Threats
CBP holds local training on Jones Act specificity in New Orleans
Earlier this month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held a training exercise on enforcement of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, a complex and tricky law that demands specificity from federal agents. When established, the law limited how cargo could be... Read More »
Reps. Garbarino, Gallagher urge President Biden to work on Continuity of the Economy disaster plan
Two Republican legislators are criticizing the Biden administration for not developing or implementing an emergency plan for the U.S. economy in the event of a disaster, despite being required to do so within two years by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021. In a letter to President... Read More »
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center wins $9.42M cooperative agreement with IARPA to investigate radiation exposure biomarkers
Through a federal cooperative agreement with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) announced this week that they are working on non-invasive means of detecting and preventing radiation... Read More »
Funds earmarked for New York nonprofit safety initiatives
New York state officials are detailing an allocation of $96 million to aid nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks in bolstering safety and security measures. Gov. Kathy Hochul recently detailed the opening of applications for $50 million earmarked for organizations facing the... Read More »
INTERPOL conducts global chemical security session
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) officials are touting a recent gathering of 220 chemical security practitioners from over 70 countries to address combating terrorism, chemical weapons, and explosives use. INTERPOL hosted its third Global Congress on Chemical Security and... Read More »
U.S. lawmakers seek to collaborate with Canada to fix NEXUS traveler backlog
In a letter to their Canadian counterparts last week, four U.S. representatives sought to kick off a joint fix for the growing logjam in the NEXUS system, the Trusted Traveler Program for the U.S.-Canadian Border. That system requires travelers to undergo in-person interviews with agents from... Read More »
TSA details Florida gun checkpoint interceptions
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials have indicated Florida air travel passengers have brought a record number of guns to TSA checkpoints. According to the agency, the present number of 700 guns is higher than in any previous year and includes records set at 12 individual... Read More »
Clinical data shows Pfizer, BioNTech Omicron BA.4/BA.5 booster offers higher protection in adults
Pfizer and BioNTech announced updates from a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of their bivalent booster for the COVID-19 variants Omicron BA.4/BA.5 last week, pointing to the 4-fold higher emergence of neutralizing antibody titers among treated adults older than 55, comparative to the original COVID-19... Read More »
DHS awards $500,000 for targeted violence, domestic terrorism prevention efforts in New York
As announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) this week, the United States Department of Homeland Security awarded $500,000 in federal funds for support, threat assessment, and management of efforts to combat targeted violence and domestic terrorism in New York. "New York... Read More »
Report examines healthcare sector cybersecurity threats
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released Thursday a white paper detailing present healthcare sector cybersecurity. The report offers dialogue on a series of policy solutions to improve cybersecurity across the healthcare industry. The white paper, Cybersecurity is Patient Safety, explores... Read More »
CBP details $6.1M narcotics seizure at Laredo Port of Entry in Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have detailed a recent $6.1 million narcotics seizure in separate incidents at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge and World Trade Bridge. “The dedicated employees of CBP continue to fulfill the agency’s border security role,” Laredo Port... Read More »
Measure seeks to bolster cybersecurity education efforts through $10M pilot program
U.S. Reps. Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) have reintroduced legislation to form a $10 million Department of Education pilot program to strengthen cybersecurity education initiatives. Specifically, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act would award competitive grants to... Read More »
ICF secures pact to bolster Immigration and Customs Enforcement technology initiatives
Global consulting and digital services provider ICF has secured a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to enhance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) technology. "For over 20 years, ICF has been a trusted partner to DHS,... Read More »
Senators urge Justice Department, ATF to clarify, implement ghost guns rule
Responding to attempts by companies to avoid restrictions imposed by the federal Ghost Gun Rule, more than a dozen Democratic senators this week wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to address the matter and crackdown.... Read More »
Legislation targets ATM thefts, robberies
U.S. Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and John Rose (R-TN) recently introduced legislation to address efforts to combat crimes involving ATMs that include theft, robbery, and assault. The Safe Access to Cash Act (H.R. 9248) would strengthen enforcement mechanisms to deter criminals and protect... Read More »
U.S. Transportation Department to award $32.4M in grants for six hazardous materials safety efforts
Drawing from 81 separate grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced last week that it will award $32.4 million to states, territories, and tribes for hazardous materials safety programs. Despite a large number of... Read More »
Homeland Security Department details Cybersecurity Performance Goals business, critical infrastructure benefits
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) to aid businesses and critical infrastructure owners in considering measures to protect against cyber threats. “Organizations across the country increasingly understand that cybersecurity... Read More »
U.S. Sen. Peters, CISA Director Easterly and Michigan CIO Clark talk cybersecurity collaboration
In a fireside event moderated by the State of Michigan’s Chief Information Officer Laura Clark at the annual Michigan Cyber Summit, guests U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly discussed intergovernmental collaborations... Read More »
California touts efficacy of earthquake early warning system during recent Bay Area quake
California state officials are touting the benefits of its Earthquake Early Warning System, noting it provided over 2.2 million residents with advanced notification prior to a recent episode. “California continues to harness the power of science and technology to help keep our communities... Read More »
BARDA invites Soligenix to submit contract proposal for thermostabilized Sudan Ebola, Marburg virus vaccines
Biopharmaceutical company Soligenix, Inc. recently received an invitation from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to submit a contract proposal for millions of dollars in development support for single vial, thermostabilized subunit vaccines for the Sudan ebolavirus... Read More »
Drug Enforcement Administration tout results from recent Violent Crime Initiative
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently touted the benefits of the agency's Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), noting the endeavor recently resulted in criminal charges against 42 defendants for various offenses. The charges, involving racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution,... Read More »
Coast Guard set to maintain Harmonized Waterway database for free public access
A database of national waterways known as the Harmonized Waterway project will soon be hosted and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, offering free access to the public for navigation, study, and monitoring. The Marine Safety Information (MSI) previously required referencing the National Oceanic... Read More »
CEPI, SK bioscience collaboration seeks to address rapid Disease X response
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and SK bioscience personnel are touting a collaboration to facilitate rapid response to unknown pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential or Disease X. The partnership agreement, in which CEPI is slated to provide up to $40 million in... Read More »
Justice Department charges 13 for allegedly working with China to exert influence in U.S.
Across three cases, the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the District of New Jersey charged 13 individuals with conspiracy, obstruction, and attempts to aid the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in exerting influence in-country. According to unsealed... Read More »
Sens. Portman, Klobuchar urge Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act implementation
U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently forwarded correspondence to the Biden administration, encouraging the implementation of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP Act) to address increased illegal opioids entering the country. The senators... Read More »
PAWS Act signed into law, bringing greater attention to animals during natural disasters
In the wake of the passage of his Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) toured the American Red Cross at its Lansing, Mich., chapter this week to highlight community efforts to help them – and their pets – recover from natural... Read More »
Lockheed Martin, Red Hat tout military mission AI initiatives
Aerospace company Lockheed Martin and software firm Red Hat personnel have detailed a collaboration they said seeks to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovation regarding military missions. Red Hat Device Edge would enable Lockheed Martin to support national security missions by applying... Read More »
New York State, New York City announce police and mental health efforts to address transit crime
A series of expanded initiatives for the New York City subways were announced last week as part of a joint effort between the State of New York and New York City to crack down on transit crime through traditional law enforcement means and community psychiatric care. This will equate to a massive... Read More »
Latest Border Protection figures show rising would-be immigrant encounters, but from changing points of origin
The September operational statistics from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveal a dramatically changing landscape, showcasing significantly increased migrant encounters. Individual encounters reached 182,704 in September, a 15 percent increase over the previous month. Only 55,068... Read More »
More than two dozen House members push for details, and change, surrounding U.S. gun tracing backlog
A collection of 25 House members wrote to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach asking for details on the agency’s gun tracing backlog and stating that a gun lobby-backed 1986 law needs to change. Led by U.S. Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Bill Pascrell, Jr.... Read More »
Legislators support firearms, ammunitions businesses Merchant Category Code
A group of lawmakers recently commended three credit card companies for creating a new Merchant Category Code (MCC) for firearms and ammunition businesses. House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) spearheaded an effort by 118 members... Read More »
CISA virtual forum seeks to address school safety, security
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently announced that it will host its first virtual National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security on Nov. 1-3, 2022. “I’m thrilled that CISA is hosting the National Summit on K-12 School Safety for a critical dialogue on... Read More »
Bicameral Gang Activity Reporting Act seeks greater reporting on gang-related crime
In an effort to gather more information for lawmakers and law enforcement on gang-related crimes, federal lawmakers introduced the Gang Activity Reporting Act last week to both the House and Senate. "Increased crime and gang activity across the country is making us all less safe," said U.S. Rep.... Read More »
Reps. Thompson, Cicilline, Espaillat lead effort seeking ghost gun enforcement actions
U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) have joined 135 colleagues in forwarding correspondence they said encourages strong enforcement actions against ghost guns. The legislators sent letters to President Joe Biden, U.S. Attorney General Merrick... Read More »