News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a $3 billion funding initiative as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda to identify and replace all lead service lines in the United States to prevent lead exposure in drinking water. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes."President Biden's commitment to protecting public health and ensuring safe water supply has led to the...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
In the latest NFIB monthly jobs report released on May 2, 2024, it was revealed that small business job openings have seen a rise in April, indicating a challenging labor market environment.According to NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg, "Hiring plans among small businesses increased once again in April, but open positions remain largely unfilled as owners struggle month after month to find employees." This statement reflects the ongoing issue of unfilled job openings as the labor market continues to remain tight.The report highlighted that 40% of small business...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The United States congratulates Jeremiah Manele on his election as the prime minister of Solomon Islands, as confirmed by the vote results certified on May 2. In a statement, the U.S. expressed its support for Manele's new role, stating, "We look forward to working with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to further strengthen the U.S.-Solomon Islands relationship and move our nations toward a better future."The U.S. also extended its congratulations to the people of Solomon Islands for their active participation in the electoral process. The U.S. praised the efforts of...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment of $240,899,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid Illinois in identifying and replacing lead service lines, ultimately safeguarding residents from lead exposure in drinking water. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the critical nature of this initiative, stating, “There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes.”Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed gratitude for the funding,...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced an allocation of almost $90 million to enhance the safety and health of low-income families' homes, targeting various hazards such as lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety, and asbestos. This initiative aligns with President Biden's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which aims to protect vulnerable communities from exposure to harmful substances in their living environments.HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of providing all families with a healthy...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
WASHINGTON – In one of the largest wage violation settlements ever reached for U.S. poultry workers, a federal court in Los Angeles has entered a consent judgment that orders Fu Qian Chen Lu, Bruce Shu Hua Lok and others as owners and operators of a network of California poultry processors and distributors to pay $4.8 million in back wages and damages to 476 workers and $221,919 in penalties after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation.The settlement arises from a case where the employers were found to have illegally employed children, some as young as 14 years old, to...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The Biden-Harris administration has announced the allocation of $3 billion as part of the "Investing in America's Journey" initiative to facilitate the replacement of lead pipes and promote drinking water safety across the United States.According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this funding is aimed at helping states and territories identify and replace lead-containing water supply pipes to prevent lead exposure in drinking water, which can have severe health impacts, especially on children's brain development.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, a set of best practices aimed at increasing the participation of women and economically disadvantaged individuals in the construction workforce. As part of this initiative, Intel Corporation and Micron Technology have made voluntary commitments to the Framework.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women in construction, stating, "If we are going to meet the national and economic security imperatives of the CHIPS Program, we are...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The United States has taken significant steps in designating individuals and entities involved in sanctions evasion linked to U.S.-designated Hizballah financial advisor Hassan Moukalled. This move comes as part of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorist financing and hold accountable those who support such activities.In a statement, it was highlighted that the actions taken aim to prevent Hassan Moukalled from providing financial support to the terrorist group Hizballah and its leadership. The U.S. authorities emphasized their unwavering commitment to disrupting...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the allocation of over $152 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to aid Pennsylvania in identifying and replacing lead service lines, a crucial step in ensuring safe drinking water for the state's residents. This funding is part of the Biden administration's commitment to replacing every lead pipe in the nation, safeguarding public health and environmental justice.EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz highlighted the significance of the funding, stating, “Across our region,...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
NEW YORK, May 2, 2024 – Today, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, the UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, and the U.S. government’s efforts to generate support for it, were spearheaded by USDA and garnered more than 100 co-sponsors, underscoring the global importance of uplifting women throughout the agriculture sector. The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women...
By Federal Newswire | May 2, 2024
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced significant funding opportunities to address the overdose crisis in the United States. The 2024 State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Notices of Funding Opportunity provide up to $1.48 billion to states, territories, and the District of Columbia, and $63 million to Tribes.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “State and Tribal Opioid Response grants provide...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Senator Susan Collins did not mince words as she questioned Secretary of the Department of Education Miguel Cardona regarding the delays in implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act. During a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education, Senator Collins expressed her disappointment in Secretary Cardona's leadership, labeling the FAFSA system's issues as "inexcusable and inexplicable."Senator Collins, who co-sponsored the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, emphasized the Department of Education's failure to roll out a new...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, engaged in a discussion with Secretary of the Department of Education Miguel Cardona regarding the concerning increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses during a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.Senator Collins expressed her dismay at the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses, stating, "Every day we hear from Jewish students who tell me that they're frightened on campus. I just cannot believe the rise of...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Mark Mordi, a partner at the law firm Aluko & Oyebode, has described the Nigerian government's detention of his client, former U.S. federal agent Tigran Gambaryan, as "state-sanctioned hostage-taking." This statement was made during court proceedings in Nigeria on April 23.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and currently the head of financial crime compliance at a global cryptocurrency exchange, has appealed to the U.S. government for assistance in leaving Nigeria. He expressed uncertainty about his ability to leave without their support. This plea was made public through a video statement shared in an April 9 change.org petition initiated after Gambaryan became entangled in what his attorney refers to as a "state-sanctioned hostage-taking" in Nigeria.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released statements to mark this year's World Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to address mental health issues with empathy and unity, fostering hope among those affected.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has conducted an investigation that reveals a Georgia-based construction contractor breached safety regulations, leading to the death of a 31-year-old steel erector. The company in question had previously been cited by OSHA for identical workplace safety violations that resulted in the employee's death 10 months prior.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Department of Defense (DOD) is preparing to present its proposed $849.8 billion fiscal year 2025 budget request before Congress. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are keen to understand the development of the budget, which emphasizes people, teamwork, and security.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
In the latest issue of Queue, the focus is on the renowned football legend, David Beckham. The cover feature delves into Beckham's life on and off the pitch, particularly highlighting his involvement in the docuseries BECKHAM. Photographed by Collier Schorr, Beckham opens up about the experience, describing it as "an emotional rollercoaster.""Going through the whole process of it was like an emotional rollercoaster," shared Beckham with Queue. "Looking at the good, the bad, the things that I’ve done over my career and my life, and some things that I’d never even seen...
