News from October 2024
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
A boat manufacturer in Pinellas Park is facing substantial penalties after a follow-up inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor revealed ongoing safety violations. Blacktip Boatworks LLC, previously cited for 15 safety and health hazards in July 2023, has been found to have not corrected these issues, according to the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su has announced an agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance. This development is expected to facilitate the reopening of East Coast and Gulf ports while negotiations for a new contract continue.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period for its third review of the cleanup efforts on PCB-contaminated sediment in the Upper Hudson River. The deadline, initially set for October 8, 2024, has been moved to November 7, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released its September jobs report, indicating a decline in small business job openings to the lowest level since January 2021. According to the report, 34% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings in September, a decrease of six points from August.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo recently intercepted ecstasy pills, ecstasy gummies, and marijuana bricks in two commercial shipments at the Peace Bridge border crossing. The shipments were labeled as “scented candles” and “candle-kids toy,” but anomalies prompted further inspection by CBP officers.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), known for organizing CES, is set to introduce the CES Creator Space at CES 2025. This initiative aims to support content creators and media professionals attending the event by offering them tools and workspaces to create content across various platforms and connect with exhibitors. The space will host three days of programming focused on enhancing creators' skills.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a conciliation agreement with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. to address alleged gender pay discrimination at its Newark, Delaware facility. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) conducted a compliance review and found that, starting January 1, 2020, female system engineers were paid less than their male counterparts in similar roles at the laboratory diagnostics manufacturing center.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $1.5 billion investment aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of the nation's electricity grid. This funding, part of the Investing in America agenda, is directed through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support four transmission projects across several states including Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended 64 Haitian nationals who were left by smugglers on Mona Island, Puerto Rico, according to a report from the Ramey Sector of the Border Patrol. This incident follows previous occurrences where migrants were abandoned in similar circumstances.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The United States has expressed its intent to strengthen ties with Gabon as Transition President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema visits to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, economic development, and regional security.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has responded to the suspension of a port strike following a tentative agreement on wages and a short-term contract extension between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay expressed relief at the development, stating, "The decision to end the current strike and allow the East and Gulf coast ports to reopen is good news for the nation’s economy."
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The Department of Justice has announced charges against ten individuals linked to pharmaceutical distributors. These individuals are accused of channeling approximately 70 million opioid pills and 30 million doses of other prescription drugs, primarily to "pill-mill" pharmacies in the Houston, Texas area. The estimated street value of these drugs exceeds $1.3 billion.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
"Bangkok Breaking: Heaven and Hell," a Thai action film, has climbed to the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Films (Non-English) chart. The film is in the Top 10 in 32 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines, and Taiwan. It accumulated a total of 5 million hours viewed from September 23-29, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated a total of $498,801 in research funding to five college teams to advance their innovative technologies addressing environmental and public health challenges. Among the recipients is the University of Missouri team, which received $100,000 to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has announced a reduction in passport processing times to 4-6 weeks, improving from the previous timeframe of 6-8 weeks. This change reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, equity, and accessibility of the U.S. passport application process. The new processing time applies to both paper and online applications.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the provision of federal disaster assistance to Georgia following Hurricane Helene, which began affecting the state on September 24, 2024. This aid is designed to support state and local recovery efforts in the impacted areas.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $5 million to Winston-Salem State University and Tennessee State University for the establishment of Research Centers of Excellence. These centers will focus on research projects addressing strategic interests related to housing, community development, economic development, or built environment challenges in underserved communities.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
Charges have been filed against ten pharmaceutical distributor executives, sales representatives, and brokers in connection with the illegal distribution of nearly 70 million opioid pills. The charges were unsealed in several districts including the Southern District of Texas, Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of Missouri, and Eastern District of North Carolina. This enforcement action also involved three Houston-area pharmacy operators.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2024 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Established in 1999 by then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the award acknowledges U.S. companies' efforts to enhance global business conduct standards. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the awards ceremony on October 22, 2024, at the State Department.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2024
Special Envoy Jessica Stern is set to visit Italy and Poland from October 4 to 11. The trip aims to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
