News from October 2024
Hageman requests in response to SUSTAINS Act implementation
By Federal Newswire reports | Oct 4, 2024
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman sent a letter to Terry Cosby, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in response to a request for information regarding the implementation of the Sponsoring USDA Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act. Hageman emphasized that the implementation must not infringe on landowners' rights or be manipulated by adversaries.
American Stewards of Liberty: ‘USDA is Monetizing Natural Processes Under the Sustains Act’
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) has raised concerns over the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) approach to conservation under the SUSTAINS Act. ASL said on August 29 via their website that the USDA is "monetizing natural processes under the Sustains Act," which they believe will result in "devastating consequences on the economy and property rights."
Rep. McCormick: 'We should be putting enormous leverage against Nigeria until they release' imprisoned ex-federal agent
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
Rep. Rich McCormick said that Nigeria is jeopardizing its relationship with the United States due to the imprisonment of Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current head of financial crime compliance for the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. McCormick shared his statement in an October 1 podcast.
OPINION: It’s Time to End Abuse of the Antiquities Act
By U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) | Oct 4, 2024
The Antiquities Act was enacted in 1906 to preserve our nation’s natural treasures that are of “historic or scientific interest.”
U.S. and China strategies in Latin America focus of upcoming Brookings event
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
As the United States and China engage in strategic competition, their approaches to the Western Hemisphere will have lasting consequences. The nature of their interests in Latin America and where these interests are complementary or competitive remain significant questions. Additionally, how countries in the region exercise agency to maximize their interests is a crucial consideration.
Khan and Gallego to address renters in listening session
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
Chair Lina M. Khan is scheduled to speak at a Renters Listening Session alongside Representative Gallego. The session will take place at 12 noon MST/1 p.m. EST.
G7 summit addresses competition challenges in AI markets
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission recently took part in the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit held in Rome. The summit aimed to address how competition can be maintained within AI-related technologies, products, and applications.
USDA awards $19.2M scholarships to boost careers at land-grant universities
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $19.2 million in undergraduate scholarships for students at 1890 Land-grant Universities. This initiative aims to foster interest in food and agricultural careers among young individuals.
USDA provides disaster relief resources after Hurricane Helene
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mobilized resources and staff to assist with recovery efforts. The USDA is implementing contingency plans and program flexibilities to support farmers, foresters, and communities affected by the storm.
EPA allocates $30M for rural community water system support
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding aimed at providing technical assistance and training for small drinking water and wastewater systems, particularly those serving rural communities. The funding is also intended to help private well owners improve water quality.
USDA invests over $11M in initiatives for U.S. dairy industry resilience
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of $11.04 million to bolster the dairy industry through its Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. The funding aims to assist small and mid-sized dairy businesses in enhancing their development, production, marketing, and distribution processes.
Former Las Vegas official convicted in charity fraud scheme
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
A former Las Vegas city councilwoman has been convicted by a federal jury in Nevada on charges related to a charity fraud scheme. Michele Fiore, 54, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. The charges stem from her actions while serving as a city councilwoman, during which she misled donors into believing their contributions would fund memorials for police officers killed in the line of duty.
G7 summit addresses AI market competition challenges
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department's Antitrust Division recently participated in a summit with G7 enforcement partners to address competition challenges related to artificial intelligence (AI). The event, known as the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit, focused on ensuring fair competition in AI technologies, products, and applications.
Labor Secretary Su comments on September jobs report showing economic growth
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su has released a statement regarding the September 2024 Employment Situation report. The report indicates that the U.S. economy added 254,000 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate decreasing to 4.1 percent. According to Su, "With an average of 186,000 jobs added over the past three months, it’s clear that people who need a job are finding a job."
Biden-Harris Administration supports Latino workforce through education partnerships
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has reported the creation of nearly 16 million jobs, with unemployment among Latinos reaching a record low. Latino entrepreneurs have been starting new businesses at an unprecedented rate in over 25 years. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves participated in events that highlighted these achievements. They emphasized the administration's dedication to fostering a skilled and diverse workforce for future generations of Latinos.
Boston marks cleanup milestones at Lower Neponset River sites
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Boston city officials have marked significant milestones in the cleanup efforts at the Lower Neponset River, specifically focusing on the Lewis Chemical Site and Riverside Square PCB Site in Hyde Park. The event was attended by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Undersecretary Stephanie Cooper, MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, and other local partners.
Labor Department allocates $5M for disaster relief jobs after Hurricane Helene
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has approved up to $5 million in emergency grant funding for Florida to support disaster-relief jobs and training services in response to Hurricane Helene. This initiative targets 31 counties affected by the hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26, 2024, at Dekle Beach in Taylor County.
Justice Department awards $84M in grants to tribal communities
By Federal Newswire | Oct 4, 2024
The Justice Department has allocated 152 grants to 90 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, totaling over $84 million. These funds are distributed through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) program.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases August statistics
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents encountered 58,000 undocumented migrants along the Southwest border in August, according to a September 16 news release.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration attends 38th International Drug Enforcement Conference
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The Hellenic Republic Ministry of Citizen Protection and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) presided over a conference, which convened drug enforcement officials from more than 130 countries, as said in a news release dated September 27.
