Latest News
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany: 'Outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting are deeply rooted in Wisconsin's cultural heritage'
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
US Representative Tom Tiffany has expressed his concern over the barriers preventing access to federal public lands in Wisconsin. "Outdoor sports like hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting are deeply rooted in Wisconsin's cultural heritage," he said. Tiffany, who is preparing to face Republican challenger Cheryl Ann Runkel in the Wisconsin primary, further stated that issues such as access barriers and lack of active management are keeping people from these lands.
U.S. should employ strategic coercive sanctions to counter economic aggression of China
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization, recently published a report titled "Expanding the Tool Kit: To Counter China's Economic Coercion." The report examines strategies that the U.S. can employ to counteract China's powerful global economy, which it leverages to influence other countries in favor of its own interests. CSIS released this report on May 6.
Energy expert: Biden Admin's tariffs on China could 'raise costs, creating a potential conflict between the strategic goals of bolstering domestic industries and rapid decarbonization'
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Joseph Majkut, Director of the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), expressed concern that the Biden Administration's new tariffs on China's energy industry could potentially increase the cost of solar panels and clean energy domestic projects. This, he suggested, may create a conflict between decoupling from China and pursuing clean energy goals in the United States. Majkut articulated these views in a CSIS analysis commentary piece published on May 14.
State Department is involved and providing assistance to US citizen held ‘hostage’ in Nigeria
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A State Department spokesperson has confirmed to Federal Newswire that the Department is monitoring the case of Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen and former federal agent detained in Nigeria since February 26 and are providing all appropriate assistance. The spokesperson’s comments were provided May 15 following Deputy Secretary Kurt Campell’s meeting in Washington, D.C. with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
Current Bills Under Consideration Addressing U.S.-China Relations
By Press Release | May 17, 2024
S.866 American Innovation and Jobs Act - This bill revises and expands the deductibility of research and experimental expenditures to allow immediate expensing of such expenditures.
Netflix announces soundtrack for 'Bridgerton' Season 3: Part 1
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Netflix and Shondaland have announced the song list and soundtrack for the highly anticipated third season of 'Bridgerton'. The new season, which is split into two parts, will once again captivate audiences with its unique blend of orchestral pop covers and original compositions that infuse a modern twist into the Regency-era romance.
35 Million Investment Announced for Orphaned Well Clean Up in California
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a $35.2 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to continue reclaiming and restoring orphaned oil and gas wells in California. The announcement was made during the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Week. The funding is expected to help plug and remediate 206 high-risk orphaned oil and gas wells, decommission 47 production facilities, and remove approximately 70,000 feet of associated pipelines.
USDA invests $30.8 million in historically black Land-grant Universities
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on May 17, 2024, an investment of $30.8 million to bolster research and extension capacity across all 19 of America’s designated 1890 historically black Land-grant Universities. The funding is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program, aimed at supporting scientific research addressing some of the nation's most challenging agricultural issues.
CDT and Consumer Reports support Colorado's AI bias bill
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and Consumer Reports have expressed their support for the passage of Colorado’s Senate Bill 205. This legislation aims to establish fundamental safeguards for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in critical decisions impacting consumers and workers, such as those related to housing access, lending, and employment.
Two Chinese nationals charged for $73M cryptocurrency scam
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
An indictment was unsealed in the Central District of California, charging two Chinese nationals with leading roles in a scheme to launder proceeds from cryptocurrency investment scams. The individuals involved are Daren Li, 41, a dual citizen of China and St. Kitts and Nevis, and Yicheng Zhang, 38, a Chinese national residing in Temple City, California.
HUD reaches agreement with NCORR over alleged discriminatory practices
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has entered into a Conciliation Agreement and Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). This agreement resolves an allegation that NCORR had discriminatory practices in its disaster recovery programs, particularly against Black homeowners. A North Carolina resident who lodged a complaint in this case, represented by North Carolina Legal Aid, is also included in the agreement.
President nominates four navy rear admirals for promotion
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on May 17, 2024, that the president has nominated several Navy Rear Admirals for appointment to higher ranks and new assignments.
Former sheriff's deputy charged with civil rights violation over fatal shooting
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A former San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy, Aaron Russell, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego on two counts. The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Nicholas Bils on May 1, 2020. Russell is accused of depriving Bils of his right to be free from officers using excessive force and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Preacher Chang Hao released after serving one year and one month sentence
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
On the morning of May 14, 2024, preacher Chang Hao, who was accused of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” received his verdict from the Zhenxiong Court. The court sentenced him to one year and one month in prison. Chang Hao had been arrested on April 14, 2023, exactly one year and one month prior to the verdict. Consequently, upon the announcement of the verdict, Chang Hao immediately gained his freedom and exited the courtroom with his family and fellow Christians.
DoD awards $20 million to boost domestic manganese supply chain
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a $20 million award to South32 via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. The award is intended for South32's Hermosa Project, which aims to sustainably produce battery-grade manganese in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The award aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy's objective to continue and expand support for domestic production, thereby increasing supply chain resilience.
Massachusetts home builder pleads guilty to tax conspiracy
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
A former Massachusetts home builder, Kent Pecoy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and creating false documents to aid a client in obtaining a mortgage. Pecoy was the owner and operator of Kent Pecoy & Sons, Construction Inc., a commercial and luxury home construction company based in West Springfield.
President nominates military officers for promotions and new assignments
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on May 17, 2024, that the president has nominated several military officers for promotions and new assignments.
Leadership transition announced in Department's Space Policy Division
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy has expressed its profound appreciation for Dr. John Plumb's exemplary service as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Dr. Plumb, who served from March 2022 to May 2024, skillfully managed the Department's strategic capabilities for integrated deterrence, including space, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and countering weapons of mass destruction.
Senate urged to refine Kids Online Safety Act by CDT and others
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), in conjunction with other leading civil society organizations, has urged the Senate to further refine the Kids Online Safety Act. These organizations, which include the ACLU, EFF, Fight for the Future, and New America’s Open Technology Institute, have expressed concerns that the current bill could lead to censorship and heightened risks to internet users' privacy.
Citizen journalist's whereabouts unknown post-release from Chinese prison
By Federal Newswire | May 17, 2024
Citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who was sentenced to four years in prison for reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, was due to be released on May 13th. However, it appears that she has not regained her freedom as expected. It is speculated that she has been illegally detained by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau after her release, but friends and supporters have no way of knowing her exact whereabouts.
