News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


Former Hoboken official pleads guilty to embezzlement and false tax return

Pantaleo "Leo" Pellegrini, the former Director of Health and Human Services and Director of the Department of Environmental Services in Hoboken, has pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement and filing a false tax return.


EPA honors eight freight leaders from Midwest states for environmental excellence

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring eight truck carriers and freight shippers in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska with its annual SmartWay Excellence Awards for their contributions to supply chain, environmental, and energy efficiency.


Biden administration allocates $279M for housing energy efficiency improvements

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant investment of nearly $279 million in awards to properties across 23 states and territories under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP). This funding will support energy efficiency and climate resilience renovations for over 3,500 homes.


US ambassador discusses Burma atrocities during Thailand visit

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack is set to visit Bangkok, Thailand, from October 4 to 7, 2024. During her stay, she will engage with Thai government officials, civil society members, experts, and organizations.


Assistant Secretary Robinson leads security talks in Guatemala

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Todd D. Robinson, is visiting Guatemala from October 1 to 5. During his visit, he will lead an interagency delegation in the first U.S.-Guatemala High-Level Security Dialogue. This initiative comes after the White House announced $50 million for the Guatemala Se Transforma Initiative on March 25, aimed at enhancing cooperation on security, democracy, and rule of law in Guatemala.


EPA launches resource site for hurricane-affected communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new website to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene. This online resource will provide real-time updates on the EPA's response and recovery efforts in regions most impacted, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.


EPA fines Washington facility for Clean Water Act violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Venoil, LLC, a used oil bulk storage and processing facility located in Anacortes, Washington, will pay a penalty of $57,800. This fine is for violations related to the Clean Water Act's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations.


Blinken congratulates new Japanese foreign minister; reaffirms U.S.-Japan alliance

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a conversation with Japan's new Foreign Minister, Iwaya Takeshi, to extend his congratulations on the latter's recent appointment. The dialogue between the two leaders underscored the significance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as a pivotal factor for security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, characterizing it as "a truly global partnership."


US sanctions four Ugandan police officials over human rights abuses

The U.S. Department of State has announced the designation of four members of the Uganda Police Force due to their involvement in significant human rights violations. The individuals named are Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye. These officials have been implicated in acts of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.


Attorney General Garland praises law enforcement partnerships during visit to Rhode Island

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island on October 2, 2024, to deliver remarks and meet with local law enforcement officials. He expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining safety and highlighted the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.


Department of Labor targets grain handling safety amid continued risks

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the launch of a regional emphasis program through its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to improve worker safety in the grain handling industry. This initiative addresses ongoing concerns about preventable injuries and hazards affecting workers in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.


Treasury awards $9M for New York's semiconductor industry growth

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has awarded $9.4 million to Empire State Development in New York to bolster small business growth in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. This funding, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP), is complemented by $1.5 million in matching funds from Empire State Development.


USDA announces historic funding boost for climate-smart agricultural practices

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an allocation of up to $7.7 billion for fiscal year 2025 to assist agricultural and forestry producers in adopting conservation practices on working lands. This includes up to $5.7 billion for climate-smart practices, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, a part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, along with $2 billion from Farm Bill funding. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years.


Justice Department announces improved language access in Colorado courts

The Justice Department announced that the Colorado Judiciary has taken steps to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the state court system.


EPA finalizes plan for Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its plan to address contamination at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn, New York. The site spans over 190 acres across several city blocks in the Greenpoint and East Williamsburg areas.


CBP seizes over 12 kg of cocaine hidden in wheelchair at Houston airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Houston have announced the seizure of over 12 kilograms of cocaine at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The drugs were discovered hidden within a motorized wheelchair during an inspection conducted in late September.


Justice Department allocates $4 billion for public safety initiatives

The Justice Department has announced a significant financial commitment to enhance public safety and community justice efforts across the United States. A total of $4 billion in grants will be distributed by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to support various initiatives aimed at reducing violence, assisting crime victims, and improving outcomes for individuals involved in criminal and juvenile justice systems.


Facebook introduces unified content monetization program

Facebook has announced the launch of Facebook Content Monetization beta, a new program designed to expand monetization opportunities for content creators. This initiative consolidates three existing Facebook-funded creator monetization programs—In-stream ads, Ads on Reels, and the Performance bonus—into one streamlined program. The new system will allow creators to earn from various content formats including Reels, longer videos, photos, and text posts.


Labor Department awards over $1M in grants for mine safety education

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the distribution of $1 million in grants to seven organizations across five states. These funds aim to support education and training initiatives designed to identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in mines.


U.S. congratulates China on its 75th National Day

The United States has extended its congratulations to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of its 75th National Day. This message reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. to manage its bilateral relationship with China amid global challenges.