News from October 2023
20 year old imprisoned for stealing $1 million dollars worth of crypto through SIM-swap scam
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
A 20-year-old Florida man has been arrested and imprisoned for his involvement in a $1 million crypto SIM-swap scam. Jordan Persad, along with several co-conspirators, purchased access logs containing victims' email credentials, hijacked their cell phone numbers, and gained unauthorized access to their online crypto accounts. Persad personally made $475,000 from the scheme, and the group defrauded victims of around $1 million in crypto.
Amazon employees across the globe participated in 3,000 events for Amazon's Global Month of Volunteering
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
For Amazon's Global Month of Volunteering, tens of thousands of employees around the globe participated in volunteerism efforts to support the cause. The Global Month of Volunteering has an initiative dedicated to building stronger communities in the cities and towns where employees work. According to a press release on Amazon's website, "Amazon employees across the globe participated in 3,000 events for Amazon's Global Month of Volunteering."
Congressional Commission holds hearing on forced labor in China's seafood industry
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
Last week, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China held a hearing to address concerns about the potential implication of the United States in the use of forced labor within China's seafood industry due to seafood products imported from China.
Chairman Gallagher presents steps to counteract CCP aggression in American universities
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
Chairman Mike Gallagher, who leads the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), outlined a series of measures to help reduce CCP aggression within American higher education institutions during his address at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Universities.
USDOT announces $40 million grant for V2X Road Safety Technologies
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
The United States Department of Transportation initiative aims to improve road safety, mobility, and efficiency.
Midwest faces economic challenges, according to EPI report
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
A comprehensive report sheds light on the economic challenges plaguing the Midwest region of the United States.
Mike Whitaker confirmed as new FAA administrator
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
The U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed Mike Whitaker as the next Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, filling an 18-month leadership void at the agency.
Manhunt for person of interest following tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
The mass shooting incident has drawn the attention of gun violence prevention advocates.
UAW and Ford Motor Company reach historic agreement
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
A months-long nationwide UAW strike could be coming to an end with final agreement.
The impact of Section 1332 waivers on ACA expansion
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
Section 1332 waivers are vital for states' efforts to expand healthcare coverage, improve affordability, and promote innovation under the Affordable Care Act.
Rep. Mike Johnson Elected 56th Speaker of the House
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
Johnson's election comes on the heels of a turbulent few weeks marked by the unexpected ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and subsequent failed nominations.
CSIS launches program on intelligence and technology
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
The program will provide actionable recommendations for industry leaders in the tech industry and policymakers in government.
Department of Defense in search of new gravity bomb variant
By Federal Newswire Report | Oct 31, 2023
Department of Defense announces plans for B61-13 nuclear bomb, pending congressional approval.
Amazon has developed 50 renewable energy projects in India
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
With the development of a new 198 megawatt windfarm, Amazon has now reached 50 renewable energy projects in India. The 50 energy projects across India produce 1.1 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.
$2.3 billion provided by U.S. Department of Agriculture to help American producers
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $2.3 billion to help American producers maintain and develop markets for their commodities. This funding will also be used to bolster international food aid. The USDA is utilizing funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to address challenges related to trade and food insecurity impacting U.S. farmers and the international community.
October is National Cybersecurity Month: Tips to protect yourself online
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
In light of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, cybersecurity risk prevention tips were released by the Department of Commerce Chief Information Security Officer Ryan Higgins. Cyber threats have grown and become more sophisticated as our nation further relies on technologies in personal and business life. National Cybersecurity Month is October, and the Department of Commerce Chief Information Security Officer Ryan Higgins released a reminder on the dangers of cybersecurity and tips on how to mitigate potential risks.
President Biden signed executive order to evaluate AI risks
By Federal Newswire | Oct 31, 2023
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at evaluating and mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safety and trust in the software. The executive order will play a crucial role in building the United States' capacity to assess the potential dangers of AI and develop measures to address them.
Nostrum settles for $50 million with Department of Justice
By Federal Newswire | Oct 30, 2023
Nostrum Laboratories has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice for up to $50 million to resolve allegations of underpaying rebates owed under the Medicaid drug rebate program. The company will pay a minimum of $3,825,000 and up to $50 million if certain financial contingencies are met.
Khanna: 'I would’ve taken a different tone'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 30, 2023
Ro Khanna, a California Rep. and a member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, expressed his disapproval of California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent visit to China. Khanna stated, "I would’ve taken a different tone. The most substantive bipartisan work that’s taking place in Congress is on the China Select Committee and that has a lot to do with Mike Gallagher's leadership."
House Select Committee on the CCP: 'Gotion High-Tech employs 923 CCP members'
By Federal Newswire | Oct 30, 2023
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has raised concerns about Gotion High Tech, a Chinese battery manufacturing firm, alleging that the company has ties to the CCP and employs over 900 CCP members. The committee stated, "Gotion High-Tech employs 923 CCP members... Gotion Inc. launched a joint venture company with a 'Communist Chinese Military Company Subsidiary' in 2016."
