News published on Federal Newswire in January 2025

News from January 2025


Charlottesville coach sentenced for exploiting minors

A Charlottesville-based virtual bodybuilding coach has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting minors.


Biden pledges continued U.S. support for Lebanon in call with President Aoun

President Joe Biden engaged in a phone call with Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun.


Montgomery County man sentenced for multiple election fraud offenses

United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing of Philip C. Pulley, a 62-year-old resident of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, for election fraud offenses.


Coalition nations endorse strategic roadmaps for Ukraine's defense development

Fulfilling a commitment made on July 12, 2024, the Co-Lead Nations of the eight Capability Coalitions have been collaborating with Ukraine to develop roadmaps aimed at enhancing security assistance and defense capabilities.


Former pastor charged with multi-million dollar cryptocurrency fraud

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref has announced the indictment of Francier Obando Pinillo, a former pastor from Miami, Florida, on charges related to a cryptocurrency scam.


Amazon expands 'Buy with Prime' service to include Fossil.com

Amazon has announced the expansion of its Buy with Prime service to include Fossil.com, a leading global watch and accessories brand.


Biden administration approves $500 million security aid package for Ukraine

The Department of Defense has announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine, valued at approximately $500 million.


U.S. halts funding for WADA over alleged doping cover-up involving Chinese athletes

The Biden Administration has decided to withhold funding from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following allegations of a cover-up involving Chinese swimmers who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.


US provides $500 million military aid to Ukraine amid conflict with Russia

The United States has announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $500 million.


TikTok ban poses risks to U.S. users and businesses, says think tank

Ahead of the Supreme Court's oral arguments in TikTok v. Garland, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has issued a statement expressing concerns over a potential ban on TikTok in the United States.


U.S. congratulates Lebanon on electing President Joseph Aoun

The United States has extended its congratulations to the people of Lebanon on the election of President Joseph Aoun.


Blinken meets Transatlantic Quint ministers to discuss Middle East issues

Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened with foreign ministers from the Transatlantic Quint to address pressing international issues.


Vice President cancels international trip due to Los Angeles wildfires

In light of the significant wildfires in Los Angeles, the Vice President has decided to cancel her planned trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany.


Microsoft announces release date for Q2 fiscal year 2025 financial results

Microsoft Corporation has announced the release date for its fiscal year 2025 second-quarter financial results.


Call for proactive measures against wildfires in Los Angeles County

Mario Loyola, a senior research fellow at the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment, has emphasized the need for proactive forest management in response to ongoing wildfire issues in Los Angeles County.


Fewer small businesses plan wage hikes amid ongoing hiring challenges

NFIB's December jobs report reveals a decline in the number of small business owners planning to increase compensation in the coming months.


NCRI study finds TikTok may amplify content aligning with CCP goals

According to a study from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), TikTok may promote narratives aligned with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interests while suppressing other issues.


China expert: Great Bend hydroelectric project is 'evidence of China’s long-term drive to control the waters of the Tibetan Plateau'

Thomas J. Duesterberg, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, has expressed concerns regarding China's Great Bend hydroelectric project, describing it as part of China's "long-term drive to control the waters of the Tibetan Plateau."


U.S.-Mexico relations professor: ‘Declaring a war on cartels could be considered an act of war against Mexico’

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera has expressed concerns that the Trump administration's policy on cartels overlooks potential tensions with Mexico, impacts on supply chains, and fails to address the role of pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. drug crisis.


Gemini to pay $5M over CFTC allegations of misleading regulators

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced that Gemini Trust Company will pay a $5 million penalty to settle claims of providing false information to regulators.