NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Young drug dealer receives sentence for using gun for “protection”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced for utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J Ganjei.

    Emiliano Cabriales pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now handed Cabriales a 60-month term of imprisonment immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    On May 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Cabriales was a passenger. During a routine search, they discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales had been sitting.

    Further investigation revealed 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in individual baggies, hidden inside his pants. Cabriales admitted to possessing the cocaine and that he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.

    Cabriales has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alamo Police Department conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Carjacking Spree and Shooting at Police Officers Nets District Man 17 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Tywan J. Cummings, 44, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 204 months in federal prison for an armed carjacking spree in May 2020 that led to a car chase with police, his firing shots on police officers, and his burglarizing an occupied residence where he was eventually caught hiding.

                The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., for the District of Columbia, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Cummings pleaded guilty August 18, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to carjacking; using, possessing, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Cummings to serve five years of supervised release.

            According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of May 17, 2020, in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., Cummings pointed an AR-style rifle at a man who was putting air into his tire of his BMW 325i on the 1200 block of Raum Street. Cummings took the vehicle at gunpoint. Cummings then drove the BMW, with the valve of the pump still attached to the tire, into Maryland and, minutes later, carjacked a nurse of her Hyundai Tucson at gunpoint outside a hospital in Prince George’s County. In the early morning hours of May 18, 2023, multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies from the Bowie, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments pursued Cummings—who was by this time driving a stolen Honda Ridgeline—into Southeast Washington, D.C.  MPD officers were also on scene to assist. 

                At the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Alabama Avenue SE, Cummings crashed the Honda into another car near a gas station. On foot with police in pursuit, Cummings fired multiple shots on Maryland and MPD police officers with a handgun. Shortly after 2 a.m., Cummings broke into an occupied residence on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and hid in an upstairs bedroom. Police declared a barricade at 2:28 a.m.

                Members of the MPD’s Emergency Response Team responded and apprehended Cummings. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, the AR-style rifle from the stolen vehicle, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. No victim sustained physical injuries during the spree. Cummings has been in custody since his arrest.   

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department with valuable assistance provided by the Bowie Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Paul V. Courtney.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TREVON WRIGHT, also known as “Tre,” 23, was sentenced today U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 300 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang, multiple shootings, and his murder of a rival gang member in 2020. 

    Today’s announcement by Marc. H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

    According to court documents, statements made in court, and the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Wright has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns.  The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.  These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.

    Due to the level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, the investigation commenced shortly before East End members shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang, on January 26, 2020.  The next day, in retaliation for these shootings, GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that resulted in four victims being shot while sitting inside a car.

    Wright and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals.  East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

    The investigation determined that on August 23, 2019, Wright shot and wounded an associate of the GHB/Hotz gang and a female companion; on September 15, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Marquis Isreal, also known as “Garf” or “Gbaby,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang; on December 8, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Arvan Smith, also known as “Arv Barkley,” an associate of the O.N.E. gang; and on January 26, 2020, Wright shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang.

    On December 5, 2023, a jury found Wright and three associates guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

    Wright has been detained since January 21, 2021.

    Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Karen L. Peck.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    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.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

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

    BIRMINGHAM Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz.

    U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Keundre Levelle Brown, 25, of Birmingham, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, a Birmingham Police Officer responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at a motel in Birmingham. Brown was found alone inside of a motel room that showed evidence of gunfire, with the shots appearing to have been fired from within the room. The officer searched Brown and found a loaded Taurus G2C pistol in his waistband.  The pistol had been reported stolen about a year earlier in Birmingham. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer Division, for Theft of Property, Burglary and Robbery.

    ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Warns DOGE’s Indiscriminate Cuts, Sloppy Work, and Lack of Transparency will Backfire on Republicans & Harm U.S. Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WATCH: Sen. Reed says DOGE doesn’t want efficient government, it wants to weaken government, blackout oversight & serve Trump and Musk’s interests at the expense of taxpayers

    WASHINGTON, DC – Who is in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)?  What is the agency up to?  Who is it benefitting?  Who is it hurting?  Is DOGE breaking the law?

    These are all simple, reasonable questions — ones that Congress and courts have been asking and ones that the Trump Administration has dodged since January 20, when the president signed an Executive Order that changed the name of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), a small, technology-based office, and morphed it into the vastly more expansive DOGE with long tentacles extending into the operations of virtually every federal department, agency, and office.

    Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the U.S. Treasury Department, the White House, and other key federal agencies and offices, took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to call out DOGE for its attempted power grab, incompetence, and lack of transparency.

    “Mr. Musk and DOGE have rammed their way into agencies — not to make smart decisions, not to improve efficiency, not to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, but to disrupt, denigrate and demoralize.  And along the way, DOGE has made incredible blunders, such as firing and then scrambling to rehire employees at the Nation Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Let me repeat that – Mr. Musk and his minions fired the people who keep nuclear weapons safe,” said Senator Reed. 

    Senator Reed continued.  “Musk and his unvetted coders made the CIA send an unclassified email with the names of its recent hires.  And cut staff from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service who prevent and warn every American of travel and weather dangers.  These actions don’t just reflect incredible incompetence — they are dangerous.  They undermine national security and increase risks for American citizens.  In any other setting, blunders like these would be grounds for firing.  But Musk and DOGE operate with arrogance, impunity, and zero transparency.”

    Regarding the question of who is in charge of DOGE, Donald Trump told a Miami audience of investors and corporate executives on February 20: “I signed an order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and put a man named Elon Musk in charge.” Trump made that statement just days after his Administration’s lawyers told federal courts that Mr. Musk isn’t even a part of the federal bureaucracy.

    In terms of what the agency is up to, no one in the Trump Administration has been able to fully say, but Mr. Musk has repeatedly announced broad changes in federal policy well beyond the purview of “modernizing federal technology,” which was the guise Trump used to establish DOGE.  And DOGE has taken unprecedented and illegal actions against federal workers, firing thousands at a time with little planning and even less justification.  DOGE’s mass-firings and unchecked actions are proving to be harmful to both the federal workforce and the broader economy.

    Reed noted that members of the Appropriations Committee typically work together on a bipartisan basis to seek information and conduct oversight in order to ensure that federal dollars are spent in accordance with the laws passed by Congress. 

    “But now, without authorization from Congress, DOGE is recklessly slashing its way through virtually every federal agency, from the Office of Personnel Management to Treasury to HUD, State, USAID, to the Department of Defense and more,” said Reed.  “It is vital that we understand what DOGE is and isn’t.  While Elon Musk tells the American People that DOGE is ‘maximally transparent,’ it is not.”

    Reed pointed out the American people still do not have answers to fundamental questions like:

    •           What is the scope of DOGE’s work?

    •           How many people work at DOGE? And who are they?

    •           Do they also hold jobs outside the Federal government?

    •           What are their financial holdings and potential conflicts of interest?

    •           Do they have allegiances to foreign governments?

    •           Will it respond to requests under the Freedom of Information Act?

    •           What are its plans to reform agencies?

    •           Who is DOGE firing and why?

    During his floor speech, Reed noted that when DOGE does publicly share some limited information, it is frequently wrong.  As the New York Times reported, five of DOGE’s biggest claimed savings were deleted from its website because they were inaccurate.  This includes:

    •           A cancelled USAID contract for $650 million that was counted three times;

    •           A cancelled Social Security contract was erroneously listed as being worth $232 million instead of $560,000; and

    •           A cancelled ICE contract was listed as saving $8 BILLION instead of $8 million.

    “If you’re going to name something the Department of Government Efficiency, don’t you owe it to the taxpayers to actually do a good job?” Reed asked.

    On top of having zero accountability, DOGE’s legal authority to operate is dubious.

    “DOGE is now using the hollowed shell of USDS to illegally undo the American federal government, moving from agency-to-agency cutting congressionally appropriated federal spending, priorities, and even dismantling entire agencies.  The bottom line is that DOGE is without congressional authorization and without directed funding from Congress,” said Reed.  “Based on press reports, it appears to be populated by a mixture of unelected billionaires, tech executives,  and un-vetted, unexperienced people,  including an individual who was found to have posted racist tweets. This gang is being granted access to Americans’ most sensitive data like your bank accounts, your Social Security accounts, and it would seem, a host of classified intelligence.  How are they using this information?  How are they protecting this information from our enemies? Is it being shared with outside entities?” Reed asked.

    Reed concluded: “Every single day that passes without transparency and Congressional access to information about DOGE’s funding, staffing, and scope of work is a moment too long. With the current Continuing Resolution due to expire on March 14th, we have big decisions to make. My hope is that these decisions can be made on a bipartisan basis informed by the facts. But we cannot responsibly fund the government if we do not understand how DOGE has infiltrated it and made it less efficient and responsive to the taxpayers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump is Undermining American Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; and Chris Coons (D-DE), Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; as well as U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Gregory R. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; issued the following joint statement in response to President Donald Trump’s systematic efforts to isolate the United States from longstanding partners and allies and decimate the federal workforce: 

    “President Trump’s early statements and actions are threatening the national security of our country. Since taking office a little more than a month ago, the president has alienated nearly every international partner and ally we have, leaving us isolated in an increasingly dangerous world as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China work together. We need partners and allies to effectively address the multitude of national security threats we face—or could face. Yet, Trump has shown more alignment with Vladimir Putin, who threatens the international rules-based order, than with our long-standing partners and allies. This was most recently and appallingly demonstrated by Trump’s order yesterday to freeze delivery of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, even as it endures constant bombardment and the decimation of its people.  

    “At the same time, and acting under the president’s direction, Elon Musk is destroying our federal national security workforce, terminating thousands of men and women with deep expertise and a proven commitment to securing our interests around the world. This has weakened our ability to respond to international crises by decimating our global foreign assistance investments, our nuclear safety protections, and our cyber security, just to name a few. And the federal workforce that hasn’t been fired yet is living under constant threat. Chaos at our national security departments and agencies does little to promote a secure America. It does the opposite. We should all be afraid that Trump has turned over access to these locations and our national security workforce to Musk and a collection of his staff, many of whom have no clue what they are reviewing and have never held security clearances.  

    “We are speaking out and urging others to join us before it’s too late. Because make no mistake—this is a concerted effort by Trump and Musk to dismantle our system of government and exploit our weakness to consolidate power that benefits the very countries threatening our national security. It is time to act for the sake of our national security and the American people we were elected to serve.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN envoy strongly condemns continuing Israeli attacks inside Syria

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Tuesday condemned ongoing Israeli attacks inside Syrian territory and continuing violations in and around the demilitarised zone created as part of a 1974 ceasefire agreement.

    Geir Pedersen said in a statement that “such actions are unacceptable and risk further destabilising an already fragile situation, heightening regional tension and undermining efforts toward de-escalation and a sustainable political transition.”

    The condemnation follows a recent wave of airstrikes and ground raids targeting southern Syria which the Israeli Government says are necessary for national security and to keep weapons out of the hands of armed groups hostile to Israel.

    Airstrikes, incursions

    The latest Israeli raid occurred on Monday night targeting a weapons storage facility near the coastal city of Latakia. Several hours later Israeli forces conducted operations in two towns in southern Syria blowing up warehouses, before withdrawing, according to news reports.

    A week ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the “complete demilitarisation” of swathes of southern Syria of the “forces of the new regime”, which ousted former dictator Bashar Assad in December.

    In response, Syria’s transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa reportedly said at the meeting of Arab States in Cairo on Tuesday focused on Gaza reconstruction that Syria is committed to the ceasefire deal of 1974, accusing Israel of violating Syrians’ rights for decades.

    Special envoy Pedersen called on Israel to “cease violations, uphold its international obligations and refrain from unilateral measures that exacerbate conflict.”

    He called for all parties to conflict across the region to respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

    “Constructive dialogue and strict adherence to international agreements and international law are essential for security,” he added.

    Aid trucks

    Meanwhile, UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has welcomed the extension by the caretaker authorities for the UN to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance through the Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee crossing for an additional six months,

    Bab Al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee provide direct routes to Aleppo, where some four million people need assistance, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

    Since the start of the year, more than 520 trucks carrying UN aid – including food, health and other critical supplies – have crossed from Türkiye through these two border points, as well as through Bab al-Hawa – a substantial increase compared to the same period last year.

    “This afternoon, nearly two dozen trucks carrying 300 metric tons of WFP food – enough for 174,000 people – as well as agricultural supplies from the Food and Agriculture Organization, crossed from Türkiye to Syria through Bab Al-Hawa,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: “Europe must ensure its own defense, not rely on US”

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Interview given by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to France Inter (Paris, March 3, 2025)

    (…)

    On Friday evening, millions of French people saw the United States President repeatedly yelling: “You’re gambling with World War III”. World War III – the words were uttered by Donald Trump. Is that something to be afraid of?

    THE MINISTER – It’s not the first time Donald Trump has uttered those words. Would we rather the press conference had gone differently? The answer is yes. Do we see Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a great resistance figure, a hero? The answer is yes. Is it our role to issue indictments or lessons in morality? No.

    It’s not about either indictments or lessons in morality. I’m asking you the question. What do you say to French people who were terrified as they watched television on Friday evening? Is there a threat, yes or no?

    THE MINISTER – Of course. Never has the risk of a war on the European continent, in the European Union, been so great, because for nearly 15 years now the threat has constantly been getting closer, and the front line has constantly been getting closer. That’s why France, President Macron, has been saying for seven years now that we must step up our defence to deter the threat. What we’re witnessing today, what we witnessed in London yesterday, was a whole portion of Europeans waking up after refusing to see the reality of things.

    And are we also witnessing a spectacular rapprochement between Donald Trump’s United States and Russia? Last night the US Secretary of Defence said the United States will be ceasing all offensive cyber operations, all digital attacks against Russia.

    THE MINISTER – The United States has chosen to embark on dialogue with Vladimir Putin’s Russia to bring it to the negotiating table and put an end to the war in Ukraine. We’ve always said that we’ve attempted dialogue and it hasn’t had all the effects we might have expected, and that we must get Vladimir Putin to negotiate through pressure. That’s the strategy we’re continuing to conduct here in Europe…

    We Europeans, not the Americans obviously.

    THE MINISTER – We Europeans. As for that decision, it’s true that I found it a bit difficult to understand, because when it comes to cyber attacks the European Union countries are constantly under that form of attack by Russia.

    That’s it. In other words, can we no longer rely on the Americans to defend us in that way, as you say?

    THE MINISTER – I think it’s in the United States’ interest, it’s even the United States natural destination to be on the side of Ukraine. If Ukraine were to capitulate, it would not only be terrible news for that country, terrible news for the Europeans, but it would be a terrible admission of weakness for the United States of America. And it’s in this spirit that we’re talking to the US administration at every level.

    In this spirit, let’s be clear about this: is that what emerged from yesterday’s summit in London – that we have the bulk of the work to do, as the British Prime Minister said, to defend Europe and resolve this conflict, but not without the Americans? Never without the Americans? Can’t we do it without the Americans? Is that what emerged?

    THE MINISTER – What emerged from yesterday’s summit in London were two things. In the short term, and to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, we want the United States, through pressure, to get Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table and agree to put an end, once and for all, to these imperialist ambitions that have been pushing the front line closer and closer to us. And the other ambition…

    At the risk of seeing them both talking, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, without us and without the Ukrainians.

    THE MINISTER – And the second thing, which is just as important, is that we don’t want to be in the situation we’re in today ever again. In other words, Europe must ensure its own defence and its own security, and we must put in place the necessary resources so that we never again have to ask the United States what it can do for European security, so we can ensure it ourselves.

    At the risk of seeing Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump talking to each other about a ceasefire, without us and without the Ukrainians.

    THE MINISTER – Everyone can talk to whoever they wish. What’s important for us is for this war to end and for the peace that is reached to be accompanied by enough guarantees to ensure the threat never moves closer to our borders again.

    Well, on that point, we read in the press this morning that the British and French want a one-month truce in the fighting. So is this truce in the fighting a prerequisite for being able to discuss peace?

    THE MINISTER – It’s a prerequisite, because this truce in the air, at sea and on energy infrastructure will enable us to confirm Vladimir Putin’s good faith, when he engages in that truce. And that’s when the real peace negotiations will start – because we want peace, but we want a solid and durable peace. A peace that definitively ends what’s been happening for 15 years in the east of the continent.

    Understood. When you say in the air, at sea and on logistical infrastructure, does that mean no withdrawal of troops on the ground, no withdrawal of Russian troops on the ground?

    THE MINISTER – Initially, it’s a way of confirming that Russia really is willing to put an end to this war.

    What makes you think the Russians and the Americans will accept it, this French and British plan?

    THE MINISTER – Because during the discussions we had last Monday, a week ago to the day, with President Donald Trump and his team, it was in that spirit that he was thinking about a resolution to the crisis.

    Is Emmanuel Macron expected to return to Washington to talk about it again?

    THE MINISTER – It’s not expected as of today, and the contacts between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump are very frequent.

    When Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, talk about sending soldiers to Ukraine in a second phase, once the truce has been obtained, does that mean taking on board the risk of a direct confrontation with the Russians?

    THE MINISTER – No, it’s about creating the conditions through military capabilities, once peace has been reached, to definitively deter the threat. It’s what we observe in Europe and other places in the world: through the presence of military capabilities, the threat doesn’t materialize, preventing, as it were, the response from coming.

    OK. So what’s the reaction of our European partners? Giorgia Meloni, for example, the Italian leader, is against – absolutely against – sending troops on the ground to Ukraine?

    THE MINISTER – All the Europeans are fully conscious, because 10 years ago, almost to the day, we saw the Minsk agreements and a ceasefire in Ukraine that was violated 20 times before Russia invaded Ukraine. Everyone’s conscious that a ceasefire isn’t sufficient, that peace must be accompanied by every guarantee to ensure that the fighting stops definitively and that Ukraine’s sovereignty can be respected.

    But how are the 27 presenting themselves? Because on Thursday there’s a meeting that’s really absolutely crucial for Europe’s future.

    THE MINISTER – Indeed, everyone is convinced that it’s the Europeans who will provide the bulk of these military capabilities, and then each according to their capabilities and their wishes.

    Well, we need your thoughts on the discussion about the nuclear deterrent which Emmanuel Macron says he’s ready to begin at the request of the future German chancellor. So France is the only [EU] country to possess a nuclear weapon. Is it going to – how shall I put it? – make that nuclear weapon available to our European allies, as the French far right accuses it of?

    THE MINISTER – The answer is no. What President Macron has said is that he’s ready to ensure that those European partners who so wish can deepen strategic dialogue with us about this issue, which may be linked, if need be, with exercises by deterrence forces. The idea isn’t to share the nuclear deterrent, but to develop a culture of strategic deterrence in Europe.

    And how does that happen in practical terms? Does it mean that in the future, the French President can decided to press the red button if the vital interests of, for example, the Baltic countries or Poland or Romania or Moldova are threatened?

    THE MINISTER – It goes through appropriate channels and not in the France Inter studio, because when it comes to the nuclear deterrent there’s a form of ambiguity that surrounds it and guarantees its effectiveness.

    What does a form of ambiguity mean?

    THE MINISTER – Well, you don’t say everything about the nuclear deterrent.

    Fine. Do you really think a resumption of dialogue between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump is possible?

    THE MINISTER – Yes, I think it’s possible. I think there’s a desire on both sides, because there’s a shared awareness that it’s in Ukraine’s interest, in the Europeans’ interest and in the Americans’ interest to ensure we halt Vladimir Putin’s imperialist tendencies.

    Is France working on that?

    THE MINISTER – France is obviously working on it.

    How?

    THE MINISTER – First of all by talking regularly to both parties. I myself spoke at the weekend to my US counterpart and my Ukrainian counterpart, and I got an appreciation of the extent to which the intention really is to re-engage in dialogue. And the Europeans are also going to continue the discussions, and in the wake of yesterday’s summit I’ll be bringing together the Europeans from Europe’s northern flank this morning, to talk about the conversations held yesterday evening. (…)./.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues to Trump: Fire Elon Musk, Reinstate Agency Leaders and Federal Watchdogs

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Colleagues to Trump: Fire Elon Musk, Reinstate Agency Leaders and Federal Watchdogs

    Democratic lawmakers demand Trump reinstate fired Senate-confirmed officials and address Musk’s conflicts of interest, cite officials’ investigations and prosecutions of Musk’s companies
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined 40 of their Congressional Democratic colleagues in raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s unlawful firings of dozens of independent agency heads and Inspectors General (IGs), and calling attention to how many of these firings appear to benefit Elon Musk. The lawmakers also urged Trump to immediately reinstate the illegally fired individuals and remove Musk from his government role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), on which there are still very few details, unless he addresses his conflicts of interest. 
    Musk and his companies have been the subject of at least 20 recent government investigations or prosecutions, including for possible violations of federal safety and labor laws. President Trump and Elon Musk’s removals of agency heads and career civil servants have affected at least 11 federal agencies that are conducting over 32 ongoing investigations, complaints, or enforcement actions against Musk’s companies.
    The lawmakers warned that failing to hold Musk accountable hurts American citizens and threatens the democratic system of checks and balances.
    “Nearly all of your decisions you made about who to fire appear to benefit Mr. Musk, and many target individuals and agencies that are currently investigating or prosecuting Mr. Musk or his companies for unlawful behavior,” wrote the lawmakers. “Many of these individuals have legal protections dictating why and how they can be removed from office. … Altogether, these firings either directly benefit Mr. Musk and his companies or remove guardrails that would hold them accountable to the rule of law.”
    “These firings have removed the exact individuals in our government who would hold Mr. Musk and his companies accountable for following the law and protect everyday Americans from threats to their health, welfare, safety, and economic well-being,” continued the lawmakers.
    The lawmakers’ letter lists several agency heads and watchdogs who were improperly fired while involved in oversight surrounding Musk, including but not limited to: National Labor Relations Board Chair Gwynne Wilcox, Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Commissioners Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrow, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong.
    Several of Trump’s orders contradict legal protections for the relevant officials. For example, federal law requires the president to notify Congress before removing an inspector general, but Trump did not do so before firing over a dozen IGs. Shortly after the terminations, Senators Padilla and Schiff joined a letter to President Trump demanding that the IGs be reinstated. President Trump has violated federal law with respect to numerous other agency officials, including the Office of the Special Counsel, the head of the Merit Service Protection Board, and a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Federal courts have already intervened against many of these presidential actions.
    The letter was led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.-11) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08). In addition to Padilla and Schiff, the letter is also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), as well as Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.-AL), Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-05), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-Ga.-04), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Summer Lee (D-Pa.-12), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.-02), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.-01), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.-10), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai’i-02), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43).
    Senators Padilla and Schiff have fought against the Trump Administration’s federal workforce cuts and Inspectors General firings. Last month, Padilla, Schiff, and all other Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded answers from Trump Administration nominees and acting officials on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Padilla condemned Trump’s attempt to unlawfully fire more than a dozen Inspectors General during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. He previously sounded the alarm on concerning reports that DOGE will make wide-ranging, harmful cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) workforce and programs, hampering HUD’s ability to support vulnerable communities and combat the housing and homelessness crises. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Padilla also denounced the illegal firing of FEC Chair Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind this decision. 
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear President Trump:
    We are concerned that you have engaged in an unlawful firing spree that includes dozens of Senate-confirmed government officials. Many of the individuals you have targeted lead federal agencies and offices that are investigating or prosecuting companies belonging to Elon Musk, one of your top advisors, for violations of a wide swath of federal safety, labor, intelligence, and other rules and laws. The firings of these officials threaten our democratic system of checks and balances and fail to hold Mr. Musk accountable for actions that may have hurt workers, endangered national security and citizens’ and small businesses’ data, ripped off taxpayers, damaged the environment, and broken federal election rules.
    You have fired scores of Senate-confirmed government officials over the past three weeks, including many individuals who have legal protections dictating why and how they can be removed from office. For example, federal law requires the president to notify Congress before removing an inspector general (IG) from office, but you did not do so before firing over a dozen IGs during your first week in office. You also failed to set forth the specific and substantive rationale for each IG’s firing. Members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can be removed “for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause,” and you removed an NLRB member with no justification. These and other firings are illegal.
    Nearly all of your decisions you made about who to fire appear to benefit Mr. Musk, and many target individuals and agencies that are currently investigating or prosecuting Mr. Musk or his companies for unlawful behavior. The fired individuals directly involved in pending or previous actions related to Mr. Musk and businesses include:
    NLRB Chair Gwynne Wilcox. In January 2024, the NLRB charged Mr. Musk’s astronautics company SpaceX with engaging in unfair labor practices; the NLRB also currently has at least a dozen unfair labor practices cases open against Mr. Musk’s automotive company Tesla;
    FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub. In 2024, the FEC adjudicated cases that alleged Mr. Musk may have violated campaign finance laws;
    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows. In September 2023, the EEOC sued Tesla for racial harassment and retaliation;
    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) IG Phyllis Fong. In December 2022, the USDA IG investigated potential animal welfare violations at Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink; and
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) IG Paul Martin. The USAID IG was inspecting the use of Starlink terminals to support Ukraine.
    You also fired three other IGs from agencies that were investigating or had punished Mr. Musk’s companies.
    U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) IG Eric Soskin. In January 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency under the DOT, opened an investigation into Tesla over safety concerns in its remote and self-driving vehicles, and in September 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration, which is also part of DOT, proposed fining SpaceX $630,000 for failing to follow license requirements during rocket launches;
    U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) IG Robert Storch. In December 2024, the DoD IG reportedly opened an investigation into repeated failures by Musk and SpaceX to disclose their meetings with foreign leaders; and
    U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IG Larry Turner. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, part of the DOL, “has opened probes into and fined SpaceX, Tesla and Boring Company for worker injuries or unsafe working conditions.”
    You have also fired numerous other agency leaders and IGs who would have provided a check on potential wrongdoing by Musk and his companies. These federal watchdogs could have held Musk and his associates accountable for future violations of the law. These individuals include:
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) IG Sean O’Donnell. In 2019 and 2022, the EPA settled lawsuits with Tesla over Clean Air Act and hazardous waste law violations;
    U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) IG Mark Greenblatt. DOI had reviewed Musk’s rocket launch facility Starbase;
    U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director David Huitema. OGE is an independent agency responsive for preventing conflicts of interest among federal officers and employees;
    U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Member Cathy Harris. MSPB is an independent agency that protects civil servants against partisan political and other prohibited practices;
    Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) Chair Susan Tsui Grundmann. FLRA is an independent agency that oversees labor-management relations for federal employees; and
    U.S. Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger. OSC is an independent agency that protects whistleblowers and enforces restrictions on partisan political activity by government employees.
    Altogether, these firings either directly benefit Mr. Musk and his companies or remove guardrails that would hold them accountable to the rule of law. The firings also hurt everyday Americans. The individuals you have fired served important watchdog roles in our government. IGs “protect taxpayer money by rooting out corruption, fraud, waste and mismanagement.” Minority commissioners on multi-member commissions of independent agencies provide dissenting opinions to the majority and allow for balanced decision-making over significant issues. In addition to removing agency leadership, you and Mr. Musk are removing career civil servants who would conduct investigations and enforcement actions against lawbreakers. The impacts are vast: in total, your removals of agency heads and career civil servants have affected at least eleven federal agencies with more than thirty-two ongoing investigations, complaints, or enforcement actions on Mr. Musk’s companies.
    Mr. Musk has failed to address conflicts of interest related to his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency while serving as CEO of multiple companies that have significant interests before the federal government. Musk is required to comply with federal conflict of interest prohibitions (18 U.S.C. § 208) that prohibit him “from personally and substantially participating in any particular matter that would have a direct and predictable effect on his financial interests,” but the White House has stated that he will be in charge of policing his own compliance with the law, and he has provided no indication of whether he is doing so. Now, these firings have removed the exact individuals in our government who would hold Mr. Musk and his companies accountable for following the law and protect everyday Americans from threats to their health, welfare, safety, and economic well-being. We urge you to immediately reinstate the illegally fired individuals and remove Mr. Musk from his government role unless he addresses his massive and glaring conflicts of interest as required by law.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Enhancing safety and economic growth in the north

    Moving people to safety during an emergency is a key priority. That’s why Alberta’s government is investing $311 million over three years in Budget 2025 to increase emergency route capacity for residents in northern Alberta. This will provide new and better options to escape dangerous situations, like wildfires, that require people to evacuate from their homes. If passed, Budget 2025 will improve access to and from northern cities and communities and unlock more economic opportunity, opening up the resource-rich north and building a stronger, freer Alberta.

    “Wildfires underscore the need for more emergency egress routes. That’s why we are starting detailed design work to extend Highway 686 between Peerless Lake and Fort McMurray, creating a new emergency route for northern residents and a new east-west economic corridor in this resource-rich part of Alberta.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “These investments make it clear how important northern Alberta is to Alberta’s government. These infrastructure projects will boost safety and economic corridors, especially for people in the Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche region, and better connect Indigenous communities.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    Budget 2025 includes detailed design work to extend Highway 686 between Peerless Lake and Fort McMurray, adding a new egress route and providing new capacity for the movement of energy products, heavy equipment and the delivery of goods and services to communities in the region. The new Highway 686 alignment will extend the highway by 218 kilometres, creating a new east-west highway link to connect northern Alberta communities and to support economic development across the region.

    “For years, our Nation has fought for better road access, knowing how critical it is for our safety, mobility and economic future. The province’s enhanced funding for the Highway 686 corridor – especially for paving the road from Red Earth Creek all the way to Trout Lake – is a direct and positive response to our advocacy and our Nation’s needs. We recognize the steps Alberta has taken to work with us as meaningful partners and beneficiaries in this process. These investments have the potential to transform lives in Peerless Trout First Nation, and as this spirit of collaboration continues and strengthens, even greater opportunities can unfold for our people.”

    Chief Gilbert Okemow, Peerless Trout First Nation

    “With these latest investments in Highway 686, the Province of Alberta is demonstrating that major infrastructure projects can be developed in true partnership with First Nations. The province has heard our Nations’ voices and has been engaged early and meaningfully, and that is what will ensure this project benefits our communities, our people and future generations. We look forward to continuing to play a leadership role, knowing that this approach – one that respects our rights and prioritizes our leadership and direct involvement – will be key to its long-term success.”

    Chief Ivan Sawan, Loon River First Nation

    “The Highway 686 project is moving in the right direction because it is being shaped by First Nations, not just around us, but with us. The province has shown a willingness to work with our Nations in a way that prioritizes our involvement and our ability to directly benefit from the work ahead. That approach must continue, because when our people are full participants in infrastructure projects like this, we don’t just see roads being built – we see opportunities being created for generations to come.”

    Chief Andy Alook, Bigstone Cree Nation

    “Major projects in traditional territories must balance responsible development with respect for the land and the people who live with it. I appreciate the province’s collaborative commitment to work with First Nations to develop the Highway 686 corridor. This funding announcement is an important step forward. We expect to see tremendous benefits – not just in improved access but in long-term economic development opportunities for our Nations.”

    Chief Raymond Powder, Fort McKay First Nation

    “Investing in Highway 686 is a game-changer for Fort McMurray and the entire northern region. This project will enhance safety for our residents by improving emergency access and unlocking new economic opportunities. I’m proud to see our government taking real action to strengthen our communities and build a more connected and resilient northern Alberta.”

    Tany Yao, MLA, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

    Budget 2025 also proposes funding over three years for engineering work for grade, base and paving of about 61.7 kilometres of the north-south segment of Highway 686 near Red Earth Creek and Peerless Lake in Peerless Trout First Nation, with additional funding over three years to pave more than 27 kilometres between Peerless Lake and Trout Lake.

    If passed, Budget 2025 will also invest in a number of other highway projects that are underway or in the planning phase, including $101 million for twinning Highway 63, north of Fort McMurray, between Mildred Lake and the Peter Lougheed Bridge. This will increase emergency route capacity and support economic growth throughout northern Alberta. Detailed design work on the new bridge continues, as well as consultations with local Indigenous communities.

    Additionally, $141 million over three years would be invested in safety upgrades to Highway 881, from just south of Fort McMurray to Lac La Biche. The improvements include 14 new passing lanes, an oversize load staging area and several intersection upgrades. Construction is expected to take three to four years and be completed by fall 2028.

    Finally, $7 million over three years would be provided to plan an extension to Highway 956 from La Loche in Saskatchewan to Fort McMurray, providing an additional route to and from the Wood Buffalo region. Planning will commence in 2025 and is anticipated to be complete in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Design is expected to take about three years to complete.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick Facts

    • Budget 2025 invests $8.5 billion over three years in Transportation and Economic Corridors’ Capital Plan, a $333.7 million increase compared with Budget 2024 that includes:
      • $2.6 billion in Capital Investment for planning, design and construction of roads and bridges.
      • $1.7 billion in Capital Maintenance and Renewal for highway and bridge rehabilitation projects.
      • $240.1 million for water management and flood.
      • $3.9 billion for Capital Grants to Municipalities. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waitara Road roundabout construction progresses

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The installation of stormwater pipes, signage, footpaths and landscaping is in the works as Te Ara Tutohu: Waitara to Bell Block project on State Highway 3 progresses to the next stage.

    Next week, from 11 March, crews will start on the next stage of works, which will see the southbound lane of the Waitara Road roundabout constructed.

    Work just completed has seen workers relocate underground services and complete pavement and stormwater work on Raleigh Street (between SH3 and Tate Road).

    Access to all businesses and residential properties in the area will be maintained during this next stage of works.

    Traffic management

    • From 8pm 11 March to 5.30am 12 March, the SH3/Waitara Road intersection will be reduced to one lane to allow crews to move the temporary central barrier currently in place, complete temporary line marking, and reinstall the flexible hit sticks in preparation for the latest stage of work to start. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place at the intersection during this work. Delays of up to 5 minutes are possible.
    • From 12 March to mid-April, SH3 through the Waitara Road intersection will be open to southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic will be detoured on to Raleigh Street and the newly constructed section of Tate Road, which connects directly to SH3. This detour will add less than 5 minutes to travel times.

    Due to the limited amount of space available on the road, there will be no space to safely turn right into Raleigh Street from the southbound lane of SH3.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is working with the contractor to ensure construction of the roundabout causes as little disruption as possible.

    Waitara Road access

    • From 12-19 March, both lanes of Waitara Road will be open however motorists turning on to SH3 from Waitara Road will only be able to travel south towards New Plymouth. Motorists who want to travel north will be detoured along Richmond Road where they will be able to turn right and head north at the SH3/Richmond Road intersection. The detour is expected to add up to 5 minutes to travel times.
    • From 19 March to mid-April, access to SH3 from Waitara Road will be closed while crews complete work in the southbound lane between Raleigh Street and Waitara Road. Access for motorists turning into Waitara Road from the southbound lane of SH3 will remain open. Motorists on Waitara Road who need to access SH3 will be detoured along Richmond Road.
    • From 12 March to mid-April, northbound traffic on SH3 will need to use the Richmond Road detour to access Waitara Road.

    Future work

    Planning is underway for sections of SH3 either side of the Waitara Road intersection to be rebuilt and for some line marking and rumble strips to be installed near the Princess Street roundabout. We will provide updates on these once details are confirmed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national sentenced to five years in prison for drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Seattle – A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to five years in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, announced Acting United States Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Jose Gerardo Rodriguez-Montoya was encountered twice by law enforcement – the first time while they were investigating a drug distribution ring bringing narcotics to the area from Arizona. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead said, “These offenses are serious. You had large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs… Dealing in fentanyl is dealing in death.”

    According to records in the case, in March and April 2023, Rodriguez-Montoya was identified as a drug supplier by someone working as a confidential informant. Law enforcement learned that the trafficking organization was expecting a new shipment of narcotics from Arizona, and they saw Rodriguez-Montoya unload a large duffel-bag from a car with Arizona plates and take it into his Federal Way apartment. When law enforcement moved in, they recovered three kilograms of fentanyl powder as well as three kilograms of heroin and various smaller amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. They also found a .45 caliber pistol in the apartment.

    Seven months later he was arrested coming out of Snoqualmie Casino after being linked to a burglary and car theft. At the arrest Rodriguez-Montoya was found to have a handgun in his right front pocket.

    Rodriguez-Montoya pleaded guilty to the two federal felonies in November 2024.

    In asking for the five-year sentence prosecutors noted for the court the latest statistics on fentanyl overdose deaths in our community. “In 2023, the King County Medical Examiner’s office reported 1,085 confirmed overdose deaths related to fentanyl, 778 deaths in 2024, and 99 fentanyl-related deaths in King County so far this year. Fentanyl is estimated to be fifty times stronger than heroin. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can kill. And Rodriguez-Montoya knows personally the devastating impact of fentanyl. In 2021, his father passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose while living here in Seattle.”

    Rodriguez-Montoya has been in federal custody since his arrest in February 2024.

    Judge Whitehead imposed 4 years of supervised release to follow prison should Rodriguez-Montoya return to the U.S.

    The case was investigated by Seattle Police department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erika Evans.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea Secured in Conspiracy to Commit Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Juwon Anderson, 22, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.   

                U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 5, 2025. The defendant was arrested on December 15, 2023, and has been detained ever since.

                Others charged in the conspiracy are: Vincent Lee Alston, aka “Vedo,” 22, and Niquan Odumn, aka “Stickz” and “Debo,” 22, all of Washington, D.C., and Cy’Juan Hemsley, aka “Juan,” 18, of District Heights, Maryland, and Tyjuan McNeal, 28, of Washington, D.C

                According to the court documents, on December 13, 2023, the defendant and at least four co-conspirators drove from Washington, D.C. to the A & D pawn shop in Maryland in two vehicles. Once at the A & D pawn shop, one of the co-conspirators used a portable saw to cut the locks on a pull-down security gate covering the entrance to the A & D Pawn Shop. Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door to the A&D Pawn Shop.  Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door to the A & D pawn shop. After breaking into the A & D pawn shop, the defendant and four other co-conspirators then entered the store, grabbed firearms from the store’s shelves and display racks, and left the store with firearms. In total, the defendant and his co-conspirators stole at least 34 firearms from the A & D Pawn shop. Anderson and his co-conspirators then used social media to advertise the sale of the stolen firearms. Two days after the burglary, on December 15, 2023, Anderson was arrested with two of the stolen firearms.

                This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shehzad Akhtar and Ryan Lipes.    

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts 2 Illegal Aliens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned indictments on March 4, 2025, charging 2 illegal aliens with federal criminal offenses.   

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.

    According to the indictments:

    Vidal Ricardo Murillo-Zuniga, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about January 22, 2025, Murillo-Zuniga was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 29, 2013. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE/ERO.

    Roberto Diaz-Jarquin, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about November 10, 2023, Diaz-Jarquin possessed 6 firearms in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE/ERO.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Ansari and Josh Porter are prosecuting the cases.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Murderer Found Guilty for an April 2021 Homicide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Was Released Under Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) While Serving Time for Another Homicide

                WASHINGTON –   Darrell Moore, 47, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today, by a Superior Court jury, of first-degree murder while armed and other related firearm charges, in connection with the April 2021 murder of Julius Hayes, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Moore faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 3:50 p.m. on April 3, 2021, Moore drove to the 300 block of 18th Street, NE, in a black sedan. There, Moore approached Mr. Hayes. The two began to argue, but Mr. Hayes walked away from the confrontation. Moore, however, ran at Mr. Hayes, pulled out a handgun and shot Mr. Hayes multiple times in the middle of the street. Moore then went back to the sedan where he paused for a bit, but decided to return to Mr. Hayes to continue the attack. Moore left the area driving south on 18th Street. Officers and medics responded to the scene and discovered Mr. Hayes lying between two parked cars. Mr. Hayes was pronounced dead after he was rushed to the hospital. Moore was arrested on May 11, 2021 and has been in custody since.

                In 1995, at the age of 16, Moore was tried as an adult and convicted of first-degree murder while armed, felony murder, and other charges for the brutal home invasion-killing of a child and the attempted murders of the child’s mother and aunt. Moore committed this crime with his twin brother, who was also convicted and remains incarcerated. On August 7, 2020, Moore was released, over the government’s objection, after receiving a sentence reduction under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA). Nine months after his release, Moore executed Mr. Hayes in broad daylight in the middle of the street.

                Moore was arrested on May 11, 2021 and has been in custody since.

                In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin commended the work of those investigating the case from the MPD, United States Attorney’s Office, ATF Washington Field Division, FBI Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences, DC Department of Corrections, and the United States Marshals Service. Finally, the U.S. Attorney commended Assistant United States Attorneys Nebiyu Feleke and Michael C. Lee for their work in prosecuting this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Sentenced in Multi-State Gun Trafficking Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ABERDEEN, MS – The final defendant was sentenced today in a case targeting the trafficking of firearms from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois. Ronnell Pratt, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for firearms trafficking, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and retaliating against a witness.

    The investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago, Illinois had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.

    Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically.  In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale by Pratt and others. While the case was pending, Pratt took harmful action against a witness for providing information to federal officers related to the offense.

    On March 4, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Pratt to 151 months in federal prison for the offenses to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Aycock imposed the 60-month sentence for the conspiracy violation to run consecutively to the 91-month sentence for firearms trafficking. Pratt was also sentenced to 120 months for retaliating against a witness to run concurrent to the 151-month sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.

    Ultimately, six defendants were prosecuted for their roles in the trafficking conspiracy, with a federal jury convicting one defendant last fall. The other members of the enterprise received the following sentences for their roles:

    • Derrick Stewart, Jr., of Chicago, Illinois, 120 months imprisonment for firearms trafficking and conspiracy;
    • Jarvis Hood, of Belzoni, Mississippi, statutory maximum of 60 months imprisonment for the offense of conspiracy;
    • Jalene Young, of Inverness, Mississippi, 31 months imprisonment for making false statements during firearms purchases;
    • Herbert Scott, Jr., of Belzoni, Mississippi, 14 months imprisonment for making false statements to federal agents; and
    • Markeveon Brown, of Isola, Mississippi, 36 months of supervision for making false statements during firearms purchases.

    “The straw purchasing and trafficking of firearms in this case contributed directly to the gun violence that plagues Chicago, and I hope that the message is clear that people who illegally purchase firearms for felons become convicted felons themselves when they face the inevitable consequences for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I am extremely proud of AUSA Julie Howell Addison for leading this effort with our partners at ATF in Mississippi and Chicago to shut down this ring of people who were more than willing to take money to provide the means for violent criminals to terrorize a community.”

    “The severity of this sentence holds this defendant accountable for the illegal trafficking of firearms between Mississippi and Chicago,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the ATF Oxford Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting this important case in cooperation with our ATF Chicago Field Division.”

    The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Howell Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 to speak at Piper Sandler 25th Annual Energy Conference

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), will participate in a fireside chat at the Piper Sandler 25th Annual Energy Conference at 1:50 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
    Lashier will discuss the company’s plans to continue advancing strategic priorities across its segments to deliver shareholder value and maintaining its ongoing commitment to disciplined capital allocation.
    To access the webcast, go to the Events and Presentations section of the Phillips 66 Investors site, phillips66.com/investors. A replay will be archived on the Events and Presentations page the day after the event, and a transcript will be available at a later date.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Bill To Put American Farmers and Producers First

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in re-introducing the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act, which will help eliminate trade barriers that harm American farmers, producers, and businesses, leading to higher prices for consumers. This legislation aims to protect U.S. agriculture while ensuring that the food which appears on U.S. store shelves meets U.S. health standards.
    “America’s ag industry can out-compete anyone in the world—as long as the rules are fair,” said Senator Tuberville. “But right now, our farmers, producers, and fishermen are suffering because of foreign countries violating their trade obligations. We must level the playing field to bolster our domestic ag industry. We must eliminate barriers to our agriculture exports. I will continue to keep working to remove red tape for those in our ag industry.”
    Joining Senators Tuberville and Cassidy in re-introducing this legislation are U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress as well.
    BACKGROUND:
    The Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act establishes a joint task force on agricultural trade enforcement led by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The task force will more proactively monitor upcoming Indian and Chinese industrial subsidies, rather than waiting to react after subsidies are in place. The bill will also require the task force to report recommendations to Congress to deal with unfair subsidies they identify, like India dumping shrimp on the U.S. market, driving down income for American fisherman.
    Establishing a USDA-USTR task force urges USTR to hold bad actors, like India, accountable for agricultural WTO violations and requires regular reporting to Congress and industry on those efforts. 
    Since 2005, the U.S. has imposed antidumping duties and conducted reviews of those duties on shrimp. These antidumping duties were placed on foreign shrimp suppliers as a result of unfair trade practices. These practices flooded the U.S. shrimp market with foreign frozen warmwater shrimp, deteriorating the per-pound price from $6.50 in 1980 to under $1.00 today. The decline in shrimp prices has driven domestic harvesters out of business and allowed foreign entities to control this U.S. market. India is the world’s top shrimp exporter, accounting for roughly 40 percent of U.S. shrimp imports, largely due to massive subsidies from the Indian government.
    Alabama shrimp farmers produce approximately 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of farm-raised shrimp annually. In 2022, commercial wild-shrimp landings totaled approximately 24.3 million pounds, with over $52 million in value, in Alabama.
    As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Tuberville has taken rigorous action to bolster and safeguard our own domestic agriculture industry, including recently reintroducing the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act and Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act. 
    MORE:
    Tuberville Honors National Agriculture Week, Continues to Stand Up for Farmers
    Tuberville Continues Fighting Foreign Influence in American Agriculture
    Tuberville Gets the Gavel for Key Agriculture Subcommittee
    Tuberville Continues Push to Combat Chinese Influence in U.S. Agriculture 
    Tuberville, Colleagues Stand up for Agriculture Producers
    Tuberville Introduces Bill to Combat Foreign Influence in U.S. Agriculture Industry
    Tuberville Announces Agriculture Subcommittee Assignments
    Tuberville Statement on Tom Vilsack Confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture
    Tuberville Advocates for Farmers During Senate AG Hearing
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Grills Trump Nominees On Gutting USAID, Abiding By The Constitution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned Christopher Landau, nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, and Michael Rigas, nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Murphy pressed Landau on the administration’s hollowing out of USAID and how he can claim there was a good faith review if he also purports to not know the extent of furloughs and terminations. Murphy pushed Rigas on the executive branch’s legal obligation to spend money appropriated by Congress.
    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchange with the nominees can be found below:
    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Landau, I deeply appreciate your service to this country and your willingness to come before this committee. But I’ll be honest with you, I find it pretty offensive that you are trying to maintain that there is some good faith review happening at USAID, when the representatives of the administration in charge of cost-cutting have made it clear that the goal is to destroy USAID. Do you know what percentage of USAID employees have been fired or furloughed?”
    LANDAU: “Senator, I do not. I’m here as a private citizen. I’m a nominee, so I am not part of the administration at this point.”
    MURPHY: “Do you have a ballpark guess? You’re about to help lead America’s diplomatic efforts–a ballpark guess as to how many USAID employees have been fired or furloughed?”
    LANDAU: “Again, Senator, I’ve just looked at the way the president has set this forth–that he has instituted a 90-day review period–”
    MURPHY: “You haven’t read reports that you might be able to cite today?”
    LANDAU: “Well, I’ve seen some reports, again, in the press, but I want to be very careful before I start acting as if I know what is going on behind the scenes. I’m not part of the administration yet. Obviously, if I am confirmed, you can call me before you for oversight.”
    MURPHY: “Here’s the problem: so the number is 94%. 94% of USAID staff have been fired or essentially permanently furloughed. And you stated to us that you believe this is a good faith 90-day review. And yet, you actually don’t know how many people have been fired or furloughed. How can you come to the conclusion that this is a good faith review when you actually don’t know the extent of the terminations? Wouldn’t it be relevant as to the question of whether it was a good faith review if 94% of the agency had already been terminated?”
    LANDAU: “Well, Senator, again, I think it’s important to recognize: what are the programs and how are these people that are being fired or furloughed–” 
    MURPHY: “But how did you come to the conclusion that this is a good faith review if you don’t even know what’s happening? You can’t have it both ways. You can’t come to the committee and say, ‘I know this is a good faith review, but I don’t know anything that’s happening because I’m not in the administration.’”
    LANDAU: “Well, Senator, again, I assume– there’s a presumption of government regularity that exists generally in the law. I believe strongly that the president wants to comply with the law, wants to make sure that we are doing the American taxpayers’ bidding by looking carefully at these programs and making sure that we separate the baby from the bathwater.”
    MURPHY: “I just don’t think you can have it both ways. I don’t think you can come here and tell us that you know that this is a good faith review but assert that you don’t have any basic information about what’s happening. Mr. Rigas, which branch of government has the power to decide how taxpayer money is spent? Is it the legislative branch, the executive branch, or the judicial branch?”
    RIGAS: “Thank you for the question, Senator. Congress has the power of the purse. The executive has the power to make sure the laws are faithfully implemented, and the courts arbitrate disputes between those two branches.”
    MURPHY: “So, if Congress has authorized an agency or a department, and has appropriated money with the caveat that the money shall be spent, does the administration have the obligation to spend that money in accordance with how Congress has appropriated the dollars?”
    RIGAS: “Senator, I’m not a lawyer but my understanding is the executive has a role in how those moneys are spent. So to the extent that the–”
    MURPHY: “I think Republicans and Democrats on this committee should care about the answer to this question. That’s a pretty easy one. If Congress has authorized a function, an agency or department, and has appropriated dollars with the word ‘shall,’ do you believe the executive branch can decide not to spend those dollars?”
    RIGAS: “Well I’m familiar with mandatory entitlement programs which have that language, and those are on autopilot, so–”
    MURPHY: “This is not an entitlement program. Let me give you an example. The National Endowment for Democracy is established by law. We appropriate every year, and we say that the dollars appropriated–in this case, $315 million–shall be spent. You are going to oversee spending at the Department of State. Do you believe that the executive branch could choose not to spend dollars that are appropriated by Congress with a ‘shall’ rather than a ‘may?’”
    RIGAS: “I don’t think so but I’m not the ultimate arbiter of that question. And how the money is spent–”
    MURPHY: “You are the arbiter of that question. You are actually being nominated for the job that would decide how those dollars are spent.”
    RIGAS: “I think the question at hand here is on what things is the money being spent, not whether it should be spent or not.”
    MURPHY: “No, we decide how the money is spent, and you’re supposed to execute it. If we say $315 million is to be spent at the National Endowment for Democracy, do you believe that you have the ability to deny that money to be spent on the functions that Congress appropriates? This is a really important question.”
    RIGAS: “I don’t think so, but I also think what’s at–”
    MURPHY: “So you don’t think so. So yes or no?”
    RIGAS: “I think that if that’s what the law says, then that is what needs to happen.”
    MURPHY: “Okay, thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: Deep concern for civilians as aid crossings remain shut

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday that the continued closure of key border crossings into Gaza is putting civilian lives at risk, just as they begin to recover from months of war, deprivation and hunger.

    Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the Kerem Shalom, Zikim and Erez crossings had remained closed for cargo for the third consecutive day, severely restricting the flow of humanitarian supplies into the devastated enclave.

    “The Israeli authorities have rejected our attempts to collect humanitarian supplies that crossed the Kerem Shalom border crossing before its closure,” he said, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

    “Given the huge needs in Gaza, keeping the crossings closed will have devastating consequences,” he added, underscoring that Member States and those with influence must use all available means to ensure the ceasefire holds.

    Aid should not be used as ‘a weapon’: UNRWA chief

    Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), warned on Tuesday that Israel’s decision to halt aid should be reversed.

    “Humanitarian aid must continue to flow at scale similar to what we have seen over the past six weeks when the ceasefire began. This brought respite and relief to people in need,” he said in a post on the platform X.

    He noted that the vast majority of the people in Gaza rely on aid for their “sheer survival”, adding that water, medical care and electricity were essential to complement basic food assistance.

    “Aid and these basic services are non-negotiable. They must never be used as weapons of war,” Mr. Lazzarini stated.

    Services continue

    Despite the restrictions, UN agencies and humanitarian partners on the ground are working to sustain aid operations across the Gaza Strip, Mr. Dujarric said.

    On Monday, the dialysis unit at Al Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City resumed services on Tuesday, alongside a 25-bed in-patient unit. Paediatric services also resumed at the Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 29 child patients, along with 43 companions, were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan via Israel for specialized medical treatment. This marked the first WHO-supported medical evacuation to Jordan since the ceasefire began in January.

    Inside Gaza, WHO has also provided hygiene and sanitation supplies to thousands of women and girls, warning that the lack of access to clean water and sanitation could worsen mental health conditions for those who have been displaced.

    Escalation in the West Bank

    In the West Bank, Israeli military operations in Jenin have escalated, leading to more displacement and destruction, Mr. Dujarric reported.

    Israeli forces ordered residents in one part of Jenin city to evacuate their homes, displacing about 30 families “including at least three, who had been displaced previously,” he said.

    He added that Israeli forces used bulldozers, damaging infrastructure and causing power outages, while intensified access and movement restrictions to and from the city were also observed.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: 3D Systems to Attend Cantor Global Technology Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROCK HILL, S.C., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today that the Company will participate in the Cantor Global Technology Conference on March 11, 2025.

    President and CEO, Dr. Jeffrey Graves will participate in a fireside chat at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will participate in individual meetings alongside members of the Company’s leadership team throughout the day.

    A live webcast of the conference presentation will be available on 3D Systems’ Investor Relations page. The link will be live just prior to the start of the event and will be available for on-demand viewing approximately 24 hours after the event is complete. The webcast recording will be available for a limited time following the conference.

    About 3D Systems
    More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction – empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

    Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com
    Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Famine looms in Somalia without funding boost, WFP says

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    “The time to step up is now” for the people of Somalia, where drought threatens 1.7 million young children at risk of acute malnutrition, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday.

    The East African country faced famine in 2022, but a scale-up in humanitarian assistance helped to avert catastrophe.

    Today, food insecurity on the increase once again, with 3.4 million people already acutely food insecure. That number is projected to rise by a full million, to 4.4 million between April and June – nearly a quarter of the population.

    According to the international food security classification system IPC, acute hunger is level three on a scale of one to five, with level five denoting famine and level four, severe acute malnutrition.

    High risk of mortality

    WFP believes that about 1.26 million children under the age of five need immediate support. Of that number, 466,000 will likely be severely acutely malnourished this year and at risk of death.

    “We have learned in Somalia from past experience that that delays can be deadly, and we need resources to provide support to these very vulnerable groups,” said WFP spokesperson Jean-Martin Bauer, speaking from Rome.

    He called on donors and partners to increase funding to the country of 19 million people.

    Poor harvest

    Two consecutive failed crop seasons last year resulted in harvests 45 per cent below-average yields, Mr. Bauer said.

    This is linked to consecutive climate shocks in Somalia, where poor rainfall depleted water sources and led to livestock losses.

    Weather forecasters predict another drought from April to June, while humanitarians warn that malnutrition is likely to worsen due to disease outbreaks and reduced food access.

    WFP has yet to factor in the impact of any funding cuts from the United States but chronic underfunding has forced it to cut back assistance to 820,000 people, down from 2.2 million in 2022.

    The agency has also had to downsize its school feeding programme, which was suspended in some states including the South West and Somaliland.

    Funding shortfalls

    Just 12 per cent of the $1.4 billion overall appeal for Somalia has been funded so far, Mr. Bauer said.

    The WFP provides up to 90 per cent of food assistance in Somalia, making it an essential lifeline for thousands of people, including many internally displaced by conflict.

    A combination of in-kind food assistance and cash-based transfers is needed to mitigate the worst effects of the crisis, Mr. Bauer stressed, referring to aid coming in the form of goods or services like food packages, shelter and blankets.

    “When you are facing a crisis like the one we are worried about in Somalia, we need all types of resources to be put at play to avert the worst,” he said.

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Providing EU resources and support to improve operating conditions for the Italian National Fire Brigade – E-003035/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. According to the EU Treaties[1] Member States are primarily responsible for the management of disasters[2], including forest fires. The Commission supports coordination and complements Member State actions through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism[3] and its early warning tools, including the Copernicus’ European Forest Fire Information System (EFISS)[4]. The Commission also encourages the use of the Galileo Emergency Satellite Warning Service and supports the development and maintenance of Member States response capabilities to wildfires through rescEU[5] and the European Civil Protection Pool[6]. The Commission encourages the share of best practices in prevention and preparedness with a variety of tools[7][8].

    2. As announced by the President of the European Commission in the Political Guidelines 2024-2029, the Commission intends to put forward a Quality Jobs Roadmap, developed together with the social partners to support fair wages and good working conditions for all EU workers, including those in the public safety sector.

    3. Advanced technologies used in EFISS, and the European Flood Alert System[9] play a key role in the detection and response to potential disasters. The Commission also encourages the use of advanced technologies in this field through multiple instruments, such as the Track 1 technical assistance and the Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP)[10] grants as well as the Horizon Europe[11] programme including its disaster risk reduction activities[12] and the EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change area[13].

    • [1]  Article 196 TEU https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:C:2016:202:FULL
    • [2]  Whether natural or man-made.
    • [3]  https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [4]  https://forest-fire.emergency.copernicus.eu/
    • [5]  https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/union-civil-protection-mechanism-resceu_en
    • [6]  https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/european-civil-protection-pool_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20established%20the%20European%20Civil%20Protection%20Pool,European%20response%20to%20human-induced%20disasters%20and%20natural%20hazards.
    • [7]  Including pre-positioning of fire-fighters during fire seasons, advisory missions, and peer reviews of their national disaster management systems, including of Italy’s, published in January 2025 (https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/stories/italy-ucpm-wildfire-peer-review-final-report-published-and-handed-over)
    • [8]  Furthermore, the European Regional Development Fund National Programme for Security for Legality 2021 — 2027 in Italy includes a project on smart forest environmental monitoring of EUR 30 Million. This involves the development and deployment of a system to collect, manage, integrate and correlate environmental monitoring data, together with automatic alert mechanisms to support a network for the control and verification of criminal activities in forest, rural and peripheral areas of cities. The aim is to provide the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Unit Command of the Carabinieri with adequate control tools for data and information to strengthen legality and combat environmental crime.
    • [9]  https://www.copernicus.eu/en/european-flood-alert-system
    • [10]  https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/knowledge-action-prevention-preparedness-2024
    • [11]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [12]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-3-civil-security-society_en
    • [13]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With Fewer than 20 Days Left, Claimants Urged to Submit Notice of Loss by March 14

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: With Fewer than 20 Days Left, Claimants Urged to Submit Notice of Loss by March 14

    With Fewer than 20 Days Left, Claimants Urged to Submit Notice of Loss by March 14

    SANTA FE, N.M. — The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office reminds individuals, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding that there are fewer than 20 days left to submit a Notice of Loss (NOL). Congress has extended the deadline to March 14, 2025. This is the last day to begin the claims process. Submitting an NOL is quick and simple. It takes less than 20 minutes and ensures that we can begin review of your claim. Claimants do not have to provide supporting documentation when submitting an NOL. Claims will continue to be processed and paid out after March 14.“If you were impacted by the fire or flooding and haven’t yet started your claim, it’s crucial that you do so as soon as possible,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “If you have questions, concerns, or if you are hesitating, please reach out to our office or attend one of our in-person events, which you can find on our website News and Events | FEMA.gov, before the March 14 deadline.”Additionally, impacted landowners can request a conservation restoration plan through the U.S. Agriculture Department’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Conservation restoration plans address natural resources losses, such as erosion control, debris removal, fencing, and riparian (river) restoration. These plans, developed by certified planners, provide the costs estimated to repair or replace damaged resources and ensure claimants receive fair and transparent compensation for eligible losses. To receive compensation based on an NRCS plan, both an NOL and NRCS plan request must be submitted by the March 14 deadline. For more information on restoration plans, please visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/hermits-peak or one of the following two NRCS Field Office locations: Las Vegas NRCS Field OfficeMora NRCS Field Office1927 A 7th St.  Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3594 Ext. 3523 NM Highway 518Mora, NM 87732505-387-2424 Ext. 3The Claims Office is also offering flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Coverage for eligible homeowners, business owners and home renters, extends for up to five years. Navigators can help claimants apply for NFIP coverage before the March 14 deadline.Our Advocate’s Office continues to host events to help claimants complete and submit NOLs, upload documentation, and receive one-on-one assistance. Upcoming events include:Tuesday March 4Friday, March 7Saturday, March 8Probate Workshop2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Highlands University Student Union, Room 322800 National Ave. Las Vegas NM, 87701 Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rainsville Fire Department103 County Road AO29Rainsville NM, 87736Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tri-County Farmers Market510 University Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701Wednesday, March 12Friday, March 21Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rociada Volunteer Fire Station278 N.M. 105 Rociada, NM 87742 Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Abe Montoya Rec. Center1751 N. Grand Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701 NOLs can be submitted in person at a Claims Office, by email, or by mail. NOLs can be downloaded from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon website or can be picked up at a Claims Office. Locations and hours can be found at https://www.fema.gov/hermits-peak/contact-us. If you have questions, call the Claims Office Helpline at (505) 995-7133. Representatives are available Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. MT. Outside these hours, you can leave a voicemail, and your call will be returned.Don’t wait—submit your NOL today to begin your recovery journey. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides that the value of compensation is not considered income or resources for taxation purposes.  Please consult a tax professional if you have questions regarding your tax obligations for compensation received.  The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid $1.89 billion to claimants.For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.Para información en español, visite fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.
    erika.suzuki
    Tue, 03/04/2025 – 17:23

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How NASA Employee Went from Rock Climbing to Rocket Propulsion

    Source: NASA

    Jason Hopper’s journey to NASA started with assessing the risk of stepping into the unknown.
    One day, while taking a break from his hobby of rock climbing at Mississippi State University, a fellow student noticed Hopper reading a rocket propulsion textbook with a photo of a space shuttle launch on the cover.
    Rocket propulsion – the technology that propels vehicles into space, usually through liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors – is a highly complex field. Engineers rigorously test the propulsion systems and components to understand their capabilities and limitations, ensuring rockets can safely reach space.
    “A guy just walked up and randomly said, ‘Hey, my dad works testing rocket engines,’” Hopper recalled.
    Hopper, an aerospace engineering student at the time, did not know about NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He soon would learn more.
    The fellow student provided him with contact information, and the rest is history.
    A Meridian, Mississippi, native, Hopper graduated from Mississippi State in 2007 and made his way to America’s largest rocket propulsion test site in south Mississippi.
    On the other side of Hopper’s risk of stepping into the unknown came the reward of realizing how far he had come from reading about rocket propulsion work to contributing to it.
    The career highlight happened when Hopper watched a space shuttle launch, powered in part by an engine he had fired up as a test conductor working at NASA Stennis.  
    “You cannot really put it into words because it permeates all through you, knowing that you are a part of something that big while at the same time, you are just a little piece of it,” he said. 
    Hopper transitioned from his contractor position to a civil servant role as test conductor when he joined NASA in 2011.
    His work as a test conductor throughout all the NASA Stennis test areas and as test director at the E Test Complex has benefited NASA and industry, while giving him a good perspective on the value of the center’s work.
    Among the projects he has played a large role in include the J-2X engine test program, build up for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) core stage hot fire ahead of the successful Artemis I launch and multiple projects throughout the E Test Complex.
    “We offer operational excellence that I would argue you cannot get anywhere else,” Hopper said. “NASA Stennis is a smaller, family-oriented center renowned for excellence in rocket propulsion testing. It is a small place, where we do amazing things.”
    Propulsion test customers at NASA Stennis include government and commercial projects. The NASA center is engaged in two projects to support the agency’s SLS rocket – testing of RS-25 engines to help power SLS launches and of NASA’s new exploration upper stage to fly on future missions to the Moon.
    Current commercial companies conducting work at NASA Stennis include Blue Origin; Boeing; Evolution Space; Launcher, a Vast company; Relativity Space; and Rolls-Royce. Three companies – Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, and Evolution Space – are establishing production and/or test operations onsite.
    After leaving south Mississippi for a four-year stint at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Hopper returned to NASA Stennis as risk manager of NASA’s Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office.
    In his day-to-day work, Hopper assesses risk around two questions – what is the risk and what do I really need to be focusing on?
    Making decisions through this filter helps the Poplarville, Mississippi, resident make the best use of the agency’s rocket propulsion test assets, activities, and resources.
    “With a risk perspective, if things are high risk, we need to address these items and focus our attention on them,” Hopper said. “If we lose a national test capability, that impacts more than just NASA; it impacts the nation because NASA is a significant enabler of commercial spaceflight.”
    Hopper helps oversee the maintenance and sustainment of propulsion test capabilities across four sites – NASA Stennis; NASA Marshall; NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio; and NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
    By establishing and maintaining world-class test facilities, the agency’s Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office ensures that NASA and its partners can conduct safe, efficient, and cost-effective rocket propulsion tests to support the advancement of space exploration and technology development. 
    Hopper looks to the future with optimism.
    “We have an opportunity to redefine kind of what we as NASA and NASA Stennis do and how we do it,” he said. “Before, we were trying to help commercial companies figure things out. We were trying to get them up and going, but now we are in more of a support role in a lot of ways and so if you look at it, and approach it the right way, it can be very exciting.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Young driver faces federal charges after pulling gun during road rage incident

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredoan has been indicted for possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Justin Landen Ruiz was originally charged by criminal complaint and is expected to appear in Laredo federal court before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

    On Feb. 6, authorities responded to a road rage incident on the northbound lane of Bob Bullock near the entrance to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, according to the charges. The driver and sole occupant of a black Jeep, later identified as Ruiz, allegedly displayed a firearm during the incident.

    The charges allege authorities had pulled over the vehicle and conducted a search which resulted in the discovery of two firearms and three loaded magazines in the center console.

    One of the firearms was a tan Glock 19x, 9mm pistol and had an attached machinegun conversion device, according to the charges. These devices convert firearms to be fully automatic.

    If convicted, Ruiz faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Recidivist Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Attack on Asian American Woman

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for punching an Asian American woman in the head while shouting racial slurs and then leaving her bloodied in a Culver City street in 2021, the Justice Department announced today.

    Jesse Allen Lindsey, 38, who was transient at the time of the attack, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.

    Lindsey pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of a hate crime. He has been in federal custody since July 2024.

    On June 14, 2021, at approximately 1 a.m., Lindsey began following the victim on her walk to work. According to the government’s sentencing position, Lindsey shouted racial slurs, cursed at the victim, and told her, “You don’t belong here.” He then violently punched her in the head. While the victim lay face down in the street, defendant shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”

    Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. She was unable to work for a month and suffered years of psychological trauma, prosecutors said.

    At sentencing, Judge Fitzgerald called the attack a “shocking and horrible crime” and noted Lindsey’s “serious criminal record.” Lindsey has 13 criminal convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses, domestic battery, grand theft, and attempted extortion. He also has at least 14 violations of probation or pretrial release and 19 additional arrests or contacts with law enforcement, the government said at Monday’s sentencing hearing.

    Lindsey fled California after seeing news reports about the attack. Law enforcement officers eventually located Lindsey in a California state prison serving time for an unrelated conviction. 

    During an interview with law enforcement about the assault, Lindsey eventually admitted to punching the victim, but falsely claimed self-defense, the government’s sentencing position stated. Lindsey said the “little Asian person” was “mouthy” and looked like a “gangbanger.” Referencing the Asian actor known for his martial arts ability, Lindsey claimed the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive].” The victim was a middle-aged Asian woman who stood five feet tall and weighed approximately 120 pounds. Lindsey was over six feet tall and weighed approximately 250 pounds.

    The FBI investigated this matter and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dauphin County Man Indicted For Firearm Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Myzere Hill, age 21, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury for firearm offenses.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about January 31, 2024, Hill possessed a Glock firearm with a machinegun-conversion device.  It is also alleged that Hill possessed the firearm while he was an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance.

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

    The case was investigated by the Lower Paxton Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

    The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 25 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft AI powers a new energy future

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft AI powers a new energy future

    Global energy leaders from the power and utilities, oil and gas, and mining sectors are turning to the power of data and AI for streamlined workflows, more efficient operating systems, and better performing assets—the types of changes that help companies to empower their people and grow sustainable business. We’re prioritizing this work with customers and partners because we believe that widespread AI adoption signifies a pivotal shift for the energy industry, with huge value to be gained from digital and AI transformation. But beyond the individual productivity and efficiency gains that AI brings for any single company or industry, it can help us collectively expand renewables, decarbonize the energy value chain, and ignite climate innovation—and that’s a win for everyone.  

    We look forward to participating in CERAWeek 2025 to connect with business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across the global energy ecosystem from March 10 to 14, 2025, where we’ll explore the theme of “Moving ahead: energy strategies for a complex world”. This year’s theme covers a variety of topics across energy sectors and technologies and will include deep dives into geopolitics, business strategies, AI transformation, and climate impact. 

    Microsoft at CERAWeek

    Power the new energy future with AI.

    AI innovation and digital transformation in energy 

    Across the energy ecosystem, AI-powered solutions are becoming the foundation of global success stories in which companies like Maaden save thousands of hours of worktime, while Aydem Energy boosts customer satisfaction with a digital assistant powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Sevice. Another one of our leading customers, JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, uses Azure OpenAI to drive digital transformation. The collaboration helps JERA to access advanced AI tools and cloud infrastructure, facilitating innovation and the development of new energy solutions for energy performance management, failure prediction, and advanced maintenance, leading to significant cost savings and increased reliability. JERA’s Digital Power Plant (DPP) project is improving functionality in the areas of operations, maintenance, performance management and health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE), and helps promote innovation and workplace safety at power stations. As a result, the number of remote monitoring sites provided by the Global Data Analyzing Center increased by 25% last year, and the number of sites offering 24-hour services tripled. JERA also implemented a dedicated AI agent called Emily which is being used by 3,000 employees and in some cases, has achieved operational efficiencies of more than 90%. By utilizing AI and data analytics, JERA can make more informed decisions, improve energy management, and support Japan’s energy transition efforts.

    We’re eager to highlight these and other success stories at CERAWeek, where leaders from our energy, sustainability, cloud and AI, and security teams will share perspectives on the role of AI and digital technologies in the energy sector. For example, we will dive into sustainability topics such as carbon capture and emissions reduction, highlighting the many ways AI and cloud solutions are reshaping the energy landscape and driving net-zero goals across the energy value chain like Cosmo Energy who harnesses the power of Microsoft AI solutions to better analyze data and improve its ESG results. We’ll also discuss the latest learnings and opportunities around innovative services such as direct air capture and CO2 as a service.  

    Cybersecurity is another topic of increasing urgency, especially in the power and utilities sector. Throughout the week, we’ll discuss AI-powered approaches to securing grid infrastructure, as well as how to address vulnerabilities to allow resilient energy delivery. We’ll also join other power and utilities leaders at a fireside chat to discuss how AI adoption can help grid operators break through common industry roadblocks and drive faster, more secure innovation.  

    I look forward to participating in a Strategic Roundtable conversation on the topic of “AI Applications and Impacts in Action,” where we’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in driving sustainable business initiatives.  

    These conversations are both inspiring and insightful, as we’re witnessing every day the impact AI is having across the industry. Whether it’s Uniper strengthening cybersecurity, Petrobras streamlining employee workflows, or Enerjisa Uretim accelerating data processing for improved decision making, AI is changing the way we work in energy. We’re looking forward to not only sharing success stories, but also hearing from other technology and energy experts about how AI is creating more value for them.      

    Startups accelerate AI transformation and the energy transition 

    The climate crisis impacts everyone, and diversity in the startup ecosystem helps to ensure that solutions also reach everyone. People of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet Black and Latino founders receive less than 1.5% of total United States venture capital funding, women-founded organizations receive 1.9% of those funds, and Black and Latino women founders less than 0.1%1. 

    An important outcome of CERAWeek is knowledge sharing with a diverse group of global energy leaders that represent vastly different backgrounds and stages of business experience. Energy startups are a tremendous source of knowledge and innovation driving real impact across the industry. Transformation starts with people, not technology, and Microsoft is proud to support climate technology from underrepresented startups and CEOs. This year, we’ll hear from nine innovative startups sharing their unique perspectives on advancing diversity and inclusion in energy, and how they think creatively to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources.   

    Partnership, collaboration, and AI innovation in energy 

    The energy industry’s biggest challenges call for strategic collaboration and innovation across sectors and geographies, as real progress cannot be accomplished alone. Our partners are at the forefront of accelerating data modernization and AI innovation, helping to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity for the industry at large. You can hear from many of them at this year’s Innovation Agora, a marketplace buzzing with energy innovation and emerging technologies. The Agora promotes partnership, connection, and sharing among the energy community, and we’re excited to uncover new synergies, lead demonstrations, and explore opportunities to learn from other industry leaders.  

    At the Microsoft Agora House, we’re joined by partners and customers in sharing some of the ways they empower an AI-first energy workforce, operate for a secure and efficient energy future, advance their net-zero journeys, and grow sustainable and AI-powered businesses. Be sure to explore the Microsoft Experience Zone, featuring presentations from many partners that showcase transformative solutions and foster insightful discussions on energy innovation. 

    We’re honored to highlight many of the change-makers attending CERAWeek with us this year, including the following partners: 

    Accenture  Hertha Metals* 
    AIQ Honeywell 
    Amperon  IBM
    Aveva  IFS
    Axis Sky Renewables*  Kanin* 
    Baker Hughes Kauel*
    c3.AI  Kongsberg Digital 
    Carbon Negative Solutions* Loop Bioproducts*    
    Cegal  Mars Materials* 
    Cognite  NobleAI 
    Context Labs  NVIDIA 
    Crux OCM*  Schneider Electric
    Decimetrix*  SLB
    EY Worlds
    Halliburton 

    *Microsoft startup partner 

    Recently, Microsoft, alongside our partners SLB, Halliburton, Cognite, and AspenTech, convened in Munich, Germany with many of our customers, who shared AI-powered transformation stories driving increased productivity and improved operating efficiencies. Events like this allow us to not only highlight the work of our industry partners and customers, but also to share their expertise and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.  

    Power an AI-first energy future 

    Together with our customers and partners, we’re collectively empowering organizations to innovate for a new energy future and advance sustainability goals with AI you can trust. We look forward to engaging with you on the future of carbon markets, regional energy challenges, latest developments in consumer energy, and unlocking AI to transform the energy and resources value chain.   

    Learn more about Microsoft at CERAWeek.

    Learn how Microsoft can help accelerate your AI and digital transformation journey: 

    Source:

    1McKinsey and Company, Underrepresented start-up founders: The untapped opportunity, June 2023. 

    Darryl Willis

    Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Energy and Resources Industry

    Darryl leads a global team driving digital transformation across the energy sector through the deployment of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology and partner solutions. With a deep knowledge of the global energy sector, Darryl leads this cross-functional team in building strategic partnerships and helping enable the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and fulfill growing demand with renewable sources.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Teachers: As March 14 approaches, design interactive Pi Day activities

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Teachers: As March 14 approaches, design interactive Pi Day activities

    Celebrate Pi Day 2025 and support math skill building in your classroom with PiCraft, Ratio Riddles, Math Progress, and more.

    Pi Day, celebrated March 14 each year, is the perfect opportunity to fuel students’ love of math through hands-on and engaging math practice. By connecting abstract mathematical ideas like pi (𝜋) to real-world applications, you can create immersive experiences to boost student learning while strengthening their confidence in math.

    Pi Day not only highlights the importance of this fundamental concept but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of mathematics. Whether students are exploring fractions through the new Minecraft Education world Ratio Riddles or geometry through PiCraft, building skills with Math Progress, or engaging with activities you designed with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, find creative and innovative ways to make math more meaningful for Pi Day 2025.

    Solve Ratio Riddles with Minecraft and Cambridge Mathematics

    Ratio Riddles, a brand-new mathematics lesson from Minecraft Education, introduces the concepts of ratio, proportion, fractions, and scale through a series of three engaging games designed for students ages 8-14. This is an easy-to-teach lesson designed to engage learners in foundational mathematics principles while fostering curiosity and confidence.

    • Help the Professor of Cartography rescue students from the gardens using fractions.
    • Assist the Guild Master with the installation of new stained-glass windows using scale factors.
    • Compete in the Professor of Alchemy’s well-diving challenge by using ratios to concoct powerful potions.
    Solve Ratio Riddles

    Made in collaboration with Cambridge Mathematics and accompanied by lesson guides, Ratio Riddles makes these essential mathematics concepts concrete and fun! For educators new to teaching with Minecraft Education, explore more easy math lessons and resources.

    Immerse students in the world of math

    As Pi Day approaches, we invite educators, students, and families to embark on an educational adventure with PiCraft! This student workbook offers a unique blend of gaming and learning that transforms the abstract concept of pi into a tangible, interactive experience. By engaging in activities such as estimating and calculating the area of a circle within the Minecraft universe, students can grasp the practical applications of pi in geometry. This hands-on approach demystifies complex mathematical concepts, making learning both accessible and enjoyable.

    Discover PiCraft

    Designed for students ages 8-14, PiCraft encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through immersive challenges. Along the way, students also learn coding with Microsoft MakeCode, applying mathematical concepts through block-based or Python programming. Easily integrate these activities into your Pi Day lesson plans and encourage students to explore math in a dynamic, engaging way.

    Personalize math practice with Math Progress

    Click to enlarge

    Bring engaging math practice to your classroom on Pi Day and throughout the year. Math Progress, a powerful Learning Accelerator, streamlines math assignment creation, provides student performance insights, and helps educators determine course trends at the student or class level. With Math Progress, you can tailor your teaching strategies and differentiate instruction to support student success. Get started with Math Progress with Microsoft Teams for Education and use it to assign personalized math problems to your students.

    Explore Math Progress

    Math Progress offers access to:

    • Problem generator – Easily create sets of math problems based on specific concepts or assign custom problems tailored to your class needs.
    • Customizable assignments – Personalize assignments by allowing students to “Show their work,” requesting they upload images or links to OneNote pages to demonstrate their problem-solving process.
    • Real-time feedback – Students can work through problem sets at their own pace, receiving immediate guidance to reinforce key concepts and address common mistakes.
    • Performance insights – Access powerful insights at both the student and class level to prepare for upcoming math topics with student performance data, misconceptions, and the most frequent question difficulty ratings.
    • Inclusive learning – Math Progress is available in over 80 languages, making it easily accessible to a diverse population of learners.
    Start the Math Progress learning module

    Immerse students in deliberate practice with real-time coaching on key math concepts—while streamlining and simplifying lesson planning. Use Math Progress to help your students improve math fluency, build confidence, and celebrate their progress.

    Enhance math instruction with assistance from Copilot Chat

    Pi Day is a great time to reimagine math instruction, and enriching your math lessons doesn’t have to stop there. Copilot Chat can be your math instructional assistant year-round. Whether brainstorming creative activities, solving complex problems, or generating fun math challenges, Copilot Chat can help you make learning more interactive.

    Try Copilot Chat

    Take your math instruction to the next level with support from generative AI. Try these customizable Copilot Chat prompts to spark curiosity, reinforce key concepts, and make learning more engaging throughout the year:

    • Explain how [math concept] is used in real life, especially in [industry or career]. Provide examples that students in [grade level] can relate to.
    • Suggest interactive, hands-on activities to teach [math topic], using [list available classroom materials or technology].
    • Give me three thought-provoking questions to start a class discussion on [math concept].
    • Create a math challenge in which I ask students questions about [topic], and students must answer before receiving the next clue or question in a fun, game-like format.
    • Create a problem based on [math topic] with a common mistake and generate a question I can ask students to identify and correct the error, explaining their reasoning.

    Refine your responses by providing more details in the prompts or selecting questions suggested by Copilot Chat. Interested in learning more about prompting? Check out five prompting tips to get more from your AI assistant.  

    For Pi Day 2025, explore math in fun and engaging ways with your students. Bring essential math concepts to life with Ratio Riddles, PiCraft, Math Progress, and Copilot Chat. Create impactful learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and confidence in your students, making Pi Day—and every day—a journey of discovery and encouragement in mathematics.

    MIL OSI Economics –