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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Activities of Secretary-General in Switzerland, 20-24 January

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    On Monday, 20 January, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres departed New York for Switzerland. He arrived in Davos on Tuesday morning to attend the annual World Economic Forum.

    On Tuesday evening, the Secretary-General participated in a leadership dialogue on digital and emerging technologies where he promoted the recently adopted Global Digital Compact as a tool that provides a new framework to help ensure that technology benefits all of humanity — guided by strong guardrails that minimize risks, while amplifying the benefits.  He called on the private sector, the philanthropic community and Member States to work together, with their relative strengths, to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) serves its highest purpose:  advancing human progress, equality and dignity for all countries and all people.

    The Secretary-General finished the day by delivering remarks at a dinner organized by the Global Investors for Sustainable Development.

    Early on Wednesday morning, the Secretary-General delivered an address to the World Economic Forum.  He outlined how climate change and ungoverned AI are two profound threats that demand much more attention and intelligent collaboration than they are receiving as they threaten to upend life as we know it.

    He also used very pointed language at the parts of the private sector that are actively backtracking on climate goals.  You are short-sighted and on the wrong side of history, Guterres said.

    “To the corporate leaders who remain committed to climate action,” the Secretary-General went on to say, “your leadership is needed now, more than ever.  Do not back down.  Stay on the right side of history.”

    Regarding artificial intelligence, the Secretary-General underscored how, through the Global Digital Compact, the United Nations is working with Governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI becomes a tool of opportunity, inclusion and progress for all people.

    In remarks at a discussion afterwards with Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, the Secretary-General said that we have witnessed in recent days in Gaza an example of robust diplomacy that should be recognized.  (See Press Release SG/SM/22528.)

    The Secretary-General also participated in the annual off-the-record “IGWELL” lunch organized by the World Economic Forum, and he also continued with a number of bilateral meetings, including Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Prime Minister of the Kurdish Autonomous Province of Iraq, Masoud Barzani, and also the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Ilan Goldfajn.

    The Secretary-General also participated in the annual off-the-record IGWELL lunch organized by the World Economic Forum.

    On Thursday and Friday, Mr. Guterres attended the annual retreat with his Special and Personal Representatives and Envoys before leaving Switzerland.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Rimu – Homicide, Ōpōtiki

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam:

    A man has died after a violent altercation in central Ōpōtiki overnight, and Police have launched a homicide investigation.

    Emergency services were notified that a group of around six people were fighting on Church Street about 12:20am.

    One of those involved had received an injury to the chest consistent with a stab wound.

    Despite medical attention, the man died at the scene.

    While no arrests have been made, Police are following lines of inquiry to identify and locate those involved.

    It is believed gang members were involved.

    If anyone has any information on what happened, who has not yet spoken to Police, we would urge you to do so.

    Get in touch via 105 over the phone or online.

    You can also give information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Pressure From Warren, HHS Secretary Nominee RFK Jr. Will Amend Flawed Ethics Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 31, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – During Wednesday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)questioned President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about his apparent conflicts of interest. Following pressure from Senate Democrats, RFK Jr., today in written responses to Senator Warren, agreed to amend his flawed ethics agreement (see Warren QFRs at the end of Part 2 and start of Part 3). 
    In response to this new information, Sen. Warren released the following statement:
    “After public pressure from Senate Democrats, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged dangerous conflicts of interest that would allow him to profit from an anti-vax lawsuit while serving as HHS Secretary. While he has now pledged in writing to fix his flawed ethics agreement, the answers he has provided to this committee also raise new questions about the scope of his conflicts.
    “Given these ongoing questions, RFK Jr.’s nomination must not move forward to any Senate vote until the details of his revised ethics agreement can be thoroughly reviewed. It’s also critical that the revised ethics agreement ensures that he cannot use his role as Health Secretary to open the floodgates to more anti-vaccine litigation and then cash in after he leaves office, including adopting a four-year post-employment ban on accepting any compensation from lawsuits involving any entity regulated by HHS.
    “It would be insufficient for RFK Jr. to only divest his interest in the Gardasil case while leaving the window open to profit from other anti-vax lawsuits, including future cases he could bring after leaving office.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Potential Cost Spikes for Seniors Due to Trump Administration Policies in Senate Aging Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Potential Cost Spikes for Seniors Due to Trump Administration Policies in Senate Aging Hearing

    During a Wednesday Senate Aging committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted the dangers of the temporary federal funding freeze issued by the Trump Administration and its impact on health care costs for seniors
    Senator Reverend Warnock also focused on the federal funding freeze’s potential negative impact on food affordability and accessibility
    Senator Reverend Warnock during the hearing: “This Trump freeze will hurt Georgia’s seniors, make life more expensive for them, including our veteran seniors who need care” 
    Hearing expert witness Alex Lawson: “The price of prescription drugs for decades, pharmaceutical corporations have been able to raise the prices year after year, enormously above the rate of general inflation. They do it because they can. They do it for greed alone and seniors pay the consequence of this”

    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning at Wednesday’s Senate Aging committee hearing HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Aging Committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock continued to highlight the importance of lowering costs for seniors and working-class Georgians. The hearing, called Making Washington Work for Seniors: Fighting to End Inflation and Achieve Fiscal Sanity, brought attention to several Trump Administration policies and executive orders that are likely to increase everyday costs for seniors, making their medication, utility bills, and other everyday needs more expensive.
    “Seniors, particularly those of modest means, rely on these funds [vouchers programs] to help pay for food, medicine, in-home care, rent, energy and heating bills in the dead of winter, and many other federal programs that ensure dignity throughout a person’s life,” said Senator Reverend Warnock during the hearing. 
    During the hearing, Senator Warnock also addressed the importance of extending Premium Tax Credits, which were established through the Affordable Care Act, citing by example that a senior Georgia couple, with a household income of $80,000, would see their annual premium go up by nearly $17,000 if the credits aren’t extended.
    “Mr. Lawson, how would extending the enhanced PTC support the fiscal sanity of seniors?” Senator Warnock asked Alex Lawson.
    “It would be fiscal insanity not to extend it and think that it’ll do anything other than drive millions of older Americans into poverty because you can’t just increase a bill $16,000 and expect that money to just come from nowhere,” said Lawson.
    Senator Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access, starting with his advocacy to close the health care coverage gap in Georgia. In the Inflation Reduction Act, Senator Warnock secured two of his proposals in the law capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month for Medicare patients and capping the cost of prescription drugs for seniors at $2,000 a year. The Senator also pushed for solutions to close the coverage gap. Last year, Senator Warnock introduced the Capping Prescription Costs Act,legislation to expand the cap of annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families. Senator Warnock remains committed to preserving and protecting access to health care for all Georgians.
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.
    See below the transcript the exchanges between Senator Warnock and the Aging Committee witness.
    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “Today’s hearing, discussing the consequences of high prices on seniors, could not be more timely. On Monday evening, the Trump Administration ordered a total illegal freeze of federal taxpayer funds going out to communities and Georgians. This illegal funding freeze includes programs that are essential to seniors with lower and fixed incomes. I’m thankful that a federal judge temporarily halted this illegal freeze yesterday afternoon, but these programs are still at risk. The Trump Administration, to be very clear, has rescinded the OMB memo. They have not rescinded the executive order.” 
    “Mr. Lawson will the pauses to payments for nutrition programs or the Older Americans Act make food more affordable and accessible for seniors?”
    Alex Lawson (AL): “No, Senator, it would do the opposite.”
    SRW: “So what they did on Monday night won’t help?”
    AL: “It will hurt.”
    SRW: “How about a pause on payments for federal housing vouchers? Will that help?”
    AL: “That will not help. That will also hurt.”
    SRW: “And what about a pause on energy assistance funds?”
    AL: “Same answer. This won’t help at all. It will only hurt seniors.”
    SRW: “I would agree with that. Seniors, particularly those of modest means, rely on these funds to help pay for food, medicine, in-home care, rent, energy and heating bills in the dead of winter, and many other federal programs that ensure dignity throughout a person’s life.”
    “This Trump freeze will hurt Georgia’s seniors, make life more expensive for them, including our veteran seniors who need care.”
    “Mr. Lawson, how can the federal government help bring down costs for seniors?”
    AL: “One of the best ways is to focus in on one of the key drivers, that is really the rock, in the rock and the hard place, that seniors are in.”
    “The price of prescription drugs, for decades, pharmaceutical corporations have been able to raise the prices year after year, enormously above the rate of general inflation.” 
    “They do it because they can. They do it for greed alone and seniors pay the consequence of this.”
    “That’s too often having to cut their pills in half, or forgo their prescriptions, or face the choice of am ‘I going to pay my rent, or my heating bill, or be able to afford my drugs this month.” 
    “That is the reality that millions of Americans face. Now, President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed a bill that allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time ever, and there will be a reduction in the prices of some specific drugs. But what we could do is expand that to all drugs. Why get ripped off on any drugs?”
    SRW: “Absolutely. And I’m proud that in that provision which caps the cost of prescription drugs, my insulin bill, which caps the cost of insulin to no more than $35 of out-of-pocket costs per month for seniors.”
    “Insulin shouldn’t be expensive, and the fact that it is, prior to our engagement in this area, speaks to the outsized influence of Big Pharma in our politics.”
    “On his first day in office, President Trump signed a wave of executive orders, and one of these executive orders rolled back an initiative that would empower Medicare prescription drugs to offer generic drugs that treat chronic conditions for a flat $2 co-pay.”
    “Mr. Lawson, would capping the cost of medication at $2 help with seniors’ ability to afford other essentials like groceries?”
    AL: “Absolutely. There’s no doubt at all on that.”
    SRW: “How do high prescription drug costs affect seniors also dealing with inflation?”
    AL: “When a senior [is] forced to try to go get groceries and they can’t afford those groceries on the $1900 average Social Security cost per month, if their drug prices are going up month after month, 13 percent, they’re going be less able to afford those groceries. And we know that this price cap works because there is now a $2000 price cap on prescription drugs in the same bill that put in negotiation and the freedom that gives seniors the anxiety of ‘will I be able to afford my next bag of groceries’ is enormous.”
    SRW: “Absolutely.”
    “The Affordable Care Act established a premium tax credit to help everyday Americans afford their healthcare costs. Several years ago, Democrats in Congress passed legislation increasing the value of the premium tax credits to help families better afford health care while dealing with inflation. But if Congress fails to extend these tax credits before the end of the year, a 60-year-old couple in Georgia with a household income of say $80,000 will see their annual premium go up by $16,798.”
    “Mr. Lawson, how would extending the enhanced PTC support the fiscal sanity of seniors?”
    AL: “It would be fiscal insanity not to extend it and think that it’ll do anything other than drive millions of older Americans into poverty because you can’t just increase a bill $16,000 and expect that money to just come from nowhere.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Reminds Georgians of Looming Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance for Hurricane Helene Recovery 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Reminds Georgians of Looming Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance for Hurricane Helene Recovery 

    Deadline is February 7, 2025 for Georgians to apply for federal relief in the counties designated for Individual Assistance
    To date, FEMA has provided $290,000,000 in individual and household assistance to Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “As state and federal partners continue to process and administer federal funding to help local communities, I will remain vigilant in ensuring Georgians impacted by these devastating storms get the full assistance they are owed”

    Senator Warnock distributing bottled water to the Augusta community following Hurricane Helene in 2024
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is reminding Georgians impacted by Tropical Storm Debby (August 4—20. 2024) and Hurricane Helene (September 24—October 30, 2024) in the counties designated for Individual Assistance that they have until February 7, 2025 to apply for FEMA assistance. To date, FEMA has provided $290,000,000 in individual and household assistance to Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene.
    “I continue to pray for and work on behalf of all Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene. I am proud we were able to pass major federal disaster relief for Georgia families and farmers recovering and I have been on the ground across the state helping to connect local communities to federal resources,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “As state and federal partners continue to process and administer federal funding to help local communities, I will remain vigilant in ensuring Georgians impacted by these devastating storms get the full assistance they are owed.”
    The application period for federal disaster assistance ends on Friday, February 7, 2025. Counties approved for assistance for Hurricane Helene are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes.
    Counties approved for assistance for Tropical Storm Debby are: Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long and Screven.
    If a Georgian has storm-related expenses and lives or owns a business in one of the listed counties, they are encouraged to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance can provide grants, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may offer loans for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs. For more information or to apply online with SBA, visit sba.gov/disaster. Additional information is also available by calling the Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or via email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
    Georgians can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Georgians can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.
    To apply in person, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where FEMA and SBA specialists can help you apply for assistance, upload documents, answer questions and provide information on available resources. Georgians may visit any open Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.
    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Continues Leading in Clean Energy Building Practices that Save Coloradans and Businesses Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Colorado ranks top-ten nationally in LEED-certified buildings in annual U.S. Green Building Council report 

    DENVER – Colorado is ninth in the nation for developing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings in 2024, according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual Top 10 States report. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Colorado has ranked Top 10 under the Polis Administration’s leadership prioritizing greener and cost-saving building practices. 

    “Colorado continues to lead the nation in constructing more energy efficient buildings that save money on energy bills and protect our state for future generations. Since day one, we have prioritized smart construction strategies for Coloradans and businesses to help reduce costs and I’m proud that our state continues to lead our nation,” said Gov. Polis. 

    In 2024, 64 LEED projects were certified in Colorado, representing 13,884,040 square feet of space. Through lower operating costs and better efficiency, these buildings support Colorado’s clean energy goals while enhancing building safety, durability, sustainability, comfort, and affordability for households and businesses. 

    “Lowering building emissions is key to achieving our climate goals, and we’re thrilled that Colorado remains a national leader in this area. Energy efficient buildings lower utility costs for owners and tenants as well as help reduce harmful air pollution that drives climate change and impacts public health. And frankly, energy efficient buildings are quieter, and better for tenants,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Calvert Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Calvert Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) introduced bipartisan legislation to support Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) activities.
    The bill would increase the funding available for species conservation by creating an interest-bearing account at the Department of the Treasury for funds that the Colorado River Lower Basin states and the federal government contribute to the LCR MSCP. Currently, the Bureau of Reclamation holds the funding that states, including California, Arizona, and Nevada, contribute in an account that does not collect interest.
    The legislation advanced out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by voice vote last Congress. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) are cosponsoring the legislation.
    “The Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program is critical to balancing our water needs and hydropower production with the conservation of native species in the Lower Colorado River,” said Senator Padilla. “As ongoing drought threatens the Colorado River’s water resources and increases project costs, allowing the program’s account to accrue interest is a simple, bipartisan solution to ensure that California’s contributions to this program go even further.”
    “Providing additional resources for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program at no cost to taxpayers will support one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest,” said Representative Calvert. “This bipartisan bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest and maintain their effectiveness.”
    “The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is proud to participate in the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP), an incredibly successful collaboration between the federal government, states, and other stakeholders to create habitat for 28 native species,” said Deven Upadhyay, the Interim General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “This bill will enable the funds provided by the States for LCR MSCP projects to be held in an interest-bearing account. The interest collected on this non-federal funding will be reinvested in MSCP projects. Metropolitan appreciates Representative Calvert and Senator Padilla for introducing this bi-partisan legislation and looks forward to its passage.”
    “The Multi-Species Conservation Program has improved degraded river habitat conditions to create a more resilient Lower Colorado River—a vital part of the ecosystem and essential for birds, other wildlife, and the people that depend upon it,” said Jennifer Pitt, National Audubon Society’s Colorado River Program Director. “Allowing for smarter investment of the program’s funding will allow Colorado River partners to better protect water and habitat for threatened and endangered species and prevent new species from needing to be listed. We thank the bill sponsors for moving quickly to introduce this bill to generate additional funding for the MSCP into the future.”
    The Lower Colorado River provides critical water and power supplies across the Southwest. The LCR MSCP was authorized by Congress in 2009 and is supported by agencies within the federal government, as well as state, tribal, and local water, power, and wildlife agencies. Within the geographic scope of the LCR MSCP from Lake Mead to the Mexican border, the program will establish over 8,000 acres of native riparian and aquatic habitat. It includes additional science-based research and management efforts focused on expanding knowledge of the local wildlife and the quality of the habitat restoration efforts. The program has already achieved success in stocking thousands of native fish and increasing numbers of breeding migratory birds within 5,000 acres of new riparian habitat.
    The LCR MSCP has a budget of $626 million for its 50-year term. The funding is shared among the program participants on the basis of 50 percent federal, 25 percent California, and 12.5 percent each from Arizona and Nevada. Through the LCR MSCP agreements, the Lower Basin states committed to make quarterly payments to cover the program costs based on the initial budget estimates established in 2005. For Fiscal Year 2024, the program budget calls for funding of $38.8 million, with the state participants paying $19.4 million.
    Over time, the pace of funding has exceeded work expenditures, and the Bureau of Reclamation has accumulated over $60 million in contributed funds for future costs. However, the accounts in which Reclamation holds the contributed funds do not earn interest or any investment return. Multiple funds established by congressional action in the U.S. Treasury are directed to be invested or to earn interest. This legislation simply allows the LCR MSCP to do the same.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahoskie Gang Member ‘Woo’ Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison After Conviction for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    RALEIGH, N.C. – An Ahoskie gang member was sentenced to 100 months in prison and five years of supervised release, after authorities found drugs and a firearm in his home.  On September 30, 2024, Rodney Lamont Evans, a.k.a. “Woo,” pled guilty to the charges.

    “This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes. “Their relentless efforts to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens reflect our shared commitment to a safer community.”

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, authorities in Ahoskie received information on August 8, 2022, that Evans, 47, a member of the Bloods gang, was distributing narcotics out of his home on McGlohon Street. On that date, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Evans’s residence.  Upon their arrival, Evans fled through a window and attempted to hide on the roof but was soon found.  Inside Evans’s home, authorities discovered nearly 360 grams of cocaine, over 5 grams of crack, over 1,700 grams of marijuana, a firearm, ammunition, multiple digital scales, and drug packaging materials.  The investigation also revealed that Evans had previously participated in the sale of homemade machinegun conversion devices, or “switches,” with a fellow member of the Bloods.

    Evans was previously convicted of indecent liberties with a child and multiple charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine in North Carolina. 

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Lori Warlick and Sarah Nokes prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-CR-23-BO-RN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation — Saskatchewan RCMP seizes illicit drugs and firearms in Pelican Narrows enforcement effort

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Pelican Narrows Detachment recently conducted a series of enforcement activities to combat gang activity and remove illicit drugs and firearms from Pelican Narrows, SK, a community part of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

    On January 21, 2025, RCMP officers from the Prince Albert CRT, Pelican Narrows Detachment and Critical Incident Response Team executed search warrants at four residences in Pelican Narrows in relation to ongoing drug and firearms trafficking investigations.

    Overall, officers located and seized four illegal firearms at multiple residences, two replica firearms, 94 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a small amount of methamphetamine and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.

    In total, 31 people were arrested – four suspects are facing charges and 27 individuals were released without charges. The investigation continues.

    Illicit drugs and firearms seized, four suspects charged

    RCMP officers arrested three adult males and four adult females while executing a search warrant at a residence on McKay Street in Pelican Narrows on January 21, 2025.

    While searching the residence, officers located and seized:

    • 94 grams of crack cocaine;
    • 13 grams of cocaine;
    • a loaded handgun, which was later determined to be stolen;
    • more than $38,000 in cash; and
    • additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.

    As a result of investigation, Olaitan Iyanda Amoo, a 23-year-old male from Mississauga, ON, is charged with:

    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
    • one count, possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without licence/registration, Section 95(1)(a), Criminal Code;
    • one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, unsafe storage of a firearms, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
    • one count, using firearm in the commission of an offence – while committing offence, Section 85(1) (a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, possession of weapon obtained by crime, Section 96(1), Criminal Code.

    Six individuals were released without charges.

    Officers arrested six adult males and six adult females while executing a search warrant at a residence on Wood Crescent in Pelican Narrows on January 21, 2025.

    While searching the residence, officers located and seized:

    • a small amount of methamphetamine;
    • additional drug trafficking paraphernalia;
    • two replica firearms; and
    • an edged weapon.

    As a result of investigation, Leah Sewap, a 35-year-old female from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:

    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
    • one count, using imitation firearm in the commission of an offence – while committing offence; Section 85(2), Criminal Code.

    Eleven individuals were released without charges.

    Officers arrested six adult males and six adult females while executing search warrants at two residences on Chachakew Place in Pelican Narrows on January 21, 2025.

    During the arrests, officers located and seized:

    • three firearms (a rifle, a shotgun, and a zip gun);
    • ammunition;
    • a small amount of methamphetamine; and
    • additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.

    As a result of investigation, Jocelyn Linklater, a 37-year-old female from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:

    • one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, tampering with serial number of firearm, Section 108(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count; unsafe storage of firearms, Section 86(2), Criminal Code.

    Kelvin McCallum, an 18-year-old male from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:

    • one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, unsafe storage of firearms, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
    • one count, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a prohibited firearm, Section 95(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, carry a concealed weapon, Section 90(1), Criminal Code.

    Ten individuals were released without charges.

    Olaitan Iyanda Amoo, Leah Sewap, Jocelyn Linklater and Kelvin McCallum made their first appearance in Pelican Narrows Provincial Court on January 22, 2025.

    Upholding community safety

    “These seizures and arrests are examples of how targeted enforcement can take dangerous drugs and weapons out of a community,” says Sgt. Toby Martin, Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams’ (SERT) north region acting manager.

    “By working together with RCMP officers from the Pelican Narrows Detachment and a specialized unit like the Critical Incident Response Team, the Prince Albert CRT helps make Pelican Narrows a safer place for those who call it home.”

    The Prince Albert CRT is part of Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT. Aiming to curb criminal activity, the Prince Albert CRT conducts targeted enforcement activities informed by intelligence, evidence-based policing, analysis of community crime trends and in consultation with local leadership.

    “On behalf of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership, I commend the RCMP for their action and specialized enforcement in Pelican Narrows,” says Councillor Olivia Custer of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

    “The presence of dangerous drugs has had a devastating impact on the health and safety of our community. Our members have expressed their gratitude for this important step toward making our community safer, especially for our children and Elders. We remain committed to working together to ensure the well-being of our people.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Discusses Wichita, KS Plane Crash on Morning in America: It’s a tough day for Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Morning in America on NewsNation to discuss the horrific collision of an American Airlines passenger plane from Wichita, Kansas with a military helicopter on Wednesday evening. Senator Marshall offered his deep condolences to the families of the victims and all those impacted. 
    Senator Marshall shared some of the major concerns and operational pitfalls that led to this horrific accident, and emphasized the need for a full investigation of what went wrong.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    “It’s a tough day for Kansas. We lost 67 people – it just feels like a gut punch, and we’re just lifting those families up in prayer, trying to surround them with our love. We’re all mourning with them, and it’s a tough day.”
    “I think we’re just all in shock. At least half of these families are from Wichita…This is a flight I’ve taken multiple times, and it would be unusual for me to get on that plane and not recognize some of the people in there. But regardless… We’re humbled. We’re just praying for God’s grace on these, on all these families. They got a tough, tough day ahead of them. Just trust me, it’s a tough day.”
    On the operational errors: 
    “I appreciate President Trump’s transparency. I really, really do – that the American people deserve to be leveled with. You know, there was a couple huge concerns. Why are we letting military aircraft in this airspace? This is the busiest runway in America. Why are we letting them there in the first place? And then their transponders don’t communicate with commercial planes.”
    “If you’re going to be an airspace where there’s commercial airplanes – very busy, you need to have a transponder that works… This helicopter should have never been above 200 feet. The collision occurred at 350. So all the helicopters have a ceiling of 200 feet – why was he up there? Why was air traffic control not yelling and screaming at him – or her – as well? So I do think this should have never happened, and just is so sad.”
    “I think air traffic control could have helped prevent this situation as well, and we’re waiting for that full review. We know that sometimes they only have one person handling this. Usually they have one person handling just the helicopter, and if they had that one person focused on the helicopters, again, I think they’d have been yelling and screaming, ‘What are you doing above 200 feet?’”
    On the need for urgent reform within Air Traffic Control and the FAA: 
    “I think we need to revisit everything. And if they’re going to increase the flights, then we need to have more air traffic control.”
    “Last week, President Trump hired over 100 more of these air traffic controllers. So he’s trying to address this problem up front, you know, and he was trying to reverse this trend in less safety, within the air traffic control, and more within the FAA, I would say.”
    “I have empathy, and I appreciate President Trump’s upfront communication here. There’s no more helicopters allowed in this airspace at DCA as well right now. This is the first accident – it’s been 15 or 20 years – the first major accident as well…But regardless, my prayers today for the family and for addressing the situation, and hope it never happens again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy backs bill to provide tax exemption for Louisianians, all Americans who protect homes ahead of disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and colleagues in reintroducing the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. The bill would exempt state rebates for Americans who harden their homes in preparation for natural disasters and floods from federal taxation.

    “Louisianians invest their hard-earned money in protecting their homes from hurricanes and flooding. When states provide a rebate for this disaster mitigation, it’s foolish and unfair to tax it,” said Kennedy.

    Louisiana is one of several states that incentivize citizens to fortify their homes against natural disasters by offering rebates for protection measures. Current law requires Louisianians to pay federal taxes on rebates that come from a source other than the federal government. The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act would make sure Americans do not have to pay federal taxes on state-provided rebates.

    “This commonsense legislation takes a critical step toward empowering individuals and communities to better protect themselves from the devastating effects of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. By excluding qualified catastrophe mitigation payments from income tax, we are incentivizing property owners to make the necessary improvements that reduce damage and save lives. This proactive approach to disaster preparedness not only helps families rebuild faster but strengthens our resilience in the face of future disasters,” said Tillis.

    “The devastating fires in Southern California underscored the urgent need to empower homeowners to take proactive steps to keep their families and homes safe. As these disasters become more frequent and more extreme due to the climate crisis, we should incentivize—not penalize—taxpayers for protecting their homes. That’s why the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act would provide a tax exemption on payments from state-based programs for homeowner investments in critical disaster-related improvements,” said Padilla.

    The full bill text is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces resolution to block Biden climate activism scheme

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s final guidance on voluntary carbon credits.
    The Biden-era Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) final guidance would legitimize and pave the way for regulating the voluntary trade of carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets. Voluntary carbon credit schemes function by allowing companies to “offset” their own carbon dioxide emissions by funding purportedly “green” projects elsewhere. The state of California and much of Europe have adopted controversial laws that force certain companies to cut emissions, many of which opt to buy voluntary carbon credits.
    “The American people rejected Pres. Biden’s radical green agenda, but the last administration’s bureaucratic schemes could still force California- and European-style climate craziness on the rest of the country. Congress should join me in voting to stop radical policies that put unrealistic expectations on American businesses,” said Kennedy.
    The CRA allows Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If both houses of Congress approve such a joint resolution and the president signs it, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the final guidance at issue becomes invalid.
    Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) cosponsored the resolution.
    Text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Barrasso Bill Supports Ranchers and Livestock Grazing Across the West

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act. This legislation promotes resilient and healthy rangelands and effective grazing management across the West.

    “As a rancher, I have seen firsthand the immense benefits grazing brings to Idaho’s public lands and our agricultural economy,” said Senator Risch. “The RANCH Act ensures grazing management decisions properly benefit ranchers and rural communities to maintain Idaho’s way of life.”

    “Livestock grazing plays a critical role for Wyoming’s ranchers to maintain rangeland health and protect their livelihoods,” said Senator Barrasso. “All across America, we depend on our hardworking ranchers. The RANCH Act gives them the support they need to work through natural disasters and efficiently navigate permits and grazing rights. Our bill promotes robust rangeland for livestock, creates habitats for wildlife, and makes life easier for Wyoming’s ranching communities.”

    Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.).

    The RANCH Act will:

    • Allow temporary utilization of vacant grazing allotments during extreme events/disasters;

    • Allocate funding for rangeland health and resiliency projects and public access agreements to land-locked public lands for co-benefits to hunting and recreation;

    • Extend the period of grazing permits/leases for up to 20-years, when certain conditions are met; and

    • Provide responsive and nimble management through the use of a categorical exclusion for renewal of certain grazing permits/leases and for certain actions during extreme events/disasters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Houston apprehends 2 previously removed criminal aliens convicted of child sex offenses, other violent crimes

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended two previously removed criminal aliens Jan. 29 who have been convicted of child sex offenses and other violent criminal offenses.

    David Lopez Javier, a 45-year-old twice deported criminal alien from Honduras, and Efrain Gomez Cac, a 30-year-old previously removed criminal alien from Guatemala, were arrested in Conroe and Cleveland, Texas, respectively.

    Lopez has illegally entered the U.S. at least three times and was previously removed from the country Nov. 14, 2013, and April 28, 2016. He has been convicted of committing numerous criminal offenses while in the country illegally, including lewd and lascivious battery on a child, cocaine trafficking, cocaine possession, illegal reentry, and twice for larceny.

    Gomez was previously removed from the U.S. by ICE on Sept. 7, 2018, and has prior criminal convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily harm and driving while intoxicated.

    “Criminal aliens who repeatedly violate our nation’s immigration laws only to commit sex offenses against innocent minors, traffic deadly narcotics in our local communities, or commit violent offenses against law-abiding residents are quickly finding out that the law enforcement community is united and more determined than ever in our resolve to bolster public safety, national security, and border security here in Southeast Texas,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “By working together with our partners like HSI, we are able to more effectively and efficiently leverage the unique law enforcement tools and resources that each of us brings to the table and ensure that we’re doing everything we can to uphold the rule of law and protect our fellow Texans from harm.”

    “HSI Houston is proud to work alongside ERO Houston and our other partner agencies in the area to aggressively pursue criminal aliens and other transnational criminal and immigration-related threats here in Houston and along the Texas Gulf Coast,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Our special agents live and raise families in this community and are committed to do whatever it takes to remove criminal aliens, child predators, transnational gang members, and other threats to public safety from the local community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Seattle arrests 4 illegal aliens with criminal convictions, charges for sexual assault

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    January 31, 2025Seattle, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    SEATTLE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested four criminal aliens with convictions or charges related to sexual assault:

    • Pedro Garcia-Lopez, 47, a citizen of Mexico arrested Jan. 30 in Yakima, Washington, who has been charged with theft, lewd acts with child under 14, and sexual battery.
    • Rubi Jeronimo Cruz, 22, a citizen of Guatemala arrested Jan. 30 in Lynden, Washington, convicted of DUI with reckless driving and charged with rape of a child.
    • Manuel De Jesus Zavala-Martinez,40, a citizen of El Salvador arrested Jan. 29 in Centralia, Washington, with several criminal convictions including assault with sexual motivation and assault with a deadly weapon.
    • Jaspal Singh, 29, a citizen of India arrested Jan. 29 in Tukwila, Washington, charged with assault with sexual motivation.

    “Protecting our communities, and preventing further victimization is of paramount importance to ICE throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle Field Office Director Drew H. Bostock. “These arrests reinforce the message that the presence of illegal criminal threats will not be tolerated.”

    All four individuals will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public with information regarding child sex offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROSeattle.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Recognizes January 31st as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day, Highlights IRS Direct File Tool as a Free Filing Option this Tax Season

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Recognizes January 31st as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day, Highlights IRS Direct File Tool as a Free Filing Option this Tax Season

    Governor Stein Recognizes January 31st as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day, Highlights IRS Direct File Tool as a Free Filing Option this Tax Season
    bwood

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation recognizing Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness (EITC) Day to encourage eligible hardworking North Carolinians to claim the tax credit they have earned on their upcoming federal taxes.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the EITC, which has played a crucial role in supporting workers in North Carolina and across the country. The EITC has been linked to reduced child poverty, higher educational achievement, greater lifetime earnings, and better health outcomes, including improved birth outcomes, food security, and child safety. 

    According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the average taxpayer spends approximately $270 and up to 13 hours filing their taxes every year. This tax season, approximately 1.67 million eligible North Carolinians have the option to use IRS Direct File to file their federal tax returns – for free – directly with the IRS. After filing their federal returns, taxpayers will be directed to the FileYourStateTaxes page where they can also file their state returns for free. 

    “We need to cut taxes to put more money in the pockets of working people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “That’s exactly what the federal Earned Income Tax Credit has done for the past 50 years. And I encourage North Carolinians to consider Direct File when filing their tax returns this year to save money.” 

    Direct File opened on January 27, 2025. Taxpayers can use the Eligibility Checker at directfile.irs.gov to find out if Direct File is an option for them. 

    “The federal EITC delivers for working families in North Carolina – not only in terms of increasing incomes and reducing poverty, but across a wide range of measures of well-being. And since only about 80% of eligible taxpayers claim the EITC, the new Direct File tool is a huge opportunity to make sure North Carolinians access the tax credits they have earned,” said Sally Hodges-Copple, Public Policy Analyst at the NC Budget & Tax Center. 

    “Direct File will save North Carolina taxpayers time, money, and stress. Having a simple way to file your taxes directly with the government for free means more people can benefit from tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, using these funds to pay off debt and save money,” said Jenna Bryant, Senior Program Director of MDC, which convenes the NC Tax Credit Coalition. 

    The resources below provide more information on both the EITC and Direct File: 

    • The IRS also offers an interactive online tool, EITC Assistant at www.irs.gov/eitcassistant, that guides taxpayers through EITC eligibility and estimates their possible credit.

    • North Carolina continues to offer its existing free state filing options. Visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NDOR) at eFile for Individuals | NCDOR for more information. 
       

    Jan 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Announces $30 Million Public-Private Partnership to Fund Grants for Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Announces $30 Million Public-Private Partnership to Fund Grants for Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Governor Josh Stein Announces $30 Million Public-Private Partnership to Fund Grants for Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene
    bwood

    Raleigh, NC

    Today in Boone, Governor Josh Stein joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery. Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program. 

    “Small businesses are the heart of western North Carolina and need our support to get through these slow winter months,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The Western North Carolina Small Business grant program will help small businesses with their urgent needs and support the region’s economic recovery. I am proud these state dollars are leveraging additional Dogwood Trust dollars, and I am grateful to Dogwood for its leadership.” 

    “As a private foundation committed to Western North Carolina’s health and wellbeing, Dogwood Health Trust created the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative last fall as part of our larger Helene relief efforts to provide grants to small businesses most impacted by the storm. These businesses are vital to the health of our communities,” said Dogwood President and CEO Dr. Susan Mims. “We are proud to expand our support alongside the state of North Carolina and encourage more philanthropic organizations to support this critical effort.” 

    Governor Stein also announced that the state is awarding $3 million to Baptists on Mission and $3 million to Habitat for Humanity NC to support their housing repair initiatives. Every day, both organizations are mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to repair and rebuild homes that are safe and habitable. 

    “Our volunteers are working day in and day out to get homeowners back into their homes as quickly as possible,” said Richard Brunson, Executive Director of Baptists on Mission. “We are grateful for Governor Stein’s support to ensure this work can continue to help the people of western North Carolina recover from this devastating storm.”

    “We have seen tremendous need across the western North Carolina region, and people want more than anything to be back in their homes,” said Marlowe Foster, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity North Carolina. “We thank Governor Stein for recognizing the needs of this region and giving us the tools to continue helping families rebuild.” 

    In the wake of Helene, impacted businesses lost $13 billion in revenue. These grants will help businesses make payroll, pay operating expenses, and stabilize the local economy as tourism slowly ramps up again.

    Funds will be managed by Appalachian Community Capital, with the partnership of the Community Reinvestment Fund on the application process. Eligible businesses can apply through the portal here. Eligibility requirements are below: 

    • Businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million

    • Businesses in the 28 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that are covered by President Biden’s federal disaster declaration or in Dogwood Health Trust’s 18-county footprint, including:  Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey.   

    Jan 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Essential work to improve Lendal starts 3 February

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 31 January 2025

    Two urgent improvement works are due to begin on Lendal. To ensure the safety of public and workers on site, Lendal will have daily and temporary closures to vehicles as follows:

    Northern Gas Networks will carry out essential work to the roadway on weekdays from Monday 3 February until Friday 14 February. The road will be open for deliveries and access before 10:30am and will be closed to vehicles from 10:30am until 5pm, Monday-Saturday.

    Outside those times, metal plates will be laid over the workings so vehicles can drive along Lendal. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout to ensure access to businesses.

    City of York Council will resurface and improve footways from 24 February for three months until late May 2025, weather permitting. The road will be open before 10:30am and closed to vehicles from 10:30am until 4pm each weekday.

    Outside those times, works will be barriered off but access will be maintained. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout. Pathways and cyclist routes will be maintained, where possible, to allow access to any properties and businesses safely. Emergency services will be permitted through the works at all times.

    Work will pause during the busy Easter holiday period from the end of Friday 4 April and start again on the morning of Tuesday 22 April. Access will be open during that period and the Blake Street barriers will be staffed as usual.

    Blue Badge parking will be suspended on Blake Street, Lendal and St Helen’s Square during the closure periods.

    During these two closures, access for Blue Badge holders will be via Goodramgate, which is used by the vast majority of Blue Badge holders. Blue Badge holders will be able to access and park along Goodramgate, Church Street and Colliergate as usual.

    Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

    The decision to pause Blue Badge vehicle access along the Lendal loop has not been taken lightly, but the forthcoming roadworks are essential and the footway repairs will improve accessibility for everyone.

    “We have checked to see if these two periods of work could run alongside each other to minimise disruption. Unfortunately, the access needed for staff and vehicles couldn’t be safely operated.

    “We’re notifying Blue Badge holders, taxi drivers and affected businesses ahead of these temporary closures.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Security Federal Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Annual Earnings and Financial Results for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AIKEN, S.C., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Federal Corporation (the “Company”) (OTCBB: SFDL), the holding company for Security Federal Bank (the “Bank”), today announced earnings and financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $3.0 million, or $0.94 per common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.6 million, or $1.12 per common share, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Year-to-date net income available to common shareholders was $8.9 million, or $2.77 per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $10.2 million, or $3.14 per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Both the quarterly and year-to-date decreases in net income available to common shareholders were primarily due to increases in the provision for credit losses and non-interest expense, as well as the payment of preferred stock dividends during 2024, which were partially offset by increases in net interest income and non-interest income.

    Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

    • Net interest income increased $818,000, or 7.8%, to $11.3 million as the increase in interest income exceeded the increase in interest expense.
    • Total interest income increased $1.9 million, or 10.1%, to $20.2 million while total interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 13.0%, to $9.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023. The increase in interest income and interest expense was the result of higher market interest rates and increased average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
    • Non-interest income increased $77,000, or 2.8%, to $2.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of loans.
    • Non-interest expense increased $472,000, or 5.2%, to $9.5 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to increases in salaries and expenses for employee benefits and cloud services.
      Quarter Ended
    (Dollars in Thousands, except for Earnings per Share) 12/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Total interest income $ 20,235   $ 18,384
    Total interest expense   8,982     7,949
    Net interest income   11,253     10,435
    Provision for credit losses   280     25
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   10,973     10,410
    Non-interest income   2,847     2,770
    Non-interest expense   9,523     9,051
    Income before income taxes   4,297     4,129
    Provision for income taxes   879     513
    Net income   3,418     3,616
    Preferred stock dividends   414     –
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 3,004   $ 3,616
    Earnings per common share (basic) $ 0.94   $ 1.12
           

    Full Year Comparative Financial Highlights

    • Net interest income increased $2.6 million, or 6.6%, to $41.8 million when compared to the prior year primarily due to increases in interest income on loans and interest income from our overnight time deposit account with the Federal Reserve Bank, which were partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits.
    • Total interest income increased $12.3 million, or 19.0%, to $77.3 million while total interest expense increased $9.8 million, or 37.9%, to $35.5 million.
    • Non-interest income increased $857,000, or 9.1%, to $10.2 million primarily due to increases in gain on sale of loans, trust income and ATM and check card fee income.
    • Non-interest expense increased $2.2 million, or 6.2%, to $38.1 million primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense and cloud services.
      Year Ended
    (Dollars in Thousands, except for Earnings per Share) 12/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Total interest income $ 77,306   $ 64,977
    Total interest expense   35,479     25,729
    Net interest income   41,827     39,248
    Provision for credit losses   1,370     246
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   40,457     39,002
    Non-interest income   10,247     9,390
    Non-interest expense   38,140     35,914
    Income before income taxes   12,564     12,478
    Provision for income taxes   2,757     2,288
    Net income   9,807     10,190
    Preferred stock dividends   926     –
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 8,881   $ 10,190
    Earnings per common share (basic) $ 2.77   $ 3.14
               

    Credit Quality

    • The Bank recorded a $1.5 million provision for credit losses on loans and a $110,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments, resulting in a total provision for credit losses of $1.4 million during 2024 compared to a $601,000 provision for credit losses on loans and a $355,000 reversal of provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments, resulting in a total provision for credit losses of $246,000 during 2023.
    • Non-performing assets were $7.6 million, or 0.47% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.8 million, or 0.44% of total assets, at December 31, 2023.
    • The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of gross loans was 1.98% at both December 31, 2024, and 2023.
    At Period End (dollars in thousands): 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Non-performing assets $ 7,636     $ 6,770     $ 6,825  
    Non-performing assets to total assets   0.47 %     0.43 %     0.44 %
    Allowance for credit losses $ 13,894     $ 13,604     $ 12,569  
    Allowance for credit losses to gross loans   1.98 %     1.95 %     1.98 %
                           

    Balance Sheet Highlights and Capital Management

    • Total assets were $1.6 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $62.1 million, or 4.0%, during 2024.
    • Total loans receivable, net was $687.1 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of $64.6 million, or 10.4%, during 2024.
    • Investment securities decreased $39.9 million, or 5.7%, to $660.8 million at December 31, 2024, as maturities and principal paydowns of investments exceeded purchases during 2024.
    • Deposits increased $129.0 million, or 10.8%, during the year to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2024.
    • Borrowings decreased $77.1 million, or 45.3%, during the year to $93.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to the repayment of borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program and the redemption of our 10-year subordinated debentures in the amount of $16.5 million on their call date.
    • Common equity book value per share increased to $31.21 at December 31, 2024, from $27.69 at December 31, 2023.
    Dollars in thousands (except per share amounts) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Total assets $ 1,611,773     $ 1,576,326     $ 1,549,671  
    Cash and cash equivalents   178,277       132,376       128,284  
    Total loans receivable, net   687,149       686,708       622,529  
    Investment securities   660,823       672,054       700,712  
    Deposits   1,324,033       1,257,314       1,194,997  
    Borrowings   92,964       120,978       170,035  
    Total shareholders’ equity   182,389       185,082       172,362  
    Common shareholders’ equity   99,440       102,133       89,413  
    Common equity book value per share $ 31.21     $ 31.97     $ 27.69  
    Total risk-based capital to risk weighted assets (1)   19.96 %     19.21 %     19.49 %
    CET1 capital to risk weighted assets (1)   18.71 %     17.96 %     18.24 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio (1)   9.88 %     10.27 %     9.83 %
    (1) – Ratio is calculated using Bank only information and not consolidated information
     

    Security Federal has 19 full-service branches located in Aiken, Ballentine, Clearwater, Columbia, Graniteville, Langley, Lexington, North Augusta, Ridge Spring, Wagener and West Columbia, South Carolina and Augusta and Evans, Georgia. A full range of financial services, including trust and investments, are provided by the Bank and insurance services are provided by the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Security Federal Insurance, Inc.

    Forward-looking statements:

    Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding the Company’s mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market area or other aspects of the Company’s business, operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth; economic conditions in the Company’s primary market area; demand for residential, commercial business and commercial real estate, consumer, and other types of loans; success of new products; competitive conditions between banks and non-bank financial service providers; changes in management’s business strategies, including expectations regarding key growth initiatives and strategic priorities; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the ability to attract and retain deposits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; technology factors affecting operations, including disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform critical processing functions for us; pricing of products and services; environmental, social and governance goals and targets; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other risks detailed in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. These factors should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Hospitals overwhelmed in DR Congo, food running out: Goma faces ‘devastation’

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    After days of intense fighting, the humanitarian situation in Goma, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has reached alarming levels – with humanitarian needs now massive and response capacities severely strained. 

    The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that food supplies are running dangerously low, as water and electricity outages exacerbate the crisis.

    The seizure and closure of Goma’s airport by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has further interfered with aid delivery, while the blocking of roads and lake transport restrictions have left thousands stranded.

    The rebel group has taken control of most of Goma since entering the city on Monday in the biggest escalation of a decades-long conflict springing from the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis, and a continuing struggle for control of rich mineral resources in the region among a plethora of armed groups.

    Fleeing by boat

    Families attempting to flee the violence across Lake Kivu are resorting to unsafe makeshift boats, putting their lives at risk.

    At the same time, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reports that humanitarian workers have been unable to leave their shelters in Goma for over 24 hours due to the insecurity, severely affecting emergency response efforts.

    Tom Fletcher, the emergency relief chief, has allocated $17 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to support lifesaving assistance – yet access to those in need remains uncertain.   

    Hospitals overwhelmed

    Medical facilities in Goma – and second city Bukavu to the south – are overwhelmed, with over 2,000 injuries reported since the beginning of January, including many from gunshot wounds. Hospitals lack adequate medical supplies, fuel and staff to manage the growing influx of patients.

    The World Health Organization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are urgently working to bolster healthcare services, but with supply chains disrupted and facilities at capacity, response efforts are severely strained.

    Additionally, health authorities warn of an increasing risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles and mpox, due to mass displacement, unsafe water sources and inadequate sanitation.

    Escalating insecurity in North Kivu

    In the village of Kiziba, on the outskirts of Goma, civilians are reporting armed men in military uniforms carrying out widespread looting, extortion and sexual violence, according to Radio Okapi, the station run by UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, MONUSCO.

    Meanwhile, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General Spokesperson reported that other armed groups in the east, including Zaïre and the CODECO militias, have increased attacks against the population in Djugu territory in the past month, robbing civilians.

    At least six people have been killed since last weekend and as a result, many have stopped using roads in the area, which also prevents them from going to their fields or to markets.

    Reports indicate that some roads have reopened, but mass displacement continues, with at least 700,000 people now internally displaced within North Kivu and South Kivu.

    Peacekeepers’ response

    Peacekeepers with (MONUSCO) have launched the second phase of an operation called Horizon of Peace in Djugu territory, aiming to contain an escalation of violence by armed groups, according to Mr. Dujarric.

    MONUSCO peacekeepers have stepped up patrols on several roads in the territory to support the free movement of people and goods.

    Calls for international action 

    Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for DR Congo, has issued a strong plea for immediate international support. “I call on the international community to step up its support in the face of a worsening humanitarian crisis,” he stated.

    Emergency food agency WFP has reiterated its readiness to resume food distributions as soon as security conditions permit, but without immediate access, thousands remain at risk of starvation and disease.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes additional steps to limit spread of chronic wasting disease

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government is taking additional action to protect deer and other related species from the potential spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

    CWD is a fatal infection that affects species in the deer family (cervids), such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou.

    During the 2024 fall hunting season, CWD cases were found in the Cranbrook area. Targeted removal of deer from the area where the cases were found will be conducted to decrease deer density. This will reduce the risk of spread from animal to animal through close contact or environmental contamination. A link to a map of the targeted removal area is below.

    Removal activities will include a special permitted hunt. Permits will be issued to licensed hunters. Government is working with the Kootenay Wildlife Association to reach hunters and issue permits. The initial release will involve 50 permits, with the possibility of more.

    More information about this process will be shared in a short time. All animals removed during this special hunt will be tested for CWD.

    British Columbia is working closely with First Nations, experts and other partners to monitor and lessen the risks of CWD. An extensive sampling program in the Kootenay region has detected four cases to date, indicating a low disease prevalence. Measures such as targeted removal will help reduce the risk of spread, along with vigilance and ongoing surveillance, which are crucial in managing CWD.

    This removal will not be within Cranbrook city limits. Provincial officials are developing further actions focused on urban deer. These actions will be announced soon.

    The public should continue submitting deer, elk and moose samples to improve information during the ongoing response. Restrictions remain in place for transport, testing and disposal of deer, elk and moose carcasses.

    While most infected animals show no symptoms, anyone who sees a deer, elk, moose or caribou exhibiting signs such as weight loss, drooling, poor co-ordination, stumbling or general illness, should report it to the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters Line at 1 877 952-7277 or the B.C. Wildlife Health Program.

    Learn More:

    For more information, visit the B.C. chronic wasting disease website:
    http://www.gov.bc.ca/chronicwastingdisease

    For more information about chronic wasting disease regulation and restrictions, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-health/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-bc#hunting-regulations-restrictions

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Releases Statement Following Pentagon’s Reversal of Illegal and Immoral Abortion Travel Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s reversal of its illegal and immoral taxpayer-funded abortion travel policy:

    “For the past two years, I have been sounding the alarm about the Pentagon’s illegal and immoral practice of using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. I took a lot of heat when I stood alone for nearly a year in holding senior Pentagon promotions over this—but as of today, it was all worth it. The Biden administration treated taxpayers like their own personal Piggy bank that they could use to bankroll their woke agenda. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth affirmed today what I’ve been fighting for since I got to Washington: zero taxpayer dollars should go towards abortions. Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s leadership, the Pentagon will once again be focused on lethality, not pushing a political agenda. Thank God common sense has been restored to our military under President Trump’s leadership.”

    BACKGROUND:

    For 11 months in 2023, Senator Tuberville imposed a blanket hold on senior military promotions over the Biden administration’s illegal taxpayer-funded abortion related travel policy. Following threats from Senator Schumer in December 2023 to change Senate rules, Sen. Tuberville narrowed the holds to 4-star generals, releasing the other nominees for promotion. Senator Tuberville vowed to continue fighting against the policy and to always defend taxpayers and the unborn.

    MORE:

    Tuberville: I will never stop fighting to defend taxpayers and the unborn

    What They Are Saying: Conservative Leaders Thank Tuberville

    Pentagon Continues to Stonewall Truth about Illegal Taxpayer-Funded Abortion-Related Travel Policy

    Tuberville Forces Floor Vote on Military Nominations

    Tuberville Again Defends Life and the Constitution

    Tuberville Speaks with Secretary of Defense, Reiterates Hold on Nominations

    Tuberville Blasts DoD’s Extreme New Abortion Policy, Holds Nominees on the Senate Floor

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: President’s Cabinet

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: Why does the nation’s chief executive have a team of advisors known as the President’s Cabinet?

    A: During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delegates hashed out how to organize the executive branch and whether the president would act independently or collaborate with a council of ministers. One proposal suggested a council comprised of the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Ultimately, the delegates vested theexecutive power in a single person: the President of the United States. However, they also included constitutional guardrails unique to our system of checks and balances, granting the power of “advise and consent” to the Senate on appointments and treaties. So, while the president’s “Cabinet” is not spelled out in the Constitution, Article II, Section 2, clause 1 authorizes the president “may require the Opinion … of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Officers.” In other words, the president has the power to surround himself with a team of people to carry out the laws of the land.

    President George Washington created the first Cabinet and nominated four individuals for Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of State, Secretary of War and Attorney General. Washington met regularly with his Cabinet to discuss core functions of the new federal government: money supply, diplomacy, defense, enforcement of laws and administration of justice. His successors followed this precedent to surround themselves with trusted advisors to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The Cabinet has expanded over the years, most recently with creation of the Department of Homeland Security post-9/11. Today, the Cabinet includes the Vice President and heads of 15 executive departments, including the U.S. Attorney General; Secretaries of Agriculture; Commerce; Defense; Education; Energy; Health and Human Services; Homeland Security; Housing and Urban Development; Interior; Labor; State; Treasury; Transportation; and, Veterans Affairs. Also serving in Cabinet-level positions are the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and Small Business Administration; Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency; National Intelligence; and, Office of Management and Budget; U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and the U.S. Trade Representative. Since the 113th Congress, Cabinet nominees are confirmed by a simple majority in the U.S. Senate. If approved, nominees are sworn in before beginning their duties.

    Q: What is the Senate’s role in the confirmation process?

    A: The Constitution gives the president and the Senate shared authority to make appointments to high-level positions in the federal government, including the federal judiciary and the president’s Cabinet. History shows the Senate extends deference to presidents selecting advisors to help them carry out the operations of the executive branch of government. In the 19th century, the Senate revised its rules to require the referral of nominations to the appropriate committees. A century later, Senate committees held public hearings and questioned nominees in person. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress, I’ve led confirmation hearings for President Trump’s nominees to serve as the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI. From my assignments on the Senate Agriculture, Finance and Budget Committees, I’ve participated in confirmation hearings for the Secretaries of Agriculture, Treasury, Health and Human Services and Director of the Office of Management and Budget. It’s my policy to wait until after these hearings conclude to make my final decision on the nomination. The Senate’s “advise and consent” authority is one tool to keep check on the executive branch and has factored into the rejection or withdrawl of Cabinet nominees for centuries. At the same time, the Senate has a compelling interest not to impede the continuity of government from one administration to the next. It’s critical to the functioning of government to have these high-level officials in place. For Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, 84 percent of Cabinet secretaries nominated before Inauguration Day received quick Senate approval, an average of 2.4 days. After passing background checks, answering questions in writing, in private meetings and under the Senate microscope in public confirmation hearings and being referred favorably by the committees of jurisdiction, the president’s nominees deserve a timely vote in the U.S. Senate. The devastating collision on Jan. 29 over the Potomac River – the worst aviation crash in America in a quarter century – underscores the urgency to get the president’s team in place.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Shaheen Seek to Prevent Youth Opioid Abuse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today introduced the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act. The bipartisan bill would combat youth opioid abuse by enabling school partnerships with current or former Drug-Free Communities to educate students about the dangers of synthetic opioids. Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    “Stamping out drug abuse in our communities and schools demands an all-hands approach. One piece of the puzzle is supporting drug prevention programs that educate young people about synthetic opioids and preventable resources,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to support this vital and fiscally responsible bill to protect our next generation from the dangers of addiction.” 

    “Our bipartisan bill will help save lives by educating students and young people across the country about the dangers of synthetic opioids,” Shaheen said. “We’ve made progress in recent years to stem the substance use epidemic, but there’s more we can and should do to ensure kids know just how deadly opioids can be. Our bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act would help do just that.”  

    Find bill text HERE.

    Background:

    The Keeping Drugs out of Schools Act establishes a five-year grant program that would allow elementary, middle and high schools to apply for up to $75,000 in federal funding to plan, implement and evaluate effective drug prevention initiatives. Eligible schools could renew their grant eligibility for up to three more years. 

    Grassley helped create the Drug-Free Communities program in 1998, after establishing Iowa’s “Face It Together,” or FIT – a first-of-its-kind, statewide anti-drug effort. Today, the Drug-Free Communities program serves 751 communities across the nation and supports 6.1 million middle and high school students. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Excessive speeder ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services Labrador

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 21-year-old man was ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services Labrador for excessive speeding yesterday.

    On Thursday, January 30, 2025, police observed a vehicle travelling 141 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Route 520, commonly known as the North West River highway. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was ticketed for excessive speeding. His license was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank the public for continuing to report incidents of excessive speed, dangerous driving and crimes within their communities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Poplar Bluff Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Recording His Rape of Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Friday sentenced a man who recorded his rape of a minor with an intellectual disability to 30 years in prison.

    In March of 2024, the 17-year-old victim’s mother contacted the Poplar Bluff Police Department about Jason R. Hicks-Simpson. The victim told investigators that Hicks-Simpson had been sexually abusing her since she was five, his plea agreement says. She also said Hicks-Simpson threatened to kill her and her kittens if she did not keep the secret. Hicks-Simpson told police that it had only happened once several months earlier. Investigators found videos dating back to May of 2023 on his phone, the plea agreement says.

    Hicks-Simpson, of Poplar, Bluff, 46, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in October to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.

    Hicks-Simpson will now be transferred to state court to face charges there.

    The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 56 Defendants With Illegal Reentry During First Quarter Of 2025

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that federal prosecutors charged 56 defendants with illegal reentry into the United States during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending on December 31, 2024. During this same period, more than 50 additional defendants were sentenced for charges relating to or including illegal reentry.

    “This effort continues my office’s long-standing commitment to enforcing the laws setting forth requirements for entry into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “Over the past three fiscal years, we have increased our number of immigration prosecutions by 69%. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and federally prosecute anyone who illegally enters our borders.”

    Q1 FY 2025 Case Highlights

    United States v. Rodriguez-Acevedo 

               In October 2024, Juan Rodriguez-Acevedo was sentenced to three years and ten months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal following a conviction for committing an aggravated felony. According to court documents, Rodriguez-Acevedo is a native and citizen of Mexico. In 2007, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Due to his conviction for an aggravated felony, Rodriguez-Acevedo received a permanent ban from the United States and was deported to Mexico in 2018 after his release from federal prison. In 2019, Rodriguez-Acevedo was encountered by law enforcement in Texas. He had crossed the border illegally and was prosecuted for illegal reentry following his removal after a conviction for commission of an aggravated felony. He was again deported to Mexico in 2021 after his release from federal prison. In March 2024, law enforcement officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rodriguez-Acevedo during enforcement activities in Lake City. Rodriguez-Acevedo admitted to law enforcement that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States in June 2023.   

    United States v. German Altamirano-Hernandez

               In October 2024, German Altamirano-Hernandez was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. According to court documents, Altamirano-Hernandez is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been granted voluntary removal from the United States 10 times between 1999 and 2002 after it was determined he was illegally in the United States. In 2005, he was encountered by law enforcement in New Mexico and was prosecuted for illegal entry into the United States, then was deported to Mexico later that year. In 2013, he was encountered by law enforcement in Florida and was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. He was deported to Mexico in 2015 after his release from federal prison. In 2019, Altamirano-Hernandez was encountered by law enforcement in Arizona, after having crossed the border illegally, and was prosecuted a third time for illegal reentry into the United States. He was again deported to Mexico in 2020 after his release from federal prison. In March 2024, Altamirano-Hernandez was encountered by deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office when they conducted a traffic stop on the car he was driving. During the stop, Altamirano-Hernandez provided deputies with a false name and a fraudulent identification card. During a search of his car, deputies found multiple forms of fraudulent identification. After confirming Altamirano-Hernandez’s identity, he was arrested. Altamirano-Hernandez admitted to law enforcement that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States.

    United States v. Ochoa

    In October 2024, Ramon Ochoa was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation, consecutive to another sentence he is serving in the Florida Department of Corrections. According to court documents, Ochoa is a Mexican citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2008 and again in 2014. He was removed from the United States on both occasions, most recently in May 2014. In 2017, Ochoa again entered the United States without permission from appropriate government officials, and he remained until he was arrested in Polk County in May 2019. United States Customs and Border Protection officials were alerted to the fact that Ochoa was in custody in the Polk County Jail under the name Samuel Santana-Ortuno and was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Ochoa admitted to a Border Patrol agent that his true name is Ramon Ochoa and he did not have any documents allowing him to enter the United States. Ochoa was later sentenced in state court to seven years’ imprisonment for his state drug-trafficking offense.

    United States v. Hernandez-Casiano

               In November 2024, Daniel Hernandez-Casiano was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. According to court documents, Hernandez-Casiano was found in the United States on January 9, 2024, after being arrested and convicted on state charges for possession of fentanyl and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Hernandez-Casiano was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on three separate occasions.

    United States v. Ramirez-Ramirez

               In December 2024, Gustavo De Jesus Ramirez-Ramirez was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. According to court documents, Ramirez-Ramirez was arrested on November 11, 2022, in Jacksonville after he rappelled from a hole in the ceiling of a business and then drilled through three adjacent business walls and into a jewelry store. He later pleaded guilty in state court to burglary of a dwelling with damage and burglary of a structure. After his arrest, it was also discovered that Ramirez-Ramirez was present in the United States illegally. Ramirez-Ramirez has two previous deportations, one of which followed a prior conviction for illegal reentry into the United States in October 2014. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius: 31 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam this afternoon. 

    The leaders began by reflecting on their first months in office and discussed the strong relationship between the UK and Mauritius, which they looked forward to expanding. 

    The Prime Minister underlined the need for a deal to secure the military base on Diego Garcia that ensures strong protections, including from malign influence, and that will allow the base to continue to operate. 

    Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a deal, and they looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM call with Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius: 31 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam this afternoon. 

    The leaders began by reflecting on their first months in office and discussed the strong relationship between the UK and Mauritius, which they looked forward to expanding. 

    The Prime Minister underlined the need for a deal to secure the military base on Diego Garcia that ensures strong protections, including from malign influence, and that will allow the base to continue to operate. 

    Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a deal, and they looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Royalty Announces Conference Call for 2024 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky will release its 2024 annual and fourth quarter results on Monday, February 10, 2025 after markets close. The news release detailing PrairieSky’s 2024 fourth quarter and year-end results will provide operating and financial information. Financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and the annual information form will be available on PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    A conference call to discuss the results will be held for the investment community on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 beginning at 6:30 am MT (8:30 am ET). To participate in the conference call, you are asked to register at the link provided below. Details regarding the call will be provided to you upon registration.

    About PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.

    PrairieSky is a royalty-focused company, generating royalty revenues as petroleum and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating free cash flow and that represent the largest and most concentrated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
    Investor Relations
    (587) 293-4000

    www.prairiesky.com

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/acc868d4-b4ba-4f59-a19e-2151de63a7a0

    The MIL Network –