Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Seventy years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court challenged the blemish of segregation in the nation's public school system by declaring the Jim Crow-era "separate but equal" doctrine unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education, refusing to "turn the clock back" on American democracy.
Call for investigation into Justice Alito's flag display
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Following a report that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito displayed an upside-down American flag at his residence in the days leading up to President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Devon Ombres, senior director for Courts and Legal Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued a statement.
Former sheriff's deputy charged with civil rights violation over fatal shooting
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A former San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy, Aaron Russell, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego on two counts. The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Nicholas Bils on May 1, 2020. Russell is accused of depriving Bils of his right to be free from officers using excessive force and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Under Secretary Zeya's upcoming travel to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, is set to visit Astana, Kazakhstan and Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 19-23. The purpose of her visit is to engage on issues concerning democratic governance and rule of law; human rights and protection of vulnerable populations; and religious freedom.
Preacher Chang Hao released after serving one year and one month sentence
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On the morning of May 14, 2024, preacher Chang Hao, who was accused of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” received his verdict from the Zhenxiong Court. The court sentenced him to one year and one month in prison. Chang Hao had been arrested on April 14, 2023, exactly one year and one month prior to the verdict. Consequently, upon the announcement of the verdict, Chang Hao immediately gained his freedom and exited the courtroom with his family and fellow Christians.
Uyghur Human Rights Project announces leadership change amid sexual harassment allegations
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) has announced the election of Dr. Justinian Rudelson Ben-Adam, former Vice Chair, as the new Board Chair. This follows the acceptance of Nury Turkel's resignation from the role.
Biden administration allocates $63 million for road safety grants
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On National Bike to Work Day, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that over $63 million in grants from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be allocated for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This funding is set to benefit 99 local, regional, and tribal communities by enhancing road safety and reducing fatalities and serious injuries, with a particular focus on bicyclist safety.
DoD awards $20 million to boost domestic manganese supply chain
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a $20 million award to South32 via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. The award is intended for South32's Hermosa Project, which aims to sustainably produce battery-grade manganese in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The award aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy's objective to continue and expand support for domestic production, thereby increasing supply chain resilience.
Proposed house farm bill criticized for failing working people and climate
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) unveiled his proposed farm bill, scheduled for markup on May 23. The proposal has sparked criticism from various quarters, including Emily Gee, senior vice president for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress.
USDOT celebrates progress of Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is celebrating the historic progress of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its significant impact on America's transportation systems. As part of this celebration, the USDOT has released a new fact sheet and video featuring Secretary Pete Buttigieg, which marks the continuation of the country's Infrastructure Decade.
Massachusetts home builder pleads guilty to tax conspiracy
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A former Massachusetts home builder, Kent Pecoy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and creating false documents to aid a client in obtaining a mortgage. Pecoy was the owner and operator of Kent Pecoy & Sons, Construction Inc., a commercial and luxury home construction company based in West Springfield.
U.S. Foreign Service gala to commemorate 100 years of American diplomacy
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary Blinken is set to deliver remarks at a gala honoring the United States Foreign Service on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. Department of State. The Director General of the Foreign Service, Marcia S. Bernicat, will also deliver remarks and co-host the gala with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which is the professional association of the Foreign Service. AFSA’s president, Tom Yazdgerdi, will MC the event.
NAHB mourns loss of industry icon Donald R. Horton
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is in mourning following the passing of industry icon Donald R. Horton, founder of D.R. Horton, Inc. The news was confirmed by Carl Harris, chairman of NAHB and a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan.
New York man sentenced in $1.9M baby formula fraud scheme
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A man from New York has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme involving specialty baby formula. Vladislav Kotlyar, 45, of Staten Island, was also ordered to pay approximately $738,000 in restitution and forfeit around $1 million.
President nominates military officers for promotions and new assignments
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on May 17, 2024, that the president has nominated several military officers for promotions and new assignments.
Leadership transition announced in Department's Space Policy Division
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy has expressed its profound appreciation for Dr. John Plumb's exemplary service as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Dr. Plumb, who served from March 2022 to May 2024, skillfully managed the Department's strategic capabilities for integrated deterrence, including space, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and countering weapons of mass destruction.
Senate urged to refine Kids Online Safety Act by CDT and others
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), in conjunction with other leading civil society organizations, has urged the Senate to further refine the Kids Online Safety Act. These organizations, which include the ACLU, EFF, Fight for the Future, and New America’s Open Technology Institute, have expressed concerns that the current bill could lead to censorship and heightened risks to internet users' privacy.
Idaho firm fined $225,000 for Clean Water Act violations
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that PotlatchDeltic Land & Lumber, LLC, a company based in St. Maries, Idaho, has been fined $225,000 for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. The company's operations are located within the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe’s reservation and discharge into a section of the St. Joe River which is considered Tribal waters.
US urges China to reveal whereabouts of abducted Panchen Lama
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Today marks the 29th anniversary of the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). As one of the most significant figures in Tibetan Buddhism, his disappearance as a six-year-old child continues to resonate deeply within the Tibetan community. Despite numerous calls for transparency, Nyima has not been seen in public since his abduction and access to him has been consistently denied by the PRC government. Instead, a state-selected proxy is promoted as an alternative.
Citizen journalist's whereabouts unknown post-release from Chinese prison
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who was sentenced to four years in prison for reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, was due to be released on May 13th. However, it appears that she has not regained her freedom as expected. It is speculated that she has been illegally detained by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau after her release, but friends and supporters have no way of knowing her exact whereabouts.
