Defense News in Brief: DAF puts acquisition on wartime footing, implementing SECWAR’s ‘Warfighting Acquisition System’

Source: United States Spaceforce

In direct support of the Secretary of War’s mandate to overhaul the defense acquisition system, the Department of the Air Force is aggressively implementing the new Warfighting Acquisition System. This generational overhaul places the entire acquisition enterprise on a wartime footing, transforming it from a compliance-based process to a dynamic, warfighter-focused model that prioritizes the speed of delivery for credible, combat-effective capabilities.

Tribal Police Officer Charged with Sexually Abusing Three Victims While on Duty: FBI Seeks Additional Victims

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PHOENIX, Ariz. – A White Mountain Apache Tribal Police officer was arrested Wednesday in Canyon Day on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, after being charged in a federal indictment with sexual abuse and kidnapping.Karl Eugene Leslie, 42, of Whiteriver, Arizona, is charged in a 15-count indictment, returned Dec. 23, 2025, with Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Kidnapping (including one count of Kidnapping-Victim Under 18), Sexual Abuse through Fear, Sexual Abuse through Coercion, and Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.

Southern Utah Man Sentenced for Damaging ICE Transit Van

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ST. GEORGE, Utah – Ryan Michael Gaines, 32, of Santa Clara, Utah, was sentenced today to 36 months’ probation for damaging an ICE Transit Van in April 2025. He was also ordered to pay $2,883.20 in restitution to the United States Department of Homeland Security, which was ordered due at the time of sentencing. 

Mexican National Charged With Reentry of Deported Alien

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that JOSE CABRERA-MOLINA (“CABRERA-MOLINA”), age 33, a native of Mexico, was charged via bill of information on December 23, 2025, with reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). 

Justice Department Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against two California cities over their ordinances banning natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction.

As detailed in the complaint, filed Monday in the Northern District of California, the City of Morgan Hill’s and the City of Petaluma’s natural gas bans drive up energy costs for consumers and weaken American energy dominance. These policies reflect a radical effort to outlaw federally regulated gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and other appliances that American families rely on every day to cook their meals and heat and run their homes.

“These natural gas bans hurt American families and are outright illegal” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Alongside the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice is working around the clock to end radical environmentalist policies, restore common sense, and unleash American energy.”

“Especially during winter, Americans deserve reliable, affordable energy,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate. “Radical local efforts to undermine American energy dominance must be stopped.”

The complaint asks the court to declare that the cities’ natural gas bans are preempted by federal law and enter a permanent injunction against their enforcement. And it is the latest action from the Justice Department fighting back against state and local overreach. Earlier this year, the Department filed in support of a challenge to New York City’s similar natural gas ban.

Read the full complaint here.

Defense News in Brief: CNIC Recognizes Top Shore Installations with Battle Efficiency and Installation Excellence Awards

Source: United States Navy

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2026) – Commander, Navy Installations Command has announced the winners of two distinct installations awards – the inaugural 2025 Shore Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) Award and the 2026 Installation Excellence Awards. These awards recognize installations for their outstanding performance in supporting the Fleet, Fighter, and Family, ensuring Navy readiness around the clock and across the globe.