West Virginia to garner initial FirstNet site
West Virginia’s Preston County will receive a new, purpose-built cell site as part of the state’s FirstNet network expansion, increasing first responders coverage, capacity, and capability. FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders... Read More »
Ongoing DRC Ebola outbreak demands immediate response, WHO reports
Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated at the 72nd World Health Assembly this week that continued breakdowns in communication, data, and planning are hindering an effective response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. That outbreak, which has... Read More »
TSA changing performance management systems
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently changed its performance management systems for uniformed TSA officers to improve how performance is measured and recognized as well as to simplify the process. The changes were based on feedback from transportation security officer... Read More »
FEMA to hold earthquake response exercise in multi-state region
A multi-state operational exercise on how to respond to a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near Memphis will feature the participation of federal, local and international authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). The Federal Emergency Management... Read More »
U.S. preparedness for health emergencies remains strong overall, but some states lag
The United States’ ability to manage health emergencies has steadily improved over the last six years, according to a nationwide index of health security. The 2019 National Health Security Preparedness Index, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), analyzes 129 different... Read More »
CBP adds new administrative post to support border patrol agents
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel said the newly created Border Patrol Processing Coordinator position would prove valuable in freeing agents for critical law enforcement operations. “I am committed to providing the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol the resources they need to... Read More »
S&T collaborates with TDA Research Inc. and Avon Protection Systems on first responder filtration system
A collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), TDA Research Inc and Avon Protection Systems has yielded a new filtration system for first responders. The new system is lower maintenance and, according to its creators, able to reduce... Read More »
DHS to form security subcommittee for religious institutions
Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kevin McAleenan recently announced DHS has created a Homeland Security Advisory Council subcommittee to focus on threats faced by religious institutions and places of worship. The subcommittee will be comprised of academics, emergency and... Read More »
Boeing subsidiary wins weapon planning software contract
Tapestry Solutions, a subsidiary of Boeing, got a 10-year contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide weapon planning software (WPS) for the U.S. military and allied forces. The software is designed to help military officials plan missions, including routes, threats, and points for weapons... Read More »
Legislation seeks to defend Taiwan from increased Chinese pressure
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) recently reintroduced The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act, which is designed to strengthen Taiwan’s world standing in response to increased Chinese... Read More »
Amendment banning firefighting chemical advances Senate Armed Services Committee
The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced a legislative amendment prohibiting the Department of Defense from procuring firefighting foam containing per and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). The revision served as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal... Read More »
Scientists seek to starve out drug-resistant infections through iron-restricting medication
A team of researchers from the University at Buffalo and Temple University recently found that depriving a specific fungus’ access to iron can be the key to combatting it. Candida albicans, like many fungi, relies on iron to survive. It is abundant in the mouth and relies heavily on saliva --... Read More »
CBP makes three narcotics seizures prior to holiday weekend
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made three narcotics seizures last week. The first seizure occurred May 20 at the Calexico East port of entry between Calexico, Calif., and Mexicali, Mexico. A canine team detected 64 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of... Read More »
House Oversight Committee debates need for regulations on facial recognition technology
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing last week that examined the use of facial recognition technology and the need for oversight on how it is used on the public. Facial recognition technology – which analyzes faces to identify individuals -- is growing in use by the... Read More »