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  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Durbin Announce Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today announced the establishment, leadership and membership of Senate Judiciary Subcommittees for the 119th Congress.

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s broad jurisdiction tasks us with important responsibilities, such as safeguarding Americans and our border, empowering consumers, pursuing justice against criminal offenders, vetting nominees to the federal judiciary and upholding the founding principles of our Constitution,” Grassley said. “Our work impacts nearly every aspect of Americans’ daily life. We have a strong roster of committee members, and I look forward to delivering for the American people this Congress.”

    “The Senate Judiciary Committee is arguably the workhorse of Senate committees. The list of historic hearings held before it is long and filled with memorable testimony,” Durbin said. “These are consequential times, but we have a talented group of Democratic members, and I look forward to them leading the national debate on the critical issues we face.”

    Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chair             Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)                    Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chair    Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                          Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on the Constitution

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo), Chair        Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                        Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                     Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         

    Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Chair       Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)              Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                  Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)                       Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)         Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)

    Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)               Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                         Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)                      Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                    Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)

    Subcommittee on Intellectual Property

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chair         Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah)                          Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)          Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.)                      Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)

    Sen. Kate Britt (R-Ala.)                           Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)                 Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)

    Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)                    Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

    Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)                       Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.)                      Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

    Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.)

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Honors Stephen Woodfin of Harvest as February “Veteran of the Month”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring Navy Second Class Officer Stephen Woodfin as the February “Veteran of the Month.”

    Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.

    “America’s military is the greatest in the world because of men and women who take pride in their role to keep us safe. No one demonstrates this better than Petty Officer First Class Stephen Woodfin of Harvest, Alabama.

    After being drafted into the Navy in 1968, Stephen found himself far from his small-town Alabama farm at basic training in Nashville and San Diego. He describes this journey from the farm to the Navy as ‘a country boy in hog heaven.’ After basic training, he was shipped out to the South Pacific to serve his country for the next four years in the Vietnam War. Like many Vietnam veterans, Stephen saw firsthand the horrors of war.

    Yet, Stephen is still proud to say he served in the military and says his time in combat led him to meet some of the finest people he ever met. Shortly before returning home in 1972, Stephen met his wife, whom he describes as the best thing that ever happened to him. After their return back to the states, Stephen took on several different roles—including husband, father, postal serviceman, teacher, and many more.”

    Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov. 

    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 News: American Heart Month, 2025

    Source: The White House

    Every day, untold numbers of our friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers are affected by the devastating affliction of heart disease.  As the Nation’s leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease has stolen infinite lives, crushed countless families, and imposed unimaginable heartbreak upon Americans of every walk of life.  This American Heart Month, we mourn and pray for those we have lost and recommit ourselves to ending the deadly plight of heart disease once and for all.

    Thanks to advancements in medicine, science, and technology, our Nation has made tremendous strides in combatting heart disease — and the American people are now better equipped than ever before to receive lifesaving treatments, respond to medical complications, and modify behavior and habits to ensure they can lead long and healthy lives.  

    But even one soul lost to heart disease is a tragedy beyond comprehension.  To that end, my Administration will work diligently to save lives, lower healthcare costs, and foster a stronger, safer, and healthier future for every citizen.  For as long as I am President, I will always be an unwavering advocate for improving the health of every American.

    The first step in confronting the cardiac disease crisis is taking concrete action to lower the odds of diagnosis — and encouraging those in our lives to take all necessary measures to root out unhealthy habits.  Research has consistently shown that risk factors contributing to heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use, and smoking.  Making small adjustments to our health and routines can yield extraordinary and even life-saving results.  My Administration is also steadfastly committed to cracking down on Big Pharma and ending the chronic disease epidemic.  And we will fulfill our pledge to investigate what has caused the decades-long increase in health problems and childhood diseases — including obesity, autoimmune disorders, infertility, and autism.  As Americans, we owe it to ourselves and our families to take care of our bodies — and to cherish God’s gift of life for as long and as vigorously as we can.

    As we enter into this American Heart Month, let us seek to improve our health, lengthen our lives, and nurture a culture, a government, and a Nation that upholds the dignity of life and protects the human heart.

    In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved on December 30, 1963, as amended (36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2025 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 7, 2025.  I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join my Administration in recognizing and restating our pledge to fighting heart disease in all its forms.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    third day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
     

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        February 3, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pocket art guide updated with 10 new artworks showcasing toi Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau

    Source: Auckland Council

    The vibrant cityscape of Tāmaki Makaurau has seen a rise in the presence of Māori design and art in its urban environment in recent years, a result of the ongoing efforts by the Auckland Council group to ensure the stories and identity of mana whenua are visibly reflected and felt in the city centre.  

    This exciting shift is being celebrated through the unveiling of ten new artworks on the pages of ‘Te Paparahi Toi Māori’ the Auckland Art Walk guide, which brings Māori culture and history to life in the city’s public spaces for Aucklanders and tourists to explore. 

    For the online walking guide of Te Paparahi Toi Māori, visit ArtNow.  

    “This growing collection of Māori art serves as a reminder of the rich cultural history that underpins our city,” says Councillor Kerrin Leoni. 

    “I encourage Aucklanders and visitors to explore these meaningful creative expressions in the city’s urban landscape and to reflect on the importance of te ao Māori in shaping modern Tāmaki Makaurau.” 

    Here are 10 of the new must-see toi Māori (Māori artworks) in Auckland’s city centre, recently added to ‘Te Paparahi Toi Māori’: 

    Waimaraha, Myers Park, Auckland – photo David St George.

    1. Waimahara, 2024 – A Captivating Display of Light and Sound

    Waimahara, an extraordinary interactive new Māori artwork in Myers Park, springs to life with mesmerising light and sound displays in response to special waiata. 

    If you sing a special waiata into a sensor, the artwork listens and responds, accompanying you with an awe-inspiring display of light and sound. 

    Commissioned by Auckland Council, this unique creation by artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Manu), technology experts IION, and skilled composers features two original waiata for the project.  

    To visit Waimahara and other art works close by, click here .

    Te Kōmititanga, Queen Street, Auckland.

    2. Te Kōmititanga, 2020 – The Merging of Waters and People

    Located in the city’s largest public square, Te Kōmititanga, meaning ‘to mix’ or ‘to merge’ was gifted by local hapū Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei as a powerful symbol of the convergence of people and waters. Situated where the Waitematā Harbour and Te Waihorotiu (The Waihorotiu Stream) once met, this bustling public space boasts 137,000 basalt pavers woven in a harakeke (flax) mat pattern, entwining pedestrians by train, bus, and ferry into the cultural and environmental heritage of the area. 

    To visit Te Kōmititanga and other art works close by, click here. 

    Te Wharekura, Quay Street, Auckland.

    3. Te Wharekura, 2023 – A Treasure Box of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

    The 108-year-old heritage kiosk next to the Tāmaki Makaurau downtown ferry terminal has been repurposed into a cultural and marine education space to create a new destination on the increasingly beautiful waterfront.  

    Te Wharekura (house of learning) is a waka huia (treasure box) for local hapū, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, offering a fusion of physical and digital taonga toi (artworks) and a rich collection of mana whenua histories and culture. Visitors can explore the environmental challenges of the Waitematā through interactive displays and engage with hapū members onsite who guide the learning experience. 

    To visit Te Wharekura and other art works close by, click here .

    Te Tōangaroa, Tangihua Street to Tapora Lane, Auckland.

    4. Te Tōangaroa Mural Collection, 2021-2024 – Telling Stories of Place

    This captivating mural collection celebrates the deep connection of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to te taiao (the environment) of Tāmaki and depicts the importance of welcoming different cultures and diversity. Each of the six powerful murals are imbued with symbolism—from the dragging and mooring of ancestral waka, to the star constellations and tohu (signs) of te taiao in guiding the kaiurungi (steerer) on the waka journey into the future, to resilient wildlife like the kawau bird—reminding all who view it of the unwavering whakapapa (genealogy) and wairua (spirit) from the Māori ancestors to their descendants today.  

    To visit Te Tōangaroa Mural Collection and other art works close by, click here 

    5. Te Nukuao, 2020 – A Shelter of Both Passage and Pause

    Located in Wynyard Quarter, Te Nukuao (shelter), draws inspiration from the last remaining customary Māori sail, Te Rā, to reference the journeys, waka and people from past and present connected to this area. This award-winning shading structure, which recalls the double-hulled waka hourua, serves as both a cultural marker of the mana (authority) of tangata whenua over Tāmaki Makaurau, and as a shelter of welcome for all.  

    Designed by artist Tessa Harris (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki), this artwork connects Aucklanders to the city’s rich ancestral maritime history.  

    To visit Te Nukuao and other art works close by, click here.  

    Papatūānuku, Halsey Street & Tīramarama Way, Auckland.

    6. Papatūānuku, 2021 – Celebrating the Earth Mother

    Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), a vibrant contemporary-art glass installation, reflects the ever-changing colours of the seasons as guided by the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). The glass poi of the artwork represents spiritual messengers, while the vibrant wall colour reflects the energy of Tama-nui-te-rā (the sun) and the ahikāroa (long-burning fires) of artist Mei Hill’s hapū, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, in extending manaakitanga (generosity) to all people in Tāmaki Makaurau. The work celebrates the natural world while honouring the whakapapa of mana whenua. 

    To visit Papatūanuku and other art works close by, click here.  

    Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai, Wellesley Street West & Sale Street, Auckland.

    7. Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai, 2021 – A Tribute to Māui and the Waters

    Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai (remembering our waters) is a homage to the stream that once flowed through this site before the colonial settlement of Auckland. This 6.4-metre carved pou (post) commemorates the Māori demigod Māui, whose stories are central to Māori narratives.  

    The sculpture, featuring three key tales of Māui, not only serves as a pou recognising wai as taonga (treasure), the source of life, and vital for our collective wellbeing, but also as a focal point for pōhiri (ceremonial welcomes) and other official theatre events, reflecting Māori cosmology, language and history in the public realm. 

    To visit Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai (remembering our waters) and other art works close by, click here 

    Whakaako Kia Whakaora, Corner Gundry Street & Karangahape Road, Auckland.

    8. Whakaako Kia Whakaora / Educate to Liberate, 2021 – Honouring the Polynesian Panthers

    This mural honours the historical significance of the Polynesian Panthers in Auckland. With powerful references to social justice, it connects the local struggle for equality with the broader movement for civil rights, reflecting on the ongoing fight for Māori and Pacific rights and freedoms alike.  

    The Polynesian Panthers were formed in Auckland in June 1971, moulded in the shape of the Black Panthers, in response to the marginalisation and discrimination experienced by the Pacific community.  

    To visit Whakaako Kia Whakaora / Educate to Liberate, and other art works close by, click here.

    Tūrama Kaitiaki, Aotea Square, Auckland.

    9. Tūrama, Kaitiaki, 2022 – Celebrating Light, Guardians and Matariki

    Tūrama (light), the hugely popular series of six large-scale illuminated art installations lights up Queen Street to celebrate Matariki (the Māori new year).  

    Tūrama explores the role of kaitiaki (guardians) in protecting the environment. Representing the guardian figure Horotiu, this 9-metre-high artwork reminds all of us to look after the Waihorotiu valley and river, now buried under Queen Street, whose domain Horotiu protects. 

    Tūrama was created by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu), Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta), Phil Wihongi (Ngāti Hine) and Angus Muir Design. 

    To visit Tūrama (light), and other art works close by, click here .

    Te Mata Topaki, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland.

    10. Te Mata Topaki, 2020 – A Sculptural Pier Connecting People to Waitematā

    Te Mata Topaki (to hover over the headland) is a striking, award-winning 30-meter sculptural pier designed by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) that juts out into the Waitematā Harbour. Inspired by the taurapa (stern of a waka) lying on its side, mata – both obsidian and a tip or headland; and topaki – to hover like a bird, this lookout connects both key destinations and people to the water.  

    To visit Te Mata Topaki and other art works close by, click here.

    ‘Te Paparahi Toi Māori’ provides a walking-guide to over 80 sites of public art, architectural design, and historical sites across Tāmaki Makaurau helping to ensure that tangata whenua (local people) see themselves and their culture in the modern landscape. 

    For the online walking guide of Te Paparahi Toi Māori, visit ArtNow.

    To get a physical guide of Te Paparahi Toi Māori, email barbara.holloway@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or visit any of the sites listed below: 

    • Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley Street East

    • Central City Library, 44-46 Lorne Street

    • Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place

    • Auckland Council office foyer, 135 Albert Street

    • Te Wharekura, 117 Quay Street

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Most Aucklanders continue to rate their quality of life highly

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland’s topline results for the 2024 Rangahau te Korou o te Ora / Quality of Life Survey have been released, showing 75 per cent of Aucklanders rate their overall quality of life positively.

    The survey, which is undertaken every two years, is a collaborative local government research project that collects data on a range of current and topical issues relevant to residents’ wellbeing in urban New Zealand.

    Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee chair, Councillor Richard Hills says he is pleased to see from the latest survey results that most Aucklanders have a strong sense of connection and support in their daily lives.

    “The results show in part, that the work council does with Auckland communities makes a difference and can help people to thrive. These results are helpful in shaping how we plan for the future to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes,” Cr Hills says.  
     
    “Although the results show there is always more work to do, it is fantastic to see that 72 per cent of Aucklanders think their local area is a great place to live. Auckland is a wonderful place, and we can be proud of where we call home.”

    Although reports of quality of life remain relatively high, there has been a decrease since 2022, when 82 per cent of Auckland respondents rated their quality of life positively.

    When asked to rate their quality of life compared with one year prior, 25 per cent said it had increased and 30 per cent said it had decreased.

    Reasons for a decline in perceptions of quality of life were largely driven by economic pressures, says Alison Reid, Team Manager, Social and Economic Research and Evaluation.

    “Of those Aucklanders who said their quality of life had decreased, more than two-thirds (67 per cent) said this was due to reduced financial wellbeing,” she says.

    Other findings reflected economic pressures on Aucklanders. Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed disagreed that their housing costs were affordable, one in five (22 per cent) said they did not have enough money to meet their everyday needs, and more than a third (37 per cent) said they often worried about their own or their family’s financial circumstances.

    Crime is another key concern raised in the survey, with many Auckland respondents rating theft and burglary (67 per cent), dangerous driving (64 per cent) and vandalism (58 per cent) as problems in their local area in the previous 12 months.  

    It’s not all bad news though, says Alison. “One in four Aucklanders said their quality of life had increased in the last year. Of that group nearly a third (32 per cent) reported that this was related to their health care and wellbeing. Improved financial wellbeing (26 per cent), lifestyle (23 per cent) and work-related factors (23 per cent) also featured.”

    Sixty-eight per cent of Auckland respondents rated both their physical and mental health positively. Most feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support (86 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively).

    Most Aucklanders (72 per cent) also agreed that their local area is a great place to live, and more than half (57 per cent) agreed that they are happy with the way their local area looks and feels.

    The results will be used by the council to help plan for the future and to monitor economic, social and environmental outcomes, such as outlined in the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho, our Thriving Communities Strategy.

    Read the full Topline Report on the Quality of Life website. 

    About the survey 

    • The Quality of Life survey is a collaborative local government research project. Several councils participated in this year’s survey including Auckland Council, Hamilton, Tauranga,  Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin City Councils, as well as Waikato Regional Council.  

    Most Auckland respondents feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Kidnapping and Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, Virginia, were each sentenced today to 38 years in prison for federal charges relating to the kidnapping and murder of a fellow Almighty Black P. Stone gang member. A total of four defendants have now been sentenced as part of the case.

    “The defendants assaulted and kidnapped a 25-year-old mother of two, drove her to a remote location, and murdered her by shooting her eight times,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cold-blooded, senseless gang violence like this affects entire communities. Today’s sentencings underscore that protecting our communities from violent criminals is a top Department priority. I applaud the tremendous work of all our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, who made securing these significant sentences possible.”

    “This act of wanton violence exemplifies the senseless brutality we associate with organized gangs and emphasizes the importance of eradicating them from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The investigation and prosecution that brought these defendants to justice were successful because of the vital partnerships built with our law enforcement partners working together toward our common goal of public safety.”

    “When gang members resort to kidnapping and murder, they leave behind shattered lives and communities in fear,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding dangerous criminals accountable, protecting innocent lives and ensuring our neighborhoods are safe from violence.”

    “Today’s sentencing marks another significant step towards justice for the victim, her family and the community. While no sentence can ever undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope this outcome brings forth an amount of closure” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. “The ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners as we protect our community and ensure those that commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, Carney, along with co-defendants Jamica Langley, 25, of Richmond; Donnisha Goodman, 27, of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Acacia Jackson, 20, of New York, traveled to the victim’s residence in Richmond to beat her for a perceived gang infraction.

    The group left the apartment after beating the victim. About an hour later, Goodman, Jackson, Carney, and Langley returned to the victim’s apartment with fellow gang member Jones. Some of them were armed and wearing masks.

    The defendants forced the victim into a Hyundai Sonata and drove her approximately an hour east of Richmond to a remote area in York County, Virginia. After forcing the victim from the vehicle, Jones and Goodman executed her by shooting her at least eight times to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.

    Upon returning to Portsmouth after the murder, Carney, the leader of the gang, directed Goodman, Jackson, and Langley to burn their clothing, stay together, and not to speak with law enforcement.

    The day after the murder, on May 7, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department located the Sonata with Jackson, Goodman, and Langley in the car. From the car, police recovered a 9mm cartridge that displayed the same markings as casings found at the murder scene.

    On Aug. 29, 2024, Carney, Goodman, and Jones pleaded guilty to using a firearm causing death, and Langley and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping. On Jan. 7, Goodman was sentenced to 35 years in prison and Langley was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13.

    The FBI, ATF, and state and local law enforcement partners investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norwood, Colorado Man Convicted Of Threatening Law Enforcement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Bryan Cornwell, 41, formerly of Norwood, Colorado, was convicted by a federal jury on two counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. The jury found Cornwell not guilty of a third count of the same charge.

    According to the facts established at trial, from late August through later October 2023, Cornwell knowingly sent over 80 emails containing graphic and threatening messages to a law enforcement official. The messages included threats to kill and seriously injure the official, such as repeated statements that “I AM GOING TO KILL YOU.” At the time that Cornwell sent the threatening messages, he was pending sentencing on a prior case where he admitted to threatening to blow up the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.

    Cornwell will be sentenced on April 2, 2025, in Durango, Colorado.

    United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the trial. The Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Graves handled the prosecution.

    Case Number: 24-cr-00047-GPG-JMC

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Folsom Man Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Marcus Taslim, 70, of Folsom, pleaded guilty today to visa fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Taslim brought Person 1 to the United States from Indonesia in December 2018 to provide caregiving services for his mother, but he obtained a nonimmigrant visa for Person 1 through lies and false statements. Taslim secured this visa by falsely representing to a consular officer that Person 1’s length of stay in the United States would only be one month, that she would be paid minimum and overtime wages under the laws of the State of California, that she would be paid bi-weekly and in full, and that he had paid Person 1’s one-month salary in advance.

    Taslim knew these statements to the consular officer were not true. For example, although Taslim paid Person 1 what looked like one month of salary in advance, as soon as the consular officer received proof of that payment, Taslim ordered Person 1 to withdraw that money and give it back to Taslim, which she did. Then, once in the United States, Person 1 worked for Taslim for about six months. She typically worked seven days a week, beginning work as early as 5 or 6 a.m. and ending at about 8 or 9 p.m. Taslim paid Person 1 far less than minimum wage, did not pay her bi-weekly and in full, and also confiscated her passport so she could not run away. Person 1 was only able to leave in June 2019, following intercession from the Folsom Police Department.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s San Francisco Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong is prosecuting the case.

    Taslim is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Taslim faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Willimantic Man Who Stole 38 Guns from Newington Store Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 37, formerly of Willimantic, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to firearm and drug offenses stemming from his theft of 38 firearms from a Newington gun store in 2023.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2023, during non-business hours, Duffany entered Hoffman’s Gun Store in Newington by climbing onto the balcony over the main entrance, cutting into the siding with a knife, and dropping down from the ceiling.  Surveillance footage showed Duffany walking through the store and filling duffel bags with 38 guns.  He then exited the store through the same hole.  After stealing the guns, Duffany and two other individuals traveled to Hartford where Duffany traded several of the stolen guns for cash and drugs.  In the following days, Duffany sold most of the remaining guns in exchange for cash and narcotics, or he provided guns to other individuals to sell.

    Duffany was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Ashford in the early morning of June 1, 2023.  Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Duffany hiding a satchel in a soda display case shortly before his arrest.  Investigators recovered the satchel and found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and drugs inside the bag.  The gun had been stolen from Hoffman’s Gun Store.

    Duffany pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 28.

    Duffany has been detained since his arrest.

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Contractor Convicted Of Sexual Assault Of Co-Worker At Palo Alto VA Hospital

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A federal jury convicted a Palo Alto man for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse by fear, and making false statements to a federal agent during an investigation.  The jury reached its verdict late in the evening on Jan. 31, 2025, following a three-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.

    Onofre Salas-Lozano, 42, worked as a night supervisor for the janitorial services contractor that cleaned the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped the victim in a patient exam room at the hospital late at night on July 2, 2021, and forced her to engage in sexual activity.  The victim suffered traumatic tissue injury during the assault, and DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Salas-Lozano’s sperm in the victim’s underwear.  At the time of the incident, Salas-Lozano was the victim’s direct supervisor.  

    The jury also found that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agent during a subsequent investigative interview when he denied having sexual intercourse with the victim on July 2, 2021, or at any other time.  At trial, the defendant testified and claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim at some other time and denied making a false statement.  

    “Salas-Lozano used his position as a supervisor to sexually assault a fellow employee.  Federal law enforcement will do all it can to secure justice for any victim of sexual assault,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “This jury verdict ensures that the Salas-Lozano will now face severe consequences for his despicable acts.”

    “The verdict sends a clear message that the VA OIG remains dedicated to holding those who commit an act of violence at a VA facility accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful for the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim.”

    Salas-Lozano is scheduled to appear in court today to set a date for sentencing.  He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by fear, and a maximum penalty of eight years in prison on the count of materially false statement in a federal investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris and Christoffer Lee are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Mimi Lam, and Fernanda Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by VA OIG, with significant assistance from the VA Police Service. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Indict Two Individuals in Human Trafficking Case Involving Minor Victims Following APD Investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Two individuals are facing federal human trafficking charges for allegedly forcing two minor girls, ages 14 and 15, into prostitution.

    The indictment alleges that from December 29, 2024, to January 3, 2025, Roderick Bill Norseweather, 25, and Tajahnae Johnson, 21, knowingly recruited two minors for commercial sex acts, using force, threats, fraud, and coercion.

    Norseweather and Johnson are accused of transporting the minors, both under 18 years old, across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution. Specifically, they are charged with two counts each of sex trafficking of minors and transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity.

    Norseweather and Johnson will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Norseweather and Johnson each face no less than 15 years and up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Trembley is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Group Indicted for Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property Conspiracy

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEATHONY BLOCKER, age 38, JAMES BLOCKER, age 37, JOVAN COLLINS, age 34 (“COLLINS”), LORENZO TAYLOR, age 39 (“TAYLOR”), NEMIRAH DAVIDSON, age 38 (“DAVIDSON”), and PATRICK GARLAND, age 39 (“GARLAND”), residents of California, were charged on January 30, 2025 in a two-count indictment for conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods,  in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2314, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to the indictment, DEANTHONY BLOCKER, JAMES BLOCKER, COLLINS, TAYLOR, DAVIDSON, and GARLAND conspired to transport thousands of cartons of cigarettes interstate, that were stolen from warehousing facilities in Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana. The group cut through fences surrounding the facilities, using bolt cutters and crowbars to access the cigarette cartons.

    If convicted of Count 1, the defendants  face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  As to Count 2, the defendants face up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,  Firearms, and Explosives, the  Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office, the Knightdale Police Department, the Atlanta Police Department, the Rockmart Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Fort Stockton Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Kidnapping and Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, Virginia, were each sentenced today to 38 years in prison for federal charges relating to the kidnapping and murder of a fellow Almighty Black P. Stone gang member. A total of four defendants have now been sentenced as part of the case.

    “The defendants assaulted and kidnapped a 25-year-old mother of two, drove her to a remote location, and murdered her by shooting her eight times,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cold-blooded, senseless gang violence like this affects entire communities. Today’s sentencings underscore that protecting our communities from violent criminals is a top Department priority. I applaud the tremendous work of all our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, who made securing these significant sentences possible.”

    “This act of wanton violence exemplifies the senseless brutality we associate with organized gangs and emphasizes the importance of eradicating them from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The investigation and prosecution that brought these defendants to justice were successful because of the vital partnerships built with our law enforcement partners working together toward our common goal of public safety.”

    “When gang members resort to kidnapping and murder, they leave behind shattered lives and communities in fear,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding dangerous criminals accountable, protecting innocent lives and ensuring our neighborhoods are safe from violence.”

    “Today’s sentencing marks another significant step towards justice for the victim, her family and the community. While no sentence can ever undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope this outcome brings forth an amount of closure” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. “The ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners as we protect our community and ensure those that commit violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, Carney, along with co-defendants Jamica Langley, 25, of Richmond; Donnisha Goodman, 27, of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Acacia Jackson, 20, of New York, traveled to the victim’s residence in Richmond to beat her for a perceived gang infraction.

    The group left the apartment after beating the victim. About an hour later, Goodman, Jackson, Carney, and Langley returned to the victim’s apartment with fellow gang member Jones. Some of them were armed and wearing masks.

    The defendants forced the victim into a Hyundai Sonata and drove her approximately an hour east of Richmond to a remote area in York County, Virginia. After forcing the victim from the vehicle, Jones and Goodman executed her by shooting her at least eight times to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.

    Upon returning to Portsmouth after the murder, Carney, the leader of the gang, directed Goodman, Jackson, and Langley to burn their clothing, stay together, and not to speak with law enforcement.

    The day after the murder, on May 7, 2023, the Norfolk Police Department located the Sonata with Jackson, Goodman, and Langley in the car. From the car, police recovered a 9mm cartridge that displayed the same markings as casings found at the murder scene.

    On Aug. 29, 2024, Carney, Goodman, and Jones pleaded guilty to using a firearm causing death, and Langley and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping. On Jan. 7, Goodman was sentenced to 35 years in prison and Langley was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13.

    The FBI, ATF, and state and local law enforcement partners investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: dLocal to Report Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLocal Limited (NASDAQ: DLO, “dLocal” or the “Company”), a technology-first payments platform enabling global enterprise merchants to connect with billions of consumers in emerging markets, intends to release financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024 on February 27, 2025 after market close.

    The Company will host a conference call and video webcast on February 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode. The live conference call can be also accessed via audio webcast at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, at https://investor.dlocal.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available for one year following the conclusion of the conference call.

    About dLocal

    dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    investor@dlocal.com

    Media Contact:

    marketing@dlocal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: WHO chief asks US to reconsider withdrawal, gender parity remains distant goal, call for rethink on Nordic alcohol law change

    Source: United Nations 4

    Health

    The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday he would “welcome constructive dialogue” with the United States Government over the decision made by President Donald Trump to withdraw. 

    President Trump’s executive order of 20 January is regrettable “and we hope the US will reconsider,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a speech to the organization’s executive board.

    The WHO chief said he would welcome the opportunity “to preserve and strengthen the historic relationship between WHO and the US.”

    Pushing back on the rationale laid out in the executive order, Tedros said WHO had implemented the deepest and most wide-ranging reforms in its history over the past seven years.

    The US is the biggest donor by far to the agency, accounting for around 14 per cent of its $6.9 billion budget, according to latest WHO figures. 

    Addressing the US complaint that it is paying too much compared to other countries, Tedros said reducing reliance on the US and others who pay the most was a “critical element of our long-term plan to broaden our donor base.”

    COVID record

    Third, he rejected the accusation that WHO had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic:

    “From the moment we picked up the first signals of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, we asked for more information, activated our emergency incident management system, alerted the world, convened global experts, and published comprehensive guidance for countries on how to protect their populations and health systems – all before the first death from this new disease was reported in China on the 11th of January 2020.”

    Tedros also addressed the allegation that WHO lacks independence from “inappropriate political influence” by some Member States: “WHO is impartial and exists to serve all countries and all people,” he said. 

    “Our Member States ask us for many things, and we always try to help as much as we can. But when what they ask is not supported by scientific evidence or is contrary to our mission to support global health, we say no, politely.”

    © UNICEF/Joshua Estey

    A government-run shelter in the Philippines is a safe haven for girls who have been physically and sexually abused and exploited, including through the sex tourism industry. (file)

    A third of women experience physical or sexual violence: Rights experts 

    Approximately one in three women is subjected to physical or sexual violence, and 800 women and girls continue to die every day from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth, a top independent rights panel meeting heard on Monday.

    Addressing the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the UN in Geneva, Andrea Ori from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said that the world is “still far” from achieving the goal of gender parity.

    “The global landscape has changed,” she told the CEDAW session.

    Backlash against equal rights

    “We are witnessing a backlash against women’s human rights and gender equality, especially against women’s sexual and reproductive health rights – with an increase in attacks against abortion providers, shrinking civic space for women human rights defenders, and reduced funding.” 

    Mr. Ori noted that 2025 marks 30 years since the universal adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for ensuring women’s human rights and achieving gender equality around the world.  

    It remains the case, however, that sexual violence against women and girls continues to be used as a tactic of war in numerous conflicts, the UN human rights official said, while only 26 per cent of parliamentarians in the world are women and only around three in 10 women have managerial roles at work. 

    One less for the road: Time Europe cut down on booze intake, WHO warns

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) urged Nordic countries on Monday to keep a lid on alcohol sales, or risk reversing the positive impact of strict regulations put in place years ago.

    For decades, governments in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands have restricted supermarkets and private retailers from selling stronger alcoholic beverages.

    This policy has resulted in some of the lowest alcohol consumption levels in the European Union – which by contrast is the booziest region globally, with drinking habits “largely unchanged” for over 10 years, WHO said.

    Free market pressures

    The Nordic model is now at risk however, from legislative initiatives in the region that signal a potential shift toward privatization of alcohol sales, warned WHO’s Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges.

    In Sweden, for instance, a court is hearing a challenge to the Government’s exclusive rights to online sales of alcohol, while proposed laws would permit sales of alcoholic beverages in farm shops.

    Dr Ferreira-Borges explained that Nordic countries’ alcohol controls – that involve increasing taxes and raising prices, limiting availability and restricting advertising – have reduced alcohol-related harms. 

    These span from “liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular conditions, to injuries and drownings”, she insisted. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: Special Envoy applauds ‘shared conviction’ among Syrians on political transition

    Source: United Nations 4

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Peace and Security

    The UN Special Envoy for Syria said on Monday that Syrians across the political spectrum share a deep conviction that the country’s political transition must succeed.

    Geir Pedersen stressed that protection for all Syrian minorities and a fully inclusive process is essential to shaping its future.

    The top envoy has spent several weeks in Syria, engaging with the caretaker authorities and a broad spectrum of society, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in early December.

    “[He] was deeply struck by the shared conviction among all the Syrians he met that the success of Syria’s political transition is essential, and it cannot afford to fail,” said a statement issued by his office.

    “At the cornerstone of this, as he consistently heard from all Syrians he met, is the need for all Syrians to be genuinely protected, and for all Syrians to be fully included in shaping the future,” it added.

    Diverse range of meetings

    During his visit, Mr. Pedersen held multiple meetings with caretaker Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, following earlier talks with caretaker leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on 20 January. Mr. al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was named the country’s transitional president last week.

    The Special Envoy welcomed assurances given by the caretaker leadership – both publicly and in direct discussions – that the all Syrians will have a stake in the future State and that it will be built on inclusive and credible foundations.

    “In this regard, he sensed a genuine convergence between the expectations of Syrians, commitments of the caretaker authorities, and key principles of Security Council resolution 2254,” the statement said.

    Adopted in December 2015, resolution 2254 outlines a roadmap for a Syrian-led political transition, including constitutional reforms, and free and fair elections under UN supervision.

    He met leaders from civil society, different religious faiths, and NGOs, expressing gratitude to all those who shared their different perspectives.

    Continuing engagement

    Mr. Pedersen said he appreciated the commitment he received of close cooperation and consultation with the United Nations on all steps of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition.

    According to the statement, he is looking forward to working positively with caretaker authorities and following developments on the ground. He will continue to update the Secretary-General and the Security Council.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: UN chief condemns reported executions as starvation risks rise

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General expressed deep alarm on Monday over reports of summary executions of civilians in the Sudanese city of Khartoum North, allegedly carried out by fighters and militias allied with the forces of the military Government. 

    Many of the victims are believed to be from the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

    “The Secretary-General reminds all warring parties in Sudan of their obligations under international law, especially in relation to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” said his Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing correspondents in New York.

    “Sudanese women, Sudanese children and Sudanese men are paying the price for the continued fighting by the belligerents,” he stated.

    Government troops have been battling their former allies-turned military rivals, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for control of Sudan since April 2023.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the “senseless” war where alleged war crimes have been committed on both sides as having taken an “even more dangerous turn for civilians” – as reports mount of brutal, ethnically targeted killings.

    Mr. Türk’s office, OHCHR, is working to corroborate these reports.

    Humanitarian crisis escalates

    Attacks on civilians continue across Sudan, Mr. Dujarric said.

    On Saturday, a strike on a crowded market in Omdurman reportedly killed at least 60 people and injured more than 150, according to UN humanitarians.

    Civilian casualties have also been reported in North Kordofan, as well as North and South Darfur.

    Aid coordination office, OCHA, has warned of rising fatalities, particularly following reported attacks on the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were identified in December.

    UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, condemned the indiscriminate attacks at the weekend, stating: “The deliberate targeting of civilian areas represents a blatant disregard for human life and the most basic principles of the laws of war. Such atrocities must cease immediately.”

    Rising malnutrition and starvation

    The food crisis in Sudan is worsening, with reports confirming more than 70 hunger-related deaths – mostly among children – in Khartoum State, according to OCHA.

    In January alone, over 1,100 cases of severe malnutrition were recorded in three Omdurman neighbourhoods, underscoring the dire need for food assistance.

    Malnutrition rates are particularly high in areas where access restrictions have forced the closure of community kitchens, a critical lifeline for many families.

    “We stress once again the urgent need for increased funding and logistical support to sustain nutrition programmes and community kitchens, ensuring that the most vulnerable – especially children and older people – receive adequate food, nutrition and healthcare assistance,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    As the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, the UN reiterates its call for all parties to protect civilians and facilitate access to life-saving aid.

    “The suffering of Sudanese civilians has gone on for too long,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said. “It’s long past time to end this war and prevent further devastation.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 4 February 2025 Kāinga Ora refocusing on its core mission Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities is refocusing on its core mission of providing and managing quality social housing for New Zealanders in need.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Simon Moutter, Board Chair

    “Our focus as a key contributor to New Zealand’s social housing eco-system is on providing safe, warm, dry homes for those in need and acting as a good, supportive landlord to tenants and communities, while ensuring the agency’s long-term financial sustainability,’’ says Board Chair Simon Moutter.

    “Kāinga Ora is the largest social housing landlord in the country, and it is important we look after our homes and tenants and serve our communities well. We are looking forward to working alongside other Community Housing Providers to ensure that New Zealanders in need get stable and supportive housing.

    “Our new plan for Kainga Ora, which the government has approved, outlines a clear path forward for the agency as a responsible social housing landlord who is fair but firm, and invests in the state housing stock in a financially sustainable way,’’ Mr Moutter says.

    Over the two years to 30 June 2026, Kāinga Ora will be adding 2,650 new homes to the state housing stock, as well as renewing almost 3,000 homes.

    “Because of New Zealand’s long history of providing social housing, many of our state homes are old and getting to their end of their life. It is important that we invest in renewing these homes so we can continue the legacy of providing good quality state housing,’’ Mr Moutter says.

    The key elements of the new plan for Kāinga Ora are:

    • A renewed focus on core mission: Over time, Kāinga Ora will narrow its focus on providing and managing social housing in a financially sustainable way.
    • Improved tenancy management: Changes are being made to tenancy management and more use is being made of the Residential Tenancies Act to ensure better outcomes for both tenants and communities. A key part of this will be ensuring tenants are in the right type of home at the right time, with the right support in place.
    • Improved housing portfolio and build management: We are changing our maintenance strategies to ensure we look after our homes, while also investing in the progressive renewal of our older homes. Build costs will be reduced so they are more in line with the market.
    • Improved organisational performance, with a focus on cost effectiveness: Changes are being made to right-size the organisation and ensure value for money.
    • Improved financial sustainability: As key cost-saving initiatives are embedded, Kāinga Ora’s financial sustainability will significantly improve.

    Find out more about the plan for Kāinga Ora.

    Page updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE El Paso arrests 3 Venezuelan nationals, including 2 known Tren de Aragua associates

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 3, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    El PASO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended three illegally present Venezuelan nationals Jan. 28 in El Paso, Texas.

    Javier Irazabal-Rodriguez , 27, was previously convicted of sexual assault of a child on May 13, 2024, and sentenced to 10 years of probation, while Jhonatan Johan Romero-Pineda, 34, and Uzcategui-Uzcategui, 27, have been identified as active associates of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization. Irazabal-Rodriguez was released on an order of supervision and Romero-Pineda and Uzcategui-Uzcategui remain in ICE custody pending removal.

    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 ERO El Paso’s mission to increase public safety in our Dallas communities on X at @EROElPaso.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC sweep uncovers concerning online shopping return policies and terms and conditions

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC has conducted a sweep of more than two thousand Australian retail websites and has found some businesses using terms and conditions that may contravene the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

    As part of this sweep, business’ return policies and website terms and conditions were reviewed, some of which raised concerns as being potentially misleading for consumers.

    “Our sweep has found numerous examples of practices that could potentially mislead or deceive consumers regarding their rights to exchange, refund or return a product,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Under the Australian Consumer Law consumers have basic rights when buying products and services, known as consumer guarantees. These rights are separate from any warranties offered by a business and cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does.”

    The sweep identified several potentially misleading statements in the terms and conditions of a number of the websites reviewed, including:

    • imposing time-limits for returning a faulty product;
    • imposing blanket ‘no refund’ conditions on sales or specialised items;
    • referring to manufacturer warranties as the only avenue for consumers to claim remedies for faulty goods, and;
    • placing restrictions on consumers’ right to a remedy, including stating that delivery fees paid for faulty items were non-refundable and charging restocking fees if customers returned faulty items.

    Problematic statements found during the sweep included:

    • “Items that have been opened and used cannot be exchanged or refunded”;
    • “Made to order products cannot be returned”;
    • “Sale items cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded” and;
    • “In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged or faulty, please notify the store within 30 days of delivery to receive a replacement”.

    As a result of the sweep’s findings, the ACCC sent warning letters to several businesses whose returns policies or terms and conditions raised concerns under the ACL.

    “Our action led to the majority of businesses changing or removing concerning statements from their websites and improving consumer guarantee messages to consumers,” Ms Lowe said.

    “While we did identify some concerning practices during this sweep, we were pleased to find that many websites had information that advised consumers of their consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law.”

    Under the ACL, businesses should not be making statements, written or verbally, to the following effect about faulty products:

    • No refunds are permitted under any circumstances;
    • No refunds are provided for sale or specialised items;
    • To be eligible for a refund, the consumer has a limited timeframe, from receipt of the good, to return the product;
    • Returns will be subject to a processing, restocking or repair fee;
    • No refunds are provided for opened or used items under any circumstances;
    • Delivery fees are non-refundable;
    • Customers must pay for delivery for returned items.

    “The ACCC is committed to improving business compliance with consumer guarantees and will continue to actively monitor this area, and where appropriate, take enforcement action,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We encourage all businesses to review their return policies and terms and conditions to ensure they comply with the law.”

    Consumers should report any potentially misleading or deceiving statements to the ACCC: Report a consumer issue

    Notes for editors:

    There are nine consumer guarantees that apply to products. They include guarantees that a product sold to a consumer must be of acceptable quality, fit for any stated purpose, and match its description.

    The three consumer guarantees that apply to services are that businesses must provide them using reasonable care and skill, they must be fit for any stated purpose, and they must be supplied within a reasonable time where the time is not otherwise agreed between the consumer and the business.

    Businesses may offer other warranties, but these are extra promises that a business can choose to make in addition to the consumer guarantees. A warranty cannot replace, change or take away a consumer’s basic legal rights.

    Depending on the nature of the problem, remedies can include a refund, a repair or replacement and/or compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss or damage caused by the failure to meet the consumer guarantee.

    Consumer guarantees do not apply if the consumer simply changed their mind, found the product cheaper somewhere else, or decided they no longer liked it or had no use for it. Consumer guarantees also do not apply if a consumer misused the product in a way that caused the problem.

    The ACCC has been advocating for law reform to the consumer guarantees provisions, and welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to work with state and territory consumer affairs ministers to design proposed civil prohibitions and penalties for breaches of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions of the ACL. This would introduce penalties for:

    • businesses which fail to provide a remedy for consumer guarantees failures, when they are legally required to do so under the consumer guarantees, and
    • manufacturers which fail to reimburse suppliers for consumer guarantees failures for which the manufacturers are responsible.

    These amendments would significantly change business incentives to comply with their consumer guarantee obligations under the ACL, as well as more effectively supporting consumers in securing their statutory consumer guarantee rights.

    Background

    The ACCC conducted a sweep of retail websites operating in Australia. The ACCC then reviewed statements to assess whether the statement sought to restrict consumers’ consumer guarantee rights, and if so whether any further action was warranted, having regard to the size of the business, additional context on the website surrounding the statement, and consumer reports about those businesses.

    As a result, numerous website statements that raised concerns under the ACL were identified. The ACCC subsequently sent warning letters to several businesses to notify them of our concerns, educate them on their obligations under the ACL, and improve compliance with the ACL.

    Improving industry compliance with consumer guarantees is one of the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities and has been a priority for a number of years. In 2024/25, the ACCC is particularly focused on consumer guarantees relating to consumer electronics and targeting misconduct by retailers in connection with delivery timeframes.

    In November 2024, furniture and homewares retailer Koala & Tree Pty Ltd, trading as Koala Living, paid penalties of $56,340 after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for making false or misleading statements about consumers’ rights to remedies for faulty products, including for representing that a consumer’s right to seek remedies for faulty products was limited to 72 hours.

    In March 2024, the ACCC instituted Federal Court proceedings against Mosaic Brands Limited for allegedly misrepresenting consumer guarantee rights in the terms and conditions published on eight of its brands websites and making false or misleading representations to consumers about delivery times.

    In February 2024, the Federal Court ordered Mazda Australia Pty Ltd to pay $11.5 million in penalties for engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct and making false or misleading representations to nine consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Don’t clear native vegetation if you want high crop yields

    Source: University of South Australia

    04 February 2025

    South Australian ecologists have provided irrevocable proof why native vegetation is critical for healthy crop yields and should be protected in agricultural regions.

    In the first study of its kind in South Australia, UniSA scientists evaluated the impact of native roadside (linear) vegetation and small, isolated patches of (fragment) vegetation on pollination rates and crop yields for canola and faba beans in the Yorke Peninsula.

    Canola and faba bean pods within 200 metres of native vegetation – where pollinating insects live – produced more seeds and subsequently higher yields than those unpollinated by animals.

    UniSA ecologist Associate Professor Sophie (Topa) Petit says the increase in seed set near vegetation, compared to the centre of a field, was up to 20% higher for canola and 12% higher for faba beans. The larger patches of vegetation produced the best results.

    According to first author, PhD student Bianca Amato, “the results are significant, given the study area has been extensively cleared for agriculture over time, containing less than 13% of native vegetation, and roadside vegetation is often the only habitat for pollinating insects in that region.”

    “The findings confirm that both fragment and roadside vegetation improve pollination and crop yields. Roadside vegetation plays a strong role but is often threatened by clearance,” Amato says.

    “Pollinators are essential for sustainable farming, although their habitat is often overlooked in intensive agriculture. Preserving roadside vegetation and remnant patches could provide a simple way to support both biodiversity and crop production.”

    The research, recently published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, challenges the common practice of clearing native vegetation to expand cropping areas, suggesting that such actions may inadvertently reduce long-term productivity

    In the wake of the findings, the UniSA researchers are calling on governments to offer farmers incentives to restore native vegetation, not only to boost crop yields, but also to conserve biodiversity.

    “Strips of trees and bushes lining fields and roads are a familiar part of the Australian landscape. Some people assume this vegetation has little value apart from picturesque scenery, but our research shows just how important native vegetation is in supporting pollinators and increasing crop yields,” Amato says.

    Notes for editors

    “Influence of fragment and roadside vegetation on canola (Brassica napus) and faba bean (Vicia faba) pollination in South Australia” is published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.
     DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.109481

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Bianca Amato E: bianca.amato@mymail.unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Indicted on Voter Fraud and Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Carlos Jose Abreu, 45, an illegal alien living in Broward County, Florida, appeared in federal court today to face charges of impersonating a United States citizen when registering to vote and when voting in a federal election. Abreu is also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm.

    Abreu was previously indicted for passport application fraud and aggravated identity theft (case no: 24-cr-60155). On January 8, 2025, Abreu pled guilty to the passport fraud allegations.  

    According to allegations in the charging documents and statements made during court proceedings: Abreu is a national of the Dominican Republic who entered the United States illegally about 20 years ago and has lived in the country unlawfully since then. In 2007, the state of New Jersey issued an arrest warrant for Abreu on charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, endangering a child, and criminal restraint. Abreu moved to Florida, assumed the identity of a real person (a United States citizen) and used it to obtain a Florida driver license and apply for a passport. Abreu has been living in the United States under the assumed identity of the American citizen victim for about 18 years.  

    According to the recently returned indictment (case no. 25-cr-60015), Abreu also used the assumed identity of the American citizen victim to register to vote in September 2020, and to vote in the November 2022 federal midterm elections. It is also alleged that Abreu illegally possessed a firearm. It is a federal crime for an illegal alien to possess a firearm in the United States. If convicted on the voter fraud and gun charges, Abreu faces up to 15 years in federal prison. He also is subject to deportation.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Conklin of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement. 

    The DSS Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Brianna Coakley is prosecuting it.

    An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea from Dulce Man in Domestic Violence Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to two counts of assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating.

    According to court documents, Chalmers Dedios, 32, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Indian Tribe, admitted to assaulting Jane Doe twice in February 2024, including strangling her to unconsciousness.

    At sentencing, Dedios faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

    The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 28, 2025, CURTIS SQUIRE (“SQUIRE”), age 27, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). SQUIRE faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

    On February 25, 2024, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) were executed an arrest warrant for SQUIRE.  On February 25,2024, officers located and surrounded SQUIRE’s New Orleans  residence. After SQUIRE exited the residence, NOPD officers searched the house and recovered a Glock Model 23C, .40 caliber pistol, containing a large capacity magazine, and 20 live .40 caliber rounds.

    Prior to his possession of this firearm, SQUIRE had been convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: NEXUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF TRICAM INDUSTRIES

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES & EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nexus Capital Management LP (together with certain affiliates, “Nexus”), a Los Angeles-based alternative asset management firm, announced today it has partnered with the management team and existing owners, the McMunn family, to acquire Tricam Industries, LLC (the “Company” or “Tricam”).

    Tricam, based in Eden Prairie, MN, specializes in the design, development and engineering of consumer and professional home improvement equipment, including ladders and step stools, garden carts, wheelbarrows, hose reels and hand trucks, among others. The Company’s products are primarily sold through home center and retail channels across North America, Australia and New Zealand under the flagship Gorilla® brand as well as other owned and licensed brands.

    Jeff Skubic, President & CEO of Tricam, stated, “This transaction represents an exciting milestone in Tricam’s corporate journey. Over the last three decades, Tricam has built a strong reputation as a trusted supplier with high quality products consumers respond to and have come to expect from us. We’re grateful for the confidence our partners and customers place in us, and we’re looking forward to partnering with Nexus as we continue to expand our product portfolio and accelerate our growth. Our founder, Tony McMunn, established a culture built on an unwavering entrepreneurial drive that fosters and rewards hard work, creativity, and collaboration. The team is excited, and we’re pleased the McMunn family will continue along with us.”

    “My family and I are excited to partner with Nexus and feel very confident this relationship will allow for continued success and provide opportunities for our employees” said Tricam founder Tony McMunn.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Jeff, Tony and the Tricam management team,” said Michael Cohen, Partner at Nexus. “Tricam has established itself as a market leader by focusing relentlessly on innovation, quality and safety. We look forward to working closely with Tricam to continue building on the Company’s long history of success.”

    Brad Kottman, Principal at Nexus, added, “We are thoroughly impressed with the strong foundation Tricam has established. The Company is led by a highly experienced team, the product suite is differentiated, and the supply chain is diverse and resilient. This investment represents a compelling new platform that is well positioned to react to changing environments and pursue continued growth.”

    Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Nexus. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor and Fox Rothschild LLP served as legal advisor to Tricam. J.P. Morgan and Citi provided financing for the acquisition.

    About Tricam

    Tricam, founded in 1990, is a leading supplier of home improvement and hardware products sold through home center and retail outlets primarily in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the Company employs a growing team centered around bringing innovative products to market and maintaining strong relationships with our retailer and supplier partners. The Company continues to invest in its product and brand portfolio, led by its flagship Gorilla® brand across multiple product categories, including ladders, garden carts, wheelbarrows, hose reels and hand trucks. For more information on Tricam, please visit www.gorillamade.com and www.tricamindustries.com.

    About Nexus Capital Management LP

    Nexus is an alternative asset investment management company based in Los Angeles, California that was founded in 2013. Nexus employs a flexible investment mandate that focuses on long-term value creation by partnering with leading management teams and businesses. For more information on Nexus, please visit www.nexuslp.com.

    Contact Information:

    Mike Gabbert

    Tricam Director of Marketing

    Mgabbert@tricam.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Guggenheim Investments Announces February 2025 Closed-End Fund Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guggenheim Investments today announced that certain closed-end funds have declared their distributions. The table below summarizes the distribution schedule for each closed-end fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each, a “Fund”).

    The following dates apply to the distributions:

    Record Date February 14, 2025
    Ex-Dividend Date February 14, 2025
    Payable Date February 28, 2025
     
    Distribution Schedule
    NYSE
    Ticker    		 Closed-End Fund Name Distribution
    Per Share    		 Change from Previous
    Distribution    		 Frequency
    AVK Advent Convertible and Income
    Fund    		 $0.1172†   Monthly
    GBAB Guggenheim Taxable Municipal
    Bond & Investment Grade Debt
    Trust    		 $0.12573†   Monthly
    GOF Guggenheim Strategic
    Opportunities Fund    		 $0.1821†   Monthly
    GUG Guggenheim Active Allocation
    Fund    		 $0.11875†   Monthly
     

    † A portion of this distribution is estimated to be a return of capital rather than income. Final determination of the character of distributions will be made at year-end. The Section 19(a) notice referenced below provides more information and can be found at www.guggenheiminvestments.com.

    You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Distribution Policy.

    Past performance is not indicative of future performance. As of this announcement, the sources of each fund distribution are estimates. Distributions may be paid from sources of income other than ordinary income, such as short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains or return of capital. Unless otherwise noted, the distributions above are not anticipated to include a return of capital. If a distribution consists of something other than ordinary income, a Section 19(a) notice detailing the anticipated source(s) of the distribution will be made available. The Section 19(a) notice will be posted to a Fund’s website and to the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation so that brokers can distribute such notices to Shareholders of the Fund. Section 19(a) notices are provided for informational purposes only and not for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of all distributions will be made after the end of the year. This information is not legal or tax advice. Consult a professional regarding your specific legal or tax matters.

    About Guggenheim Investments

    Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), with more than $243 billion* in assets under management across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 235+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results.

    Guggenheim Investments includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (“GFIA”), Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”) and Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”). GFIA serves as Investment Adviser for GBAB, GOF and GUG. GPIM serves as Investment Sub-Adviser for GBAB, GOF and GUG. GFD serves as servicing agent for AVK. The Investment Adviser for AVK is Advent Capital Management, LLC and is not affiliated with Guggenheim.

    *Assets under management are as of 12.31.2024 and include leverage of $14.8bn. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Wealth Solutions, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Private Investments, LLC.

    This information does not represent an offer to sell securities of the Funds and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities of the Funds. There can be no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives. Investments in the Funds involve operating expenses and fees. The net asset value of the Funds will fluctuate with the value of the underlying securities. It is important to note that closed-end funds trade on their market value, not net asset value, and closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. An investment in closed-end funds is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. Some general risks and considerations associated with investing in a closed-end fund may include: Investment and Market Risk; Lower Grade Securities Risk; Equity Securities Risk; Foreign Securities Risk; Interest Rate Risk; Illiquidity Risk; Derivative Risk; Management Risk; Anti-Takeover Provisions; Market Disruption Risk and Leverage Risk. See www.guggenheiminvestments.com/cef for a detailed discussion of Fund-specific risks.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of any investment before they invest. For this and more information, visit www.guggenheiminvestments.com or contact a securities representative or Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, 800-345-7999.

    Analyst Inquiries

    William T. Korver
    cefs@guggenheiminvestments.com

    Not FDIC-Insured | Not Bank-Guaranteed | May Lose Value
    Member FINRA/SIPC (02/25) 63728

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy At USAID: Trump And Musk Are Shuttering Agencies To Turn Government Over To Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday joined a press conference in front of the shuttered United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to raise the alarm about how President Trump’s decision – at the behest of Elon Musk – to illegally shut down the agency will have disastrous impacts on national security while strengthening China and Russia.

    Murphy highlighted USAID’s crucial role in global security and support for democracy: “USAID fights terrorist groups all across this world making sure that we address the underlying causes that lead to terrorism. USAID chases China all around the world, making sure China doesn’t monopolize contracts for critical minerals and port infrastructure all around the world. It supports freedom fighters everywhere in this world, up until yesterday, delivering firewood, for instance, to the brave Ukrainian defenders on the eastern front.”

    Murphy called out Trump’s closure of USAID as a play by Elon Musk and the billionaire class to hijack U.S. foreign policy for profit: “Elon Musk makes billions of dollars based off of his business with China. And China is cheering at this action today. There is no question that the billionaire class trying to take over our government right now is doing it based on self-interest–their belief that if they can make us weaker in the world, if they can elevate their business partners all around the world, that they will gain the benefit.”

    Murphy continued: “They are shuttering agencies and sending employees home in order to create the illusion that they are saving money in order to do what? Pass a giant tax cut for billionaires and corporations, right? This is all a smokescreen, a shell game, in order to turn this government over to a handful of unelected billionaires and corporate interests, and we are not going to let them do that.”

    Murphy concluded: “So we will use every power that we have in our disposal in the United States Senate. My colleagues will do the same thing in the House. This is a constitutional crisis that we are in today.  Let’s call it what it is. The people get to decide how we defend the United States of America. The people get to decide how their taxpayer money is spent. Elon Musk does not get to decide. We are weaker today than we were yesterday. China sees that, Russia sees that, and they will take advantage. Our job, and your job together, is to raise our voices, raise the alarm, so that this crisis, this emboldening of our enemies, doesn’t last a second longer than it has to.”

    A full transcript of his remarks can be found below:

    MURPHY: “So, Elon Musk has been floating all sorts of awful, terrible conspiracy theories about what happens at USAID. Let’s make it very clear that every single day America is safer because of what happens at USAID. 

    “USAID fights terrorist groups all across this world making sure that we address the underlying causes that lead to terrorism. USAID chases China all around the world, making sure China doesn’t monopolize contracts for critical minerals and port infrastructure all around the world. It supports freedom fighters everywhere in this world, up until yesterday, delivering firewood, for instance, to the brave Ukrainian defenders on the eastern front. 

    “But let’s not pull any punches about why this is happening. Elon Musk makes billions of dollars based off of his business with China. And China is cheering at this action today. There is no question that the billionaire class trying to take over our government right now is doing it based on self-interest–their belief that if they can make us weaker in the world, if they can elevate their business partners all around the world, that they will gain the benefit. 

    “But there is another reason this is happening. They are shuttering agencies and sending employees home in order to create the illusion that they are saving money in order to do what? Pass a giant tax cut for billionaires and corporations, right? This is all a smokescreen, a shell game, in order to turn this government over to a handful of unelected billionaires and corporate interests, and we are not going to let them do that. 

    “So we will use every power that we have in our disposal in the United States Senate. My colleagues will do the same thing in the House. This is a constitutional crisis that we are in today.  Let’s call it what it is. The people get to decide how we defend the United States of America. The people get to decide how their taxpayer money is spent. Elon Musk does not get to decide. 

    “We are weaker today than we were yesterday. China sees that, Russia sees that, and they will take advantage. Our job, and your job together, is to raise our voices, raise the alarm, so that this crisis, this emboldening of our enemies, doesn’t last a second longer than it has to. Thank you everybody for being here today. Really, really important.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Reintroduce WEATHER Act To Protect Connecticut’s Farmers Against Extreme Weather

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reintroducing the Withstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience (WEATHER) Act, legislation that calls for the development of an index-based insurance policy more responsive to crop and income losses faced by farmers as a result of extreme weather. This would be especially beneficial to small farmers in Connecticut following unprecedented floods in July 2023 and July 2024.

    “Farmers in Connecticut are increasingly dealing with more extreme weather, and we need to make sure they don’t face extra burdens when the next disaster strikes,” said Murphy. “The WEATHER Act would simplify the recovery process by using weather data to trigger automatic insurance payouts, helping farmers get back on their feet quickly with less red tape.” 

    “A new normal of thousand-year storms every year has caused chaos for farmers across the country—ruining crops and destroying land—and in recent years, Connecticut farms have been devastated by extreme weather events, including severe flooding and unprecedented droughts. With this essential legislation, we work to improve our farm safety nets for producers in order to make sure they receive the support they need to weather the storm and keep their farms thriving,” said Blumenthal. 

    Unpredictable weather events exacerbate risks associated with farming, necessitating responsive crop insurance policies. However, producers often opt out of crop insurance due to administrative burdens, high premiums, and low payouts. The WEATHER Act works to better support farmers facing income losses after extreme weather events by reducing administrative hurdles and ensuring that insurance payouts are based on agricultural income losses. The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its insurance research and development authority to research the possibility of developing an index-based insurance program that: 

    • Creates a multi-peril index insurance product for farmers based on weather indices correlated to agricultural income losses using data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), satellites, climate models, and other data sources. 
    • Pays out within 30 days in the event of indices exceeding any of the pre-determined county-level thresholds for the following events: High winds, excessive moisture and flooding, extreme heat, abnormal freeze conditions, hail, wildfires, drought, and other perils the Secretary determines appropriate. 

    A one-pager is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –