Public Safety

Background-checks Database Breach Heightens Blackmail Risk

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Security breach image. Courtesy/missionmode

HSNW News:

Newly released documents show how hackers infiltrated servers used by US Investigations Services (USIS), a federal contractor that conducts background checks for DHS.

In a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing last week, Representative Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland said more than 27,000 personnel seeking security clearances likely were affected by the USIS breach. Similar hacks also affected servers at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which holds information on security clearance investigations. Read More

NEI Commends Consent-Based Used Fuel Storage Solution

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NEI News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Nuclear Energy Institute Tuesday welcomed a consent-based approach in New Mexico to manage used nuclear fuel from U.S. commercial reactors. Holtec International announced a memorandum of agreement with two New Mexico counties to establish a consolidated interim storage facility in southeastern New Mexico.

The announcement took place in Albuquerque and included support from New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez. Earlier this year, Texas-based Waste Control Specialists announced its intent to design and license an interim consolidated storage facility Read More

Convicted Sex Offender From Los Alamos Sentenced To 10 Years For Federal Child Pornography Possession

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Kyle Morrow

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE—Kyle Morrow, 30, of Los Alamos was sentenced this morning in federal court to 120 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Morrow will be required to register as a sex offender after completing his prison sentence.

Morrow was arrested on federal child pornography charges March 7, 2014, based on a criminal complaint alleging possession of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, Morrow was residing in a half-way house in Albuquerque as he was Read More

State Police Checkpoints And Saturation Patrols In Counties Across New Mexico Throughout May

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ENDWI News:
 
SANTA FE ― State Police will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols, and Registration, Insurance and Drivers’ License Checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during the month of May.
 
Our efforts continue to show a significant reduction in alcohol related fatalities. This is attributed to the continued media attention and intensive advertising. These checkpoints are helping to change society’s attitude about drinking and driving. People are choosing to not drink and drive. This is the biggest step in
Read More

Faulty Underground Cable Causes Tuesday’s Outage

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DPU News:

Electric linemen from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities determined that a faulty underground cable at 39th Street was the cause of Tuesday’s power outage, which affected more than 1,000 residents.

The 30 minute outage affected the Western Area and extended east to Oppenheimer Drive. Isolating the faulty line, crews were able to backfeed the affected area with another source, restoring power by 11:50 a.m., and by 3:30 p.m., complete the repairs.

The distribution system is expected to be placed to its original configuration today.

  Read More

‘Cyber WHO’ Needed To Bolster World’s Inadequate Cyber Governance Framework

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There is an urgent need to act to stem cyber risks, including threats that originate across borders. Better global governance would be a significant step toward efforts to mitigate risks. Courtesy/ZIG

HSNW News:

A new report on cyber governance commissioned by Zurich Insurance Group highlights challenges to digital security and identifies new opportunities for business.

It calls for the establishment of guiding principles to build resilience and the establishment of supranational governance bodies such as a Cyber Stability Board and a “Cyber WHO.”

Zurich Insurance Group and Read More

Heinrich Helps Residents Prepare For Wildfire Season

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to help New Mexicans prepare for wildfire season, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. is encouraging residents to visit the Wildfire Preparedness & Prevention Resource Center on his website here, which includes a Public Service Announcement, as well as active wildfire information, prevention tips, best practices to protect homes and businesses, and more.

  • ONLINE – Wildfire Preparedness & Prevention Resource Center 
  • TV PSA – Helping New Mexicans Prepare For Wildfire Season
  • RADIO PSA
Read More

Committee Passage Of Udall Bill A Big Step Closer To Law Protecting Kids From Chemicals

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall issued the following statement after the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 15-5 to move his bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act to the full Senate:

“I want to thank all of the members of the committee for their thoughtful consideration of our legislation to finally overhaul the failed 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. I especially want to thank Senators Whitehouse, Merkley and Booker for their work to improve key protections for consumers and to give states greater power to Read More

Council Tentatively Approves Police Department Budget

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Los Alamos County Police Chief Dino Sgambellone addresses Council at this evening’s budget hearing. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Los Alamos County Council voted 7-0 to tentatively adopt the Los Alamos Police Department’s FY-2016 proposed budget as presented. The LAPD FY-2015 adopted budget is $7,127,576 and its proposed FY-2016 budget is $7,139,312 – essentially flat over current year.

The budget reflects a reduction of one full time employee within the Police Department, which will be compensated for through appropriate Read More

Council Tentatively Approves Fire Department Budget

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Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes addresses Council questions. Council commended Hughes and his department on their service to the community. Councilor James Chrobocinski is a trained nurse who has worked in other hospitals. He said to Hughes, ‘I’ve worked with a lot of EMTs and by far your group is the most professional and technically skilled I’ve ever seen … this community is in good hands.’ Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

The Los Alamos County Council voted 7-0 this evening to approve the Fire Department’s proposed FY-2016 Read More