News from February 2024
OSHA fines Phenix City, Alabama-based sawmill nearly $2.5 million for work-related fatality
By Federal Newswire | Feb 23, 2024
A sawmill based in Phenix City, Alabama has been fined approximately $2.5 million by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a fatal incident at its facility in August. This represents the second employee fatality at the company within a span of three years.
Mayorkas: 'Crackdown on Chinese companies that export precursor chemicals and equipment used to manufacture fentanyl'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 23, 2024
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), recently engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterparts in Vienna, Austria. The central focus of these discussions was to strategize ways to halt the production and distribution of fentanyl and associated compounds within China. This meeting followed a conversation between President Biden and President Xi at the Woodside Summit in November, where they discussed similar concerns. As a result, the U.S.-People's Republic of China (PRC) Counternarcotics Working Group held...
China has demanded the United States to stop contact with Taiwan
By Federal Newswire | Feb 23, 2024
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, has declared that adherence to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan independence are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This statement comes as a stern response from China following a U.S. congressional visit to Taiwan.
International Institute for Sustainable Development report spotlights deforestation best practices from the Global South
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has released a new study exploring how best practices from the Global South can assist nations worldwide in curbing deforestation. The findings of this report will be presented at the World Trade Organization’s Thirteenth Ministerial Conference next week.
Chief Patrol Agent McGurk-Daniel: 'Agents arrested a previously deported Mexican man who was convicted of molesting a child'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector have made several apprehensions involving sexual predators, as per social media posts by Chief Patrol Agent Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel. This information follows the recent sentencing of a Mexican national to over five years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor.
Chief Patrol Agent Modlin: 'Second cloned Border Patrol vehicle intercepted by Three Points Station agents this week'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
U.S. Border Patrol agents are grappling with a new challenge as human smugglers attempt to transport illegal immigrants in vehicles designed to resemble those used by the agency. This information was recently disclosed by Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector.
Chief Patrol Garcia: 'A citizen of Mexico illegally present in the US was recently sentenced to five years in prison for human smuggling'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
A Mexican national has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for human smuggling and unlawful possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the Swanton Sector.
Cartel affiliate from North Dakota sentenced to federal prison
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
A North Dakota cartel associate has been convicted for narcotics possession and distribution. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confiscated more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl in 2023.
United States is bolstering its cybersecurity defense to mitigate risk posed by China made infrastructure
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
The United States is implementing measures to enhance security on vessels by making the reporting of cyber incidents mandatory. In addition, the Coast Guard is augmenting cybersecurity requirements for operators of cranes manufactured in China and used at US ports.
Majority Whip Emmer: 'Crypto was not even a popular tool for Hamas terrorists'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 22, 2024
U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) has accused the media of inaccurately portraying Hamas's use of cryptocurrency, claiming that lawmakers are using this false information as the basis for legislation. He has urged the U.S. Treasury Department to provide accurate details about Hamas's crypto usage.
AGA report shows US commercial gaming revenue rose for a third straight year
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has reported that commercial gaming revenue in the United States reached a total of $66.5 billion in 2023. This figure represents a 10% increase from the $60.5 million generated in 2022, marking the third consecutive year of record revenue.
Puerto Rico Border Patrol agents seize $4.4 million worth of cocaine
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
Border Patrol agents at Puerto Rico's Ramey Station recently thwarted a cocaine smuggling attempt involving 395 pounds of the narcotic. The estimated value of the seized drugs was $4.4 million, and they were being transported in a boat near the coastal city of Rincon.
Border Patrol Cheif Agent McGurk-Daniel: 'Cecilio Jimenez-Bautista admitted to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old migrant'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel, Chief Agent of the San Diego Border Patrol, recently disclosed via social media that a Mexican citizen has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a 17-year-old unaccompanied minor. The offender and his brother reportedly guided the victim from Tijuana, Mexico into the United States in June 2022.
DOE unveils $17 million for rare earth element projects
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an allocation of over $17 million to three projects aimed at supporting the design and construction of facilities that produce rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials from coal-based resources. The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), under the auspices of DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), will oversee these selected projects.
Open Markets Legal Director on Capital One, Discover merger: 'buying up another leading card issuer and operator of a major credit card network looks suspicious on both antitrust and public interest grounds'
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
Open Markets, a think tank focused on monopolies and corporate consolidation, has expressed concern over the proposed merger between Capital One and Discover. The merger, announced on Monday, is set to be scrutinized by regulators as it involves a hefty sum of $35.3 billion. Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director for Open Markets, called for careful regulatory examination in a statement released yesterday.
Crypto hedge fund Tyr Capital accused of ignoring risk limit with over exposure to FTX
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
Tyr Capital, a crypto hedge fund, is facing allegations of criminal mismanagement due to purportedly disregarding its internal risk limit through excessive exposure to FTX. Following a complaint by TGT, another hedge fund that invested with Tyr, Swiss prosecutors have raided the premises of the accused firm.
Judiciary Republicans Release Scott Brady Transcript
By Federal Newswire | Feb 21, 2024
In a significant development, the House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Jim Jordan (R-OH), has released the transcript of the Committee's interview with Scott Brady, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The transcript provides valuable insights into Brady's perspective and sheds light on various matters of importance.The release of the transcript allows the public to gain a better understanding of the events and discussions that took place during the interview. It serves as a crucial resource for those seeking to comprehend the intricacies of...
DOL fines New Jersey-based steel fabrication business $348,683 for safety violations
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed a fine of $348,683 on Kenric Steel LLC, a New Jersey-based steel fabrication business. The company is accused of exposing its employees to safety hazards at their Millville headquarters. The investigation into the case was initiated last summer following a complaint.
EPA announces $5.8 billion in funds to upgrade water infrastructure projects across US
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a $5.8 billion plan to bolster water infrastructure upgrades, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This substantial sum forms part of an approximately $50 billion investment aimed at fortifying water projects that supply reliable drinking water to the public.
Kamala Harris voices America's continued support for Ukraine
By Federal Newswire | Feb 20, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris has reaffirmed America's unwavering support for Ukraine after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders convened at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, a significant event that coincides with the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
