Castillo's bid to unseat Baird gets backing from Christian right Nov 19, 2009
He worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor and as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs in the George W. Bush administration. Jon Russell, a Washougal city councilman and owner of a community clinic in Washougal, also has formally announced his candidacy for Baird s 3rd District seat. (Longview Daily News, WA)
For stimulus funds, unlikely destinations Nov 19, 2009
A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security said it accepted 218 of the eligible 420 grant applications, and owners of US-inspected passenger vessels, such as Entertainment Cruises, were encouraged to apply. Academic researchers in Massachusetts also have benefited from stimulus funding for an eclectic assortment of projects, including studying circadian clocks of monarch butterflies, researching tusks of the Narwhal whale in the Arctic, and developing a colony of robotic bees. (Boston Globe)
* Security firm warns of cyber arms race Nov 19, 2009
Over the past year, the increase in politically motivated cyber-attacks has raised alarm and caution, with targets including the White House, Department of Homeland Security, US Secret Service and Department of Defense in the US alone, the report said. Nation-states are actively developing cyberwarfare capabilities and involved in the cyber arms race, targeting government networks and critical infrastructures, the report said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Byrd longest-serving congressman Nov 18, 2009
An ardent foe of President George W. Bush's policies in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Byrd opposed creating the Department of Homeland Security in 2002 and called Bush "dangerous, reckless and arrogant" in February 2003, six weeks before the Iraq war started. Three months later, he criticized Bush's landing a jet on the USS Abraham Lincoln to signal the end of the Iraq war as "flamboyant showmanship.". (CNN)
Click to read: Too Much Video Surveillance? Nov 18, 2009
Koeppen reported the Department of Homeland Security has given cities and towns more than $1 billion to install cameras in public places -- and that's in addition to private cameras in stores and other businesses. Koeppen said there are lots of cameras, but not a lot of regulation. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Plano referees face child porn charges Nov 17, 2009
According to Mandy Griffith, federal prosecutor and project safe childhood coordinator, Blanks investigation was led by the Plano Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. The task force revealed Blank transported child pornography both within the United States and to foreign countries -- that he obtained on his home computer. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Border czar coming full circle He came to San Diego in 1993 as a little-known civil lawyer from Los Angeles, selected by a graduate-school friend who happened to be ... Nov 17, 2009
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Bersin is not granting interviews before his Senate confirmation hearing, which has not been scheduled. A Harvard University classmate of former Vice President Al Gore and a friend of former President Bill Clinton when both were Rhodes Scholars, Bersin is a Spanish speaker and student of border politics. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
NY GOV. RIPS WHITE HOUSE Nov 17, 2009
Paterson Rips White House For NYC 9/11 Trial - wcbstv. I think terrorism isn't just attack, it's anxiety and I think you feel the anxiety and frustration of New Yorkers who took the bullet for the rest of the country," he said. Paterson's comments break with Democrats, who generally support the President's decision. "Our country was attacked on its own soil on September 11, 2001 and New York was very much the epicenter of that attack. (The Drudge Report)
Rooney: How To Become A Citizen Nov 16, 2009
To begin with you have to fill out a 10-page application and pay $675 to the Department of Homeland Security. They take your picture, fingerprint you and interview you. (CBS News)
Checkpoint start date still up in the air Nov 15, 2009
Then, in a Nov. 8 Green Valley News article, a spokesman said Giffords had spoken to the Department of Homeland Security and was told the start date would be in December. Produce concerns. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Welcome to America. $10 please Nov 15, 2009
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, clearly no foe of bigger government, defends the fee this way to the EU: "Unlike many of your countries, the United States does not have a separate agency to promote tourism and travel, and so the goal of this is to use that to actually fund and help tourists and travelers who wish to come to the United States." First, every state and big city has a convention-and-visitors bureau that aggressively markets their charms to would-be... (Montana Standard, MT)
Homeland secretary pushes immigration reform Nov 15, 2009
Since reform efforts fell short in 2007, Napolitano said U.S. Customs and Border Protection has increased its force to 20,000 agents, and the Department of Homeland Security built more than 600 miles of border fence and barriers. She also said the economic downturn has reduced illegal immigration by more than half. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Letters to the editor Nov 15, 2009
ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Such actions against immigrants only encourages fear and hatred, which do nothing to increase security. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Rising China changing how Americans live Nov 15, 2009
A team of Midwestern businessmen, including the former CIA station chief in Beijing, has recently established, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, a special zone in Wisconsin that would grant U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $1 million investment. Meanwhile, in a state that has lost more than 160,000 (or one-third) of its manufacturing jobs in a decade, local newspapers have been running editorials praising the People's Republic and blasting those who oppose closer trade... (MSNBC -- International)
FCC Mulls Broadband Network for Public Safety Nov 14, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security is in the process of developing its own technology roadmap to meet the needs of first responders, as well as address other critical threats such as cybersecurity and disease outbreaks. LATEST NEWS. (SmallBusinessComputing)
Army chief aims for Sri Lankan presidency Nov 14, 2009
This month, the Government asked the general to cut short a visit to the US after the Department of Homeland Security moved to question him over alleged human rights abuses by Mr Rajapaksa's younger brother, Gotabhaya, the Secretary of Defence. In April 2006 General Fonseka was almost killed by a Tamil Tiger suicide bomb attack on army headquarters in Colombo. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Fans Behaving Badly Nov 14, 2009
For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security gave Georgia a $236,000 grant last year to install a new surveillance camera system at Sanford Stadium that allows police to monitor fan behavior, which should help spot problems, Williamson said. Tallying troublemakers. (ESPN -- College Football)
Police Analyze TV Interview With Suspected Killer Nov 14, 2009
The Kent police department has asked the Department of Homeland Security to place a hold on his visa. Basically, if he re-enters the United States, TSA will keep him locked up until detectives arrive to question Bagley. (KIRO TV, WA)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Nov 13, 2009
The suit was filed against top officials of the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unit of DHS, the Justice Department and the FBI.. The National Name Check Program at the FBI receives more than 67,000 requests for background checks each week. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
Today's Mailbag: Fort Hood Nov 13, 2009
Meanwhile, Janet Napolitano, the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, (speaking, of course, in the United Arab Emirates, a key strategic approach to Americas borders) stated she is working to prevent a possible wave of anti-Muslim sentiment. Is that the lesson of all this. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Sri Lanka military chief resigns Nov 13, 2009
Earlier this month, the government asked the general to shorten his visit to the US after moves by the Department of Homeland Security to question him over alleged human rights abuses by President Rajapaksa's younger brother, Gotabhaya, the Sri Lankan defence secretary. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Sri Lanka split over war honors Nov 13, 2009
A fortnight ago, when Fonseka was in the United States on a private visit, it was reported that the US Department of Homeland Security was going to question him over alleged human-rights violations in the latter stages of the war. There was real fear in the Rajapaksa camp that he would give evidence against Gotabhaya, who is a US citizen. (Asia Times Online)
> Innovative Company of the Year: Altres Nov 13, 2009
Along with the new operating system, Altres developed its own software and a Web-based application called QuickHire that uses the latest electronic signature technology in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security s E-Verify system to create a smooth system for what the industry calls the onboarding of new hires. It makes the whole process completely paperless. (Pacific Business News, HI)
University to donate land for new U. City fire station Nov 13, 2009
6 million federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from federal stimulus funds. This grant is expected to cover the design and construction costs of the new fire station. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Multichannel Newswire Nov 13, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Broadband speed, capacity, infrastructure, and mobile delivery are all priorities for the Department of Homeland Security, according to an FCC field workshop on broadband's role in public-safety communications and emergency response. WASHINGTON -- The FCC is following in the digital footsteps of the White House and Justice Department in teaming with MySpace for its own channel. (Multichannel News)
Citizens' U.S. Border Crossings Tracked Nov 13, 2009
Officials say the Border Crossing Information system, disclosed last month by the Department of Homeland Security in a Federal Register notice, is part of a broader effort to guard against terrorist threats. It also reflects the growing number of government systems containing personal information on Americans that can be shared for a broad range of law enforcement and intelligence purposes, some of which are exempt from some Privacy Act protections. (Yahoo News -- Terrorism & 9/11)
I-Team: Extreme Homes Makeover Budgets; Go Up for Sale Nov 12, 2009
Since then, Chuck Cerda had been relocated in his job with the Department of Homeland Security. The house quietly went on the market. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Brown skips third straight House bid Nov 11, 2009
Democrat Charlie Brown will not be making a third-straight run in California's 4th congressional district, after accepting an appointment in the Department of Homeland Security ... In that same spirit, I have accepted an appointment from the Obama Administration and will soon begin a new job at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington D.C.. (TheHill.com)
NLV Holds Mock Disaster Drill Nov 11, 2009
The drill not only prepares crews for the real thing, but also qualifies them to get millions in grant money from the Department of Homeland Security. But the experience is invaluable. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
NASA brings chemical sensor to iPhone Nov 11, 2009
Li along with researchers working under the Cell-All program in the Department of Homeland Security. s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate developed the app. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Investigation sought for Hasan’s ‘influences’ Nov 11, 2009
In addition, our subcommittee should investigate the information gathered and distributed by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence in the immediate aftermath of the incident, said McCaul. Further, we need to explore DHS coordination with the Department of Defense with respect to the security of U.S. military installations. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Sri Lanka: To which victor the spoils? Nov 11, 2009
The plot thickened this week when General Fonseka notified the government that Americas Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had sought his testimony in a probe into alleged human-rights violations by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lankas defence secretary and the presidents brother, a naturalised American citizen. General Fonseka was hastily flown back from America on the day the DHS interview was to have taken place. (The Economist)
Flood maps now available Nov 10, 2009
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has presented draft flood risk maps to communities in Middlesex County. Residents are urged to look at the preliminary maps to become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether their flood zone has changed. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Jihadists in the Military Nov 10, 2009
It requires "sensitivity training" for federal employees, including those who work at the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last week, the House Judiciary Committee, dominated by liberal Democrats, defied the White House and removed from the USA Patriot Act a tool for tracking non-U.S. citizens in anti-terrorism investigations. (Townhall.com)
Tortured justice Nov 10, 2009
As he said in an interview, "In my own caucus, people say, 'We can't oppose this, look what happened to Max Cleland.'" (A Vietnam veteran confined to a wheelchair because of war wounds, Cleland, a Georgia senator, was defeated by GOP attacks ads in 2002 because he had supported a Democratic filibuster delaying the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security). Leahy recounted that his weak-kneed Democratic colleagues also argue, "'We have to go along with it because we'll never be able... (Salon)
Three anniversaries Nov 10, 2009
Color-coded "terrorist threat" alerts from the new Department of Homeland Security stoked a pervasive feeling of anxiety ... The public mood changed in a national burst of laughter in February 2003, when Department of Homeland Security director Tom Ridge urged citizens to amass duct tape in order to seal their windows as a precaution against anthrax or gas attacks. (Salon)
What did the Army know about Fort Hood's Nidal Malik Hasan? Nov 10, 2009
The lack of details from officials at the Army, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI has angered lawmakers eager for briefings on Hasan's possible links to terrorist groups. "President Obama said people should not jump to conclusions about what happened at Fort Hood, but the administration is in possession of critical information related to the attack that they are refusing to release to Congress or the American people," Rep. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Backlash Hogwash Nov 10, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security is in good company in its confusion. Gen. George Casey, the Army's top general, also worried that "this increased speculation could cause a backlash against some of our Muslim soldiers. And I've asked our Army leaders to be on the lookout for that." And President Obama cautioned against "jumping to conclusions.". (Townhall.com)
Some key Obama administration jobs still unfilled Nov 10, 2009
Asa Hutchinson, who led the Drug Enforcement Administration and was undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security at the Department of Homeland Security, says worker productivity is at risk without agency chiefs in place. By Richard Wolf, USA TODAY WASHINGTON Medicare may be cut and Medicaid expanded as part of President Obama's health care plan, but there's no one permanently in charge of the two federal programs. (USA Today)
U.S. plan to fingerprint foreign travelers Nov 9, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing a proposal to collect fingerprints or eye scans from all foreign travelers at U.S. airports as they leave the country, officials said, a costly screening program that airlines have opposed. More News. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Homeland Security readies tracking plan Nov 9, 2009
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing a proposal to collect fingerprints or eye scans from all foreign travelers at US airports as they leave the country, officials said, a costly screening program that airlines have opposed. The plan, which would take effect within two years, would collect fingerprints at airport security checkpoints, departure gates, or terminal kiosks, allowing the government to track when roughly 35 million foreign visitors a year leave the country... (Boston Globe)
County pandemic plans to apply to overall state response strategy Nov 9, 2009
1 million grant in December for the planning effort by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kaku said ... " Satellite communications are available now with every fixed hospital in the state, he said, and portable hospital modules have been positioned across the islands. Medical and other supplies will be deployed around the state by the end of the year, he said. Antiviral medications are being stocked in the hospitals under a DOH agreement and an... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hasan's Remarks Worried Muslim Leader Nov 8, 2009
Charles Allen, a former under-secretary for intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security, has described al-Awlaki, who now lives in Yemen, as an "al-Qaeda supporter, and former spiritual leader to three of the September 11 hijackers... who targets US Muslims with radical online lectures encouraging terrorist attacks from his new home in Yemen". Last night Hasan remained in a coma under guard at a military hospital in San Antonio, Texas, and was said to be in a "stable" condition. (CBS News -- US)
Deportation is often both a beginning and an end for many illegal immigrants Nov 8, 2009
Also last year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, the largest agency within the federal Department of Homeland Security, removed 369,211 immigrants from the country, a 27 percent increase from 2007. The agency is on pace to reach a new high this year. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Boeing changes flight pattern Nov 8, 2009
His team is charged with designing, testing and building cutting-edge products and services for the U.S. military, Department of Homeland Security and an growing number of civilian commercial applications. We get to try to create what IDS looks like 10 years from now, Davis said. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Checkpoint upgrades plan upsets Tubac Nov 8, 2009
Gabrielle Giffords said the congresswoman wants the upgrade to be completed as quickly as possible and she has communicated this to the Department of Homeland Security. It went on to say that Giffords has been told that the work is scheduled to begin in December. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Feds preparing plan to track foreign fliers Nov 8, 2009
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing a proposal to collect fingerprints or eye scans from all foreign travelers at U.S. airports as they leave the country, officials said, a costly screening program that airlines have opposed. The plan, which would take effect within two years, would collect fingerprints at airport security checkpoints, departure gates or terminal kiosks, allowing the government to track when roughly 35 million foreign visitors a year leave the country... (AZCentral -- News)
Prepare for disaster Nov 7, 2009
The Federal Department of Homeland Security also has publications and information available at. Determine what is necessary for your business to re-open. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Parents: Be Web aware Nov 7, 2009
It's incidents like these that led the national Department of Homeland Security to establish National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2003. In a world where face-to-face communication is dying and online social sites like Facebook and Myspace reign supreme, the threat of cyber danger seems to grow and become more sophisticated by the day. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Chun: Cyber Attacks Demand Strong Public-Private Response Nov 7, 2009
Some are focused on determining who leads the national cybersecurity efforts on a day-to-day basis: the White House, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce or another entity ... If a cyber attack hits the critical infrastructures of the U.S., it will be the technology industry, not be the U.S. Cyber Command, the National Security Agency or the Department of Homeland Security that will defend these large complex... (Roll Call)
Judge stops 2 Web sites from selling Beatles songs Nov 7, 2009
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security could not go ahead with their plan to send joint letters warning businesses they'll face penalties if they keep workers whose Social Security numbers don't match their names. Breyer said the new work-site rule would likely impose hardships on businesses and their workers. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Firefighters get into sanitation business Nov 7, 2009
Port Orange is the only city in Volusia County that owns a Zimek System, a decontamination product listed as an asset by the Department of Homeland Security, Fire Chief Tom Weber said. It complements the city's flu shot program, which has helped generate cash for fire apparatus and life-saving equipment for the community, such as defibrillators. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Will E-Commerce Catch The Flu? Nov 7, 2009
"Private Internet providers have limited ability to prioritize traffic or take other actions that could assist critical teleworkers. Some actions, such as reducing customers' transmission speeds or blocking popular Web sites, could negatively impact E-Commerce and require government authorization. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not developed a strategy to address potential Internet congestion or worked with federal partners to ensure that sufficient authorities to act... (CBS News -- Opinion)
LOCAL MAN TRAINED FORT'S COPS Nov 7, 2009
That guidance includes information from the Department of Homeland Security on how to deal with a shooting in progress. Said Moses, "This is one of those unspeakable things that can happen anywhere.". (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Sri Lankan army chief flies out without facing war crime inquiry Nov 6, 2009
Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said he ended his visit without being questioned by the US Department of Homeland Security, which had sought an interview with him earlier this year about alleged war crimes. General Fonseka, who holds US permanent residency, travelled to Oklahoma to visit his two daughters. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
12 dead, 31 wounded in Fort Hood shootings Nov 6, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security said it was in the process of obtaining information. Adm. (FOX19.com, OH)
Could "Sealed v. Sealed" be a Rove indictment? Nov 6, 2009
It began at the end of 2004, when then-President George W. Bush named Kerik as his choice to head the Department of Homeland Security. Questions about some of his dealings led to the nomination being withdrawn, but it was too late to save him. (Salon)
Engineers present alternatives for York toll plaza plan Nov 6, 2009
She asked if the Department of Homeland Security would receive a copy of the plans, and Lavallee said "we can certainly submit them, but I'm not sure the water supply will be impacted.". But the most impassioned speech of the day came from selectman Cathy Goodwin, whose comments caused spontaneous applause from Think Again members who filled the meeting room. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Ex-NYC top cop Kerik pleads guilty Nov 6, 2009
NYC police Commissioner Bernard Kerik has admitted to lying about his taxes and to White House officials when he was in consideration to run the Department of Homeland Security ... Giuliani, a Republican, had named Kerik police commissioner, had gone into private business with him and had pushed President George W. Bush to nominate him to run the Department of Homeland Security. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Bernard Kerik Nov 6, 2009
It began at the end of 2004, when then-President George W. Bush named Kerik as his choice to head the Department of Homeland Security ... Once, Bernie Kerik was the commissioner of the New York City Police Department; later, he was -- briefly -- then-President George W. Bush's nominee to head the Department of Homeland Security ... But Giuliani has that he erred in not vetting Kerik more thoroughly before naming him police commissioner in New York and pushing George W. Bush to nominate him as... (Salon)
Brewer running for full term as Arizona gov. Nov 6, 2009
She replaced Democrat Janet Napolitano, who resigned midway through her second term to take the top spot at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Ex-NY police chief Kerik guilty Nov 6, 2009
Mr Kerik had been hailed as a national hero following the 9/11 terror attacks and was nominated for the post of the head of the Department of Homeland Security under the Bush administration in 2004. But he withdrew his name from consideration for the role after he was accused of failing to pay taxes, and of having extramarital affairs. (BBC News -- Americas)
Source: Guilty plea for ex-NY top cop Kerik Nov 5, 2009
Bush nominated Kerik in December 2004 to replace Tom Ridge, the nation's first head of the Department of Homeland Security. Kerik withdrew his name a week later, citing immigration and tax issues over a former nanny. (MSNBC -- Crime)
* US reports increase in guns, cash seizures at border Nov 5, 2009
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated a veteran DEA agent as the new head of anti-drug operations at the Department of Homeland Security. Grayling Williams, whose nomination must be approved by the US Senate, has 28 years of federal and local law enforcement experience, including rising to a senior position in the DEA, the White House said in a statement. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Nov 5, 2009
The suit was filed against top officials of the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unit of DHS, the Justice Department and the FBI.. The National Name Check Program at the FBI receives more than 67,000 requests for background checks each week. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
