Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ESKAVAIL GORDON, also known as “Vail,” 21, of Stratford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2023, Stefan Bagley, Jr. was shot and wounded while traveling in his vehicle in Bridgeport. Later that same day, Bagley’s vehicle was used in another shooting incident in Bridgeport. An investigation revealed that, between October 2022 and October 2023, Bagley purchased approximately 20 9mm handguns from licensed firearm dealers and then trafficked the guns to a network of customers, including Gordon. Bagley typically scratched the serial numbers off of the firearms before providing them to his customers, making the guns more difficult to trace.
During the investigation, a search of Bagley’s text messages revealed communications with Gordon in which the two discussed Bagley purchasing a Glock handgun for Gordon. Gordon then paid Bagley $750 for the gun.
Gordon was arrested on December 18, 2023, and investigators seized a 9mm firearm from Gordon on the date of his arrest.
Gordon was previously convicted in state court of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and he was on state probation at the time of his criminal conduct in this case. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On May 20, 2024, Gordon pleaded guilty to receipt of a trafficked firearm. He has been detained since his arrest.
Bagley pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
Most of the firearms trafficked by Bagley are unaccounted for.
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
This matter is being investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.
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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psn.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WASHINGTON – The federal government’s Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) was activated to provide federal public safety and security assistance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ESF #13 is managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on behalf of the Department of Justice.
On Oct. 5, ESF #13 was activated to provide force protection for ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams and ESF #8 Public Health and Medical Services missions following Hurricane Milton. ESF #13 is also positioned to provide direct federal assistance to Florida if needed. Since arriving in Florida, ESF #13 has:
Pre-staged 34 Law Enforcement Strike Teams (LEST) comprised of more than 440 federal law enforcement officers (FLEO) from 12 separate federal agencies, including ATF, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Air Marshals (FAMS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is anticipated that more FLEOs will be requested to assist with response efforts.
Staged resources to provide law enforcement and security support for 22 US&R teams and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT).
On Sept. 24, ESF #13 was activated for Hurricane Helene to the southeastern part of the United States.
At its peak, ESF #13:
Deployed more than 30 federal LESTs consisting of 400+ FLEOs from 15 federal law enforcement agencies, included ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS, BOP, CBP, BLM, USFWS, CGIS, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), Department of Transportation OIG (DOT-OIG), U.S. Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA), Health and Human Services OIG (HHS-OIG), FAMS, and IRS.
Deployed to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for Helene recovery support.
Supported approximately 30 federal US&R teams from Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
Deployed more than 40 K-9s to assist in searches.
Supported four Health and Medical Task Forces (HMTF) and DMATs in the Western North Carolina area.
Deployed approximately 10 peer support personnel from ATF and USMS.
The federal government’s disaster response includes 15 Emergency Support Functions. ESF #13 coordinates the federal law enforcement response to any disaster requiring the federal whole-of-government response. In Feb. 2006, the Department of Justice was designated the ESF #13 coordinating department. In October 2008, ATF was assigned as the lead coordinating agency for ESF #13 on behalf of DOJ.
[1:01 PM] Herman, Cara A. (ATF) ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement and security support to FEMA’s ESF #9 Urban Search and Rescue teams.
ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement and security support to ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue teams.
ESF #13 provides force protection for FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.
ESF #13 provides force protection for Federal Urban Search and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.
ESF #13 provides force protection for a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.
ESF #13 provides force protection for aUrban Search and Rescue team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.
ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.
ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Thaddeus Deon Devlin, Jr., 29, of Greenwood was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 11, 2023, a victim called 911 stating that her children’s father had a gun, threatened her with it, and had taken her 5-year-old son. Greenwood Police Department officers responded to the location where the victim indicated Devlin would likely take her child and saw Devlin pull up. When Devlin and the child exited the car, Devlin was holding a liquor bottle and stated that he had been drinking. Officers searched the car and located a loaded .40 caliber pistol. At the time of the offense, Devlin’s criminal history included multiple incidences of domestic violence, assault and battery, and a prior felon in possession of a firearm charge. Devlin was on federal supervised release at the time.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., sentenced Devlin to imprisonment for a term of 84 months on the indictment and a consecutive 16 months on the supervised release violation, all to be followed by a one-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greenwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen is prosecuting the case.
Colchester County District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 30-year-old Justin Rushton of Glenholme.
He was last seen on October 13 in either Debert or Truro, and is believed to be driving a black Mazda truck with a grey hood.
Justin Rushton is described as being 5-feet-11 and 180 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Clothing description is not known at this time.
When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Justin Rushton is asked to contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or your local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app
Two people have died and one person is in a critical condition following a collision between a car and truck today.
The crash was reported at around 11.05am and happened south of Waiouru, between Hassett Drive and Waiaruhe Road.
Police can confirm that the deceased were from the car, along with the critically injured young person, who was ejected from the vehicle.
The driver of the truck is unharmed, but understandably shaken by the traumatic events.
Police are providing support to the families of those involved, along with the members of the public who were first on the scene.
The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team will assist the investigation. Enquiries to establish the cause of the crash will likely take some time.
State Highway 1 is expected to re-open this afternoon, initially one lane only will be re-opened under traffic management.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
TULSA, Okla. – U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Joseph McKinley Phillips, 34, of Tulsa, for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Judge Russell ordered Phillips to 188 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in Dec. 2023, Tulsa Police officers approached Phillips, and he took off running. After officers caught and detained Phillips, they found he had two loaded handguns and more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Data shows that only two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. Seven out of ten contraband pills seized and tested by the DEA contained fentanyl.
Phillips will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 11 was:
Johntay Jujuan Taylor, 27, of Texas, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Taylor faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Taylor was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI; U.S. Secret Service; Chubbock, Pocatello and Kemmerer, Idaho, Police departments; Bannock County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office; Idaho State Police; Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston and Laurel, Montana, Police departments; Yellowstone County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office; Teton County, Wyoming, Sheriff’s Office; and Evanston and Mountain View, Wyoming, Police departments conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-13.
Appearing Oct. 10 was:
Keegan Allan Strelnik, 42, of Florence, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Strelnik faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Strelnik was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Probation Office and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-54.
Nicole Lynn Shain, 39, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Shain faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Shain was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-50.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
FRESNO, Calif. — Scott Eric Anderson, 46, of Fresno, was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for conspiracy to destroy property, malicious destruction by means of an explosive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between November 2022 and February 2023, Anderson committed a series of pipe-bombings on unoccupied vehicles and property in Fresno. The bombings damaged vehicles belonging to two auto-related businesses on Clinton Avenue in Fresno. On Feb. 19, 2023, a bomb heavily damaged a vehicle used by a home health care business on Fallbrook Avenue in Fresno. Anderson sometimes recorded his crimes by video. Law enforcement also recovered a pistol in Anderson’s bedroom. Anderson was previously convicted of carrying a loaded and concealed weapon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MINNEAPOLIS – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2023, Samit Mao, 43, entered a gas station in St. Paul and tried unsuccessfully to purchase a cash card using reward points. Mao then punched the glass window in front of the cash register with one hand and was asked to leave the store by a cashier and a security guard. After the security guard and Mao exited the store, they exchanged gunfire. Mao was hit in the left arm. The defendant entered his car and fled the scene. Responding officers apprehended Mao in his vehicle nearby the gas station. Underneath Mao’s seat in the vehicle, officers recovered a Springfield model Hellcat 9mm semiautomatic pistol containing eight rounds and a round in the chamber.
Because Mao has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Mao pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Missing woman in Sha Tin located Missing woman in Sha Tin located ********************************
A woman who went missing in Sha Tin has been located. Purwaningsih, aged 38 at present, went missing after she left her residence on 15 On King Street on November 28, 2022 morning. Her employer made a report to Police on the next day. The woman was located on Cheung Wah Street, Cheung Sha Wan yesterday (October 14).
Multinational concert promoter Live Nation Entertainment has come under fire, with an ABC Four Corners investigation saying its unprecedented market power is open to abuse.
Industry luminaries such as Peter Garrett and Michael Chugg told the ABC that Australia’s music scene is under threat, echoing the concerns of frustrated bands and fans. Live Nation issued a statement ahead of the program, calling it inaccurate and unbalanced.
So what is Live Nation and how is market concentration affecting our music scene?
The business
Live music is one of our most popular forms of cultural participation, engaging almost half of Australians over 15. In the decade before COVID, ticket buying and revenue for contemporary music doubled.
Ticket revenue doubled again in the year 2022–23 to well above pre-pandemic levels. How can such growth be squared against widespread talk of a sector in crisis, with venues closing and festivals cancelled?
This is because the growth is top-heavy. Overall figures have been boosted by an influx of stadium concerts by international superstars such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Rising revenue outpaced attendance growth by almost three to one, with average ticket prices rising 47.4% to A$128.21. Market power is increasingly concentrated in a few corporate hands, notably Live Nation Entertainment.
‘We’re in an extinction event right now.’
What is Live Nation?
Live Nation began in the United States as a concert promoter. Traditionally, a promoter funds and arranges live events, negotiating with artists, their agents, venues and ticketing services. But Live Nation has integrated many such components into its operations. Now, everything from artist management to venues and merchandise can be done in-house.
In 2010, the US Department of Justice allowed the merger of Live Nation with major ticketing company Ticketmaster. The resulting entity, Live Nation Entertainment, has since acquired a growing set of interests internationally.
Live Nation’s acquisitions over the past decade in Australia include:
Secret Sounds Group, which promotes Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival in addition to touring, sponsorship, PR and artist management businesses (the acquisition excluded Secret Sounds record labels and venues)
Moshtix, billed as Australia’s leading provider of general admission tickets for unreserved or standing-room events
Mellen Events, a leading Western Australian concert promoter
Face to Face Touring, a regional promoter with events including Red Hot Summer, SummerSalt and By the C.
Live Nation Entertainment also acquired venues, leasing Melbourne’s Palais Theatre for 30 years from 2017 and Festival Hall. The group purchased Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul in 2022 and opened Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall (2020) and Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall (2022) in partnership with local entities.
Ticketmaster is the authorised ticketing agency for Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium and for Australian tours promoted by Live Nation. These include concerts by Oasis, Green Day, P!nk and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Live Nation has also acquired several Australian booking agencies, including Village Sounds, which represents Bernard Fanning, Courtney Barnett and Vance Joy.
The only competitors are TEG (which owns Ticketek) and AEG-Frontier. Music industry stakeholders are concerned about the oversized influence of these three “corporate giants”.
Keeping the shareholders happy
For consumers, a lack of competition can mean higher prices. Dynamic pricing made headlines, but Four Corners also alleged there were a range of “hidden fees” in the price of tickets ordinarily sold by Ticketmaster and Ticketek.
Artists are at a disadvantage when negotiating with a mass of connected businesses that are often owned by one entity and which sometimes includes their own agent.
South Australian rock band Bad//Dreems told the ABC they were left with just $9,000 from a tour that grossed $100,000.
Veteran promoter Michael Chugg complained major artists were being overpaid, skewing the sector to the detriment of local musicians. While Australian promoters, including Chugg and the late Michael Gudinski, have a history of consolidating interests and crowding out competition, they also had skin in the Australian music game. Live Nation is a publicly listed company with duties to its shareholders, including US hedge funds and Saudi royalty.
Midnight Oil singer and former politician Peter Garrett said this meant there was “no loyalty” to Australian artists. A multinational promoter with a shareholder-driven approach might be more likely to cancel a festival after weak opening sales, instead of weathering short-term losses to preserve the brand and relationships.
That cancellation might even consolidate demand for the company’s upcoming headline tours. But opportunities are lost for Australian artists, businesses and culture.
What can be done?
Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke told Four Corners he has put Live Nation on notice and warned the company not to use its power in an anti-competitive way. But he did not commit to legislative change.
In the United States, the Department of Justice and dozens of states have sued Live Nation for antitrust, seeking “to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s monopoly and restore competition for the benefit of fans and artists”.
Australian courts currently have no power to break up monopolies without new legislation. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can investigate and prosecute misuse of market power, as alleged by some in this case.
Fair trading authorities in the United Kingdom and Europe are examining Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing in the wake of the Oasis ticket-pricing controversy. However, Burke said surge pricing is something consumers have always dealt with, and “not something we’re looking at, at the moment”.
Governments could also regulate more transparency in ticket fees, as well as the rights of artists, who sit uncomfortably between employees and small businesses. Their union, MEAA’s Musicians Australia, is currently advocating about these matters.
Those passionate about Australia’s live music scene fear that if the sector isn’t better regulated, it’ll soon be too late to save it.
Ben Green receives research funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australasian Performing Right Association.
Sam Whiting receives funding from RMIT University and the Winston Churchill Trust.
The deaths of four people today are a chilling reminder of what can go wrong on our roads.
Two drivers died following a crash in Marton at around 8.50am.
Just over two hours later, two more people died when a car and a truck collided just south of Waiouru. The third occupant of the car, a young person, was critically injured after being ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the truck is physically unharmed, but understandably shaken by the traumatic events.
Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong says that both crash scenes were horrific.
“In both cases, the vehicles collided head on, causing significant damage that created its own challenges for emergency services, who have had to use specialist tools to get into the vehicles.
“The focus of Police is now on answering the ‘how’ and ‘why’ – determining what went so wrong.
“The investigations will take some time, with evidence and analysis compiled by the Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.”
Inspector Forlong praised the action of the members of the public who were first on the scene to both crashes, and the emergency responders.
“They were faced with something nobody should ever have to confront – but seeing people in need, they did what they could to help.”
Support is being provided to the next of kin, and the members of the public who were first on scene.
Inspector Forlong urged anyone on the roads, especially over the upcoming Labour Weekend, to remember the four lives that were lost in his area.
“This shows how little time you have to react to something going wrong. You might be a confident driver, but don’t lose sight of the fact you’re sharing the road with other people.”
Police actively target high-risk driving behaviours, and focus on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed – factors that massively influence the outcome of a crash.
“Today was a worst-case scenario.
“We know this will impact a lot of people – family, friends, emergency service personnel, and the other motorists who were just on their way to a destination but stopped to help.
“If you’re on the road, please take your time, and don’t forget how quickly things can go horribly wrong.”
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress.
“The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, is the only binding international treaty on cybercrime.
“It aligns member countries’ laws and makes it easier for them to cooperate on criminal investigations.
“By joining the convention, we are signalling to the other like-minded countries that we take cybercrime seriously and we are prepared to do our part to eliminate it.
“It will help our law enforcement agencies to protect New Zealanders, by providing the tools they need to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal offending, even when it happens online.”
The Bill contains provisions to ensure our domestic laws meet the requirements of the Convention. These include:
New ‘preservation directions’ in the Search and Surveillance Act, to enable law enforcement agencies to require companies to preserve records that could be evidence of offending.
Amendments to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to enhance our ability to seek assistance from foreign countries for criminal investigations, and to provide assistance in return.
Minor amendments to the Crimes Act to ensure offences related to cybercrime and the use of computers are comprehensive and fully align with the Convention.
Police have charged a man with attempted murder following a crash in Manurewa in August, which left a woman with serious injuries.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly intentionally crashing a vehicle he was driving with a female passenger.
The crash, on Adams Road, happened at about 7.36pm on 3 August.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB, says the female victim, who was known to the man, suffered multiple serious injuries after the vehicle ploughed into a parked truck.
“Our investigation team has been working round the clock to piece together the events leading up to and surrounding this incident.
“We’re pleased to finally hold this person to account for this terrible crime.”
Detective Inspector Vickers says the victim has since been discharged from hospital and is continuing to recover from serious injuries sustained during the incident.
The man is due in Manukau District Court tomorrow.
As the matter is now before the court, Police are limited in providing further comment.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles this week declared his party would hold a plebiscite on nuclear power if it returns to office at the forthcoming state election.
The move is in response to plans by the federal Coalition to build and operate seven nuclear plants around Australia if elected to government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the facilities would be built at sites of coal power stations scheduled for closure. Two are slated for Queensland, at the Callide and Tarong power stations.
Queensland has state laws banning the construction or operation of a nuclear facility and requiring the state government to hold a plebiscite if there are Commonwealth plans to build a nuclear plant in the state. A plebiscite is a referendum-style vote to gauge voters’ views on an issue.
Unlike a referendum, the results are not binding. There’s also very little chance a plebiscite could be held on or before the date of the next federal election, as Miles has suggested, as the laws do not allow for a plebiscite on an opposition policy.
Who has the constitutional power over nuclear facilities?
While the Commonwealth Constitution does not refer to nuclear energy, the federal parliament has passed laws to regulate nuclear matters. To do so, it relies on a web of constitutional powers, including the trade and commerce power, the corporations power, the external affairs power and the territories power.
The Commonwealth can also compulsorily acquire land for public purposes. This makes the land a “Commonwealth place” over which it can exercise full and exclusive legislative power.
The federal government has previously engaged in commercial matters by establishing trading corporations, such as NBN Co and Snowy Hydro Ltd, to deal with nation-building infrastructure.
It seems likely, therefore, that the federal parliament could pass laws to authorise and regulate the operation of nuclear power plants in Australia.
In doing so, its laws would override inconsistent state laws, such as those that prohibit nuclear facilities, under section 109 of the Constitution.
But state governments could still make it difficult for the Commonwealth to give effect to its nuclear policies. You only have to look at how state governments have successfully opposed Commonwealth efforts to create a nuclear waste facility to see the problems.
Plebiscite as booby trap
The development of a nuclear power industry in Australia has been debated before – most recently in 2006 when the Howard Coalition government commissioned the Switkowski report on the use of nuclear energy in Australia.
This report suggested the Commonwealth could act to establish 25 nuclear power stations across Australia. In response, Queensland’s parliament, under a Labor government, enacted the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007. It banned the construction or operation of certain types of nuclear facilities in Queensland. New South Wales and Victoria had also previously done the same.
The Queensland government recognised the Commonwealth probably had the power to override such a ban. So it included a political booby trap in section 21 of the law.
It says that if the relevant Queensland minister is satisfied the Commonwealth government has taken, or is likely to take, any step supporting or allowing the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland, the minister:
must take steps for the conduct of a plebiscite in Queensland to obtain the views of the people of Queensland about the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland.
Unlike a referendum, which changes the Constitution, a plebiscite operates as an opinion poll.
It would not prevent a nuclear power plant being built, or stop the federal parliament overriding the state ban. But it could create a political impediment.
During the debate over the state law in 2007, then-Premier Peter Beattie made this point clearly:
If the Howard government wants to use its powers to override the strong position of Queenslanders […] this government will make certain that Queenslanders have a chance to have their say.
This was important, he claimed, because it would “put political pressure on the federal government to not go down this road”. In other words, the law can be used to apply political pressure.
Of plebiscites and federal elections
Miles suggested the plebiscite could be held the same day as the next federal election “to save people going to the polls twice”.
This could affect voting in the federal election by highlighting the impact of nuclear policies on Queensland. But if this is the tactic, Miles faces two problems.
First, Queensland law only triggers the plebiscite requirement when the relevant state minister is “satisfied the government of the Commonwealth” is likely to take a step in supporting or allowing the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland.
But the minister could not legally be satisfied of this before the election outcome is known, as a policy of an opposition party does not amount to a proposed action of the “government of the Commonwealth”.
Second, section 394 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 says no state or territory election, referendum or vote can be held on the day of a Commonwealth election without the authority of the governor-general.
This ban was introduced in 1922, after holding state votes at the same time as federal elections resulted in a high informal vote due to different voting instructions.
The governor-general has given this permission only once, when the Northern Territory held a plebiscite on becoming a state on the same day as the 1998 federal election.
It’s doubtful the federal government would advise the governor-general to permit a partisan state plebiscite to be held on the same day as a federal election.
Queensland’s ageing Callide Power Station opened nearly 60 years ago. It’s been flagged as a possible location for a nuclear power station under opposition leader Peter Dutton’s plan. Queensland State Archives
Where does this leave us?
It’s unlikely Queensland could hold such a plebiscite at or before the next federal election.
But if the Coalition wins the next federal election and proceeds with its nuclear policy, Queensland would be obliged to hold a plebiscite – regardless of who wins the state election, unless its law was changed.
This would make clear how much support there was for nuclear power. A clear rejection wouldn’t have any legal effect, but could well achieve the same outcome through political pressure. We might also see other states follow suit to hold plebiscites on nuclear power, although none currently are legally obliged to do so.
Anne Twomey has received funding from the Australian Research Council and sometimes does consultancy work for governments, Parliaments and inter-governmental bodies.
Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project (in central west NSW) will move one step closer to carrying traffic, as massive girders to support the bridge decks are lifted into place.
The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.
The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million towards this project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $57.4 million.
Preliminary work including construction of the abutments, or bridge ends, at either end of the bridges is now nearing completion and two giant cranes will be mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.
Each of the 60-tonne girders will be hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports weather permitting – on 15 October.
These girders, to be installed near the northern end of the bridge add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023.
Once the cranes are set up, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one-by-one to the 750-tonne crane so they can be installed between the northern abutment and the next pier.
The process will be repeated on 5 November, when one of the cranes is again used to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge.
When completed, the 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes will reduce travel time, improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway, improve pedestrian access through Parkes and benefit traffic flow in and around the town.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales.
“The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes.
“It will be a spectacular sight as these crucial links in the Parkes Bypass of the Newell Highway comes together, as we move closer to delivering this key regional project with the Australian Government.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:
“The Parkes Bypass project is a critical investment in a key regional area of NSW and will help underpin the area’s future prosperity.
“This project has supported around 350 jobs during construction and we appreciate the patience of Parkes motorists, tourists and freight operators as they have navigated the necessary traffic changes along the way.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:
“The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered.
“Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway; it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project (in central west NSW) will move one step closer to carrying traffic, as massive girders to support the bridge decks are lifted into place.
The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.
The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million towards this project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $57.4 million.
Preliminary work including construction of the abutments, or bridge ends, at either end of the bridges is now nearing completion and two giant cranes will be mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.
Each of the 60-tonne girders will be hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports weather permitting – on 15 October.
These girders, to be installed near the northern end of the bridge add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023.
Once the cranes are set up, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one-by-one to the 750-tonne crane so they can be installed between the northern abutment and the next pier.
The process will be repeated on 5 November, when one of the cranes is again used to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge.
When completed, the 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes will reduce travel time, improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway, improve pedestrian access through Parkes and benefit traffic flow in and around the town.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales.
“The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes.
“It will be a spectacular sight as these crucial links in the Parkes Bypass of the Newell Highway comes together, as we move closer to delivering this key regional project with the Australian Government.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:
“The Parkes Bypass project is a critical investment in a key regional area of NSW and will help underpin the area’s future prosperity.
“This project has supported around 350 jobs during construction and we appreciate the patience of Parkes motorists, tourists and freight operators as they have navigated the necessary traffic changes along the way.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:
“The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered.
“Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway; it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”
Police have today arrested a 56-year-old woman in relation to a number of dishonesty-related offending targeting retailers in the Hamilton area.
She appeared in the Hamilton District Court today, Tuesday 15 October facing 64 charges ranging from shoplifting and burglary to obtaining by deception, and has been remanded in custody until her next appearance tomorrow, Wednesday 16 October.
Police acknowledge the strain this type of offending has on local businesses, and we appreciate the assistances of businesses providing footage to assist our enquiries.
This behaviour will not be tolerated by Police, and we encourage retailers to continue to report suspicious activity.
CCTV footage provided through Auror will be followed up by the team of Police dedicated to investigating and preventing offending against retailers.
The Transport Department today alerted the public to fraudulent websites’ addresses which pretend to be HKeToll and seek to deceive users into making payments to obtain their credit card information.
The two fraudulent websites’ addresses are “https://hketoll[.]shop/hk” and “https://hketollo[.]cc/hk”.
Vehicle owners wishing to pay an outstanding toll online must log in to the HKeToll website or mobile app.
While the case has been referred to Police for investigation, the department urges the public to stay alert when receiving unidentified messages.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MINNEAPOLIS – An Oakdale man has been sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on February 13, 2023, an officer from the New Hope Police Department initiated a traffic stop after observing a maroon Chevy Suburban commit several traffic violations. The officer noticed the smell of marijuana as he approached the vehicle and saw drug paraphernalia in the center console. Officers subsequently searched the vehicle and found a Glock model 17 GEN5 9mm caliber pistol equipped with a switch and a large capacity magazine hidden in a compartment underneath the cupholders. They also found a second large capacity magazine and additional ammunition on the driver’s side of the vehicle. DNA from the firearm’s textured grip and slide serrations matched the driver, Detroit Davis-Riley, 35. It was also later discovered that the firearm had previously been reported as stolen.
Because Davis-Riley has multiple prior felony convictions in Hennepin County, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On March 14, 2024, Davis-Riley pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced on October 9, 2024, in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the New Hope Police Department, Crystal Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary S. Riverso prosecuted the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
FLORENCE, S.C. — Joshua Levon West, 39, of Myrtle Beach was sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on March 9, 2023, following a traffic stop, officers with the Myrtle Beach Police Department discovered West in possession of a loaded, stolen firearm. West is prohibited from possessing a firearm based on his prior convictions for armed robbery, strong arm robbery, attempted strong arm robbery, and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced West to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
Motorists are advised to expect delays travelling westbound on State Highway 16 in the Whenuapai area, following an incident this evening.
Emergency services attended after receiving a report at 6.50pm of a vehicle on fire on the road. The fire has been extinguished and no injuries are reported.
The westbound lane is closed and traffic management is in place, thankyou for your patience while the vehicle is towed and the roadway is cleared.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HANOI, Oct. 14 — China and Vietnam conducted an in-depth and candid exchange of views on maritime issues, stressing the need to better manage and actively resolve maritime differences and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region, said a joint statement on Monday.
The two sides agreed to properly manage differences through friendly consultation, actively seek a basic and long-term resolution which is mutually acceptable and conforms to the agreement on the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related matters between China and Vietnam as well as international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), said the statement.
They agreed to refrain from actions that could complicate the situation or escalate disputes to jointly safeguard maritime stability.
The two sides also agreed to continue the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and to conclude a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is consistent with international law, including UNCLOS, at an early date based on consensus through consultation.
The new animated movie “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” will be released in Chinese theaters on Oct. 18, marking the return of the beloved SpongeBob and his friends to the big screen in China after nine years.
A poster for “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie.” [Image courtesy of Shanghai Huahua Culture Media Co., Ltd.]
Directed by Liza Johnson and featuring familiar voice actors Tom Kenny, Carolyn Lawrence and Bill Fagerbakke, the film tells the story of when Bikini Bottom is suddenly scooped out of the ocean and held hostage in a Texas laboratory. Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob journey to Sandy’s home state of Texas, where they meet her family and must save Bikini Bottom from an evil CEO who plans to transform the inhabitants into a mass-manufactured line of cuddly toys.
The fun-filled “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” which focuses on the character Sandy Cheeks, is the first in a series of spinoffs and the fourth film in the franchise. This hilarious hybrid project combines CG animation with live-action footage, rendering the characters in 3D, simulating real-world textures and shadows.
The release of “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” coincides with the 25th anniversary of the “SpongeBob SquarePants” TV show, which debuted on Nickelodeon in 1999 and is based on the creation of former marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. It also marks the 20 years since the release of “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” (2004), the first film in the series. However, this is the first SpongeBob movie to not receive a theatrical release; instead, it was shown on various streaming platforms around the world such as Netflix, until China decided to release it in theaters.
The China premiere of “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” was met with cheers from small children, their parents and grandparents at a theater in Beijing on Oct. 13. Two actors dressed in SpongeBob and Patrick costumes also came out to greet the audience. An ensuing Q&A session was highlighted by excited and nostalgic speeches from several audience members.
Patrick and SpongeBob performers pose with the audience at the China premiere of “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” Oct. 13, 2024. [Image courtesy of Shanghai Huahua Culture Media Co., Ltd.]
The previous installment, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” which was screened in China in 2015, was considered a hit among movies targeting young children, grossing a total of 56.67 million yuan across the country.
An adult cassowary is risking its life and bringing traffic to a standstill along a narrow, winding stretch of road at the top of Gillies Range.
The cassowary has been sighted repeatedly meandering in and out of traffic along a five-kilometre stretch of Gillies Range Road, where the verges on each side are extremely steep.
Manager Northern Wildlife Operations Dave Woods from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has asked drivers on Gillies Range Road to reduce their speed, keep an eye out for the bird and keep their windows wound up.
“Wildlife officers have reviewed videos taken by members of the public, and believe this bird has been previously fed by people from cars,” Mr Woods said.
“It is not wary of vehicles, and it can be seen approaching vehicles as they slow down or stop, hoping to be fed.
“We have conducted several site inspections and observed the cassowary’s behaviour, but the section of road presents operational challenges.
“Due to the narrow road, high volume of traffic and steep landscape, it would be dangerous and difficult for wildlife officers to conduct behavioural modification on the animal.
“We are currently working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service about management options to address the risk to road users and the cassowary.”
Mr Woods said the cassowary had been reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by concerned members of the public.
“We would like to thank everyone who made those reports out of concern for the safety of road users and welfare of the cassowary,” he said.
“Cassowaries are an endangered, iconic species, and every bird is precious. We don’t want anything to happen to this animal and we want drivers to remain safe.
“We’re asking everyone who uses Gillies Range Road to keep their windows up, not discard any food and drive with caution near the top of the range.
“If people stop offering the cassowary food, it will return to the rainforest and go back to foraging for food without any further human intervention.
“It is illegal to feed cassowaries, because it can alter their behaviour, puts them at risk of vehicle strike or dog attack and they can act aggressively towards people if they are expecting food.
“Cassowaries have been around for millions of years, and they know how to find their own food in the rainforest.”
The southern cassowary is considered endangered, and its population is limited to rainforest areas of the Wet Tropics and Cape York.
Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet. People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics.
Never approach cassowaries.
Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fraudulent website related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited Fraudulent website related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited **********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website. The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks). Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
To do this, when paying for a purchase, you need to go to the site from a mobile device ag-together.ru using an account on the mos.ru portal. Then you need to click on the button with the shield image in the upper right corner of the page and show the cashier the participant’s QR code.
In addition, fish markets are partners of the “
The Moscow-on-the-Wave fish market opened in the Kosino-Ukhtomsky district in November 2023, and in Mitino in September 2024. The area of each market is several thousand square meters. Here you can buy fish and seafood caught in different parts of Russia: in the Kamchatka Territory, Murmansk Oblast, Yakutia, Crimea and other regions. In addition, you can take your children to a master class, watch a performance by musicians or a chef competition on stage, or have lunch in a cafe. Thus, at the fish market in Mitino, among other establishments, there is a signature bistro “Moscow-on-the-Wave”.
The markets have shopping arcades, storage areas with different temperature conditions, food courts, and master class studios. In addition, there are laboratories that check the quality of all products sold at the market.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
