I think they're researching how big of a congestion tax they need to get a certain percentage of people to stop driving. Giving someone $600 is very similar to not taking away $600.
I'm not sure what you mean. The article states there were remote hands on keyboard noticed in multiple companies. That's how the vulnerability was discovered.
You might have version 8.8.1 or lower, however it might have tried to order update got the vulnerable package instead and then remained on the older version. I think even if you have the older version that's not a sign that you weren't compromised.
As long as your aunt is a paying subscriber...