News published on Federal Newswire in January 2025

News from January 2025


Minnesota man sentenced for self-reported COVID-19 relief fund fraud

Jacob Schneider, a 42-year-old resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota, has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison.


State Department releases FY 2024 demographic data on workforce diversity

The U.S. Department of State has released its Fiscal Year 2024 demographic data through an interactive dashboard that features the Demographic Baseline Report (DBR).


FTC issues $960K refunds over 'The Sales Mentor' income scheme

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $960,000 in refunds to consumers who were misled by a job scheme known as "The Sales Mentor."


Monroeville man sentenced for involvement in dogfighting activities

Gecoby Penn, a 37-year-old resident of Monroeville, has been sentenced to two years in prison following his guilty plea to seventeen counts of possessing dogs for the purpose of participating in animal fighting ventures.


Casper man sentenced to prison for firearm possession and drug distribution

Brian Neil Wiggins, a 50-year-old resident of Casper, Wyoming, has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.


Judge sentences two Orlando residents for bank fraud using stolen mail

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Jamel Williams, aged 26 from Altamonte Springs, to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.


Biden announces delegation for Palau inauguration

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has announced the formation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.


Alvin man sentenced to prison for distributing child pornography

A 46-year-old Alvin resident, David Lopez Jr., has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in the transportation and possession of child sexual assault material (CSAM).


Lynchburg grocery store owner charged with federal food stamp fraud

The owner of a Lynchburg grocery store, Taste of India, has been arrested on charges related to alleged fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).


U.S. and Armenia sign charter enhancing strategic partnership

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan have signed a Strategic Partnership Commission Charter, marking a significant development in U.S.-Armenia relations.


Corporate income tax rates for European countries announced for year ending December

European countries, like many around the world, impose corporate income taxes on business profits.


Harris discusses regional security with Philippine President Marcos

Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a conversation with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of the Philippines, expressing gratitude for the strong partnership between the two nations.


Commerce signs preliminary agreement with MACOM for $70 million investment

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a preliminary memorandum of terms with MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. to provide up to $70 million in proposed funding under the CHIPS and Science Act.


Crips gang member indicted for Bronx murder linked to gang activity

Edward Y. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the unsealing of an indictment against Alieu Jarjou.


Ohio man sentenced for narcotics trafficking including fentanyl and cocaine

A Youngstown, Ohio resident has been sentenced to 45 months in federal prison for his role in the distribution of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.


Chicago CBP seizes over 1,500 Glock switches in 2024

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago seized 473 shipments containing a total of 1,507 weapon-modifying devices throughout 2024.


US-Thailand sign new civil nuclear cooperation agreement

On January 14, the United States and Thailand signed an Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, known as the "123 Agreement," in Bangkok.


Heritage Foundation honors Larry Arnn with Great American Award

At the recent Awakening 2025 Conference, The Heritage Foundation recognized Larry P. Arnn, Ph.D., with its Great American Award.


Chinese firm admits guilt in stealing tech from Motorola Solutions

A Chinese telecommunications company, Hytera Communications Corp. Ltd., has confessed in a federal court in Chicago to conspiring to steal technology from Motorola Solutions, Inc., an Illinois-based company.


Hamshire felon sentenced to over eight years for firearm possession

A Hamshire resident has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.