Politics
Major US Pipeline Halts Operations After Ransomware Attack
Published
5 years agoon
WASHINGTON (AP) — The operator of a major pipeline system that transports fuel across the East Coast said Saturday it had been victimized by a ransomware attack and had halted all pipeline operations to deal with the threat. The attack is unlikely to affect gasoline supply and prices unless it leads to a prolonged shutdown of the pipeline, experts said.
Colonial Pipeline did not say what was demanded or who made the demand. Ransomware attacks are typically carried out by criminal hackers who seize data and demand a large payment in order to release it.
The attack on the company, which says it delivers roughly 45% of fuel consumed on the East Coast, underscores again the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure to damaging cyberattacks that threaten to impede operations. It presents a new challenge for an administration still dealing with its response to major hacks from months ago, including a massive breach of government agencies and corporations for which the U.S. sanctioned Russia last month.
In this case, Colonial Pipeline said the ransomware attack Friday affected some of its information technology systems and that the company moved “proactively” to take certain systems offline, halting pipeline operations. In an earlier statement, it said it was “taking steps to understand and resolve this issue” with an eye toward returning to normal operations.
The Alpharetta, Georgia-based company transports gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and home heating oil from refineries located on the Gulf Coast through pipelines running from Texas to New Jersey. Its pipeline system spans more than 5,500 miles, transporting more than 100 million gallon a day.
The company said it hired a cybersecurity firm to investigate the nature and scope of the attack and has also contacted law enforcement and federal agencies.
The White House said President Joe Biden was briefed Saturday morning and the federal government was working with the company to assess the implications of the attack, restore operations and avoid disruptions to the supply. The government is planning for various scenarios and working with state and local authorities on measures to mitigate any potential supply issues.
Oil analyst Andy Lipow said the impact of the attack on fuel supplies and prices depends on how long the pipeline is down. An outage of one day or two would be minimal, he said, but an outage of five or six days could cause shortages and price hikes, particularly in an area stretching from central Alabama to the Washington, D.C., region.
Lipow said a key concern about a lengthy delay would be the supply of jet fuel needed to keep major airports operating, like those in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina.
A leading expert in industrial control systems, Dragos CEO Robert Lee, said systems such as those that directly manage the pipeline’s operation have been increasingly connected to computer networks in the past decade.
But critical infrastructure companies in the energy and electricity industries also tend to have invested more in cybersecurity than other sectors. If Colonial’s shutdown was mostly precautionary — and it detected the ransomware attack early and was well-prepared — the impact may not be great, Lee said.
While there have long been fears about U.S. adversaries disrupting American energy suppliers, ransomware attacks by criminal syndicates are much more common and have been soaring lately. The Justice Department has a new task force dedicated to countering ransomware attacks.
The attack “underscores the threat that ransomware poses to organizations regardless of size or sector,” said Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director of the cybersecurity division at the federal Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency.
“We encourage every organization to take action to strengthen their cybersecurity posture to reduce their exposure to these types of threats,” Goldstein said in a statement.
Ransomware scrambles a victim organization’s data with encryption. The criminals leave instructions on infected computers for how to negotiate ransom payments and, once paid, provide software decryption keys.
The attacks, mostly by criminal syndicates operating out of Russia and other safe havens, reached epidemic proportions last year, costing hospitals, medical researchers private businesses, state and local governments and schools tens of billions of dollars. Biden administration officials are warning of a national security threat, especially after criminals began stealing data before scrambling victim networks and saying they will expose it online unless a ransom is paid.
Average ransoms paid in the United States jumped nearly threefold to more than $310,000 last year. The average downtime for victims of ransomware attacks is 21 days, according to the firm Coveware, which helps victims respond.
U.S. law enforcement officials say some of these criminals have worked with Russia’s security services and that the Kremlin benefits by damaging adversaries’ economies. These operations also potentially provide cover for intelligence-gathering.
“Ransomware is the most common disruptive event that organizations are seeing right now that would cause them to shut down to prevent the spread,” said Dave White, president of cybersecurity firm Axio.
Mike Chapple, teaching professor of IT, analytics and operations at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and a former computer scientist with the National Security Agency, said systems that control pipelines should not be connected to the internet and vulnerable to cyber intrusions.
“The attacks were extremely sophisticated and they were able to defeat some pretty sophisticated security controls, or the right degree of security controls weren’t in place,” Chapple said.
Brian Bethune, a professor of applied economics at Boston College, also said the impact on consumer prices should be short-lived as long as the shutdown does not last for more than a week or two. “But it is an indication of how vulnerable our infrastructure is to these kinds of cyberattacks,” he said.
Bethune noted the shutdown is occurring at a time when energy prices have already been rising as the economy reopens further as pandemic restrictions are lifted. According to the AAA auto club, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by 4 cents since Monday to $2.94.
Anne Neuberger, the Biden administration’s deputy national security adviser for cybersecurity and emerging technology, said in an interview with The Associated Press in April that the government was undertaking a new effort to help electric utilities, water districts and other critical industries protect against potentially damaging cyberattacks. She said the goal was to ensure that control systems serving 50,000 or more Americans have the core technology to detect and block malicious cyber activity.
Since then, the White House has announced a 100-day initiative aimed at protecting the country’s electricity system from cyberattacks by encouraging owners and operators of power plants and electric utilities to improve their capabilities for identifying cyber threats to their networks. It includes concrete milestones for them to put technologies into use so they can spot and respond to intrusions in real time.
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Politics
Speaker Johnson Warns of ‘Communist Agenda’ in Democratic Party Ahead of Midterm Elections
Published
3 days agoon
July 20, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday warned that the United States faces what he described as a growing influence of socialist and communist ideology within the Democratic Party, arguing that the 2026 midterm elections will determine the future of the nation’s constitutional republic.
Speaking during a House Republican leadership press conference alongside House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, and U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, Johnson urged Americans to closely examine the policy positions of democratic socialist candidates and organizations.
Johnson Says Election Is About the Future of Constitutional Government
Johnson said voters will decide whether the United States remains “a constitutional republic” or moves toward what he characterized as a system based on communist ideology.
“We’re fighting right now in Congress over whether we’re going to maintain our status as a constitutional republic or we’re going to trade that in, dismantle the foundations and go down this dark road of death to communism,” Johnson said.
He described the upcoming election as a defining moment for the country and encouraged Americans to review the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Johnson Criticizes Democratic Socialist Platform
According to Johnson, the DSA platform includes proposals to expand the Supreme Court, eliminate the U.S. Senate in favor of a unicameral legislature, abolish national borders, provide broad immigration amnesty, eliminate prisons, and reduce traditional law enforcement.
Johnson argued that candidates he described as “mini-Mamdani’s” are promoting similar ideas in congressional races around the country.
“This is not a game. Everybody needs to understand these crazy little mini-Mamdani’s who are popping up all around the country; they are a danger to you and your family,” Johnson said.
Johnson Contrasts Constitutional Government and Communism
Johnson said America’s founding principles recognize rights as originating from God rather than government, contrasting that belief with what he described as communist ideology.
“Our rights come from our Creator, God; they do not come from the government. The communist believes the opposite,” Johnson said.
He also cited the historical record of communist governments, stating that communist ideology “has led to the murder of tens of millions of innocent people in the 20th century alone.”
Cold War Comparison
Johnson compared today’s political climate with the Reagan era, when he said Republicans and Democrats were united in opposing communism overseas.
“Thirty-five years ago Republicans and Democrats in Congress… were fighting communism on a distant shore. Now it’s here,” Johnson said.
He argued that ideological differences between the two major political parties have expanded beyond disagreements over taxes and regulation into broader debates about the nation’s governing philosophy.
‘The Barbarians Are Inside the Gate’
Concluding his remarks, Johnson described the 2026 midterm elections as one of the most consequential in modern American history.
“The American people have to decide in November… whether we’re going to maintain our freedom in a constitutional republic,” Johnson said.
Johnson ended the press conference by warning:
“The barbarians are inside the gate.”
The remarks reflect House Republican leadership’s broader campaign message heading into the 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing constitutional government, border security, and opposition to socialism and communism. Democratic leaders have rejected Republican characterizations that equate Democratic policies or democratic socialism with authoritarian communism.
Florida
Democrats Jorge Figueroa and Anthony Nieves Compete for Florida House District 47 Nomination
Published
5 days agoon
July 18, 2026
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida House District 47 voters will choose between two Puerto Rican Democrats in the Aug. 18 primary, setting the stage for one of Central Florida’s most closely watched legislative races.
Democratic candidates Jorge Figueroa and Anthony Nieves are presenting voters with two distinct campaigns centered on affordability, economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for residents across Osceola County.
The Democratic nominee will advance to the November general election, where the race could become even more competitive amid ongoing litigation involving Republican incumbent Rep. Paula Stark’s ballot qualification. While the court challenge has drawn statewide attention, Democratic candidates have focused their campaigns on earning the support of primary voters.
A growing Puerto Rican electorate
House District 47 serves communities in Osceola County, and parts of Orange County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions and home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental United States.
The district has become increasingly influential in Florida politics as Puerto Rican voters continue shaping elections at the local, state and federal levels. Both Democratic candidates say they understand the unique needs of families who relocated from Puerto Rico and those who have called Central Florida home for generations.
Jorge Figueroa emphasizes economic opportunity
Jorge Figueroa is campaigning on expanding economic opportunity while improving government accountability and public services.
His campaign has highlighted priorities including:
- Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Expanding workforce development.
- Promoting economic growth.
- Improving public safety.
- Increasing transparency in state government.
- Investing in neighborhood infrastructure.
Figueroa says state government should focus on creating opportunities that allow working families to succeed while ensuring taxpayers receive effective public services.
Anthony Nieves focuses on working families
Anthony Nieves brings previous campaign experience to the race after earlier bids for the Florida House.
His platform emphasizes policies affecting everyday families, including:
- Affordable housing.
- Public education.
- Access to healthcare.
- Economic mobility.
- Community investment.
- Increased constituent services.
Nieves has said the Legislature should prioritize lowering costs for families while strengthening public schools and expanding opportunities throughout Central Florida.
Shared priorities
Although each candidate brings a different background and campaign style, both have identified several common priorities:
- Addressing Florida’s housing affordability crisis.
- Strengthening public education.
- Supporting working families.
- Improving economic opportunity.
- Increasing access to healthcare.
- Delivering responsive constituent services.
The candidates also have emphasized the importance of listening to residents throughout the district and maintaining an active presence in the community if elected.
Puerto Rican representation
Regardless of the primary outcome, the Democratic nominee will reflect the growing political influence of Puerto Rican voters in Central Florida.
Puerto Rican residents have become an increasingly important voting bloc in Osceola and Orange Counties over the past decade, with many families citing education, affordable housing, healthcare, hurricane preparedness and economic opportunity among their top concerns.
Political observers say candidates who effectively connect with these issues often perform well in the district.
Why District 47 matters
House District 47 is considered an important legislative district because of its changing demographics, competitive elections and growing influence within Central Florida.
The representative elected from the district will vote on issues including:
- Florida’s annual state budget.
- Public education funding.
- Property insurance reforms.
- Housing affordability.
- Transportation infrastructure.
- Economic development.
- Healthcare policy.
- Disaster preparedness and recovery.
Looking Ahead
Democratic voters will choose their nominee in the Aug. 18 primary. Because Florida House District 47 is highly competitive. However, if a court rules that incumbent Republican Paula Stark is eligible to appear on the ballot, the general election is expected to remain one of Florida’s most closely watched legislative contests.
Meanwhile, litigation over Republican incumbent Paula Stark’s ballot qualification continues. While the courts determine the outcome, the Democratic candidates remain focused on presenting their vision for House District 47 and earning voters’ support in the Aug. 18 primary.
Florida
Vilchez Santiago Wins Union Backing; Daisy Morales Says Voters — Not Political Endorsements — Decide Elections
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 intensified this week after candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations, prompting former State Rep. Daisy Morales to respond that while endorsements are important, elections are ultimately decided by voters.
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations, including the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association, the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517, SMART Transportation Division PAC, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He said the endorsements were especially meaningful because he grew up in a union household.
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago said he would continue advocating for workers’ rights and policies that strengthen Florida’s middle class if elected.
Morales Congratulates Opponent, Recognizes Union Members
In response, Morales congratulated Vilchez Santiago on receiving the endorsements while recognizing the contributions of organized labor across Florida.
“I congratulate Mr. Vilchez Santiago on earning the support of these organizations and appreciate every group that participates in our democratic process,” Morales said.
Morales praised union members working as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, transportation employees and others who contribute to Florida’s economy.
“Every worker deserves respect, opportunity, safe workplaces, fair wages, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
Morales Points to 2020 Democratic Primary
Morales said endorsements are valued but do not determine election outcomes.
She cited the 2020 Democratic Primary for Florida House District 48, when Vilchez Santiago received endorsements from elected officials, political organizations and advocacy groups before Morales defeated him and three other Democratic candidates to win the Democratic nomination.
Following that election, Florida Politics wrote that endorsements “didn’t matter” after Morales emerged victorious.
“That election demonstrated a principle that remains true today,” Morales said. “Political endorsements are valued expressions of support, but they never replace the judgment of the voters. The people—not political insiders or special interests—have the final say on Election Day.”
Morales later won the general election and represented House District 48 from 2020 to 2022.
Contrasting Campaign Messages
The exchange highlights the different messages each campaign is emphasizing as the Aug. 18 Democratic primary approaches.
Vilchez Santiago has focused on labor support, workers’ rights, affordability, housing, healthcare and reducing the influence of special interests.
Morales has centered her campaign on her legislative experience, bipartisan record and accomplishments during her term in the Florida House.
Morales said her official legislative record includes sponsoring and co-sponsoring more than 110 bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and helping secure more than $12.5 million in state appropriations supporting higher education, healthcare, workforce development, nonprofit organizations, infrastructure improvements and community projects.
Among the legislative priorities Morales highlighted were educational opportunities for disabled veterans, property tax relief, consumer protection, public safety, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure investments and services benefiting veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Working families deserve representatives who deliver results—not just campaign promises,” Morales said.
Leadership and Experience
Morales said voters should evaluate candidates based on their accomplishments in public office.
“There is a clear difference in this race. My opponent is asking voters to consider who has endorsed his campaign. I am asking voters to examine my record of public service, legislative accomplishments, and proven results. Experience matters because results matter.”
She encouraged voters to review her official legislative record on the Florida House of Representatives website, which includes sponsored and co-sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting history and appropriations.
Primary Election Approaches
The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
House District 43 includes portions of east Orange County, including Azalea Park, Union Park, Alafaya, Orlando, Rio Pinar and surrounding communities.
Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their respective strengths as voters begin casting ballots in one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
