In the News
In the wake of Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot broadcasting antisemitic messages, Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) demanded answers about the Pentagon’s nearly $200 million contract with the xAI firm to develop artificial intelligence tools, including “Grok for Government,” for the Department of Defense.
On July 8, the Grok AI chatbot posted antisemitic messages on the platform X, referred to itself as “MechaHitler” and used antisemitic tropes. Days before, Musk said that Grok had been updated and was “improved significantly.”
ANCA-Backed Bipartisan letter – led by the Congressional Armenian Caucus – Highlights Swiss Peace Initiative
WASHINGTON – The Armenian National Committee of America welcomed a powerful bipartisan Congressional call today by 87 U.S. Representatives from across twenty-four states – representing over 66 million Americans – calling for the collective and protected return” of forcibly displaced Armenians to their indigenous homeland of Artsakh, in line with international law and in support of just and lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led their colleagues in a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long expressing concerns regarding the Trump administration’s recent court filing that undermines the constitutional separation of church and state.
Above: Friedman speaking in front of the Capital Jewish Museum.
A group of Jewish House Democrats raised questions on Friday about the Pentagon’s decision to announce a $200 million contract with Elon Musk’s company xAI to utilize a version of its Grok artificial intelligence, days after the chatbot posted antisemitic and violent screeds on X. The legislators said they’re concerned about Musk’s potential influence on the program and lingering issues linked to the antisemitic outburst.
- Garcia asserted that Kennedy has a history of spreading HIV/AIDS misinformation, and questioned whether that had played a role in billions of dollars in cuts to prevention, treatment and research funding.
- The demand for information came just after Senate Republicans excluded a White House-backed cut of $400 million in funding for HIV/AIDS programs abroad from their latest spending measure.
“I stand willing and ready to partner with you.” – Secretary Duffy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, July 16, 2025, during a House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) secured a public commitment from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to work with her and Los Angeles in preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
BURBANK, CA – Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) celebrated the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority being awarded $8,047,986 in a new federal investment through the FY25 Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Amy Kane was filled with dread when she heard that the national suicide prevention lifeline would stop offering specialized crisis intervention to young LGBTQ+ Americans and end its partnership with the West Hollywood-based Trevor Project.
With the service set to end July 17, Kane, a therapist who identifies as lesbian, believes the Trump administration is sending a clear message to queer Americans: “We don’t care whether you live or die.”
Lawmakers — at both the state and federal levels — have put forth proposals in recent weeks to largely prohibit federal agents conducting immigration enforcement actions from wearing masks to shield their identity and ensure that their clothes include identifying information, such as their name, badge number or agency.