News from November 2023
American Library Association selects Cuban-American author Meg Medina as Honorary Chair of the 2024 National Library Week
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The American Library Association (ALA) has named its Honorary Chair of National Library Week 2024: Meg Medina, an award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The announcement was made on November 30th by the ALA.
Select Committee requests investigation of drone company Autel Robotics
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has called for an investigation of Autel Robotics, a drone company suspected of having ties to the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The Committee is expressing concerns about potential risks to national security that could stem from this relationship.
Gallagher: The Select Committee is 'continuing to carefully examine Shein’s regulatory and compliance programs'
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Shein, the China-based firm, has submitted its Initial Public Offering (IPO) application in the United States amidst an ongoing investigation by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This move comes as part of Shein's effort to become a publicly traded company.
Bipartisan legislators call for increased restrictions on outbound investments in 2024
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has written letters to both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, advocating for the implementation of stricter restrictions on outbound investments by 2024 to protect national security interests. This comes amid increasing concerns over the national security threats posed by foreign adversaries, particularly China.
South Bay, Florida-based fined for violating employee safety protocol
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
A private state prison for men, located in South Bay, Florida was discovered to be in violation of recognized safety practices which left its employees vulnerable to attacks from prisoners. This disregard for standard protocol was uncovered during a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Over 38,000 homeless Veterans housed by the Department of Veterans Affairs so far in 2023
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
During 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been successful in housing more than 38,000 homeless veterans. This significant achievement is part of President Biden's broader Utility Agenda that emphasizes veteran support.
Fertility-control treated mares to be released into Calico Complex HMA by BLM Black Rock Field Office
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The mares were part of a wild horse gather conducted at the Calico Complex between October 1st and October 17th. This action was taken by the Black Rock Field Office to administer fertility control measures and balance ecosystems within Winnemucca District lands.
Sinaloa Cartel sicario arrested, U.S. seeks ‘swift extradition from Mexico to face justice here in the United States’
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as "El Nini," a leading assassin for the Sinaloa Cartel and head of security for its leadership, has been arrested by Mexican authorities. The U.S. government, under Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, is pushing for a swift extradition so that Pérez Salas can face trial on American soil.
RGV Chief Patrol Agent: 'These drugs will not be released into our communities, preventing harm to our citizens'
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents in Texas intercepted six marijuana smuggling attempts within two days, aided by multiple law enforcement agencies. These operations took place across different locations and involved various arrestees and seizures.
A tower of American foreign policy, Kissinger is dead
By Joshua Claybourn | Nov 30, 2023
Henry Kissinger, a towering figure in American foreign policy, passed away Thursday, November 29 at age 100. His legacy, marked by a blend of diplomatic brilliance and controversial decisions, leaves an indelible imprint on the world stage.
World’s largest producer of biofuel in violation of Clean Air Act
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Menlo, Iowa-based bioethanol producer, POET Biorefining – Menlo LLC and its parent company POET LLC, has been fined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violations of the Clean Air Act. The world's largest producer of biofuel has been identified as a "major air emission source", with an imposed penalty amounting to $89,860.
US Bureau of Land Management seeks public input on response to Douglas fir mortality
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
A recent publication in the "Journal of Forestry" has shed light on an alarming increase in the mortality rate of Douglas fir trees in southern Oregon. Over a span of four years, more Douglas firs have died than within four preceding decades, sparking grave concerns within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Public invited to the Ocracoke Light Station project groundbreaking event
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of a refurbishment and fortification project for several structures at the Ocracoke Light Station. This major restoration work has been scheduled to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the light station.
Center for Democracy and Technology questions Protecting Kids on Social Media Act
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The Center for Democracy and Technology has joined a coalition that has been addressing concerns about free expression and privacy threats that might come with the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act.
TechNet sends letter to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee ahead of AI and Healthcare hearing
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
TechNet Senior Vice President Carl Holshouser recently sent a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee ahead of its hearing on healthcare and AI.
CSIS senior vice president in oversight hearing: 'When it comes to cybersecurity and software supply chains, China is not trustworthy'
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Dr. James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, November 29. He expressed concern over China's role in cybersecurity and software supply chains, drawing attention to their cyber espionage activities and the implications they have for global affairs.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is attempting to change a federal law that criminalizes access to digital works
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is taking legal action against certain pseudo-copyright regulations that stifle free expression and contravene the First Amendment. These rules often inhibit legitimate uses of digital works, raising serious questions about their validity under the Constitution.
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants partners with the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®), functioning as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, announced their strategic partnership with Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signed MOU intends to promote collaboration in education, professional development, certifications, academic exchanges and research in China's finance and accounting sectors.
Columbia professor: ‘Unlike FTX…Binance didn’t abscond with user money’
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
Omid Malekan, an author and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, said in a Nov. 22 post on X that a key difference between the crypto exchanges FTX and Binance is that Binance did not misuse its customer funds. This statement comes in the wake of recent legal actions against both crypto exchanges. Malekan noted that Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX, was "beloved" by many government officials.
American Medical Association's new principles provide guidance on health care augmented intelligence
By Federal Newswire | Nov 30, 2023
The American Medical Association (AMA) has approved a set of principles to provide guidance to the medical industry and government agencies on the development of a regulatory framework for health care augmented intelligence (AI). This new initiative aims to balance the potential benefits of AI in healthcare with ethical considerations and possible risks.
