Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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When Lasers Cross: LLNL Finds a Brighter Way to Measure Plasma
LIVERMORE, California, Feb. 6 (TNSjou) -- The U.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory issued the following news:
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When lasers cross: LLNL finds a brighter way to measure plasma
Measuring conditions in volatile clouds of superheated gases known as plasmas are central to pursuing greater scientific understanding of how stars, nuclear detonations and fusion energy work. For decades, scientists have relied on a technique called Thomson scattering, which uses a single laser beam to scatter from plasma waves as a way to measure critical information such as plasma temperature,
... Show Full Article
LIVERMORE, California, Feb. 6 (TNSjou) -- The U.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory issued the following news:
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When lasers cross: LLNL finds a brighter way to measure plasma
Measuring conditions in volatile clouds of superheated gases known as plasmas are central to pursuing greater scientific understanding of how stars, nuclear detonations and fusion energy work. For decades, scientists have relied on a technique called Thomson scattering, which uses a single laser beam to scatter from plasma waves as a way to measure critical information such as plasma temperature,density and flow.
Now, however, a multidisciplinary team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers has successfully demonstrated a potentially simpler, more accurate way to measure plasma conditions with two laser beams that cross paths, creating a data signal that is about a billion times stronger than what is available from the Thomson scattering method.
This breakthrough could give physicists working on complex high energy density science and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research at facilities like LLNL's National Ignition Facility (NIF) an innovative new tool.
"The proof of principle worked beautifully and now we're exploring how we can take this to the next level," said LLNL experimental physicist Andrew Longman, the lead author of a paper on the research recently published in the science journal Physical Review Letters (https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/96yh-96pw).
Plasma, a fast moving, superheated mix of free electrons and ions, is sometimes called the "fourth state of matter" and behaves differently from familiar solids, liquids and gases.
For decades, physicists have typically used Thomson scattering, with instruments like spectrometers detecting tiny amounts of light that scatter off energized plasma particles. The data gleaned from this scattered light can be used to characterize the density, temperature and velocity of those electrons.
"When we're doing implosions at NIF, knowing the conditions where all these lasers cross is really important because that tells us how energy is transferred from one to another," Longman said. "It affects the implosion symmetry. NIF and other facilities have struggled to measure these conditions."
Improvements such as NIF's sophisticated Optical Thomson Scattering Laser System helped refine ICF experiments at NIF, the world's most energetic laser system and the only lab on earth where fusion ignition has been achieved. Ignition, which produces more fusion energy than the amount of laser energy delivered to the NIF target, has provided more opportunities to understand the environments found inside stars or nuclear explosions.
However, the weak Thomson scattering signals that come back remain a challenge.
"Basically, the signal that you measure is really like enhanced noise from the plasma, but it's very tiny," said LLNL physicist Pierre Michel. "A lot of background noise gets added to it."
Read more here (https://lasers.llnl.gov/news/when-lasers-cross-llnl-finds-brighter-way-measure-plasma).
-- Benny Evangelista
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Original text here: https://www.llnl.gov/article/53996/when-lasers-cross-llnl-finds-brighter-way-measure-plasma
U.S. Marine General Donovan Assumes Command of SOUTHCOM
DORAL, Florida, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command issued the following news release:
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U.S. Marine General Donovan Assumes Command of SOUTHCOM
In a ceremony at the Pentagon on February 5, U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan assumed command of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), succeeding acting commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus.
"It is an honor to assume command of U.S. Southern Command and to lead a warfighting headquarters capable of joint operations at range, speed, and scale with the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to strengthen security,
... Show Full Article
DORAL, Florida, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command issued the following news release:
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U.S. Marine General Donovan Assumes Command of SOUTHCOM
In a ceremony at the Pentagon on February 5, U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan assumed command of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), succeeding acting commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus.
"It is an honor to assume command of U.S. Southern Command and to lead a warfighting headquarters capable of joint operations at range, speed, and scale with the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to strengthen security,stability, and partnerships across the Western Hemisphere," Gen. Donovan said. "Together with our partner nations, we will continue to address shared challenges, uphold democratic values, and ensure a safe and prosperous future for the region."
General Donovan brings decades of distinguished service and leadership experience to USSOUTHCOM, having previously served as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. An infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations officer, Gen. Donovan has led Marines and Sailors in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations across the globe, including at sea and ashore.
Throughout his career, Gen. Donovan has commanded units at every level, including a Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and a Marine Division. He also commanded Naval Task Forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet (CTF 51) and 6th Fleet (CTF 61), demonstrating his expertise in joint and maritime operations.
As the new Commander of USSOUTHCOM, Gen. Donovan will oversee U.S. military operations and engagements across Latin America and the Caribbean.
For images of today's ceremony, please visit DVIDS.
Point of Contact
Steven McLoud, Media Relations Officer
U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs Office
Office: 305-437-1213
Desk. 305-437-1209
Cell. 305-586-3657 (after daytime office hours)
Email: southcom.miami.sc-cc.list.cmd-public-affairs@mail.mil
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Original text here: https://www.southcom.mil/News/PressReleases/Article/4398915/us-marine-general-donovan-assumes-command-of-southcom/
SEC Obtains Final Consent Judgment Against Connecticut Resident Charged With Insider Trading in Multiple Securities
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 25-cv-01457; D. Conn. filed Sept. 5, 2025) involving Ryan Squillante:
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On January 29, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut entered a final judgment by consent against Connecticut resident Ryan Squillante in the SEC's civil enforcement action against him.
According to the SEC's complaint, filed on September 5, 2025, Squillante used confidential information that he obtained in the course of his employment at an investment firm to trade in the securities of at
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 25-cv-01457; D. Conn. filed Sept. 5, 2025) involving Ryan Squillante:
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On January 29, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut entered a final judgment by consent against Connecticut resident Ryan Squillante in the SEC's civil enforcement action against him.
According to the SEC's complaint, filed on September 5, 2025, Squillante used confidential information that he obtained in the course of his employment at an investment firm to trade in the securities of atleast ten different publicly-traded companies, earning approximately $216,965 in illegal trading profits.
The final judgment permanently enjoins Squillante from violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and orders him liable for disgorgement in the amount of $216,965 and prejudgment interest in the amount of $33,800, which are deemed satisfied by the criminal fine imposed against Squillante in the judgment entered against him in the parallel criminal case, United States v. Squillante, Crim. No. 3:25-cr-106 (D. Conn.).
The SEC's investigation was conducted by Sarah McAteer, Kathleen Shields, and Michele T. Perillo of the SEC's Boston Regional Office and Patrick McCluskey of the Market Abuse Unit. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
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Resources
* Final Judgment (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/litreleases/2026/judg26478.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26478
Reclamation Continues Sites Reservoir Project Public Negotiation Sessions
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Reclamation continues Sites Reservoir Project public negotiation sessions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today announces the continuation of public negotiation sessions with the Sites Project Authority for a Partnership Agreement for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project.
Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority are partnering on capacity interest in the project to construct a new 1.5 million acre-foot offstream reservoir approximately
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Reclamation continues Sites Reservoir Project public negotiation sessions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today announces the continuation of public negotiation sessions with the Sites Project Authority for a Partnership Agreement for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project.
Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority are partnering on capacity interest in the project to construct a new 1.5 million acre-foot offstream reservoir approximately10 miles west of Maxwell, CA for water storage, conveyance, and service. The agreement to be negotiated supports the reservoir project by outlining the terms and conditions to which each party must adhere.
The following negotiation session will be held in the Cottage Cafe Conference Rooms C1001-C1003, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825:
* February 19, 2026 - 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To register and for more information, please contact Jake Brannum, repayment specialist, CGB Regional Office, at jbrannum@usbr.gov.
The public is welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to provide comments regarding this contracting action. Participation instructions and the proposed contract will be available at each session.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.
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Original text here: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/5273
DOT IG: Audit Initiated of Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Transportation Inspector General issued the following audit announcement on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Memorandum
Date: February 5, 2026
Subject: INFORMATION: Audit Announcement | Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy | Project No. 26A3002A000 Federal Aviation Administration
From: Nelda Z. Smith, Principal Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and Evaluation
To: Director, Audit and Evaluation
Hiring and training air traffic controllers to safely manage the National Airspace System (NAS) has been a longstanding challenge for the Federal Aviation Administration
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Transportation Inspector General issued the following audit announcement on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Memorandum
Date: February 5, 2026
Subject: INFORMATION: Audit Announcement | Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy | Project No. 26A3002A000 Federal Aviation Administration
From: Nelda Z. Smith, Principal Assistant Inspector General for Auditing and Evaluation
To: Director, Audit and Evaluation
Hiring and training air traffic controllers to safely manage the National Airspace System (NAS) has been a longstanding challenge for the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA). Acknowledging this challenge, in February 2025, the Secretary of Transportation announced a campaign to "supercharge" controller hiring. The campaign closed in March 2025 and attracted more than 10,000 applications. Of these, more than 8,300 applicants were referred to the FAA Academy--the Agency's training facility for new controllers--for testing, resulting in approximately 600 trainees, the highest number of Academy students in history.
While FAA plans to hire at least 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028, factors such as attrition, retirements, and program washouts are severely impacting the overall success of increasing the number of certified controllers. Furthermore, the Academy is facing considerable challenges with training, including a shortage of qualified instructors, training capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high training failure rates. For example, in fiscal year 2024, the Academy failure rate was over 30 percent for trainees.
Given the importance of increasing the number of certified controllers to safely manage the NAS, we are initiating this audit. Our objectives are to assess (1) FAA's efforts to address the Academy instructor shortages, training capacity limitations, and trainee failure rates, and (2) the Academy's progress with updating the air traffic controller training program curriculum.
We plan to begin the audit in the coming weeks and will contact your audit liaison to schedule an entrance conference. We will conduct our work at FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, OK. If you have any questions, please contact me or Tina Nysted, Program Director.
cc: DOT Audit Liaison, M-1
FAA Audit Liaison, AAE-001
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Original text here: https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/library-items/Air%20Traffic%20Controller%20Training%20at%20the%20FAA%20Academy%20-%20Announcement%20Letter.pdf
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Yitahome, Uforic, Dextrus, Yintatech & ModFusion-Branded Dressers
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Name of Product: Yitahome, Uforic, Dextrus, Yintatech and ModFusion-branded Dressers
Hazard: The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory standard as required by the STURDY Act.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February 05, 2026
Units: About 6,800
Consumer Contact: YITA toll-free at 877-672-0878 from 8 a.m. to
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Name of Product: Yitahome, Uforic, Dextrus, Yintatech and ModFusion-branded Dressers
Hazard: The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory standard as required by the STURDY Act.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February 05, 2026
Units: About 6,800
Consumer Contact: YITA toll-free at 877-672-0878 from 8 a.m. to12 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at yitamotor@outlook.com, or online at https://www.yitahome.com/article/voluntary-safety-recall-16-drawer-dresser-fabric-dresser.html?aid=152 or https://www.yitahome.com/ and click "Recall" at the top of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves the five different brands of YITA dressers: Dextrus, ModFusion, Uforic, Yintatech and Yitahome. The 16-drawer dressers were sold in gray, black, white, pink and brown. They have a black or white metal frame, a wooden top and collapsable fabric drawers; and measure about 37.4 inches long, 11.8 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. SKU numbers FTBFSD-0161, FTBFSD-0162, FTBFSD-0212, FTBFSD-0246 or SKU FTBFSD-0465 is printed on labels located on the dresser's top panel and on the product packaging. The brand name can be found on the product online listing.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dressers, if they are not anchored to the wall, and place them in an area that children cannot access. Contact YITA for a full refund. Consumers should write "RECALL" on the dressers using a permanent marker, disassemble them and submit a photo of the disposed product to yitamotor@outlook.com.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold Online At: Amazon.com and Walmart.com from September 2023 through August 2025 for between $75 and $100.
Importer(s): Yita LLC, dba Yitahome, Uforic, Dextrus, Yintatech and ModFusion, of Kent, Washington
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-251
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/YITA-Recalls-Multiple-Brands-of-Dressers-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Tip-Over-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-Clothing-Storage-Units
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers & PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Name of Product: PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers and PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers
Hazard: The steamers can expel hot water from the steam nozzle during use, posing a serious burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February 05, 2026
Units: About 75,400 PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers and about 119,000 PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers
Consumer Contact: Aterian toll free at 833-910-6095 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall@pursteam.com,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Name of Product: PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers and PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers
Hazard: The steamers can expel hot water from the steam nozzle during use, posing a serious burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February 05, 2026
Units: About 75,400 PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers and about 119,000 PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers
Consumer Contact: Aterian toll free at 833-910-6095 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall@pursteam.com,or online at recall.pursteam.com or at https://pursteam.com/ and click on "Product Recall" at the top of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves PurSteam Elite Travel Steamers and PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers purchased after December 2020 or with one of the following date codes: 2310, 2308, 2305, 2304, 2303, 2212, 2211, 2210, 2203, 2112, 2111, 2110, 0221, 1019, and 4619. The PurSteam Elite Travel Steamer is white with a triangular-shaped opening for the steam vents. The "PurSteam" logo is printed below a wave-shaped water reservoir window, and "Model: PS-510" is printed on a label on the bottom of the product. The PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamer is white with an oblong-shaped opening for the steam vents. The "PurSteam" logo is printed below the water reservoir window, and "Model: PS 550" is printed on a label on the bottom of the product. On both steamer models, the manufacture date (date code) is located on a label on the bottom of the product in YYMM format.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled steamers and visit recall.pursteam.com to submit a Recall Request. As part of the request process, consumers will be required to provide their contact information and then cut the steamer's cord and upload a photo of the steamer with its' cut cord in order to receive a full refund. Consumers should keep their steamer until receiving their refund, as some consumers may be asked to return their steamer to Aterian with a prepaid shipping mailer.
Incidents/Injuries: Between December 2020 and 2024, there were 80 reports of hot water being expelled from the PurSteam Elite Travel Steamer model PS-510, including 14 reports of burn injuries. Between December 2020 and 2024, there were 392 reports of hot water being expelled from the PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamer model PS-550, including 40 reports of burn injuries, two of which were reported as second-degree burns. There are additional reports of hot water being expelled from both steamer models, including reports of burn injuries, from before Aterian's acquisition of PurSteam in December 2020.
Sold Online At: Pursteam.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com from December 2020 through April 2025 for between about $15 and $35 for the PurSteam Elite Travel Steamer model PS-510, and from December 2020 through January 2024 for between about $11 and $30 for the PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamer model PS-550.
Importer(s): Aterian, Inc, of Summit, New Jersey
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-250
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Aterian-Recalls-PurSteam-Elite-Travel-Steamers-and-Mighty-Lil-Steamers-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Burn-Injury
