News from June 2023


News Release: DHS Completes Construction, Commissioning of National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has completed the construction and commissioning of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. NBAF is the first U.S. laboratory with biosafety level-4 containment, capable of housing large livestock animals; and one of only a few facilities in the world with these capabilities


National Internet Safety Month: Together, we can make our K-12 schools cybersecure. It’s fundamental.

The education of our children is fundamental to our way of life. If someone had told me 10 or 20 years ago that I would live to see K-12 schools and whole districts shut down operations because of cybersecurity breaches, I wouldn’t have believed them. Yet, that’s exactly what we’re seeing.


​​​​​​​Informing and Inspiring the Next Generation of Cyber Talent Through Competition 

Last week, U.S. Cyber Games® began competition to identify and select the Season III, U.S. Cyber Team. Over the next few months, athletes aged 18-24 will compete in a series of events that will culminate with selecting the top cyber athletes in October for the Season III team to compete at the 2024 International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC).I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the kickoff event for Season III, U.S. Cyber Open®.


Joint Guide to Securing Remote Access Software Released by CISA and Partners

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), and Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) released today the Guide to Securing Remote Access Software. This joint guide informs organizations how to detect and defend against malicious actors abusing this software by providing common exploitations and associated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).


SAFECOM Releases Updated Introductory Presentation for Stakeholder Use

SAFECOM Releases Updated Introductory Presentation for Stakeholder Use


Requests for Public Assistance Deadline Extended to June 9

State and local governments, community, and volunteer organizations, including houses of worship, affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County have until June 9, 2023, to submit their requests to the state for FEMA Public Assistance funding.


FEMA is Hiring Tennesseans – Join the Tornado Recovery Team

FEMA is seeking Tennessee residents to fill a growing list of positions to assist with recovery from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes. Current jobs are based in Nashville.


FEMA Administrator Visits National Hurricane Center, Urges Residents to Prepare Now Ahead of Hurricane Season

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami on Wednesday to meet with meteorologists ahead of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins today.


FEMA Administrator Visits National Hurricane Center, Urges Residents to Prepare Now Ahead of Hurricane Season

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami on Wednesday to meet with meteorologists ahead of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins today.


FEMA Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month

This month, FEMA joins the Biden-Harris Administration in recognition of Pride Month, honoring the diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community and their vast contributions to our agency and our nation.


FEMA Funds Will Guarantee Power Generators to Serve Communities

Over $1 million will support critical services during an emergency through backup energy


Recovery Efforts Continue with over 600 FEMA Personnel Following Typhoon Mawar, FEMA Urges Residents in Guam to be Cautious as Possible Flooding Threatens the Area

Following President Biden’s amended Major Disaster Declaration for Guam on Sunday, FEMA has received nearly 5,300 registrations for assistance and urges survivors to continue to register.


Get Ready NOW: Hurricane Season Starts Today

As hurricane season officially begins today, it is crucial for residents to prepare themselves and their families for potential storms. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a near-normal hurricane season this year, with the potential for 12-17 named storms, it only takes one storm to disrupt the lives of individuals, families, and businesses.


FEMA Awards Over $1.3 Million to Connecticut for COVID Temporary Hospital Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.3 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the cost of steps taken to open several temporary hospitals to handle the overflow caused by COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.


Disaster Recovery Center Opens at Guam Community College

Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can now apply for federal disaster assistance and get information on recovery in a Disaster Recovery Center at the Guam Community College.


Disaster Recovery Center Opens at Dededo Sports Complex

Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can now apply for federal disaster assistance and get information on recovery in a Disaster Recovery Center at the Dededo Sports Complex.


Las Vegas Claims Office Moves to Permanent Location

The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Las Vegas Claims Office is moving to its new location at 216 Mills Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701 (in Mills Plaza near the Big R and Family Dollar) and will be open for business beginning Wednesday June 7, 2023.


Russian Nationals Charged With Hacking One Cryptocurrency Exchange And Illicitly Operating Another

News Release: Charges Brought by the Southern District of New York, the Northern District of California, and the Department of Justices Criminal Division


The Deadline to Apply to FEMA has been Extended to July 20

News Release: SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Renters and homeowners in the 12 counties eligible for FEMA assistance due to the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March now have an additional 45 days, until July 20, 2023, to apply for FEMA assistance. The previous deadline was Monday, June 5. The eligible counties include Butte,Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.


Californians Affected by Recent Storms and Flooding Eligible for Rental Assistance

News Release: SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Residents who cannot live in their homes while repairing damage from the severe storms and flooding that started on Feb. 21, or must find a new place to live, can apply for temporary rental assistance from FEMA. Residents in the disaster designated counties of Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne may apply.