News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Former Tennessee mental health center owner faces tax crime charges

A federal grand jury in Nashville has indicted a former business owner on charges of failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS. The indictment alleges that Mari Alexander, from Columbia, South Carolina, who owned Ross Behavioral Group, did not remit withheld employee taxes to the IRS between 2015 and 2020.


U.S. government assists citizens in Lebanon amid ongoing safety concerns

The United States government is prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens in Lebanon. Efforts are underway to assist U.S. citizens by providing various options to ensure their safety.


FTC enforces new rules on endorsements and testimonials starting October 2024

In August, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced a new rule impacting how businesses can use endorsements and testimonials in their marketing strategies.


Meta launches campaign against teen sextortion scams

Meta has announced new initiatives aimed at combating sextortion scams targeting teens and young adults. These measures include an education campaign designed to help both teenagers and their parents recognize the signs of sextortion scams, as well as a suite of safety features intended to make it more difficult for scammers to operate on Meta's platforms.


CCIA highlights global digital trade barriers impacting US businesses

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has submitted its comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in response to the annual request for identifying trade barriers affecting U.S. companies aiming to expand internationally. The USTR uses these responses to compile its National Trade Estimates (NTE) report, which offers a detailed overview of trade barriers by country.


Blinken discusses security and conflict resolution with Israeli President Herzog

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. According to Spokesperson Matt Miller, Secretary Blinken extended congratulations to President Herzog on the mission that resulted in the death of Yahya Sinwar.


Director Rossi emphasizes pro bono work at awards dinner

Director Rachel Rossi delivered a keynote address at the Community Legal Services (CLS) 57th Annual Pro Bono Awards Dinner. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Executive Director Harvey and Andrea Ortiz, CLS’ Director of Pro Bono Services, for organizing the event. She also acknowledged Roger Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, for his office's collaboration with CLS.


Haaland promotes conservation workforce initiatives in New Mexico and Colorado

This week, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited New Mexico and Colorado to emphasize the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts in conservation and Indigenous knowledge. The focus was on the Indian Youth Service Corps, part of the American Climate Corps, under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates $70M for school-based mental health services

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $70 million investment aimed at expanding mental health services in schools across the United States. This funding is part of the administration's efforts to support youth mental health, building on initiatives like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The U.S. Department of Education is focusing on enhancing School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration (MHSP) grant programs.


CBP intercepts meth worth $775K in green onion shipment at Calexico

CBP officers at the Calexico Commercial Facility have intercepted over 646 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a shipment of green onions. The incident took place on October 10, 2024, when officers encountered a 63-year-old male driving a commercial tractor-trailer with a shipment listed as green onions. The driver, who held a valid border crossing card, was directed to undergo further inspection.


Labor Department recovers unpaid wages from California care provider

The U.S. Department of Labor has successfully recovered $317,736 in unpaid wages and damages from PALS LLC, a Southern California residential care provider. The action followed an investigation revealing that the company had not paid overtime to 45 workers, some of whom were working up to 70 hours weekly.


Satterfield attends Middleburg Film Festival promoting film diplomacy

Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Lee Satterfield, is set to attend the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia from October 17 to 20, 2024. During her visit, she will deliver remarks and engage with industry leaders to highlight film as a diplomatic tool and an economic driver.


Georgia executives sentenced for bid-rigging conspiracy in concrete industry

Four executives and a corporation have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy involving price-fixing, bid-rigging, and job allocation in the ready-mix concrete industry in Savannah, Georgia. The individuals charged were James Clayton Pedrick, Gregory Hall Melton, John David Melton, Timothy “Bo” Strickland, along with Evans Concrete LLC. These charges were initially filed in September 2020.


CBP conducts two mountain rescues in Arizona and Washington

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) recently conducted two mountain rescues in challenging terrains on consecutive days. The operations took place in Arizona and Washington State.


Retail sales rise in September as employment grows

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a rise in retail sales for September, coinciding with employment growth and decreases in inflation and interest rates, according to Jack Kleinhenz, Chief Economist at the National Retail Federation (NRF).


Settlement reached with Hilcorp Energy over emission violations in New Mexico

The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) have reached a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company regarding violations of the Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law at its oil and gas production sites in New Mexico.


Federal agencies unite for multimillion-dollar debris removal after Tropical Storm Helene

Federal agencies are collaborating with state and local partners to clear debris left by Tropical Storm Helene in southwestern Virginia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have committed millions to remove debris from Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area.


EPA settles with AES Puerto Rico over coal ash regulation violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with AES Puerto Rico, L.P., concerning its electrical generating plant in Guayama, Puerto Rico. This agreement mandates AES to address issues related to groundwater monitoring and ensure accurate reporting on its coal ash landfill under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Additionally, AES will pay a penalty of $71,845.


Biden-Harris Administration invests $173M for rural broadband expansion across Dakotas and eight states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment aimed at improving internet connectivity in rural areas across the Dakotas and eight other states. Nearly $173 million will be allocated to enhance high-speed internet access for residents, farmers, and business owners as part of the fifth round of funding from the ReConnect Program. This initiative is central to President Biden's Investing in America agenda.


U.S. partners with Recording Academy® for global mentorship program

The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Recording Academy®, has announced the launch of the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP). This initiative is part of a broader effort to use music as a tool for unity, peace, and economic development within the creative economy.