News from October 2024
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Former hospital CEO Jeffrey Madison has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to settle allegations under the False Claims Act. The claims involve illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison will also cooperate with ongoing Justice Department investigations related to these allegations.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Chemical manufacturer AB Specialty Silicones LLC is set to pay $1.3 million in penalties following a fatal explosion at its Waukegan plant in May 2019, which resulted in the deaths of four workers. This settlement comes after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the company failed to ensure compliance with electrical equipment standards and used propane-powered forklifts for transporting flammable liquids.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and the University of Pittsburgh have released a report titled "Hated More: Online Violence Targeting Women of Color Candidates in the 2024 US Election." This research examines the nature of online offensive and hate speech directed at candidates running for Congress, with a focus on women of color.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to expand the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by adding 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories, representing over 100 individual PFAS. These chemicals would be designated as chemicals of special concern, necessitating more stringent reporting requirements, including for small concentrations.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced that Norwin School District in Pennsylvania has entered into a resolution agreement to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This decision follows an investigation into allegations of racial harassment within the district.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested 42 individuals connected to the SFV Peckerwoods, a white supremacist street gang based in San Fernando Valley, California. The arrests stem from a 76-count federal grand jury indictment that accuses them of engaging in a range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and fraud related to COVID-19 benefits.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass held a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Ministry Under Secretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in Washington. This meeting took place during the fourth annual U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released its 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, highlighting the persistent threat of domestic and foreign terrorism within the United States. The report aims to inform both the public and DHS partners about potential threats to public safety and security, helping federal, state, and local agencies prepare for evolving challenges.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has officially launched the Defense Security Cooperation Service (DSCS) during a ceremony held at the Pentagon. This new service aims to enhance the support infrastructure for U.S. Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) personnel stationed at embassies worldwide.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The United States has announced sanctions on one individual and three companies involved in weapons procurement and smuggling operations for the Houthis. These entities have been instrumental in providing the terrorist group with dual-use and military-grade materials necessary for manufacturing, maintaining, and deploying advanced missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Such activities pose a threat to U.S. interests and those of its allies.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Feliks Medvedev, a 43-year-old resident of Buford, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. Following his release, he will undergo three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $10,000 fine. This sentencing comes after Medvedev was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that facilitated the transfer of over $150 million in Russian funds.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The Department of Defense is mobilizing up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to aid in Hurricane Helene relief efforts at the request of FEMA. These soldiers, part of an Infantry Battalion Task Force from the XVIII Airborne Corps, including members of the 82nd Airborne and other units from Fort Liberty, NC, will assist in delivering essential supplies such as food and water to affected communities.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has announced the deadlines for the submission of agencies' Fiscal Year 2024 Annual FOIA Reports, Fiscal Year 2025 Quarterly FOIA Reports, and 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports. These reports are essential in showcasing the progress made by agencies in administering the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with 3M Co. regarding alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at the company's facility in Cordova, Illinois. The agreement includes a $125,900 civil penalty and mandates corrective actions to enhance worker safety.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Meta has announced the expansion of its information-sharing partnership with UK banks to combat fraud. The Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (FIRE) program enables financial institutions to share intelligence directly with Meta, aiming to stop scammers and protect users. NatWest and Metro Bank are the first UK banks to join this pilot, with more expected to follow.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in discussions with several foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy regarding recent developments in the Middle East. The meeting involved UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as announced by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The call served as an opportunity for Secretary Blinken to extend congratulations to Rutte on his recent appointment.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The U.S. Open Government Secretariat, part of the Government Services Administration (GSA), is inviting public comments for the development of the Sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP). This initiative is part of the United States' commitment as a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The GSA seeks input from various stakeholders, including those in public, private, advocacy, not-for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. Contributions are also encouraged from state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm of the United States and Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, have announced new joint initiatives on clean energy. The announcement came during the third ministerial meeting of the U.S.-Brazil Energy Forum (USBEF). Both leaders stressed the importance of collaboration between their countries as they are major global clean energy producers.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The AEZ is an area around outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are prohibited while pesticides are applied. This move aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice and aims to protect farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families, and agricultural communities.
