News published on Federal Newswire in July 2024

News from July 2024


EPA issues cleanup plan for Shaffer Equipment Superfund Site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) to address contaminated soil at the former Shaffer Equipment Company (SEC) property in Minden, West Virginia. This ROD pertains to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) located at the SEC property within the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Superfund Site.


UN side event highlights plight of persecuted Uyghur Muslims

Geneva, Switzerland – On July 5, a side event titled “Combating Islamophobia in Asia: From Awareness to Action” was held at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) 56th Session. The event addressed the threats of Islamophobia in Asia, focusing on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persecution of Uyghur Muslims. It was co-organized by CAP Liberté de Conscience, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU), and the Center for Uyghur Studies. This gathering coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Urumchi Massacre, further highlighting ongoing atrocities in the Uyghur region due...


EPA fines Rhode Island corporation for FIFRA violations involving misbranded pesticide devices

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Ocean State Jobbers, Inc., doing business as Ocean State Job Lot, for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The corporation, based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, will pay a penalty of $53,500 to resolve allegations related to the importation, distribution, and sale of misbranded bug zapper pesticide devices.


U.S. Treasury hosts annual Freedman's Bank Forum highlighting economic initiatives for communities of color

On Friday, July 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will host the annual Freedman’s Bank Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event will feature U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, Governor Roy Cooper, Biden-Harris Administration officials, and key leaders from various sectors. The forum aims to highlight efforts to increase economic opportunities for communities of color and showcase local success stories around Raleigh.


Subcommittee discusses expanding broadband access; supports historical site preservation

Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on six bills related to modernizing broadband development on federal lands and supporting important historical sites. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) issued the following statement in response:


Three new games coming to Apple Arcade in August

Three new games are set to debut on Apple Arcade in August, including Temple Run: Legends, Vampire Survivors+, and the Apple Vision Pro spatial title Castle Crumble.


Blinken and Kuleba discuss NATO ties amid ongoing conflict

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met ahead of the NATO summit, discussing Ukraine's ties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its path to membership.


Georgia precious metals dealer sentenced four years for tax fraud

Saleem Hakim was sentenced today to four years in prison following his conviction in January on charges of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns.


Biden administration focuses on increasing women's participation in trades

President Biden has emphasized creating high-quality, well-paying jobs for Americans, supported by funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. This focus has led to increased demand for construction jobs. To meet this demand, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is intensifying efforts to recruit, train, hire, and retain thousands of women in construction and trades.


HUD expands aid under FHA's updated rehabilitation mortgage insurance program

The newly updated Federal Housing Administration Program will assist families looking for affordable financing to repair, purchase, or rehabilitate single-family homes.


Treasury calls for large position reports on specific bonds

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a call for Large Position Reports from entities whose positions in the 4-3/4% Treasury Bonds of November 2043 equaled or exceeded $1.6 billion as of December 19, 2023, or December 29, 2023.


Biden administration allocates $14 million for domestic battery recycling initiative

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $14 million initiative to enhance consumer battery recycling as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This funding, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains Office (MESC), aims to establish over 1,000 collection points nationwide for used batteries from consumer products. The initiative is designed to facilitate easy and free disposal of old batteries and devices, thereby reducing e-waste.


Blinken meets with Ukrainian foreign minister amid NATO summit

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Washington, D.C., on the margins of the Washington NATO Summit. The meeting, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, focused on ongoing efforts to bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership and the commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.


EPA awards $300K grants for environmental education projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the selection of three organizations in New York and New Jersey to receive a total of $300,000 in grant funding for environmental education projects.


Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire with Egyptian foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Secretary Blinken congratulated Foreign Minister Abdelatty on his appointment and highlighted the enduring Egyptian-U.S. strategic partnership while praising Egypt for its essential leadership in addressing regional and global challenges.


FTC testifies on FY 2025 budget before House subcommittee

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce regarding the agency’s fiscal year 2025 budget and its ongoing efforts to promote competition and protect consumers.


FTC releases interim staff report on prescription drug middlemen

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published an interim report on the prescription drug middleman industry, highlighting the significant impact that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have on the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs. This report is part of an ongoing inquiry initiated by the FTC in 2022.


Blinken and Stoltenberg discuss key issues at Washington NATO Summit

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, DC, at the start of the Washington NATO Summit on July 9, 2024. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meeting focused on critical decisions Allied leaders will make at the Summit.


FTC testifies on fiscal year 2025 budget before House subcommittee

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testified today before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce regarding the agency’s fiscal year 2025 budget and its efforts to promote competition and protect consumers.


Justice Department commemorates 60th anniversary of Civil Rights Act

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks at the Justice Department's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on July 9, 2024.