News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

The Heritage Foundation has chosen The College Fix, a higher-education news website run by the Student Free Press Association, as the recipient of its Innovation Prize. The award comes with a $100,000 prize that will aid The College Fix in promoting leadership development and preparing for 2025.

Heritage Foundation awards Immigration Accountability Project with Innovation Prize

The Heritage Foundation has selected The Immigration Accountability Project (IAP) as the recipient of its Innovation Prize. IAP will receive a $100,000 award to support its efforts in keeping immigration issues and the ongoing border crisis at the forefront of voters' minds through 2024. The organization plans to create engaging content and use geo-targeted social media ads to educate voters about their Members of Congress's actions—or lack thereof—towards changing and improving immigration policy, and how these actions impact public safety, education, healthcare, and...

VA to host Memorial Day ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to host Memorial Day ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries across the United States. The events, which are intended to commemorate the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, as well as all Veterans buried in VA cemeteries, will take place throughout Memorial Day weekend.

Biden administration announces $300 million in brownfield grants for community revitalization

On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will be awarding over $300 million in grants as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funding is intended to assist states, tribal nations, local governments, and non-profit organizations in assessing and cleaning up polluted brownfield sites across the country. This investment is facilitated through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs.

FMCSA launches nationwide crackdown on fraudulent movers and brokers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched Operation Protect Your Move, a nationwide initiative aimed at cracking down on fraudulent interstate household goods (HHG) movers and brokers. The enforcement initiative will address complaints about HHG moving company and broker compliance with federal safety and consumer protection regulations and statutes.

EPA awards $1 million for cleanup projects in rural Montana communities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $1 million in Brownfields grant funding to support the environmental assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of critical properties in communities across northern Montana. The EPA awards are being provided to two grantees: The Bear Paw Development Corporation and the Sweetgrass Development Corporation, each receiving $500,000.

Department of Labor recovers $151K for La Mojarra Loca employees denied overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor has once again found that La Mojarra Loca restaurants in Las Vegas have shortchanged their workers' wages. The department has recovered $151,000 for 33 workers who were denied overtime pay.

Sustainable steel and aluminum: A new era of climate-friendly trade

The Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum (GASSA) is a highly ambitious trade initiative pursued by the Biden administration, aiming to transcend the traditional neoliberal approach to free trade. Until recently, there has been limited exploration of how GASSA or an expanded GASSA-like arrangement involving more trading partners would function.

Department of Commerce ranks fourth in best federal workplaces for 12th year

The U.S. Department of Commerce has been ranked among the top five best places to work in the federal government for the 12th consecutive year, according to the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings. The rankings were released by The Partnership for Public Service and Boston Consulting Group in collaboration with The Washington Post.

Secretary Haaland discusses conservation efforts in Southern California

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently visited Southern California to discuss conservation efforts with federal, state, Tribal and local officials. The focus of her visit was the proposed establishment of Chuckwalla National Monument and expansion of Joshua Tree National Park.

US congratulates Luis Abinader on his presidential victory in Dominican Republic

The United States has extended its congratulations to Luis Abinader following his electoral victory as President of the Dominican Republic. The Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, commended the Dominican people for their active participation in the democratic process and praised the diligent work of electoral observers in supporting a fair and transparent election.

US-Kosovo MOU strengthens fight against information manipulation

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu in Pristina, Kosovo. The key agenda of their discussion was the strategic priority to advance Kosovo along its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. They also stressed the importance of close coordination to achieve this goal. Under Secretary Allen emphasized the benefits of regional economic integration and underscored the significance of European and transatlantic values such as minority rights and media freedom.

Netflix confirms production of romantic comedy 'All the Love You Wish For

Netflix has confirmed the production of a new series, 'All the Love You Wish For' (WT), written by acclaimed writer Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Byeong-heon. The series features an all-star cast and explores the captivating tale of Jinn, a genie who awakens after a thousand years, and his new indifferent master, Ka-young. Their conflicting desires over three wishes form the backbone of this romantic comedy, setting the stage for magical mishaps and poignant moments.

US-Niger Reach Agreement on Orderly Withdrawal of US Forces

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger convened in Niamey, Republic of Niger, from May 15 to 19, 2024. The meeting was part of a Joint Disengagement Commission aimed at coordinating the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. The discussions were conducted with complete transparency and mutual respect between both parties.

Under Secretary Allen discusses U.S.-Kosovo relations with Prime Minister Kurti

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Pristina, Kosovo. The primary focus of their discussion was the U.S.-Kosovo bilateral relationship. This included a shared commitment to bolstering Kosovo's security, prosperity, and multiethnic democracy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases April statistics

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has disclosed its statistics for April, encompassing encounters with illegal migrants, drug seizures, and other operations. The data release details the agency's efforts to safeguard the supply chain and curtail the volume of drugs crossing the border.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany: 'To no surprise, President Biden’s FY25 budget request caters to green lobby radicals, fails to address the environmental degradation from illegal immigration, and puts the...

US Subcommittee on Federal Lands Chair, Tom Tiffany, criticized President Biden's FY25 budget request, stating, "To no surprise, President Biden’s FY25 budget request caters to green lobby radicals, fails to address the environmental degradation from illegal immigration, and puts the American people on the back burner. Americans." Tiffany, set to face Republican challenger Cheryl Ann Runkel in the Wisconsin primary, further added that "it’s time that this administration drops the partisan politics and does what’s best for the communities, families, and small businesses that...

Presidential envoy Carstens to discuss hostage affairs in Qatar

Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens, is set to visit Doha, Qatar from May 20 to 22. The purpose of his visit includes delivering remarks and participating in a panel discussion titled "The Impacts of Hostage-Taking by State and Non-State Actors" at the Global Security Forum.

US-Argentina relations strengthened through high-level dialogue