News published on Federal Newswire in May 2024

News from May 2024


CAP releases principles and positions on Israel and Palestine

As the United States grapples with finding a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, the Center for American Progress (CAP) has issued a new set of principles and positions on Israel and Palestine. These are designed to lay the groundwork for U.S. initiatives aimed at ending the conflict, securing the return of hostages, and fostering enduring peace in the region.


Justice Department investigates Kentucky youth detention centers' conditions

The Justice Department has announced a statewide investigation into conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center run by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. The probe will assess whether Kentucky safeguards children in these facilities from harm caused by excessive force by staff, prolonged and punitive isolation, and inadequate protection from violence and sexual abuse. Additionally, the investigation will scrutinize whether Kentucky provides sufficient mental health services and necessary special education to children with disabilities.


Secretary Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Turkish Foreign Minister

On May 15, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The dialogue was centered around efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. This information was confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Biden-Harris administration allocates record $1.1 billion for tribal housing development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a record $1.1 billion in funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, along with a $75 million funding opportunity for the Indian Community Development Block (ICDBG) program. The announcement was made by Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman during a meeting with the Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee at HUD Headquarters.


Labor Department cites Chicago firm over asbestos exposure during hospital demolition

The U.S. Department of Labor has accused K.L.F. Enterprises, a Chicago-based demolition subcontractor, of knowingly exposing its employees to asbestos hazards during the demolition of a former hospital in Waukegan. The company has been cited for 36 safety and health violations following a federal investigation.


State Department leads tech partnership delegation to London

From May 20-24, the U.S. Department of State's Special Representative for Global Partnerships, Dorothy McAuliffe, and Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, Patricia Gruber, will spearhead a "Deep Tech Inclusion" Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) to London, United Kingdom. The objective of this visit is to foster business-government and business-business partnerships between emerging technology companies and research institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom. The focus will be on fields pertinent to national security — artificial...


EPA marks 50 years of protecting Silver Valley children from lead poisoning

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission are marking 50 years of efforts to safeguard children in Silver Valley from lead poisoning. This initiative was launched following the notorious 1973 Bunker Hill smelter baghouse fire, recognized as the most severe lead poisoning incident in U.S. history. The work undertaken has significantly improved the health conditions of Silver Valley, making it a safer place to live, work, and play.


Gaspard urges Congress to expand AI roadmap for American protection

On May 15, 2024, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a roadmap aimed at addressing the challenges and implications of artificial intelligence (AI). In response to this development, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, released a statement.


ChinaAid publishes recently released Pastor John Cao's poetry

ChinaAid has exclusively published a series of poetry and writings from Pastor John Cao, a recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience. The pieces were written on May 11, 2024, and have been minimally edited for clarity.


Netflix announces growth in ad-supported plan at second Upfront presentation

Netflix's second Upfront presentation to advertisers underscored the company's robust growth and momentum, highlighting the expansion of its ad-supported plan. The plan now boasts 40 million global monthly active users, a significant increase from 5 million just a year ago. Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s President of Advertising, revealed that over 40% of all signups in ad-supported countries are now coming from this plan.


ITI endorses Bipartisan U.S. Senate AI Roadmap for innovation

WASHINGTON – The global tech trade association, ITI, has expressed its support for the Bipartisan U.S. Senate AI Working Group's release of their AI Roadmap, titled "Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence". Jason Oxman, President and CEO of ITI, shared his thoughts on the development.


Hunan pastor faces administrative detention for faith

Pastor Huang Lei of Rock Bible Church in Yueyang, Hunan Province was recently subjected to a 15-day administrative detention by local police due to his Christian faith. After completing his detention, he has now been released. The decision to impose this detention was made by the YueyangLou District Public Security Bureau in Yueyang City, Hunan Province on April 24, 2024. Pastor Huang was subsequently released from the Yueyang City Detention Center on May 9 after completing his detention. This marks the second time he has been subjected to administrative detention since 2022.


DOD hosts virtual career symposium and hiring fair for military spouses in May

The Defense Department is set to host a series of free virtual events, including a symposium, webinar series, and a hiring fair from May 14 through May 30. These events aim to empower military spouses in achieving their career goals and establishing connections with potential employers.


Department of Labor announces 'Stand Down to Save Lives' miner safety event

The Department of Labor has announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will host its second annual 'Stand Down to Save Lives' on May 22. This event is part of a national campaign aimed at encouraging the mining community to take proactive measures to prevent fatalities and injuries.


Subcommittee reviews BLM and NPS FY25 budget requests amid criticism

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing today to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service (NPS). In response to the budget request, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) stated, "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 depend on access to federal lands for their way of life, and it’s time that this...


HUD proposes modernization of largest affordable housing grant program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has unveiled a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at modernizing regulations for the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). The proposed rule, which is expected to be published in the Federal Register later this month, seeks to streamline program requirements, align HOME funding with other federal housing resources, reduce administrative burdens, improve assistance for renters, and encourage green building practices.


Education Committee demands documents from UCLA regarding antisemitism allegations

The Chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee, Virginia Foxx (R-NC), has issued a letter to University of California system President Michael Drake, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, and University of California Board of Regents Chair Richard Leib. The letter requests documents and information pertaining to UCLA's handling of an unlawful antisemitic encampment, several instances of antisemitic violence, harassment, and exclusion on campus, as well as the university administration's alleged failure to ensure a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. The...


U.S. departments issue alert on aviation sector's role in irregular migration

The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have jointly issued an alert to airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers. The alert is in response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. This statement outlines the U.S. government’s efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt illicit activity, and enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways.


TechNet endorses Senate's AI Roadmap, highlights potential for responsible advancement

TechNet, the national bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has issued a statement in response to the Senate's AI Roadmap. The statement, attributed to TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore, emphasizes the potential of AI to address major challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, transportation, energy, and national security.


DoD and Interior Department renew partnership for wildlife conservation and military readiness

Leaders from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Interior convened at the Pentagon on Monday to commemorate the renewal of the Recovery and Sustainment Partnership (RASP). This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, aimed at promoting the recovery of threatened and endangered species while simultaneously supporting national security.