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Biden-Harris administration announces new rules and funds against drinking water contamination

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new regulations and funding aimed at addressing lead contamination in drinking water. A final rule requires U.S. water systems to identify and replace lead pipes within ten years, as part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The regulation mandates more stringent testing and a lower action threshold for lead in water, aiming to improve community awareness about risks associated with lead pipes.


Michigan man indicted for multimillion-dollar penny-stock scam involving Minerco Inc

A Michigan man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia for allegedly defrauding investors in Minerco Inc., resulting in millions of dollars in losses. The indictment charges Bobby Shumake Japhia, also known as Robert Samuel Shumake Jr., Robert Japhia, and Shaman Bobby Shu, with securities fraud and obstruction.


AMO intercepts vessel smuggling cocaine near Culebra

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) intercepted a vessel on Sunday attempting to smuggle 156 pounds of cocaine near the eastern coast of Culebra, Virgin Islands. The seized narcotics have an estimated value of $1.3 million.


EPA allocates $37M for Oregon clean water projects under new federal regulations

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a new rule requiring drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes within ten years. This initiative is part of the administration's goal to eliminate all lead pipes in the United States within a decade, ensuring access to clean drinking water for all communities.


EPA issues new test order for PFAS under national strategy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Test Order, marking the fifth such order under the agency's National PFAS Testing Strategy. This latest action, announced on October 9, is part of EPA's ongoing efforts to address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals."


Netflix celebrates Halloween with Stranger Things fan event and Squishmallows collaboration

Netflix has announced a series of events and collaborations to celebrate the Halloween season, focusing on its popular show "Stranger Things." A fan event will be held in Los Angeles, offering screenings and themed activities. The highlight is the screening of the Season 2 Halloween episode "Trick or Treat, Freak" on October 31. The event promises photo opportunities, treats, music, and giveaways.


EPA allocates $17M for electric school buses in Philadelphia

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Philadelphia leaders recently celebrated a substantial federal investment aimed at improving the city's school transportation system. EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz joined local officials to highlight the nearly $17 million allocated to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) through the EPA’s Clean School Bus program.


Casting begins for Love Is Blind: Italy adaptation

Netflix has announced the Italian adaptation of its popular series "Love Is Blind," titled "Love Is Blind: Italy." The casting phase is now open for Italian singles between the ages of 25 and 45 who are interested in participating.


NFIB challenges beneficial ownership rules in court

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is set to hold a hearing regarding the National Federation of Independent Business's (NFIB) efforts to challenge the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The case, titled Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al., focuses on NFIB's request for a preliminary injunction against the beneficial ownership reporting requirements mandated by the CTA.


Department sues NYC coffee shops over unpaid overtime claims

The U.S. Department of Labor has initiated legal action against a chain of coffee shops in New York City for allegedly failing to pay overtime wages to employees working across multiple locations. The lawsuit was filed following an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division.


Eight indicted in $68 million Medicaid fraud involving New York adult day cares

An indictment has been unsealed in Brooklyn, New York, charging eight individuals with allegedly defrauding Medicaid of approximately $68 million. The scheme involved two social adult day care centers and a home health care financial intermediary that reportedly paid kickbacks and bribes for services not rendered.


EPA settles with Colorado company over Cherokee Station violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with the Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), operator of the Cherokee Station in northeast Denver, Colorado. This agreement mandates PSCo to address groundwater monitoring issues, undertake protective groundwater cleanup, and pay a penalty of $134,500.


Biden-Harris Administration unveils plan for national lead pipe replacement

The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a final rule aimed at addressing lead contamination in drinking water across the United States. The regulation mandates that drinking water systems identify and replace lead pipes within a decade, as part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). These improvements also include stricter testing protocols and a lower threshold for action on lead levels, alongside enhanced communication efforts to inform communities about risks and replacement plans.


Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink discusses DPRK developments with ROK and Japan

Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, engaged in a call with his counterparts from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on October 8. The discussion focused on recent developments concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Participating in the call were ROK Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki.


Ambassador Fick travels to Italy and Belgium for G7 meetings

U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick is set to visit Italy and Belgium from October 9 to 15. During his stay in Rome from October 11 to 13, he will attend the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation. Discussions there will focus on enhancing digital development, finding solutions for resilient critical supply chains like semiconductors, and encouraging the adoption of AI and emerging technologies.


HUD allocates $28M for housing aid to support Americans living with HIV/AIDS

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced nearly $28 million in funding to support Americans living with HIV and AIDS by providing stable housing. This initiative is part of HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal and Replacement Grants, which will assist 23 local organizations and government agencies in offering rental assistance and supportive services.


California firm halted after listeria outbreak linked to deaths

A federal court has issued an injunction against a California company, Rizo Lopez Foods Inc., following a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and two deaths. The injunction prevents the company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products.


Biden-Harris Administration announces new rules on lead pipe replacement

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a new rule mandating that drinking water systems nationwide identify and replace lead pipes within ten years. This initiative, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), also includes stricter testing requirements for drinking water and lowers the threshold for community action on lead exposure. The administration aims to replace every lead pipe in the United States within a decade.


Biden-Harris Administration announces major steps against lead contamination in drinking water

The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented new regulations and announced funding aimed at reducing lead in drinking water across the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule mandating that drinking water systems identify and replace lead pipes within ten years. This regulation, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), includes stricter testing requirements and lower thresholds for action on lead presence in drinking water.


After Wash Trading Report, Crypto.com Denies Being an 'Exchange'

BlockTribune recently published a report indicating evidence of wash trading on Crypto.com. Following the publication, a spokesperson from Crypto.com contacted BlockTribune and "demanded" an edit to the report, objecting to the characterization of Crypto.com as an "exchange."