News from May 2023
Nearly 4,000 Fraudulent Refrigerator Water Filters Seized by CBP at LA/LB Seaport
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 30, 2023
The Water Filters infringed NSF Certification Protected Trademarks
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Guam’s Major Disaster Declaration Authorizing Additional Federal Assistance to Help Individuals and Families Jumpstart Recovery Following Typhoon Mawar
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: WASHINGTON -- President Biden amended the Major Disaster Declaration for Guam on Sunday, authorizing additional federal assistance to disaster survivors to help aid in their recovery from Typhoon Mawar. Survivors who are uninsured or underinsured can register for assistance that may include funding to repair or replace their homes, temporary housing, access to low-interest loans or other programs to help them jumpstart their recovery.
DHS-OPO grant application closes on July 28
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project grant opened on May 30.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Identity Theft and Fraud Scheme
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: RICHMOND, Va. A Los Angeles, California, man pleaded guilty today to fraud and identity theft charges in connection with stealing the identity of the owner of a Richmond auto shop, Lotsey & Hardy Tire Company.
Secret Service and CISA Release Toolkit for K-12 Schools to Strengthen School Safety Reporting Programs
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: Joint toolkit includes action-oriented guidance, self-assessment worksheets, reference resources, and useful checklists
Baton Rouge Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing Numerous PPP and EIDL Loan Applications Totaling More than $1 Million and Laundering the Fraudulent Proceeds
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Tiera R. Lands, age 30, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with numerous false and fraudulent applications that she filed to obtain funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program in 2020 and 2021.
Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Memorial Day Weekend
By Homeland Newswire | May 30, 2023
News Release: INDIANAPOLIS - All Disaster Recovery Centers in Indiana will be closed Memorial Day weekend, May 27 - 29. They will reopen Tuesday, May 30, with their normal hours.
DHS S&T Announces Track 2 of the Remote Identity Validation Tech Demo Challenge
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announces the launch of Track 2 of the Remote Identity Validation Technology Demonstration (RIVTD)
S&T’s Founding Scientists Return to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Ten months following the catastrophic 9/11 attacks, nine scientists and one support staff left their homes, families, and jobs to relocate to Washington, DC. Tapped by the White House through the Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories for their scientific talent, their task was to help create the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and stand up its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) in the Transition Planning Office (TPO).
U.S. and International Partners Release Advisory Warning of PRC State-Sponsored Cyber Activity
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Communications Security Establishment’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ), and the United Kingdom National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK) are publishing a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory today that shares technical details regarding malicious activity by a People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actor.
SAFECOM Nationwide Survey Data Provides Real-World Insights to Improve Emergency Communications Preparedness
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Achieving secure and resilient communications across the Emergency Communications Ecosystem is essential for public safety agencies to execute their missions.
CISA, FBI, NSA, MS-ISAC Publish Updated #StopRansomware Guide
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) today published the #StopRansomware Guide—an updated version of the 2020 guide containing additional recommended actions, resources, and tools. This publication was produced through the Joint Ransomware Task Force (JRTF), an interagency body established by Congress in 2022 to ensure unity of effort in combating the threat of ransomware attacks.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm and flooding Feb. 23-26, 2023.
One Month Left to Register for Disaster Assistance
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Indiana residents affected by the March 31 – April 1 storms and tornados have one month left to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
Disaster Legal Services Available
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Hoosiers in disaster-designated counties affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes may now have access to free legal advice through Disaster Legal Services (DLS), which provides free help with disaster-related legal issues for low-income disaster survivors.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces an Additional $160 Million to Build Climate and Disaster Resilience Nationwide, Including Over $50 Million for Tribal Nations
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Over 45 Disadvantaged and Underserved Communities Selected for Direct Technical Assistance
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program FY 2022 Subapplication and Selection Status
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive annual grant program that provides funding to states, local communities, federally recognized tribes, and territories. Funds can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.
It’s Important to Submit an SBA Disaster Loan Application Soon
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
Survivors of Indiana’s March 31 – April 1 severe storms and tornadoes who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan.
Disaster Recovery Center Revisits Clinton County
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
A Disaster Recovery Center will revisit Clinton County from May 22 – 24 to help survivors of the March 31 – April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.
Nearly $80 Million from FEMA To Address Mental Health in Puerto Rico
By Homeland Newswire Report | May 31, 2023
The allocations will support the services offered by ASSMCA in various facilities on the island.