Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Last year, in eight districts of the capital, driveways to buildings were improved under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Last year, specialists from the city services complex built access roads to 23 buildings under the renovation program. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Work has been carried out to expand access roads to 23 buildings built as part of the renovation program. Seven such roads were built in the east of the capital, four in the Southern Administrative District, three in the Northern and South-Eastern Administrative Districts, two in the South-Western and North-Western Administrative Districts, and one in the North-Eastern and Western Administrative Districts,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    The construction of residential buildings is taking place not only on starting sites in areas of existing development, but also on the sites of houses previously resettled under the renovation program.

    The head of the city economy complex noted that courtyard areas designed more than 60 years ago are often not suitable for the passage of construction and fire equipment. The development of new roads, which are then integrated into the district’s transport system, helps to solve this issue at the initial stage.

    In total, 12.6 kilometers of access roads with a total area of 75.6 thousand square meters were widened and almost 33 thousand square meters of sidewalks were equipped. Convenient ramps were made for people with limited mobility. In addition, over 32 thousand square meters of lawn were laid.

    For the comfort and safety of residents, about 150 lanterns with energy-efficient lamps were installed when arranging access roads to facilities built within the framework of the renovation program. Overhead lines were transferred to cable ducts.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyaninordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project“Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153096073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang Conflict Warrant issued in Eastern District

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Inspector Marty James, District Manager Criminal Investigations:

    Eastern District Police have today been issued a Gang Conflict Warrant, following several incidents stemming from ongoing tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power.

    At around 10:45pm on Tuesday night, shots were fired at houses in Wairoa associated with both gangs, and a Napier house connected to one of the gangs was targeted this morning. 

    We’re also aware of a number of alleged gang-related incidents in Wairoa that have not been reported to us, including assaults, vehicle rammings, other damage to cars, and threatening behaviour.

    A significant operation is under way across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay in response to this senseless violence between the two gangs, and the Gang Conflict Warrant issued today gives us valuable additional powers to draw on.

    The Gang Conflict Warrant is issued under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act and gives us special powers to search vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms, weapons and vehicles.

    The violence we are seeing from these two gangs – particularly those incidents where firearms are involved – is absolutely unacceptable in our communities.

    The residents of our communities have the right to be able to go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety from gang-related violence. They’ve had enough and so have we.

    As part of our investigation into the recent offending, officers in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will be stopping vehicles with links to gang members and searching gang-related addresses. 

    Officers will also be maintaining a highly visible presence in our communities to provide reassurance.

    We are determined to hold those responsible for the recent offending to account and gang members should be on notice that we will not tolerate this ongoing violence.

    Today we arrested two men in relation to the incident in Wairoa on Tuesday night. The two men – aged 18 and 35 – have been charged with aggravated burglary and possession of offensive weapons. Further arrests are likely in the coming days.
     

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics Reports 2025 First Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PR No: C3332C 

    STMicroelectronics Reports 2025 First Quarter Financial Results

    • Q1 net revenues $2.52 billion; gross margin 33.4%; operating income $3 million; net income $56 million
    • Business outlook at mid-point: Q2 net revenues of $2.71 billion and gross margin of 33.4%
    • Company-wide program to reshape manufacturing footprint and resize global cost base on track; annual cost savings target in the high triple-digit million-dollar range exiting 2027 confirmed.

    Geneva, April 24, 2025 – STMicroelectronics N.V. (“ST”) (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, reported U.S. GAAP financial results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025. This press release also contains non-U.S. GAAP measures (see Appendix for additional information).

    ST reported first quarter net revenues of $2.52 billion, gross margin of 33.4%, operating income of $3 million and net income of $56 million or $0.06 diluted earnings per share.

    Jean-Marc Chery, ST President & CEO, commented:

    • “Q1 net revenues came in line with the midpoint of our business outlook range, driven by higher revenues in Personal Electronics offset by lower-than-expected revenues in Automotive and Industrial. Gross margin was slightly below the mid-point of our business outlook range mainly due to product mix.”
    • “On a year-over-year basis, Q1 net revenues decreased 27.3%, operating margin decreased to 0.1% from 15.9% and net income decreased 89.1% to $56 million.”
    • “In the first quarter, our book-to-bill ratio improved with both Automotive and Industrial above parity.”
    • “Our second quarter business outlook, at the mid-point, is for net revenues of $2.71 billion, decreasing year-over-year by 16.2% and increasing sequentially by 7.7%; gross margin is expected to be about 33.4%, impacted by about 420 basis points of unused capacity charges.”
    • “We plan to maintain our Net Capex (non-U.S. GAAP1) plan for 2025 between $2.0 billion and $2.3 billion mainly to execute the reshaping of our manufacturing footprint.”
    • “While we see Q1 2025 as the bottom, in the current uncertain environment we are focusing on what we can control: keep on innovating to continuously improve and accelerate the competitiveness of our product and technology portfolio, focus on advanced manufacturing and tightly manage our costs. In this respect our company-wide program to reshape ST manufacturing footprint and resize our global cost base is on track and we confirm the annual cost savings target in the high triple-digit million-dollar range exiting 2027.”

    Quarterly Financial Summary

    U.S. GAAP
    (US$ m, except per share data)
    Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q/Q Y/Y
    Net Revenues $2,517 $3,321 $3,465 -24.2% -27.3%
    Gross Profit $841 $1,253 $1,444 -32.9% -41.7%
    Gross Margin 33.4% 37.7% 41.7% -430 bps -830 bps
    Operating Income $3 $369 $551 -99.2% -99.5%
    Operating Margin 0.1% 11.1% 15.9% -1,100 bps -1,580 bps
    Net Income $56 $341 $513 -83.6% -89.1%
    Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.06 $0.37 $0.54 -83.8% -88.9%

    First Quarter 2025 Summary Review
    ST made some adjustments to its segment reporting effective starting January 1, 2025. Prior year comparative periods have been adjusted accordingly. See Appendix for more detail.

    Net Revenues by Reportable Segment2 (US$ m) Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q/Q Y/Y
    Analog products, MEMS and Sensors (AM&S) segment 1,069 1,348 1,406 -20.7% -23.9%
    Power and discrete products (P&D) segment 397 602 631 -34.1% -37.1%
    Subtotal: Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors (APMS) Product Group 1,466 1,950 2,037 -24.8% -28.0%
    Embedded Processing (EMP) segment 742 1,002 1,047 -26.0% -29.1%
    RF & Optical Communications (RF&OC) segment 306 366 378 -16.5% -19.2%
    Subtotal: Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products (MDRF) Product Group 1,048 1,368 1,425 -23.4% -26.5%
    Others 3 3 3
    Total Net Revenues $2,517 $3,321 $3,465 -24.2% -27.3%

    Net revenues totaled $2.52 billion, representing a year-over-year decrease of 27.3%. Year-over-year net sales to OEMs and Distribution decreased 25.7% and 31.2%, respectively. On a sequential basis, net revenues decreased 24.2%, 20 basis points better than the mid-point of ST’s guidance.

    Gross profit totaled $841 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 41.7%. Gross margin of 33.4%, 40 basis points below the mid-point of ST’s guidance, decreased 830 basis points year-over-year, mainly due to product mix and, to a lesser extent, higher unused capacity charges and lower sales price.

    Operating income decreased 99.5% to $3 million, compared to $551 million in the year-ago quarter. ST’s operating margin decreased 1,580 basis points on a year-over-year basis to 0.1% of net revenues, compared to 15.9% in the first quarter of 2024. Excluding Impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs3, operating income stood at $11 million in the first quarter.

    By reportable segment, compared with the year-ago quarter:

    In Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors (APMS) Product Group:

    Analog products, MEMS and Sensors (AM&S) segment:

    • Revenue decreased 23.9% mainly due to a decrease in Analog.   
    • Operating profit decreased by 66.7% to $82 million. Operating margin was 7.7% compared to 17.5%.

    Power and Discrete products (P&D) segment:

    • Revenue decreased 37.1%.
    • Operating profit decreased from a positive $77 million to a negative $28 million. Operating margin was -6.9% compared to 12.1%.

    In Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products (MDRF) Product Group:

    Embedded Processing (EMP) segment:

    • Revenue decreased 29.1% mainly due to a decrease in GPAM.
    • Operating profit decreased by 71.5% to $66 million. Operating margin was 8.9% compared to 22.2%.

    RF & Optical Communications (RF&OC) segment:

    • Revenue decreased 19.2%.
    • Operating profit decreased by 59.0% to $43 million. Operating margin was 13.9% compared to 27.4%.

    Net income and diluted Earnings Per Share decreased to $56 million and $0.06 respectively compared to $513 million and $0.54 respectively in the year-ago quarter. Excluding Impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs net of the relevant tax impact, Net income and diluted Earnings Per Share2 stood at $63 million and $0.07 respectively in the first quarter of 2025.

    Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Highlights

            Trailing 12 Months
    (US$ m) Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 TTM Change
    Net cash from operating activities 574 681 859 2,680 5,531 – 51.5%
    Free cash flow (non-U.S. GAAP1) 30 128 (134) 453 1,434 – 68.4%

    Net cash from operating activities was $574 million in the first quarter compared to $859 million in the year-ago quarter.

    Net Capex (non-U.S. GAAP), was $530 million in the first quarter compared to $967 million in the year-ago quarter.

    Free cash flow (non-U.S. GAAP) was positive at $30 million in the first quarter, compared to negative $134 million in the year-ago quarter.

    Inventory at the end of the first quarter was $3.01 billion, compared to $2.79 billion in the previous quarter and $2.69 billion in the year-ago quarter. Days sales of inventory at quarter-end was 167 days, compared to 122 days for both the previous quarter and the year-ago quarter.

    In the first quarter, ST paid cash dividends to its stockholders totaling $72 million and executed a $92 million share buy-back, as part of its current share repurchase program.

    ST’s net financial position (non-U.S. GAAP4) remained strong at $3.08 billion as of March 29, 2025, compared to $3.23 billion as of December 31, 2024 and reflected total liquidity of $5.96 billion and total financial debt of $2.88 billion. Adjusted net financial position (non-U.S. GAAP1), taking into consideration the effect on total liquidity of advances from capital grants for which capital expenditures have not been incurred yet, stood at $2.71 billion as of March 29, 2025.

    Corporate developments

    On April 10, 2025, ST detailed its company-wide program to reshape manufacturing footprint and resize global cost base and confirmed the annual cost savings target in the high triple-digit million-dollar range exiting 2027. Specifically, ST disclosed further elements of its program to reshape its global manufacturing footprint.

    Business Outlook

    ST’s guidance, at the mid-point, for the 2025 second quarter is:

    • Net revenues are expected to be $2.71 billion, an increase of 7.7% sequentially, plus or minus 350 basis points.
    • Gross margin of 33.4%, plus or minus 200 basis points.
    • This outlook is based on an assumed effective currency exchange rate of approximately $1.08 = €1.00 for the 2025 second quarter and includes the impact of existing hedging contracts.
    • The second quarter will close on June 28, 2025.

    This business outlook does not include any impact for potential further changes to global trade tariffs compared to the current situation.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    ST will conduct a conference call with analysts, investors and reporters to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial results and current business outlook today at 9:30 a.m. Central European Time (CET) / 3:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET). A live webcast (listen-only mode) of the conference call will be accessible at ST’s website, https://investors.st.com, and will be available for replay until May 9, 2025.

    Use of Supplemental Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information

    This press release contains supplemental non-U.S. GAAP financial information.

    Readers are cautioned that these measures are unaudited and not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial measures. In addition, such non-U.S. GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled information from other companies. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-U.S. GAAP financial information should not be read in isolation, but only in conjunction with ST’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    See the Appendix of this press release for a reconciliation of ST’s non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to their corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures.

    Forward-looking Information

    Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended) that are based on management’s current views and assumptions, and are conditioned upon and also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated by such statements due to, among other factors: 

    • changes in global trade policies, including the adoption and expansion of tariffs and trade barriers, that could affect the macro-economic environment and adversely impact the demand for our products;
    • uncertain macro-economic and industry trends (such as inflation and fluctuations in supply chains), which may impact production capacity and end-market demand for our products;
    • customer demand that differs from projections which may require us to undertake transformation measures that may not be successful in realizing the expected benefits in full or at all;
    • the ability to design, manufacture and sell innovative products in a rapidly changing technological environment;
    • changes in economic, social, public health, labor, political, or infrastructure conditions in the locations where we, our customers, or our suppliers operate, including as a result of macro-economic or regional events, geopolitical and military conflicts, social unrest, labor actions, or terrorist activities;
    • unanticipated events or circumstances, which may impact our ability to execute our plans and/or meet the objectives of our R&D and manufacturing programs, which benefit from public funding;
    • financial difficulties with any of our major distributors or significant curtailment of purchases by key customers;
    • the loading, product mix, and manufacturing performance of our production facilities and/or our required volume to fulfill capacity reserved with suppliers or third-party manufacturing providers;
    • availability and costs of equipment, raw materials, utilities, third-party manufacturing services and technology, or other supplies required by our operations (including increasing costs resulting from inflation);
    • the functionalities and performance of our IT systems, which are subject to cybersecurity threats and which support our critical operational activities including manufacturing, finance and sales, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers, suppliers, partners and providers of third-party licensed technology;
    • theft, loss, or misuse of personal data about our employees, customers, or other third parties, and breaches of data privacy legislation;
    • the impact of IP claims by our competitors or other third parties, and our ability to obtain required licenses on reasonable terms and conditions;
    • changes in our overall tax position as a result of changes in tax rules, new or revised legislation, the outcome of tax audits or changes in international tax treaties which may impact our results of operations as well as our ability to accurately estimate tax credits, benefits, deductions and provisions and to realize deferred tax assets;
    • variations in the foreign exchange markets and, more particularly, the U.S. dollar exchange rate as compared to the Euro and the other major currencies we use for our operations;
    • the outcome of ongoing litigation as well as the impact of any new litigation to which we may become a defendant;
    • product liability or warranty claims, claims based on epidemic or delivery failure, or other claims relating to our products, or recalls by our customers for products containing our parts;
    • natural events such as severe weather, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruptions or other acts of nature, the effects of climate change, health risks and epidemics or pandemics in locations where we, our customers or our suppliers operate;
    • increased regulation and initiatives in our industry, including those concerning climate change and sustainability matters and our goal to become carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027;
    • epidemics or pandemics, which may negatively impact the global economy in a significant manner for an extended period of time, and could also materially adversely affect our business and operating results;
    • industry changes resulting from vertical and horizontal consolidation among our suppliers, competitors, and customers;
    • the ability to successfully ramp up new programs that could be impacted by factors beyond our control, including the availability of critical third-party components and performance of subcontractors in line with our expectations; and
    • individual customer use of certain products, which may differ from the anticipated uses of such products and result in differences in performance, including energy consumption, may lead to a failure to achieve our disclosed emission-reduction goals, adverse legal action or additional research costs.

    Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of our business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “are expected to”, “should”, “would be”, “seeks” or “anticipates” or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.

    Some of these risk factors are set forth and are discussed in more detail in “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2025. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as anticipated, believed or expected. We do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

    Unfavorable changes in the above or other factors listed under “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, could have a material adverse effect on our business and/or financial condition.

    About STMicroelectronics

    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    INVESTOR RELATIONS:
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41 22 929 59 20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS:
    Alexis Breton
    Group VP Corporate External Communications
    Tel: + 33 6 59 16 79 08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    STMicroelectronics N.V.      
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME      
    (in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data ($))      
           
      Three months ended  
      March 29, March 30,  
      2025 2024  
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  
           
    Net sales 2,513 3,444  
    Other revenues 4 21  
    NET REVENUES 2,517 3,465  
    Cost of sales (1,676) (2,021)  
    GROSS PROFIT 841 1,444  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (390) (425)  
    Research and development expenses (489) (528)  
    Other income and expenses, net 49 60  
    Impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs (8)  
    Total operating expenses (838) (893)  
    OPERATING INCOME 3 551  
    Interest income, net 48 59  
    Other components of pension benefit costs (4) (4)  
    Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net 25  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 72 606  
    Income tax expense (13) (92)  
    NET INCOME 59 514  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (3) (1)  
    NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS 56 513  
           
    EARNINGS PER SHARE (BASIC) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS 0.06 0.57  
    EARNINGS PER SHARE (DILUTED) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS 0.06 0.54  
           
    NUMBER OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED IN CALCULATING DILUTED EPS 933.6 942.3  
           
           
    STMicroelectronics N.V.      
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS      
    As at March 29, December 31, March 30,
    In millions of U.S. dollars 2025 2024 2024
      (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents 1,781 2,282 3,133
    Short-term deposits 1,650 1,450 1,226
    Marketable securities 2,528 2,452 1,880
    Trade accounts receivable, net 1,385 1,749 1,787
    Inventories 3,014 2,794 2,685
    Other current assets 1,050 1,007 1,183
    Total current assets 11,408 11,734 11,894
    Goodwill 299 290 298
    Other intangible assets, net 338 346 366
    Property, plant and equipment, net 11,178 10,877 10,866
    Non-current deferred tax assets 490 464 585
    Long-term investments 96 71 22
    Other non-current assets 1,114 961 942
      13,515 13,009 13,079
    Total assets 24,923 24,743 24,973
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Short-term debt 988 990 238
    Trade accounts payable 1,373 1,323 1,642
    Other payables and accrued liabilities 1,290 1,306 1,547
    Dividends payable to stockholders 16 88 6
    Accrued income tax 72 66 133
    Total current liabilities 3,739 3,773 3,566
    Long-term debt 1,889 1,963 2,875
    Post-employment benefit obligations 392 377 372
    Long-term deferred tax liabilities 48 47 49
    Other long-term liabilities 896 904 912
      3,225 3,291 4,208
    Total liabilities 6,964 7,064 7,774
    Commitment and contingencies      
    Equity      
    Parent company stockholders’ equity      
    Common stock (preferred stock: 540,000,000 shares authorized, not issued; common stock: Euro 1.04 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized, 911,281,920 shares issued, 894,410,472 shares outstanding as of March 29, 2025) 1,157 1,157 1,157
    Additional Paid-in Capital 3,142 3,088 2,931
    Retained earnings 13,514 13,459 12,982
    Accumulated other comprehensive income 495 236 468
    Treasury stock (582) (491) (463)
    Total parent company stockholders’ equity 17,726 17,449 17,075
    Noncontrolling interest 233 230 124
    Total equity 17,959 17,679 17,199
    Total liabilities and equity 24,923 24,743 24,973
           
           
           
    STMicroelectronics N.V.      
           
    SELECTED CASH FLOW DATA      
           
    Cash Flow Data (in US$ millions) Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q1 2024
           
    Net Cash from operating activities 574 681 859
    Net Cash used in investing activities (796) (1,259) (1,254)
    Net Cash from (used in) financing activities (282) (209) 308
    Net Cash decrease (501) (795) (89)
           
    Selected Cash Flow Data (in US$ millions) Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q1 2024
           
    Depreciation & amortization 428 451 430
    Net payment for Capital expenditures (538) (501) (994)
    Dividends paid to stockholders (72) (88) (48)
    Change in inventories, net (172) (2) (12)
           

    Appendix
    ST
    Changes to reportable segments

    Following ST’s reorganization announced in January 2024 into two Product Groups and four reportable segments, we have made further progress in analyzing our global product portfolio, resulting in the following adjustments to our segments, effective starting January 1, 2025, without modifying subtotals at Product Group level: 

    • In Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors (APMS) Product Group:
      • The transfer of VIPower products from Power and Discrete products (“P&D”) reportable segment to Analog products, MEMS and Sensors (“AM&S”) reportable segment.    
    • In Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products (MDRF) Product Group:
      • the newly created ‘Embedded Processing’ (“EMP”) reportable segment includes the former ‘MCU’ segment (excluding the RF ASICs mentioned below) as well as Custom Processing products (Automotive ADAS products).
      • the newly created ‘RF & Optical Communications’ (“RF&OC”) reportable segment includes the former ‘D&RF’ segment (excluding Automotive ADAS products) as well as some RF ASICs which were previously part of the former ‘MCU’ segment.

    We believe these adjustments are critical for implementing synergies and optimizing resources, which are necessary to fully deliver the benefits expected from our new organization.

    Our four reportable segments – within each Product Group – are now as follows: 

    • In Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors (APMS) Product Group:
      • Analog products, MEMS and Sensors (“AM&S”) reportable segment, comprised of ST analog products (now including VIPower products), MEMS sensors and actuators, and optical sensing solutions.
      • Power and Discrete products (“P&D”) reportable segment, comprised of discrete and power transistor products (now excluding VIPower products).

    In this Press Release, “Analog” refers to analog products, “MEMS” to MEMS sensors and actuators and “Imaging” to optical sensing solutions.

    • In Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products (MDRF) Product Group:
      • Embedded Processing (“EMP”) reportable segment, comprised of general-purpose and automotive microcontrollers, connected security products and Custom Processing Products (Automotive ADAS)
      • RF & Optical Communications (“RF&OC”) reportable segment, comprised of Space, Ranging & Connectivity products, Digital Audio & Signaling Solutions and Optical & RF COT.

    In this Press release, “GPAM” refers to General purpose & automotive microcontrollers, “Connected Security” to connected security products, “Custom Processing” to automotive ADAS products.

    Prior year comparative periods have been adjusted accordingly.

    (Appendix – continued)
    ST Supplemental Financial Information

      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
    Net Revenues By Market Channel (%)          
    Total OEM 71% 73% 76% 73% 70%
    Distribution 29% 27% 24% 27% 30%
               
    €/$ Effective Rate 1.06 1.09 1.08 1.08 1.09
               
    Reportable Segment Data (US$ m)          
    Analog products, MEMS and Sensors (AM&S) segment          
    – Net Revenues 1,069 1,348 1,340 1,336 1,406
    – Operating Income 82 220 216 193 246
    Power and Discrete products (P&D) segment          
    – Net Revenues 397 602 652 576 631
    – Operating Income (28) 45 80 61 77
    Subtotal: Analog, Power & Discrete, MEMS and Sensors (APMS) Product Group          
    – Net Revenues 1,466 1,950 1,992 1,912 2,037
    – Operating Income 54 265 296 254 323
    Embedded Processing (EMP) segment          
    – Net Revenues 742 1,002 898 906 1,047
    – Operating Income 66 181 146 126 232
    RF & Optical Communications (RF&OC) segment          
    – Net Revenues 306 366 357 410 378
    – Operating Income 43 95 84 96 103
    Subtotal: Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products (MDRF) Product Group          
    – Net Revenues 1,048 1,368 1,255 1,316 1,425
    – Operating Income 109 276 230 222 335
    Others (a)          
    – Net Revenues 3 3 4 4 3
    – Operating Income (Loss) (160) (172) (145) (101) (107)
    Total          
    – Net Revenues 2,517 3,321 3,251 3,232 3,465
    – Operating Income 3 369 381 375 551

    (a)   Net revenues of Others include revenues from sales assembly services and other revenues. Operating income (loss) of Others include items such as unused capacity charges, including incidents leading to power outage, impairment and restructuring charges, management reorganization costs, start-up and phase out costs, and other unallocated income (expenses) such as: strategic or special research and development programs, certain corporate-level operating expenses, patent claims and litigations, and other costs that are not allocated to reportable segments, as well as operating earnings of other products. Others includes:

    (US$ m) Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
    Unused capacity charges 123 118 104 84 63

    (Appendix – continued)
    ST Supplemental Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information
    U.S. GAAP – Non-U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

    The supplemental non-U.S. GAAP information presented in this press release is unaudited and subject to inherent limitations. Such non-U.S. GAAP information is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for U.S. GAAP measurements. Also, our supplemental non-U.S. GAAP financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled non-U.S. GAAP measures used by other companies. Further, specific limitations for individual non-U.S. GAAP measures, and the reasons for presenting non-U.S. GAAP financial information, are set forth in the paragraphs below. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-U.S. GAAP financial information should not be read in isolation, but only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    ST believes that these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures provide useful information for investors and management because they offer, when read in conjunction with ST’s U.S. GAAP financials, (i) the ability to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of ST’s on-going operating results, (ii) the ability to better identify trends in ST’s business and perform related trend analysis, and (iii) to facilitate a comparison of ST’s results of operations against investor and analyst financial models and valuations, which may exclude these items.

    Non-U.S. GAAP Net Earnings and Non-U.S. GAAP Earnings Per Share (non-U.S. GAAP measures)

    Operating income before impairment and restructuring charges and one-time items is used by management to help enhance an understanding of ongoing operations and to communicate the impact of the excluded items, such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs. Adjusted net earnings and earnings per share (EPS) are used by management to help enhance an understanding of ongoing operations and to communicate the impact of the excluded items like impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs attributable to ST and other one-time items, net of the relevant tax impact.

    Q1 2025
    (US$ m, except per share data)
    Gross Profit Operating Income Net Earnings Corresponding Diluted EPS
    U.S. GAAP 841 3 56 0.06
    Impairment, restructuring charges and other related phase-out costs 8 8 0.01
    Estimated income tax effect (1)
    Non-U.S. GAAP 841 11 63 0.07

    (Appendix – continued)

    Net Financial Position and Adjusted Net Financial Position (non-U.S. GAAP measures)

    Net Financial Position, a non-U.S. GAAP measure, represents the difference between our total liquidity and our total financial debt. Our total liquidity includes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, if any, short-term deposits, and marketable securities, and our total financial debt includes short-term debt and long-term debt, as reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. ST also presents adjusted net financial position as a non-U.S. GAAP measure, to take into consideration the effect on total liquidity of advances received on capital grants for which capital expenditures have not been incurred yet.

    ST believes its Net Financial Position and Adjusted Net Financial Position provide useful information for investors and management because they give evidence of our global position either in terms of net indebtedness or net cash by measuring our capital resources based on cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, if any, short-term deposits and marketable securities and the total level of our financial debt. Our definitions of Net Financial Position and Adjusted Net Financial Position may differ from definitions used by other companies, and therefore, comparability may be limited.

    (US$ m) Mar 29
    2025
    Dec 31
    2024
    Sep 28
    2024
    June 29
    2024
    Mar 30
    2024
    Cash and cash equivalents 1,781 2,282 3,077 3,092 3,133
    Short term deposits 1,650 1,450 977 975 1,226
    Marketable securities 2,528 2,452 2,242 2,218 1,880
    Total liquidity 5,959 6,184 6,296 6,285 6,239
    Short-term debt (988) (990) (1,003) (236) (238)
    Long-term debt (a) (1,889) (1,963) (2,112) (2,850) (2,875)
    Total financial debt (2,877) (2,953) (3,115) (3,086) (3,113)
    Net Financial Position (non-U.S. GAAP) 3,082 3,231 3,181 3,199 3,126
    Advances received on capital grants (377) (385) (366) (402) (351)
    Adjusted Net Financial Position (non-U.S. GAAP) 2,705 2,846 2,815 2,797 2,775

    (a)  Long-term debt contains standard conditions but does not impose minimum financial ratios. Committed credit facilities for $618 million equivalent, are currently undrawn.

    (Appendix – continued)

    Net Capex and Free Cash Flow (non-U.S. GAAP measures)

    ST presents Net Capex as a non-U.S. GAAP measure, which is reported as part of our Free Cash Flow (non-U.S. GAAP measure), to take into consideration the effect of advances from capital grants received on prior periods allocated to property, plant and equipment in the reporting period.

    Net Capex, a non-U.S. GAAP measure, is defined as (i) Payment for purchase of tangible assets, as reported plus (ii) Proceeds from sale of tangible assets, as reported plus (iii) Proceeds from capital grants and other contributions, as reported plus (iv) Advances from capital grants allocated to property, plant and equipment in the reporting period.

    ST believes Net Capex provides useful information for investors and management because annual capital expenditures budget includes the effect of capital grants. Our definition of Net Capex may differ from definitions used by other companies.

    (US$ m) Q1
    2025
    Q4
    2024
    Q3
    2024
    Q2
    2024
    Q1
    2024
    Payment for purchase of tangible assets, as reported (587) (584) (669) (690) (1,145)
    Proceeds from sale of tangible assets, as reported 2 2 1 2
    Proceeds from capital grants and other contributions, as reported 47 83 66 143 149
    Advances from capital grants allocated to property, plant and equipment 8 31 36 18 27
    Net Capex (non-U.S. GAAP) (530) (470) (565) (528) (967)

    Free Cash Flow, which is a non-U.S. GAAP measure, is defined as (i) net cash from operating activities plus (ii) Net Capex plus (iii) payment for purchase (and proceeds from sale) of intangible and financial assets and (iv) net cash paid for business acquisitions, if any.

    ST believes Free Cash Flow provides useful information for investors and management because it measures our capacity to generate cash from our operating and investing activities to sustain our operations.

    Free Cash Flow reconciles with the total cash flow and the net cash increase (decrease) by including the payment for purchases of (and proceeds from matured) marketable securities and net investment in (and proceeds from) short-term deposits, the net cash from (used in) financing activities and the effect of changes in exchange rates, and by excluding the advances from capital grants received on prior periods allocated to property, plant and equipment in the reporting period. Our definition of Free Cash Flow may differ from definitions used by other companies.

    (US$ m) Q1
    2025
    Q4
    2024
    Q3
    2024
    Q2
    2024
    Q1
    2024
    Net cash from operating activities 574 681 723 702 859
    Net Capex (530) (470) (565) (528) (967)
    Payment for purchase of intangible assets, net of proceeds from sale (14) (32) (20) (15) (26)
    Payment for purchase of financial assets, net of proceeds from sale (51) (2)
    Free Cash Flow (non-U.S. GAAP) 30 128 136 159 (134)

    (Appendix – continued)
    Financial Calendar

    The financial calendar for 2025 is as follows:

    March 16, 2025 – April 24,2025: Quiet period
     

    April 24,2025:

     

    Q1 2025 Financial Results

     

    June 16, 2025 – July 24,2025:

     

    Quiet period

     

    July 24,2025:

     

    Q2 2025 Financial Results

     

    September 16, 2025 – October 23,2025:

     

    Quiet period

     

    October 23,2025:

     

    Q3 2025 Financial Results

    These dates are preliminary and are subject to final confirmation.


    1Non-U.S. GAAP. See Appendix for reconciliation to U.S. GAAP and information explaining why the Company believes these measures are important.
    2See Appendix for the definition of reportable segments.
    3Non-U.S. GAAP. See Appendix for reconciliation to U.S. GAAP and information explaining why the Company believes these measures are important.
    4Non-U.S. GAAP. See Appendix for reconciliation to U.S. GAAP and information explaining why the Company believes these measures are important.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Be prepared and plan ahead for Anzac weekend

    Source: Auckland Council

    After last week’s dose of wet and windy weather, Aucklanders are getting a bit of a reprieve for Anzac Day but may see rain over the weekend, most likely Sunday. We’re reminding people to check drains and gutters again; plan travel carefully and stay up to date with weather forecasts.

    Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says Aucklanders did a great job preparing for the impacts of ex-tropical Cyclone Tam and responding to the weather conditions over the Easter weekend.

    “Aucklanders across the region experienced heavy rain, strong winds and flooding in places just days ago, over the Easter long weekend.

    “While there’s still a high degree of uncertainty, we could see some wet weather in parts of Tāmaki Makaurau over the Anzac long weekend.

    “We understand Aucklanders may be sick of hearing about the weather, but it doesn’t take long to do a few important things – a quick check of gutters and drains on your property, and a regular update on the weather forecast over the weekend,” says Adam.

    Keep up to date with the weather forecast

    MetService has not issued any current weather watches or warnings for the weekend as it’s too early to predict how the weekend weather will pan out. A top tip is to download the MetService app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for push notifications to your phone.

    “At this stage, it looks like we’re in for rain overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning – right about the time when people may start heading home from school holidays or long weekend breaks.

    “There is still uncertainty about when and where bad weather will hit, so make sure you check the forecast when planning any weekend travel or activities and check it again for any changes before you go out. Don’t forget, if you’re heading to another region, check the weather there too.

    “With soil saturation levels now very high, there is always the possibility of flooding if heavy rain eventuates.

    “If you’re on the roads, drive to the conditions, take care and give yourself plenty of time,” he says.

    Add property prep to your weekend checklist

    Taking half an hour to make sure your home and property are prepared for bad weather could prevent unnecessary damage and disruption.

    “Securing or storing outdoor furniture and umbrellas ahead of bad weather doesn’t take much time and could stop these items from getting damaged or damaging your property.

    “If we get gusty winds, these can easily pick up small or loose items, flip trampolines or lightweight outdoor furniture and play equipment,” says Adam.

    Checking drains, gutters and trees or plants on your property that can lose branches or clog drains is a good idea at this time of year.

    “Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team has again been out this week checking hot spots and clearing drains. It’s important that residents do this too.

    “Anything on your property that may wash into the stormwater system and cause blockages should be removed. Clearing gutters and drains on your property will also help prevent damage, leaks and flooding. 

    “It’s always a good time to check your emergency readiness supplies – in the unlikely event the power goes out or, for those in more remote parts of the region, you get temporarily cut off.

    “Visit our website (aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) or getready.govt.nz for good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency,” says Adam.

    Always in the know: top tips for wild weather

    • Follow weather forecasts for regular updates – forecasts can change.
    • Plan your travel carefully and never drive through floodwater.
    • If life or property is at risk, phone 111.
    • If you live somewhere prone to flooding, slips or power outages, ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you become isolated.
    • Treat power lines as live at all times.
    • Report flooding and blocked stormwater drains to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
    • Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and click “Report a problem” to report trees down on public land.
    • If your property is damaged, take photographs for your insurer as early as possible.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Environmentalists warn city residents against planting box elder maple in their summer cottages

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In anticipation of the summer season, specialists Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection reminds that box elder is an invasive (alien) tree species. It actively spreads and grows quickly.

    Box elder is a dominant tree species that poses a threat to biodiversity by disrupting the ecological balance. This tree was brought from North America in the 17th century. A few decades ago, it was used for landscaping Moscow. However, over time, it became clear that box elder is displacing local tree species such as birch, alder and other plants that cannot fully develop in conditions of insufficient light. Only a few survive in its shade. Thus, the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted and biological diversity is reduced.

    Moreover, the fast-growing plant poses a threat to human life and property. The fact is that due to its shallow root system, it is unstable in soft and wet soil. It is the box elder that most often falls during heavy rains, hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions.

    Environmentalists advise avoiding buying box elder seedlings for summer cottages. Although the box elder has a large crown that provides shelter from the heat, you should choose seedlings that are compatible with the local flora and less aggressive in development. The planting material market offers a huge selection of beautiful plants for garden plots that can be both beautiful and useful.

    To create a comfortable recreation area or a hedge on a summer cottage or house plot, specialists from the capital’s Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection recommend considering alternative options, such as ginnal and Norway maple, hawthorn, ornamental apple trees, thuja and other trees, and from shrubs – elderberry, cotoneaster, as well as dogwood and mock orange.

    In addition, it is advisable to promptly remove self-seeding and shoots of box elder in the first year of their appearance. This will avoid dense plantings with an asymmetrical crown in the future, which, together with the superficial root system, reduces the stability of the tree.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital in official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153044073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Devastating Loss”: Senator Murray Slams Trump Gutting Women’s Health Initiative—WHI is the Largest and Most Influential National Study of Women’s Health & Based out of Fred Hutch in Seattle

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI from Science: “NIH guts its first and largest study centered on women”
    ICYMI: In Senate Forum on NIH Research, Senator Murray Highlights How Trump and Elon’s Devastating Funding Cuts and Mass Layoffs are Putting Lifesaving Research At Risk
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and former Chair of the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education & Related Agencies Subcommittee released the following statement on the Trump administration gutting the historic Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), the largest National Institutes of Health (NIH) effort studying the health needs of women. WHI has enrolled more than 160,000 participants in clinical trials and tracked the health of many thousands more over more than three decades since its inception in the early 1990s. There are currently over 42,000 participants that are actively involved. WHI’s findings have had a major influence on women’s health care, reducing rates of cancer and other diseases, and influencing clinical guidelines for multiple health factors.
    Yesterday, WHI investigators were informed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will terminate WHI Regional Center (RC) contracts at the end of their current fiscal year, September 2025. According to the WHI Funding Announcement issued yesterday, the WHI Clinical Coordinating Center, which is based at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, will continue operations until January 2026, after which time its funding remains uncertain. “The full implications of these funding cuts are still being determined, but these contract terminations will significantly impact ongoing research and data collection—especially the detailed participant health event data collected by RC staff. The loss of this critical data stream would severely limit WHI’s ability to generate new insights into the health of older women, one of the fastest-growing segments of our population,” the notice read.
    “This is a devastating loss for women’s health research. It’s unacceptable and truly tragic that the Trump administration has decided to pull the plug on one of the most influential studies in the world and one that has led to enormous breakthroughs in preventing chronic disease—a stated goal of HHS leadership—and helping women everywhere live healthier and longer lives.
    “The Women’s Health Initiative has not only led to major advancements in our understanding of women’s health issues, especially in older women, but it has paved the way for a generation of researchers focused on women’s health—which has long been overlooked and underfunded. Now, Trump, Elon, and our pro-disease Health Secretary RFK Jr. are taking an axe to a study that has helped millions of Americans live healthier lives and have better treatment options—yet another example of how this administration is hell-bent on cutting health research to the bone without a clue and without a care for the consequences.
    “Destroying the Women’s Health Initiative is an unbelievably shortsighted move that will have an immense long-term cost for our country—in undiscovered treatments and cures, the loss of vast amounts of data to improve women’s health, and a less healthy population overall.
    “This is an unconscionable loss—and I am calling on every one of my colleagues, especially my Republican colleagues who understand the importance of supporting research into women’s health, to join me in demanding that the Trump administration immediately reverse course.”
    Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and fire en masse more than 1,300 skilled scientists and grants administrators at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked.
    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murray has always championed women’s health care and fought to boost investments in women’s health care research in particular. As the former Chair of the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education & Related Agencies Subcommittee, Senator Murray has fought for increases in women’s health research programs across NIH, including the Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative and the Office of Research on Women’s Health. As the top Democrat on the Senate HELP Committee, Murray led negotiations and passage of the 21st Century Cures Act in 2016, bipartisan legislation that provided $4.8 billion over the next 10 years to invests in a wide range of health priorities including with regards to women’s health care. Murray leads and has repeatedly introduced the Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act, which would increase women’s access to preventive and lifesaving cancer screenings. Murray has also been a strong advocate for women veterans’ health care—transforming the VA over decades to meet the needs of women veterans, whether by authoring and passing the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act in 2010, helping to pass the Deborah Sampson Act and MAMMO Act to address gender disparities at VA and expand access to breast cancer screening and treatment at VA, or by delivering annual funding as an appropriator to help VA provide the necessary care for women veterans.
    Last year as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray delivered a record $900 million investment in women veterans’ health care, as well as a $300 million funding boost for NIH. Senator Murray also leads landmark bipartisan legislation endorsed by Halle Berry to boost menopause research and, for the first time, coordinate the federal government’s existing programs related to menopause and mid-life women’s health. Earlier this month, Senator Murray introduced separate bipartisan legislation to require VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to research and study the effects of menopause on women servicemembers and women veterans
    Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee, she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 24, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 24, 2025.

    The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate, Beach Safety Research Group, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Over the Easter weekend, seven people drowned along the Australian coast. Most were swept off rock platforms – extremely dangerous locations that are increasingly prevalent in Australia’s coastal fatality data. The weather was

    The major parties have announced their plans to address domestic and family violence. How do they stack up?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University In the past week, at least seven women have been killed in Australia, allegedly by men. These deaths have occurred in different contexts – across state borders, communities and relationships. But are united by one truth:

    The biggest losers: how Australians became the world’s most enthusiastic gamblers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wayne Peake, Adjunct research fellow, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University The story goes that the late billionaire Australian media magnate Kerry Packer once visited a Las Vegas casino, where a Texan was bragging about his ranch and how many millions it was worth.

    A golden era for personalized medicine is approaching, but are we ready?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nazia Pathan, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University Biobanks have become some of the most transformative tools in medical research, enabling scientists to study the relationships between genes, health and disease on an unprecedented scale (Piqsels/Siyya) If there’s a disease that seems to run

    The billions spent on NZ’s accommodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Pixelbliss/Shutterstock New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments. But our new research has found the scheme, which costs

    Fossil teeth show extinct giant kangaroos spent their lives close to home – and perished when the climate changed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Laurikainen Gaete, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong Chris Laurikainen Gaete Large kangaroos today roam long distances across the outback, often surviving droughts by moving in mobs to find new food when pickings are slim. But not all kangaroos have been this way. In new research published

    The billions spent on NZ’s accomodation supplement is failing to make rent affordable – so what will?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Yiu, Associate Professor, School of Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Pixelbliss/Shutterstock New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market has left many low and middle-income families reliant on the accommodation supplement to cover rent and mortgage payments. But our new research has found the scheme, which costs

    The gambling industry has women in its sights. Why aren’t policymakers paying attention?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone McCarthy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Commercial Determinants of Health, Deakin University Wpadington/Shutterstock Whatever the code, whatever the season, Australian sports fans are bombarded with gambling ads. Drawing on Australians’ passion, loyalty and pride for sport, the devastating health and social consequences of gambling – including financial

    When ‘equal’ does not mean ‘the same’: Liberals still do not understand their women problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol Johnson, Emerita Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Adelaide “Women’s” issues are once again playing a significant role in the election debate as Labor and the Liberals trade barbs over which parties’ policies will benefit women most. In the latest salvo, the opposition

    Tremors, seizures and paralysis: this brain disorder is more common than multiple sclerosis – but often goes undiagnosed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Scrivener, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock Imagine suddenly losing the ability to move a limb, walk or speak. You would probably recognise this as a medical emergency and get to hospital. Now imagine the doctors

    The origin story of the Anzac biscuit is largely myth – but that shouldn’t obscure the history of women during the war
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Australian Comforts Fund buffet in Longueval, France, 1916. Australian War Memorial The Anzac biscuit is a cultural icon, infused with mythical value, representing the connection between women on the home front and soldiers serving overseas during

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies. This time, we’ve seen politicians try to jump onto viral podcasts. To discuss old

    Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American

    Why special measures to boost Fiji women’s political representation remain a distant goal
    RNZ Pacific Despite calls from women’s groups urging the government to implement policies to address the underrepresentation of women in politics, the introduction of temporary special measures (TSM) to increase women’s political representation in Fiji remains a distant goal. This week, leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (Sodelpa), Cabinet Minister Aseri Radrodro, and opposition

    Albanese government announces $1.2 billion in plan to purchase critical minerals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American

    Flooding incidents in Ghana’s capital are on the rise. Researchers chase the cause
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Urban flooding is a major problem in the global south. In west and central Africa, more than 4 million people were affected by flooding in 2024. In Ghana, cities suffer damage

    Australia needs bold ideas on defence. The Coalition’s increased spending plan falls disappointingly short
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University Just as voting has begun in this year’s federal election, the Coalition has released its long-awaited defence policy platform. The main focus, as expected, is a boost in defence spending to 3% of Australia’s GDP within the next decade.

    Sniping koalas from helicopters: here’s what’s wrong with Victoria’s unprecedented cull
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Hicks, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne Roberto La Rosa/Shutterstock Snipers in helicopters have shot more than 700 koalas in the Budj Bim National Park in western Victoria in recent weeks. It’s believed to be the first time koalas have been culled in this way.

    Rather than short-term fixes, communities need flexible plans to prepare for a range of likely climate impacts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Logan, Senior Lecturer Above the Bar of Civil Systems Engineering, University of Canterbury Dave Rowland/Getty Images As New Zealanders clean up after ex-Cyclone Tam which left thousands without power and communities once again facing flooding, it’s tempting to seek immediate solutions. However, after the cleanup and

    Why do Labor and the Coalition have so many similar policies? It’s simple mathematics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabriele Gratton, Professor of Politics and Economics and ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Sydney Pundits and political scientists like to repeat that we live in an age of political polarisation. But if you sat through the second debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate, Beach Safety Research Group, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

    Over the Easter weekend, seven people drowned along the Australian coast. Most were swept off rock platforms – extremely dangerous locations that are increasingly prevalent in Australia’s coastal fatality data.

    The weather was unseasonably warm, the surf at times looking calm and at others foreboding. And yet, despite warnings from Surf Life Saving, emergency services and meteorologists, many still entered the water – often unaware of how deceptively dangerous the conditions could be.

    It was a tragic reminder that many people don’t understand ocean conditions and how waves and swells work. Current water safety warnings aren’t doing enough to change behaviour – but with simple improvements and better education around long-period swells, we could save lives.

    The difference between waves and swells

    Waves on the ocean are caused by wind. Some, called sea waves, are generated by nearby winds. Others, known as swell waves, are created by distant weather systems, such as storms far away, and travel long distances.

    Swells can travel thousands of kilometres and may still be present even if the local wind is calm. It’s estimated that up to 75% of wave action across the globe is caused by distant storms, not local winds. This makes the predicting of swells and waves a complex science.

    A long-period swell refers to waves that arrive at longer intervals, typically 12 to 20 seconds apart. These swells carry more energy than short-period ones, travel greater distances, and tend to produce sets of larger waves when they hit the coast.

    Long-period swells can result in sudden large waves that crash into the beach with more energy.
    Sneaky Buddy/Shutterstock

    What makes long-period swells so dangerous?

    Over Easter, hazardous long-period swells generated by an ex-cyclone offshore were hitting much of the east coast. The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings, and Surf Life Saving reinforced these messages with media alerts and beach closures.

    But the surf didn’t always look threatening – at least not all of the time.

    The misleading nature of long-period swells is part of the problem. They create deceptively calm periods, and lulls between these wave sets can last ten or 15 minutes. During that time, people feel safe entering the water, wading out, going onto a rock platform or relaxing near the shoreline.

    When the next set arrives, it can be unexpected and forceful – knocking people over, pulling them into the water or creating unexpected currents.

    Unlike short-period waves, long-period swells carry momentum that enables them to surge much further up beaches and rock platforms, increasing the chances of sweeping people into the water. When these waves break, they do so with considerable force, and the powerful backwash can drag people into deep water.

    The sudden arrival of these waves, without a gradual buildup, makes them especially dangerous in exposed areas like rock shelves or platforms.

    Rock platforms are dangerous because of a combination of environmental exposure and low visibility in our approach to coastal safety. They’re often exposed to powerful waves, have uneven, slippery surfaces, and lack easy exit points.

    If someone is knocked into the water, there’s usually nothing to hold onto, and climbing back up is almost impossible – especially in heavy clothing or fishing gear.

    Why current warnings don’t cut through

    Australians may be familiar with fire danger ratings, cyclone warnings and the UV index.

    But the way we communicate surf risk – particularly around swell behaviour – is vague and technical. Phrases like “hazardous surf” or “long-period swell” are accurate, but fail to convey what people will actually experience at the shoreline.

    Most members of the public don’t know what a 16-second swell interval means, or how it affects where and how waves break. As a result, warnings go unnoticed, or people believe they can assess the risk themselves by looking at the water – which, during a lull, can seem completely harmless.

    Social media compounds this problem. Over Easter, videos of huge waves circulated widely, but so did footage of people playing or standing near the water with no apparent concern. The public sees mixed signals – and the science and warnings don’t always cut through.

    How to improve coastal hazard communication

    If we want to reduce coastal deaths during swell events, we need to bridge the gap between forecasts and real-world understanding.

    1. Translate forecasts into direct, behavioural warnings

    Instead of just saying “hazardous surf”, add language that explains what that means: “Conditions may appear calm, but large sets of waves will arrive every 10–15 minutes. Stay well back from the waterline”.

    2. Use visual risk systems

    Just like fire danger ratings, a colour-coded coastal risk index could be introduced for days when swell conditions are particularly hazardous. Simple signage at beaches could indicate the risk level and explain the reason for it.

    3. Integrate live updates at key sites

    SMS alerts or digital signage at car parks and entry points could provide real-time hazard updates. These should be visual and multilingual to reach a broader audience.

    4. Make ocean science public knowledge

    Government campaigns, surf clubs and schools should all help explain the basics of swell behaviour – including what long-period swell is, why wave sets arrive and why calm periods aren’t always safe. Just like “swim between the flags” became a known rule, so, too, should basic awareness of wave cycles. Surfers could be champions of this education.

    The conditions that contributed to the Easter drownings were forecast, monitored and forewarned. But most people don’t make decisions based on marine forecasts – they make them based on what they see in front of them.

    Long-period swell is a classic hidden hazard. It tricks even experienced beach goers, not because the science is unclear, but because the risk isn’t made clear to the public.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding from Meta Platforms, Inc. His research is supported by a University of New South Wales Sydney, University Postgraduate Award. His research is supported by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia to aid in the prevention of drowning. Research at Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is supported by the Australian government. He has been affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW in a paid and voluntary capacity.

    ref. The ocean can look deceptively calm – until it isn’t. Here’s what ‘hazardous surf’ really means – https://theconversation.com/the-ocean-can-look-deceptively-calm-until-it-isnt-heres-what-hazardous-surf-really-means-255011

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Mayor Lurie Tour San Francisco Senior Housing Facility, Highlight Affordable Housing Solutions

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Mayor Lurie Tour San Francisco Senior Housing Facility, Highlight Affordable Housing Solutions

    WATCH: Padilla discusses Housing for All Act to address housing and homelessness crisesSAN FRANCISCO, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to tour a local affordable housing facility for low-income seniors and highlight federal and local solutions to help address the city’s housing and homelessness challenges. The visit comes as the Trump Administration continues to defund essential federal housing programs and services, including the potential closure of San Francisco’s regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) field office.
    In addition to discussing the impact of the Trump Administration’s devastating proposed housing assistance cuts, Senator Padilla spotlighted his Housing for All Act, a comprehensive approach to help address the homelessness and affordable housing crises in California and across the nation. The legislation would invest in proven solutions to address affordable housing shortages and provide a historic level of federal funding for both existing programs to reduce homelessness and innovative, locally developed solutions to help vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.
    A one-pager on the Housing for All Act is available here. 
    Mayor Lurie also highlighted his plans to expand affordable housing in San Francisco, including his Family Zoning plan to ensure the next generation of San Franciscans can afford to live in the city and his PermitSF effort to speed up the city’s permitting process and build housing more quickly.
    “At a time when costs are rising and seniors are being priced out of affordable housing, Donald Trump is attacking Social Security, health care, and now housing. That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Padilla. “I’m fighting not just to stop those cuts, but to bring the full weight of the federal government to help solve California’s housing and homelessness crises through my comprehensive Housing for All Act, a bill to make historic federal investments in the creative solutions that cities and states across the country have already deployed successfully. We know the steps we need to take to make housing more affordable and reduce homelessness — now we need the resources to meet the scale of these crises.”
    “Here in San Francisco, we have to meet our housing challenges head-on. We’re doing our part with initiatives like Family Zoning to keep the next generation in the city, and PermitSF to speed up housing approvals and get more homes built faster,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Thank you to Senator Padilla for visiting our city, touring the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center, and championing solutions like the Housing for All Act to expand affordable housing across California.”
    Senator Padilla believes everyone deserves access to affordable and safe housing and recognizes the need to drastically increase the affordable housing stock to address the homelessness crisis facing California and the country, including through his Housing for All Act. Earlier this month, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving disability payments maintain access to crucial housing support. In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act to expedite, expand, and improve temporary housing available to victims of disasters like wildfires and storms.
    Padilla has fought against the Trump Administration’s proposals to cut HUD staff and field offices who help provide crucial housing services. Padilla and U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.-05) recently led more than 100 Democrats in the Senate and House in condemning staffing cuts and potential closures of HUD field offices across the country. Earlier this year, Senator Padilla sounded the alarm that these wide-ranging cuts would hamper HUD’s ability to support vulnerable communities and address the housing and homelessness crises.
    Video of today’s press conference is available here, and can be downloaded here.
    Additional photos from today’s visit are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oakland Man Sentenced To Nearly Six Years In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearms And Ammunition Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Michael Tatum was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.  U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down the sentence.

    Tatum, 35, of Oakland, pleaded guilty on Jan. 23, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  In pleading guilty, Tatum admitted that, during a search of his residence in February 2022, law enforcement found that he illegally possessed five loaded firearms, including two loaded assault rifle-style firearms, two firearms loaded with high-capacity magazines, and one stolen firearm, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  Law enforcement also seized $148,531.05 in U.S. currency from Tatum’s residence.  At the time, Tatum had a prior felony conviction.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.

    In addition to the 70-month prison term, Judge White ordered Tatum to serve a three-year period of supervised release and to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearms, ammunition, and currency.  The defendant will begin serving the sentence on July 22, 2025.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Dahlke and Charles Bisesto prosecuted this case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen and Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and California Highway Patrol. 
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons leads bicameral letter in support of AmeriCorps as members and staff are let go in DOGE cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, led 148 of his congressional colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members and calling on him to reverse cuts to the program made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The letter is co-led by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Vice Chair of the National Service Caucus. The letter is co-led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Co-Chair of the bipartisan House National Service Caucus, and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.
    The Trump Administration placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave last week as part of DOGE’s broader spending cuts. Programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors deploy more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations across the country. Working in partnership with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated volunteers and workers help promote employment opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and support those in need. 
    “We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more,” the lawmakers wrote. 
    The lawmakers highlighted the program’s benefits to society, to AmeriCorps members, and to the federal government—pointing to a non-partisan study showing that there are an estimated $17 in benefits returned for every taxpayer dollar spent. Additionally, the recently passed Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 maintains AmeriCorps funding at its fiscal year 2024 level and serves as a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through the end of fiscal year 2025. The senators emphasized that the administration is expected to implement the law in a manner consistent with the funding levels enacted in fiscal year 2024. Failing to do so would be a violation of the law.
    “If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country,” the lawmakers added.
    AmeriCorps programs serve communities nationwide, including in Delaware, where roughly 200 AmeriCorps members and more than 1,000 AmeriCorps Seniors respond to disasters, improve housing, help veterans, and support educational services. If the Trump Administration’s actions aren’t reversed, these critical services could come to a halt.
    “We are deeply concerned that this is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities,” the lawmakers concluded. 
    In addition to Senators Coons, Schumer, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). In addition to House Representatives Matsui and Adams, 103 other House Representatives signed on.
    You can read the full text of the letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Hickenlooper Highlights Trump Admin Chaos at Town Halls in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Events Across Western Slope

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently held town halls in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, and made stops in Breckenridge, Eagle, and Glenwood Springs to discuss how the Trump administration’s policies are raising costs and harming communities across Colorado. 
    In Grand Junction, Hickenlooper hosted a town hall at Colorado Mesa University where he answered constituent concerns about Trump administration policies including tariffs and cuts to the Department of Education.
    The next day Hickenlooper stopped in Glenwood Springs to discuss drought on the Colorado River, as well as the current Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for water conservation across the West.  
    Hickenlooper also stopped in Eagle to meet with local leaders impacted by Trump administration’s funding and workforce cuts to public lands, and in Breckenridge at the Vista Verde workforce housing complex, where he discussed food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis in Colorado’s mountain communities. 
    Later in the week, Hickenlooper held a second town hall In Colorado Springs where he answered questions on his response to Trump administration ICE detentions and cuts to funding for medical research.
    Check out the coverage below:
    KKCO Grand Junction:  Senator Hickenlooper addresses tariffs, immigration, and federal layoffs at Grand Junction Town Hall
    “I know that there is a lot of frustration, anger, concern about what’s going on in Washington,” said Hickenlooper.
    …KKCO had the opportunity to listen to Hickenlooper’s response to key issues before the Town Hall.
    Hickenlooper was asked about Colorado Public Lands if he will fight to keep State and National Parks and Forests untouched: “I have gone up to every Republican I know and say that’s off the table. Just so you know, I will fight tooth and nail. You’ll never get anything done. And I have been assured that at least through the Senate, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
    Hickenlooper was asked about current immigration laws and Kilmar Garcia: “I think that is the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone, that I can remember,” he said. “This is a level of corruption that I don’t think any American expected when they voted for Donald Trump. I can tell you that at least two or three dozen people I know who are devout supporters of President Trump are outraged.”
    CPR News: US Senator Hickenlooper talks Trump resistance during Grand Junction town hal
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper invoked Valley Forge at an event in Grand Junction Monday night while encouraging disaffected voters to stay engaged in politics. But he also invoked collegiality to defend his approach to navigating Trump politics.
    While Hickenlooper drew questions about some of his concessions, he spent much of the evening outlining policies and actions by the Trump administration he could not abide by. He told reporters that the wrongful deportation of a man to an El Salvadorian prison was “the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone,” and that feared cuts to Medicaid were “unfathomable.
    Daily Sentinel Editorial: Hickenlooper shows up — that’s enough for now
    Monday’s town hall reflected Hickenlooper’s even-keeled personality. The advice he imparted to those concerned with the direction of the country mirrored his own political posture: Stay engaged, show kindness and work to find real solutions to the nation’s problems.
    “In a funny way, we’re at war,” he added. “You’ve got to be pragmatic as well as ruthless.
    Hickenlooper provided examples of Trump administration controversies he can’t tolerate — including the “tariff tax” putting a “chokehold” on economic growth and the wrongful deportation of a man lawfully in the United States to an El Salvadoran prison.
    Calling the latter “the single most egregious act that I’ve seen our government condone,” Hickenlooper told reporters that if the administration defies court orders, “then we really have to go to the streets.”
    WATCH: NBC Grand Junction: Hickenlooper hosts Grand Junction town hall
    Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: Sen. Hickenlooper hosts town hall in Grand Junction
    Colorado Sun: John Hickenlooper’s Western Slope tour reveals growing frustration over Trump’s public lands policy
    Colorado U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper is hearing a lot of frustration and anger as he tours the state this week. He’s telling people to organize and gather stories that reflect how public lands are suffering under drastic cuts at land agencies.
    “It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be a war. And the only real leverage that we have … in a constitutional democracy is to have people rise up,” he said, standing on the banks of the Eagle River on Tuesday at a small gathering of local officials worried about their forests.
    Vail Daily: Colorado’s John Hickenlooper says ‘some things just shouldn’t be for sale’ as he stumps for public lands on Western Slope
    Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper didn’t mince words Tuesday on the threat to public lands in the West during a tour of the Western Slope that included stops in Breckenridge, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. 
    “There are a lot of people out there that have never been to the West,” Hickenlooper said during a stop at the Eagle River Park. “They don’t give a crap. They think government’s too big and they’re just going to cut. Elections have consequences. The way to fight back on that is to bring them lessons from the West in graphic detail. Information is power.”
    Colorado Newsline: Hickenlooper calls on Supreme Court to hold Trump officials in contempt
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to start holding Trump administration officials in contempt of court and “lock them up” if they refuse to comply with the court’s unanimous order to “facilitate” the return of a Maryland man wrongly deported to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador.
    “The Supreme Court’s got to step up and say, ‘All right, we’re going to start holding people in contempt of court.’ They have the ability to sanction,” Hickenlooper said in an interview with Colorado Newsline. “They can take the people, the officials who deny any culpability or any responsibility, they can bring them in and force them to testify, to come to the court. And if they don’t come, they’re in contempt, and then you lock them up.”
    Summit Daily: ‘I don’t see the demand decreasing’: Summit officials get candid with Sen. Hickenlooper about workforce’s struggles with affordability
    U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper hit stops in Colorado’s High Country on Tuesday, April 15, for what he said was an effort to collect stories from his constituents to help refine his understanding of the area he represents.
    His Breckenridge stop was paired with a tour of an upcoming nonprofit hub, and the story he got from local officials lifted the veil covering the historic mountain town with an affluent appearance to show the local workforce’s struggles with affordability.
    Hickenlooper said the United States is currently in a place where even those living in areas with a low cost of living are having to work multiple jobs to stay afloat.
    “Society has gotten wealthier and wealthier, again, the greatest wealth in the history of the world, and yet we still have to fight like crazy to keep rent within peoples’ grasp,” he said.
    Colorado Springs Gazette: Hickenlooper fields questions on Space Command, immigration, more at Colorado Springs town hall
    “I think the threat on our democracy is real,” Hickenlooper said. “This notion that we can take someone off the street, lock him up, not charge him, no hearing and send him down to a hellhole of a prison in El Salvador, and then admit that we made a mistake, but we’re not going to do anything about it.”
    The president’s tariffs, meanwhile, are going to have a negative impact on the local economy, Hickenlooper said.
    “The tariffs are going to slow down everything, and the fact that he’s going to have these gigantic reciprocal tariffs, and now we paused for 90 days, well, that means no large company can make an investment, right?”
    WATCH: NBC Colorado Springs: Sen. Hickenlooper hosts town hall in Colorado Springs

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dresden Man Sentenced to Federal Imprisonment for Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Chapell Dain Cissell, 31, to ten years in federal prison for possession of several firearms and a large amount of ammunition. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the evidence presented in court, in March 2021, several deputies with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department responded to Fast Eddie’s Bar in Dresden, Tennessee, after receiving a report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, the deputies spoke with the victims who said that an individual, later identified as Cissell, drove a black SUV into the parking lot of the bar wearing a “bullet proof vest” and holding an assault rifle firearm. Cissell pointed the firearm at the three victims, threatened to kill them, and fled the parking lot.  

    Deputies later found Cissell wearing a ballistic vest while sitting inside a pickup truck, preparing to leave his residence. The deputies observed a wooden handle of a revolver sticking out of the top of the vest.  Deputies also found three firearms and several hundred rounds of ammunition either on Cissell or in the vehicle he was occupying. Cissell admitted that there were additional firearms in his residence. Three additional firearms and over two thousand rounds of various caliber ammunition were discovered after a search of Cissell’s residence.

    On April 11, 2025, United States District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Cissell to 120 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release, the maximum term of imprisonment, after Cissell pled guilty to six counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case.

    Assistant United States Attorney Adam Davis prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Continued progress in cyclone recovery

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Councils from regions severely impacted by the 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events continue to make steady progress repairing transport routes and building future flood resilience for their communities, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell says. 
    “As at the end of February 2025, Auckland, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay councils have stabilised 1,125 slips, repaired 25 local bridges and completed 51 km of stop banks.
    “The Crown cost-share agreements with these councils provided more than $1.6 billion for the council-led Category 3 residential property buyouts, flood risk mitigation and local transport projects. 
    “The Government recently approved plans for the final three projects, bringing the total number of approved projects to 54,” says Mr Mitchell.
    “I would like to acknowledge the considerable work councils in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Auckland have done to prepare Delivery Plans for these projects.
    “Some of these projects have required significant programmes of work involving multiple workstreams, and I am conscious that councils have also been delivering other aspects of their region’s recovery. 
    “Many of the flood mitigation projects are technically complex, and councils have taken time to plan and consult with impacted communities to balance the level of protection with minimising the impact on properties before deciding on the final design. 
    “Completing the flood mitigation projects, which are part funded by the councils, will reduce the risk of future flooding, allowing many impacted properties to move from Category 2C. This will mean many people can continue living on their property with greater confidence. 
    “Progressing the flood risk mitigation projects and repairing roads and bridges will make a considerable difference for impacted communities and will support growth in these regions.”
    Combined, the total cost of the flood risk mitigation and local transport projects is $1,050 million of which the Crown is funding $907 million.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: VANUATU: Families find climate-smart ways to grow crops 18 months on from cyclone devastation

    Source: Save the Children

    Families in Vanuatu are adopting climate-smart agricultural techniques to improve food security, such as growing climate resistant crops, to prepare for future climate-driven disasters in the wake of devastating Tropical Cyclone Lola 18 months ago.
    Tropical Cyclone Lola was one of the most powerful off-season storms to strike the Pacific when it made landfall in October 2023 with wind speeds of up to 215 km/h, destroying homes, schools and plantations, claiming the lives of at least four people [2] and affecting about 91,000 people [1]. 
    Recovery efforts were made significantly more challenging when Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila was then hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in December last year, claiming 14 lives and destroying critical infrastructure.
    Madleen, 11, said when the cyclone hit, her family’s crops were destroyed, leaving them short of food. 
    “It destroyed the food crops. When we came outside, we saw the crops were destroyed. The banana tree was just bearing fruit and it was destroyed. And we didn’t have enough food. We were eating rice, but we were almost running short. We were not eating well, we ate just enough. I felt bad.”  
    After the cyclone, a shortage of nutritious food put children at risk of hunger as well as diseases like diarrhea, with typically an increase in the number of children hospitalised for diarrhea following cyclones, Save the Children said. 
    Vanuatu is already one of the most climate disaster-prone countries in the world, and scientists say tropical cyclones will become more extreme as the climate crisis worsens. This will disproportionately impact children due to food shortages, disruption to education and psychosocial trauma associated with experiencing disasters. 
    Save the Children, alongside Vanuatu’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity (MALFFB) and local partners, is supporting Madleen and her family through the Tropical Cyclone Lola Recovery Programme, which is helping improve food security and resilience in communities impacted by the cyclone. 
    As a part of the Recovery Programme, over 1,100 households have received climate-resistant [3] seeds from a seedbank. These seeds, for growing watermelon, papaya, Chinese cabbage, tomato, capsicum and cucumber, are proven to perform in Vanuatu’s changing climate, with tolerance to high rainfall, drought, pests and disease. Farmers are encouraged to preserve the seeds from crops and sell them back to the seed bank. 
    The programme is also training communities in other climate-smart agricultural techniques such as growing smaller fruit trees that are robust enough to withstand strong cyclone winds.
    Save the Children has also built a collapsible nursery for plants in Madleen’s community that can be taken down when a cyclone is predicted, so saplings and trees can be stored, protected and replanted after it passes.
    Save the Children Vanuatu Country Director, Polly Banks, said:
    “In just 18 months, people in Vanuatu have been deeply shaken by a devastating cyclone and a powerful earthquake.
    “Children have borne the brunt of this, with food taken off their plates, crops destroyed, homes and schools damaged and diseases on the rise. As the climate crisis accelerates, we must work with communities to strengthen their resilience, so children and their families are better equipped to face whatever comes next.
    “We’re working in partnership with the Government of Vanuatu and local partners to help communities build the skills and resources they need to support themselves when future cyclones and disasters strike.”
    Save the Children has been working in in Vanuatu for more than 40 years to make sure children are learning, protected from harm, and grow up healthy and strong.
    Notes:
    This project was also supported by the New Zealand Government’s Disaster Response Partnership programme.
    [3] Open-pollinated seeds (OP seeds) produce plants that can reproduce true to type, meaning farmers can save seeds from their harvest and plant them in the next season with similar results. OP varieties used and recommended by the Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre are often locally adapted, meaning they’ve been trialed and selected for their performance in Vanuatu’s climate – including tolerance to high rainfall, drought, pests and diseases. These seeds have genetic diversity, allowing plants to better adapt to changing weather patterns.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Evans, Markey introduce legislation to support victims of gun violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

    Bill would help the 100,000 new U.S. victims & survivors each year better navigate & use available resources

    WASHINGTON (April 17, 2025) – U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) have introduced the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act to help all victims of gun violence – from survivors to their loved ones, coworkers, and classmates – identify and access the resources available to them to help meet medical, legal, financial, and other needs.

    The bill would establish a federal interagency advisory council to help victims navigate and use these resources, streamlining what can be a complex process in a nation of gun violence survivors. Every year in America, about 100,000 people survive gun-related injuries. An estimated 10,000,000 people in the U.S. have been shot and injured in their lifetimes. 

    Congressman Evans said, “While gun violence is down in Philadelphia and many other communities, it’s still far too common – more than 1,000 people were injured by gunfire just in Philadelphia in 2024.  So the list of victims and survivors who need well-coordinated help continues to grow, and our bill would make a difference for many of them,” Evans said. “I appreciate Senator Markey’s leadership in the Senate on this bill that would help so many victims and survivors across America.”

    “For communities across the country, gun violence is an all too familiar tragedy. It is impossible to imagine the trauma that gun violence causes to victims, survivors, and their loved ones,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to join Congressman Evans in introducing the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which would establish an advisory council to gather information about programs to aid victims of gun violence and their families. These efforts can help heal the harm that gun violence inflicts on our society.

    Evans and then-Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) first introduced the bill in 2019 after reading a Philadelphia Inquirer article about difficulties faced by victims of gun violence, titled “Shot and Forgotten.”

    A PDF of the bill (H.R. 2837/S. 1466) is available here

    The bill has 11 Senate co-sponsors: Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Richard Durbin (both D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). 

    The bill has 30 House co-sponsors, including Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) – the full list is available here.  

    The legislation has been referred to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees for consideration.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 164

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 164
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    530 PM CDT Wed Apr 23 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Far Western Oklahoma
    Texas Panhandle and South Plains

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon from 530 PM until Midnight
    CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Relatively isolated severe storms should develop through
    early/mid-evening, particularly across the Texas and Oklahoma
    Panhandles, but potentially also across the Texas South Plains.
    These storms may reach other parts of western Oklahoma later this
    evening.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles east northeast
    of Guymon OK to 55 miles south southeast of Lubbock TX. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 162…WW 163…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24020.

    …Guyer

    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 164
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    530 PM CDT Wed Apr 23 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Far Western Oklahoma
    Texas Panhandle and South Plains

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon from 530 PM until Midnight
    CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Relatively isolated severe storms should develop through
    early/mid-evening, particularly across the Texas and Oklahoma
    Panhandles, but potentially also across the Texas South Plains.
    These storms may reach other parts of western Oklahoma later this
    evening.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles east northeast
    of Guymon OK to 55 miles south southeast of Lubbock TX. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 162…WW 163…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24020.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 164 SEVERE TSTM OK TX 232230Z – 240500Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    45ENE GUY/GUYMON OK/ – 55SSE LBB/LUBBOCK TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM E/W /13ESE LBL – 52SSE LBB/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24020.

    LAT…LON 36919948 32930025 32930266 36910201

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 164 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (30%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (80%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Animal welfare – Animal Groups Condemn Massacre of Hundreds of Koalas by Australian Government

    Source: Animal Wellness Action

    Center for a Humane Economy, others call killings reckless and inhumane, and typical of an Australian state government with little regard for the welfare of animals.

    Budj Bim National Park, Victoria, Australia — Already concerned about mismanagement and inhumane commercial killing of kangaroos, the Center for a Humane Economy is now intensely condemning government authorities in the state of Victoria for conducting aerial gunning of koalas that is a prescription for orphaning and inhumane killing of the beloved marsupials.

    Officials with the state government are killing animals in Budj Bim National Park under the assumption that the recent fires consumed the eucalyptus leaves that the animals need to survive.

    “The state and national governments promote koalas and kangaroos as wildlife icons in their marketing campaigns to draw tourists, but they treat the lives of these animals as expendable and as unworthy of the most basic methods of humane care and management,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy. “The decision-makers in Victoria simply do not understand the value of animal welfare, and their aerial gunning assault against the arboreal and slow-moving koalas is a disgrace.”

    Pacelle tied the atrocity to the mass slaying of kangaroos, killed mainly for their skins for export for athletic shoes and some other products. Kangaroos and koalas are native species that evolved on the Australian landscape over many millions of years, while humans have been on the continent for just 65,000 years.

    “Whether they shoot kangaroos from trucks or koalas from aircraft, it’s ruthless treatment,” he said. “If I’m a koala or a kangaroo, let me take my chances even in the wake of fires or drought rather than deal with the henchmen sent out to slaughter the adults and orphan the young. These animals evolved in the presence of major perturbations in their environment.”

    “This tragedy didn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of decades of mismanagement by DEECA,” said a statement by the Koala Alliance. “Accepting these killings as ‘necessary’ sets a dangerous precedent — one that normalizes cruelty under the guise of welfare, carried out by a government with a long history of secrecy around koala management.”

    Advocates say the government’s explanation doesn’t hold up, especially since koalas in parts of Australia are listed as endangered. They point to existing koala hospitals and rehabilitation centers that could have taken in the injured animals.

    Conservationist Peter Hylands of Creative Cowboy Films emphasized the lack of precision in such aerial operations. “It is not possible to assess the health and condition of a koala, particularly a koala with a joey, from a helicopter,” he said. “Yet they were shot down — uninjured animals included — under the false pretense of mercy.”

    Some critics argue the killings may be linked to efforts to keep koalas away from nearby commercial eucalyptus plantations, where they risk being labeled as pests by private landowners.

    “The Budj Bim koala massacre is the latest disgrace from a government that simply does not value wildlife,” said Alyssa Wormald, president of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance. “They are already overseeing the systematic slaughter of kangaroos — this is part of a broader ecocidal agenda.”

    “Hundreds of koalas were shot from helicopters — their joeys fallen from trees and left clinging to their dead or dying mothers,” said Jennifer Skiff, director of international programs for the Center for a Humane Economy and a long-time resident of Perth. “After the fires of 2019-20, wildlife hospitals were built, and emergency response protocols were put in place. And yet here we are — not failing due to lack of resources or knowledge, but due to a lack of moral compass by those charged with managing wildlife. This is bureaucratic apathy and a betrayal of the global goodwill that helped Australia build the systems meant to protect wildlife after fires.”

    Despite widespread outcry and the availability of rescue resources, government officials have indicated more koala aerial gunning may be conducted.

    ABOUT

    Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News

    The Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help animals by helping forge a more humane economic order. The first organization of its kind in the animal protection movement, the Center encourages businesses to honor their social responsibilities in a culture where consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders abhor cruelty and the degradation of the environment and embrace innovation as a means of eliminating both. The Center believes helping animals helps us all. X: @TheHumaneCenter

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced to 35 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Scotty James Conley, 40, of was found by the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office to be in possession of a firearm after responding to a complaint of a residential disturbance. Conley has a prior felony conviction from 2008 for sexual battery of a minor under 14 years of age. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Conley was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 10, 2023. He pled guilty on January 27, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The FBI and Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas City Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.

    Marcus J. Porras, 31, was charged in a single-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas, City, Mo.  Today’s indictment replaces a federal complaint that was filed against Porras on April 14, 2025.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, on April 13, 2025, officers of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were dispatched to the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard to meet private security officers who had detained Porras for fighting.

    A security officer reported he was flagged down by patrons of the entertainment district regarding a fight inside an establishment within the Westport Entertainment District.  The security officer reportedly observed multiple females and two males physically fighting.  The females dispersed, and the two males continued to fight with one another.  One of the males pointed at Porras indicating that Porras had a firearm.

    Porras was taken into custody.  The security officer retrieved a Glock 43, 9mm pistol near the area of the incident.  The Glock 43 was loaded with one live 9mm round in the chamber.  The security officer also recovered a magazine loaded with six live 9mm rounds.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Porras has prior felony convictions for robbery, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and resisting an arrest, detention, or stop.

    The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    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.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Woman Sentenced in Healthcare Fraud Scheme and Schemes to Defraud COVID-19 Relief Program

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Nakita Cannady, 49, to 14 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release for healthcare fraud and making false statements in connection with loan applications for the Covid-19 Relief Program.  The final sentencing hearing was concluded on April 4, 2025, with the entry of an order by Senior United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. directing the defendant to pay more than $500,000.00 dollars in restitution to the victims.  Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the original federal indictment in the healthcare fraud case, Cannady owned and operated What About Us In-Home Healthcare, a home healthcare services business that purported to provide custodial healthcare services 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to mostly elderly patients. From May 29, 2017 through December 23, 2019, Cannady fraudulently billed Cigna Insurance for 24 hours a day of home healthcare when she knew the patients had only received 8 or 12 hours a day of home healthcare. Cannady was ordered to make restitution to Cigna Insurance in the amount of $193,508.10.

    According to the second federal indictment, from June 17, 2020 through April 15, 2021, Cannady submitted six fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications for four purported businesses she controlled, specifically: What About Us Childcare, What About Us Foundation, What About Us Adult Daycare, and What About Us In-Home Healthcare. Cannady’s loan applications contained false information concerning the dates of operation, gross revenues, costs of goods sold, number of employees, and amount of payroll related to the businesses. Cannady was ordered to make restitution to the Small Business Administration in the amount of $346,882.13.   

    “Those who exploit health care programs for personal gain will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office. “Health care fraud is a priority for the FBI, and we will continue to work with our partners to investigate those who prioritize greed over the well-being of others.”

    Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Cotten and former Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney Lewis and Murrell Foster also assisted in the prosecution of this case.  The FBI Nashville Field Office – Memphis Resident Agency and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Members of the Highs Street Gang Convicted of RICO Conspiracy and Premeditated Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted three Minnesota men today of RICO Conspiracy and Premediated Murder for their involvement in the violent Minneapolis criminal street gang known as the Highs and the August 7, 2021, gang-related murder of Darryl Wells.

    “Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long.  Three years ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced our federal violent crime initiative to address the skyrocketing and completely unacceptable rates of violent crime in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Since then, we have brought large RICO cases against three criminal street gangs—charging them as the violent enterprises they are.  Make no mistake:  we will not stop.  Criminal street gangs in Minneapolis will continue to see federal justice.  The citizens of Minnesota—the many victims of these crimes—deserve no less.”

    “These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction holds accountable members of a violent gang and shows the Department’s commitment to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for the victims and their loved ones.”

    “This was cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “They believed violence gave them power — but today’s conviction proves that justice is stronger. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, are committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and holding violent offenders accountable.”

    “Today’s conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Through the power of the RICO statute, ATF agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, have been able to target the violent criminal activity of the Highs gang. This conviction is a direct result of the tireless work by our agents who are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and ensuring that those who use violence to control neighborhoods are held accountable. ATF will continue to lead efforts to take down street gangs and protect the citizens of Minneapolis.”

    “Minneapolis has seen a significant drop in violent crime, especially gun violence, thanks to the outstanding work of MPD officers and our law enforcement partners. Most notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been instrumental in helping us target the small number of individuals driving violence, without causing harm to the broader communities we serve.  Together, we’re not just reducing crime — we’re rebuilding trust,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

    “Today’s verdict marks a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Reducing violence in this community has required a change in tactics and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are perfectly poised to support our law enforcement partners in this effort. Our agents will continue to apply their financial expertise and investigative skills to bring justice to those who endanger our communities and threaten our way of life.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keon Pruitt, 22, Dantrell Johnson, 32, and Gregory Hamilton, 29, each of Minneapolis, were all members of various “cliques” or subsets, of the Highs—a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Evidence at trial proved that members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise.  As members of the Highs, the defendants were expected to retaliate against the rival Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue.

    Evidence produced at trial showed that, on August 7, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed by a Lows member at the Winner gas station, a Highs hangout.  The following day, August 8, 2021, Highs members organized a memorial for the deceased member at the gas staF. App’x tion, where they distributed firearms and encouraged one another to retaliate against Lows members for the murder.  Defendants Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton were all in attendance at the memorial.

    Later that day, Johnson and Hamilton drove to a Lows hangout—Wally’s Foods—and shot a Lows associate, who survived his injuries. Approximately two hours later, Johnson, Hamilton, and Pruitt drove to Skyline Market, another known Lows hangout, to shoot another Lows member. They mistakenly believed Darryl Wells was a Lows member and the store’s cameras captured them shooting Wells inside the store. Wells ran from the store and into the street. Pruitt, who was driving two juveniles in a stolen Porsche, let the juveniles out of the car. They then chased Wells into a nearby alley and fired additional shots at him. All told, Wells was shot at least eight times.

    The jury convicted Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy and Using a Firearm to Cause Death. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled in the near future.

    This is the first of several trials in this case, which charged a total of 28 defendants with RICO Conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang.  Sixteen defendants are pending trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation through reports or evidence control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun, Albania Concepcion, and Rebecca Kline of the District of Minnesota, and Trial Attorney Brian Lynch of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section, tried this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla Baumel and Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein also worked on the investigation and trial. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom joins CAL FIRE to announce an expansion of world’s largest aerial firefighting force

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Apr 23, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Tomorrow in Sacramento County, Governor Gavin Newsom will join CAL FIRE leaders for a press conference to announce a critical addition to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    WHEN: Thursday, April 24 at approximately 1 p.m.

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    Media Advisories

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Promotes Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ADVANCING HBCU EXCELLENCE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to promote excellence and innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
    The Order establishes a White House Initiative on HBCUs, housed in the Executive Office of the President, to enhance HBCUs’ capacity to deliver high-quality education to a growing number of students.
    The Initiative will prioritize private-sector partnerships, institutional development, and workforce preparation in high-growth industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.
    The Initiative will enhance HBCUs’ capabilities by supporting implementation of the HBCU PARTNERS Act, fostering research and program excellence, improving affordability and retention, and building pipelines for students to attend HBCUs.
    The Initiative will work to address barriers to HBCUs receiving certain Federal and state grant dollars and to improve their competitiveness for R&D funding.
    The Initiative will convene an annual White House Summit on HBCUs to foster collaboration and address key priorities for HBCU success.

    The Order establishes the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education, comprising leaders from philanthropy, education, business, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, private foundations, and current HBCU presidents.
    EMPOWERING HBCUs FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE: President Trump supports our Nation’s incredible HBCUs and their critical contributions to opportunity, innovation, and the economic strength of the United States.
    HBCUs areessential to fostering opportunity, economic mobility, and national competitiveness, serving as engines of success for American students.
    HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of the United States while producing many leaders in business, government, academia, and the military.
    Nearly 300,000 individuals annually pursue their dreams at HBCUs throughout the United States.
    These institutions generate $16.5 billion in annual economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs, strengthening communities and the Nation. 
    BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF SUPPORT: President Trump is committed to elevating HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity, building on transformative actions from his first term.  
    President Trump relocated the Federal HBCU Initiative to the White House to ensure direct oversight and prioritization, and will once again locate it there.
    President Trump signed the FUTURE Act into law, securing $255 million in permanent annual funding for HBCUs and increasing funding for Federal Pell Grants.
    President Trump authorized more than $100 million for scholarships, research, and centers of excellence at HBCU land-grant institutions.
    President Trump provided $322 million in hurricane-related relief to four HBCUs in 2018 so they could fully focus on educating their students.
     President Trump ensured that faith-based HBCUs received equal access to Federal support.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 163

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 163
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    350 PM CDT Wed Apr 23 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Eastern Colorado
    Western Kansas

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 350 PM
    until 1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events
    to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will increase in coverage through the late
    afternoon and evening across the watch area, with a few supercells
    possible. Large hail is the primary concern, however a tornado or
    two could occur later this evening as well.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles northeast of
    Goodland KS to 5 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 162…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    26030.

    …Hart

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 163
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    350 PM CDT Wed Apr 23 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Eastern Colorado
    Western Kansas

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 350 PM
    until 1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events
    to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will increase in coverage through the late
    afternoon and evening across the watch area, with a few supercells
    possible. Large hail is the primary concern, however a tornado or
    two could occur later this evening as well.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles northeast of
    Goodland KS to 5 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 162…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    26030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 163 SEVERE TSTM CO KS 232050Z – 240400Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55NE GLD/GOODLAND KS/ – 5E EHA/ELKHART KS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM E/W /24SW MCK – 40W LBL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26030.

    LAT…LON 39919965 36990054 36990308 39910229

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 163 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (40%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: State’s Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Leaders Announce Launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Collaborative vision for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience ensures an enduring future for generations to come

    COLORADO SPRINGS – Colorado Governor Jared Polis and coordinating partners from several state conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience departments and programs, announced today the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a statewide vision and framework for action that ensures a future where Colorado’s outdoors, people, community character, and ways of life endure for generations to come. The Strategy was unveiled at the Partners in the Outdoors Conference in Colorado Springs. Coordinating partners involved in the Strategy development and rollout included Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery.

    Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, one of the first of its kind in the United States, is the state’s conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience strategy. It advances coordination, tools, and funding to align, prioritize, and implement strategic actions on the landscape for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  

    “Coloradans and our visitors love our great outdoors, and the outdoors are essential to what makes our state special,” said Governor Polis. “The health of our wildlife, biodiversity, people, communities, agriculture, and economies depends on thriving natural environments and amazing outdoor recreation experiences that our state provides. But our wild areas face significant and urgent pressures from growing populations, human disturbance, climate change, wildfires, and drought – and we are at an important crossroads. Our Strategy provides structure and important tools to help communities effectively and successfully plan and implement for the future.”

    Outdoor spaces are vital to residents, with 96% engaging in outdoor activities at least annually and 90 million visitors exploring the state in 2022. With more than 960 wildlife species and a population expected to grow from 5.5 million to 8.5 million by 2050, the Strategy supports Colorado’s efforts to celebrate and balance both conservation and recreation.  Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy has three goals:

    1. Climate-Resilient Conservation and Restoration: Conservation and restoration of lands and waters help wildlife and biodiversity thrive; habitats are resilient and connected; communities benefit from healthy ecosystems and agricultural lands.
    2. Exceptional and Sustainable Outdoor Recreation: A diversity of high-quality outdoor experiences are accessible, equitable, and inclusive; management and stewardship enhance benefits for and minimize impacts to people, landscapes, and communities.
    3. Coordinated Planning and Funding: Planning and implementation are interdisciplinary; supported by robust funding and capacity; inclusive of diverse perspectives and communities; and drive meaningful action for the outdoors.

    “The Strategy supports all who love the outdoors in working together to achieve climate-resilient conservation and restoration coupled with exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation,” said Jeff Davis, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Everyone can use the Strategy’s vision and goals as ‘North Stars’ to champion Colorado’s outdoors and coordinate efforts to achieve key outcomes for the state. The success of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy hinges on partnerships to work together toward common goals and solutions.”  

    The Strategy comes to life through 9 objectives and 33 coordinating partner actions, along with a Resource Hub, offering free online data, mapping tools, and other resources to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience planning. Available to public and private partners, the hub streamlines collaboration and enhances planning efforts for the outdoors. It currently provides:  

    • An interactive data dashboard with state and county scale information, data, and links for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  
    • An interactive plan library that is searchable for federal, regional, state, and county scale conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience plans in Colorado.
    • Planning resources and guidance for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience.  
    • A statewide Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration in Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, and Climate Resilience.  
    • An interactive Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resource and Action Guide that is searchable by topic area.  
    • Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX) and StoryMap with conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience mapping tools.  

    Coordinating partners worked to develop the Strategy and Resource Hub over the past year. Other key partners contributed to the effort including state, federal, and local governments; Tribal Nations; private and agricultural land/water rights owners and managers; local communities; Colorado Regional Partnerships Initiative; Colorado Outdoor Partnership; and diverse private and public sector partners in conservation, restoration, outdoor recreation, stewardship, climate resilience, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a bold, collaborative vision for the future of our state’s great outdoors. With leadership from the Department of Natural Resources, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Outdoor Recreation Office, and the Governor’s office, we’ve developed an innovative framework that will guide how we protect and steward Colorado’s landscapes — making them more climate-resilient, while also ensuring exceptional recreational opportunities are accessible to all. Our outdoors are more than just playgrounds — they are the heart of our Colorado way of life. But they’re under pressure — from population growth, increasing visitation, climate change, wildfires, and drought. To help tackle these challenges, we’ve spent the last few years listening — to communities, to experts, to everyday Coloradans — and crafting a strategy that reflects our shared commitment to protecting what makes this state so special. We’re proud of the work that’s been done, and even more excited about what comes next,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

    “As Colorado’s significant outdoor industry continues to grow, the Colorado Outdoor Strategy offers a vital roadmap for balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and conservation. It empowers communities, businesses, and land managers to work together in building a future where our landscapes are resilient, recreation is sustainable, and access is equitable. This strategy reflects our shared belief that the outdoors are central to Colorado’s identity, economy, and way of life—and that we all have a role in protecting them,” said Conor Hall, Director, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy boosts Colorado’s technical chops, partner collaboration and funding menu to answer the question; how do we ensure our wild places, wildlife and wild opportunities thrive even while accounting for a changing climate and growing state. The Office of Climate Preparedness is proud to see this multi-year effort launch, advancing Colorado’s preparedness for a climate impacted future, building a state of the art technical foundation, on which state, local and federal partnerships can work together to realize a flourishing future for Colorado’s outdoors,” said Jonathan Asher, Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness & Disaster Recovery.

    “Colorado’s outdoor champions are showing their strength. The strategy is a testament to the power of partnership. United by a shared vision and leveraging the best available research, data, and resources, we are equipped to make decisions that will protect Colorado’s landscapes, foster vibrant communities, and improve Coloradans’ quality of life for years to come,” said GOCO’s Executive Director Jackie Miller. “We’ve accomplished so much already, and we’re just getting started.”  

    “The Nature Conservancy in Colorado is proud to have offered our science, insights, and expertise to help develop Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy. We are excited to be part of this historic milestone for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience, and we believe it will have far-reaching and meaningful impacts to benefit our lands, waters, recreation, and economy. Efforts like Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy show that we can work together to find solutions that benefit people and nature,” said Carlos Fernández, Colorado State Director, The Nature Conservancy.

    “The Strategy’s Guidance Framework for Tribal Collaboration offers a much-needed approach to ensuring that Tribes are actively involved in decision-making processes, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute our expertise and traditional knowledge to help shape the direction of this work. By supporting this framework, our focus is to enhance Tribal participation in land and water management decisions, protect sacred lands, and preserve ecosystems that are vital to the health and well-being of our communities,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

    “To plan for recreation and conservation as separate pursuits would be like planting two halves of a tree on opposite sides of the forest — they will grow at the same time, but they will never form the same canopy. The health of the land requires harmony, not division. The Colorado Outdoor Strategy offers a way to manage the needs of wildlife and the wanderings of people in concert,” said Patt Dorsey, West Region Director of Conservation Operations, National Wild Turkey Federation.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy is a voluntary collaborative partnership for agriculture, conservation and recreation possibilities, whilst safeguarding Agriculture integrity and productivity,” said Tony Hass, Las Animas County Commissioner and Manager, Walking Y Ranch.

    “I am immensely grateful to have been chosen as a member of the Colorado Outdoors Strategy Steering Committee. The Strategy has the potential of memorializing a comprehensive approach to the symbiotic relationship between recreation and conservation that exists in Colorado and fairly makes this state a mecca for high quality experiences,” said Janelle Kukuk, Former State Trails Member, snowmobile at-large.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy represents years of hard work by countless communities, organizations and individuals, but more importantly it represents a collective commitment to look forward in a proactive and inclusive manner to avoid the mistakes of our past. Our ability to address the challenges of climate change, wildlife habitat loss and fragmentation, and fostering equitable and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities requires collaboration from all stakeholders and Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy provides the framework for our local Regional Partnership Initiatives to envision what they want their communities to invest in for the future, a future that all Coloradans now have a stake in because of the Strategy,” said Luke Shafer, West Slope Director, Conservation Colorado.

    “Envision is excited to see Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy launch. Since 2016, Envision has been listening to residents and visitors and taking action with community and agency partners to sustain the healthy forests, waters, wildlife, working agricultural landscapes and exceptional outdoor recreation that make Chaffee County and Colorado such a special place to live and to visit. The Strategy offers a statewide framework to connect and empower grassroots efforts and organizations like ours to do more to protect the Colorado we love together,” said Cindy Williams, Chair, Envision Chaffee County.

    “Strategic approaches have been the cornerstone for much of the success around land conservation and outdoor recreation state-wide. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy represents a cohesive and forward thinking approach to how we continue to balance the conservation of key landscapes that characterize the beauty and sustainability of our state while at the same time providing for meaningful outdoor experiences,” said Daylan Figgs, Director, Larimer County Natural Resources.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy cohesively aligns with Larimer County’s vision for the future by outlining a pathway to conserve its vibrant natural resources and valuable outdoor experiences. It is clear the challenges we face as a state are not unique to any one of us alone. The Strategy guides our future as partners in solving issues collectively, strengthening our resiliency as we face the future,” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner.

    “COS is a transformative path to a future where Colorado’s nature, people, and ways of life endure and thrive. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program is proud to have been a partner on the project team, helping to build a legacy of planning tools to inform decision-making in climate-resilient conservation, exceptional and sustainable outdoor recreation, and coordinated planning and funding. We are thrilled to host the map layers from COS on Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX), a collaborative space where all Coloradans can explore these tools and use them to drive sustainable investment in Colorado’s future. CNHP will use COS tools across our program, including our five-year Statewide Natural Heritage Survey, in which we are leveling up Colorado’s conservation data in the service of the COS, the Regional Partnership Initiative, and all of Colorado’s communities,” said David Anderson, Director and Chief Scientist, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University.

    “The love of the outdoors brings Coloradoans together. The COS is a voluntary partnership and tool that will help communities and regions celebrate and enhance access to Colorado’s innate natural beauty,” said Kelly Flenniken, Executive Director, Colorado Counties, Inc.

    “I am thrilled to see the release of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy after years working with stakeholders from around the state to address community needs and find a balance between conservation and outdoor recreation. BLM depends on partnerships with the state and local communities to meet the needs of the over 10 million visitors each year to BLM public lands, which generate over $1.5 billion in economic impact each year. This new strategy continues Colorado’s leadership in fostering collaboration between hunters, anglers, boaters, climbers, equestrians, mountain bikers, OHVers, and so many more partners, to steward our incredible public lands,” said Doug Vilsack, Colorado State Director, Bureau of Land Management.

    “Colorado has thousands of miles of incredible rivers that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors flock to every year. American Whitewater is very excited about the direction and guidance Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy will provide. This effort is sure to protect our incredible recreational resources and vital ecosystems for many future generations,” said Hattie Johnson, Southern Rockies Restoration Director, American Whitewater.

    “COS provides navigational guidance and robust tools to integrate wildlife conservation needs and outdoor recreation desires,” said Suzanne O’Neill, Colorado Wildlife Federation.

    “Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy was born to help Coloradans enjoy robust wildlife populations, awe-inspiring landscapes, fulfilling recreational opportunities, and strong economies. But this future is only possible through informed planning followed by strategic action that avoids, minimizes, and mitigates adverse impacts to important habitats. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy helps pave the way for community-developed, interdisciplinary plans that simultaneously conserve our wildlife and wild places and support sustainable recreation for all people,” Liz Rose, Colorado Program Manager, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

    “We at the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance are excited to see the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy for so many reasons. Among them, in our own partnerships, we’ve been able to utilize the data collection and resources that will now be available to us across the state. We leveraged the Strategy’s statewide conservation summary data and worked with local expertise to build a Pikes Peak Region conservation summary, which will inform planning and decision making moving forward. The Strategy’s north star goals support exceptional recreation and exceptional conservation of our natural resources. Our regional partnership’s advancement of a new land management partnership on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will support the Strategy, and we look forward to seeing it develop,” said Becky Leinweber, Executive Director, PPORA leading Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative.

    Moving forward, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will steward Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy by coordinating collaborative leadership and implementation with GOCO, the Department of Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office, along with other agencies and partners.

    For more information, or to access Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy Resource Hub, visit the website.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Dealer Receives 10 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW BERN, N.C. – Eric Harris, 38, of Wilmington, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Harris pled guilty to the charges on January 16, 2025. 

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, law enforcement received information that Harris had traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to purchase methamphetamine that he planned to sell in Wilmington.  Between August 20 and September 9, 2024, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office made controlled purchases from Harris of more than 3 ounces of methamphetamine and 10 grams of fentanyl at the Campus Edge Apartments in Wilmington.  On September 9, 2024, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office arrested Harris following the last controlled purchase and then searched Harris’ Campus Edge apartment.  Law enforcement found an additional two ounces of methamphetamine, nineteen grams of fentanyl, and a loaded firearm in the apartment.

    This is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo  prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:24-cr-00092.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pontiac Man Pleads Guilty in $4M Identity Theft and Unemployment Fraud Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A Pontiac man has pleaded guilty to committing aggravated identity theft and wire fraud as part of large-scale, multi-state Unemployment Insurance benefit fraud scheme in which he and co-conspirators fraudulently obtained debit cards loaded with more than $4 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today.

    Joining in the announcement were Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Charles Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Douglas Zloto, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Sean McStravick, Acting Inspector-in-Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and Director Jason Palmer, State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.

    Terrance Calhoun, Jr., 36, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty to committing aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and to possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, all in relation to acts of unemployment insurance fraud.

    According to his plea agreement, Calhoun Jr., and others, used stolen personal identification and filed hundreds of false unemployment claims with state unemployment insurance agencies in Michigan, Arizona, and Maryland over a six-month period in the names of other individuals without their knowledge or consent. Those false claims resulted in hundreds of debit cards loaded with over $4 million in unemployment insurance funds being mailed to addresses controlled by Calhoun Jr. and his co-conspirators. Roughly $1.6 million dollars in purchases and cash withdrawals were then successfully made from the cards.

    As described within a prior complaint, when agents executed search warrants at the principal mailing addresses used for the fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims, including the residence of Calhoun Jr., agents seized numerous documents containing the personal identification information of other individuals, multiple debit cards in the names of numerous other individuals, and firearms.

    Calhoun now faces a possible sentence of up to 20-years’ imprisonment for each of the wire fraud counts to which he has pleaded guilty, a possible sentence of up to 10-years’ imprisonment for possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and a mandatorily consecutive 2-year sentence for the aggravated identity theft charge to which he has pleaded guilty.

    Sentencing is set for August 27, 2025 before United States District Court Judge Judith E. Levy.

    “Taxpayer money diverted into the pockets of criminals means less money going to Michiganders who actually need help getting through difficult financial times and who follow the rules when seeking assistance,” said Acting US Attorney Beck.  “These charges reflect our office’s ongoing commitment to the community by investigating such schemes and bringing those who commit these crimes to justice.”

    “Terrance Calhoun Jr and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud state workforce agencies in Michigan, Arizona, and Maryland by filing hundreds of fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims.  As a result, Calhoun enriched himself by stealing taxpayer resources intended for unemployed American workers.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI program from those who seek to exploit it,” said Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

    “Individuals who commit identity theft and unemployment insurance fraud of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).  “Terrance Calhoun, Jr. and Jermaine Arnett demonstrated a blatant disregard of the integrity of the multiple states’ unemployment insurance systems and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. IRS-CI remains committed to the pursuit of identity theft and financial fraud, and together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will hold those who engage in similar crimes accountable.”

    “The FBI in Michigan, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in protecting the community and investigating individuals who violate federal law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea by Terrance Calhoun, whose involvement in a multi-state fraud scheme, is a clear reminder that bad actors will be stopped, and we will ensure integrity will prevail.”

    The case was jointly investigated by agents from the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, and the State of Michigan -Unemployment Insurance Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carl D. Gilmer-Hill and Jessica A. Nathan.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Over 500 Justice and Behavioral Health Professionals Attend 2025 Criminal Justice Conference Emphasizing Collaboration and Resiliency

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 23, 2025State College, PA

    Over 500 Justice and Behavioral Health Professionals Attend 2025 Criminal Justice Conference Emphasizing Collaboration and Resiliency

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) kicked off the 2025 Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference in State College. The two-day event brought together over 530 criminal justice and behavioral health professionals from across the Commonwealth, the largest gathering since the conference’s inception in 2007. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in discussions on new and reemerging issues impacting the criminal justice and behavioral health systems and innovative solutions to address evolving trends.

    Under the Shapiro-Davis Administration, the Commonwealth has achieved notable improvements in public safety. According to data released by CeaseFirePA, Pennsylvania has seen a 42% decrease in total victims of gun violence statewide, and a 38% drop in gun deaths by firearm since 2022. These outcomes reflect the impact of intentional, cross-system collaboration among law enforcement, behavioral health and criminal justice professionals, community-based organizations, courts, and policymakers.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration and Local Partners in Lancaster County Celebrate Stream Restoration Investments to Little Conestoga Creek

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 23, 2025Lancaster, PA

    Shapiro Administration and Local Partners in Lancaster County Celebrate Stream Restoration Investments to Little Conestoga Creek

    Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and members of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners gathered at the Blue Green Connector Project today to celebrate stream and floodplain restoration investments on Little Conestoga Creek, including more than $4 million in state funds, through the ongoing work of an innovative partnership led by the Little Conestoga Creek Foundation and Steinman Foundation.

    The Blue Green Connector in Lancaster County is a prime example of how sustained investments through programs like Growing Greener are restoring watersheds, reducing pollution, and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and project partners offered remarks and toured a stream restoration site as part of DEP’s Earth Week events.

    “DEP is proud to be part of the ongoing effort to restore Little Conestoga Creek, reduce pollution, improve flood resiliency, and create the Blue Green Connector. This project will provide environmental education in a recreational setting, strengthening the community’s connection to nature,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Children who have meaningful environmental experiences become better stewards of our natural resources as adults, so it was fitting to visit this project serving an Environmental Justice area as we celebrate Earth Week.”

    Speakers Include:
    Shane Zimmerman – CEO of The Steinman Foundation
    Allyson Gibson – Executive Director of Clean Water Partners
    Jessica Shirley – Acting Secretary of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

    MIL OSI USA News