NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP: do you recognize this suspect?

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Prince Albert RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a suspicious fire.

    On December 16, 2024 at approximately noon, Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a structure fire at a permanently-closed service station on Highway #3, west of Prince Albert.

    Buckland Fire and Rescue responded to the fire, which caused significant damage to the building. Prince Albert RCMP assisted at the scene.

    Investigation determined the fire had been deliberately set. Prince Albert RCMP obtained video surveillance of a suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating them. Photos of the suspect are attached.

    Prince Albert RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of fire investigators from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

    Anyone with information about this incident should contact Prince Albert RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia Lawmakers to Interior Dept: Reverse Park Service Staffing Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, Don Beyer, Jennifer McClellan, Suhas Subramanyam and Eugene Vindman (all D-VA) pushed the Trump administration to reverse staffing cuts at the National Park Service (NPS), outlining the effect directives to eliminate employees and rescind and delay job offers will have on safety at Virginia’s 22 national park units, which serve 22 million visitors and contribute $1.5 billion to local economies each year.
    “We write today to express our deep concern over alarming directives issued to eliminate roughly one thousand full-time employees, rescind hundreds of offers for full-time positions, and delay thousands of offers for seasonal positions at the National Park Service (NPS). These roles are critical to protecting America’s treasured natural assets, maintaining public safety, and promoting exceptional standards expected at national parks across Virginia and the nation,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We urge you to reverse these directives and prevent additional cuts to existing staffing going forward given the critical role that the vast majority of NPS staff play in ensuring public safety. If these directives are not reversed, we fear it will significantly undermine the Park Service’s ability to protect both visitors and park resources, particularly as we approach peak visitation season.”
    The NPS workforce plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our nation’s parks and the safety of the millions of visitors who explore them each year, and are also responsible for protecting the priceless natural, historic, and cultural resources that belong to the American people. However, recent staffing directives from the Trump administration – which included the dismissal of probationary employees and the rescinding of job offers at NPS with no input from park superintendents – are expected to make it significantly more difficult for NPS to carry out its mission, especially as peak visitor season approaches. Staff positions affected by the administration’s unilateral staffing directives include frontline park rangers responsible for ensuring visitor safety and protecting park assets, maintenance staff tasked with addressing the deferred maintenance backlog and reducing the risk of wildland fires, and support staff responsible for raising revenue for NPS through fee collections.
    “It has been reported that the only exemptions offered were for positions that respond to public safety incidents, including law enforcement rangers, public safety dispatchers, and wildland firefighters. However, public safety response is just part of the work that goes into protecting the public,” wrote the lawmakers. “Countless other positions from rangers to natural resource specialists to wastewater specialists to maintenance mechanics that are not covered under the exemptions have wide-ranging responsibilities for preventing public safety incidents in the first place. Eliminating these positions put our parks at greater risk of damage and make them less safe for visitors. We are particularly concerned about reports that NPS rescinded offers for positions directly responsible for fire safety at Shenandoah National Park – coinciding with the start of wildfire season.”
    Continued the members, “While it is encouraging that NPS recently walked back its decision to rescind offers for nearly 5,000 seasonal positions, park superintendents have received no guidance as to the next steps they can take to move forward with seasonal hiring. The late winter and early spring months are critical for ramping up seasonal staff in preparation for the summer visitation surge. Without clear guidance for superintendents on seasonal hiring, the continued delay in hiring could jeopardize the ability of these parks to safely accommodate millions of visitors this summer.”
    In the letter, the Virginia lawmakers also noted that the staffing directives threaten to undermine the progress Congress has made in recent years to invest in repairing and restoring our national parks.
    “For over one hundred years, NPS has been charged with safeguarding millions of acres of America’s irreplaceable natural, historic, and cultural resources. However, persistent underfunding of NPS resulted in the Service’s inability to properly staff park units and the growth of a multi-billion-dollar backlog of deferred maintenance projects. In recognition of the worsening situation at our national parks, bipartisan majorities in Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 (GAOA), one of the largest ever investments in conservation and public lands in our nation’s history. The GAOA gave NPS the resources it needed to dedicate billions of dollars for addressing deferred maintenance across the country, including over $470 million for projects in Virginia. As a result of these staffing directives, units will be forced to reallocate remaining staff to support regular operations at the expense of staff hours dedicated to reducing the deferred maintenance backlog,” they wrote.
    Concluded the lawmakers, “Significant disruptions to NPS staffing during the critical months prior to peak season threaten to harm the tourism economy associated with Virginia’s national parks that supports hundreds of small businesses and thousands of jobs. We urge you to swiftly reverse these directives and communicate clear guidance to park superintendents to ensure that NPS units in Virginia and across the country can move forward with hiring both seasonal and permanent positions that are critical to ensuring the safety of millions of park-goers.”
    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 21st, 2025 Heinrich Fights Against Republicans’ Plan for Handouts to Billionaires at the Expense of New Mexico Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO

    Heinrich on the Senate floor through the night to stand up for New Mexicans who will be harmed by Republicans’ billionaire handout 

    Republicans vote against Heinrich amendment to reinstate grants Trump has blocked for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence

    WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Republicans’ budget resolution that paves the way for billionaire tax handouts at the expense of working people.

    Heinrich repeatedly attempted to amend Republicans’ resolution by voting to protect police officers, veterans, wildland firefighters, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, farmers, Tribal communities, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP, and to deliver tax cuts for working people, lower prescription drug costs, lower rent costs, and more. At every turn, Heinrich and Senate Democrats’ amendments were defeated by Senate Republicans.

    Just after 3:00 a.m. ET, Heinrich took to the Senate floor to offer an amendment to reinstate blocked grants for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure law enforcement can hold predators and abusers accountable. Republicans voted against his amendment. Watch Heinrich’s video here.

    “Under the cloak of darkness last night, Republicans rammed through a $340 billion budget framework to clear the way for billionaires’ tax handouts at the expense of working Americans. Throughout the night and into the early morning, I fought for dozens of amendments to shield New Mexico families from this harmful legislation: protections for children, veterans, law enforcement, wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribal communities, and the programs they depend on, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Alongside my Democrat colleagues, we also put forward solutions to cut taxes for working people, lower food costs, and lower rent costs. Republicans rejected every single one – even blocking our amendment to say no tax cuts for people like Elon Musk making over $500,000,000,” said Heinrich “I’m especially outraged that Republicans opposed my amendment to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure that law enforcement can hold abusers and predators accountable.”

    Heinrich continued, “When Republicans had the opportunity to go on the record and show the American people whose side they’re on, they chose billionaires and threw working people under the bus. I’ll always choose New Mexico families — that’s who I’m fighting for.”

    Last night, Senate Republicans blocked Heinrich’s efforts to:

    • Support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and help law enforcement hold predators and abusers accountable.
    • Help law enforcement agencies hire additional officers to keep our communities safe.
    • Address the ongoing avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak and lower the cost of eggs.
    • Protect Americans’ privacy from unauthorized access by Elon Musk’s “DOGE.”
    • Stop tax cuts for billionaires while families struggle to put food on the table.
    • Ensure billionaires pay their fair share in taxes.
    • Lower energy costs for Americans.
    • Lower housing costs and rent for working families.
    • Prevent cuts to school lunch and breakfast programs for kids.
    • Prevent cuts to programs critical to rural Americans and food assistance for working families.
    • Protect access to fertility services and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
    • Prevent millions of Americans from being kicked off their health coverage.
    • Protect Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including access to maternal and pediatric health care through Medicaid.
    • Preserve and extend the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits to make health care more accessible and affordable.
    • Ensure full and uninterrupted funding for veteran health care benefits under the PACT Act.
    • Reinstate federal employees fired by Trump and Musk at the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Support federal wildland firefighter personnel.
    • Prevent the indiscriminate termination of federal employees who protect the health and safety of Americans.
    • Reverse the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate cuts to biomedical research and the life saving work supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
    • Increase funding for research on Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Ensure continued support for Ukraine to stand firm against aggression by Russia.

    Below is a total list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to cut taxes for billionaires at the expense of working people:

    • Amendment to lower the cost of groceries for working families, including eggs and milk.
    • Amendment to lower the cost of consumer goods and services for working families.
    • Amendment to protect access to Head Start and Early Head Start programs for working families.
    • Amendment to lower residential electricity rates and protect home energy rebate programs for working families.
    • Amendment to protect veteran-owned businesses access to Small Business Administration loan programs.
    • Amendment to expand and modernize land ports of entry to better detect and intercept illicit fentanyl, firearms, and currency.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal citizens from wrongful searches and interrogations by ICE and requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue guidance on what forms of identification are acceptable as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal government-issued identification.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal sovereignty.
    • Amendment to strengthen America’s power grid.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal energy projects.
    • Amendment to improve food safety in the meat and poultry supply chain.
    • Amendment to defend funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which ensures our nation maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrence.
    • Amendment to prevent the sell-off of American public lands.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Taxpayer Dollars Deserve Scrutiny

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: Why did President Trump create the Department of Government Efficiency?

    A: The American people delivered a resounding message in November. They’re fed up with lawlessness at our southern border and sick and tired of being the bottomless piggybank for partisan spending sprees. President Trump won the popular vote for a historic second term and Republicans secured a congressional majority in both chambers of the people’s branch. The president wasted no time delivering on the electoral mandate. That includes strong fiscal stewardship. He created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to comb the ledgers of the sprawling federal bureaucracy. As a taxpayer watchdog, I’ve worked to root out wasteful spending since my first term in the U.S. Senate, no matter who was in the White House.

    Holding government accountable is a tall order that previous administrations have tackled with limited success. During the Obama administration, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned: “The most significant threat to our national security is our debt.”  Fifteen years later, interest payments on the debt are now more than federal defense spending. Decades of deficit spending have saddled our children and grandchildren with a $36 trillion debt. The fiscal ramifications impact Americans every day. Burdensome debt service costs crowd out resources for other priorities, including tax relief and government services, as well as undermine the nation’s economic resiliency. High interest rates pinch private investment, job creation and prosperity from Wall Street to Main Street. We can’t afford to keep sweeping the nation’s debt under the rug from one year to the next.

    The federal government hasn’t balanced its budget since the Clinton administration. Back then, we had a three-year budget surplus from 1998-2001. President Clinton joined Republicans to tackle wasteful spending, “end welfare as we know it” and cut bloated government programs. Clinton campaigned on a platform to Reinvent Government (RIGO). After the Republican Revolution kicked Democrats out of the House majority for the first time in four decades, Clinton declared the “era of big government” is over. Between January 1993 and September 2000, the Clinton administration cut 426,200 jobs from the federal workforce. During that time, I led efforts to beef up customer service at the IRS and modernize its antiquated computer systems. During the Bush administration, I spearheaded reforms to cut rampant credit card abuse among federal agencies. Across administrations, I’ve hounded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services about improper payments. Just last year, I pressed the Biden administration to account for tens of billions of dollars in improper health care payments, including my oversight efforts to root out fraud and abuse in the Affordable Care Act.

    Taxpayers deserve stronger stewardship of their hard-earned money. The Trump administration is taking decisive action to cut wasteful spending. That’s what President Obama claimed he would do by launching “the Campaign to Cut Waste. Its stated mission: “to hunt down and eliminate misspent tax dollars in every agency and department across the Federal Government.” President Trump is breaking through the bureaucratic inertia to root out wasteful spending and hold government accountable to the people it serves.

    Q: What about people facing uncertainty during the Trump administration’s top-to-bottom review of the federal bureaucracy?

    A: When I hear about people losing their jobs, whether from the federal government or in the private sector, I understand the financial stress and despair that job loss has on individuals and their families. During my years working in Iowa factories before getting elected to Congress, I was laid off from work on three different occasions, including from a job I’d held for 10 years before the company closed its doors. As the president’s team goes through its initial review of federal agencies, I’m keeping close tabs on the process to ensure the government continues to provide services to the American people and fulfills its responsibilities to keep the American people safe. As always, I’m keeping in touch with Iowans and sharing their concerns and questions with relevant federal agencies to advocate on their behalf.

    Since day one of his second term in the White House, the 47th president has made clear he intends to deliver on his promises. The review currently underway has delivered an undeniable message to Washington, D.C.: the era of business-as-usual is over. Contrary to what alarmists are saying, America is not in a constitutional crisis. Article II of the Constitution vests all executive power in one person, the president of the United States. That means the power to hire and fire within the executive branch is constitutionally delegated to the president. Of course, our system of checks and balances empowers each branch to keep check on the others; the separation of powers reins in overreach to protect the fundamental rights of the people. My congressional oversight work is one example. These constitutional guardrails have endured for nearly 250 years to ensure government is of, by and for the people. The sky’s not falling, and neither is our republic.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Fire and Emergency responds to church fires in Masterton

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have attended four church fires in Masterton this morning, which started between 4.25am and 4.35am.
    The churches are: Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick’s Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton.
    Damage to the churches ranged from moderate to significant. 
    Crews responded from across the Wairarapa region and from as far away as Avalon Station. 
    The fires are being treated as suspicious and have been referred to Police.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bradenton Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than Eight Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Star Stewart (39, Bradenton) to eight years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Stewart was convicted following a bench trial on November 20, 2023.   

    According to evidence presented at trial and in court documents, on November 4, 2020, the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Task Force sought to arrest Stewart at a residence in Bradenton pursuant to a state warrant. When the officers arrived, they observed Stewart on the back patio. Stewart fled inside the house, but was quickly located and arrested. The officers recovered a Glock 19 with an extended magazine containing 33 rounds of ammunition left behind where Stewart had been seated on the back patio. Stewart later admitted that he had possessed the firearm. As a convicted felon, Stewart is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Charlie D. Connally. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Who Also Assaulted a Correctional Officer Gets 104 Month Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Donnell Godfrey, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to 72 months in prison for robbing a stranger at gunpoint and a consecutive 32 months in prison for assaulting a D.C. Department of Corrections officer while incarcerated at the D.C. Jail, for a combined sentence of 104 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Godfrey pleaded guilty to one count of robbery while armed with a firearm in May 2024 and one count of assault with significant bodily injury in November 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  

                According to the government’s evidence, on November 21, 2023, at approximately 3:27 a.m., Godfrey and two other individuals approached a stranger on a residential street. The victim was parking his car and had just exited his vehicle. Godfrey and the two other individuals, all armed with firearms, pointed their guns at the victim and demanded his property. Godfrey and the two other assailants stole the victim’s phone and car keys, demanding that he unlock his phone and let them into his home. The victim refused. Godfrey and the two other assailants returned to their vehicle with the victim’s stolen phone and drove away. The victim tracked his stole phone to a nearby location, where the officers apprehended Godfrey and a co-defendant. A black Glock pistol, the victim’s phone, and keys to a Nissan vehicle were recovered from Godfrey’s pockets. The victim positively identified Godfrey as one of his assailants. Officers canvassed the area near the location where Godfrey was apprehended and located a Nissan Maxima, which was reported stolen the prior day, November 20, 2023, during a gunpoint armed carjacking.

                Furthermore, on April 24, 2024, while incarcerated at D.C. Jail on the above-mentioned armed robbery case, Godfrey assaulted a correctional officer. The officer was monitoring inmates during an education period when Godfrey attempted to turn on a television. When the officer instructed Godfrey not to turn on the television, Godfrey responded by retrieving a broom, despite having no custodial duties at the time. After remarking that he should smack the officer, Godfrey proceeded to hold the broom like a baseball bat and swung it directly into the officer’s face.  The blow caused the officer to suffer a fractured orbital bone in his left eye socket area and a fractured jaw, requiring two surgeries and additional treatment, during which the officer was unable to work for months.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Department of Corrections. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Toogun, Valerie Tsesarenko and Ariel Lieberman, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week Six Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    With Legislative Day 20 behind us, we have officially reached the halfway mark of the 2025 Legislative Session.

    One of our biggest legislative priorities this session has been lawsuit reform. Reining in the costly legal environment that burdens small businesses, healthcare providers, and consumers has been long overdue, and I am proud to report that the Senate has taken a significant step forward with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 68. These commonsense reforms will help stabilize insurance costs, prevent frivolous litigation and ensure that businesses—especially small, family-owned operations—can operate without the constant threat of excessive verdicts. By curbing lawsuit abuse, we protect jobs and keep costs down for Georgia consumers. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to send these bills to the Governor’s desk.

    This week, we also passed SB 52, the “Timberlands Recovery, Exemption, and Earnings Stability (TREES) Act,” which provides vital tax relief to timberland owners impacted by Hurricane Helene. The storm caused catastrophic damage, destroying an estimated $1.3 billion in standing timber across South Georgia. Many of these landowners depend on their timber harvest for income, and the economic impact has been devastating. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), will help stabilize the market, ease the financial strain on affected families and support the long-term recovery of Georgia’s forestry industry—one of the largest in the nation.

    Another key legislative win this week was the passage of SB 89, which expands Georgia’s Child Tax Credit to provide direct financial relief to families with young children. Sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), this bill builds on the recommendations of the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, which spent months gathering input from working parents, childcare providers, and business leaders. The bill increases the state tax credit for childcare expenses to 40% of the federal level and creates a new tax credit for families with children under seven. Additionally, SB 89 incentivizes businesses to help employees with childcare costs by raising the employer tax credit cap from 50% to 75%. With the rising cost of childcare making it harder for parents—particularly mothers—to remain in the workforce, this legislation will provide real relief for Georgia families and help grow our state’s economy.

    In addition to these major policy advancements, I introduced SB 125 to address the arduous process that professional engineers face to obtain certification. SB 125 would decouple the current sequential order of experience and examination requirements, which would allow engineers to acquire their license more quickly. This reform would also help prepare engineers to enter the Georgia workforce and advance in their careers. SB 125 was passed out of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities, and I look forward to bringing it to the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

    On a personal note, I was honored to celebrate Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day on Tuesday. Georgia is home to the third-largest chapter of this excellent organization, whose work is instrumental in directing young people to the forefront of agriculture and preparing them for career success. The future of farming depends on our youth, and with the help of FFA, Georgia agriculture will continue to be our state’s top industry.

    As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the 20th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input helps shape the policies that impact our state, and I value your voice in this process.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Walker: Week Six Under the Gold DomeChairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Announce $265M for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects Statewide

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Announce $265M for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects Statewide

    Governor Stein, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Announce $265M for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects Statewide
    lsaito
    Fri, 02/21/2025 – 15:16

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that communities statewide will receive more than $265 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These loans and grants will help to pay for 99 projects in 45 different counties. The awards include funding to address emerging contaminants (PFAS) and identify and replace lead pipes.

    “When we invest in our infrastructure, we build a stronger and safer state for every North Carolinian,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This funding will help ensure more North Carolinians have access to safe and clean drinking water and will strengthen our communities for decades to come.”

    “Every family expects and deserves clean water when they turn on the tap,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “These investments will provide critical infrastructure to help improve public health and quality of life for North Carolinians in communities large and small across our state.” 

    Notable projects include:

    • Kings Mountain (Gaston County) will receive $2 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Drinking Water funds for a lead and copper service line replacement project.
    • The Town of Fair Bluff (Columbus County) will receive $1 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds for construction of a well outside the 500-year floodplain, with connection to the water system via approximately 4,000 linear feet of waterline. This will replace a well that was damaged in Hurricanes Florence and Matthew.
    • The Town of Nags Head (Dare County) will receive $500,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds to finance repairs and replacements to approximately 400 malfunctioning residential septic systems. This is the first award from the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Pilot Program.
    • New Hanover County will receive $3 million in funding from the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure program to install 1.3 miles of water lines and connect 50 occupied residential units to the water system.
    • The Town of River Bend (Craven County) will receive $10.4 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds to complete improvements to water treatment systems and water supply wells.
    • Columbus County Water District IV will receive $15 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds to install one 250,000-gallon elevated water tank, a booster pump station, a deep-water supply well, and to extend waterlines to serve more than 500 residences in the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Area.
    • Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District (Halifax County) will receive $5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Emerging Contaminants to begin work on constructing a post-filter granular activated carbon adsorption facility to remove PFAS from its drinking water.
    • Bessemer City (Gaston County) will receive $2.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Lead Service Line Replacement funds to replace approximately 150 galvanized water service lines with new water service lines, from the water main to the homes.
    • A list of all projects selected for funding is available on the Department of Environmental Quality website.

    The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 203 eligible applications, which requested a total of $1.63 billion. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards during its Feb. 19 meeting. 

    Funding this round came from the Drinking Water (DWSRF) and Clean Water (CWSRF) State Revolving Loan Funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Emerging Contaminants funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund, the Drinking Water and Wastewater State Reserves, the Viable Utilities Reserve, and the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure (CDBG-I) program. Projects funded with Viable Utility Reserve funds are subject to approval by the Local Government Commission. The upcoming Spring 2025 funding applications for drinking water, wastewater, lead service line, and emerging contaminants projects opens on March 4 and ends on April 30 by 5 p.m. Funding application training for this round will be provided between March 4 and March 12 through four in-person statewide sessions and a recorded virtual option.

    The State Water Infrastructure Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects. NCDEQ also administers emergency funding for communities in western North Carolina to repair and build resilience into drinking water and wastewater systems damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. Local governments can request emergency funding from the Division of Water Infrastructure directly by contacting Cathy.Akroyd@deq.nc.gov.

    Feb 21, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand jury indicts 4 separate cases involving immigration offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury indicted four new immigration cases in Columbus this week.

    According to their court documents, two defendants have prior convictions for drug trafficking, one defendant’s prior convictions include a firearms crime and driving under the influence, and the final defendant was allegedly smuggling illegal aliens across the United States.

    Juan Carlos Garcia-Vasquez, 45, is a Mexican national who was charged with illegally reentering the United States. He was previous convicted in Franklin County for cocaine trafficking.

    Ricardo Martinez-Nunez, 29, has prior convictions in Franklin County for improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle and driving under the influence. Martinez-Nunez is also charged with illegally reentering the United States. He is a Mexican national.

    Previous convictions for Lino Mendiola-Vanegas, 45, include cocaine trafficking and forgery in Franklin County. He is charged with illegally reentering the United States and is a Mexican national.

    Finally, it is alleged that Adalberto Calixto Tolentino, 21, was transporting four illegal aliens across the United States for financial gain.

    According to his court documents, on Jan. 23, investigators with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office received information from Customs and Border Patrol located in Southern Arizona that a Toyota Highlander with an Arizona license plate was allegedly involved in human smuggling.

    Sheriff’s deputies stopped Tolentino in Licking County and discovered four individuals in the vehicle as well as an envelope with $8,000 cash. When interviewed by law enforcement, one passenger said he had paid $10,000 to be helped crossing the border of Mexico into the United States. He was picked up in the desert in Arizona and eventually transported by Tolentino.

    Tolentino was originally charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 24. He has remained in federal custody since that time. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Illegally reentering the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison. If the offender has multiple prior misdemeanor charges, the penalty is increased to 10 years in prison, and if the offender has been previously convicted of an aggravated felony, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, and Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth F. Affeldt and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in these cases.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    These cases are being prosecuted as part of the Southern District of Ohio Immigration Enforcement Task Force, which dedicates agents, attorneys and other staff to investigating and prosecuting immigration violations.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texan extradited to face multiple firearms charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo is back on U.S. soil on charges of aiding and abetting straw purchasing, being a felon in possession of a firearm and transferring a firearm to a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias had previously fled to Mexico. He is expected to make his initial appearance Feb. 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song at 9:30 a.m.

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment against him and others Oct. 5, 2021.

    In August 2021, authorities had been conducted surveillance at a house in Laredo, according to the charges. During the operation, they allegedly observed Covarrubias and others as they exited and entered the house or garage and appeared to be placing items into nearby vehicles. The charges allege Covarrubias eventually left the house with two others and went to a second home.

    There, law enforcement observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody.

    The charges allege they had been involved in fraudulently purchasing firearms since Dec. 4, 2019.   

    Covarrubias is a convicted felon, according to the charges. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

    After his arrest, he was permitted release on bond and fled to Mexico where he was ultimately arrested and later returned to United States authorities.

    If convicted, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting 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 –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced today that DAVID KELLUP JR., (“KELLUP”), age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Counts 2, 4, 5, and 8 of the indictment pending against him.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2025.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 2 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  At sentencing, he faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1).  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. Any sentence on Count 4 must run consecutive to any other sentence.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 5 with possessing firearms after being convicted of certain felonies, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). At sentencing, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.

    KELLUP was charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2.  Count 8 carries up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. All four counts also carry a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals, maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.  Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.

    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.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Indicted After Traffic Stop for Alleged Criminal Possession of a Firearm

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

    AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment this week charging a Mexican national with one count of possession of firearm by illegal alien.

    According to court documents, Marcelo Olvera-Moreno was stopped while driving in Hutto, Jan. 24. A Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted the traffic stop after allegedly observing the passenger in Olvera-Moreno’s vehicle fire a handgun from the front passenger window. Olvera-Moreno admitted to law enforcement that he knew that he was illegally and unlawfully in the United States and that he had purchased the pistol at a flea market approximately three months prior.

    Olvera-Moreno made his initial court appearance Jan. 28. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Cohen and Daniel Castillo are prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This resolution makes clear that M23 must withdraw from Goma and Bukavu: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    This resolution makes clear that M23 must withdraw from Goma and Bukavu: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The United Kingdom is grateful for the efforts of France, as penholder, and the engagement of all Council members to enable the adoption today of this important resolution.

    The United Kingdom welcomes and fully supports this text. We hope it makes a positive contribution to the diplomatic leadership in the region, especially the recent EAC-SADC summit, and helps bring an end to the conflict.

    UK ministers are engaging intensively to support a diplomatic end to the conflict because there is no military solution. 

    President, the violations we have seen in recent weeks in eastern DRC are wholly unacceptable. Today’s resolution sends a clear message that these violations must stop and the parties to return to the African-led political processes. 

    It makes clear that there needs to be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 from Goma and Bukavu. We strongly urge M23 to immediately cease hostilities. No Member States should impede this. 

    It also makes clear that international humanitarian law must be respected, as must MONUSCO’s mandate.

    And critically, it makes clear that DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as the UN Charter must be respected. The UK supports this resolution’s call for all Rwandan Defence Forces to withdraw from Congolese territory.

    We urge the parties to fully abide by this resolution. Otherwise this Council will need to consider further action. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: United Fire Group, Inc. Declares a Common Stock Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Board of Directors of United Fire Group, Inc. (“UFG”) (Nasdaq: UFCS) declared a common stock quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share. This dividend will be payable March 21, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 7, 2025.

    UFG has a long history of paying quarterly dividends, with the quarterly cash dividend declared today marking the 228th consecutive quarterly dividend paid, dating back to March 1968.

    About UFG

    Founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company, UFG, through its insurance company subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance.

    The company is licensed as a property and casualty insurer in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and is represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies. A.M. Best Company assigns a rating of “A-” (Excellent) for members of the United Fire & Casualty Group. For more information about UFG, visit www.ufginsurance.com.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations
    Email: ir@unitedfiregroup.com

    Media Inquiries
    Email: news@unitedfiregroup.com

    Disclosure of Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking statements about our operations, anticipated performance and other similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected and/or projected. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company, the industry in which we operate, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expect(s),” “anticipate(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s),” “continue(s),” “seek(s),” “estimate(s),” “goal(s),” “remain(s) optimistic,” “target(s),” “forecast(s),” “project(s),” “predict(s),” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “hope,” “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning or expression in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance or financial condition, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2024. The risks identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other SEC filings are representative of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolcott Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE COLON, 37, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2024, Waterbury Police arrested Colon after he discarded a privately made 9mm handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with six rounds of ammunition during a foot pursuit.

    Colon’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for assault, weapon, and risk of injury offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for May 13, at which time Colon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

    Colon has been detained since his arrest.

    This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s PUNCH Mission to Revolutionize Our View of Solar Wind 

    Source: NASA

    Earth is immersed in material streaming from the Sun. This stream, called the solar wind, is washing over our planet, causing breathtaking auroras, impacting satellites and astronauts in space, and even affecting ground-based infrastructure. 
    NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will be the first to image the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, and solar wind together to better understand the Sun, solar wind, and Earth as a single connected system.  
    Launching no earlier than Feb. 28, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, PUNCH will provide scientists with new information about how potentially disruptive solar events form and evolve. This could lead to more accurate predictions about the arrival of space weather events at Earth and impact on humanity’s robotic explorers in space. 
    “What we hope PUNCH will bring to humanity is the ability to really see, for the first time, where we live inside the solar wind itself,” said Craig DeForest, principal investigator for PUNCH at Southwest Research Institute’s Solar System Science and Exploration Division in Boulder, Colorado. 

    [embedded content]
    This video can be freely shared and downloaded at https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14773.Video credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

    Seeing Solar Wind in 3D 
    The PUNCH mission’s four suitcase-sized satellites have overlapping fields of view that combine to cover a larger swath of sky than any previous mission focused on the corona and solar wind. The satellites will spread out in low Earth orbit to construct a global view of the solar corona and its transition to the solar wind. They will also track solar storms like coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Their Sun-synchronous orbit will enable them to see the Sun 24/7, with their view only occasionally blocked by Earth.  
    Typical camera images are two dimensional, compressing the 3D subject into a flat plane and losing information. But PUNCH takes advantage of a property of light called polarization to reconstruct its images in 3D. As the Sun’s light bounces off material in the corona and solar wind, it becomes polarized — meaning the light waves oscillate in a particular way that can be filtered, much like how polarized sunglasses filter out glare off of water or metal. Each PUNCH spacecraft is equipped with a polarimeter that uses three distinct polarizing filters to capture information about the direction that material is moving that would be lost in typical images.  
    “This new perspective will allow scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections as they move through the inner solar system,” said DeForest. “This improves on current instruments in two ways: with three-dimensional imaging that lets us locate and track CMEs which are coming directly toward us; and with a broad field of view, which lets us track those CMEs all the way from the Sun to Earth.” 
    All four spacecraft are synchronized to serve as a single “virtual instrument” that spans the whole PUNCH constellation. 

    The PUNCH satellites include one Narrow Field Imager and three Wide Field Imagers. The Narrow Field Imager (NFI) is a coronagraph, which blocks out the bright light from the Sun to better see details in the Sun’s corona, recreating what viewers on Earth see during a total solar eclipse when the Moon blocks the face of the Sun — a narrower view that sees the solar wind closer to the Sun. The Wide Field Imagers (WFI) are heliospheric imagers that view the very faint, outermost portion of the solar corona and the solar wind itself — giving a wide view of the solar wind as it spreads out into the solar system.   
    “I’m most excited to see the ‘inbetweeny’ activity in the solar wind,” said Nicholeen Viall, PUNCH mission scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “This means not just the biggest structures, like CMEs, or the smallest interactions, but all the different types of solar wind structures that fill that in between area.” 
    When these solar wind structures from the Sun reach Earth’s magnetic field, they can drive dynamics that affect Earth’s radiation belts. To launch spacecraft through these belts, including ones that will carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond, scientists need to understand the solar wind structure and changes in this region. 
    Building Off Other Missions 
    “The PUNCH mission is built on the shoulders of giants,” said Madhulika Guhathakurta, PUNCH program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “For decades, heliophysics missions have provided us with glimpses of the Sun’s corona and the solar wind, each offering critical yet partial views of our dynamic star’s influence on the solar system.” 
    When scientists combine data from PUNCH and NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which flies through the Sun’s corona, they will see both the big picture and the up-close details. Working together, Parker Solar Probe and PUNCH span a field of view from a little more than half a mile (1 kilometer) to over 160 million miles (about 260 million kilometers). 
    Additionally, the PUNCH team will combine their data with diverse observations from other missions, like NASA’s CODEX (Coronal Diagnostic Experiment) technology demonstration, which views the corona even closer to the surface of the Sun from its vantage point on the International Space Station. PUNCH’s data also complements observations from NASA’s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) — targeted for launch in March 2025 — which investigates the magnetic field perturbations associated with Earth’s high-altitude auroras that PUNCH will also spot in its wide-field view.  

    As the solar wind that PUNCH will observe travels away from the Sun and Earth, it will then be studied by the IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) mission, which is targeting a launch in 2025. 
    “The PUNCH mission will bridge these perspectives, providing an unprecedented continuous view that connects the birthplace of the solar wind in the corona to its evolution across interplanetary space,” said Guhathakurta. 
    The PUNCH mission is scheduled to conduct science for at least two years, following a 90-day commissioning period after launch. The mission is launching as a rideshare with the agency’s next astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer).  
    “PUNCH is the latest heliophysics addition to the NASA fleet that delivers groundbreaking science every second of every day,” said Joe Westlake, heliophysics division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Launching this mission as a rideshare bolsters its value to the nation by optimizing every pound of launch capacity to maximize the scientific return for the cost of a single launch.” 
    The PUNCH mission is led by Southwest Research Institute’s offices in San Antonio, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado. The mission is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA Goddard for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. 
    By Abbey Interrante NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. 
    Header Image:An artist’s concept showing the four PUNCH satellites orbiting Earth.Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s Address at the Valedictory Function of the 5th Rajya Sabha Internship Program (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 8:42PM by PIB Delhi

    We are living in times where challenges are enormous, so are the opportunities. You have seen in last decade exponential economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth, deep digitisation, technology penetration, transparency and accountability being taken care of by technological aspect of service delivery, people-centric policies reaching out those in the last line.

    Therefore, people of the country have tasted development as never before and the Nation in last decade has been one of the Nations at the peak in the world that has seen such kind of rise. This has given a great challenge because Bharat today is the most aspirational Nation in the world.

    Commit to Nationalism should never be compromised, no interest whatsoever, and whatever be the compelling circumstances, however compulsive and challenging the situation may be.

    National interest can never take back states, personal, political, partisan interest has to be subservient to National interest. Commitment to National interest is not optional, it is fundamental to our being Indians.

    There are forces inimical to Bharat and these are sinister forces, they are dangerous forces that have total distaste and dislike for the very concept of Bharat. You have to be extremely vigilant. You, the youth of the country, being the most vital stakeholders in governance, in  democracy, are also enjoined to carry out your constitutional ordainment. Framers of our constitution had bestowed fundamental rights on all citizens but I need to enter into a brief caveat. Fundamental rights have to be earned and fundamental rights are best earned when you perform your fundamental duties.

    I beseech all of you, to carefully go through the fundamental duties that are in the Indian Constitution in Part IVA. Once you will go through those fundamental duties, you will realise the importance of those duties and also realise every individual can make contribution. It does not require collective working.

    Our transformation has to take place on certain fundamentals, each of you needs to focus on five fundamentals.

    One- Social harmony is vital, it must transcend all differences. We must nurture it, we must ensure its blossoms because social harmony will help us evolve National unity and, National unity is fundamental to sustain the growth trajectory of the Nation.

    Family enlightenment, your parents, your grand parents, your neighbours, your neighbourhood, we are a different kind of a society. A strong feeling for neighbourhood ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ that principle has to start from the family being a unit. You have to nurture it.

    Environmental protection, go to our religious functions, go to our traditions, how  we find in our epics concern is bestowed on environment, flora and fauna, the planet is not captive of human beings alone. Lack of concern for environment, reckless exploitation for personal gain discarding the age old principle of trusteeship has brought us to this cliffhanging situation.

    We are at the cusp of a disaster of climate change menace and, therefore you have to make contributions. Prime Minister’s clarion call for ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ has got into Jan Andolan, make sure not only you do it, you persuade everyone you come across to do it

    Our institutions are facing structured taint a facet of wokeism. Our Constitutional functionaries are sought to be ridiculed. It is time for you to reflect. Be it to institution of the President, of the Vice-President, or the Prime Minister. These are not political posts, these are our institutions. People fail to show even minimum respect. 

    My heart bleeds when President of the country, the first ever tribal woman to hold that high office is shamed, ridiculed, even when she performs her Constitutional duty in the joint session of parliament. Her tribal status becomes a cause of concern when the taint is put in public domain. A lady of sterling worth, track record of dedicated service, as a Legislator, as a Minister, as a Governor and now President of India.

    A Prime Minister after six decades for the first time, after six decades, continued in office for the third term. Anything and everything can be said, we must not bear with it. I wouldn’t come to my position but there are some unforgettable moments of pain when in the sacred premises of Parliament, a mimicry is videographed by a person who holds responsible political position. Sometimes we can overlook but we can never forget, we forgive for a simple reason, that’s our culture.

    So please believe in our Institutions because they are very strong, be it our Election Commission or our Judiciary. Election commission is wrong when you lose. It is right when you win.

    What kind of formula we have?

    Let us be judgmental, but on rational premise. Our judgment must have a rationale, a rationale that can be subject to deep analysis.

    The country, young friends, is facing a great challenge because we have in millions illegal migrants amongst us. They are making demand on our workforce because they are working, depriving our people of work education facilities, health facilities, government facilities, like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. 

    This infiltration is no less than invasion, just imagine millions of illegal migrants in the country, how severely our security is compromised. The entire world at the moment has become serious about it. We work up, when under the law of some country, some of our own people who were misguided, who were cheated, who were lured into going abroad through the wrong means, come back here but we don’t look at the ground under our feet. We are on quicksand. This bomb is ticking for you. I am talking on mindset so generate a mindset. Why should they be here?

    Then these change our demographic landscape. They electorally  manipulate us.

    They start defining democracy.

    Surely we can’t be yielding on such a challenging scenario.

    It is the bound and duty of every Indian to have a point of view, to express that point of view, to have a dialogue about it and call upon the authorities concerned to generate a pressure. This has to end. Whenever there is a talk, something which is in the Constitution, politics enters Uniform Civil Code is a Constitutional ordainment. Founding Fathers of the Constitution had put it under Article 44 of the Directive Principles. 

    Therefore, let me tell you. I do not know what is the severity of the earthquake that may befall us, but tremors are being already felt. In the country there is emergence of specified areas where elections have ceased to have any meaning at the moment. We cannot afford this kind of challenge to our civilisation.

    Our civilization was bled 1200 years ago. Nalanda was blossoming, prospering, a center of knowledge and wisdom. Convergence of scholars from all over the world came. They benefited and they benefited us. Marauders came, invaders came recklessly with extreme brutality, barbarity. Made an effort to destroy our culture, our civilisation, our religious places, and so was the perversion. 

    Destroy our religious place have their own. Patience and tolerance are virtues, but not at the cost of Nationalism. You here people have to be alert.

    Europe is witnessing situations, some countries are witnessing situations. We look calm but this calm is before a storm. 

    Let us contain that storm. Let us puncture the balloon of a storm, and that can be done only when people change their mindset, share their concern with everyone, generate an opinion, and put their foot down

    The latest that has come as a shocking expose is the President of the United States. I am sure you all are aware of what he said, that fiscal muscle was used. Funds were pumped in, to doctor and manipulate our democratic result. He has gone to the extent of saying, I must give my thought on it, that someone else was sought to be elected.  To elect is the right only of Indian people. Anyone doctoring or manipulating that process is undermining our democratic values, is subverting our democracy in the process, bringing us under servitude, subservience. 

    I, therefore, from this platform call upon everyone. Time has come to thoroughly get into this malice, this political COVID infiltrated in our society to destroy our democracy. All those involved in this sinister activity, who benefited out of this structured pernicious strategy must be shamed and brought to book, fully exposed.

    *****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2105416) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB (in addition to decisions setting interest rates)

    Source: European Central Bank

    February 2025

    21 February 2025

    Market operations

    Extension of liquidity lines until January 2027

    On 23 January 2025 the Governing Council approved the extension of the ECB repo lines with eight non-euro area central banks (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, Banca Națională a României, Bank of Albania, Andorran Financial Authority, National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino, Central Bank of Montenegro and Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo) until 31 January 2027. The decision was taken pursuant to the new framework for euro liquidity lines, which was adopted in 2023.

    Eurosystem climate stress test report

    On 13 February 2025 the Governing Council took note of the main findings of the 2024 climate stress test on the Eurosystem’s balance sheet, which will feed into the Eurosystem’s climate-related financial disclosures.

    Market infrastructure and payments

    Inclusion of provisions on the TARGET Analytical Environment in the T2 Currency Participation Agreement

    On 13 February 2025 the Governing Council approved the amendments to the agreement on the use of T2 services (T2 Currency Participation Agreement) to include the TARGET Analytical Environment as a standard feature offered to both current and future signatories of the T2 Currency Participation Agreement.

    Advice on legislation

    ECB Opinion on flood insurance

    On 4 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2025/3 at the request of the Chair of the Oireachtas (Irish National Parliament) Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister).

    ECB Opinion on indirect participants in, and access to, payment systems, and a new exemption from the cash rule

    On 5 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion ECB Recommendation on the external auditors of the European Central Bank for the financial years 2025 to 2029

    On 12 February 2025 the Governing Council adopted Recommendation ECB/2025/6 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the European Central Bank.

    Statistics

    Extension of the Integrated Reporting Framework and the Common Data Management investigation phases

    On 17 February 2025 the Governing Council approved the revised Quality Review Gate 1 documentation (including the Financial Envelopes and Project Charters), extending until the end of September 2025 the investigation phases of the ESCB and SSM Common Data Management and the ESCB Integrated Reporting Framework projects.

    Banknotes and coins

    Composition of the design contest jury for the new euro banknotes

    On 6 February 2025 the Governing Council took note of the composition of the design contest jury for the new euro banknotes. The jury will prepare a shortlist of designs to support the selection of the final design of the future euro banknotes by the Governing Council and is scheduled to start work in early 2025.

    ECB Banking Supervision

    Update of the 2025 Supervisory Examination Programme (SEP) for on-site inspections and internal model investigations at significant institutions

    On 30 January 2025 the Governing Council did not object to a proposal by the Supervisory Board for an update of the 2025 SEP for on-site inspections and internal model investigations at significant institutions and outsourcing service providers. The on-site SEP is based on SSM supervisory priorities for 2025-2027 published on the ECB’s banking supervision website.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on GOP Budget that Sets the Stage to Dismantle Health and Nutrition Programs, Increase Everyday Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Senate Republicans Block Luján Amendments to Improve Public Safety, Keep New Mexicans Safe
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, issued the following statement on the Republican Budget Resolution: 
    “In the dark of night, Senate Republicans passed a partisan budget that will fund the Trump Tax Scam 2.0 at the expense of everyday Americans. This will make it harder for families to afford health care, put food on the table, and get a quality education – all to give a tax handout to the wealthiest Americans and corporations.
    “Slashing programs that millions of Americans rely on will devastate our families and communities. I joined my Democratic colleagues in introducing dozens of common-sense amendments that would make Americans safer, give children the resources needed to succeed, and lower costs for families. Senate Republicans blocked every single amendment, including one that I led to provide increased support for local law enforcement. 
    “Make no mistake, Republicans are using this opportunity to fund their newest tax scam instead of lowering costs for Americans.” 
    Senator Luján introduced and co-led a series of amendments to the Republican budget that will protect access to health care, make our communities safer, and improve the quality of life for New Mexicans. Senate Republicans blocked common-sense amendments introduced by Senator Luján and Senate Democrats. 
    Keeping New Mexico Communities Safe
    Amid a nationwide shortage of police officers, Senator Luján introduced an amendment to provide increased resources for local law enforcement by funding the COPS Hiring Program. The COPS Hiring Program provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. This amendment was voted down by Senate Republicans. Watch Senator Luján’s floor speech HERE.
    Putting Food on the Table
    Millions of families across the country rely on nutrition assistance programs. Senator Luján introduced an amendment to protect funding for programs that make sure New Mexico families and children have the nutritious food they need. Watch Senator Luján’s floor speech HERE.
    Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl 
    As the fentanyl crisis devastates families in New Mexico and across the country, Senator Luján introduced an amendment addressing the need to have 100% screening using non-intrusive inspection technology to stop fentanyl and illicit activity from entering the U.S.
    Boosting U.S. Manufacturing 
    Senator Luján is committed to boosting domestic manufacturing and good jobs for New Mexicans. To create more American jobs, Senator Luján introduced an amendment to provide greater incentives for companies to manufacture right here at home unlike the first Trump Tax Scam that drove jobs overseas. 
    Protecting Medicare and Medicaid
    Republicans want to fund tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations by ripping health care away from Americans on Medicaid. New Mexico has the most Medicaid recipients per capita than any other state, and millions of children and pregnant women across the country rely on Medicaid to access health care. Senator Luján introduced an amendment to strengthen Medicaid for pregnant women and children under five years old. Senator Luján also co-led an amendment to ensure there is no reduction in benefits for people with Medicare and Medicaid. 
    Protecting Veterans’ Sensitive Data
    Senator Luján introduced an amendment to protect the sensitive, private information of veterans from being accessed by private companies including those owned by Elon Musk.
    Supporting Firefighters
    As New Mexico and Western states have been devastated by wildfires in recent years and months, Senator Luján co-led an amendment highlighting the vital role firefighters play in fighting wildland fires in the wake of the Trump administration’s hiring freeze and firings of federal firefighters.
    Supporting our National Parks, Forests, and Wildlife
    As federal employees at the Forest Service, National Park Service, United State Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management have been recklessly fired in recent weeks, Senator Luján co-led an amendment highlighting the importance of reinstating these fired federal employees.
    Additionally, Senator Luján introduced 34 amendments that boost safety, lower everyday costs, fund critical health care programs, and improve disaster relief. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nearly 148,000 in Gaza receive cash aid

    Source: United Nations 2

    21 February 2025 Humanitarian Aid

    Aid operations in the Gaza Strip continue to reach people from north to south with critical assistance, including cash, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday. 

    Since the ceasefire on 19 January, some 138,000 Palestinians have benefited from cash assistance, including people with disabilities and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

    The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that market conditions across Gaza have improved since the ceasefire took effect. Goods are reportedly less expensive, and more commodities are available. 

    Diet diversity improving

    Furthermore, for the first time since July, children under age five and pregnant and breastfeeding women have a more diverse diet. They are consuming more fruit, vegetables, eggs and dairy products.                                                                    

    Humanitarians also continue to provide shelter support to people in Gaza, with the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, clothes and kitchen items to thousands of families hosted in 120 shelters. 

    West Bank hostilities

    Meanwhile, OCHA remains concerned by Israeli forces’ ongoing operations in the northern part of the West Bank which began on 21 January,  the longest there since the early 2000s. 

    OCHA warned that settler violence also continues. Between 11 and 17 February, the agency documented 34 incidents – an average of almost five per day – involving settlers and resulting in casualties or property damage. 

    In one incident, Israeli settlers severed agricultural water pipes in the Tulkarm governorate, affecting the livelihoods of a dozen Palestinian farmers. 

    During the same period, nearly 40 Palestinians were displaced near Al Maniya village in Bethlehem following recurrent attacks from Israeli settlers over the past year.   

    Access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities continue to hinder Palestinians’ movement, affecting access to markets, workplaces, emergency services and health and educational facilities.

    OCHA has documented the displacement of almost 2,300 Palestinians, including 1,100 children, across the West Bank since the start of 2023 due to heightened settler violence and access restrictions by Israeli authorities. 

    In other developments:

    Ensure return of human remains

    UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports that the remains of an Israeli hostage in Gaza, Shiri Bibas, which were due to be returned on Thursday alongside her children’s remains, are still missing.

    The Secretary-General “stresses the imperative to respect the dignity of the deceased and to ensure their remains are returned to their families in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law,” he said.

    He underlined that every release must be carried out with the utmost dignity and in line with humanitarian principles.

    The Secretary-General renewed his appeal to the parties to abide by all their commitments and continue the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Drug Cartel Member Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Hundreds of Kilos of Cocaine and Methamphetamine

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Mexican national and armed member of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 20 years and 10 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that distributed large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine destined for the United States.

    “For at least five years, Edgar Fabian Villasenor-Garcia took up arms to carry out the CJNG’s criminal activities, including trafficking enormous amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These highly addictive drugs and the violence associated with the CJNG’s criminal operations have devastated communities in the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere. Today’s sentence sends another clear message to members of the CJNG and other Mexican drug trafficking organizations: We are committed to working tirelessly with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to eradicate Mexican cartels.”

    “Eliminating the cartels responsible for the deadly drug crisis in the United States is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s top operational priority, and Edgar Fabian Villasenor-Garcia’s sentencing today — as an armed CJNG operative — brings us a step closer to our goal,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The CJNG is responsible for fueling the deadly drug crisis in the United States, as well as unprecedented violence in Mexico, our neighbor. The DEA is relentlessly committed to defeating the CJNG and other cartels, and we will exhaust every tool in the justice system to fight back, to save American lives, and to bring these cartels to justice.”

    According to court documents, Edgar Fabian Villasenor-Garcia, also known as Gary and El Monje, 54, was responsible for trafficking at least 450 kilograms of cocaine and at least 780 kilograms of methamphetamine for importation into the United States on behalf of the CJNG, one of the most powerful, violent, and prolific drug cartels in Mexico. The CJNG kills, tortures, corrupts, and traffics hundreds of tons, if not more, of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs into the United States and other countries. The CJNG also uses its drug proceeds to fund its violence, and by doing so, ravages communities and imperils countless lives.

    Villasenor-Garcia joined the CJNG before 2017 and carried a firearm in furtherance of the CJNG’s criminal operations. In November 2024, he pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and admitted that CJNG members used firearms and violence to advance their mandate, including to protect drugs and drug proceeds, to control the CJNG members, to fight rival cartels, and to escape capture by law enforcement.

    The DEA Los Angeles Field Division investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Lernik Begian and Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations also provided significant assistance.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Flood and landslide risk assessment in Sicily: a decade of inertia and consequences for public safety – E-002993/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Sicily’s second Flood Risk Management Plan[1] plans the updating of flood hazard and risk maps[2]. The Italian authorities informed the Commission that, although the updating of such maps was suspended for administrative reasons, the Regional Council gave a mandate to the Regional Department for Financial Planning and Programming to avail itself of the funding available for updating the maps by 31 December 2026.

    2. Cohesion policy[3] supports climate change adaptation, disaster risk prevention, and resilience. Under the European Regional Development Fund[4], EUR 103 million are indicatively allocated for floods and landslides, with the possibility for prevention measures[5]. Still, under shared management, in line with the applicable regulations, responsibility to select measures lies with the Managing Authority based on a programme approved by the Commission. While the Recovery and Resilience Facility[6] supports Italy in hydrogeological risk reduction and the development of a monitoring system to predict and mitigate climate change risks with a focus on Southern Italy, the Council Implementing Decision Annex[7] does not require resource allocation specifically to Sicily. Any allocation to this region is a decision of the Italian authorities[8].

    3. Existing measures to assess landslides include the European landslide susceptibility map[9] and the European Ground Motion Service[10]. Strengthening the knowledge base and promoting soil health can mitigate floods and droughts whilst making the environment more resilient to landslides and soil erosion thanks to improved water retention[11].

    • [1] Covering 2022-2027, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/floods_en
    • [2] Page 55 https://pti.regione.sicilia.it/portal/page/portal/PIR_PORTALE/PIR_LaStrutturaRegionale/PIR_PresidenzadellaRegione/PIR_AutoritaBacino/PIR_Areetematiche/PIR_Pianificazione/PIR_PianoGestioneDirettiva200760CE/PIR_PianoGestioneRischioAlluvioni2021/PIR_PGRAIICiclo/PIR_RelazioneMedotologicaPGRAIICiclo/Relazione%20metodologica%20PGRA%20II%20ciclo%20di%20gestione.pdf
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en
    • [4] 2021-2027 Regional Programme for Sicily, https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regional-development-fund-erdf_en
    • [5] Such measures could include the implementation of databases, the development of forecasting models and territorial analyses for risk studies and mitigation models.
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en#national-recovery-and-resilience-plans
    • [7] Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15114-2024-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf
    • [8] For example: https://pnrr.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/il-pnrr-il-dipartimento-della-protezione-civile/. Projects in Sicily are relevant for reporting under the RRF if they contribute to the milestones and targets of the investments mentioned above, as set out in the annex of the Council Implementing Decision.
    • [9] https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/european-landslide-susceptibility-map-elsus-v2
    • [10] https://land.copernicus.eu/en/products/european-ground-motion-service
    • [11] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_3637
    Last updated: 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: TWO TALLAHASSEE MEN FOUND GUILTY IN LARGE-SCALE CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tyquan M. Watson, 28, and Dezaneil D. Cosby Jr., 27, both of Tallahassee, Florida, were found guilty by a federal jury of conspiring to distribute marijuana as part of a large-scale conspiracy distributing hundreds of pounds of marijuana per week. The guilty verdict, returned at the conclusion of a four-day trial, was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Watson was purchasing hundred-pound quantities of marijuana per week from farms and brokers in California and reselling the marijuana in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Evidence demonstrated that Watson had purchased at least 3169 pounds of marijuana between September 24, 2023, and January 10, 2024, with proceeds of at least $2.4 million during that period.

    The long-term investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). On October 13, 2022, FDLE conducted a controlled purchase of 28 pounds of marijuana from a subsequently charged codefendant. During the surveillance, FDLE agents observed the codefendant obtaining the marijuana from Cosby’s residence immediately prior to the controlled purchase. Both the codefendant and Watson’s fingerprints were identified on packaging material associated with the purchased marijuana. On October 28, 2022, DEA executed a federal search warrant at Cosby’s residence and seized 238 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.

    Watson and Cosby were both convicted of distribution of marijuana related to the October 13, 2022, controlled purchase. Cosby was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana for the October 28, 2022, search warrant.

    Watson and Cosby were arrested together on federal arrest warrants on March 11, 2024, at another residence in Tallahassee. During that arrest, law enforcement seized another 183 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 11:00am (Watson) and 2:00pm (Cosby) at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.

    This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case.

    This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stowe Man Charged with the Deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Theodore Bland, 29, of Stowe, Vermont, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, possession of cocaine base and fentanyl with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, discharging that firearm during the commission of the offense, and through his use and carrying of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime causing the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White in circumstances that constitute murder under federal law.

    Bland’s arraignment on the new charges will occur on a date to be determined by the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Bland is currently detained pending trial on charges included in the original indictment in the case.

    According to court records, on October 12, 2023, Bland used, carried, and discharged a firearm, in relation to his drug trafficking activities. Also according to court records, Bland’s October 12 firearm discharges caused the deaths of Jahim Solomon and Eric White. Bland used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators regarding, among other topics, the procurement of controlled substances for distribution, the pricing of controlled substances for sale to drug customers, and the distribution of controlled substances to drug customers. Bland also used social media messaging to communicate with his co-conspirators following the homicides of Solomon and White on October 12, 2023, including communications about his attempts to conceal the homicides. Court documents also state that Bland induced others to help him move the bodies of Solomon and White to two wooded areas in Eden, Vermont, where the bodies were discovered by law enforcement on October 24 and 25, 2023.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bland is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted of the new charges in the superseding indictment, there is a possibility the federal death penalty could apply. The United States has not yet reached a decision whether it will pursue the death penalty against Bland. If convicted of the new charges Bland also faces a potential prison term of up to life. Any prison sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department.

    The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Paul Van de Graaf. Bland is represented by David Sleigh, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians

    Source: United Nations 2

    21 February 2025 Peace and Security

    The continued occupation of North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the M23 armed group has “severely constrained” the UN stabilisation force’s ability to protect civilians and carry out lifesaving operations, the mission chief Bintou Keita told reporters on Friday.

    These operational challenges have been exacerbated by ongoing mis- and disinformation campaigns that are misinforming the public of the UN peacekeepers’ role, said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the DRC and head of the peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, briefing the press at UN Headquarters via video-link from the DRC.

    However, the mission remains driven to discharge its mandate and is currently protecting hundreds of thousands of displaced people in eastern DRC, with the recent arrival of the Force Commander in Beni demonstrating that determination, she said.

    Ongoing peacekeeping efforts

    Despite challenges, the UN mission continues to support the DRC and its armed forces, Ms. Keita said. That includes, in recent weeks, MONUSCO’s response to attacks by the CODECO armed group and its establishment of two bases to protect civilians.

    MONUSCO has a core mandate, under international law, to protect unarmed individuals seeking refuge in its posts, Ms. Keita explained. That includes 1,400 people facing high risks – many being women and children – following the fall of Goma in January.

    “However, the current situation is unsustainable,” she warned, citing challenges of continuing to provide shelter and basic supplies to those under its protection.

    Remaining steadfast in maintaining the civilians’ security, MONUSCO urgently called for a safe, dignified and internationally supported solution for the transfer of these individuals to an alternative, secure location in full respect of their rights and choices, she said.

    Call for ceasefire

    Reiterating a call for an immediate ceasefire, she called on Rwanda to end its support for the M23 and to respect the territorial integrity of the DRC.

    She also urged all armed groups in Ituri to immediately stop their atrocities against civilians and condemned the brutal attacks by the ADF armed group in the eastern region.

    In addition, the MONUSCO chief called on all armed groups to lay down their arms and stop seizing communities.

    “There is no military solution that will end this suffering,” she said.

    Only a political solution and dialogue can resolve this conflict, Ms. Keita said, pledging MONUSCO and the UN’s support towards those ends. Women must be included in forging peace, she said, adding that “their voices must be heard.”

    Security Council to vote on draft

    The Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution related to the DRC this afternoon, she said, noting that it was anticipated that the 15-member organ would adopt it unanimously.

    She said the Luanda and Nairobi processes and other African-led efforts must guide the way to peace.

    Above all, peace and security in the DRC requires an end to the conflict, she said.

    Appeal for support

    UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, launched an appeal on Friday for $40.4 million to deliver protection and assistance to 275,000 internally displaced people in South Kivu, North Kivu, Maniema and Tanganyika provinces of the DRC as well as to support a potential influx of 258,000 refugees, asylum-seekers, and returnees in neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

    “UNHCR said there is an urgent need for shelter, food and latrines as well as relocation of the new arrivals to other sites to address overcrowding,” Mr. Dujarric said. “UNHCR and its partners are stepping up assistance, distributing warm meals and water to new arrivals. They need all sorts of relief supplies.”

    Clashes hinder humanitarian access

    In South Kivu, humanitarian partners have also raised concerns that ongoing clashes in Uvira are hindering access, including the movement of ambulances, while hospitals are reporting daily casualties among civilians, the UN Spokesperson said.

    At the same time, in the Kalehe territory, fighting has forced more than 50,000 people to flee over the past week, many to Burundi, he said.

    Since February, more than 40,000 Congolese nationals – the majority of whom are women and children – have arrived in Burundi seeking protection there, he added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to see how Trump supporters are feeling − for them, a ‘golden age’ has begun

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University – Newark

    Attendees take selfies at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 20, 2025. Andrew Harnick/Getty Images

    At the start of his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now!”

    A month later, Trump’s supporters gathered at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, from Feb. 19-22 to celebrate the advent of this golden age.

    Gold glitter jackets, emblazoned with phrases like “Trump the Golden Era,” are for sale in the CPAC exhibition hall. There, attendees decked out in other MAGA-themed clothing and accessories network and mingle. They visit booths with politically charged signs that say “Defund Planned Parenthood” and collect brochures on topics like “The Gender Industrial Complex.”

    Another booth with a yellow and black striped backdrop resembling a prison cell’s bars was called a “Deportation Center.” Attendees photographed themselves at this booth, posing beside full-size cutouts of Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan.

    Former Jan. 6 prisoners, including Proud Boys’ former leader Enrique Tarrio, have also been a visible – and controversial – presence at CPAC.

    The conference’s proceedings kicked off on Feb. 20 with an Arizona pastor, Joshua Navarrete, saying, to loud applause, “We are living in the greatest time of our era – the golden age!”

    Many subsequent speakers repeated this phrase, celebrating the country’s “golden age.”

    For many outside observers, claims of a golden age might seem odd.

    Just months ago during the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump said that an American apocalypse was underway, driven by a U.S. economy in shambles and major cities overrun by an “invasion” of “illegal alien” “terrorists,” “rapists” and “murderers.”

    Now, Trump’s critics argue, the U.S. is led by a convicted felon who is implementing policies that are reckless, stupid and harmful.

    Further, these critics contend, Trump’s illegal power grabs are leading to a constitutional crisis that could cause democracy to crumble in the U.S.

    How, they wonder, could anyone believe the country is in a golden age?

    As an anthropologist of U.S. political culture, I have been studying the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, movement for years. I wrote a related 2021 book, “It Can Happen Here.” And I continue to do MAGA research at places like this year’s CPAC, where the mood has been giddy.

    Here are three reasons why the MAGA faithful believe a golden age has begun. The list begins, and ends, with Trump.

    Elon Musk holds a painting of himself during CPAC in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 20, 2025.
    Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    1. The warrior hero

    Trump supporters contend that after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attacks, which they consider a “peaceful protest,” Trump became a political pariah and victim.

    Like many a mythic hero, Trump’s response was “never surrender.” In 2023, he repeatedly told his MAGA faithful, “I am your warrior, I am your justice.”

    Trump’s heroism, his supporters believe, was illustrated after a bullet grazed his ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July 2024. Trump quickly rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air and yelled, “Fight, fight, fight.”

    The phrase became a MAGA rally cry and, in February 2025, it has been stamped on CPAC attendees’ shirts and jackets.

    After Trump’s 2024 election victory, many Trump supporters dubbed it
    “the greatest comeback in political history.” MAGA populist Steven Bannon invoked this phrase at a pre-CPAC event on Feb. 19.

    When Bannon spoke on the CPAC main stage on Feb. 20, he led the crowd in a raucous “fight, fight, fight” chant. He compared Trump with Abraham Lincoln and George Washington and called for him to run again for president in 2028.

    This is despite the fact that Trump running for a third term would violate the Constitution.

    2. A wrecking ball

    The MAGA faithful believe that Trump is like a human “wrecking ball,” as evangelical leader Lance Wallnau said in 2015. This metaphor speaks to how Trump supporters believe the president is tearing down an entrenched, corrupt system.

    The day Trump took office, MAGA stalwarts underscore, he began to “drain the swamp” with a slew of executive orders.

    One established the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is devoted to eliminating government waste. DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has dismantled USAID and fired thousands of government workers whom MAGA views as part of an anti-Trump “deep state.”

    Musk stole the show at CPAC on Feb. 20. Speaking to a cheering crowd, Musk held up a large red chain saw and yelled, “This is the chain saw for bureaucracy.”

    Speaker after speaker at this year’s CPAC have celebrated this and other wrecking-ball achievements on panels with titles like “Red Tape Reckoning,” “Crushing Woke Board Rooms” and “The Takedown of Left Tech.”

    3. The Midas touch

    A golden age requires a builder. Who better, the MAGA faithful believe, than a billionaire businessman with a self-proclaimed “Midas touch.” This refers to King Midas, a figure in Greek mythology who turns everything he touches into pure gold.

    “Trump Will Fix It” signs filled his 2024 campaign rallies. And MAGA supporters note that Trump began fixing the country on Day 1 by “flooding the zone” with executive orders aimed at implementing his four-pronged “America First” promise. In addition to draining the swamp, this plan pledges to “make America safe again,” “make America affordable and energy dominant again” and “bring back American values.”

    These themes run through the remarks of almost every CPAC speaker, who offer nonstop praise about how Trump is securing the country’s borders, increasing energy independence, repatriating who they call illegal aliens, restoring free speech and reducing government regulation and waste.

    CPAC speakers said that Trump has already racked up a slew of successes just a month into his presidency.

    This includes Trump using the threat of tariffs to bring other countries to the negotiating table.

    Meanwhile, Trump supporters are pleased that he has been working to cut deals to end the conflict in Gaza and the war between Russia and Ukraine, while reorienting U.S. foreign policy to focus on China.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed the prevailing MAGA sentiment when he stated at CPAC that Trump “wrote the art of the deal. He knows what he’s doing.”

    CPAC attendees wear Trump-themed clothing at the four-day political conference on Feb. 20, 2025.
    Andrew Harnick/Getty Images

    American exceptionalism restored

    The golden-age celebration at CPAC centered on Trump and his mission to “make America great again.”

    Speaker after speaker, including foreign conservative leaders from around the world, paid homage to Trump and this message.

    During her CPAC speech, Liz Truss, the former prime minister of the U.K., stated, “This is truly the golden age of America.” Truss, who does not have a current political position, told the CPAC audience that she wanted to copy the MAGA playbook in order to “make Britain great again.”

    The MAGA faithful believe that Trump is restoring an era of American exceptionalism in which the U.S. is an economic powerhouse, common sense is the rule, and traditional values centered on God, family and freedom are celebrated.

    And they believe in a future where the U.S. is, as Trump said in his inaugural address, “the envy of every nation.”

    Alex Hinton receives funding from Alex Hinton receives funding from the Rutgers-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, Rutgers Research Council, and Henry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

    – ref. I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to see how Trump supporters are feeling − for them, a ‘golden age’ has begun – https://theconversation.com/i-went-to-cpac-as-an-anthropologist-to-see-how-trump-supporters-are-feeling-for-them-a-golden-age-has-begun-250219

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNFPA statement on sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    New York, 19 February 2025 – Women and girls are experiencing staggering rates of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, in the latest outbreak of fighting that has engulfed the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Nearly 500 reported cases of sexual violence were reported within a single week in the Goma area, including more than 150 involving children. This number likely represents only a fraction of the actual survivors, those who managed to reach care,  with many more unable to due to services being cut off, fear of retaliation from perpetrators, or stigma in their communities.

    Since the beginning of the year, over 400,000 people–predominantly women and children–have been displaced in North and South Kivu, exacerbating their vulnerability to exploitation and violence. In the absence of protection services, women and girls face an increased risk of attacks, including rape, forced recruitment and sexual slavery by armed gangs who are operating with impunity. 

    Conflict-related sexual violence is being employed as a deliberate tactic of war, intended to terrorize, displace, and control populations, and to violate the dignity and rights of women and girls. Even in times of relative peace, North Kivu province had staggering rates of sexual violence reported every year, with over 50,000 cases of gender-based violence reported in 2023 and over 56,000 cases in 2024.

    But while the rates of sexual violence soar, basic services are being cut off or shut down. The eight UNFPA-supported mobile clinics, safe spaces, and listening centers are only partially functional, while the rest of the facilities that provide medical treatment and counseling to survivors in displacement camps have been looted. Medical supplies and equipment worth millions of dollars have also been looted from storage facilities in Goma, leaving thousands of women and girls without access to quality medical care. In Goma, with more than 2 million inhabitants, there are only three functioning hospitals able to provide clinical care to survivors of sexual assault and a handful of community-level health clinics that can provide basic emergency care. 

    Aid agencies are struggling to deliver food, medical care or essential supplies, with critical supply routes cut off by fighting and movement restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities in control of Goma and its surroundings.

    Under these almost impossible circumstances, UNFPA is doing all it can to provide life-saving reproductive health and protection services for survivors of sexual violence and pregnant women in the affected regions. UNFPA-supported mobile clinics and safe spaces continue to operate, and dignity kits—filled with hygiene essentials—will be distributed to women who have lost everything. 

    UNFPA is urgently appealing for $18 million to scale up its integrated reproductive health and gender-based violence services to address the escalating crisis. Women in the DRC need access to medical services, psychosocial support,  information, and safe passage to secure locations to escape the violence. UNFPA joins the call of other humanitarian actors urging parties to reopen Goma airport, a critical access point for humanitarian supplies and aid workers.

    UNFPA emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive care and access to justice for survivors of sexual violence, including the documentation and investigation of the violence they faced and the prosecution of perpetrators. 

    Finally, UNFPA joins the call for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence and enable peace to be restored. 

    Media: For interview requests please contact Eddie Wright (based in NYC): ewright@unfpa.org; +1 917 831 2074

    About UNFPA

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, quality maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests illegal alien attempting to buy a firearm

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BATON ROUGE, La. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Juan Antonio Reyes, 51, an illegally present Salvadorian national in Baton Rouge Feb. 17 after being alerted that he tried to purchase a firearm.

    Reyes illegally entered the United States at an unknown place and time. An immigration judge granted him a voluntary departure Nov. 22, 1993, but he failed to depart the United States.

    Reyes was arrested by immigration officers in Baton Rouge on April 21, 1997, and was removed from the U.S. on April 24, 1997. He was arrested by West Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputies for filing a false public record and forgery May 16, 2000. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Reyes at the West Baton Rouge Detention Center and served a warrant of removal and notice to reinstate prior order Aug. 4, 2000. He was removed from the U.S. Sept. 5, 2000.

    ICE received an alert Jan. 23, 2024, after Reyes’ firearm purchase attempt was denied by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE New Orleans’ mission to increase public safety on X at @ERONewOrleans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Votes Against 2025 Senate Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Republicans’ national budget will cut critical services for Coloradans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to billionaires

    Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments, including Hickenlooper’s amendment to prevent energy price increases 

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after he voted against the fiscal year 2025 Senate Budget Resolution:

    “The Republicans’ extreme budget proposal will cut critical services like health care to bankroll tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy,” said Hickenlooper.“We’re all for making government more efficient and cutting actual waste and abuse. This budget will not do that. It will increase inflation and our deficit, which is why I’m voting against it.”

    Hickenlooper voted “No” on the budget resolution after Republicans voted against critical Democratic-led amendments – including provisions to prevent cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.

    Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in support of his amendment to protect the low cost of energy by blocking Republican-led attempts to slow renewable energy development. Video of his full remarks HERE. 

    “Most of the energy that’s ready to go today is clean and affordable. Any action that blocks the rollout of [this energy] will raise prices for working Americans, it’s going to kill jobs, and cede complete control of emerging industries to China,” Hickenlooper said on the Senate floor.  

    In total, Hickenlooper introduced and joined over 20 amendments to the 2025 Senate Budget Resolution to oppose Republican provisions that would harm Coloradans, including amendments to:

    Protect Affordable, Clean Energy

    Defend Essential Health Care

    • Protecting Maternal Health: Opposes legislation that would reduce health care coverage for moms and babies covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covers about 1.5 million births each year.
    • Defending Children’s Health Care: Opposes legislation that would reduce health care benefits for children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In 2024, 37 million U.S. children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. 
    • Protecting Health Care in Schools: Opposes legislation that would reduce funding for school-based health centers. Medicaid helps fund 3,900 school health centers across the country.
    • Protecting TRICARE: Protects health care access for military families, including reinstating the TRICARE reimbursement exemption for children’s hospitals.

    Safeguard the Federal Workforce

    • Protect National Park Service Workers: Requires the federal government to maintain a sufficient workforce to support recreational access and land management on Department of the Interior lands, including for the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Bolstering the VA Workforce: Establishes a reserve fund to reverse workforce cuts at the Veterans Health Administration, particularly for personnel who provide care in rural areas.
    • Supporting Funding for NIH: Promotes U.S. competitiveness and innovation by protecting funding for research and development at the National Institutes of Health.

    Protect Immigrant Rights

    • Protecting Sensitive Locations from ICE: Establishes a reserve fund to prohibit school resource officers from assisting with immigration enforcement operations on children during school hours while on school property.
    • Affirming Birthright Citizenship: Hickenlooper’s amendment with Senator Rosen upholds the Constitution of the United States and affirms that birthright citizenship applies to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

    Prevent Wildfires and Combat Western Drought:

    • Preventing Wildfire Risk: Hickenlooper joined an amendment with Senators Schiff, Bennet, Heinrich, Lujan, and Padilla to establish a reserve fund for sufficient staffing and resources for wildfire risk reduction.

    Budget resolutions guide federal spending and revenue policies for the year, but do not have the power of law. The Senate and the House must pass identical budget resolutions to start the larger budget reconciliation process.

    Budget resolution and budget reconciliation bills only require a simple majority to pass the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 541 542 543 544 545 … 770
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress