News from October 2024
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
A former U.S. Air Force member has been indicted for a 2019 sexual assault at Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The indictment, unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida, charges James Loubeau, 36, from Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials apprehended 11 non-citizens from Romania, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic traveling on a private vessel from St. Thomas to Culebra, Puerto Rico. The incident occurred on Sunday when the vessel experienced mechanical difficulties near Botany Bay, USVI.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, has concluded her visit to Cambodia. The trip marked the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019. This dialogue was part of a series of meetings with Cambodian defense and foreign policy officials.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in certain areas of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee affected by Tropical Storm Helene may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This initiative aims to support approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 in North Carolina, and 54,692 in Tennessee with grocery expenses.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center has released a report highlighting the growing threat posed by Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, to the United States. The report scrutinizes how current immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration have allegedly enabled the gang's entry into the country, leading to several serious crimes against Americans.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia, to discuss efforts related to Hurricane Helene recovery. The visit included a roundtable discussion focused on the organization's role in providing food and support to families affected by the hurricane.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The United States and Qatar conducted the 16th U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission (MCC) at the Pentagon on October 15, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel B. Shapiro, and Qatar Defense Attaché to the United States, Major General Ali Al-Kuwari.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has projected an increase in winter holiday spending for 2024, estimating growth between 2.5% and 3.5% compared to the previous year. This would result in total holiday spending ranging from $979.5 billion to $989 billion during November and December, up from $955.6 billion last year.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment exceeding $15 million to bolster agriculture-related higher education programs at Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) across the United States. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students in fields related to food and agriculture.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with Wolfspeed, Inc. for up to $750 million in proposed funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This funding aims to support the construction of a silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina. The initiative is part of efforts to secure a domestic supply chain for semiconductors essential for the future energy economy and AI technologies.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of State recently hosted 13 international musicians and music professionals as part of its Global Music Diplomacy Initiative. This initiative aims to use music as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy. The event was organized through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which serves as the department's leading professional exchange program.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The Justice Department has announced its intention to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio. This monitoring will occur during the early voting period and on Election Day. The department's role is to ensure that all citizens have access to the ballot without facing intimidation or threats.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has reported a significant increase in union election petitions, with figures more than doubling in the fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2021. Acting Secretary Julie Su commented on the report, emphasizing a shift in power towards workers.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for producers affected by Hurricane Helene. The USDA has identified counties eligible for payments under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement. Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days to issue payments, although they often do so sooner.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
ASRC Federal Data Solutions LLC (AFDS), based in Reston, Virginia, has agreed to settle allegations related to the False Claims Act. The allegations involve a government contract concerning the storage of unsecured personal information of Medicare beneficiaries. As part of the settlement, AFDS will pay $306,722 and forgo any reimbursement rights for costs incurred during a data breach remediation, including at least $877,578 spent on notifying affected individuals and providing credit monitoring services.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, on October 15, 2024. The discussion centered around regional developments.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
On October 11, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held two separate calls with Mexican defense officials. He spoke with General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the Secretary of National Defense, and Admiral Raymundo Morales Ángeles, the Secretary of the Navy.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has released a report that highlights trends in state competition legislation across the United States. The report is the first in a series of policy landscapes, focusing on developments within state legislatures regarding competition policy.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has released its summary and assessment of the 2024 Chief FOIA Officer (CFO) Reports from various agencies. The report focuses on improvements in five key areas: FOIA leadership, fair administration, proactive disclosures, technology utilization for efficiency, and removing access barriers.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 15, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the Get the Lead Out Initiative in New York's Village of Catskill and announced similar partnerships with other communities, including Amsterdam, Fonda, Herkimer, Ilion, and Scotia. This initiative aims to help these areas comply with the new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements finalized on October 8. The EPA will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide to meet these requirements and ensure lead-free water.
