WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following news: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $2.1 million to support 14 plant protection projects focusing on Tribal Nations' infrastructure for pest detection, surveillance, threat mitigation, and outreach. These funds aim to help indigenous communities safeguard our food supply and natural resources from invasive pests. Projects include funding fo  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following remarks on Jan. 13, 2025, by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.  Clarke also issued his farewell remarks to the department. * * * As Prepared for Delivery Thank you for that kind introduction. It is a profound honor to be with you today reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great American whose vision, courage and commitment to justice  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 14 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release: New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 State of the State:  "I am pleased with key legislative proposals outlined in Governor Hochul's State of the State that will help New York families throughout our state. Expanding free school lunches, protecting children's mental health, and securing affordable housing   more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release: New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on the contract negotiations between MSG Networks and Altice, which owns Optimum:  "As two major corporations engage in contract talks, the people who are impacted the most are everyday New Yorkers who simply want to watch sports and enjoy television programming. Altice, which owns Optimum, and MSG Networks, whic  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 14 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release: New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a settlement with Equifax Information Services, LLC (Equifax) for inaccurately reporting tens of thousands of New Yorkers' credit scores to lenders, inflating costs for loans and other products between March and April 2022. Due to a coding error, Equifax falsely lowered consumers' credit scores, leading lenders and insurers to price some  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 13 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release: New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Lynn Walsh, who died on March 17, 2023 following a series of motor vehicle collisions, including one involving an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Massapequa Park, Nassau County on March 10, 2023. After a thorough investigation, which include  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (TNSFR) -- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a proposed offshore wind energy facility located in Lease Area OCS-A 0544, offshore New York. Vineyard Mid-Atlantic, LLC, the company behind the proposal, seeks approval to construct and operate a wind farm that could generate up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. This project is part of New York's ambitious clean energy goals, which   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced it will initiate an environmental review of Vineyard Mid-Atlantic's proposed offshore wind energy project, located in the federal waters offshore New York and New Jersey. The Vineyard Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind project is in one of the six lease areas within the New York Bight Wind Energy   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10117) on Jan. 13, 2025, by financial economics analyst Karl E. Schneider. Here are excerpts: * * * Introduction to Financial Services: Consumer Finance Consumer finance refers to the borrowing, saving, and investment choices that consumers and households make over time. Understanding why and how consumers make financial decisions is important when considering policy issues in  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12741) on Jan. 13, 2025. The white paper is written by financial economics specialist Andrew P. Scott, macroeconomic policy specialist Marc Labonte and international trade and finance specialist Martin A. Weiss. Here are excerpts: * * * Introduction to Financial Services: International Regulation While financial markets have become global, financial regulation and supervision  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: FALL RIVER, Mass. -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston arrested a Brazilian national Dec. 31 wanted for murder in his home country. The man, whose name ICE is withholding due to privacy issues, entered the United States in New York in March 2024 and violated the terms of his admission by failing to depart. "  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 -- The FBI issued the following news release: Director Christopher Wray has named Brian Driscoll as the special agent in charge of the Newark Field Office. Mr. Driscoll most recently served as the commander of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Critical Incident Response Group's (CIRG) Tactical Section chief. Mr. Driscoll joined the FBI as a special agent in 2007. He was first assigned to the New York Field Office, where he worked organized crime matters and later beca  more

TAMPA, Florida, Jan. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida issued the following news release: United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Daniel Liburdi (35, Miami), Joseph Scotto (44, Bay Shore, NY), Gregory Walker (43, Ontario, Canada), and Frank Carbone III (35, Orlando) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Liburdi and Carbone III are also charged with bank fraud. Each  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: The Internal Revenue Service today announced the appointment of 18 new members to the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council. The IRSAC, established in 1953, is an organized public forum for IRS officials and representatives of the public to discuss a broad range of issues in tax administration. The Council provides the IRS and agency leaders with   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (TNSres) -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release: U.S. National Science Foundation-supported research shows that caribou will optimize their migration path based on their collective memories. Caribou are the largest species on land in the Arctic. They are not only an important part of the ecology but are also a primary source of food for hundreds of communities. The antlered deer migrate more miles than any other land-based animal but don't a  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed a middle class tax cut for more than 8.3 New York taxpayers as part of her 2025 State of the State. By cutting rates across five of the State's nine tax brackets, Governor Hochul will bring tax rates down to their lowest level in nearly 70 years. The Governor is also proposing New York's first-ever Inflation Refund and a sweeping increase in the Ch  more

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York issued the following news release: Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ALIEU JARJOU, a/k/a "Scally," a/k/a "Lu Scally," with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense. The cha  more

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York issued the following news release: Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JESUS CABRERA, a/k/a "Gee," was sentenced today to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald for leading a drug trafficking organization (the "DTO") that sold deadly fentanyl in the Bronx. CABRERA previously pled guilty to participating in a conspir  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $500 million funding commitment for clean water as part of her 2025 State of the State, bringing the state's investment to a record $6 billion. This commitment is part of a broader vision to protect drinking water and address environmental sustainability across the state. Governor Hochul's agenda also includes initiatives to increase climate res  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced several major proposals to provide a boost to New York's agricultural industry as part of the 2025 State of the State. The Governor unveiled plans of cross-cutting initiatives that will support farmers, strengthen the industry, and promote a more resilient future for New Yorkers. "New York's agricultural industry is the backbone of our economy, a  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Hochul today announced comprehensive new steps to increase law enforcement presence, expand public resources and strengthen mental health policies to make the transit system safer for New Yorkers. These new measures include partnering with New York City officials to increase NYPD patrols on subway platforms and trains; installing new protective barriers on subway platforms to  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled proposals to support small businesses, grow New York's economy, and invest in the workforce as part of her 2025 State of the State. Governor Hochul's economic development and workforce proposals include new access to capital for small businesses, free community college degrees for adults pursuing degrees in in-demand fields, enhancing the performan  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new initiatives to safeguard and strengthen reproductive rights and cultural representation as part of her 2025 State of the State. This includes continuing New York's leadership as a safe harbor for reproductive care and designating Harriet Tubman as one of New York's representatives in the United States Capitol's Statuary Hall. "New York is the  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced proposals to drive down crime and bolster the criminal justice system to keep New Yorkers safe as part of her 2025 State of the State. Governor Hochul proposes streamlining the discovery process by amending reforms passed in 2019, adding additional resources to fight transnational criminal networks, and fighting sexual assault and domestic violenc  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced plans to invest more than $1 billion to address the climate crisis and achieve a more sustainable and affordable future as part of her 2025 State of the State. This ambitious proposal would be the single largest climate investment in state history, generating thousands of jobs, slashing energy bills for households, and cutting harmful pollution. T  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled plans as part of her 2025 State of the State Address, to build on her legacy of advancing transformative transportation projects. The Governor's State of the State includes proposals that would ensure historic investments in New York City's public transit system, modernize rail service across the State with major investments planned for the Hudson   more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new initiatives to make New York the best, most affordable place to start a family as part of her 2025 State of the State. These initiatives include expanding infertility coverage for people wanting to start a family, providing significant financial support for parents during pregnancy and at birth, an expansion of the Special Supplemental Nutriti  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul announced today new initiatives focused on enhancing support for New Yorkers with disabilities as part of her 2025 State of the State. The Governor's proposals will increase support for New Yorkers with disabilities in the health care system, in the workplace and through expanded advanced research opportunities. "Every New Yorker deserves the chance to live with  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled an array of initiatives designed to get the government working faster and more efficiently for all New Yorkers as a part of her 2025 State of the State. In particular, the Governor proposes to advance a series of reforms designed to make sure that the New York State government delivers on the infrastructure projects that change and improve lives.   more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed a bold plan to make owning and renting a home more affordable as part of her 2025 State of the State. The Governor proposed bolstering the Pro-Housing Community Program by investing $100 million to support critical housing infrastructure projects, creating the state's first revolving loan fund to spur mixed-income rental development outside of New   more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced initiatives aimed at improving health care coverage and fortifying New York's health care system as part of her 2025 State of the State. These initiatives include expanding access to life-changing GLP-1 medications for individuals struggling with obesity, simplifying and improving dental coverage for consumers, and expanding coverage for air condi  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new proposals to protect New York consumers as part of her 2025 State of the State. These include proposals to protect consumers shopping online, crack down on exploitative practices and regulate emerging industries. "New Yorkers are tired of being nickel-and-dimed by hidden fees, overly burdensome policies, confusing fine print and unfair practi  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced major reforms to strengthen New York's involuntary commitment and assisted outpatient treatment laws as part of her 2025 State of the State. The Governor's proposals will expand treatment options for individuals experiencing serious mental illness and strengthen policies like Kendra's Law that aim to provide help to those who need it most. Governo  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a series of proposals aimed at protecting first responders, expanding resources for training and recruitment and supporting veterans and victims of crime as part of her 2025 State of the State. The Governor proposed new initiatives to increase the number of first responders serving our communities and supporting them with training and mental health  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) is seeking comments from interested stakeholders on the performance of the NY Green Bank. The NY Green Bank is a state-run bank that finances clean energy projects in New York. The PSC is interested in hearing feedback on a variety of topics, including: * The impact of the NY Green Bank to date * How the NY Green Bank's performance should be measured in the future * Whether the NY Green Bank's investment criteria are s  more

LATHAM, New York, Jan. 15 -- The New York State United Teachers issued the following statement on Jan. 14, 2025, by President Melinda Person in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 state of the state address: "Gov. Hochul's address today was a welcome declaration that she is focused on making New York more affordable for working families. NYSUT shares her vision to strengthen our schools and communities through transformative policies like distraction-free learning environments, new pathways co  more

BROOKLYN, New York, Jan. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York issued the following news release: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Jairo Saenz, also known as "Funny," a high-ranking member of the Brentwood/Central Islip chapter of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside (Sailors) clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, a transnational criminal organization, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in connection with his partici  more

BROOKLYN, New York, Jan. 14 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York issued the following news release: * * * Defendant Shot and Killed Victim in Broad Daylight in a Residential Brooklyn Neighborhood * * * Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Marvin Pippins, also known as "Mukk," was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to life imprisonment for murdering a rival gang member by shooting at him six times. Following a three-week trial i  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (TNSres) -- The National Endowment for the Arts issued the following news release: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce 1,474 awards totaling $36,790,500 to support the arts in communities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. Funding for organizations is recommended in the categories of Grants for Arts Projects, Challenge America, Research Grants in the Arts, and Research Labs, and for individuals through Literature Fellowships in cr  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Sen.) -- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: Upstate NY's International Union Of Operating Engineers, Representing Thousands Of Construction Workers, Were Victims Of A Pension System That Collapsed - Meaning, Without Action, After A Lifetime Of Hard Work And Playing By the Rules, Many Could Not Retire Or Would Have No Pension Benefits Remaining As Schumer's First Major Act As Majority Leader, He Secured Pension Fix So   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 -- Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:  Thune's remarks below (as delivered): "Mr. President, by now I think a lot of Americans know the story of Laken Riley. "A 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University in Georgia with her whole life ahead of her, Laken was murdered last February while out on a run on the Athens campus of the  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release: Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office Economic Policy released an analysis showing that the United States has done remarkably well in the recovery from the pandemic recession, driven by President Biden's policy response. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has had the strongest growth and employment creation of any advanced country, brought inflation back down, and ac  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration issued the following news release: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $25 million in Good Jobs Challenge program funding to eight grantees to support high-quality, locally-led workforce training programs that create a pathway for workers to be placed into good-paying jobs. This marks an expansion of the Good Jobs Chal  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the following news release: New awards expand program that has trained and placed more than 12,000 American workers into good jobs  U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $25 million in Good Jobs Challenge program funding to eight grantees to support high-quality, locally-led workforce training programs that create a pathway for workers to be placed   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation issued the following news release: Project part of a $10 billion multi-phase replacement to modernize one of the world's busiest bus terminals The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Build America Bureau (Bureau) today announced it provided a $1.89 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act ( TIFIA ) to the PANYNJ to modernize the Midtown Bus Terminal, one of the world's busiest bus terminals, serving 65  more

ALBANY, New York, Jan. 15 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 14, 2025: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 'Unplug and Play,' a new effort to promote kids' mental and physical health as a part of her 2025 State of the State. The Governor will continue to rebuild the state's social infrastructure for children by launching a holistic strategy to help support parents in steering their children away from the harms of social media and toward positive activi  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Veterans Affairs Inspector General issued the following 51-page report (No. 24-00597-22) on Jan. 8, 2025, entitled "Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo." Here are excerpts: * * * Executive Summary The Office of Inspector General's (OIG's) mission is to serve veterans and the public by conducting meaningful independent oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Furthering that mission, and buildi  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release: In new letter, top Democratic advocates for Supreme Court transparency press Roberts and the Conference to allow for basic fact-finding in light of Justice Alito's habit of ethically-questionable conduct Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA) sent a letter Friday to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and the Judicial Conference urging  more