News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Loan guarantee supports solar projects in Puerto Rico

The Biden-Harris administration has announced a significant step in advancing clean energy initiatives with the approval of an $861.3 million loan guarantee by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This financial backing, facilitated through the Loan Programs Office (LPO), is designated for constructing two solar photovoltaic farms and two standalone battery energy storage systems in Puerto Rico's Guayama and Salinas municipalities.


California businessman receives prison sentence for over $1 million tax evasion

A California businessman has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for tax evasion, following a conviction for failing to pay over $1 million in individual and corporate income taxes owed to the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board.


AMA recognizes health organizations addressing physician burnout with Joy in Medicine award

The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced the 2024 recipients of its Joy in Medicine recognition, highlighting health organizations that have taken significant steps to address physician burnout. Despite a decline in burnout rates following the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue persists among physicians compared to other U.S. workers.


US begins THAAD battery deployment in Israel amid security concerns

Yesterday, October 14, the United States began deploying an advance team of military personnel and initial components necessary to operate the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Israel. This information was shared by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.


US and Canada sanction Samidoun network over alleged terror ties

The United States, in collaboration with Canada, has announced sanctions against the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. This organization is accused of acting as a fundraising arm for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated as a terrorist group. The PFLP reportedly uses Samidoun to support its operations across Europe and North America. Khaled Barakat, identified as part of the PFLP leadership, has also been designated.


EPA reports decline in greenhouse gas emissions for large facilities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the 2023 greenhouse gas data collected under its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. According to the report, direct emissions from large stationary sources decreased by approximately 4% compared to 2022, accounting for around half of the total U.S. emissions.


EPA Region 7 hosts open houses for Missouri Superfund sites

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 are set to host a series of open house sessions in Missouri's Old Lead Belt from October 21 to 24, 2024. These sessions aim to update community members on site cleanups and provide information about the EPA’s residential soil lead guidance.


Salton Sea rehabilitation effort begins with federal investment under Biden’s agenda

The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with the California Natural Resource Agency and other stakeholders, has initiated a new phase of the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project. This project is partially funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.


Estonia signs Artemis Accords for sustainable space collaboration

Estonia has become the 45th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of principles established in 2020 to guide space exploration. The signing took place in Milan, Italy, on October 13. "The United States welcomes Estonia into the Artemis Accords as we strengthen our collaboration to ensure the sustainable use of space," said a spokesperson from the U.S.


Massachusetts man pleads guilty to sex trafficking linked with drug offenses

A Massachusetts man, Marvin Pompilus, 39, from Stoughton, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to sex trafficking and drug offenses. The charges include four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.


Biden-Harris Administration marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced its plans to observe the 25th National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) from October 20-26, 2024. This initiative is in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The event aims to raise awareness about lead poisoning prevention and reduce childhood exposure to lead.


EPA partners with Aqua Pennsylvania for residential lead pipe replacement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with Aqua Pennsylvania and various government officials to emphasize the significance of addressing lead contamination. The focus was on identifying and replacing lead and galvanized service lines to protect public health, supported by federal investments.


Biden-Harris Administration allocates over $16 billion to Hispanic-Serving Institutions

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant financial commitment to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the United States, totaling over $16 billion. This funding aims to support these institutions in their mission to enhance educational opportunities and economic mobility for students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college attendees.


Cocaine worth $793K seized by CBP at Hidalgo bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge have seized cocaine valued at over $793,000, according to a recent announcement. The interception occurred when officers discovered the narcotics hidden within a vehicle attempting to enter the United States from Mexico.


Department initiates second round of FAFSA form testing with broad participation

The U.S. Department of Education has commenced the second phase of testing, Beta 2, for the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This follows a successful Beta 1 phase where hundreds of students across the nation submitted their FAFSA forms without encountering major issues.


EPA official joins Congresswoman Sewell for environmental initiatives in Selma

SELMA, Ala. – On October 17, 2024, Jeaneanne Gettle, the Acting Region 4 Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will be in Selma, Alabama. She will join Congresswoman Terri Sewell and local officials for two press events.


EPA opens applications for student and teacher environmental awards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Announced by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, these awards aim to honor students and educators who contribute significantly to environmental stewardship and awareness.


USDA invests $500 million in local food sourcing for healthier school meals

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the USDA's dedication to connecting local farmers with schools across the United States, serving meals to approximately 30 million children daily. In celebration of National School Lunch Week and National Farm to School Month, Vilsack noted a recent $500 million investment for schools to purchase local, unprocessed foods as part of ongoing efforts to enhance school meal programs with nutritious domestic foods.


Department releases fiscal year 2023 report on state-by-state defense spending

The Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has released its Fiscal Year 2023 report on defense spending by state. The document aims to assist states and communities in understanding the economic impact of defense procurement, personnel, and grant expenditures.


Outer Banks tops Netflix charts as Menendez brothers case captivates viewers

OBX marked a significant achievement this week with Part 1 of Season 4 of "Outer Banks" debuting at number one on the English TV List, garnering 15.5 million views. The show, featuring stars such as Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline, attracted fans to Charleston for its premiere celebrations. Part 2 is anticipated to release on November 7.