Aberdeen, MS – Jarvis Hood, 23 of Belzoni, was sentenced on Tuesday to five years in prison for conspiring to transfer firearms to Chicago, Illinois residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees during the purchase of multiple firearms.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed that a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.
Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale. Five defendants pled guilty for their roles in the offense. After a five-day trial in October 2024, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Hood guilty of the offense.
On February 18, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hood to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence imposed will run consecutive to a sentence that Hood is currently serving in an unrelated state court case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Hood absolutely deserves this time in prison after he participated in a scheme to illegally traffic firearms to Chicago for personal profit without any concern that these guns would be used by violent criminals to create more victims,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to hold accountable those who place innocent citizens at risk by putting guns in the hands of people who do not have any respect for human life.”
“Machineguns cannot be tolerated on the streets of any community, and this defendant, alongside his codefendants, are guilty of trafficking these dangerous weapons between Mississippi and Chicago,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the agents, officers and the United States Attorney’s Office for their commitment in investigating and prosecuting this case, holding the defendants accountable for trafficking over 60 firearms which ended up in the hands of dangerous individuals.”
The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of ATF, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
SAN ANTONIO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced today the departure of Jaime Esparza as U.S. Attorney.
Esparza was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2022. He came to the Western District of Texas after serving as the District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District of Texas, in El Paso, from 1993 to 2020.
As U.S. Attorney, Esparza led the handling of more than 41,000 federal criminal prosecutions—including immigration, drugs, firearm, white collar, and violent crime—and more than 10,000 civil cases in this southern border district. He made it a priority to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including gangs, cartels and smuggling organizations. He also led and elevated outreach programs to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl and machinegun conversion devices, and to bring awareness to domestic violence issues, among others.
Under Esparza’s leadership, the civil section defended the United States in numerous civil actions and sought and obtained civil penalties against numerous individuals and entities under the False Claims Act. Additionally, his team of asset recovery lawyers obtained millions of dollars in restitution for victims and forfeited millions of dollars in property that were used to commit crimes or were obtained with proceeds of crime.
The Western District of Texas is comprised of 93,000 square miles, 68 counties, covers 660 miles of U.S./Mexico border, and has divisional offices in El Paso, Del Rio, Waco, San Antonio, Austin, Pecos-Alpine, and Midland-Odessa. Its civil and criminal attorneys practice in District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Courts throughout the District, as well as in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Under the Vacancy Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman now serves as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.
Leachman has been with the Western District of Texas for more than 30 years and has served in numerous roles, including as Senior Litigation Counsel, Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the El Paso Division, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Appellate and Major Crimes sections.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led ten of their colleagues from disaster-impacted states in demanding answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims. The Senators also requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.
Senators Welch and Padilla were joined by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
“The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” the Senators wrote to Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.
“Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it,” continued the Senators. “But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”
The Senators concluded: “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust—perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.”
In their letter, the Senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:
Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?
How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?
On the surface, Ne Zha 2: The Sea’s Fury (2025), the sequel to the 2019 Chinese blockbuster Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, is a high-octane, action-packed and visually stunning animated spectacle, full of hilarious moments and thrilling fight scenes.
But beneath all that, it’s something much deeper: a bold re-imagining of Chinese traditional mythology, cultural history and philosophies.
Unlike Hollywood’s classic hero’s journey, Ne Zha 2 is rooted in Chinese thought, weaving together ideas from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism and more.
Through the story of a baby-faced warrior god who battles demons, it channels centuries of Chinese tradition into something refreshing, relevant and undeniably global.
The film’s success speaks for itself. Directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiao Zi), Ne Zha 2 has shattered multiple global box office records, pulling in more than US$1 billion in China in just one week.
It has even entered the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, and is the second highest-grossing animated film behind Inside Out 2 (2024).
But what makes Ne Zha 2 so compelling beyond its visual spectacle? At its heart, it’s an inspiring story about identity, free will, self-determination and rebellion – ideas that resonate far beyond China.
A child hero forged in myth and philosophy
Ne Zha is a rebellious deity in traditional Chinese folklore – a boy born with immense superpower, who defies both divine and social expectations.
Most people who know of Ne Zha will trace his legend back to Fengshen Yanyi, or Investiture of the Gods, a Ming Dynasty novel that blends mythology with historical elements.
Ne Zha’s true origins, however, trace back to India.
“Ne Zha” is a shortened transliteration of the Sanskrit Nalakuvara (or Nalakūbara), an Indian mythological figure who appears in Buddhist and Hindu mythology.
As Buddhism spread to China during the Tang Dynasty, Ne Zha evolved from an intimidating guardian deity into the rebellious, fire-wheeled warrior we know today.
In Ne Zha 2, this “fighting spirit” against authority and hierarchy is taken even further, turning the story into a deeper philosophical exploration of morality, fate, self-worth and power.
Good and evil – a Daoist perspective
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Ne Zha 2 is how it challenges the idea of good and evil.
In Daoist philosophy, evil and good, often known as Yin and Yang, are not absolute, but are rather shifting, interconnected forces.
Through its two protagonists: the “Demon Pill” (Ne Zha) and his noble dragon prince buddy, “Spirit Pearl” (Ao Bing), the film beautifully reflects this Daoist idea of balance and self-discovery.
Their merging further blurs the line between hero and villain and brings to life a core concept from the 2,400-year-old text Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), written around 400 BC by Chinese philosopher Laozi (also called Lao Tzu).
Laozi emphasises that righteousness and villainy aren’t always what they seem. “When the world knows beauty as beauty, there arises ugliness,” he says.
Those we assume to be noble may turn out to be dark inside, while those deemed evil might be fighting for what is right.
Ne Zha’s character in the film embodies this Daoist philosophy. Echoing the Xisheng Jing, The Scripture of Western Ascension, he declares, “My fate is up to me, not the Heaven.”
He is the demon child who is willing to die fighting for his own destiny, proving that even the smallest, most underestimated individual can change the world.
Beyond family bonds: rebirth of Confucianism
In one scene, Ne Zha is struck by the “heart-piercing curse”, a brutal spell that covers his body in ten thousand thorns, causing unbearable pain and keeping him under control by targeting his heart. Ne Zha’s human mother, Lady Yin, clings to him as his thorns pierce her skin – yet she refuses to let go.
It’s a moment of heartbreak, parental love and inner awakening. As his mother takes her final breath, in Ne Zha’s grief, his body shatters into a million pieces. And then, he is reborn.
This is the film’s emotional climax, in which the so-called demon child awakens to “Rén” (benevolence), a core Confucian virtue.
Confucianism teaches that true morality isn’t imposed by rules but arises naturally from within. Ne Zha doesn’t just seek revenge, he awakes to fight for those who have been oppressed, embracing his identity with unwavering resolve.
But perhaps the most profound transformation comes from the dragon prince Ao Bing. As the last hope of his people, burdened by centuries of expectation, he finally makes a choice, not for legacy, not for his ancestors, but for himself.
In this moment, his once-imposing father Dragon King releases his grip: “Your path is yours to forge.”
The weight of tradition gives way to something new, reflecting a changing China where younger generations are defining their own paths.
Wisdom of Legalism and Mohism
Beyond Daoist and Confucian ideals, Ne Zha 2 also weaves in Legalist reform and Mohist resistance. These philosophies challenge rigid hierarchies (or in Ne Zha’s case, “divine order”) and advocate for collective justice.
Across Ne Zha’s three major trials and the climactic celestial-demon war, a brutal truth emerges: those deemed unworthy – whether groundhogs, mystical beings, or ordinary humans – are sacrificed to uphold the elite’s rule.
Take the small groundhogs. Dressed in patched clothes, surviving on pumpkin porridge. They’ve never harmed anyone. Yet, they are mercilessly crushed in the name of celestial balance.
Then there’s Shiji Niangniang, or Lady Rock, a recluse who harms no one. She indulges only in her own beauty and speaks to her enchanted mirror. Yet the heavens brand her a demon, sealing her fate.
A similar cruelty befalls the Dragon Clan and the people of Chentangguan, all caught in a war where they are mere pawns on a celestial chessboard.
Even the last battle is not just Ne Zha’s fight, but a battlefield showing the Chinese spirit of collectivism. Dragons, shrimp soldiers, crab generals, octopus warriors, humans and millions of goblins stand side by side to rewrite destiny.
The celestial-demon war itself plays out like a lesson in Sun Tzu’s Art of War, which states that “All warfare is based on deception.” War is about strategy, resilience and the unstoppable will to rise.
Ne Zha carries the weight of Eastern cultural essence: Daoist balance, Confucian ethics, Mohist resistance, Legalist reform and the strategic wisdom of The Art of War. It is a truly Chinese story, igniting next year’s Oscar buzz and sparking a global awakening to Eastern culture.
Just as Ne Zha is reborn in flames, so too does Chinese animation rise, not by breaking from its past, but by forging a bold future.
Yanyan Hong does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini entered Port Stanley at about 0515 h IST on18 Feb 25thuscompleting the third and most challenging phaseof Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a pioneering expedition showcasing the resilience, courage, and skill of the Indian Navy’s women officers. This marks a significant milestone in the vessel’s journey of circumnavigating the globe. During the phase the vessel experiencedthree cyclones, while passing throughPoint Nemo, known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. They also passed through the treacherous waters ofDrake Passagebefore crossing the Cape Horn.
The Navika Sagar Parikrama initiative underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender empowerment and maritime excellence. The expedition, crewed by two women officers, aims to promote ocean sailing, self-reliance, and India’s rich maritime heritage. Their experiences serve as an inspiration for young aspirants, encouraging greater participation of women in maritime and defence sectors.
INSV Tarini embarked on its ambitious journey from Goa, India, navigating challenging sea conditions across theIndian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. The vessel’s safe arrival at Port Stanley is a demonstration of India’s growing maritime reach and commitment to fostering global goodwill through Naval diplomacy.
The team is expected to engage in interactions with the local community, sharing insights about their voyage and India’s Naval traditions.
Following its stop in Port Stanley, INSV Tarini will continue its expedition,sailing through to Cape Town before returning to India. The expedition reinforces the spirit of adventure, resilience, and India’s commitment to enhancing global maritime cooperation.
Headline: Preliminary Flood Maps for Madison County, Arkansas Ready for Public View
Preliminary Flood Maps for Madison County, Arkansas Ready for Public View
DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Madison County, Arkansas.Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.This is Madison County’s first complete set of digital FIRMs. These maps serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portalThe Base Level Engineering-to-FIRM Viewer at https://webapps.usgs.gov/fema/ble_firmFor more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov. alexa.brown Tue, 02/18/2025 – 17:16
Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India’s First “Open-Air Art Wall Museum” at Mausam Bhawan depicting and celebrating the 150 years of milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mausam Bhawan Art Showcase 38 Murals Depicting IMD’s Meteorological Legacy and Impact
Union Minister Hails IMD’s 150-Year Legacy, Unveils Artistic Tribute to Weather Science
Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first “Open Air Art Wall Museum” a unique open-air art museum at “Mausam Bhawan” today, depicting and celebrating the 150 years of milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The initiative, developed in collaboration with “Delhi Street Art”, transforms the walls of IMD’s headquarters on Lodhi Road into a vibrant visual narrative of India’s meteorological advancements, history, and the impact of weather science on society.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the IMD’s enduring contribution to India’s socio-economic development by providing timely and accurate weather forecasts. “For 150 years, the India Meteorological Department has stood at the forefront of meteorological research, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the challenges of a dynamic climate. This artistic endeavor further extends IMD’s outreach by visually engaging the public with the story of weather science,” he said.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking after inaugurating India’s first “Open Air Art Museum” at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi.
The “Mausam Bhawan” special art showcase features 38 unique murals depicting India’s meteorological history, the evolution of weather forecasting, and its impact on agriculture, disaster management, and everyday life. The artwork illustrates crucial meteorological events, advancements in technology such as satellites and radars, and the role of IMD in safeguarding lives through early warnings for cyclones, monsoons, and extreme weather conditions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the creativity of Delhi Street Art and its founder Late Yogesh Saini, whose vision transformed public spaces into artistic expressions. “Art is a powerful medium, and this project beautifully bridges science and creativity to communicate complex meteorological phenomena in a way that resonates with people of all ages,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that IMD’s pioneering efforts in meteorology have not only contributed to disaster risk reduction but have also played a crucial role in enhancing economic activities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and marine industries. “The accuracy and timeliness of IMD’s forecasts have empowered farmers, fishermen, and policymakers to make informed decisions, reinforcing India’s resilience against climate uncertainties,” he noted.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted that the artistic initiative reflects IMD’s innovative approach to public engagement. “By presenting scientific knowledge through art, we can foster greater awareness about the significance of meteorology in daily life,” he said.
The murals also pay tribute to India’s literary and cultural heritage by incorporating historical references such as Kalidasa’sMeghaduta and the legendary musical prowess of Tansen, who is believed to have influenced weather with his ragas. Other panels depict India’s diverse climatic zones, weather-related safety guidelines, and the scientific evolution of meteorology.
Mayuri Saini, Director of Delhi Street Art, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to IMD’s legacy. “This project is more than just an art installation; it is a tribute to the journey of IMD and its impact on every citizen’s life. It also honors the memory of our founder, Mr. Yogesh Saini, whose passion for transforming urban landscapes through art continues to inspire us.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening India’s meteorological capabilities with continued investments in research, technology, and infrastructure. He acknowledged the efforts of IMD’s scientists and the artistic team in creating an initiative that not only educates but also inspires.
Modeling properties of thunderstorm discharges Researchers report detailed physical properties of different types of corona discharges, including single- and multi-pulse blue discharges linked to powerful but short-lived electrical bursts near the tops of clouds. These details provide a reference for further investigation into the physical mechanisms behind these discharges and their role in the initiation of lightning, an important problem in lightning physics. An ESA (European Space Agency) instrument used to study thunderstorms, Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) provides insights into their role in Earth’s atmosphere and climate, including mechanisms behind the creation of lightning. Understanding how thunderstorms and lightning disturb the upper atmosphere could improve atmospheric models along with climate and weather predictions. These high-altitude discharges also affect aircraft and spacecraft safety.
Evaluating effects of climate change on oceans Researchers conclude that the space station’s ECOSTRESS instrument yields highly accurate sea surface temperature data. Given the instrument’s global coverage and high spatial resolution, these data have potential use in studies of biological and physical oceanography to evaluate regional and local effects of climate change. ECOSTRESS resolves oceanographic features not detectable in imagery from NOAA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite satellite, and has open-ocean coverage, unlike Landsat. Satellites are a fundamental tool to measure sea surface temperatures, which are rising across all oceans due to atmospheric warming induced by climate change.
Describing a gamma ray burst Researchers report detailed observations and analysis of emissions from an exceptionally bright gamma ray burst (GRB), 210619B, detected by the station’s ASIM and other satellite and ground-based instruments. These observations could be useful in determining various properties of GRBs and how they change during different phases. Believed to be generated by the collapse of massive stars, GRBs are the brightest, most explosive transient electromagnetic events in the universe. ASIM can observe thunderstorm discharges difficult to observe from the ground. It has a mode where a detected event triggers observation and onboard storage of data.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Michael Adrian Nieto (31, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license. Nieto faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Nieto, a sworn law enforcement officer, repeatedly purchased and resold firearms to individuals. Among others, Nieto supplied firearms to Ernesto Vazquez, a key member of a criminal conspiracy that smuggled hundreds of firearms to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. In addition, to benefit the conspiracy, Nieto corruptly used police databases to provide sensitive and confidential information to Vazquez.
Between June 6, 2022, and September 4, 2024, Nieto purchased at least 58 firearms. Many of the firearms were identical and were purchased together or close in time to one another. On October 17, 2024, FBI and ATF agents executed a federal search warrant at Nieto’s residence. At the time of the search warrant, 12 firearms were still in his possession.
On October 17, 2024, Nieto was interviewed by FBI and ATF agents. He admitted to repeatedly buying and reselling guns to individuals, including Vazquez, despite knowing that Vazquez was transferring these guns to third parties, in violation of federal law. Nieto also admitted that Vazquez had provided him with illegal items, including a machinegun conversion device.
Vazquez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025.
“The St. Cloud Police Department has worked closely with the Department of Justice to assist them in their investigation regarding former officer Michael Nieto. In the wake of the recent DOJ findings, we are conducting our own in-depth investigation into the matter.” said St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “SCPD pledges to take immediate action should an officer act in a manner that could break a community’s trust, no matter their rank or tenure with the department.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Paducah, KY –A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant was issued last week charging an illegal alien with aggravated identity theft, making a false statement during a firearm transaction, and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to court records, on or about November 11, 2024, Manuel Antonio Xante-Ajanel, 25, a citizen of Guatemala, attempted to purchase a firearm from Academy Sports in Paducah using fraudulent identification belonging to another person. The transaction was terminated when the identification provided was flagged as being fraudulent. A search warrant was executed on January 31, 2025, at the defendant’s residence in Mayfield, Kentucky. Law enforcement located numerous fraudulent identification documents. Later that day, a search warrant was executed on the defendant’s vehicle, yielding a loaded 9-millimeter handgun. The defendant admitted to possessing the firearm and to being in the United States unlawfully.
Homeland Security Investigations verified that Xante-Ajanel is Guatemalan and entered the United States illegally.
Xante-Ajanel is in state custody and will make an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, Xante-Ajanel faces a minimum sentence of 2 years and a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF – Paducah Post of Duty, HSI – Paducah Post of Duty, and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Health Net Federal Services Inc. (HNFS) of Rancho Cordova, California and its corporate parent, St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, have agreed to pay $11,253,400 to resolve claims that HNFS falsely certified compliance with cybersecurity requirements in a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to administer the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) TRICARE health benefits program for servicemembers and their families. In 2016, Centene acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Health Net Inc., HNFS’s corporate parent, and assumed the liabilities of HNFS.
“Companies that hold sensitive government information, including sensitive information of the nation’s servicemembers and their families, must meet their contractual obligations to protect it,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue knowing violations of cybersecurity requirements by federal contractors and grantees to protect Americans’ privacy and economic and national security.”
“Safeguarding sensitive government information, particularly when it relates to the health and well-being of millions of service members and their families, is of paramount importance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “When HNFS failed to uphold its cybersecurity obligations, it didn’t just breach its contract with the government, it breached its duty to the people who sacrifice so much in defense of our nation.”
“This settlement reflects the significance of protecting TRICARE, and the service members and their families who depend on the health care program, from risks of exploitation,” said Cyber Field Office Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General. “DCIS will not be deterred from investigating contractors that fail to comply with federal cybersecurity requirements and risk exposing protected information vulnerable to criminal hackers. The U.S. taxpayers who fund these government contracts expect no less.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, between 2015 and 2018, HNFS failed to meet certain cybersecurity controls and falsely certified compliance with them in annual reports to DHA that were required under its contract to administer the TRICARE program. The United States alleged that HNFS failed to timely scan for known vulnerabilities and to remedy security flaws on its networks and systems, in accordance with its System Security Plan and the response times HNFS had established. Furthermore, the United States alleged HNFS ignored reports from third-party security auditors and its internal audit department of cybersecurity risks on HNFS’ networks and systems related to asset management; access controls; configuration settings; firewalls; end-of-life hardware and software in use; patch management (i.e., installing critical security updates released by vendors to counter known threats); vulnerability scanning; and password policies.
The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California handled the matter, with assistance from DoD’s Office of Inspector General, including the DCIS, Cyber Field Office Western Region and the Inspector General’s Office of Audits, Cyberspace Operations Directorate, and DoD’s Defense Contract Management Agency, Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center.
Trial Attorneys Christopher Wilson, Laura Hill, and Jonathan Thrope of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Tennyson for the Eastern District of California represented the United States in this matter.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
1. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) can only be activated at the request of eligible Member States and accession countries hit by natural disasters within 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002[1]. The EUSF is not a rapid response instrument but a post-disaster relief instrument. Its activation can take several months to complete. To shorten delays, the Commission provides significant upstream support to affected countries and there is a possibility to award advance payments to applicant Member States. The EUSF may cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities. This includes, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations and protection of cultural heritage.
2. On 20 January 2025, the Spanish authorities submitted an application for financial assistance from the EUSF following the floods in the Autonomous Community of Valencia in October 2024. The application was submitted within the 12-week regulatory deadline. The Commission is carefully assessing the submitted documents. If it is assessed that the conditions for mobilising the EUSF are met, the Commission will determine the amount of financial assistance, within the limits of the available financial resources, and will submit its proposal to the European Parliament and the Council for approval.
[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012
Question for written answer E-000559/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Mario Furore (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left)
In 2022, Italy experienced a severe water crisis.
Puglia is one of the twelve regions with high water stress: the continued lack of rainfall, the rise in temperatures and the sinking of unauthorised wells have pushed the Capitanata area into a water disaster, impacting the domestic water supply, agriculture and the local economy. Capitanata’s artificial reservoirs are down by 99 million cubic metres of water compared to last year. Immediate action is needed to maintain the existing reservoirs and build new ones. Building a link between the Liscione reservoir and Capitanata would mean millions of cubic metres of drinking water that are released into the sea each year could be transferred instead. Completing the infrastructure framework is the first step that needs to be taken.
In the light of the above:
1.What financial measures could the Commission take to support Puglia in managing the water emergency?
2.Can the Italian Government use additional water supply infrastructure, as provided for in the Commission communication of 18 July 2007 on addressing water scarcity and droughts in the European Union?
3.Can the Commission verify the status of Puglia’s water infrastructure works financed with national recovery and resilience plan funds?
Tasmania has been burning for more than two weeks, with no end in sight. Almost 100,000 hectares of bushland in the northwest has burned to date. This includes the Tarkine rainforest and alpine ecosystems of Cradle Mountain that may never recover.
The situation has taken emergency services and land management agencies by surprise. The seasonal bushfire outlook for summer 2024 suggested Tasmania’s fire risk was nothing out of the ordinary. The state was also well prepared for bushfire fighting, particularly with specialised aircraft.
But this fire season has turned out to be anything but typical. Firefighting capacity has been stretched to the limit and interstate crews have been called in.
An official inquiry into the bushfires will no doubt be held, given the substantial social, economic and environmental harm – as well as the sizeable costs associated with fighting the fires from the air in remote and rugged landscapes.
Nonetheless, important lessons are emerging from these fires, which speak to the broader, worsening threat as the climate changes.
Understanding the impacts of the fires
Fortunately, direct economic losses from theses fires have been limited so far, despite significant disruption associated with evacuation and road closures. Tourism operators and honey producers have been hardest hit.
The fires caused brief but substantial smoke pollution across the state, placing a range of people with medical conditions at risk.
The full environmental effects and the benefits of prescribed burning are yet to be evaluated. Nonetheless, there is grave concern about damage to unique rainforests and alpine ecosystems. If sufficiently dry the organic soils, or peats, that supports forests and treeless areas in western Tasmania are also vulnerable to combustion.
We undertook a preliminary estimate of how much highly fire-sensitive vegetation – plant communities that will take more than 50 years to recover – may have burned. This involved comparing the current bushfire boundaries or footprint, based on satellite data and field reconnaissance, to vegetation mapping used for various purposes including fire management. We put the figure at 19,716 hectares of vegetation. However, it’s possible not all of this burned and islands of unburned vegetation persist within the broad fire boundary.
Our estimation includes 10,419 hectares of temperate rainforest (10% of the fire area) and 462 hectares of alpine vegetation (0.45% of the fire area). Neither of these vegetation types can readily tolerate fire.
Our analysis suggests about half of fire-affected rainforest areas have been previously burned by fires since 1982 (48%) and some small areas have burned twice (5%). Recurrent fires in rainforest can result in permanent loss of this vegetation. Just how much damage has been done will require further assessment.
Current area affected by bushfires in northwestern Tasmania, comparing data from Geoscience Australia on bushfire boundaries and Land Information Services Tasmania on vegetation. Note, not all of the shaded area has burned. Grant Williamson
Emergence of new fire patterns
The number of fires ignited by lightning have increased in Tasmania since the 1990s. When the lightning occurs in storms without much rain, or where the rain evaporates before it hits the ground, it’s known as dry lightning.
Concerningly, in the last decade two other major dry lightning fire events have occurred,
likely a signal of a change in fire activity. As a result, fires are burning into areas that historically are rarely affected by fire, damaging the natural values of the Tasmanian wilderness.
This event could not be predicted
Going into summer, experts were concerned that soils across western Tasmania were particularly dry. This increased the fire risk in the seasonal outlook.
The recent rapid fire growth in Tasmania was caused by the unusual combination of regional drying (including dry soils), an extreme lightning storm and subsequent strong winds.
But the sequence of events that caused this fire to take off could not have been predicted more than a week ahead. That’s because it is impossible to predict lightning and windstorms outside the seven-day window of weather forecasts.
What’s more, our research shows it is currently not possible to reliably predict which lightning strikes will start fire.
By February 12, more than a dozen fires had burned around 50,000 hectares in the state’s northwest. NASA Earth Observatory
Rapid attack and fire suppression have practical limits
Massive lightning storms that ignite multiple fires overwhelm the capacity of firefighters to locate and immediately extinguish all the flames.
Unfavourable weather conditions caused the west coast fires to rapidly grow. Firefighting shifted from attempts to extinguish the fire to instead contain its spread. This involved techniques such as targeted waterbombing, back burning and building fire breaks.
These approaches have been successful in some cases, notably the deployment of retardant drops to contain the Canning Peak fire, saving extensive stands of conifer rainforest. But suppression efforts were imperfect, as the loss of a private tourist facility hut on the Overland Track has demonstrated.
Managing these massive fires demands triage – making difficult choices about where to direct firefighting effort. Effective triage requires a detailed understanding of the location of areas of high economic, cultural and environmental value. High-quality mapping of these sites and involvement of specialists in the broader decision-making process is essential.
The Tasmanian government does have maps and expertise to guide triage, but there are calls for more investment to protect the region’s ecological values. This is particularly important for small, localised sites vulnerable to fire, such as groves of ancient Huon pine.
Fires continue to burn in Tasmania’s west, putting wilderness areas at risk (7.30)
Broader lessons for fire fighting
Dry lightning storms are hard to predict, extraordinarily difficult to contain, and can cause substantial economic, social and environmental harms.
Technology alone – such as that which combines satellites, artificial intelligence, drones and water bombers – is not enough to eliminate these fires. What’s needed is a diverse portfolio of approaches, involving a combination of:
reducing fuel loads by prescribed burning
firefighting that is carefully targeted using high quality data
expertise embedded in firefighting teams.
Researchers and fire managers must also identify the best strategies for prescribed burning to reduce bushfire risk while protecting areas of high economic, conservation and cultural value.
Climate change will bring more frequent monster fires – and fighting them demands a broad suite of investment.
David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and also receives funding from the New South Wales Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.
Grant Williamson receives funding from the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.
As temperatures inch upwards, bushfires will become more severe and more frequent, posing risks to more homes. But fires don’t affect homes equally. Older homes built before fire resilience standards became mandatory are at higher risk of going up in flames.
In the aftermath of the devastating LA fires, there are signs that newer homes have fared better than older ones. Previous fires in California and Australia have shown newer homes built with fire-resilient features are more likely to survive than older homes.
The problem is, more than half (55%) of Australia’s homes were built 30 or more years ago – before national standards for fire resilience were introduced.
The good news: you can take action to make older homes more resilient.
Why are new homes better able to survive bushfires?
Location, vegetation and luck play a role in determining which houses survive fires. But there is also evidence newer homes with heat- and ember-resistant features survive better.
Construction standards in both Australia and the United States require the use of materials and designs which reduce fire risk.
In Australia, the national construction standards have been in place since the early 1990s. Over time, the standards have expanded to include more fire-resistant features, such as fire-resistant external walls.
By contrast, older homes are more likely to be built of flammable materials such as wood and untreated timber. Older homes are also more likely to have mature trees and shrubs closer to the house, which can increase fire risk. But as the CSIRO Bushfire Best Practice Guide points out, “trees can also be used to shield against wind, absorb radiant heat, and to filter embers […] when located at a safe distance from the house”.
More exacting construction standards apply for homes built in areas considered at risk of bushfire. State and territory governments have interactive maps of these areas.
Unfortunately, climate change is expanding these areas at risk. As the LA wildfires show, warmer climates mean fire can attack suburbs and cities thought to be safe from bushfire.
Climate change is also making home ownership more expensive, as insurance premiums rise in the wake of more expensive disasters. Analysts predict banks may begin rejecting mortgage applications for properties in areas at high risk from fire.
But for these homes to be brought up to modern standards of bushfire resistance, they often require significant retrofitting. These retrofits can drastically reduce the risk of ignition.
How do houses actually ignite? Wind-blown embers are a common cause in starting house fires. If a few houses in a town start burning, the fire can spread house to house.
Here are 5 ways to protect your older house:
1. Upgrade external vents. Traditional external vents are designed to ventilate rooms and roofs. But they also permit embers to gain access to attics and crawl spaces and spark a fire. Upgrading to ember-resistant vents can directly improve your home’s resilience.
2. Install ember gutter guards. Ember-resistant gutter guards are made of metal and have finer mesh than normal gutter guards. These help to prevent the build-up of dry leaves and twigs and stop small embers from landing.
3. Upgrade windows and walls. You can cut your risk further by installing bushfire-resistant shutters for windows, using fire-resistant material for wall insulation and replacing combustible material with better alternatives such as metal roofing, fibre cement siding for walls and tempered glass windows.
4. Check your deck and verandah. Wooden decks and verandahs are risky in high-risk areas. If they need to be rebuilt, choose fire-resistant materials.
5. Make space around your home. In fire-prone areas, removing trees and shrubs within 20 metres of the house can reduce risk. A well-managed area of pavers and low-density plants and shrubs close to the home acts as a fire break.
Ahead of fire season, making and updating an evacuation plan is equally vital. Homeowners should prepare emergency kits with essential documents, medications, and protective gear. If a fire starts in your area, applying fire-retardant gels to surfaces at risk can provide temporary protection.
In high risk areas, ensuring clear space between vegetation and the house can cut fire risk. Pictured: a house in Balmoral, New South Wales, after fire passed through in 2020. Daria Nipot/Shutterstock
Homeowners can use the National Emergency Management Authority’s bushfire resilience rating app to assess their home’s bushfire risk and to see which retrofits are highest priority.
Australia’s housing crisis has been front page news for months. As we head towards the federal election, it will remain a hot-button issue. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet heard discussion of the risk posed to our housing stock from bushfires made worse by climate change.
While planning controls and building standards can raise the standards of future homes, better support and incentives are needed to retrofit existing homes – especially for those built before fire safety standards became the norm.
Retrofitting is crucial. But it’s not cheap. Costs can range from A$8,500 to $47,000 per property.
These expenses can be prohibitive for many homeowners. Initiatives such as the Bushfire Resilience Rating Home Self-Assessment app can result in insurers offering premium discounts to homeowners using it to introduce recommended measures.
In some areas, local governments offer financial assistance for retrofitting, such as the Bushfire Wise Rebate by Ku-ring-gai Council in NSW.
Without greater financial support or government incentives, a significant portion of Australia’s housing stock will remain vulnerable, increasing risks as climate change expands fire-prone areas.
Subha Parida receives receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
Lyrian Daniel receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).
Michaela Lang receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).
The cleanup is underway in northern Queensland following the latest flooding catastrophe to hit the state. More than 7,000 insurance claims have already been lodged, most of them for inundated homes and other structures.
The Queensland floods are a reminder that climate-induced natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe in Australia. Recent reports have identified the high number of Australian homes that are vulnerable to the increased risks of floods, coastal erosion and bushfires.
Despite the evidence of escalating danger to homes and communities, we are ill-prepared for severe weather events. A new report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute spells out the case for better integration, especially of urban planning processes. This is urgently needed to reduce the exposure of housing to growing disaster risks.
Top priorities for planning authorities must include an end to building homes in the wrong locations, such as flood zones, and improving the resilience of dwellings to disaster hazards.
Poor coordination
At the national level, there is little integration of the three pillars of sound strategy: housing policy, settlement planning and disaster management. For example, neither housing policy nor planning frameworks incorporate disaster preparedness or mitigation.
A focus on disaster response and recovery also hinders proper coordination in the disaster prevention area, even though avoidance in the first place is clearly more cost effective.
And the National Urban Policy includes “sustainable and resilient” as one of its three major goals for liveable cities.
At the state and territory level, there is more clearly defined coordination through state emergency management planning. It also occurs via fire agencies that advise on planning proposals.
In New South Wales, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is responsible for developing and implementing the State Disaster Mitigation Plan and for housing recovery.
This means settlement planning and relevant housing issues are directly under the auspices of the agency responsible for disaster prevention and recovery. This is one way to improve integration, but further coordination with housing and planning agencies would be desirable.
Greater focus on risk reduction
Relevant Australian agencies are enhancing their approaches to disaster management in relation to housing. But housing policy still needs to accord greater priority to disaster risk reduction. This includes the location and resilience of housing relative to climate change hazards, such as fires and floods.
In settlement planning, tensions between disaster risk reduction and economic and other development goals need to be addressed. Planning processes and policies to move communities away from risk areas via managed retreat and possibly compensation schemes must be developed.
We can look to international experience for guidance. In Quebec, Canada the provincial government offered significant funding towards property buybacks after floods in 2017 and 2019. It also introduced a cap on disaster aid in high risk locations. Bylaw regulations banned any new developments or reconstruction.
Households had to decide to either relocate or bear the cost of repeated disaster recovery. This strategy is an example of a successful relocation plan in an area at risk of repeated future flooding.
The strategy received a relatively positive response from the affected municipalities and homeowners, potentially due to the generous buyout offers.
This example illustrates the need for policies to manage disaster risk and urban development much more clearly.
Better integration needed
A whole of government approach that establishes clear policy and planning responsibilities would improve integration. It would also allow agencies to develop clearer strategies for the task. Improved data availability and harmonisation of risk identification would further support good decision making by housing and planning agencies.
At the operational level, more staff exchanges between housing, planning, and emergency agencies would support capacity building.
Detailed evaluations of housing experiences and planning outcomes from previous disasters would underpin improvements and integration. This occurs to some extent through formal statutory inquiries into disasters.
A standardised evaluation for housing and planning agencies would provide more focused insights. One idea is to gauge temporary housing programs to build an inventory of suitable and available temporary housing types.
In addition to coordination between government agencies, there is also a need to better communicate with the public on potential disaster risks. Local communities need to be included in planning, both for short-term disaster management and longer-term resettlement decisions.
If we fail to better integrate housing policy with disaster preparation, we will continue to build on flood plains and other high risk areas. People, and their homes, will remain on the front line of deadly natural disasters.
Annette Kroen receives funding from Natural Hazards Research Australia and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.
RMIT University receives finding from AHURI and NHRA to support Jago Dodson’s research which is relevant to this article, as well as a range of other funding sources.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
If you applied for FEMA assistance after the LA County wildfires and still have questions about your case, you can speak directly to a FEMA representative. Help is available 7 days a week. You can call 800-621-3362 or, you can visit a disaster recovery center to speak to someone.
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), top Democrat on Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, issued the following statement:
“I am horrified by reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the Zamzam IDP camp outside El Fasher, Sudan, indiscriminately shooting people and setting fires. Zamzam is a place where half a million Sudanese civilians, including hundreds of thousands of children, have sought shelter and safety from violence by the RSF and allied militias in the surrounding area and other parts of Darfur. This is already an extremely vulnerable population, living in dire circumstances, with famine confirmed there last year, and warnings from the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum of the potential for acts of genocide. It is also being reported that the RSF stopped cellular and web services in the area, which cuts off emergency communications and limits the ability to document attacks taking place.
“The RSF must stop the ruthless atrocities perpetrated against civilians, and all parties must ensure the safety and freedom of movement for all civilians and humanitarian workers in the area. I call on the Trump administration to take immediate action to protect the displaced community at Zamzam, ensure accountability for the violence committed, ramp up diplomatic engagement, and immediately restart all emergency humanitarian assistance that USAID provided to the Sudanese people to save lives.”
An investigation is under way into the death of a person, who was found following a car fire at Puketaha overnight.
Emergency services were called to a vehicle fire at the intersection of Marshmeadow and Holland roads about 3.50am. The person was found deceased in the vehicle by firefighters, who notified Police.
The death is being treated as unexplained and cordons are in place while a scene examination is carried out.
Diversions are expected to be in place for several hours and trains are delayed while Police work at the scene.
Information will be released proactively when it becomes available.
Health Net Federal Services Inc. (HNFS) of Rancho Cordova, California and its corporate parent, St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, have agreed to pay $11,253,400 to resolve claims that HNFS falsely certified compliance with cybersecurity requirements in a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to administer the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) TRICARE health benefits program for servicemembers and their families. In 2016, Centene acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Health Net Inc., HNFS’s corporate parent, and assumed the liabilities of HNFS.
“Companies that hold sensitive government information, including sensitive information of the nation’s servicemembers and their families, must meet their contractual obligations to protect it,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue knowing violations of cybersecurity requirements by federal contractors and grantees to protect Americans’ privacy and economic and national security.”
“Safeguarding sensitive government information, particularly when it relates to the health and well-being of millions of service members and their families, is of paramount importance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “When HNFS failed to uphold its cybersecurity obligations, it didn’t just breach its contract with the government, it breached its duty to the people who sacrifice so much in defense of our nation.”
“This settlement reflects the significance of protecting TRICARE, and the service members and their families who depend on the health care program, from risks of exploitation,” said Cyber Field Office Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General. “DCIS will not be deterred from investigating contractors that fail to comply with federal cybersecurity requirements and risk exposing protected information vulnerable to criminal hackers. The U.S. taxpayers who fund these government contracts expect no less.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, between 2015 and 2018, HNFS failed to meet certain cybersecurity controls and falsely certified compliance with them in annual reports to DHA that were required under its contract to administer the TRICARE program. The United States alleged that HNFS failed to timely scan for known vulnerabilities and to remedy security flaws on its networks and systems, in accordance with its System Security Plan and the response times HNFS had established. Furthermore, the United States alleged HNFS ignored reports from third-party security auditors and its internal audit department of cybersecurity risks on HNFS’ networks and systems related to asset management; access controls; configuration settings; firewalls; end-of-life hardware and software in use; patch management (i.e., installing critical security updates released by vendors to counter known threats); vulnerability scanning; and password policies.
The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California handled the matter, with assistance from DoD’s Office of Inspector General, including the DCIS, Cyber Field Office Western Region and the Inspector General’s Office of Audits, Cyberspace Operations Directorate, and DoD’s Defense Contract Management Agency, Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center.
Trial Attorneys Christopher Wilson, Laura Hill, and Jonathan Thrope of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Tennyson for the Eastern District of California represented the United States in this matter.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
We’ve heard from quite a few business owners who are interested in working with FEMA to help communities recover from the devastating wildfires in LA County. If you’re a business owner and you’re interested in becoming a vendor and competing for federal contracts, here’s what you’ll need to do.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Crews are out in LA County clearing debris and ash from properties that were burned by the recent wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency continues to clear hazardous household materials from impacted properties, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is coming right behind them to remove concrete, metal, trees, and ash from the properties. This service is free, but you must submit a Right of Entry form to participate. You can do that online at recovery.lacounty.gov or by calling 844-347-3332. The deadline to opt in is March 31, 2025.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
If your home or property was damaged from the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, FEMA may be able to help you repair or replace the items. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance. The deadline is March 10, 2025—apply today!
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
If insurance doesn’t cover all your wildfire losses, FEMA may help. Send FEMA your insurance documents—like a settlement letter or benefits statement—to see if you qualify.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
ATLANTA – Montrez Ballard has been sentenced to ten years in prison after firing a machine gun at a Georgia State Patrol officer.
“Ballard’s brazen actions endangered the life of a law enforcement officer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Moultrie, Jr. “This lengthy prison sentence reflects Ballard’s dangerous, and potentially lethal, attack on a Georgia State Patrol trooper whose very mission is to help keep our community safe.”
“The swift and coordinated response of law enforcement ensured that a dangerous individual was taken off the streets before he could inflict further harm. ATF will not stand by while criminals use illegally modified weapons to terrorize our communities. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who believe they can act without consequence,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 21, 2023, Ballard, driving a Nissan Maxima, abruptly cut off a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper in Atlanta. Ballard fled from the trooper after the officer activated his emergency equipment to stop Ballard. In his attempt to evade the trooper, Ballard drove more than 20 miles per hour above the speed limit in a residential neighborhood, ran stop signs, and nearly struck another motorist.
Minutes into the chase, Ballard’s vehicle crashed into a stop sign. Ballard then exited his vehicle and fled on foot. When the trooper chased him, Ballard confronted the officer and fired at least three shots at the trooper. The trooper returned fire but Ballard escaped.
Other law enforcement agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, responded to help locate Ballard. Officers eventually arrested Ballard – who was on probation for a state robbery offense at the time – and recovered his firearm. Ballard’s gun, a Glock 19 9mm handgun, was examined and determined to be equipped with a device that converted the weapon into a machine gun, allowing the gun to fire continuously without multiple trigger pulls.
Montrez Ballard, 21, of Hampton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown, Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Headline: Building resilient digital security in education with Windows 11
Learn ways to strengthen your institution’s digital security, drive greater productivity, and accelerate learning with Windows 11.
Around the world, the education sector is increasingly targeted by cyberthreats. In fact, education was the third-most targeted industry by cybercriminals in Q2 2024, and the second-most targeted sector by nation-state threat actors in 2024. These attacks often carry devastating consequences, from identity theft to severe breaches across education networks and systems. With the rise of digital learning and the proliferation of connected devices—alongside continually evolving threats—IT departments face a greater challenge to secure digital environments in education.
In the modern threat landscape, it’s important to consider whether your cybersecurity strategy is equipped to help you navigate these challenges. Deploying the most up-to-date devices, software, and operating systems can help close security vulnerabilities and build proactive protection. Windows 11 helps you strengthen your overall security posture, drive greater productivity, and build safer communities for learning, working, and teaching.
Unlock greater productivity while maintaining robust and comprehensive protection
Today, organizations around the world are rethinking their security approaches down to their hardware. Cybersecurity software alone is no longer enough to protect systems as bad actors leverage new technologies and tactics to bypass defenses and access critical resources.
Designed to address education’s most critical cyberthreats, Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows to date, designed with security built into each level, including:
Cloud
Identity
Application
Operating system
Hardware
The default security features of Windows 11 were created based on threat intelligence, global regulatory requirements, and Microsoft Security expertise. Through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers and silicon manufacturers, Windows 11 is designed for greater security starting at the chip level—enabling hardware and software to work together to shrink the organizational attack surface, protect system integrity, and secure institutional data.
Get the Windows 11 security whitepaper
To simplify deployment for IT teams, Windows 11 comes with key out-of-the-box features enabled, including:
Credential safeguards
Application protection
Malware shields
It’s also designed to integrate with Microsoft Security Copilot, which leverages generative AI capabilities to provide greater insights and efficiency to help improve security at scale. Windows 11 Pro devices drive a 62% drop in reported security incidents and are shown to accelerate workflows by 50% on average, helping you and your organization achieve more with less time and effort. Let’s take a deeper look at how Windows 11 helps you tackle cybersecurity challenges across different environments.
Application safeguards help keep critical data safe
Windows 11 offers a complete platform for educational institutions to house and protect critical applications such as learning management systems (LMS), administrative software, and productivity tools. Attackers often target poorly secured applications, which is why Windows 11 provides you with built-in capabilities such as preemptive application and driver control to isolate breaches quickly. Robust application safeguards help you maintain governance of your sensitive data, including:
Student records
Financial information
Access credentials
Research data
Windows 11 is designed to support Zero Trust strategies, which play a key role in helping you strengthen application and operating system protection. This approach is centered around the principles of “verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach,” meaning that you and your team can verify each access request as though it originated from an uncontrolled network—instead of assuming that everything behind the firewall is safe.
To that end, Windows 11 enables you to more easily find and detect cyberthreats, respond to them, and prevent or block undesired events across your education institution. In the case of a presumed breach, you can combat common application attacks from the moment a device is provisioned. When it comes to network security, granting access within a trust-by-exception policy versus a trust-by-default policy helps better protect the digital security, privacy, and compliance needs of your educational community.
Deliver end-to-end protection with Windows 11 cloud-based device management
With the introduction of more tech solutions, many education institutions face new challenges in managing cybersecurity. Having more devices across school and home environments creates more access points for potential attackers. To get ahead of potential breaches, get started with proactive, end-to-end device management strategies that help protect privacy and security.
Windows 11 helps empower you and your IT team by offering comprehensive cloud services for identity, storage, and access management. Adhering to Zero Trust principles, enforcing compliance, and granting conditional access helps verify that Windows 11 devices connected to an organization’s networks are trustworthy and safe. With more than 90% of ransom-stage cyberattacks leveraging unmanaged devices in a network, interoperable cloud-based device management solutions enable you to secure the digital estate and quickly respond to threats.
Managing and enabling secure use of devices at scale can also be a challenge for IT departments at education institutions. To give you and your team greater visibility and control over their digital estate, Windows 11 offers an integrated management suite. This suite supports comprehensive endpoint management solutions such as Microsoft Intune that help secure, deploy, and manage users, apps, and devices.1 Intune can further integrate with Microsoft Entra ID to manage security features and processes, including multifactor authentication.
Additionally, Windows Hello enables you to deploy passwordless authentication for a safer and simpler sign-in experience. Thanks to the addition of passkeys, students can enjoy even greater security and convenience by using their face, fingerprint, or PIN to sign in to websites and apps. Enhanced threat detection on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint helps shield devices against phishing and malware and empowers IT teams to thwart attacks before they cause harm.1 By adding Security Copilot, IT staff can leverage natural language queries to get holistic insights on the security and safety of their organization, which can help drive better decision-making and strategic planning.
Start preparing now for future security protections
In planning your security approach, your institution has an opportunity to adopt modern, secure, and highly efficient computing solutions that help your organization tackle the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow. Windows 11 offers powerful, hardware-backed protection that provides a foundation for implementing new technology solutions as they’re developed, such as AI that helps accelerate workflows and supercharge efficiency of operations.
Explore Windows 11
Now is the time to identify devices in your organization that are due for upgrades and start improving your institution’s security and your IT team’s efficiency today. Get started with these resources:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and 9 Senate Democrats demanded answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims.
In a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, the senators requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.
“The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years — from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” the senators wrote to Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.
“Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it,” continued the senators. “But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”
The senators concluded, “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust — perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.”
In their letter, the senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:
Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?
How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?
The full text of the letter is here and below:
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
We write with serious concern about reports that Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has obtained access to sensitive information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including the personal data of thousands of disaster victims.
The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont, Minnesota, and Connecticut and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawai’i, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents.
Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it.
But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.
When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust — perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.
To understand the scope of that breach and the extent of your compliance with federal law, we request responses to the following items by no later than February 28, 2025:
Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?
How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest and charges filed against a suspect who was running an illegal assault weapon manufacturing and assembly operation out of his garage in Roseville. In addition, a significant cache of rifles, large capacity magazines, and ammunition were seized from his residence. An investigation began after the suspect was found to be attempting to sell assault weapons as a gun show trader at the Placerville Gun Show. Felony charges were filed by the DOJ Criminal Division for manufacturing assault weapons for sale, possession of assault weapons, and possession of a silencer.
“As California’s chief law enforcement officer, protecting public safety and our communities from the threat of gun violence is my top priority,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The regulations and protocols surrounding firearm purchases have been put in place to ensure the safety of California. When bad actors try to skirt the rules and bypass these integral processes, it creates situations with deadly consequences. I’m proud of the work our Field Representatives and Special Agents do on behalf of the people of California. These brave agents and field representatives are rarely in the spotlight, but they are working every day to prevent gun violence from ever happening by removing dangerous weapons from communities.”
On November 3, 2024, Field Representatives from the Bureau of Firearms Regulatory Compliance Unit carried out a regulatory inspection at the Placerville Gun Show. During this inspection, they overheard a gun show trader attempting to sell a silencer to potential buyers. Consequently, the trader’s firearms were examined, revealing two illegal assault weapons available for sale. This led Special Agents to conduct a thorough investigation. On November 12, 2024, with the assistance of the Roseville Police Department SWAT team, Special Agents executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. They seized 8 illegal assault rifles and a silencer, as well as numerous other handguns, rifles, disassembled rifles, firearm parts, large capacity magazines, and rounds of ammunition.
It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
