News from February 2024
Sheriff of Valley County, Montana: 'Fort Peck Reservation is experiencing a marked increase in illegal fentanyl use and distribution, with a growing number of the suppliers being Mexican Cartels'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
Sheriff Tom Boyer informed the Federal Newswire that his county is witnessing a surge in fentanyl use and distribution, as well as an increase in Mexican cartel activity. Boyer, who oversees the Valley County area in Montana, inclusive of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, stated that law enforcement faces challenges in combating crime due to insufficient funding and resources, as well as excessive regulations.
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks to attorney general: ‘At least four senior officials at USHCA have worked with United Front Work Department (UFWD) proxies’
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-Ind.) has penned a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling for an investigation into the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA). Banks referenced a recent article that alleges a connection between USHCA and the Chinese United Front Work Department (UWFD), an influential group advocating for the interests of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany on NGOs: 'Must be investigated'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) recently took to Twitter to accuse non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of aiding illegal immigration into the United States. In his tweet, Tiffany also criticized the Biden administration while sharing an aerial video of immigrants congregated in the Colorado National Forest.
Drug trafficking brokers enhance fentanyl trafficking chain into the US
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
Ana Gabriela Rubio Zea, a drug trafficking broker, has been charged with crimes related to fentanyl. The U.S. Department of State detailed that Zea, also known under the alias "Gaby," leveraged her connections within the People’s Republic of China to procure precursor chemicals for fentanyl. These substances were subsequently supplied to Mexican cartels.
Justice Department files lawsuit to block UnitedHealth's acquisition of Change Healthcare
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The United States Department of Justice, along with the Attorneys General in Minnesota and New York, have initiated a civil lawsuit to prevent the acquisition of Change Healthcare by UnitedHealth Group. The authorities argue that the proposed $13 billion transaction could potentially damage competition within the health insurance and essential technologies sectors.
U.S. Rep. Brian Steil of Wisconsin: 'I joined Sen. Ron Johnson and law enforcement officers to discuss how a cartel is running illegal operations in Whitewater'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
U.S. Representative Brian Steil (R-Wis.) shared on social media about his meeting with law enforcement officers to discuss the active operation of cartels in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Steil stated that the lack of enforcement at the border is causing problems across the U.S.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer on Bitcoin mining survey: 'Technology policy must be politically neutral'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
Tom Emmer, the House Majority Whip and Republican representative from Minnesota, has accused the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of abusing its emergency powers to fast-track a request from the Energy Information Agency (EIA). The request is aimed at making Bitcoin miners subject to a mandatory survey. Emmer has raised multiple questions about this "emergency survey" in a letter addressed to OMB Director Shalanda Young.
Crypto firm Gemini has been ordered to return $1.1 billion to customers by a settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
Cryptocurrency firm Gemini has been directed to refund $1.1 billion to its customers, following a settlement reached with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). In addition to customer reimbursement, the company has also been instructed to pay a $37 million fine for 'significant failures.'
Oregon attorney general candidate calls out Measure 110, claiming it allows cartels to make millions
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
Will Lathrop, a Republican candidate for the position of Oregon's attorney general, has expressed his concerns over the state's Measure 110. He believes that this measure has negatively impacted the community and facilitated Mexican drug cartels in amassing substantial profits. In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Lathrop pledged that, if elected as attorney general, he would prioritize eradicating these cartels from Oregon.
More than a dozen migrants, with criminal backgrounds, arrested at the El Paso Sector area
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of over 12 migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally via the El Paso Sector area. These individuals, who have previous criminal convictions or histories, are facing prosecution under Title 8 and will be deported.
The United States Department of the Treasury used AI fraud detection processes to recover $375 million in 2023
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The United States Department of the Treasury has leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) in fraud detection processes, resulting in the recovery of nearly $375 million during 2023. The Office of Payment Integrity within the Treasury initiated the use of AI to combat escalating levels of fraud, which began to rise with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Department of the Treasury has created sanctions against Guatemala drug trafficking organization
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The United States Department of the Treasury has disclosed that it has imposed sanctions on the Guatemalan drug trafficking organization, Los Pochos. Additionally, sanctions are being placed on companies and individuals who have abetted Los Pochos in their illicit activities.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China Foreign Minister Wang Yi
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, to discuss global issues. The meeting was an attempt to maintain healthy communication between the two nations and took place during the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Almost one-third of independent pharmacies may close their doors in 2024, National Community Pharmacists Association survey shows
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has released survey results indicating that a significant number of local pharmacies across the United States may be compelled to shut down this year. The situation could potentially worsen if lawmakers decide to postpone Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform.
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party informed Taiwan that the US will support them regardless of election results
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has assured Taiwan that, irrespective of the outcome of the United States presidential election, the US will continue to support their independence from China. This declaration was made during a meeting between Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and Representative Mike Gallagher on February 22 in Taiwan.
Veteran Affairs is expanding health care to all Veterans exposed to toxins during military service
By Federal Newswire | Feb 29, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has declared its plan to broaden health care services for all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards during their military service. This significant expansion in health care, set to commence on March 5, is the largest of its kind.
DOT to provide $18 million to local communities for hazard transportation and pipeline programs
By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced an $18 million grant to be allocated to local and state governments, universities, tribal communities, and non-profit groups. The funding aims to further the education of first responders.
Blinken speaks at summit highlighting struggles of Afghan women under Taliban regime
By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently presided over the Alliance for Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience Summit, discussing new partnerships to promote entrepreneurship, employment, and education for Afghan women. His speech primarily centered on the resilience demonstrated by the country's women and girls.
Blinken meets with Mexican and Guatemalan officials in hopes of curbing migrating
By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) convened a trilateral Migration Ministerial with Guatemala and Mexico in Washington D.C. The meeting, hosted by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, aimed to establish common strategies to address migration issues from both countries and create more legal pathways for migrants to enter the U.S.
HHS lays out plans to bolster direct care workforce
By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
In an effort to bolster the workforce caring for elderly adults and individuals living with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to implement measures in a program aimed at professional development of direct care workers. This initiative aligns with the section of the $37 billion American Rescue Plan that focuses on community-based and home services.
