News published on Federal Newswire in October 2023

News from October 2023


 RAND study reveals overdose deaths surge among those with lower education

The study emphasizes the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies, advocating for increased treatment access and subsidized naloxone for the economically disadvantaged


 ACLU supports proposed regulations expanding rights of pregnant workers under PWFA

The proposed regulations encompass a wide range of accommodations, including access to abortion and related health needs, for workers before, during, and after pregnancy



 Former CEO pleads guilty to fraud and scheming charges

Peter Kambolin, former owner and CEO of Systematic Alpha Management LLC, pleaded guilty to a "cherry-picking" scheme. Kambolin fraudulently misappropriated profitable trades to himself and left his investors with substantial financial losses.


Krishnamoorthi: 'Past approaches to combatting IUU fishing by the PRC and efforts to stop forced labor have been insufficient'

Illinois Representative and Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with fellow legislators, are opposing the illicit fishing activities orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The lawmakers claim continuous violations and mismanagement on the part of the People's Republic of China (PRC).


HHS: 'While ORR has worked to build up its licensed bed capacity, additional capacity is urgently needed to manage the increasing numbers of unaccompanied children referrals from DHS'

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS reports over ten thousand unaccompanied migrant children in the care of its Office of Refugee Resettlement, prompting efforts to manage the surge.


U.S. Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for 'America's Top Small Business' Awards

After narrowing down a record-breaking field of 15,000+ applicants from across the nation to 70 top small businesses last month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced seven finalists for its “America’s Top Small Business” Awards. According to an official press release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, these finalists have been recognized for their innovation, community engagement, and resilience, showcasing a diverse range of services and contributions to their communities.


U.S. Goods and Services deficit drops in August 2023

Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has revealed significant shifts in the U.S. trade landscape. In August 2023, the U.S. goods and services deficit dropped by $6.4 billion to $58.3 billion, compared to the revised $64.7 billion deficit recorded in July.


HUD announces funding to boost affordable housing for disabled americans

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a funding allocation of $212 million to expand affordable housing for low-income individuals with disabilities. The funding is aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing and supportive services for very-low and extremely-low-income persons with disabilities.


U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Latino Task Force

HUD announced its first-ever Latino Task Force to tackle disparities in housing, procurement, and hiring practices that impact the Hispanic and Latino communities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officially announced its Inaugural Latino Task Force, aligning with a federal Executive Order from September 2021 designed to advance educational and economic opportunities for Hispanics. The task force will focus on lowering barriers to federal procurement, boosting Latino employment at HUD, and enhancing Spanish-language access across HUD services.


HHS announces over $500 million in funding for Next-Generation COVID-19 vaccines through Project NextGen

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced over $500 million in funding for the development of next-generation COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics through Project NextGen. The project aims to advance the development of innovative vaccine and therapeutic technologies to combat the ongoing pandemic and prepare for future outbreaks.


Nearly $2M invested to counter youth human trafficking in schools and online

Funds totaling $1.9 million have been designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to counter youth human trafficking in schools and online. The funds will be given to four local education agencies, which will collaborate with expert non-profit organizations to identify and address the risk of human trafficking within schools.


DHS enhances fire preparedness nationwide

According to a fact sheet released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), significant strides have been made to enhance community readiness for wildfires. The DHS, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), supports and strengthens fire and emergency medical services to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and respond to hazards.


China expanding Ro-Ro ship production for People's Liberation Army

Chinese military strategists are utilizing "ro-ro ships" to strengthen the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to a piece published by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Jaehyun Han, and Jennifer Jun for the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The authors highlight the versatile potential of ro-ro ships and their increasing significance in China's military strategy.


Rep. Wittman: 'CCP will use any means to dominate the globe'

Rep. Rob Wittman co-signed a letter on October 11 asking the Biden administration to protect the US fishing industry from illegal activities by the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. Wittman, who is a member of the Select Committee on the CCP, expressed concerns about the CCP's ambitions to dominate the globe using any means necessary, including immoral forced labor.


Lexington sees increased cartel activity

Two men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in laundering $23 million of drug money through Lexington, Kentucky, revealing the growing presence of Mexican drug cartels in the area. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has identified Mexican drug cartels as a major force in Lexington.



DOE EM contractor for liquid waste surpasses 10 million safe work hours at Savannah River site

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management (EM) revealed that the Liquid waste contractor Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) achieved over 10 million safe working hours, demonstrating the efficacy of their safety-first culture. This milestone reflects hours worked without any job-related injury or illness preventing an employee from returning to work the following day according to a press release.


 Biden-Harris administration pledges $2.5 million for climate and transportation research

In a recent announcement by the Biden-Harris administration, a robust step has been taken to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and transportation.


 U.S. deploys additional forces in Middle East following Hamas attack on Israel

In a recent press release, Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III announced significant changes to the U.S. military's posture in the Middle East, specifically in response to the recent terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.