News from February 2024
Senate Western Caucus: 'America does not have to rely on China for the majority of critical minerals'
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.
Cato Institute financial expert: 'On major cryptocurrency blockchains, transactions typically are recorded on open and auditable public ledgers'
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.
Cato Institute policy analyst: Private sector crypto talent 'is a strategic asset for the U.S. and its allies'
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.
Cato Institute's Solowey: Blockchain technology enables 'fast and secure cross-border payments to U.S. allies during times of crisis'
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.
Homeless military veterans are at a higher risk of human trafficking
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.
Economic Policy Institute analysis reveals a 280% increase in workers engaged in major strikes
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.
Army Veteran Keith Dotts explains how the Department of Veterans Affairs has helped him
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.
Department of Veterans Affairs honors Richard Toliver for his Air Force service
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.
Bitcoin ETFs record over $2 billion in daily trading volume for the first time
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.
Business intelligence company MicroStrategy has over $11 billion invested in crypto
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.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte to assist Texas at the southern border in response to fentanyl and immigration surge
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.
FTC authorizes federal lawsuit to block $24.6 billion Kroger and Albertson merger
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.
Buttigieg tours Maui to visit DOT backed projects
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.
Department of Education revises guidelines to help preschool programs
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.
Department of Defense issues memorandum for transfer of power after criticism received following Austin’s recent hospital stay
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.
DOD announces terrorist designations on Iranian proxies
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.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan: 'It’s important that we ensure adversaries like China can’t gain control over the land that feeds us'
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.
From Ballots to Judges: Leslie Graves Chronicles the Impact of Ballotpedia on Public Discourse
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.
Mexican national connected to Sinaloa Cartel sentenced for assisting in over 40 years of drug smuggling
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.
Department of Education announces it has canceled over $1.2 billion in student debt
By Federal Newswire | Feb 26, 2024
The Biden administration has canceled a total of $1.2 billion in student debt as part of efforts to bolster the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This initiative is set to impact over 150,000 borrowers and aims to build upon previous loan forgiveness measures that have resulted in $138 billion in student debt cancellation for nearly 3.9 million borrowers.
