NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Child Pornography Offenses

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

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jobie Patterson, age 53, of Syracuse, pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Patterson admitted that between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, he conspired with others to unlawfully transfer firearms. Patterson admitted that a coconspirator acquired firearms using a straw purchaser in Georgia, then sent photographs and videos of those firearms to Patterson in Syracuse. Patterson then sold those firearms to a customer in Syracuse. Patterson further admitted that he knew that the customer had previously been convicted of a felony, and that the use, carrying, or possession of the firearms by the customer would constitute a felony. Patterson acknowledged that at a meeting in Syracuse, he sold the customer 4 handguns.

    Patterson further admitted, as part of his guilty plea, that he committed the separate offense of possession of child pornography. Patterson admitted that in May 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a 16-year-old female child. Patterson admitted that in a series of messages he exchanged with the child, the defendant directed the child to produce and transmit specific sexually explicit images to him, which she did. Patterson acknowledged that he then knowingly possessed those images in his personal cloud storage account.

    At sentencing, currently set for August 13, 2025, on the firearms-trafficking conspiracy, Patterson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson may be required to forfeit the firearms involved in the crime. On the child pornography offense, Patterson faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson also faces a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, to follow any term of imprisonment. Patterson may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/ETHIOPIA – A journey of hope in the East of Bale

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 12 April 2025

    TZ

    Robe (Agenzia Fides) – “It all began when in Robe we saw how many people were fleeing the persistent drought in eastern Bale. Interested and concerned, we set out to find out what was happening there. We found an area where the climate scenarios were very different from those in the greener areas around Robe,” said Teresa Zullo, a missionary from the Missionary Community of Villaregia, who, along with other missionaries from the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe, west of Bale, set out for the eastern part of the region.”This area belongs to the Apostolic Prefecture of Robe, whose Apostolic Prefect is Fr. Angelo Antolini, Ofm Cap, and is equivalent to a third of Italy, although there is still no ecclesiastical presence there. We are close to the Somali region of Ethiopia; poverty is particularly serious here, exacerbated by the lack of roads, the isolation of many villages, and the difficulty of obtaining water and basic necessities,” the missionary explained.”In 2022, we began to explore this vast region of Ethiopia, located an average of 6-7 hours by car from the city of Robe, where, as mentioned above, there is virtually no Catholic presence. While there are occasional Orthodox and Protestant communities in the provincial capitals, the majority of the population is Muslim. Upon returning from our first trip, we felt a strong call to ‘be’ with this people and to offer not only material assistance, but a closeness based on listening, respect, and love,” emphasizes Teresa Zullo.”Our adventure began in March 2023, when we visited some villages in Seweyna province, bringing small quantities of essential goods to help combat the famine,” Teresa continues. “Despite the many difficulties and limited aid, we were immediately welcomed with curiosity and sympathy by the village leaders and families. For us, this was a sign that we were on the right path: becoming neighbors and building fraternal relationships. In June 2023, the turning point came: Seweyna’s Women and Children’s Office (the provincial social services office) asked us for help in combating ‘barmatilee’ (in the Oromo language, meaning “cultural countervalues”), including female genital mutilation, which sadly affects more than 90% of the female population, and early marriage, which occurs in approximately 60% of cases. We immediately set to work, collecting and compiling materials, illustrations, and testimonies to prepare a training course in the Oromo language, initially aimed at village administration representatives. Thanks to the expertise of some friends and the Ethiopian Muslim Development Agency in Addis Ababa, we were able to further deepen our understanding of the Islamic perspective on these practices and discovered that they are not mentioned in the Quran or in the main Islamic sources, while they are called upon not to harm God’s creation. We then further enriched our content by adapting it for secondary school girls and boys.”The missionaries reported that to date, four such training sessions have taken place in high schools: two in Gololcha Province and two in Laga Hidha Province. In addition, there are seven training sessions for administrative heads of some villages: three in Seweyna Province, two in Laga Hidha Province, and Dawe Sarar Province. “When word got out about our training sessions,” Teresa adds, “the women’s and children’s offices in other provinces began to contact us: first Laga Hidha, which borders the Somalia region, then Gololcha, which is closer to Robe. With each new request, we improve the material and bring it to the public.” Along with the training, they also brought some symbolic gifts: food, hygiene kits for the women, and exercise books for the children, especially at the beginning of the school year.”The report on this initiative continues with a visit to the Dawe Sarar province, which also borders the Somali region. “The situation here is even more complex. Some villages can only be reached by crossing part of the Somali region, which is why neither NGOs nor public institutions can easily access them,” says Teresa. “However, the local social services asked us to reach out to these more remote areas. Guided by the desire to meet the people, we made friends with three villages, where we offered training to the representatives. In one of these villages, Hantutu, we stayed overnight for two days and were welcomed with great warmth by the residents: They even cooked a special meal for us. Among other things, they asked us for help with health insurance for some refugees who had settled on the outskirts of the village. It was a moving experience that gave us a better understanding of the receptiveness of these people, but also of the complexity of life in this area.””Recently, Gololcha Province also asked us to visit 11 villages, including the village of the Warra Dubee, an indigenous people living along the Wabe Shebelle River, which forms the border of our prefecture and where such practices are widespread,” the missionary continues. “Laga Hidha has also contacted us again: they want more training and more material support for the women (exercise books for their children, food, and, above all, support for small income-generating activities). We are currently working primarily in the provinces of Dawe Sarar, Gololcha, and Laga Hidha, and we would like to further deepen our knowledge of this context and our activities. Of course, there are problems: the long distances, the lack of roads, the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, language barriers, limited funds and resources. But each time we return from a trip, the desire to build bridges of fraternity and solidarity grows within us.”Teresa concludes by emphasizing the special significance of the initiative. “Our journey in East Bale is not measured solely in numbers or statistics, but above all in relationships: men, women, and children who feel that someone is close to them, bringing them not only the bare necessities but also transmitting values such as respect, justice, and peace. When we see the smiles of the girls and boys who learn the importance of protecting their integrity, when we hear how the village leaders are working to change practices harmful to girls, we realize that this is the true miracle: a change that comes from the heart, even before the organization.””East Bale is a place that touches the heart: we think of every person we have met, every handshake, every look of hope. The Lord leads us ‘to the East’ and teaches us each time how precious even the smallest step in fraternity is,” the missionary concludes. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 12/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Health workers call for NZ government to join global demands for ambulance massacre inquiry

    Asia Pacific Report

    Health workers spoke out at a rally condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the latest atrocity against Palestinian aid workers today, calling on the New Zealand government to join global demands for an independent investigation.

    They were protesting over last month’s massacre of 15 Palestinian rescue workers and the destruction of their ambulances in Gaza’s Rafah district under heavy fire.

    The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has called for an independent international inquiry into the “deliberate killing” of 8 ambulance medics, 6 civil defence workers and 1 UN worker reportedly executed by the Israeli forces on March 23.

    Their ambulances were destroyed and buried together with the bodies of the victims in a shallow grave a week after the crews went missing.

    One PRCS paramedic, Assaad al-Nassasra, was reported to be still missing.

    Among the speakers in the rally in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Te Komititanga Square, Amnesty International’s Audrey Van Ryn said: “These killings must be independently and impartially investigated and the perpetrators held to account.

    “Medical personnel carrying out their humanitarian duties most be respected and protected in all circumstances.”

    Health worker Jason Brooke read out a message from the secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, in response to the killing of the Palestinian first-responders.

    ‘Their ambulances were clearly marked’
    “I am heartbroken. These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians. They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked,” said Chapagain.

    “They should have returned to their families; they did not.”

    Fourteen of the Palestinian aid workers killed by Israel last month. The 15th is still missing. Graphic: Al Jazeera/Creative Commons

    Their bodies were discovered a week later by fellow workers. A video from one of the slain Palestinian Red Crescent medics contradicting the lies propagated by Israel’s military that the vehicles were “advancing suspiciously toward IDF troops without headlights or emergency signals”

    These first responders were not mistakenly misidentified. They were travelling, clearly visible in red crescent marked ambulances with their lights on. They posed no threat.

    According to the United Nations, at least 1060 healthcare workers have been killed in the 18 months since Israel launched its genocidal offensive in Gaza.

    “Whether it’s first-responders and medics, health workers or reporters, not only are these workers being targeted with impunity by the IOF, but their deaths seem to barely cause a ripple,” said Brooke, who was greeted with cries of shame.

    “Where is the condemnation of our politicians? Our media?”

    ‘Dehumanisation of Palestinian life’
    “As the Palestinian poet and author Mohammed El-Kurd suggests, what we are witnessing is the dehumanisation of Palestinian life.

    “Israel only has to mention the word ‘Hamas’ and the indoctrinated look-away. As if resistance to genocide itself were a crime — the punishment a life predetermined for death.

    “Genocide does not distinguish between civilian, aid worker, health worker, reporter and militant. All are condemned.”

    Medical personnel, medical transport, hospitals and other medical facilities, the injured and sick are all specifically protected under international humanitarian law.

    The devastating Gaza massacre represents the single most deadly attack on Red Cross or Red Crescent workers anywhere in the world since 2017.

    Secretary-general Chapagain said: “The number of Palestine Red Crescent volunteers and staff killed since the start of this conflict is now 30.

    “We stand with Palestine Red Crescent and the loved ones of those killed on this darkest of days.”

    PSNA advocate Janfrie Wakim . . . “We mourn those thousands of innocent people . . . who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.” Image: Asia Pacific Report

    ‘Palestine wants freedom to live’
    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) advocate Janfrie Wakim called on the crowd to give each other “high fives” in recognition of their solidarity in turning up for the protest in the 79th week since the war began.

    “I like the sign in front of me: ‘Palestine wants the freedom to live while Israel has the freedom to kill!’ she said.

    “We mourn those thousands of innocent people  — some with families here and in Gaza and the West Bank — who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, and the thousands unaccounted for in rubble and over 100,000 injured.

    “Palestine wants the freedom to live while Israel has the freedom to kill!” . . . a placard at today’s Auckland solidarity rally. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    “Mostly women and children.

    “The humanitarian workers who have been murdered serving humanity.”

    Wakim said the genocide had been enabled by the wealthiest countries in the world and Western media — “including our own with few exceptions”.

    “Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel would not have been able to commit its atrocities.”

    All fatalities women and children
    Meanwhile, the United Nations reports Palestinian women and children were the only fatalities in at least three dozen Israeli air strikes on Gaza since mid-March, as it warned that Israel’s military offensive threatened Palestinians’ “continued existence as a group”.

    Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Friday that the office had documented 224 Israeli strikes on residential buildings and tents for displaced people in the Gaza Strip between March 18 and April 9.

    “In some 36 strikes about which the UN Human Rights Office corroborated information, the fatalities recorded so far were only women and children,” she said.

    The findings come as Israel’s attacks on Gaza have killed more than 1500 Palestinians since the Israeli military broke a ceasefire in March, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reports Al Jazeera.

    A German official was the latest to call for an independent probe over Israel’s killing of the 15 medical aid workers.

    An investigation into Israel’s killing of paramedics must be carried out independently, said German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance Luise Amtsberg.

    “This alleged violation of international law must not go unpunished,” Amtsberg said in a message on social media platform Bluesky.

    Israel’s ‘distortion’ straining ties
    “The investigation must be carried out quickly and independently, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice as soon as possible. The Israeli government and judiciary have a duty here,” she said.

    Israel’s distortion of the event was “once again” straining ties between Germany and Israel, she added.

    Myriam Laaroussi, an emergency coordinator with Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, told Al Jazeera from al-Mawasi, an area west of Khan Younis that houses thousands of displaced Gaza families, that the health system had been destroyed.

    Due to the Israeli blockade, the supplies needed to treat patients were lacking and had left children in Gaza vulnerable to disease, she said.

    The desalination unit was not functioning any more due to Israel’s decision to cut electricity, which had decreased the capacity to retain good hygiene and was leading to outbreaks of polio and scabies.

    “We see that it’s a ‘slow death’ for many Palestinians, with shortages of food and water leading to a loss of weight and medical issues,” she said.

    The ceasefire had been an opportunity to scale up the capacity of the different health facilities, but it had been too short to have enough effect, and now health facilities were being attacked again.

    A “Free free Palestine” placard at today’s Auckland solidarity rally. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Gugan Gulwan’s new home on track for opening

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The purpose-built facility is set to open in January 2025.

    In brief:

    • The new facility for Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation is being built in Wanniassa.
    • This article contains details about the building and Gugan Gulwan’s services.

    Work is on track at the new home of the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation in Wanniassa.

    It will support Gugan Gulwan to deliver expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, including:

    • children
    • young people
    • families.

    The purpose-built centre will offer services in a culturally appropriate and familiar setting.

    It will have a private central gathering place. There will also be a fire pit to acknowledge traditional and contemporary cultural practices.

    The new facility will tell the stories of pre-colonisation, post-colonisation and contemporary history with an ongoing connection to Country through artwork and storytelling.

    It seeks to reflect and uphold Aboriginal identity, including when connections to Country may be elsewhere.

    Considered, sustainable design

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have culturally led the design. Interpretive work within will reflect this.

    The unique façade features 43 highly detailed precast panels. Each weighs an average of eight tonnes.

    The project is targeting 5-star Green Buildings certification. Features include:

    • a performance glazing system
    • efficient lighting
    • a large solar PV system.

    The building will also collect water with a 1,700L rainwater collection tank.

    Gugan Gulwan and its leadership

    Gugan Gulwan’s commitment is to protect, nurture and support children, youth and their families as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

    Gugan Gulwan work in collaboration and partnership with their clients through a range of programs.

    Damien Coke has recently been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation. This follows the retirement of Kim Davison after decades of service.

    Mr Coke is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba man, with significant connections to the Yuin nation and maintains a strong connection to his cultures.

    He has extensive experience in cultural engagement for corporates and change management for diversity and inclusion outcomes.

    Mr Coke is also a highly experienced senior manager and administrator, having held positions including Chief Operations Officer for Reconciliation Australia and Executive Director, Business Services at Indigenous Business Australia.

    “This is a beautiful and unique building, which in many ways reflects the organization that is Gugan Gulwan,” Mr Coke said.

    “My vision for this new building is not just a place that is beautiful and unique. My vision is for this place to be a home away from home for the community. A place that is culturally safe and where all mob feel welcome – always.”

    To find more information about Gugan Gulwan visit their Facebook page.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Garran Primary modernisation project a step closer

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Construction crews have been busy preparing the schoolgrounds for new buildings.

    In brief:

    • Construction has started on the Garran Primary School modernisation.
    • The groundwork has been laid, and buildings will be constructed on the northern section of the schoolgrounds over the coming months.
    • The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

    Construction work on the Garran Primary School modernisation is now underway.

    Over the last few months, construction crews have forged ahead on the project. This has included:

    • excavating the site
    • pouring the foundations for new buildings
    • installing stormwater infrastructure to support the new school and preschool campus.

    Now that the groundwork is in place, it’s time to start building up.

    Over the coming months you’ll see buildings rise out of the ground in the northern sections of the schoolgrounds. This will include the library, preschool and learning community buildings.

    Once complete, the modernisation of Garran Primary will increase capacity up to 975 students from preschool to year 6. It will include:

    • new learning areas
    • playgrounds
    • a new double gymnasium
    • hard courts
    • green spaces
    • and more.

    The first stage of the project involves the construction of the new school campus and preschool. This first stage of the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025 with students moving into the new school campus shortly after.

    The second stage of the project will involve:

    • demolishing the old school buildings in the southern half of the school grounds
    • building a new double gymnasium
    • building external learning play spaces.

    This second stage of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

    Find out more information about the project.

    Visit the Garran Primary School Modernisation webpage for further details.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lorna Slater Spring Conference 2025

    Source: Scottish Greens

    12 Apr 2025

    Speaking at her party’s Spring Conference in Stirling, Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater called for action to tax wealth and big polluters to build a fairer, greener Scotland.

    When we met last October our country and our world were in a state of flux. Our political landscape is still shifting dramatically. 

    We have a Labour government telling us that things can only get worse while they cut the incomes of sick and disabled people. They kept the cruel two child cap, which has plunged thousands of families into totally avoidable poverty.

    Although they look set to nationalise British Steel they have betrayed the workers of Grangemouth.

    They betrayed the WASPI women after campaigning for them for years.

    They kowtow to a far right Trump administration that is dismantling hard won rights and freedoms. 

    Donald Trump is a dangerous, fraudulent, misogynistic, racist, climate-change denier. 

    He opposes democratic values and the rule of law. 

    His White House is spreading lies and misinformation about abortion rights here in Scotland – including disgraceful attacks on our colleague Gillian Mackay’s Safe Access Zone Bill; 

    Labour may be happy to make friends with dangerous despots, but we refuse to play nicely while the world burns.

    Trump and his hateful politics are not welcome in Scotland. Our country is not his playground. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer, you need to cancel the state visit. Cancel it now.

    The impact of Nigel Farage’s hard right Reform party rising in the polls, is already being felt in Scotland as the Tories and Labour shift to the right to try and rescue their votes.

    The Tories dropping any kind of commitment to net zero, and Labour throwing trans-people under the bus.

    As Patrick said: You can’t beat the far right by stealing their policies.

    You don’t beat Nigel Farage by cozying up to Donald Trump.

    The Scottish Greens will stand our ground as a proud party of the left. 

    We stand with refugees who are being attacked by racist politicians and the billionaire-owned press. 

    We stand with people who have fled war and conflict only to be blamed by those who have cut services and plunged families into poverty.

    We stand with the trans community who have been the focus of a relentless campaign of demonisation from MPs and MSPs from all the other parties.

    Trans rights are human rights. Our Party stands with you today, tomorrow and always.

    We stand with the people of Palestine who are suffering a genocide that has been armed, and supported and enabled by the UK government.

    The crisis there is getting worse and so is the human cost. 

    Babies are being killed long before they have the chance to mark their first birthdays.

    And yet the response from Downing Street has been to continue supporting the carnage.

    If Labour is to have any moral authority then it must end arms sales to Israel.

    It’s not just them. It’s time for the SNP to finally end the grants that are bolstering Israel’s arms dealers.

    For all of us working towards a greener, fairer world, it can feel like we’re losing ground. 

    Sometimes it’s hard to keep hold of hope that we can build something better. 

    The future can be brilliant. We just have to decide to make it so. 

    By working together the Scottish Greens have already taken big steps into that better future. 

    We have taxed high earners to raise billions of pounds for public services; 

    We’ve given free bus travel to everyone under 22;

    We’ve made sure that every organisation in Scotland that receives public money, pays the living wage. 

    We’ve delivered free school meals to more hungry children than ever before; 

    Our rent freeze and eviction protections for renters across Scotland saved tenants thousands of pounds and protected many from being made homeless.

    We have made a big difference to people’s lives. 

    Our work has helped people and planet, and made our country a fairer and better place. 

    All of this has happened because of the work of the people in this room – our volunteers around the country, and our work with campaigners and activists. 

    Among the hardest working people in our movement are the Green Councillors who are transforming local communities for the better. 

    Green Councillors in Glasgow have secured free public transport pilots and extra funding for safer parks and streets. 

    In Edinburgh, our Green councillors stopped council venues and services running advertising from climate wreckers and arms dealers.

    Day in and day out, our councillors across Scotland are supporting their constituents and standing up for their communities. 

    That’s what Councillor Bryan Quinn did when he protected crucial library services and Community Access Points in Clackmannanshire. 

    It’s what Councillor Kris Leask did when he secured an Offshore Energy Strategy for Orkney – something which he’s now leading on delivering. 

    After years of campaigning, our Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache – working with my MSP colleague Mark Ruskell – has successfully protected a vital local green space, Park of Keir, from expensive luxury housing and a tennis centre with unaffordable and inaccessible facilities.

    These are the kind of things we achieve when we put our values into action. 

    It’s what we achieve when we work together to get greens elected. 

    We will be able to achieve even more by getting more Greens elected.

    Can we please all show our appreciation for our councillors.

    The last few years have been difficult for most people, but they haven’t been difficult for everyone. 

    The wealth of billionaires has more than tripled since 2010. They’ve made out like bandits in the last few years, cashing in every step of the way.

    Through austerity, COVID, global market turmoil – the super-rich have been able to enlarge their wealth whilst ordinary people and families have suffered. 

    It is not right that as billionaires are getting richer and richer, household bills are getting higher and higher for everybody else.

    It is not right that fossil fuel companies have raked in huge profits, whilst abandoning any significant investment in green renewables. 

    It is not right that some of the wealthiest people in our society are telling us that we cannot afford to provide public services for people.

    It’s not that we can’t afford good public services, it’s that we can’t afford billionaires.

    Billionaires should not exist.

    It is thanks to the Scottish Greens that the highest earners in Scotland, and people who own more than one home, have to pay more.

    When I see headlines in the right-wing press whining about Scotland’s fairer tax system – it makes me proud. 

    We need to tax the rich. 

    We need to think beyond income tax, we need to tax wealth, we need to tax carbon emissions, we need to tax the big polluters to put money back into people’s pockets, back into public services and to build a fairer, greener country. 

    Nowhere is this injustice more prevalent than when it comes to housing.

    Over the past decade, the cost of renting has skyrocketed. Landlords have been charging more than ever before.

    Right now, private landlords have too much power and renters are suffering.

    The Scottish Greens have made big steps to protect tenants.

    We froze rents and banned evictions in the aftermath of COVID.

    We wrote the Bill to introduce rent controls. 

    And thanks to protections brought in by the Scottish Greens, thousands of people have been protected from eye watering rent hikes. 

    But without us in the room, the SNP are turning their backs on renters. 

    They are buckling under pressure from vested interests who want to water down our rent controls. 

    They want landlords to be able to raise rents higher than inflation.  

    If people aren’t getting a big pay rise, why should landlords? 

    Homes should be for living in – not for profiteering. 

    It’s time to raise tenants rights and lower rents. 

    We’re campaigning to bring in a permanent ban on winter evictions, and we’ve got plans to help local communities force absentee landlords and landowners to sell or rent derelict land for housing. 

    It isn’t just housing where the SNP is coming up short. 

    It’s the same story when it comes to transport.

    If we want to reduce emissions and build happier, healthier communities – public transport is key. 

    Thanks to the Scottish Greens, hundreds of thousands of young people can now get a bus for free – saving families thousands of pounds, and opening up opportunities for Scotland’s young people. 

    Thanks to the Scottish Greens, people seeking asylum in Scotland will soon get free bus passes

    Thanks to the Scottish Greens, thousands of young islanders can now jump on inter-island ferries for free.

    We did that. 

    But the SNP has failed to deliver the scale of investment needed to make public transport a reliable, affordable and accessible option for all. 

    We need more publicly owned bus networks across the whole of Scotland – and capped bus fares. A cap of £2 for every local journey.

    Private bus companies should not be able to hike fares at the same time as cutting lifeline services. 

    It should not be cheaper to travel between Scotland’s two biggest cities by car than by rail.

    The Scottish Government should not be pouring funds into dualling the A9, increasing traffic, pollution and noise, instead of investing in buses and trains. 

    It is far too late in the climate emergency to be building new roads. 

    What we need is cheaper rail for all – that means ending peak time rail fares for good. 

    Cheaper buses, ferries and trains – a win-win for people and planet. 

    Our planet needs us. 

    I know I’m not the only one who has been really shocked by the wildfires that we are seeing across Scotland right now.

    Not the only one who has been horrified by the devastation to people’s homes, businesses and farms that has been done by floods and storms.

    This is the climate catastrophe accelerating. Governments around the world have let us down. They didn’t listen to science, they didn’t cut carbon emissions, they didn’t stop their destruction of our eco-systems.

    What we are seeing now in Scotland, will only get worse, if governments continue to prevaricate, unsure of how to politically manage the cost of moving to an economy that isn’t dependent on fossil fuels. 

    Well anyone who was flooded out or who’s land is burning can see the cost of not making the change.

    So much of what needs to change: insulating homes, building better public transport, building 20 minute neighbourhoods, moving to lower impact agriculture, will actually make life better for everyone. 

    For the kids who will be able to safely cycle to school. For the farmers who can improve their profits by buying fewer expensive fertilisers and pesticides.

    In just over a year’s time, we’ll be heading into the 2026 Holyrood election and this is the story that we are going to tell. 

    Just like free bus travel for under 22’s, the things we need the Scottish Government to do on climate will improve life opportunities for Scots, and will put money back in their pockets.

    Green policies will make life better in practical ways. Warm homes. Clean air. Affordable trains. More buses.

    We know what change is needed. That’s why we exist. 

    The power of our shared vision. So many new possibilities, so much potential. 

    Some say it’s the hope that kills you. I don’t believe that. 

    I think it’s the hope that keeps us all here. It’s certainly what’s kept me here. 

    Everything you do as volunteers in this party matters. Without all of you there would be no Greens in Councils or in Holyrood. There would be no free bus travel for asylum seekers or any of the other changes that we have achieved.

    Whether it’s the all important knocking on doors, taking meeting minutes, delivering leaflets, everything you do matters and it all adds up. It adds up to growing a Green movement in Scotland, it adds to how much we can get done.

    Thank you for all the work you do

    Thank you, in advance for the many miles of pavement you’ll be walking and wheeling in the next 14 months listening to voters on their doorsteps, delivering leaflets, supporting your candidates. We are so grateful for all of it.

    Now is the time to stand together. To be brave and bold. Our vision for a greener, fairer Scotland could never be more important. 

    Let’s show them that the Scottish Greens are the ones who deliver. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Israel’s innocent oopsie-poopsie medical massacre mistake

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    The Israeli military changed its story many times about why its forces killed 15 medical workers and then buried them and their vehicles to hide the evidence. After their initial claim that the medical vehicles were approaching “suspiciously” without their emergency lights on was disproven by video evidence, they then called the whole thing a big mistake.

    Sure, who among us has not accidentally massacred 15 medical workers and buried them and their vehicles in a shallow grave from time to time? We’re only human, mistakes happen.

    Asked by the press about Israel’s latest war crime scandal, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes blamed the whole thing on Hamas, saying, “Hamas uses ambulances and more broadly human shields for terrorism.


    “President Trump understands the impossible situation this tactic creates for Israel and holds Hamas entirely responsible.”

    Netanyahu could live stream himself eating a Palestinian baby and telling the camera “I am eating this baby because I love genocide,” and the next day Trump’s podium people would be responding to questions from the press by shrieking “HAMAS!” with their fingers in their ears.


    Israeli’s ‘innocent mistake’    Video/Audio: Caitlin Johnstone

    ❖

    To be helpful I have written some headlines the Western press can use to frame Israel executing 15 medical workers in the most positive light possible:

    “Fifteen medical workers pause rescue duties following bullet-related incident”

    “Rescue workers, vehicles found in shallow grave after perishing for mysterious and unknowable reasons”

    “Israeli forces appear to be suspected of possibly accidentally firing on ambulance staff by mistake, perchance”

    “Medical workers killed by IDF, says Hamas-affiliated United Nations”

    “IDF assists medical workers in locating scene of latest massacre in Gaza”

    “Jews in New York City feeling unsafe, unsupported in wake of latest Israel controversy”

    “IDF to launch investigation into alleged IDF oopsie-poopsie in Gaza”

    “The universe is an ineffable mystery; objectivity is a myth and our finite primate brains were not evolved to comprehend any ultimate truths about absolute reality in its naked form”

    “Gunshots heard in the Middle East. A flashing siren. Innocence no more.”

    “IDF hunted and slaughtered 15 healthcare workers and buried them and their vehicles to try to cover it up, please don’t fire me, that’s what happened, I’m just trying to do my job”

    ❖

    Not taking a position on Gaza is taking a position on Gaza. One you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life.

    ❖

    The mass media are giving so much more attention to this past weekend’s anti-Trump protests than they ever gave the anti-genocide protests because that is their job. It’s their job to amplify opposition between the two mainstream parties while marginalising those who oppose the crimes of both.

    Movements which keep people plugged in to the two-party sock puppet show will always be amplified and encouraged, while movements which highlight the abusiveness of the US empire regardless of who happens to be in office will always be ignored at best and smeared at worst.

    That’s why we’ve seen so much attention go into Trumpism and anti-Trumpism while genuine anti-war movements struggle to get off the ground, and while pro-Palestine demonstrators are slandered as anti-semitic terrorist supporters.

    As long as people can be herded into supporting either of the two mainstream parties against the other, they are fully plugged in to the artificially manufactured worldview which protects the interests of oligarchy and empire. When people draw attention to the tyranny and abuse of the US empire itself without getting drawn in to the two-handed puppet show of party politics, they unplug their minds from this worldview the propagandists have worked so hard to plug them in to.

    As long as enough people are either screaming “Trump!” or “Not Trump!”, the empire’s crimes can continue unimpeded. Only when people stop clapping along with the puppet show and start fighting against the empire itself will there be real change in a positive direction.

    This means opposing the abuses that are advanced by both parties like war, genocide, militarism, imperialism, capitalism, Zionism, and authoritarianism. Until then their political energy will keep being steered in directions which pose no threat to the powerful, like we’re seeing with these anti-Trump protests.

    ❖

    I’ve been seeing a lot of antiwar Trump supporters finally starting to admit that they were duped, and beginning to turn against him. I won’t join the voices slamming them for supporting Trump in the first place; I’ll only say welcome aboard, and congrats on being better people than everyone else who voted for Trump.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China renews orange alert for strong gales

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s meteorological authority renewed an orange alert on Saturday for strong gales expected to sweep across the northern regions and coastal areas over the weekend.
    The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said that from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday, winds of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 m/s) on the national wind scale will hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei, and Beijing.
    Meanwhile, parts of the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea will also experience gales up to force 13, the NMC said.
    A yellow alert for snowstorms was also renewed, with forecasts predicting snowfall of 20 to 28 millimeters in parts of Inner Mongolia and Jilin.
    The meteorological center also continued to issue a blue alert for sandstorms that will hit Xinjiang.
    The NMC has advised the public in affected regions to take all necessary precautions.
    China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHNEIDER, LYNCH LEAD EFFORT TO HOLD ELON MUSK’S DOGE ACCOUNTABLE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    Rep. Brad Schneider’s DOGE Accountability and Transparency Act will require the Elon Musk-run entity to provide weekly reports to Congress

    WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition and member of the House Ways and Means and Foreign Affairs Committees, introduced legislation today with Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) aimed at securing greater transparency and accountability from Elon Musk’s DOGE. 

    The DOGE Accountability and Transparency Act requires DOGE to submit a weekly report to Congress that details changes it implements across federal agencies and identifies expected savings and other impacts. 

    “We all want a government that is always looking to improve efficiency and effectiveness, but that is not what Elon Musk is doing at the helm of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency,” said Rep. Schneider. “Musk and his DOGE minions have launched a campaign of chaos across the entirety of our federal government that has diminished the functioning of essential federal services that keep our families healthy, our communities safe, and our privacy secure. Rather than saving money and improving quality of services, DOGE and Musk are more often creating greater inefficiencies and costing taxpayers dearly in wasted resources and lost time.”

    Since President Trump took office, DOGE has taken several actions that raised widespread concern and alarm over the consequences of its operations. For example, DOGE has: 

    • Consistently lied to American taxpayers about its efforts to cut spending through its error-ridden online tracker;
    • Gained access to the private medical, bank account, social security and other sensitive personal data about every American;
    • Gained access to the secure payroll system that process salaries for more than 250,000 federal employees, despite the objections of senior IT staff who feared it could make the system vulnerable to terrorist cyberattacks;
    • Irresponsibly slashed the IRS workforce, forcing the agency to suspend audits in process and forfeit collecting taxes due to the US Treasury;
    • Devastated mental health support for veterans provided through the VA;
    • Laid off bird flu leadership and experts despite a bird flu outbreak, disrupting testing efforts;
    • Accidentally fired more than 300 employees responsible for overseeing the US’s nuclear stockpile at the National Nuclear Security Administration;
    • And much more.

    “We should not allow Elon Musk to recklessly take a chainsaw to our federal government; he must answer to Congress and provide real, regular updates on DOGE’s actions,” continued Rep. Schneider. “The richest man in the world, no matter how smart he thinks he is, cannot continue his capricious rampage through the federal government without proper Congressional oversight.” 

    “We cannot let President Trump’s version of ‘Wreck-it-Ralph’ distract us while Elon Musk continues to gut agencies that are responsible for providing American families with essential needs and services,” said Rep. Lynch. “We must hold President Trump and Elon Musk accountable for their actions, and this bill will ensure there is proper oversight of DOGE by requiring them to submit weekly reports to Congress so we can ensure that their actions are lawful and individual rights are protected. I am grateful for the partnership of Rep. Schneider and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure DOGE, Elon Musk, and President Trump are all held accountable for their actions and policies.”

    The bill requires the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency Service to provide weekly reports to Congress on any change DOGE has made to each Federal agency, including:

    1. The statutory authorization for each change made;
    2. Any change in the number of employees at each agency, including the employees that have resigned, been removed, or had their position eliminated;
    3. A description of each specific change DOGE has made to the respective Federal agency, including to an office within such agency;
    4. Any cost-saving measure;
    5. Any policy change;
    6. Any physical change to a Federal agency structure or location, including moving a Federal agency to a different building and relocating employees; and
    7. A description of any Federal agency data accessed by DOGE, the name of the individual who accessed it, the purpose for that access, and what was done with the data.

    The bill also requires retroactive reporting to ensure Congress is made aware of all of DOGE’s actions between January 20, 2025 and the bill’s enactment. 

    Bill text is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: SCHNEIDER JOINS DADS CAUCUS TO CALL OUT IMPACT OF TRUMP TARIFFS ON WORKING FAMILIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

    Rep. Schneider’s full remarks can be watched here.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) joined Congressional Dads Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and fellow Dads Caucus Members Reps. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Shomari C. Figures (AL-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Derek Tran (CA-45) to call out how Donald Trump’s tariffs will raise prices on working families across the country, especially working parents who are already stretching every dollar. 

    The Dads Caucus underscored how these tariffs will make it harder for people to afford basic needs — from groceries, clothes, and shoes to cars and construction materials — while doing nothing to help American workers.

    “For families, Trump’s trade war and tariff tax are a five-alarm fire. Parents are already facing huge costs as they raise their kids with the crazy price of childcare and expensive groceries,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10). “Instead of looking seriously at solutions that can help hardworking families not just get by but get ahead, Trump is hitting them with a massive tax. Our Republican colleagues here in the House could put a stop to this today. They could stand up and stop President Trump from unilaterally setting fire to our economy and creating an entirely self-inflicted recession. Speaker Johnson must bring legislation to the floor that restores Congress’s trade authority and puts the people back in the driver’s seat.”

    “Families are waking up with less money in their retirement savings, higher prices at the grocery store, and less confidence in the economy because of Trump. And Congressional Republicans are supporting his catastrophic economic agenda,” said Dads Caucus Chair Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “Trump’s tariffs are an added sales tax on working parents, and they’re driving up the cost of everyday essentials and making life harder for families. That’s why my fellow Dads Caucus members and I are calling on Congressional Republicans to do their jobs and join us in reining in Trump’s dumb tariffs.”

    “A tariff is a tax, and Donald Trump owns these erratic taxes,” said Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04). “In Las Vegas, we’re already grappling with high prices and a housing crisis. We desperately need more houses, but tariffs on steel and aluminum – both of which come from Mexico and Canada – are working against us. I’m proud to stand with my Dads Caucus colleagues to oppose Trump’s blanket tariffs because every dad – and every parent – deserves better when it comes to the country we leave our children.”

    “President Trump’s tariffs will continue to devastate small local businesses and raise prices on families that are already reeling from the high costs of groceries, household goods, and prescription drugs,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10). “These tariffs will be a self-imposed recession and a blow to the budgets of American families everywhere. I ask my Republican colleagues to stand with working families and reject the President’s actions.”

    “President Trump’s tariffs are just another example of the fact that this administration seems to have only one tool in its toolbox – a sledge hammer. Instead of fixing our schools, they dismantle the Department of Education. Instead of delivering better health care, they cut funding for Medicaid. And now – instead of investing in American industry, they impose reckless tariffs that will slow production and raise prices. The facts are very clear. These reckless tariffs mean that Americans will face higher prices, fewer jobs, and a world that is less safe,” said Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45).

    The Congressional Dads Caucus was founded after the 118th Congress Speaker vote to provide a forum for members of Congress to push legislation that supports working families. Since then, the caucus has gained momentum as a leading voice for policy solutions that help families thrive and make America more affordable—including creating a national paid leave program, increasing access to affordable child care, expanding the Child Tax Credit, and ensuring working parents have the resources they need to provide for their families.

    Learn more about the Dads Caucus here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Access Canberra team guide PhD student in local business venture

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Savannah McGuirk is using her PhD learnings to solve real-word problems through her start-up.

    In brief:

    • Savannah McGuirk takes PhD learnings to solve real word problems with a start-up.
    • She seeks advice to make sure her business is compliant.
    • Advice from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team confirms she’s on track.

    While completing her PhD, Savannah McGuirk discovered an industry problem that was yet to be solved.

    With her research pointing the way, Savannah launched her business, Remote Water Analytics.

    From research to start-up

    “Research is funny like that,” Savannah said. “You never know where you going to end up.”

    “I started out my PhD looking at carbon levels in soil, but soon discovered that soil moisture was impacting remote sensing satellite and drone data for carbon monitoring. What I also found, was there is no consistency in methods for monitoring soil moisture levels with optical satellite data.”

    That’s when things shifted for Savanah. She saw the application of her scientific research for the purpose of solving real world industry problems.

    Remote Water Analytics is in its infancy as Savannah finalises her PhD, but she’s already working with some clients. She’s using state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies, like satellites and drones alongside advanced data science, AI and machine learning to pull comprehensive insights into soil and water conditions.

    “We can do soil moisture mapping as well as long and short-term soil monitoring. We can also provide geospatial data visualisation. Satellite data gives us near real-time access to accurate and actionable information,” she said.

    Savannah said they can help small scale farmers or large agricultural operations to adopt more sustainable practices.

    “To be honest, I was surprised there wasn’t already a product in market that could affordably, reliably and efficiently test soil moisture remotely.

    “Soil sampling and testing is an expensive and labour-intensive endeavour, particularly over large areas when we’re dealing with large agricultural holdings.”

    But it’s not just agricultural applications that Remote Water Analytics can deal with. Savannah is currently working with a local Canberra civil construction company who are developing a new Canberra suburb.

    “Construction companies can’t work when it’s wet without damaging the surfaces which they have already carefully prepared. By accurately monitoring soil moisture levels, we can get them back on site as quickly and safely as possible after rain, ultimately helping them get their job done faster and realise real financial savings.”

    ACT Government business support

    Earlier this year, Savannah attended the ACT Government’s first CBR Small Business Expo. Curious to see what was on offer, she came across the Access Canberra Business Assist Team.

    “I overheard them speaking to someone else, and they sounded helpful,” she said.

    “It got me thinking about whether there were any permits or licences I need to operate a soil and water management business.”

    Like a true Canberran, and scientist, Savannah was keen to know that she was following all the correct processes and had all the right licences and permits.

    After hearing Savannah’s story, the Business Assist Team got to work on her behalf, seeking advice across government, including from the ACT Environmental Protection Authority.

    Kim from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team said they were glad to provide advice to Savannah.

    “Savannah’s business is a bit niche, and we were able to give her peace of mind that she was compliant with necessary regulations,” said Kim.

    Savannah agreed.

    “It was reassuring to be able to access the team by email and get confirmation that I had done the right things and was compliant in running my business,” she said.

    As for what’s next for Savannah, her business is one of 24 across Australia participating in a business accelerator program run by the Commonwealth Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

    “It’s a three-month accelerator program to support drought-resilience in Australian agriculture.

    “I’m a scientist, so I’m looking forward to learning many of the skill sets I need to run and operate a successful start-up,” she said.

    To find out more about the Access Canberra Business Assist Team that helped Savannah, contact the team.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Planning underway for the new Palmerville Heritage loop path

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Palmerville Heritage Park sits in an historic cultural space near McKellar, Evatt and Giralang.

    In brief:

    • The ACT Government will build a 650-metre loop path in Palmerville Heritage Park.
    • Palmerville Heritage Park is in north Belconnen.
    • This will help people better explore the area.

    The ACT Government will build a new loop path through Palmerville Heritage Park.

    It will be approximately 650 metres long.

    The park is a popular open space in north Belconnen.

    It sits in an historic cultural landscape near McKellar, Evatt and Giralang.

    This location represents a connection to the early rural settlement of the ACT. There is evidence of past land use in this area as a rural settlement from the early 1800s to the 1950s.

    Canberrans have requested the continuation of the park’s existing walking trail to create a loop.

    This will help people better explore the area.

    Ginninderra Creek runs along the park’s east side. As the area is flood prone, this will influence the final alignment of the path and the materials used to build it.

    Once heritage and environment approvals are complete, the final alignment will be released ahead of construction procurement.

    Construction procurement is expected to begin in early 2025.

    Find out more about the path on the City Services website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES BUDGET RESOLUTION THAT GUTS HEALTHCARE, NUTRITION, AND EDUCATION – HURTING FAMILIES, SENIORS, AND VETERANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), voted against H. Con. Res. 14, a partisan budget resolution that would result in cuts to Medicaid, student loans, and nutrition assistance for American families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. At the same time, implementation of the budget resolution will add trillions of dollars to the national debt which even extremist, Republican critics of the legislation have pointed out. 

    “I have never seen a more partisan and fiscally irresponsible budget,” said Congressman Bishop. “This measure will result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance. Seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families will bear the brunt of this budget’s harmful cuts. Public schools across the country – from rural to urban communities – will lose billions of dollars that help them afford teachers, textbooks, and supplies. Cuts to nutrition programs will see families, school children, seniors, disabled persons, and even young active-duty military families and veterans go hungry.”

    Among the cuts in the Republican budget resolution are:

    • $880 billion in cuts from the budget covering healthcare, interstate commerce, conservation, energy, public health and healthcare, including Medicaid;
    • $330 billion in cuts in the budget sections that support America’s students and schools across the country, including school lunch and breakfast programs;
    • $230 billion in cuts from agricultural and rural development programs, which support our farmers and other ag producers as well as food banks and other programs that help feed America’s families – especially during this period of astronomically high food prices; and
    • Additional cuts to the budget covering infrastructure programs that help improve and make our roads, railways, bridges, and airports safer as well as other investments that help lower costs for Americans everywhere.

    The U.S. House Budget Committee estimates if the budget proposed by H. Con. Res. 14 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:

    • Nearly 200,000 people on Medicaid will lose coverage, including an estimated 133,300 children under the age of 19 and 30,000 senior citizens over the age of 65;
    • More than 200,000 people will lose SNAP and be at risk of going hungry;
    • 320,000 school children will lose school meals; and
    • 26,000 students will lose Pell Grants that makes it possible for them to get their education.

    The Congressman has also highlighted that the Trump Administration fired department and agency Inspectors General, within days of taking office. 

    The Congressman concluded, “The Administration says they want to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse and reduce the deficit – which we all support – but this budget resolution does neither. What they are doing is eliminating transparency and dismantling the government, as outlined last year in Project 2025. This is a reverse Robin Hood scheme that steals the federal resources needed to adequately meet the needs of the American people, in order to pay for tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Schneider Introduce the RESILIENCE Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the Repair Expenditures Support Infrastructure, Labor Investment, Energy Needs, and Creates Equity Act of 2025 (RESILIENCE Act of 2025). This bipartisan legislation will allow utilities to deduct repair costs from the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax and will ensure that these companies are treated fairly.

     

    Click here for bill text.

     

    “The Inflation Reduction Act picked winners and losers in energy production, and hard-working Americans suffered the most by having to pay more for everything, including utilities. The Resilience Act of 2025 would fix the unfair tax treatment of utilities under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax by allowing regulated utilities to fully deduct repair expenditures. This bill would increase energy affordability for consumers and ensures tax fairness, ultimately creating a more resilient and reliable energy grid,” said Congresswoman Miller. 

     

    “EEI’s member electric companies make significant investments each year to maintain the energy grid and to make it stronger and more secure,” said EEI Interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “The current process for taxing these critical investments under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax needlessly raises costs for electricity customers, threatens job creation, and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen America’s energy security. We greatly appreciate Representatives Miller and Schneider’s leadership in developing this common-sense solution, which will help keep customer costs as low as possible while enhancing the reliability and resilience of the grid.”

     

    “America’s natural gas utilities invest $37 billion each year in enhancing the safety and efficiency of natural gas distribution and transmission systems – these investments help us to deliver affordable, reliable, safe and cleaner natural gas and have lowered emissions from the natural gas distribution system by 70% since 1990. This bill from Reps. Miller and Schneider will help to remove an important barrier for this type of strategic investment in America’s energy future and will help our industry to maintain affordability for American families and businesses while fueling innovation and growth for a stronger future,”said George Lowe, AGA Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy. 

     

    “Storms can wreak havoc on our facilities and repairs are necessary to ensure reliable service. AEP spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year on storm repairs and maintenance activities. Allowing these critical expenditures to be deducted from the minimum tax lowers rates for customers and frees up capital that we can invest in other areas of our operations,” said American Electric Power.

     

    “We commend Representatives Miller and Schneider for introducing bipartisan legislation that will lower energy costs and create jobs for customers and communities nationwide, in addition to supporting grid upgrades to address growing energy demand for generations to come, putting regulated utilities on equal footing with non-regulated businesses. We look forward to engaging with Congress as this bill advances through the legislative process,” said Exelon.

     

    “At FirstEnergy, we are committed to providing reliable electric service at the lowest price possible for the six million customers across our footprint, including 556,000 in West Virginia. Repair and maintenance are critical investments that ensure a reliable and resilient grid. We applaud U.S. Reps. Carol Miller and Brad Schneider’s bipartisan efforts to create a practical solution that allows electric companies to account for these expenses more efficiently, reducing base rates and strengthening our energy infrastructure,” said FirstEnergy. 

    “Nearly 250,000 IBEW members work for regulated utilities, and a repair adjustment protects their jobs and allows them to help build a strong economy. Without the inclusion of a repair’s adjustment, IBEW members who currently perform repairs and maintenance work at our nation’s utilities could be in real danger of losing their mission-critical jobs,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi and Calvert Introduce the Bipartisan Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act,” which would help permanently conserve privately owned working forestlands. They are joined by U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Josh Harder (CA-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).

    The “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act” (H.R.2771) would give States the option to designate accredited, nonprofit land trusts to hold conservation easements purchased with federal funding from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. Current law requires that federal or state governments hold conservation easements purchased under the Forest Legacy Program.

    “As the former Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, I know that our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. Federal and state governments can, and must, do a better job of working with private landowners who want to conserve their land, as my family did for our cattle ranch in 1998. My bill would unlock millions in federal funding to help states conserve working forestlands, create good-paying jobs, and support sustainable forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk,” said Congressman Garamendi.

    “The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act will provide new tools to help achieve our conservation, forest management, and economic goals. This bipartisan bill is an important step in strengthening partnerships between private landowners and public stakeholders interested in conserving forestlands,” said Congressman Calvert. 

    “We applaud Congressmen Calvert and Garamendi for introducing this bill.  This commonsense, practical, no-cost enhancement to the Forest Legacy Program will make it easier for private landowners and states to fulfill their goals of voluntarily conserving working forestlands for all their public benefits while maintaining private ownership. The flexibility provided in this bill will help many states, like California, Oregon, and Washington, leverage private-public partnerships to get better outcomes while saving money and resources,” said Laurie Wayburn, Pacific Forest Trust President. 

    Allowing States participating in the federal Forest Legacy Program the flexibility to partner with accredited, nonprofit land trusts will help permanently conserve more land by working with private landowners who want to choose conservation but do not want to sell the federal or state governments an easement on their property. The “Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act” would save states money and time, increasing the impact and reach of the Forest Legacy Program.

    Endorsements: Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, American Farmland Trust, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Pacific Forest Trust, California Rangeland Trust, North Coast Land Conservancy, American River Conservancy, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Northeast Wilderness Trust, Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Oregon Agricultural Trust, Placer Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Natural Lands, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Forest Society of Maine, Lookout Mountain Conservancy, Saratoga PLAN.

    Garamendi previously served on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources (2011-2012) and the Committee on Agriculture (2012-2014), which oversee both the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest System. Garamendi served as the first Deputy Secretary of the Interior from 1995 to 1998 during the Clinton Administration. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: García, Nadler Lead Colleagues in Opposing Attempted Firings of FTC Commissioners, Urging FTC to Address Nationwide Affordability Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and 53 of their colleagues sent a letter to President Trump and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson strongly opposing Trump’s unlawful attempt to fire Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter and urging the agency to use its authorities to address the “cost-of-living crisis” and “deliver emergency price relief” to working families. 

    The Members underscore in the letter how the attempted firing of Mr. Bedoya and Ms. Slaughter undermines the Commission’s ability to protect workers and consumers, as they provided crucial votes for cases and investigations that held pharmacy benefit managers accountable for artificially inflating insulin prices and stopped agricultural equipment companies from denying farmers the right to repair their own agricultural equipment. The Commissioners were also instrumental in the FTC’s regulatory efforts to end junk fees, abusive subscription practices, and ban non-compete agreements that limited workers’ employment opportunities.

    “President Trump ran a campaign promising to lower costs of living for working families, but instead he is illegally terminating leaders at the FTC, an independent agency whose mandate could be used to hold predatory corporations accountable, while the prices of food, housing, and services continue to rise,” said Congressman García. “I am proud to have partnered with Ranking Member Nadler on this effort; Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter must be permitted to do their jobs, and the FTC should prioritize workers and consumers, not billionaires.”

    “The illegal attempted firing of Federal Trade Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter is an affront not only to our Constitution but also the economic power of individuals, families, and small businesses across the country. The FTC is the body that ensures we have a fair market and it should not be politicized as President Trump has done. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the President to reinstate the Commissioners and ensure that the FTC is focused on driving down costs for the American people,” said Ranking Member Nadler.

    “Following the Trump administration’s erratic policymaking and whipsaw tariff announcements, it’s more important than ever that Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter get back to work to lower prices for working Americans that will bear the brunt of any economic fallout,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “In times of economic uncertainty, robust enforcement from the FTC is absolutely necessary to defend the interests of consumers, small businesses, and workers who are already struggling under a cost of living crisis. We’re pleased to join these Members of Congress in urging the administration to get the full Commission back to work as fast as possible.”

    “By illegally trying to fire Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter, President Trump and Andrew Ferguson deliberately hobbled the FTC, one of the government’s most effective defenses against Big Tech and Wall Street abuses,” said Emily Peterson-Cassin, Corporate Power Director at Demand Progress. “Especially now when Americans are worrying about their retirement accounts and the price of household goods, we need a fully functional FTC to look out for Main Street. Chair Ferguson has talked a big game about standing up to the big fish and now is the time to actually use his power to curb corporate abuse and lower costs for everyday Americans.”

    “The out-of-control cost of housing is the number one economic issue facing most Americans and the number one driver of homelessness,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, Communications and Campaign Director at the National Homelessness Law Center. “That’s why it’s crucial to have a functional FTC with Commissioners who are committed to addressing corporate consolidation and other issues in the housing market that are driving up costs for families. When we solve homelessness and make housing affordable for all, we will be a safer, healthier, and more prosperous country.”

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    Congressmen García and Nadler were joined by 53 colleagues: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA- 34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John B. Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05). 

    The letter is endorsed by: American Economic Liberties Project, Americans For Financial Reform, Center for Digital Democracy, Demand Progress, Groundwork Collaborative, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), National Homelessness Law Center, P Street, and Revolving Door Project.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, Frankel, Shaheen, Schatz Send Letter Objecting to Trump Administration’s Proposed Reorganization of USAID

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio objecting to the Trump Administration’s proposed reorganization of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The lawmakers expressed a willingness to work with the Secretary on reforms but stated concern that the current plan violates federal law, further endangers lifesaving global health and humanitarian programs, overburdens the State Department, and damages U.S. credibility. They urged Secretary Rubio to testify before Congress and commit to a lawful and transparent reform process. 

    “It is critical that the Department of State and USAID undertake any reform or realignment in a transparent manner that adheres to applicable laws so that implementation is effective and sustainable. Unfortunately, that is not how you have pursued reforms and realignment to date, including through this CN. Not only has the process that produced the CN been unlawful, but its implementation would render it impossible for the Administration to lawfully comply with authorizing laws and spending directives enacted in recent appropriations bills and meet other statutory requirements,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    “In addition, we have serious concerns about the legal, financial, and national security risks the proposal will create.  The CN also does not address the proposed process for consolidating USAID operations into the State Department, including the requisite staffing, contracting, vetting, and oversight that would be required to maintain critical USAID programs, including lifesaving humanitarian and global health programs, without interruption.  The concurrent plan to fire all USAID staff — and therefore all expertise — raises further concern about disruptions to lifesaving programs and other critical harm to American workers, businesses, and implementing partners and increases the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse,” continued the lawmakers. 

    “The fundamental goal of any reform effort should be to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, including by enhancing our capabilities. As proposed, this plan will overburden the State Department, jeopardize the continuity of programs that save lives and keep Americans safe at home, and further undermine U.S. credibility and reliability. We remain open to working with you on reforms, including reorganization proposals, pending your testimony before our committees on the foreign assistance review and related reorganization, responses to the questions and requests we have sent in prior letters regarding these matters and a demonstrated commitment to a transparent process that protects and advances U.S. national security interests,” concluded the lawmakers. 

    Full text of the letter is provided below. 

    Dear Secretary Rubio:  

    We write to object to the Congressional Notification (CN) submitted to the Appropriations Committees, Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 28, 2025, notifying your intent to undertake a reorganization that would realign or discontinue all functions of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  

    We do not believe that the State Department, USAID or the broader foreign assistance enterprise should be immune from reform. In fact, we have supported many reform initiatives designed to maximize impact and ensure we have the best diplomatic and development agencies in the world. These efforts have included increasing burden sharing, expanding the implementing partner base, better leveraging the private sector and holding partners more accountable for delivering results and controlling costs, among others.  

    We also recognize that the Trump Administration will have different foreign policy priorities than prior Administrations.  

    However, it is critical that the Department of State and USAID undertake any reform or realignment in a transparent manner that adheres to applicable laws so that implementation is effective and sustainable. Unfortunately, that is not how you have pursued reforms and realignment to date, including through this CN. Not only has the process that produced the CN been unlawful, its implementation would render it impossible for the Administration to comply with authorizing laws and spending directives enacted in recent appropriations bills and meet other statutory requirements.  

    In addition, we have serious concerns about the legal, financial and national security risks the proposal will create. The CN also does not address the proposed process for consolidating USAID operations into the State Department, including the requisite staffing, contracting, vetting and oversight that would be required to maintain critical USAID programs, including lifesaving humanitarian and global health programs, without interruption. The concurrent plan to fire virtually all USAID staff — and therefore lose all expertise — raises further concern about disruptions to lifesaving programs and other critical harm to American workers, businesses and implementing partners and increases the risk of waste, fraud and abuse.  

    The fundamental goal of any reform effort should be to strengthen the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, including by enhancing our capabilities. As proposed, this plan will overburden the State Department, jeopardize the continuity of programs that save lives and keep Americans safe at home and further undermine U.S. credibility and reliability.  

    That is why we object to any implementation of your proposal at this time. 

    We remain open to working with you on reforms, including reorganization proposals, pending your testimony before our committees on the foreign assistance review and related reorganization, responses to the questions and requests we have sent in prior letters regarding these matters and a demonstrated commitment to a transparent process that protects and advances U.S. national security interests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi, Congressional Democrats Fight Back Against Trump’s Attacks on Independent Worker Protection Agencies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. — This week, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined House and Senate Democratic Leadership in filing an amicus brief opposing President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to fire members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The individuals cited in this matter were duly appointed, congressionally confirmed board members at independent federal agencies. Illegal attempts to terminate them threaten the integrity of these institutions and their ability to protect American workers and uphold workplace democracy.
     
    The NLRB and MSPB play a critical role in protecting workers, both in public service and the private sector, in their right to seek better working conditions and in safeguarding a non-political, merit-based federal workforce.
     
    The brief was led by House Ranking Members Jamie Raskin, Gerry Connolly, and Bobby Scott, alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse, as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker – and was joined by 253 Congressional Democrats. 
     
    The amici curiae file their argument in the cases involving the attempted unlawful firings of Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the NLRB and Cathy Harris, a member of the MSPB. 

     
    The full brief is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for March Storms

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for March Storms

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has sent a request to President Donald J. Trump asking for a major disaster declaration resulting from the winter storm that hit the state March 18 and 19. Twenty-seven counties have met damage assessments making them eligible for a federal declaration request. So far, damage estimates have exceeded $64.8 million. The bulk of those costs are due to utility repairs.

    Counties requested to be covered in the declaration include Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Webster and York. 

    The storm, which produced thunderstorms, sleet, high winds and blizzard conditions resulted in the closure of major roadways, including 160 miles of Interstate 80 and 70 miles of Interstate 29. The most significant damage was to power poles and electrical lines. More than 1700 poles were downed or destroyed. At the height of the storm, an estimated 200,000 customers were without power. To assist those who were without electricity for a prolonged period, some communities – including York and Fremont – established emergency shelters. Additional damage reports have included downed trees and structures. 

    In his letter to the President, Gov. Pillen called the mid-March storm “one of the most destructive winter weather events to impact Nebraska in recent history…”

    Federal funding approval would help cover costs in the above-named counties to repair damaged infrastructure and assist with debris clean up.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: North China braces for gale-force winds

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Gale-force winds are sweeping across northern China and are expected to persist through Sunday, prompting authorities to implement measures to ensure public safety.
    Raging winds have already lashed regions including Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Beijing and Ningxia, driven by a powerful cold vortex moving southeast from Mongolia.
    The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said in an updated forecast that from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, winds of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 m/s) on the national wind scale will hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and Beijing.
    At 5 p.m. Friday, strong winds of 23.3 meters per second struck Yanqing District on the outskirts of Beijing, while scattered showers have already occurred and are expected to continue across most areas of the municipality by this evening, according to the Beijing Meteorological Service.
    The strongest winds will hit on Saturday, with temperature highs dropping to 14 degrees Celsius — a 13-degree-Celsius decrease in temperature within a 24-hour period, the service said.
    On Friday afternoon, gusts reaching a maximum force of level 13 hit northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, causing severe sandstorms that are expected to impair visibility, according to the region’s meteorological authorities.
    In northeast China’s Liaoning Province, temperatures are expected to drop by as much as 12 degrees Celsius by Saturday. Over the weekend, some areas of the province will experience moderate rain turning to sleet, followed by heavy snowfall and blizzards, with extreme blizzards anticipated in certain mountainous areas, according to the provincial meteorological service.
    NMC also issued alerts for strong gales, snowstorms, sandstorms and rainstorms on Friday, which are expected to impact northern regions and parts of central China.
    The meteorological center has advised the public in affected regions to stay indoors and avoid lingering under tall buildings, billboards, temporary structures and trees when outdoors.
    In response, multiple tourist sites in regions including Beijing and Ningxia have announced temporary closures. High winds have also led to the postponement or cancellation of some performances in Tianjin, as well as the suspension of ferry services.
    Farmers in Liaoning have been advised to spray antifreeze agents to prevent frost damage to their fruit and to reinforce their greenhouses. The province also recommends conducting thorough inspections and maintenance of infrastructure, such as power lines and communication cables, to prevent damage or short circuits caused by severe weather conditions.
    Beijing’s transportation authorities announced the suspension of certain bus routes passing through mountainous areas and some elevated rail services on Saturday.
    Over 14 train services in Beijing and surrounding areas will be temporarily suspended on Friday and Saturday to ensure safe operation, according to the China Railway Beijing Group Co., Ltd.
    The Beijing Capital International Airport has also warned that the strong winds may disrupt normal operations, potentially leading to flight delays or cancellations.
    The Chinese capital has postponed several sporting events, including marathons and football matches scheduled for the weekend, while residents are advised to avoid nonessential travel.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency services in attendance at fire, Pakuranga

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Inspector Jason Homan:

    Emergency services are in attendance at a fire in a building on Grassways Avenue, Pakuranga, reported at around 12.45pm.

    One person reported to be in a critical condition has been transported to Middlemore Hospital.

    There are cordons in place, please avoid the area while emergency services attend.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parrish Man Indicted For Arson Of A Vehicle

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Kendarius Devonta Stitten (25, Parrish) with a violation of the federal Anti-Arson Act. If convicted, Stitten faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Stitten that the United States intends to forfeit assets that are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, on March 20, 2025, Stitten set fire to a rental van that was parked at a motel in Bradenton.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Pasco Drug Trafficker

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

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Pierre Marquis Fowler (36, Tarpon Springs), a/k/a “Durk,” guilty of conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of cocaine; possessing with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of cocaine; possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; and two counts of illegal monetary transactions. Fowler faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. 

    According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Pierre Marquis Fowler and his brother, Marcus Jamar Fowler, a/k/a “Drastic,” conspired with each other and others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The Fowlers used a stash location in Tarpon Springs as a place to distribute narcotics. Between 2020 and 2022 one witness estimated that Pierre Fowler had provided them with at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and multiple kilograms of cocaine.

    Firearms recovered from safe at stash location

    Evidence from search warrants included eight firearms, including two machineguns, 989.1 grams of fentanyl, 715 grams of methamphetamine, and 781 grams of cocaine at the stash location. In addition, seven parcels had been shipped from California to the Middle District of Florida, in the span of one week, which contained 3,981 grams of fentanyl and 4,458 grams of methamphetamine.

    Contents of two boxes bound for a residence in Pasco County

    Evidence also showed that Pierre Fowler had used proceeds of drug trafficking to make purchases of more than $10,000, including a piece of real property in Holiday. Certain assets being forfeited by the government include property located in Holiday and $10,409 in cash seized from Pierre Fowler during a search warrant on February 8, 2023.

    Marcus Jamar Fowler previously pleaded guilty for his role in this case. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2025.         

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman. The forfeiture is being handled by AUSA James Muench.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Recognizes Fairbanks Philanthropist Jay Ramras as “Alaskan of the Week”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    04.11.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognized Fairbanks native Jay Ramras on the Senate floor yesterday. For decades, Jay has invested in his community through the preservation of historical landmarks and support for his fellow Alaskans, volunteering his time and resources to charitable causes, and fostering a thriving Jewish community in the Last Frontier. Jay was recognized as part of Sen. Sullivan’s series, “Alaskan of the Week.”

    Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s speech.

    Tribute to Jay Ramras

    Mr. President, it is Thursday here in the U.S. Senate, and it is time for a great tradition—I think one of the greatest traditions in the history of the U.S. Senate. It is called ‘‘The Alaskan of the Week’’ speech, which I try to give most Thursdays. It has been a while. For the pages, this is the highlight of the week. Even our friends in the media like this speech because it usually signals the end of the work week, but not right now. You saw the minority leader’s objection without any explanation on why on confirming the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, so we might be here for a lot longer.

    So I wanted to highlight what is going on in Alaska, as I usually do during my ‘‘Alaskan of the Week’’ speech and just give a snapshot of what is happening back home.

    It is still pretty cold, still have a fair amount of snow. Anchorage just got a bunch of snow that lasted a couple of days. The 53rd Iditarod just concluded in Nome with a stunning first-time win by Alaskan Jessie Holmes and his 10- dog sled team.

    The Iron Dog Race, that is a snow machine race, longest, toughest snow machine race in the world, was won by—that is done in kind of tandem— Robby Schachle and Bradley George, their second victory of the Iron Dog snow machine race.

    Things are starting to thaw, as I mentioned. It is beginning of the summer tourism season, right around the corner. The first cruise ship will dock in Southeast Alaska in less than 2 weeks, and thousands of tourists from all over the world will come to our great State.

    Anyone watching in the Gallery, we would love to have you. Come to Alaska.

    For many of these tourists, this is going to be the trip of a lifetime. For Alaskans, this is where we live every day. And our Alaskan of the Week does something that is very unusual: He is beloved by Alaskans and tourists—not an easy task—and this person is my friend Jay Ramras.

    Like many Alaskans, Jay is a jack-of-all-trades. He owns restaurants and beautiful hotels. He has had a successful political career. He is a prolific philanthropist. He loves history. And more importantly, he loves Alaska and especially his great hometown of Fairbanks—by the way, my wife’s hometown.

    Now, I love to talk about our Alaskan of the Week. There are so many. We have talked about hundreds over the course of many years here on the Senate floor.

    Senate floor. Jay was born in Fairbanks in 1964. His father Dan moved to Fairbanks from Brooklyn, NY, in 1948. And as Jay says: There has been a Ramras in Interior Alaska going on 80 years.

    And Jay’s entrepreneurial resume, which is legendary in Alaska, began in 1986 at the tender age of 22 years old when he started a chicken wing restaurant, expanding his business footprint to other eateries across Fairbanks and, eventually, purchasing the iconic Fairbanks landmark called Pike’s Landing.

    For anyone going to Fairbanks, you have got to stay at Pike’s Landing.

    It was this purchase that led Jay to uncovering some really incredible chapters of Alaskan history—as I said, Jay is a real history buff—and he credits this to his bachelor of arts degree in American history, but it all started with Pike’s.

    So let’s talk about Pike’s. Pike’s Landing was established after World War II when Lloyd Pike claimed land along the Chena River—the Chena River runs right through Fairbanks— under the Homestead Act.

    In 1959—by the way, the same year Alaska became the 49th State—Pike opened the original Pike’s Landing. Throughout the years, Pike’s Landing cemented itself as a landmark in the Fairbanks community.

    When Jay purchased Pike’s Landing in 2000, he found himself wondering about the history of the property and the man who established the landmark location of Pike’s. The original owner had sort of disappeared from history. So Jay asked around, collecting oral histories from Fairbanks old-timers who had seen the growth of Pike’s Landing over the decades.

    Jay found that Pike’s Landing had long faced congestion at the boat launch due to its prime location right there, as I said, on the Chena River. That was a problem Lloyd Pike solved by building a public launch to clear up some of the demand in terms of getting boats on the river.

    The original boat launch was washed away when the Chena River flooded— huge flood by the way—in 1968. But decades later, Jay found himself building another boat launch, unknowingly, right at the same spot. As he said: If I hadn’t already been born, I would have believed in reincarnation. I would have thought I had been reincarnated as Lloyd Pike because he put his boat launch right where Lloyd Pike lived. Since then, Jay has been working with Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission to put Pike’s Landing on the National Register of Historic Places. I have no doubt that is going to happen. ‘‘It was so important to me that we rescue Lloyd Pike from obscurity,’’ Jay said.

    But this wasn’t the only historical figure that Jay has connected himself and the community of Fairbanks to. As Jay was in the process of building an aviation-themed extension of his hotel, he felt it needed a real airplane mounted in front to honor the lodge’s proximity to the Fairbanks International Airport. While searching, he stumbled on a refurbished Cessna 140 on Craigslist. After purchasing this plane, Jay discovered it had been owned by none other than Noel Wien.

    The Presiding Officer is a pilot. Maybe he knows who Noel Wien is. For those who don’t, Noel Wien is considered the father of Alaska aviation—the first pilot to successfully fly from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 1924. Wien went on to found Wien Airlines, a commercial airline that operated in Alaska for nearly 60 years.

    As the Presiding Officer knows, these were some intrepid pilots. That was 100 years ago he did that first flight—open-air cockpit, really cold.

    Jay’s interest in history, once again, piqued, and he dug into that period and discovered some great photographs of Noel Wien, Wien Airlines, and had a great celebration last year in July of 2024, celebrating the 100th anniversary of that historic flight in Alaska. Really, that was a historic flight for America. My wife Julie and I were there. Senator MURKOWSKI was there. Our Governor was there. By the way, the Wien family was there, including Leslie Wien Hajdukovich, my former regional director. It was a great classic Jay Ramras event. Hundreds of people came out to celebrate a huge moment in Alaska history, Alaska aviation history—I would say, American aviation history.

    In addition to preserving this incredible chapter in Fairbanks’ history, Jay has invested in Fairbanks’ future. Let me tell you about a few of his other endeavors. Each summer, Jay hosts the Yukon 800 boat race, the longest, toughest, roughest speedboat race in the world. It starts at Pike’s, up to the Chena, gets out on the mighty Yukon— huge race.

    Just as I mentioned, he just recently hosted the fourth Iditarod start at Pike’s. Normally, the Iditarod starts down in Anchorage. That is the toughest, longest, greatest race in the world, the Iditarod. It occasionally starts in Fairbanks, but it did this year at Pike’s. And as I mentioned, he regularly sponsors the Iron Dog snow machine race that, yes, is the toughest, longest, roughest snow machine race in the world.

    he world. Jay also had a successful political career, serving three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives. And he is a great philanthropist in Fairbanks—a key player in Fairbanks Food Bank and doing so many other things in terms of philanthropy.

    On top of all this, Jay says his greatest legacy, he believes, will be something he recently did—which I think is just fantastic—the creation of a new synagogue in Fairbanks, the northernmost Chabad in the United States.

    It began with a call from Rabbi Greenberg in Anchorage. He is a great friend of mine, one of the leaders of our Jewish community throughout the State. He asked Jay if he could host a young orthodox rabbi and his wife for a short visit. Of course, Jay, a very generous man, agreed. ‘‘I think it would be around a two-week summer stay.’’ Then they came again for a second visit, this time in January when it is 45 below zero in Fairbanks. It gets really cold in Fairbanks. And they still returned.

    The young couple, Rabbi Heshy Wolf and his wife Chani have now chosen to make Fairbanks their permanent home.

    Jay, generous as ever, purchased a small church with his own money. The previous congregation at the church had outgrown the place. They refurbished it, transforming it into the Fairbanks Jewish Center. The original congregation stayed on rent-free until they found a new home, a new church. Just a few weeks ago, five rabbis gathered in Fairbanks for the first time in over 120 years and hosted this new synagogue, the northernmost synagogue, I believe, in America, in Fairbanks.

    Jay, thank you. What a life of accomplishment. What a legacy, not just for Fairbanks, but for all of Alaska. For every different community—sports community, Jewish community, historical community—you have done it all. And now, Jay, you have been awarded one of the most prestigious awards anyone can achieve in their life, Alaskan of the Week.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Spends 100th Day in Office in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Spends 100th Day in Office in Western North Carolina

    Governor Stein Spends 100th Day in Office in Western North Carolina
    lsaito

    Newland, NC

    Governor Josh Stein spent his 100th day in office in the same place that he spent his first full day as Governor and many days in between – western North Carolina. The Governor today provided updates on the ongoing recovery efforts to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and joined musician Eric Church for the groundbreaking of his affordable housing project in Newland.

    “We’ve spent the first 100 days fighting for the people of western North Carolina, and we will not stop now,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am grateful for all the progress we have made to help western North Carolina rebuild and for our partners who are working to support their communities each and every day. We cannot forget western North Carolina.”

    Governor Stein spoke to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to highlight milestones in western North Carolina’s recovery efforts, as well as the work that remains to rebuild. The Governor thanked the General Assembly for its work to pass $524 million in relief funding and urged them to include home repair, small business grants, fire prevention, and local government support in their next round of funding. 

    Governor Stein also joined country artist Eric Church and his nonprofit Chief Cares at their affordable housing groundbreaking. Governor Stein thanked Church for his work to build new homes, which is crucial for broader recovery efforts. He also celebrated the $120 million allocated towards home repair in the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 and urged continued investment in home repair and rebuilding. Governor Stein also highlighted the recent submission of North Carolina’s action plan for a $1.4 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – the fastest action plan submission by a state for a major hurricane in more than a decade. 

    Governor Stein is committed to partnering with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private and nonprofit partners, to ensure western North Carolina’s recovery and resilience. Read more about Stein’s ongoing work below: 

    Apr 11, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oakland Resident Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Pedro Juarez was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a felony, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.

    Juarez, 33, of Oakland, Calif., was found guilty of the charge by a jury on September 25, 2024.  The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that, on August 16, 2023, Juarez forced a woman he knew to travel with him from San Jose to San Francisco.  After Juarez let the woman go, she called 9-1-1 and police responded to a location in San Francisco at which Juarez was located.  Juarez fled from police and, during his flight, pulled a handgun from his waistband and began to point it towards officers before his arm hit a railing and the firearm fell to the ground.  The firearm was loaded with ammunition.

    In addition to the 84-month prison term, Judge Breyer ordered Juarez serve a three-year term of supervised release, which will begin after he leaves prison.  Judge Breyer also ordered Juarez to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearm and ammunition.  Juarez is currently in custody and will begin to serve is prison term immediately.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ivana Djak and Noah Stern with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum and Madeline Wachs.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Judge Hands Down 18 Year Sentence for the 2021 Fatal Shooting of a Man in Southeast, Washington, DC

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Kirk Spencer, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on April 9, 2025, to 18 years in prison for the February 2021 shooting death of Marcus Covington, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

               Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Spencer to the upper middle of the guideline period of incarceration, 18 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

               Spencer pleaded guilty on October 11, 2024, to one count of second-degree murder while armed with a firearm.

              At approximately 1:35 p.m., on February 23, 2021, Spencer and the decedent, Mr. Marcus Covington, were on the Anacostia Metro platform, located in the 1100 block of Howard Road in Southeast, Washington, DC. Video surveillance footage captured Spencer descend the escalator to the platform where he approached the victim, Marcus Covington. He greeted the victim with a half-hug and the two engaged in a brief conversation. At the end of the conversation, the defendant half-hugged Mr. Covington and as Mr. Covington was turning to head back to the bench area on the platform, Spencer pulled a handgun from his pocket, held it to the side of Mr. Covington’s head and shot him twice. Mr. Covington fell to the ground and as he laid there, Spencer fired again and fled the station. Mr. Covington was transported to Medstar Washington Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead early the next morning.

               In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marybeth Manfreda and Ryan Sellinger of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Missouri Gang Member Indicted for Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Other Crimes Including Three Murders

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri returned an indictment on Wednesday charging Travis Santel Jones, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, with one count of murder in aid of racketeering, RICO conspiracy, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing death with a firearm, all related to Jones’s alleged part in the Cochran Crips, a violent street gang based in St. Louis. Two victims were gunned down in the street and one victim was killed at his own home.

    “There is no place in our communities for groups that terrorize their neighbors,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment alleges violent criminal acts and the tragic loss of three lives, all at the hands of a dangerous gang member. The Department of Justice’s Criminal Division will continue to pursue justice for these victims and for the people of St. Louis.”

    “The alleged activity here is exactly the type of case that the Violent Crime Initiative was designed to tackle — complex criminal conspiracies involving drugs and years of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “There are severe federal consequences for anyone who is tempted to kill and maim to peddle poison.”

    “For years, FBI St. Louis has been investigating violent crimes and drug trafficking by Cochran Crips gang members. In 2020, our office surged resources to assist the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department after two innocent Saint Louis University students were gunned down simply because their vehicle was misidentified by the gang,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not stop until we bring all those involved in the murders to justice.”

    “Violence has no place in our community, and this indictment sends a clear message: we will always be a voice for victims, and we will not stop pursuing justice until there is accountability,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert J. Tracy. “I am proud of the dedication by our investigators on this case, and we will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to keep our neighborhoods safe and take dangerous criminals off our streets.”

    According to court documents, Jones conspired with other Cochran Crips members to commit multiple acts of murder and multiple drug trafficking offenses. Specifically, it is alleged in July 2020, Jones and other members were driving the streets of St. Louis, armed with multiple firearms, looking for “get backs” (retaliation) against a rival gang. While searching for rival gang members, Jones and others allegedly killed two innocent people whom they mistakenly believed to be rivals. After allegedly shooting and killing the victims, Jones and other Cochran Crips allegedly sped away, fleeing the scene and endangering other motorists on the road. Just a day after the murders, it is alleged that Cochran Crips gang members glorified the murders in a rap song.

    In 2022, Jones allegedly murdered another Cochran Crips member when the gang believed that the victim had disrespected a fellow gang member. The gang members are alleged to have obtained a car, armed themselves with multiple firearms, drove to the victim’s home, and murdered him.

    If convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, Jones faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty. All other charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.  

    The FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jared A. Hernandez and Matthew Mattis of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj for the Eastern District of Missouri are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in St. Louis.

    This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 116 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 116 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public official, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week, includes:

    • On April 10, six Mexican nationals were arrested and charged with various immigration crimes. According to complaints, they were apprehended by Border Patrol agents while attempting to illegally enter the U.S. about three miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. While an agent turned his attention to two other suspected illegal border crossers, the six defendants absconded after being placed in handcuffs. Jose Lastra Palafox, Pedro Orlando Aguilar-Vazquez, Javier Eduardo Jimenez Gonzalez, Jose Javier Solis Jardon, Joel Alonso Soria-Garcia, and Lazaro Velazquez Morales were later recaptured.
    • On April 6, Jose Manuel Guzman, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, he was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when a drug detection dog alerted to his vehicle as he attempted to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Officers found 115 packages of methamphetamine weighing 125 pounds, concealed in the quarter panels, gas tank and doors of the vehicle, the complaint said.
    • On April 7, Raul Vallejo-Isordia, Victor Manuel Quintero Sanez, Noe Avila, Jose Juan Cisneros-Cisneros and Valentin Gonzalez-Elizalde – all Mexican nationals – were arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, the defendants were taken into custody in connection with the smuggling of 17 undocumented immigrants who were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard 12 miles west of Point Loma.
    • Also on April 7, Dennis Geovanny Marquez-Cordova of Honduras was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, the defendant had been previously deported.

    Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Key West Man Pleads Guilty in D.C. to Smuggling Firearms from Florida to Haiti

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

               WASHINGTON – Jean Wiltene Eugene, 57, of Key West, Florida, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of smuggling for his role in a gun running operation that illegally exported firearms to Haiti.

               The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Fleck of the Miami Field Office. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22.

               According to court documents, Eugene is a U.S. citizen who was born in Haiti and resides in Key West, Florida. On or about September 23, 2021, Eugene knowingly exported more than two firearms from the United States to Haiti without having first obtained the required license from the Bureau of Industry and Security, located in the District of Columbia. Any person who exports a firearm without proper authorization may be fined up to $1 million and imprisoned for up to 20 years.

               According to court records, Eugene arranged to ship vehicles to Haiti through a Florida-based export company. Eugene signed the company’s terms and conditions of shipments, which required the shipper to affirm that the vehicles did not contain any firearms or ammunition. In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Eugene admitted that, in 2020 and 2021, he shipped two vehicles to Haiti with firearms hidden inside. Eugene stated that he placed food and other items around the bins holding the firearms so border authorities would not find the weapons.

               In a later interview with federal agents Eugene stated that nine firearms he purchased in Key West under his name were currently located at his gas station in Haiti and that none of those firearms remained in the United States. He admitted that he knew it was illegal to ship weapons to Haiti when confronted by the federal agents.

               Pursuant to an active arrest warrant, Eugene was arrested at a traffic stop on May 4, 2024, in Key West.

               This case is being investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall and Trial Attorney Beau Barnes of the National Security Division.

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