News published on Federal Newswire in June 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced $10 million in new funding for eligible states, territories, and Tribal governments through cooperative agreements aimed at enhancing Veteran suicide prevention strategies.

HHS establishes new rules against healthcare providers committing information blocking

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released a final rule establishing disincentives for health care providers that have committed information blocking. This rule exercises the Secretary’s authority under the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) to set “disincentives” for providers who engage in practices that they knew were unreasonable and likely to interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI), except as required by law or covered by a regulatory exception.

Analysis warns Project 2025 may hike student loan payments

The Center for American Progress (CAP) has released a new analysis detailing the potential impact of Project 2025 on federal efforts to address the U.S. student debt crisis. The report suggests that Project 2025, which proposes eliminating all existing income-driven repayment plans—including the Biden-Harris administration's SAVE plan—in favor of a "one-size-fits-all" approach, would significantly increase monthly student loan payments for millions of borrowers.

Netflix updates its culture memo emphasizing core principles

In August 2009, Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-founder, published a 125-page PowerPoint presentation on the company's culture. Its direct tone and focus on values and performance over rules and controls have enabled the company to adapt and grow since then.

Justice Department to monitor compliance with voting rights laws in Queens primary

The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Queens, New York, for the June 25 primary election.

U.S. Transportation Secretary visits Mississippi to promote infrastructure investments

Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Mississippi alongside Congressman Bennie Thompson to tour infrastructure projects funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The visit included groundbreaking ceremonies and meetings with local leaders.

USDA announces enhanced support for business procurement opportunities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced enhancements to resources aimed at simplifying and streamlining access to contracting information for businesses interested in selling their products and services to the USDA. These updates include new targeted contracting information on USDA.gov, improved functionality for accessing procurement opportunities, and a portal for businesses to share their capabilities with the USDA.

Rep. Hill: Former U.S. federal agent is 'wrongfully detained on charges related to money laundering' in Nigeria

Congressman French Hill (R-AR) has expressed concern over the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and current Binance employee, by the Nigerian government. Hill stated that Gambaryan is being "wrongfully detained" and that his health is deteriorating. Hill shared his statement in a June 20 post on X.

Meta AI launches in India: available on WhatsApp and Facebook

Meta AI, built with Meta Llama 3, is now available in India. The advanced AI assistant, already accessible for free across more than a dozen countries, can be used on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. Users can employ Meta AI to assist with various tasks including planning events, organizing trips, studying, and interior design.

Meta collaborates with partners on new AI accelerator for European startups

Meta, in collaboration with Hugging Face and Scaleway, has announced the launch of a new "AI Startup Program" aimed at accelerating the adoption of open-source AI solutions across Europe. The program is open to startups from EU member states and seeks to extend the economic and technological benefits of open models to a broader ecosystem.

John Bass to meet EU and NATO officials in Belgium

Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass will travel to Brussels, Belgium on June 24 for a series of meetings with EU, NATO, and Belgian counterparts. Under Secretary Bass will discuss continued support for Ukraine, leveraging Russian sovereign assets, the need for hostage release and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and priorities for the NATO Summit to be held July 9-11 in Washington, D.C.

United States congratulates Luxembourg on National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Luxembourg on the anniversary of the Grand Duke’s official birthday.

U.S., Taiwan discuss expanding role in international organizations

On June 21, 2024, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) hosted consultations in Taipei with representatives from the U.S. Department of State and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions centered on expanding Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international fora.

U.S. Under Secretary visits Ukraine and Germany for strategic discussions

Under Secretary John Bass visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with senior Ukrainian government officials to emphasize the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity amidst aggression from Russia. During his time in Ukraine, Under Secretary Bass held discussions with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, Members of Parliament, and representatives from civil society.

DHS outlines safety measures during New Mexico wildfires

During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of affected communities.

Apple opens its first retail store in Malaysia

Apple's first retail location in Malaysia opened today in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s new Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) central business district. Apple The Exchange TRX will serve as a space for customers to discover and purchase Apple's lineup of products, receive service, and learn how to maximize their devices through Today at Apple sessions.

High-ranking leader of MS-13 arrested on terrorism charges

Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios has been arrested following an investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York office, HSI International Operations, the National Gang Unit, and other law enforcement partners. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest in a June 18 press release.

CBP 'continues to take strong enforcement efforts against transnational criminal organizations'

Troy A. Miller, a Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), stated that CBP will continue to work against transnational criminal organizations at the southern border, noting the "system is not resourced for what we are seeing." Miller made this statement in a press release on June 20 for the CBP May 2024 Monthly Update.

House Judiciary Committee: Biden border policy 'incentivized criminals' at southwest border

The House Judiciary Committee stated that the Biden administration’s "lax" border policies have "incentivized criminals" to enter the United States via the southern border. This statement was made in a press release on June 17, following the revelation that the murderer of Kayla Hamilton was an MS-13-affiliated illegal alien.

Senior Fellow at Cato Institute: 'Presidential drawdown authority could be a good Band‐Aid for getting weapons to Taiwan'