News from October 2024
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that California is launching the first phase of its federal Home Energy Rebates program. Supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative aims to reduce utility bills for residents by promoting energy efficiency improvements.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Chilean Under-Secretary of Foreign Relations Gloria de la Fuente led the U.S.-Chile High-Level Dialogue on October 2 in Washington, DC. The dialogue included senior representatives from various U.S. departments and agencies, alongside Chilean officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) responded to an in-flight emergency on October 4, 2024, assisting a passenger in safely landing a plane at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. The incident occurred when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contacted AMO’s Riverside Air Unit for help after the pilot of a small aircraft became incapacitated with only one passenger onboard.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
Bob Dean Jr. and several companies he owned have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to settle allegations of financial misconduct. The allegations claimed that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 by misusing assets and income from four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida in August 2021. These nursing homes had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Wholestone Farms Cooperative Inc., a Nebraska-based farm cooperative, for three serious safety and health violations. This follows an investigation initiated by a complaint in March 2024. OSHA has proposed penalties amounting to $36,873.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The Biden-Harris administration has announced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems across the United States within a decade. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) aim to enhance testing and lower the threshold for community action on lead exposure in drinking water. This initiative is part of President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe nationwide, ensuring access to clean water.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The United States has signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with El Salvador, aimed at enhancing border security and trade facilitation between the two nations. The agreement was formalized in San Salvador.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against Fitness International LLC, known as LA Fitness, alleging disability discrimination at its gym and fitness clubs. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. It accuses LA Fitness of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public accommodations, including gyms and fitness centers, for individuals with disabilities.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a new rule requiring the identification and replacement of lead pipes within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also mandate more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for action on lead contamination. This initiative aims to enhance public communication about the risks associated with lead in drinking water.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
A former police lieutenant from New Castle, Indiana, has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges of using excessive force against individuals in custody and obstructing justice through witness tampering. Aaron Jason Strong, aged 47, was convicted following evidence presented at trial which demonstrated his physical abuse of a suspect and two pretrial detainees. He also made false statements to an Indiana State Police detective during an investigation into allegations against him.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
A California man, Salvador Gonzalez, has been sentenced to six years in prison for preparing false tax returns. Gonzalez operated Grace’s Lighthouse Resource Center Inc., a return-preparation business in Corona, for over ten years. During this period, he consistently claimed false deductions on thousands of returns, including charitable donations and medical expenses, which reduced the income taxes his clients owed.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a fair and competitive agricultural market. This move has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU), with its President, Rob Larew, expressing support for the USDA's efforts.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index experienced a slight increase of 0.3 points in September, reaching 91.5. Despite this rise, the index remains below the 50-year average of 98 for the 33rd consecutive month. The Uncertainty Index saw a significant jump of 11 points to 103, marking its highest recorded level.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
On September 27, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its commitment to cleanup plans for seven abandoned uranium mine sites located in the Navajo Nation. The planned projects aim to address over 1 million cubic yards of contaminated soil and restore around 260 acres of land for the benefit of communities within the Smith Lake and Mariano Lake chapters.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
In October 2022, Secretary Blinken established the Subnational Diplomacy Unit (SDU) at the State Department and appointed Nina Hachigian as the first Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. Over the past two years, SDU has engaged with approximately 5,000 local government officials in the United States and globally, including mayors, governors, and county supervisors.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems across the United States within a decade. This regulation, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), aims to enhance testing protocols and lower the threshold for action to protect communities from lead exposure. The initiative is part of a broader commitment by President Biden to ensure all Americans have access to clean drinking water.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has commended President Biden and Congress for the enactment of the bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, which aims to bolster semiconductor production. Marty Durbin, senior vice president of policy at the Chamber, emphasized the necessity for broader permitting reforms.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced a proposed rule to ban the sale or import of connected vehicles and components linked to China or Russia. This move is motivated by security concerns related to specific hardware and software integrations.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 8, 2024
The National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR) has announced that its senior leaders held a private, off-the-record meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion centered on U.S.-China relations amidst current global challenges.
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 7, 2024
Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft are improving job accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing individuals through new technologies tailored to their needs. These innovations are helping to reduce the community’s historically high unemployment rate, previously reported at 70%, according to Disability Friendly Cities.
