News published on Federal Newswire in January 2025

News from January 2025


U.S.-Vietnam dialogue addresses human rights issues in Hanoi

On January 6-7, the 28th U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue took place in Hanoi, Vietnam.


Tampa doctor charged with producing child abuse materials

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment and arrest of Stephen Andrew Leedy, a 59-year-old doctor from St. Petersburg, Florida.


DHS introduces new playbook for responsible generative AI use in public sector

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the "Generative AI Public Sector Playbook," a guide aimed at assisting government officials in effectively deploying generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies.


Phillip A. Talbert resigns as U.S attorney after over two years

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert has announced his resignation, effective at midnight on January 11, 2025.


Kanawha County man sentenced to over seven years for federal drug crimes

Joseph Daniel Skeens, a 35-year-old resident of St. Albans, has been sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.


Biden sends greetings to Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas

President Joe Biden extended his greetings to Orthodox Christians worldwide as they celebrate Christmas.


Burlington man sentenced for attempted drug trafficking after controlled delivery operation

Burlington, Vermont – Raul Velez, a 55-year-old resident of Burlington, Vermont, has been sentenced to two years in prison for attempted drug trafficking.


Heritage fellow Adam Kissel joins University of West Florida board

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Adam Kissel, a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, to the board of the University of West Florida.


Blinken discusses security issues with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary in Tokyo

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo on January 7, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Biden praises Canada's Trudeau for strengthening U.S.-Canada alliance

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has expressed his appreciation for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a recent statement.


Campaign treasurer pleads guilty to wire fraud involving NYC's campaign finance board

Erlene King, a campaign treasurer involved in the 2021 election cycle for the Brooklyn Borough President's office, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in a federal court in Brooklyn.


FTC and NY Attorney General take action against Handy Technologies

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General have taken legal action against Handy Technologies, a company operating in the gig economy under the name Angi Services.


Windham man sentenced for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material

A Windham man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen handed down the sentence to Cote Noonan, aged 33, in Portland's U.S. District Court.


Billy Ruiz convicted for meth distribution conspiracy

A federal jury in Orlando, Florida, has found Billy Ruiz guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute the drug.


EPA fines Missouri firms for violating lead-based paint safety regulations

Four Missouri home renovation companies have agreed to pay over $27,000 in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.


Defense Department allocates $14.3 million for solid rocket motor expansion

The Department of Defense has allocated $14.3 million to Anduril Industries, Inc., based in Costa Mesa, California.


U.S. Treasury sanctions Hungarian official Antal Rogan for alleged corruption

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Antal Rogan, a senior Hungarian government official, citing his involvement in corruption.


Johns Hopkins resolves civil rights complaint over shared ancestry discrimination

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced a resolution agreement with Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.


Consumer Technology Association announces global innovation champions at CES 2025

Today at CES 2025, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) unveiled the 2025 Global Innovation Scorecard.


Batesburg-Leesville woman sentenced for wire fraud conspiracy against Lowe's

Julia Renae Mullinax, a 43-year-old resident of Batesburg-Leesville, has been sentenced to 13 months in federal prison following her guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.