News from October 2024
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
A report from Social Capital Markets revealed an increase in the fines levied by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against the crypto currency industry. According to the report, SEC fines increased from $150.26 million in 2023 to $4.68 billion in 2024, marking a 3018% rise in penalties.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Richard Weber, a former chief of IRS Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), has called for the U.S. government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan from a Nigerian prison. Weber made his remarks during an October 3 podcast.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the approval of an additional $4.5 billion in student loan relief for over 60,000 public service workers nationwide. This development is part of ongoing reforms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which aims to alleviate student debt burdens for those in public service roles. The administration's efforts have resulted in a total of over $175 billion in loan forgiveness for more than 4.8 million Americans, with $74 billion specifically allocated through PSLF.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced selections amounting to nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, promoting cleaner and zero-emission solutions that enhance air quality and public health. Entities in New Jersey, New York, and the tri-state area will receive about $15 million for related projects.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have raised concerns regarding China's military research activities in the Arctic. They addressed these issues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, highlighting potential national security risks posed by Chinese dual-use military research in Iceland and Norway.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom from October 18-22, 2024.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion centered on the death of Yahya Sinwar and emphasized the significance of ongoing efforts to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on three entities and one individual involved in the production of Russia's Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones, which have been used in Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, are designed by experts based in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and manufactured at factories in China before being transferred to Russia.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Yahya Sinwar, a leader associated with Hamas, was described as responsible for orchestrating significant attacks resulting in numerous casualties. These acts included the murder of Israelis, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries. Sinwar's actions were linked to the kidnapping and hostage-taking of civilians across various demographics.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The United States has announced sanctions against three entities and one individual involved in the development and production of Russia's Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These UAVs have been used in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and causing significant casualties.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The European AI Roundtable has concluded its second edition, focusing on drafting the Code of Practice for general-purpose AI (GPAI) as part of implementing the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act. This gathering, facilitated by CCIA Europe, brought together experts from various sectors to discuss operationalizing key aspects of Europe's new AI rules.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Netflix is expanding the celebration of its hit series, Stranger Things, beyond the traditional November 6 "Stranger Things Day" to what it now calls "Stranger Season." The streaming giant plans to mark this occasion with a variety of events and merchandise offerings for fans worldwide.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, by Israeli forces marks a significant event in counterterrorism efforts. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III commented on this development, noting that while Sinwar's death does not heal the wounds from the October 7th attacks or the numerous deaths he is responsible for, it may provide some justice and solace to the victims' families.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
In the wake of Border Patrol Agent James Epling's death, a legacy of service and dedication continues through his family and colleagues. Epling lost his life on December 16, 2003, while attempting to rescue migrants in distress in the Colorado River near Andrade, California. His widow, Monica Epling, recalls how her husband went to work despite being ill because "his fellow agents needed help."
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
Yesterday, Reuters reported that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stopped imports from DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, due to products linked to forced labor. This action is in response to a violation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Following this development, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) issued a joint statement.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
This week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury convened a roundtable to explore how financial institutions can enhance their support for Tribal Nations in accessing capital. The event brought together various stakeholders from the Tribal finance ecosystem, including representatives from Tribal governments, financial technology firms, consumer advocacy groups, government agencies, and financial institutions.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The Department of Commerce has announced the 2024 Class of Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental (SEE) Ambassadors. This program highlights departmental employees who have excelled in implementing projects that enhance sustainability, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and environmental performance.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
The United States has announced sanctions on five companies and five individuals, while also identifying eight vessels as blocked property. These measures are in response to their connections with a network linked to Sa’id al-Jamal, a U.S.-designated Houthi financial operative backed by the Iran-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. The U.S. government asserts that the Iranian regime's support for regional terrorist groups is contributing to instability in the Middle East.
By Federal Newswire | Oct 17, 2024
A South Carolina man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman. The crime took place in December 2019 in Allendale, South Carolina. On February 24, a jury found Ritter guilty on all charges, which included hate crime, federal firearms violations, and obstruction counts linked to Doe's murder.
