News published on Federal Newswire in October 2024

News from October 2024


J.R. Simplot settles for $363K over environmental violations at California plant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with J.R. Simplot Company regarding violations of federal environmental and public health laws at its fertilizer manufacturing facility in Lathrop, California. The EPA found that the company breached the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. As part of the settlement, J.R. Simplot will pay a civil penalty of $363,700.


U.S. intercepts Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, says Defense Secretary Austin

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a statement regarding Iran's missile strikes against Israel, confirming that U.S. forces in the Middle East successfully intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran towards Israel. "We condemn this outrageous act of aggression by Iran, and we call on Iran to halt any further attacks, including from its proxy terrorist groups," said Austin.


National Retail Federation calls on Biden administration amid port strike

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has issued a statement following the initiation of a labor strike at all U.S. East and Gulf Coast container ports. The strike began after the expiration of the six-year master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on September 30.


HUD allocates over $22 million to fight housing discrimination

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the allocation of over $22 million to fair housing organizations nationwide to address housing discrimination. The funds, totaling $22,241,793, will be distributed through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to support various activities such as education, outreach, testing, and enforcement.


U.S. Treasury designates extremist settler group Hilltop Youth under E.O. 14115

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Hilltop Youth, an extremist group in the West Bank, under Executive Order 14115. The group is accused of violent actions against Palestinians, including attacks on homes and property, which have destabilized the region.


Heritage experts comment on IDF strike killing top Hezbollah leaders

On September 27, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a precision strike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, Abbas Nilforoushan, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Deputy Commander, and 20 other Hezbollah fighters.


EPA announces $4 million for phosphorus reduction in Western Lake Erie Basin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $4 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to support phosphorus reduction efforts in the western Lake Erie basin. The funds will be used for farmer outreach and technical assistance, with applications being accepted until November 22, 2024.


USDA celebrates National Cooperative Month's 60th anniversary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has issued a proclamation recognizing October 2024 as the Department’s 60th anniversary of National Cooperative Month.


EPA announces funding opportunities supporting farmworker communities

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced three new funding opportunities aimed at supporting pesticide safety education for agricultural workers, training healthcare providers to better address pesticide-related illnesses, and providing technical assistance to manage these grants. A total of nearly $10 million will be awarded to at least four beneficiaries over five years.


Under Secretary Fernandez travels to Atlanta for economic dialogue

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Atlanta, Georgia from October 1-3, 2024, to attend the 9th Annual U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Senior Economic Dialogue (SED). This marks the first time the SED will be held outside of the capitals of either country. The event will spotlight over $24 billion in ROK private sector investment in Georgia pledged over the past three years.


Registration opens for SelectUSA Investment Summit set for May 2025

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that registration is now open for the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit, scheduled for May 11-14, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.


Heritage Foundation releases first-ever strategy for US engagement in Pacific Islands

The Heritage Foundation has released its inaugural Pacific Islands strategy, aiming to advance American interests and counter China's influence in the region. The report, titled "Pacific Pivot: An American Strategy for the Pacific Islands," outlines a comprehensive national strategy for U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands.


Blinken meets Jaishankar to discuss US-India relations amid recent Iran-Israel conflict

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in Washington, D.C., to discuss the ongoing partnership between their countries. The meeting followed a recent attack by Iran on Israel.


Civil society urges stronger regulation against surveillance spyware

The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has released its latest Tech Policy Brief, addressing significant technology and internet policy issues currently debated in Europe. The brief includes perspectives on digital rights and highlights the involvement of CDT Europe’s team based in Brussels.


Instagram launches 'best practices' education hub for creators

Instagram has announced the launch of "best practices," an educational hub for creators on its platform. The new feature, located in the professional dashboard, aims to provide essential information to help creators improve their content and grow their audience.


Labor Secretary calls for renewed negotiations between USMX and Longshoremen’s Association

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su has issued a statement regarding the ongoing negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association.


Department announces over $67 million for school diversity initiatives

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the allocation of over $67 million in new grants aimed at promoting school diversity and educational equity. This includes $65.4 million for 12 new Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) awards and $1.7 million for two new Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grant Program (FDS) awards.


VA awards nearly $16 million for veterans' adaptive sports programs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the allocation of $15.9 million in grants to support adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for Veterans and service members with disabilities. The VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program will distribute these funds to 91 national, regional, and community-based programs across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico for fiscal year 2024. These initiatives aim to benefit over 15,000 Veterans and Armed Forces members.


Blinken meets with Moroccan foreign minister to discuss regional peace

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on October 1, 2024. The meeting focused on advancing regional and global peace and strengthening the U.S.-Morocco partnership.


Hidalgo CBP arrests two men wanted on felony sex crime warrants

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry arrested two men over the weekend on outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses involving a child.