News published on Federal Newswire in December 2024

News from December 2024


FTC warns healthcare marketers about misleading practices

As the open enrollment period for healthcare plans continues, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warning letters to 21 companies involved in marketing or generating sales leads for these plans.


Alabama sausage manufacturer penalized $103K for ongoing safety violations

A recent inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor at a meat processing facility in Atalla, Alabama, revealed ongoing safety hazards that have not been addressed since initial findings in 2022.


U.S. highlights global human rights advancements on Human Rights Day

On Human Rights Day, the United States highlighted its efforts in promoting human rights globally over the past four years.


Murphy man convicted in oil and gas fraud scheme faces up to 20 years

A Murphy resident has been found guilty of federal offenses in the Eastern District of Texas, as reported by U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.


Poplar Bluff man convicted for intent to distribute methamphetamine

Jurors in the U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau have convicted a Poplar Bluff man on charges related to methamphetamine distribution.


Instagram launches trial reels for creators to test content with non-followers

Instagram has announced the introduction of "trial reels," a new feature designed to help content creators experiment with their ideas without the pressure of immediate feedback from their followers.


North Berwick man sentenced for PPP loan fraud involving travel agency

A North Berwick man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for submitting fraudulent applications for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).


Court blocks $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger

The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon has granted a preliminary injunction to halt Kroger Company's acquisition of Albertsons Companies, Inc. This decision was made on December 10, 2024, following a challenge by the Federal Trade...


McAlester man pleads guilty to felony assault with intent to harm

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma has announced that Larry Keith Mickle, a 49-year-old resident of McAlester, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge.


Great Falls man pleads guilty to trafficking fentanyl while on probation

A Great Falls resident, Michael Shawn O’Neill, has admitted to distributing fentanyl and other drugs in the community while on state probation. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the plea.


Ashland man sentenced to 20 years for distributing child pornography

An Ashland resident, Walter Sherman Thomas, aged 43, received a 240-month prison sentence for distributing child pornography.


Former medical center employee sentenced for abusing vulnerable adult

Eleanor Flowers, a former employee at United Medical Center in Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 24 months of probation for criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult and attempted threats.


Blinken discusses Syrian future with Egyptian foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to address current developments in the region.


Broward tax preparer sentenced to prison for filing false tax returns

Jean Volvick Moise has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for orchestrating a scheme involving false tax returns.


CFTC schedules Market Risk Advisory Committee meeting for December 10

CFTC Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson, who sponsors the Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC), has announced a public meeting scheduled for December 10, 2024.


Instagram highlights India's global cultural influence in 2024

India experienced a year of creative and cultural vibrancy on Instagram in 2024, as detailed at the Meta Festival in Mumbai.


U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese firm for firewall compromise

The United States has announced sanctions against the Chengdu-based cybersecurity company Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Limited, and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng.


CBP officers seize large methamphetamine shipment at Presidio port

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Presidio port of entry seized 68 pounds of methamphetamine on December 7.


U.S., Japan, Philippines discuss maritime security amid regional tensions

On December 10, the inaugural United States-Japan-Philippines Maritime Dialogue took place in Tokyo, Japan.


EPA announces $30M upgrade plan for Cahokia Heights sewer system

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the state of Illinois have reached a settlement with Cahokia Heights, Illinois, concerning violations related to the city's sanitary sewer system.