News published on Federal Newswire in April 2024

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is set to provide $51 million in funds for unique initiatives aimed at enhancing post-incarceration success. The announcement, made during the White House’s Second Chance Initiative, highlights that these funds will be used to extend health services for individuals within 90 days of their release from prison. These services will encompass primary health care, including drug abuse treatment and mental health services.

DHS announces $300 million in grants to communities providing migrant services

The Shelter and Services Program (SSP), a program authorized by Congress to aid communities providing services to migrants, is set to receive $300 million in grants. This decision was jointly announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - the federal agencies responsible for administering the SSP.

DHS extends status for Ethiopians staying in US for 18 months due to humanitarian concerns back home

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension for the Ethiopia Temporary Protected Status (TPS), citing ongoing tensions in the region that have made it unsafe for Ethiopians to return home.

Alliance for the Great Lakes looks to the public, businesses and governments to reduce plastic litter

A report by the Alliance for the Great Lakes reveals that 80% of litter collected on the beaches of the Great Lakes is comprised of plastic items. The Chicago-based nonprofit organization expresses concern over this volume of plastic due to its potential risks to human health and environmental well-being.

The Seattle Times: Amazon Faces Criticism Over Chemical Sales Leading to Fatalities

The Electronic Privacy Information Center, represented by counsel Thomas McBrien, has raised concerns about Amazon's role in a tragedy where a chemical sold by the company led to the deaths of 15 individuals. McBrien, who supports the plaintiffs in one of the cases against Amazon, highlighted the company's fast approval processes for sellers and products, suggesting that this may lead to fewer safety checks being implemented by the e-commerce giant.According to McBrien, Amazon's swift approval procedures could result in a lack of stringent safety measures, allowing...

Most newsroom staffers use generative AI, Poynter report reveals

A recent report from the Poynter Institute underscores a survey by The Associated Press (AP) revealing that nearly 70% of newsroom staff utilize generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their story-writing process. This usage ranges from transcribing interviews to crafting headlines and drafting stories, with one-fifth of respondents using AI to generate graphics and videos.

Australia prepares to update its merger laws

The Australian government is preparing to revise the nation's merger laws, a move that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) believes will align Australia with other developed countries.

Oklahoma's attorney general files antitrust lawsuits against Enable and Symmetry Energy

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated legal proceedings against Enable entities and Symmetry Energy Solutions LLC. The state contends that these companies breached the Oklahoma Antitrust Reform Act and the Oklahoma Common Carrier statute during a significant winter storm that affected the state three years ago.

DOJ Procurement Collusion Strike Force adds four national partners

The U.S. Department of Justice has broadened the scope and resources of its Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) by incorporating four national partners. With these new additions, the PCSF now consists of 38 agencies.

Rep. Luetkemeyer: A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would 'enact massive financial sanctions and major trade restrictions' impacting the US

Chairman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo) said a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would result in the U.S. having to "enact massive financial sanctions and major trade restrictions" which could have severe implications for the United States economy and stock market.

Freedom House report finds democratic governance has declined in 10 countries

The latest edition of Freedom House’s "Nations in Transit" report, its 26th, highlights a concerning decline in democratic governance across 10 countries in 2023. This year's findings continue a two-decade trend, marking the 20th consecutive year that the political advocacy and human rights organization has reported such a decline.

New CMS Medicare policy seeks to promote healthcare equity in underserved communities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that could alter Medicare payments for inpatient hospitals and long-term care hospitals. The initiative aims to enhance health improvements, thereby potentially deterring individuals from seeking medical services by improving post-surgery health outcomes and promoting climate resilience.

The Roosevelt Institute welcomes its 2024 class of fellows

The Roosevelt Institute, a progressive policy think tank, has announced its 2024 class of fellows. The incoming cohort of six will address critical issues affecting the economy and democracy.

China Center Director: China’s economy is driven by ‘what the Chinese Communist Party wants’

Hudson Institute China Center Director Miles Yu said the economy in China is not driven by normal market factors, but is based on "what the Chinese Communist Party wants."

US Customs and Border Protection announce new phase in addressing fentanyl smuggling

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced new efforts to target criminals who are smuggling fentanyl into American communities from across the border.

Documents released by Functional Government Initiative show pressure from CPSC to alter narrative on gas stove ban

The Functional Government Initiative announced the release of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) which show President Joe Biden’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Director of Communications Pamela Rucker Springs contacting “fact-checking” site Snopes to adjust a rating on a public statement made by a CPSC Commissioner.

Event Advisory: Screening of ‘Columbine 2024: 25 Years of Trauma’ in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress' Reel Progress program is hosting a screening of the documentary "Columbine 2024: 25 Years of Trauma," which follows the journey of Columbine teacher Kiki Leyba and his wife, Kallie Leyba, as they navigate the enduring aftermath of the Columbine tragedy. "By exploring the individual experiences of Kiki and Kallie, viewers gain a complex understanding of how trauma shapes lives over time," said the announcement.The film aims to honor the memory of those affected by the Columbine shooting while shedding light on the...

CCIA Statement in Response to Reports of UK Regulatory Intervention in AI