News from July 2024

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $5 million in Brownfields grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the cleanup of the Strathmore Mill complex in Montague, Massachusetts. The announcement was made during an event attended by representatives from federal, state, and local governments, including Senator Markey and Nolumbeka Project Chairman David Brule.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
Two foreign nationals pleaded guilty today to participating in the LockBit ransomware group, which has been one of the most prolific ransomware variants globally. They admitted to deploying LockBit attacks against victims in the United States and worldwide.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
An indictment was unsealed yesterday containing criminal charges against the alleged leader of a human smuggling organization responsible for unlawfully bringing thousands of migrants into the United States. Along with the organization, the defendant, who was arrested in Mexico at the request of the United States, has also been designated for financial sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These developments were made possible through extensive bilateral coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $90 million investment in 53 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects aimed at developing new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. This year's funding increase is attributed to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which specifically supports projects addressing climate change with a focus on reducing livestock emissions of enteric methane.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
El Departamento de Energía de EE. UU. (DOE) anunció hoy su intención de emitir una oportunidad de financiamiento de $325 millones para el nuevo Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, financiado por el Fondo de Resiliencia Energética de Puerto Rico (PR-ERF). Este programa busca mejorar la resiliencia energética en comunidades vulnerables en Puerto Rico mediante la instalación de sistemas solares fotovoltaicos y almacenamiento en baterías en facilidades de salud comunitarias y áreas comunes dentro de propiedades multifamiliares subsidiadas.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
AT&T has informed its customers of a recent data breach, highlighting ongoing challenges in protecting personal information. Data privacy laws currently exist in 19 states, covering at least 150 million Americans, though these laws vary significantly in scale and scope. Federal regulations address specific areas of privacy, such as medical data or information about children, and agencies like the FCC regulate telecommunications. However, there is no comprehensive federal data privacy law.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of $99 million in funding to support pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction, clean energy, healthcare, infrastructure, information technology, and hospitality.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson stated that the cartels operate "sophisticated teams of professionals" to scam and take advantage of U.S. citizens. Nelson made the statement in a U.S. Department of the Treasury press release on July 16.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
In an Issue Brief titled "China's Foreign Missions in the United States," Lauren (Greenwood) Menon and Jonathan Roberts stated that the 17 Chinese entities labeled as foreign missions have enjoyed more freedom in the U.S. compared to U.S. diplomats in China, raising questions about the lack of reciprocity. The Issue Brief was published by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on July 17.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
Dr. Jarrod Sadulski stated that "cartels target migrant children" for exploitation using the U.S. unaccompanied children program. Dr. Sadulski made this statement in a testimony before the GOP Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee during a hearing regarding the treatment of unaccompanied migrant children on July 9.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 18, 2024
Seven individuals residing in southwest Missouri have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Several of these individuals are Mexican nationals, according to a news release from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published on July 11.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
J.W. Verret, a law professor at George Mason University, stated that jurisdictions including the European Union (EU) and Singapore have implemented regulations for the digital asset industry that are more "rational" and "thoughtful" than the U.S. approach to regulating the industry. Verret shared his statement with Federal Newswire during a July 2 interview.

By Federal Newswire reports | Jul 17, 2024
Montana State Representative Jerry Schillinger (R-Circle) is expressing grave concerns over the escalating impact of drug trafficking and crime in rural and urban Montana, particularly affecting Native American reservations.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation announced that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Philadelphia has scheduled a vote for July 17 to decide if employees at Philadelphia International Airport can remove Unite Here Local 274 union officials. This decision follows nearly five months of litigation initiated by employee Kale Mulugeta with assistance from the foundation's attorneys.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) held its summer board meeting at the Pentagon on July 17, 2024.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
A federal grand jury has indicted a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and current Nye County, Nevada, justice of the peace for allegedly defrauding donors to a charity intended to memorialize police officers who died in the line of duty.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
The Bureau of Reclamation has announced four additional contract negotiation sessions with the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) to discuss terms and conditions for a long-term Warren Act contract. This agreement involves the conveyance and temporary storage of up to 47,000 acre-feet of non-Central Valley Project water annually, utilizing excess capacity in Folsom Reservoir and the Folsom South Canal. The contract aims to support PCWA commitments under the American River Basin Water Forum Agreement and facilitate water transfers through the Lower American River to the East...

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
Grants from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will support the renewal of American manufacturing by helping businesses produce low-carbon materials.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the University of Kentucky Research Foundation as the recipient of approximately $2,097,521 in grant funding. This initiative aims to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), construction materials used in buildings and infrastructure contribute more than 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.

By Federal Newswire | Jul 17, 2024
The global tech trade association ITI has responded to the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, which outlined a UK legislative agenda focused on economic growth through technology and innovation.