News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


USDA invests billions in rural infrastructure across 44 states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure and job creation across 44 states.


Charleston man receives prison sentence for federal gun crime

Matthew L. Farmer, a 33-year-old resident of Charleston, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.


Border patrol arrests two after seizing fentanyl during pursuit

After attempting to evade authorities, two individuals suspected of drug smuggling were apprehended, and narcotics were confiscated in Alpine, California.


Small business optimism rises above historical average after nearly three years

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its latest Small Business Optimism Index, revealing a significant increase in the economic outlook among small business owners.


Bessemer man convicted in elder fraud scheme involving $550k

A Bessemer resident has been found guilty in an elder fraud case, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.


Lawrence man receives decade-long sentence for role in meth trafficking conspiracy

A Lawrence man has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.


President Biden nominates five foreign service officers to career ambassador rank

Today, President Biden announced the nomination of five Foreign Service Officers to the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest level in the Senior Foreign Service.


Blinken discusses Syria situation with Emirati Foreign Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.


Clinton County man pleads guilty to child pornography charges

Richard Hockersmith, a 65-year-old resident of Plattsburgh, New York, has pled guilty to charges of conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and possession of child pornography.


Houston park ranger indicted on charges of assault and extortion

A former Houston park ranger has been indicted on charges of sexual assault and extortion involving multiple victims, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.


CBP intercepts large shipment of UK-bound marijuana before Thanksgiving

Philadelphia – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized a total of 179 pounds of marijuana bound for the United Kingdom at an international shipping facility in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, just before Thanksgiving.


Labor Department renews pact with ILO against workplace gender violence

The U.S. Department of Labor has renewed its partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to address gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.


Federal indictment charges 38 with drug trafficking conspiracy

A federal indictment was unsealed today in Greensboro, North Carolina, charging 38 individuals with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride.


Ashland man receives over ten-year sentence for armed drug trafficking

An Ashland resident, Dennis Hall, 49, has been sentenced to 130 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David Bunning.


Georgia district sees new indictments on federal firearms charges

New indictments in the Southern District of Georgia allege illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons.


Dietary guidelines advisory committee releases scientific report ahead of new guideline development

The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is now accessible on DietaryGuidelines.gov. This report provides independent, evidence-based findings and recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...


Firearms dealer admits guilt; surrenders license after illegal sales

A Laredo man has admitted to illegally selling a firearm to a felon, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.


Texas and Louisiana men sentenced for roles in Jan. 6 Capitol breach

Two men from Texas and Louisiana have been sentenced for their roles in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.


Cut Bank man pleads guilty to assaulting teen on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

A Cut Bank resident, Elijah John Bullcalf, has admitted to assaulting a teenage girl and fracturing her jaw on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.


U.S. Department announces winners of Human Rights Defender Award

The U.S. Department of State has announced the recipients of the Secretary of State’s Human Rights Defender Award for 2024.