News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


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.


State Department sets new record in U.S. passport processing

In 2024, the State Department set a new record in U.S. passport processing for the third consecutive fiscal year. The department issued approximately 24.5 million passport books and cards, surpassing last year's figures by half a million.


Blinken meets Saudi foreign minister to discuss Middle East conflicts

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Riyadh, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages. Both parties explored strategies for establishing security, governance, and reconstruction after the conflict.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $33M for Kansas' water infrastructure improvements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment in water infrastructure as part of the Biden-Harris administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative aims to enhance water systems and ensure safety across various communities.


EPA settles with Oxy Vinyls over toxic chemical reporting violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Oxy Vinyls, LP, over alleged violations of toxic chemical reporting requirements at its facility in Pedricktown, New Jersey. The company will pay a civil penalty of $113,000 as part of the resolution.


Biden-Harris administration allocates over $48M for Iowa's water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant funding initiative aimed at upgrading water infrastructure across the United States. This move is part of the Biden-Harris administration's efforts under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with $3.6 billion in new funding being unveiled for fiscal year 2025. Combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, the total investment for the year reaches $6.2 billion.


Blinken meets Saudi Crown Prince to discuss regional conflicts

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh to address regional conflicts and efforts toward peace and security. During the meeting, Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of ending the war in Gaza, freeing hostages, and helping the people of Gaza rebuild their lives without Hamas.


California man indicted for courthouse bombing; arraignment set for October 25

A federal grand jury has indicted Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old from Santa Maria, California, on charges related to a bomb attack at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. The indictment includes three counts and follows an incident on September 25 when McGuire allegedly threw an explosive device into the courthouse lobby, injuring several individuals.


Biden-Harris administration allocates $78 million to Indiana for water infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at upgrading water infrastructure across the United States. This funding is part of a larger $6.2 billion investment for Fiscal Year 2025, which includes an earlier announcement of $2.6 billion this month.


Former federal employee admits guilt in classified document mishandling

Margaret Anne Ashby, a former employee of a Department of Defense component agency, has pleaded guilty to mishandling classified materials. The 26-year-old from Henderson, Nevada, admitted to the unauthorized removal of sensitive documents during her employment in the Southern District of Georgia.


EU prepares code of practice for general-purpose AI regulation

The European Union has introduced a pioneering framework for regulating artificial intelligence technologies through the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This legislation includes specific provisions for general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, also known as foundation models. While the law is finalized, it allows for compliance methods to be determined post-adoption via a multi-stakeholder consultative process.


Cyprus becomes 46th nation to join Artemis Accords

The Republic of Cyprus has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 46th nation to sign the agreement. The signing ceremony took place in Nicosia, with Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou representing Cyprus. State Department Assistant Secretary James O’Brien and NASA Associate Administrator James Free participated virtually.


G7 commits $50 billion loan package for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has collaborated with global partners to counteract Putin's aggression. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, speaking alongside Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, emphasized that the coalition will not retreat and is committed to supporting Ukraine.


Department of Energy announces recipients of 2024 C3E awards

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the winners of the 2024 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) Awards, recognizing nine women for their leadership and achievements in the clean energy sector. The C3E Initiative, now in its 13th year, is a collaborative effort by the DOE with institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative, Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy, and Arizona State University's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.


Data breaches highlight need for stronger cybersecurity measures

The increasing integration of technology into daily life has led to a rise in data breaches, exposing personal information and affecting one in three Americans. These breaches disproportionately impact disenfranchised communities, which often lack resources for digital safety. The issue is particularly pressing during Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October.


Austin discusses Middle East operations with Israeli defense minister

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The discussion focused on Israel's operations in Lebanon and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


Department of Defense launches hypersonic infrared targeting sensing research project

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the selection of the Hypersonic Infrared Target Sensing (HITS) joint-service proposal as the winner of the fiscal year 2025 Applied Research for the Advancement of S&T Priorities (ARAP) Program award competition. The HITS team, led by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL), includes collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Missile Defense Agency.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates billions for U.S. water infrastructure upgrades

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a substantial investment of $3.6 billion to upgrade water infrastructure across the United States as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding, combined with an earlier allocation of $2.6 billion this month, brings the total investments for Fiscal Year 2025 to $6.2 billion.


Verma attends conference in Paris supporting Lebanon's sovereignty

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is set to visit Paris, France from October 23 to 25. The purpose of his trip is to attend the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, which is hosted by the Government of France.


Under Secretary Jenkins to discuss defense in Luxembourg and Brussels

Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins is set to visit Luxembourg and Brussels from October 23 to 26. During her time in Luxembourg, she will engage with government officials to emphasize the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Luxembourg as NATO Allies. The discussions will concentrate on transatlantic defense industry matters and space technology.