News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Border Patrol agents assist distressed woman near highway in Texas

This morning, Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector, in coordination with the Brownsville Police Department, provided assistance to a young woman in distress near Interstate 69E (Expressway 83) and East 24th Street in Brownsville, Texas. The area where she was spotted is an overpass without pedestrian access.


EPA funds $250M I-95 electrification project under Inflation Reduction Act

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr., U.S. Representative Rob Menendez, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, has awarded $250 million to the Clean Corridor Coalition. This funding, provided through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, is designated for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the Interstate-95 freight corridor.


U.S. hosts international visitors for NATO-focused leadership program

The U.S. Department of State is hosting more than 30 public officials, academics, and security analysts from NATO member states and aspirant countries for a special International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This initiative marks the 75th anniversary of NATO and focuses on its enduring legacy and future.


Biden-Harris Administration backs LongPath with $162M for methane monitoring

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $162.4 million loan guarantee to LongPath Technologies, Inc., through the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office. This initiative is part of the administration's broader Investing in America agenda and is backed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The funds will support the construction and installation of over 1,000 remote monitoring towers as part of a real-time methane emissions monitoring network across major U.S. oil and gas production regions.


Webinar to guide library patrons in avoiding holiday scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) are hosting a free webinar to help library patrons identify and avoid holiday scams. As the holiday shopping season approaches, scammers are also preparing to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.


Court orders Miami-area tax preparers to pay nearly $1 million for contempt

A federal court in Miami has found Gerald Vito, James Eleby, and Kwame Thomas in contempt for violating a permanent injunction that barred Vito and Eleby from preparing or assisting in the preparation of federal tax returns for others. The order was issued after it was demonstrated that they continued to prepare tax returns despite the injunction.


U.S. and Nigeria form group targeting illicit finance and cryptocurrencies

The United States has announced the formation of a Bilateral Liaison Group with Nigeria to tackle issues related to illicit finance and cryptocurrencies. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to work with international partners in promoting cyberspace and digital technologies that support economic growth while addressing cyber threats.


EPA reaches settlements with four companies over coal ash regulation violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with four companies over violations related to coal ash surface impoundments and landfills. These agreements, concluded recently, involve facilities in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Puerto Rico. The companies are required to address groundwater monitoring issues, conduct protective groundwater cleanup, enhance emergency planning, and pay fines.


Moolenaar raises alarm over TSMC chips aiding Huawei AI

Chairman John Moolenaar has expressed serious concerns following reports that chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) have been used in Huawei's artificial intelligence accelerators. This development is seen as a significant breach of U.S. export controls.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $3.6 billion for national water infrastructure upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant funding boost of $3.6 billion under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at upgrading water infrastructure across the United States. This announcement on October 23 comes in addition to $2.6 billion disclosed earlier this month, culminating in a total investment of $6.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2025.


Indonesian film 'The Shadow Strays' becomes global hit on Netflix

Netflix's latest Indonesian original film, "The Shadow Strays," directed by Timo Tjahjanto, has quickly become a global sensation. Just six days after its release, the action-packed movie made it to the Global Top 10 non-English films list and is trending in 85 countries, including major markets like the US, Canada, Brazil, and Germany.


Venezuelan TV network owner charged with laundering $1.2 billion

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has indicted Raul Gorrin Belisario, a Venezuelan television news network owner, for his involvement in an alleged $1.2 billion money laundering scheme. The funds were reportedly obtained corruptly from Venezuela’s state-owned energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), with bribes paid to Venezuelan officials.


Assistant Secretary Sison visits Utah for United Nations Day events

Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison is set to visit Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah, from October 24-25, 2024. The visit is part of the commemoration of United Nations Day, celebrating the 79th anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force.


Biden-Harris Administration announces major investment in Maryland's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new allocation of $3.6 billion for water infrastructure improvements under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This recent funding, combined with $2.6 billion previously announced, brings the total investment to $6.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2025. These funds aim to enhance wastewater management, protect freshwater resources, and ensure safe drinking water access across the United States.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $86 million for Wisconsin's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant allocation of $3.6 billion under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water infrastructure nationwide. This new funding, combined with $2.6 billion previously announced, brings the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


NFIB endorses Kevin Coughlin for Ohio's 13th Congressional District

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its endorsement of Kevin Coughlin for election to the United States House of Representatives, representing Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.


Yellen discusses economic outlook with Saudi finance minister

Today, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen engaged in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan. During the discussion, Secretary Yellen emphasized the enduring and cooperative relationship between the U.S. Treasury and Saudi Arabia. The dialogue included an assessment of Saudi Arabia's economic prospects as well as its plans for reform and development.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $134 million for Michigan's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a substantial funding initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocating $3.6 billion to enhance water infrastructure across the United States. This latest funding complements an earlier allocation of $2.6 billion, bringing the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


Ohio receives major boost from bipartisan law for water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant funding initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocating $3.6 billion to upgrade water infrastructure nationwide. This announcement follows an earlier release of $2.6 billion, bringing the total investment for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


Biden-Harris administration allocates nearly $21.5M for Nebraska's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.6 billion in new funding as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance water infrastructure and ensure community safety. This recent funding, combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, totals $6.2 billion for fiscal year 2025 aimed at improving essential water infrastructure across the nation.