylvia for lieutenant general

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has announced a presidential nomination for Army Maj.


U.S citizen pleads guilty for receiving military training from ISIS

Lirim Sylejmani, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kosovo, has admitted guilt in a Washington D.C. court for receiving military training from ISIS, a recognized foreign terrorist group.


Fort Dodge woman sentenced to federal prison for meth distribution

A Fort Dodge woman, Amanda Johnson, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.


Jackson man convicted for attempting cocaine distribution through mail

Oneil Anthony Findley, a 28-year-old resident of Jackson, Wyoming, was found guilty by a federal jury on December 11.