News from February 2024

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
In an effort to bolster the workforce caring for elderly adults and individuals living with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to implement measures in a program aimed at professional development of direct care workers. This initiative aligns with the section of the $37 billion American Rescue Plan that focuses on community-based and home services.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
The Senate Western Caucus recently made a statement on social media about the need for the United States to become more self-reliant in the critical minerals industry. The caucus argued that with appropriate policies, the U.S. possesses the capacity to produce these crucial minerals domestically.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Jack Solowey, a policy analyst at the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives of the Cato Institute, recently addressed the issue of illicit activity in cryptocurrency compared to that in the traditional financial system. In an interview with Federal Newswire, Solowey highlighted that transactions conducted on blockchains are openly recorded, unlike those in the traditional financial system which remain closed.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Jack Solowey, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, has proposed that the U.S. government could bolster national security through the implementation of blockchain solutions in collaboration with the private sector. Speaking to Federal Newswire, Solowey highlighted that law enforcement agencies can leverage the transparent and immutable characteristics of blockchains to disrupt illicit activity involving cryptocurrencies.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Jack Solowey, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, recently highlighted the potential of blockchain technology in strengthening U.S. national security. Speaking to Federal Newswire, Solowey stated that blockchain technology can serve various purposes beyond its known payments-related functions. He emphasized that blockchains can protect sensitive information from authoritarian regimes, including recordings of pro-democracy statements from Hong Kong and testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Homeless Veterans are increasingly susceptible to human trafficking, prompting the Department of Veterans Affairs to seek effective solutions to this escalating issue.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
The number of U.S. workers participating in strikes saw a significant increase in 2023, according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) based on fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the research also highlights the urgent need for federal and state lawmakers to reinforce American workers' rights to join unions and bargain collectively.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Keith Dotts, an Army Veteran who served for 26 years before retiring, has recently started availing some of the benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is satisfied with the results.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently paid tribute to retired Air Force Veteran Richard Toliver for his commendable 26 years of service. During his tenure, Toliver accumulated over 4,000 hours of flight time across Europe, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf, while also serving in Vietnam.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have set a new record in trading volume, with over $2 billion sold in a single day. On February 26, the spot bitcoin ETF marked a record-breaking volume of $2.4 billion, followed by $2 billion the following day.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
MicroStrategy, a business intelligence firm, has recently augmented its bitcoin holdings by an additional $155 million. This latest investment elevates the company's total stake in cryptocurrency to over $11 billion.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 28, 2024
Governor Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) has announced that the Montana National Guard will be collaborating with Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) to secure the southern border. According to a recent press release, Gianforte highlighted that this decision comes as every state, including Montana, grapples with the impacts of increased immigration and fentanyl distribution.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action to halt the proposed acquisition of Albertsons Companies by Kroger Company. The FTC has filed an administrative complaint and authorized a federal lawsuit to prevent the merger, which is set to be the largest in U.S. supermarket history. The commission alleges that the $24.6 billion deal would create an anticompetitive environment.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently visited Hawaii to support the Investing in America Tour as the Lahaina area recovers from wildfires. The initiative aims to showcase how President Biden’s agenda is positively impacting communities across the nation.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has published a list of resources for local and state agencies to effectively utilize Title I funds. This initiative is expected to bolster childhood programs such as Head Start.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has concluded a 30-day review concerning Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization in January. The incident sparked criticism towards President Joe Biden, Congress, and Pentagon officials for their lack of awareness about Austin's treatment for prostate cancer during his hospital stay.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has announced the designation of a Houthi-affiliated operative known for supporting Houthi attacks against shipping vessels in the Red Sea, as well as a board operator who transports goods to aid their efforts.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) recently addressed her concerns regarding foreign countries, such as China, purchasing farmland near U.S. military bases in a video posted on social media. As a Democrat from Michigan's 7th Congressional District, Slotkin has been actively questioning the foreign ownership of American farmland.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
Leslie Graves is the founder and publisher of Ballotpedia, a nonprofit digital encyclopedia of American elections, politics, and policy.

By Federal Newswire | Feb 27, 2024
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced the sentencing of Raul Flores-Hernandez for his involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel and its drug trafficking operations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that the influence of the Sinaloa Cartel is expanding across the United States.