News from October 2023
Former US Congresswoman: 'Internet users see Google as the best search engine, and they overwhelmingly prefer it'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
Amid the Department of Justice's big tech antitrust lawsuit, a former US Congresswoman from Virginia says the American public's preference for Google does not warrant accusations of a monopoly.
New Google search loophole has contributed to increase of online drug sales
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
Borderland Beat, a blog known for reporting on organized crime and drug trafficking, recently revealed a new loophole in the Google search engine that has contributed to an increase in online drug sales. According to a blog post from Sept. 28, hackers have exploited this loophole to post advertisements for illegal drugs on trusted government and education websites, boosting the online sale of narcotics.
Healthcare AI Bias is Addressed by CTA
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
The systemic problems with bias in artificial intelligence utilized in the healthcare business have been addressed by new, industry-developed technical standards published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), according to a news statement issued on September 21. The consensus-based guidelines assist risk managers and AI product developers in determining the forms, origins, and management techniques of bias for AI technologies.
Cities should stop using ShotSpotter and ban predictive policing immediately, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
According to a press release distributed on October 2, 2023, Geolitica, the company behind PredPol, a predictive policing technology known to exacerbate inequalities by directing police to already heavily monitored communities, is reportedly buying Sound Thinking, the company behind ShotSpotter, an acoustic gunshot detection technology that is rife with issues.
Texas Public Policy Foundation files comment opposing Biden Administration NEPA changes
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) and The American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) have filed a comment opposing the Biden Administration's proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The proposed rule, according to TPPF and ASL, disproportionately emphasizes climate change considerations and raises concerns about its legal and scientific soundness.
Texas Public Policy Foundation challenges Department of Energy over proposed water heater standards
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has filed a comment with the Department of Energy, criticizing its proposed rule regarding water heaters. In a formal letter submitted on September 26, TPPF expressed concerns about the Department's proposed new energy conservation standards for water heaters.
DOT allocates $14.8 Million in grants to bolster air service in small U.S. communities
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
In a significant move to revitalize air travel options in small American communities, the DOT announced the allocation of millions in grants through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that it will award $14.8 million from the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help 20 communities in 16 states develop solutions to their local air service needs.
U.S. Department of Transportation announces $10 billion funding for large bridge projects
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the allocation of nearly $10 billion in funding for large bridge projects across the United States. The funds, which are available for fiscal years 2023-2026, will be distributed through the competitive Bridge Investment Program's "Large Bridge Project" category.
Joint press availability highlights a fortified partnership between U.S. and Mexico
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
Top officials from the United States and Mexico gathered for a joint press availability on September 29, highlighting the strengthening economic ties and collaborative efforts between the two countries. The meeting included U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Mexican Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
Blinken: 'Our leadership on refugee resettlement reflects our history as a nation of welcome'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 3, 2023
Biden Administration sets ambitious Refugee Resettlement Goals for 2024
DOE sets new residential furnace efficiency standards
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established new energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces, according to a press release. These standards, which are expected to take effect in late 2028, will ensure a minimum annual fuel utilization efficiency of 95 percent for residential gas furnaces. This means that the furnaces will efficiently convert gas into heat for living spaces, resulting in a significant reduction in waste.
Montana Attorney General Demands Transparency in Biden Administration's Massive Conservation Proposal
By Federal News | Oct 2, 2023
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is calling for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to release all of its documentation related to its attempts to draw a circle around nearly six million acres of land in Montana that the agency intends to make into a conservation area and postpone any further action.
Economic Warfare and Geopolitical Chess: Zenel Garcia on US-China Reciprocity and Challenges Ahead
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2023
Zenel Garcia is an associate Professor of Security Studies at the Department of National Security and Strategy at the US Army War College. He is the author of “China’s Western Frontier and Eurasia: The Politics of State and Region-Building” and “China’s Military Modernization, Japan’s Normalization and the South China Sea Territorial Disputes.”
Behind the Scenes: Protecting National Security Through Supply Chain Innovations with Mike Frederickson
By Federal Newswire | Oct 2, 2023
Mike Frederickson is the CEO of Systems Innovation Engineering. He was Director of the Office of Naval Research Electronics Manufacturing Technology Center, and retired from the Air Force.
