Stories by Art Benavidez on Federal Newswire


DHS to enhance protections for 'stateless individuals' in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated their pledge to increase protections for stateless people in the country.


'Decades of experience': Mayorkas swears in Chris Magnus as CBP commissioner

Chris Magnus will become the fifth commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as he was recently sworn in by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.


Lawrence Berkley National Lab releases study laying out road for India to 'meet electricity demand by 2030'

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LNBL) reported a detailed study this week that concluded that India could satisfy its electricity demand by 2030.


DHS announces 'Hack DHS' bug bounty program to identify potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week the deployment of a program that hackers can utilize to find weaknesses in its cybersecurity systems.


'Put that rumor to rest': Energy Secretary Granholm assures no ban on crude oil exports

The White House has announced that the Biden administration will not seek a ban on crude oil exports.


UT Southwestern to pay $4.5 million to resolve alleged Controlled Substance Act violations

A Texas university has agreed to pay $4.5 million in a settlement over allegations that it violated the Controlled Substance Act by allowing staff to steal fentanyl and other prescription narcotics from the school’s hospital.


Member of Brooklyn street gang sentenced to 32 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy

An associate of the Coney Island street gang ‘West End Enterprise’ has recently been sentenced to 32 years in prison for charges related to a racketeering conspiracy, including murder and extortion.


U.S. DOT asks the public to comment on strategic framework proposal for fiscal year 2022-2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public input regarding the upcoming strategic framework proposal for fiscal year 2022-2026.


Buttigieg discusses climate change, supply issues and workplace harassment at International Maritime Organization Assembly

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently addressed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, discussing how the Biden administration will tackle climate change, supply issues and workplace harassment.


Senate confirms FEMA deputy administrator

The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee Erik Adrian Hooks as FEMA's deputy administrator.


United States and Kenya hold dialogue on cyber issues ‘to ensure an interoperable, reliable, and secure cyberspace’

The first U.S.-Kenya Cyber Dialogue, which addressed issues each country is facing due to cybercrime and the need for cybersecurity, was held Dec, 1.


Haaland highlights 'vital' conservation, outdoor access initiatives in San Diego

On a recent visit to San Diego, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland emphasized the Department of the Interior’s endeavors to conserve, protect, and increase access to public lands and urban green spaces.


EDA celebrates Native American Heritage Month

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently celebrated Native American Heritage Month and the progress made alongside tribal partners throughout the year, an EDA press release said


Department of Commerce establishes Industrial Advisory Committee for microelectronics

The U.S. Department of Commerce has recently created a committee to inform the federal government on microelectronics policy, manufacturing, research and development.


‘The annual Forest Service Christmas present is here’: National Christmas Tree arrives in Washington D.C.

The USDA Forest Service has set the record straight as to just how far the National Christmas Tree traveled to the U.S. Capitol.


USDA announces steps to restore roadless protections on Tongass National Forest

Protections to over nine million acres of inventoried roadless regions on the Tongass National Forest in Alaska will be reestablished, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).


Secretary Haaland visits Maryland to promote recently-signed infrastructure plan

Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland visited numerous sites in Maryland this week to bring awareness to the bipartisan infrastructure law’s investments in infrastructure and climate resiliency initiatives.


USDA issuing approximately $270 million in pandemic assistance to poultry, livestock contract producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started to distribute $270 million in pandemic assistance applied for by contract producers of authorized livestock and poultry.


Bureau of Reclamation announces $2.7 million for Klamath River coho salmon

The Bureau of Reclamation recently announced a $2.7 million grant to improve the survival of coho salmon in the Klamath River Basin.


APHIS announces changes to ‘reduce duplicative requirements’ in Animal Welfare Act

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has recently made changes to regulations on research facilities that use animals in teaching or lab testing to reduce redundant requirements and streamline oversight protocols.