NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Padilla, Cassidy, Schiff Introduce Legislation to Exclude Catastrophe Mitigation Payments from Income Taxes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025, legislation that excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any qualified catastrophe mitigation payment made under a state-based catastrophe loss mitigation program. 
    “This commonsense legislation takes a critical step toward empowering individuals and communities to better protect themselves from the devastating effects of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene,” said Senator Tillis. “By excluding qualified catastrophe mitigation payments from income tax, we are incentivizing property owners to make the necessary improvements that reduce damage and save lives. This proactive approach to disaster preparedness not only helps families rebuild faster but strengthens our resilience in the face of future disasters.”
    “The devastating fires in Southern California underscored the urgent need to empower homeowners to take proactive steps to keep their families and homes safe,” said Senator Padilla. “As these disasters become more frequent and more extreme due to the climate crisis, we should incentivize — not penalize — taxpayers for protecting their homes. That’s why the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act would provide a tax exemption on payments from state-based programs for homeowner investments in critical disaster-related improvements.”
    “Louisianans understand the impact of devastating storms, but with the help of state and local programs, we have tools to rebuild and return to wholeness,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If communities need tax relief, let’s give it to them!”
    “We have seen how natural disasters have devastated communities around the country, and we must ensure we have the resources and programs in place to respond,” said Senator Schiff. “Homeowners should not face additional taxes for wanting to protect their homes and our bipartisan legislation will provide the needed tax relief to help affected Americans recover from these disasters.”
    Background:
    The bill defines a “qualified catastrophe mitigation payment” as any amount received for making improvements to an individual’s property for the sole purpose of reducing the damage that would be done to such property by a windstorm, earthquake, flood, or wildfire.
    The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 is co-sponsored by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Kennedy (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ted Budd (R-NC).
    The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 is endorsed by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and the North Carolina Insurance Association.
    “Passing federal legislation that would ensure all state-funded, pre-disaster mitigation grants are tax-free would allow these grants to have the maximum impact,” said Mike Causey, Insurance Commissioner, State of North Carolina. “These mitigation grants protect homes and have a direct impact on insurers and the claims they pay for such disasters, which is critical for ensuring an insurance market that is stable and available and affordable for homeowners.  Because North Carolina has been a leader in windstorm mitigation through our Strengthen Your Roof and Strengthen Your Coastal Roof grant programs, and because working to maintain a healthy market is one of my goals as Insurance Commissioner, I am in total support of this bill. I thank Senator Tillis for proposing it.” 
    “North Carolina Insurance Association (NCIUA) has made grants of more than $100 million so that our policyholders can invest in resilient construction and fortified roofs,” said Gina Hardy, CEO, North Carolina Insurance Association. “Given the possibility of more frequent catastrophic events, we believe all of the grant money we invest should be free of federal taxation and remain with our policyholders so they can continue to strengthen and improve their homes.” 
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons warns about Russian efforts against Romania and Moldova in interview with The Counteroffensive

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) sat down with The Counteroffensive’s Tim Mak to encourage continued western support for Romania and Moldova, both of which are victims of intensive Russian coercion campaigns in eastern Europe amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
    Last month, Senator Coons led a congressional delegation to Moldova and Romania, where he saw firsthand Russia’s attempts to undermine the independence and democracy of both countries. Romania, a crucial NATO ally, faced widespread Russian interference in their November presidential election that propelled pro-Russia NATO-skeptic candidate Calin Georgescu to first place before the election was annulled. Meanwhile, Moldova also faced intensive Russian interference, including disinformation and vote-buying campaigns, in its October presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union, which ultimately passed despite Russia’s efforts. The country is also dealing with an energy crisis, as Russia started off the year by cutting off gas supplies to Moldova’s only power plant, with devastating consequences for Moldovan civilians now struggling through the winter. 
    In the interview, Senator Coons also encouraged President Trump and Republicans not to abandon Ukraine nearly three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
    The Counteroffensive: TOP DEM SENATOR: DON’T TAKE EYES OFF MOLDOVA, ROMANIA 
    As violent as the war in Ukraine is, there are broader Russian threats that the United States needs to pay attention to, said Sen. Chris Coons, a senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    Coons recently returned from a Congressional delegation to Moldova and Romania, and gave an exclusive interview with The Counteroffensive to share lessons learned.
    “Russia has a playbook, and it has a set of plays that it’s running,” and not just in Ukraine, he said, referring to hybrid warfare techniques that include threats to Moldova’s energy security and influence operations in Romania.
    “Their sabotage operations are continuing right now across Central and Western Europe: fires and attacks and assassinations; and that their influence operations using social media; cyber attacks; good old fashioned bribery – are actually having an influence on politics,” he warned. “These are not isolated.”
    Read the full article here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder of Shoe Reseller Results in 32 Year Sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Killer Convicted of First-Degree Murder and Related Offense for Killing a Shoe Reseller at East River Park Shopping Mall

                WASHINGTON – Darius Anderson, 23, of Washington, DC, was sentenced today to 32 years of in prison for first-degree murder while armed and related offenses in the June 2022 killing of 30-year old Israel Mattocks, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Anderson was found guilty by a jury on September 18, 2024, following a one-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The murder occurred in the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave, NE.  Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo handed down the sentence.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on June 15, 2022, the victim, Mr. Mattocks, a shoe reseller, asked the defendant for help purchasing shoes from Shoe City located at the East River Park Shopping Mall. After the defendant failed to purchase the shoes for Mr. Mattocks, the two had a brief conversation and parted ways. A short time later, the two met again in another nearby local shoe store, DownTown Locker Room. Mr. Mattocks and the defendant had a brief argument. Afterwards, Mr. Mattocks left the store with another individual to return to Shoe City to buy the shoes the defendant failed to purchase. In the meantime, defendant Anderson walked home, dropped off his purchase from the DownTown Locker Room, and returned to the Shoe City. When the victim and the other individual walked out of the Shoe City, Anderson, was waiting, standing to the right entrance of the store, and fired numerous shots at Mr. Mattocks. Mr. Mattocks was shot at least six times – sustaining injuries to his left and right arms, his right chest, and his neck. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

                In announcing this verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.  They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ariel Dean and Stephanie Dinan. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fentanyl and Illegal Firearm Possession Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for More Than Three Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – ABEL JOSE FARIAS, 21, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal possession of two firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On July 18, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Farias, charging him with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to public record, in December 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information regarding a subject selling fentanyl pills. The agents arranged to meet with the subject to buy fentanyl at a gas station in Moore, Oklahoma, where they encountered and ultimately arrested Farias. In his vehicle, agents discovered a bag of fentanyl pills, as well as a firearm. After executing a federal search warrant, law enforcement found another firearm at Farias’s residence.

    On November 13, 2024, Farias pleaded guilty to counts 1, 2, and 4 of the Indictment, and admitted he possessed fentanyl which he intended to distribute, as well as two firearms, which he could not possess because of his felony convictions.

    At the sentencing hearing on January 28, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Farias to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the dangerous nature of fentanyl, and that firearms were involved in Farias’s previous convictions, leading Judge Heaton to the conclusion that the sentence needed to promote respect for the rule of law.

    Public record further reflects that Farias has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including those for first-degree burglary in case number CF-2022-2403 and being a felon in possession of a firearm in case number CF-2022-1866.

    This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the 21st District Attorney Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.
    “I have worked for years to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico, Los Angeles, and across the West. This includes securing more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base in Albuquerque so that it can support and refuel the most effective firefighting planes that make the most difference for firefighters on the ground by dropping larger loads of fire retardant on blazes,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sheehy on this bipartisan legislation that will help aerial wildfire firefighting contractors continue purchasing excess equipment from the military to support their heavy aircraft. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires.”
    “As a former Navy SEAL and the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I understand government’s most solemn duty is to keep the American people safe. Combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires is a year-round mission, and we must ensure our aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the resources needed to protect our communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help our brave first responders fight wildfires better, faster, and stronger by streamlining wildland firefighting efforts and removing outdated bureaucratic obstacles to getting the job done,” said Sheehy.
    The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense’s authority to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
    Read more on the bill here.
    Heinrich’s Support for Aerial Firefighting
    Heinrich has long worked to expand and improve aerial firefighting operations in New Mexico to more effectively fight wildfires. In 2022, Heinrich secured more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Those upgrades were completed in 2024 – a major milestone that makes it possible to support and refuel Very Large Air Tanker planes that can drop large volumes of fire retardant on blazes.
    In an op-ed published in the Albuquerque Journal, Col. Mike Power, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation Commander, highlighted the importance of these newly completed upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base that will help the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires in New Mexico more efficiently and effectively.  one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.
    “This base upgrade, where now up to 30 Forest Service professionals work to lead the fight against wildfires, includes the larger ramp space for a stronger, more efficient capability to fight wildfires in New Mexico year-round. It now also houses a retardant tank farm,” said Col. Power in the op-ed. “What does that mean to the average New Mexican? It means 75,000 gallons of retardant available at one time, and cuts response time to a fire in half. Ours is one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.”
    Heinrich’s Continued Leadership on Wildfire Recovery
    Heinrich remains focused on delivering the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires and prevent future devastating blazes by restoring the health and resilience of our forests and watersheds.
    Heinrich is keeping up the effort to do right by the New Mexico families whose lives were upended by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. As communities continue to rebuild, Heinrich will keep working to deliver for every person impacted by that fire and the floods that followed.
    Heinrich, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) successfully secured an additional $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire within the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed in December.
    The Continuing Resolution also extended the period that victims may file claims with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office to March 14, 2025. The lawmakers are continuing to call for the passage of their Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Extension Act, legislation they introduced last year to extend the period a victim can file a claim with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office through the end of 2027.
    The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has now secured a total of $5.45 billion in federal resources to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
    In November, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández announced that President Biden’s disaster supplemental request included transfer authority for $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández also sent a letter urging the FEMA Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and the FEMA Director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office to address concerns from New Mexicans about the process for receiving compensationfrom the Claims Office and help families get the relief and compensation needed to recover.
    Additional information on Heinrich’s leadership on Hermit’’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Response and Recovery can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through construction and remodeling best practices. An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions. FEMA specialists will be available from Feb. 3 through Feb. 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET Monday – Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET Saturday at the following locations:Citrus County: Lowe’s, 2301 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Inverness, FL 34453Hillsborough County: The Home Depot, 5125 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33611Pinellas County: Ace, 2827 9th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710Stay in Touch with FEMAIt is important to let FEMA know about any changes to your contact information. You may update contact information or check on the status of your application by:Visiting DisasterAssistance.govCalling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)Using the FEMA appFor the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    despina.pappas
    Fri, 01/31/2025 – 21:39

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma City Man who Possessed Firearms while on Federal Supervised Release Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT KESHIAN NORWOOD, 72, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

    On April 2, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Norwood with being a felon in possession of firearms. According to public record, on February 1, 2024, officers of the United States Probation Office made contact with Norwood at his apartment to conduct a search pursuant to conditions of his supervised release. Norwood was on supervised release following his previous federal conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In Norwood’s apartment, officers found ten firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition. 

    On July 1, 2024, Norwood pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony conviction. 

    At the sentencing hearing on January 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Norwood to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted Norwood’s lengthy criminal history. 

    Public record reflects that Norwood’s criminal history includes federal felony convictions in the Western District of Oklahoma for possession of methamphetamine after two or more prior convictions and knowingly carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime in case number CR-94-010063-001, and possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance in case number CR-13-43-HE-1. Norwood’s criminal history also includes felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for:

    • second degree burglary in case number CF-1980-3241;
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CRF-1982-5111;
    • first degree robbery in case number CRF-1984-2497;
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm after former conviction, and concealing stolen property after former conviction in case number CRF-1987-3021;
    • unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction in case number CF-1988-5321;
    • two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, maintaining a vehicle where a controlled dangerous substance is kept, and possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2001-1140;  
    • unlawfully possessing a signed and unsigned credit card and larceny of merchandise in case number CF-2005-5469; and
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of proceeds derived from a violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act in case number CF-12-2446.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. 

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Freddie Powell Sims: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session 

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D – Dawson)

    The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium.

    This legislative biennium, I am honored to continue serving on the Senate Committee on Education and Youth as Secretary and on the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities as an Ex-Officio. I am similarly honored to serve as a member on the Senate Committees on, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources and the Environment, and Urban Affairs.

    During our first week of session, Governor Brian  Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. I look forward to supporting some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

    The past two weeks have been busy at the Capitol. Despite the ice and snow that significantly affected Senate District 12 last week, we still have accomplished a great deal. While “Budget Week” was officially postponed, we have continued to hold crucial joint committee meetings to make up for lost time.

    On Tuesday, I recognized the Albany Chamber of Commerce and delegates from Southwest Georgia to the Senate Chamber. The Chamber’s dedication to bolstering the economy and employing numerous Southwest Georgians across District 12 has not gone unnoticed. I commend the Chamber for their work and thank them for making the long drive to spend the day at the Capitol.

    I am proud to have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation since the beginning of the Legislative Session, including Senate Bills (SB) 53 and 54. SB 53, sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur), would increase public education on safe firearm storage for citizens. Senate Bill 54, also sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones, would establish a state-wide database for schools to use to report safety threats made to schools. Addressing gun violence is vital not only to the well-being of our students but to all Georgians. We must provide all students with the safest possible learning environment. It continues to be my honor and privilege to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia.

    # # # #

    Sen. Freddie Powell Sims represents the 12th Senate District which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster County. She may be reached at (404) 463-5259 or by email at freddie.sims@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler: January Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    The Georgia General Assembly is back in session and it is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

    This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, announcing 100,000 million dollars in relief for families and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

    After an uneventful week due to the snowfall in Atlanta and South Georgia, this week concludes the third week of the 2025 Legislative Session, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

    Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

    One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds directly to taxpayers. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we’re in a position to give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

    Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to making sure they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

    Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. I’m especially proud to sponsor Senate Bill 34. I introduced Senate Bill 34 in anticipation of technology companies building AI databases in Georgia. AI databases use exorbitant amounts of electricity, and I have introduced this bill to prevent electric providers from including the electric fees of these databases in typical Georgia consumer rates.

    I am honored to be re-appointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Ex-Officio of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, in addition to serving as a member on the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services, Higher Education and Rules. I thank Lt. Governor Jones for these appointments, and I look forward to serving District 52 and Georgia on these committees

    Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.

    As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

    # # # #

    Sen. Chuck Hufstetler serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He represents the 52nd Senate District which includes portions of Bartow, Floyd, and Gordon counties. He can be reached at (404) 656-0034 or via email at chuck.hufstetler@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to     SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Palestinian Rights Committee Bureau Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire, Demands Full Implementation, Move towards Solution of Conflict

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Also Condemns Israel’s UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Ban Perpetuating Palestinian Suffering

    The following statement was issued today by the Bureau of the General Assembly’s Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People:

    The Bureau of the UN Palestinian Rights Committee welcomes the Gaza ceasefire as a crucial step in halting the Israeli military operations on the Palestinian civilian population since October 2023 and stemming the vast human suffering and loss of life.  As hundreds of thousands return to devastated homes, urgent and sustained humanitarian aid is essential to all civilians in need in Gaza.  The Bureau underscores the irreplaceable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in delivering life-saving assistance and stabilizing the ceasefire.

    The Committee Bureau strongly condemns Israel’s adoption of legislation banning UNRWA and stripping it of its privileges and immunities, obstructing its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, in direct violation of the General Assembly mandate and resolution ES-10/25 recently adopted by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority.  The Bureau calls on Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately suspend and reverse the implementation of this legislation that curtails UNRWA’s vital operations and will negatively impact delivery of essential services and assistance, including education and healthcare, to the Palestine refugees.

    Coming immediately after the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel’s ban on UNRWA is a blatant move that will exacerbate Palestinian suffering — not with air strikes and bombs, but with deprivation, hunger and disease.  As affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of July 2024, Israel, due to its status as an occupying Power, has no sovereignty in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, where the UNRWA headquarters is located.  The UNRWA ban is as unlawful as the Israeli occupation itself, which must end, as determined by the ICJ and consecutive General Assembly resolution ES-10/24 of September 2024.  This unprecedented attack on an UN-mandated agency deepens the suffering of millions of Palestine refugees, for whom UNRWA is a lifeline for survival.  The Agency’s operations are essential in all fields of operation, including to alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, restoring basic services and sustaining the ceasefire, and cannot be replaced.

    Israel’s actions violate the United Nations Charter, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, its obligations as the occupying Power under the fourth Geneva Convention and multiple General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Such ongoing Israeli policies and measures will cripple humanitarian efforts, hinder Gaza’s recovery and destabilize the ceasefire, jeopardizing regional stability.  Israel must immediately cease all attacks on UNRWA and its humanitarian operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and cease all violations of international law and the human rights of the Palestinian people.

    The Committee Bureau urgently appeals to the General Assembly, the Security Council, and all Member States to categorically reject Israel’s unlawful legislation, demand its immediate repeal and insist that Israel uphold UNRWA’s mandate.  The Bureau urges prompt ICJ action, as requested by the General Assembly on 19 December 2024, to urgently deliver an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States to uphold the rule of law and obligations thereunder and to avert further Palestinian suffering.  The Committee Bureau reaffirms its support for the ceasefire agreement and calls for its full respect and implementation, leading to a lasting cessation of hostilities and a just, enduring peace, based on international law and the relevant UN resolutions, and achieving the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the two-State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 lines.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Otaika homicide: Police make additional appeal

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are releasing further information in the Otaika homicide investigation as the appeal for footage continues.

    An investigation team has begun the task of piecing together what took place on the layby on Otaika Valley Road earlier this week.

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei CIB, says a post-mortem examination on the motorcyclist has been completed.

    “I can confirm that the victim was shot,” he says.

    “At this point in the enquiry we are not in a position to release further details around the injuries or firearm likely used in this homicide.”

    Since an appeal for information was launched on Thursday, a steady stream of footage has been sent into Police for examination.

    “This is an encouraging start, and this is already helping us piece together a timeline of movements in-and-around that layby,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

    “We now know from dashcam footage that there were a number of vehicles parked in the layby prior to the victim arriving on his motorbike.”

    Police are continuing to ask those in the community to make contact if they have footage or information.

    “At this point in the enquiry, we believe the victim has been shot in that layby late on 28 January, between 7pm and 11pm.”

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police anticipate releasing further information about the victim over the coming days.

    “We’re continuing to support the man’s family as our investigation continues.

    “Our focus is on finding answers for the family for how the victim has died in such a violent manner.”

    • HOW YOU CAN HELP:

    Police would like any sightings of the victim’s blue and silver coloured road bike that was parked in the layby.

    That is particularly between 8pm on 28 January through to 5am on 29 January.

    Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage around key locations between 7pm on 28 January and 5am on 29 January should contact Police.

    Those areas of interest are along Otaika Valley Road, between the intersections with State Highway 14, Maungatapere, and Loop and Cemetery Roads, in Otaika.

    An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded.

    Please go to https://distant.nc3.govt.nz

    Anyone with further information should call Police on 105 and reference the file number 250129/0335.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, 22 State Attorneys General Secure Court Order Temporarily Blocking Federal Funding Freeze

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, January 31, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island’s decision granting a temporary restraining order to prevent a pause on critical federal assistance funding from going into effect:

    “Today’s court order ensures our communities are able to continue to access necessary federal funding for disaster recovery, including for California’s wildfire recovery efforts; education; public health and safety; and infrastructure projects. While the OMB directive was rescinded, the Administration has made clear that it intends to proceed with its plans to freeze federal funding – that’s why we went to court to get this emergency pause. 

    The Trump Administration is intentionally creating chaos through its public actions and statements, attempting to sow fear and confusion in our communities. We will not fall for this bait and switch. California has too much at stake. 

    I am grateful for the court’s decision, and I will continue fighting to ensure that the President’s disastrous federal funding freeze never sees the light of day.” 

    Attorney General Bonta co-led a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit seeking to block the federal funding freeze on Tuesday.

    Today’s decision institutes a temporary restraining order while the states seek a preliminary injunction. While the order is in effect, the Trump Administration may not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate its awards or obligations to provide federal financial assistance unless specifically allowed under the law. The order also blocks the Trump Administration from reissuing, adopting, implementing, or otherwise giving effect to the OMB directive under any other name or title, such as the continued implementation identified by the White House Press Secretary’s statement on January 29, 2025. 

    The Trump Administration is required to give written notice of this order to all agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET. 

    This order extends beyond the administrative stay granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in response to a lawsuit brought by nonprofit groups that receive federal funds. 

    A copy of the decision is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney, U.S. Secret Service, and FBI Announce Federal Charges Against Albuquerque Man for Making Threats Against President Trump

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury has indicted an Albuquerque man for interstate communications containing a threat against then President Donald J. Trump.

    The criminal complaint alleges that Tyler Miles Leveque, 37, made multiple threatening social media posts between January 2 and 4, 2025, expressing intent to harm the President-Elect and others at an upcoming rally. The posts included statements such as “you and your rich friends are dead no threat a promise” and references to violence at an event reportedly planned for January 19th in Washington D.C.

    During an interview with agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on January 6, 2025, Leveque admitted to making the threatening posts and recently purchasing a firearm. Investigators confirmed Leveque had recently bought a gun from a local business.

    Leveque will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Leveque faces up to five years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Ron Emmot, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Albuquerque Resident Office, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The U.S. Secret Service investigated this case with the assistance of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammy Hurtado is prosecuting the case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –LaMICHAEL JACKSON (“JACKSON”), age 26, pled guilty on January 30, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    According to court documents, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers on patrol in Hollygrove saw JACKSON holding a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15 pistol.  JACKSON fled in a vehicle before being stopped by NOPD.  Inside the vehicle officers recovered a second gun belonging to JACKSON, a Glock Model 43x, nine-millimeter handgun.  Both firearms were loaded when  recovered.  JACKSON is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions for aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

    JACKSON faces up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Man Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jose Manuel Guerra-Caballero, 37, of Venezuela, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to the complaint, Guerra-Caballero, described by a co-conspirator as a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, conspired with six other individuals to provide armed protection for a drug transaction involving ten pounds of methamphetamine. Guerra-Caballero arranged the protection remotely and confirmed over the phone that his co-conspirators were armed and ready to serve in the operation.

    The drug deal was a ruse created by undercover ATF agents after Guerra-Caballero and his associates had offered their services for various illegal and violent activities. The undercover operation came on the heels of multiple purchases of firearms by ATF undercover officers that Guerra-Caballero believed would be trafficked to Mexico.

    The defendant was arrested in Indiana and made his initial appearance in front of Judge Colin H. Lindsay in the Western District of Kentucky.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations are handling the investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Colorado.

    Case Number: 25-mj-17

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Machinegun Conversion Devices

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHN ANTHONY OWEN, 24, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of machineguns, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On June 3, 2024, Owen was charged by Information with unlawful possession of machineguns. According to public record, on April 4, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department executed a search warrant at Owen’s residence. During the search, officers recovered two firearms which had been modified with machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns. Possession of these devices violates federal law.

    On July 3, 2024, Owen pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed two MCDs.

    At the sentencing hearing on January 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Owen to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the nature and circumstances of the offense.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hoch prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eleven Members of Deadly Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Prison

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

    NORFOLK, Va. – Eleven Virginia residents have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a violent drug trafficking organization that was responsible for a double homicide in Chesapeake. A twelfth defendant is awaiting sentencing.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, between January 2020 and November 2022, Cortney Allen Conley, aka KO, 36, of Virginia Beach, ran a large-scale, violent interstate drug trafficking organization principally based in the Hampton Roads area. The organization frequently sold drugs at “pop-up” shops, which regularly appeared in new locations to avoid detection by law enforcement.

    In 2021, Conley was robbed at gunpoint at a pop-up on Providence Road in Chesapeake, after which Conley and his co-conspirators were regularly armed while they trafficked drugs. In July 2021, an armed robber attempted to rob a pop-up, and shop workers, including Javaid Akhtar Reed, 27, of Chesapeake, and Aaron Butler Hunter, 38, of Virginia Beach, defended Conley’s drugs and drug proceeds. During the attempted robbery, Reed ordered the attempted robber out of the shop at gunpoint.

    On May 13, 2022, two armed subjects attempted to rob the organization’s pop-up on Wintercress Way in Chesapeake. Conley and Rashaun Marcquez Johnson, 28, of Virginia Beach, shot and killed the two subjects. During the gun battle, Davian Marcelis Jenkins, 27, of Suffolk, pistol-whipped one of the subjects as the subject lay dying in the foyer. During the shootout, bullets flew across the hall into another apartment and hit a child’s play kitchen. Immediately afterward, Conley and Jenkins removed controlled substances, drug proceeds, and firearms from the pop-up and fled. Conley directed Jenkins to go back to the shooting scene and remove security cameras, which had recorded the shootout. Jenkins removed one camera from the front door of the apartment. Conley then fled the state.

    On Nov. 8, 2022, Conley was arrested in Virginia Beach at a pop-up he established after the double homicide. During the arrest, Conley jumped from a second story window and tried to run from the police.

    On April 15, 2024, after a ten day jury trial, Conley, Reed, and Kyron Speller, 29, of Norfolk, were convicted for their involvement in the organization.

    Conley was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute psilocybin and psilocyn; possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Conley was sentenced today to 40 years in prison.

    Other members of the organization who were sentenced include:

    Name

    Date of Sentencing

    Sentence Imposed
    Javaid Akhtar Reed

    Dec. 23, 2024

    		 14 years, 3 months
    Corey Melic Blackwell

    July 12, 2024

    		 13 years
    Aaron Hunter

    Sept. 26, 2024

    		 10 years
    Kasheim Bryant

    Oct. 31, 2024

    		 7 years
    Amadeo Ilan Classen

    Nov. 7, 2024

    		 10 years
    Davian Marcelis Jenkins

    Nov. 7, 2024

    		 4 years
    Jeron D’Nell Cephus

    July 22, 2024

    		 3 years, 6 months
    Kyron Speller

    Oct. 25, 2024

    		 3 years, 5 months
    Lateya Conley

    Sept. 25, 2024

    		 3 years
    Jasmine Deneen Cuffee

    Oct. 31, 2024

    		 1 year, 3 months

    Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2025.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya, Joe DePadilla, and Luke Bresnahan prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-147.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo to Present at the 2025 UBS Financial Services Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Martin Kelly, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the UBS Financial Services Conference on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 9:40 am ET.

    A live webcast of the event will be available on Apollo’s Investor Relations website at ir.apollo.com. For those unable to join live, a replay will be available shortly after the event.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of September 30, 2024, Apollo had approximately $733 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Army Corps Issues More than $10 Million Contract to Complete Southern Embankment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.31.25

    Corps Issues Last Major Contract to Finish Federal Portion of Fargo-Moorhead Region’s Flood Protection Project

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a more than $10 million contract to construct Reach SE-5, the last of 7 reaches required to complete the 21-mile long Southern Embankment.

    • This reach, which is located in Minnesota, will include reconstructing portions of 180th Avenue, its intersection with Highway 75 and the Wolverton Creek crossing.
    • The funding is made available under the $437 million Army Corps’ award that Hoeven secured in 2022.
    • This comes as the last major Corps contract being awarded for the Fargo-Moorhead region’s flood protection project, marking a major milestone as the federal portion of the project nears completion.

    “Awarding this final contract to complete the Southern Embankment is achieving a major milestone in protecting the entire Fargo-Moorhead region against the threat of flooding,” said Hoeven. “Numerous efforts have to be tied together in order to make this permanent flood protection a reality. That’s why it was critical that we not only secure full federal funding now to provide certainty over the long-term, but also advance this as the Corps’ first major P3 project. This approach, which is serving as model for Army Corps projects across the country, provided the flexibility needed to build the various aspects of the project concurrently.”

    Today’s milestone follows Hoeven’s efforts to:

    • Pass 16 acts of Congress, including:
      • 9 legislative provisions, such as the project authorization in 2014 and a new construction start authorization in 2016.
    • 7 separate appropriations to fund the project’s construction.
    • Fully fund the $750 million federal cost share.
      • Prior to this, Hoeven helped renegotiate the Project Partnership Agreement to increase the federal funding commitment from $450 million.
    • Advance this as the first major Army Corps project to utilize the public-private partnership (P3) split-delivery model and a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
    • Coordinate efforts across four federal agencies.
    • Provide funding and flexibility to concurrently raise I-29 and begin excavating the Red River Control Structure to keep the project on schedule.
    • Resolve the easement issue on lands purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding, allowing the project to use an alternative route.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: UN rights chief ‘alarmed’ by summary executions, attacks on civilians

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has voiced deep alarm over reports of summary executions of civilians allegedly carried out by fighters and militias allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the city of Khartoum North, calling for an immediate halt to the killings.   

    Government forces and a rival military – the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – have been battling for control of the country since April 2023 in what Mr. Türk called a “senseless war”, which has recently taken an “even more dangerous turn for civilians” as reports of people brutally killed in ethnically targeted attacks mount.

    In a statement released on Friday, the High Commissioner reported that at least 18 civilians, including one woman, were killed in seven separate incidents after SAF forces regained control of the area around Khartoum North – Sudan’s third largest city – on 25 January, according to verified information from the rights chief’s office (OHCHR).

    Many of the victims were originally from the Darfur and Kordofan regions, raising concerns about targeted violence.

    “These reports of summary executions, following similar incidents earlier this month in Al Jazirah State, are deeply disturbing,” said Mr. Türk.

    “Such killings must not become normalised. Deliberately taking the life of a civilian or anyone not or no longer directly taking part in hostilities is a war crime,” he emphasised.

    Disturbing threats circulate online

    OHCHR is also investigating disturbing video footage that surfaced on 30 January, in which men in SAF uniforms and members of the Al Baraa Bin Malik Brigade in Khartoum North appear to read out a list of alleged RSF collaborators, saying “Zaili,” which is Arabic for “killed”, after each name.

    Meanwhile, further threats of violence have emerged, with a video showing a member of the same brigade threatening to slaughter residents of El Hadj Yusif in East Nile, another area of Khartoum North mainly inhabited by people from Darfur and Kordofan.

    Mr. Türk urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

    “Independent investigations must be held into these incidents in line with relevant international standards,” he underscored.

    Civilians under fire

    Meanwhile, attacks on civilians by the RSF continue across Sudan.

    In El Fasher, North Darfur, the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) was shelled again on 29 January, killing nine civilians, including two women and a child, and injuring at least 12 others.

    Hospitals have also been targeted. On 24 January, a drone attack attributed to the RSF killed at least 67 people and injured 19 at Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher. The attack severely damaged the emergency unit, rendering it inoperable.

    The hospital – the only facility providing specialised maternal care in the area – has now been struck twice this month and was shelled at least 13 times in 2024.

    “Deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects are abhorrent,” Mr. Türk stated. “They must end immediately and so must incitement to violence against civilians,” he emphasised.

    As violence escalates, Mr. Türk reiterated the urgent need for all parties to uphold their legal obligations and ensure the protection of civilians. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merritt: Kicking off the 2025 Legislative Session 

    Source: US State of Georgia

    The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. Over the next 40 legislative days, I’m committed to fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia for all its residents.

    I am honored to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Government Oversight, Health and Human Services, Insurance and Labor, Natural Resources and the Environments and Urban Affairs where we will address pressing issues such as healthcare reform, firearm violence, and increasing literacy.

    As we enter the heart of the legislative session this week, the work under the Gold Dome is moving full speed ahead. Even as ice and snow swept across South Georgia and Atlanta last week, our commitment to serving the people of Georgia never wavered.

    When we returned to the Capitol this past Monday, we hit the ground running. Some highlights included Chamber of Commerce Day. I want to thank the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for joining Tuesday’s General Assembly at the Capitol. I appreciate all the Chamber does for Gwinnett County’s economy, small businesses, and emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs. These events are always exciting, and it’s refreshing to see so many Georgians getting involved in our state government.

    As budget hearings for the next fiscal year continue over the remainder of the legislative session in the form of committee meetings, we have a critical opportunity to shape investments that will directly impact our communities. Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed budget includes $50 million in security grants for individual schools—an essential step toward keeping students safe. However, proper school safety goes beyond physical security; it requires a commitment to addressing the broader issues affecting student well-being. I will continue advocating for a budget that supports working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the opportunity to succeed at every turn.

    My fellow Senators and I recognize that our constituents and families deserve to send their children to school without fear, and that is why we are introducing legislation to tackle school gun violence in Georgia. I am proud to co-sponsor SB 49, introduced by Sen. Elena Parent, which aims to address gun violence by making it a punishable offense in Georgia to allow children access to firearms. This legislation would require parents to take greater responsibility for securely storing their firearms, reducing children’s exposure to guns and helping keep our schools safe.

    On Tuesday, Senate Democrats announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced SB 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand access to mental health and maternal care and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. We believe every Georgian deserves reliable, accessible healthcare, and we will continue pushing for solutions that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, we will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, improve public schools, and expand access to affordable childcare. Our focus remains on legislation that puts people first, and I am proud to sponsor legislation that does just that.

    I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. This program is an invaluable experience, and I encourage my younger constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program here.

    The weeks ahead will be eventful, with key debates and legislation shaping Georgia’s future. I’m committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your voice is heard. Thank you for your trust—I encourage you to stay engaged as we work toward a stronger, fairer Georgia.

    ####

    Sen. Nikki Merritt represents the 9th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-2260 or via email at nikki.merritt@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Weeks Two and Three Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

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

    The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

    Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

    One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds directly to taxpayers. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we’re in a position to give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

    Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to making sure they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

    Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. One of the bills I’m proud to sponsor, Senate Bill (SB) 35, would increase the number of days’ notice that a policyholder must be given before his or her homeowners’ insurance policy is not renewed. The previous 30 days’ notice of nonrenewal is not enough time for the homeowner to avoid any lapses in coverage or properly address concerns with their insurance company. With this in mind, SB 35’s proposed 60 days’ notice will give Georgians and their insurance agent sufficient time to find replacement coverage and make sure that their home is protected.

    I’m also proud to support Senate Bill (SB) 52. This legislation, also known as the Timberlands Recovery, Exemption and Earnings Stability (TREES) Act, would allow local governments to provide tax relief for the timber industry. Timber is one of Georgia’s most important industries, and communities like those in the 20th Senate District depend on timber as an agricultural investment and a source of tax revenue. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene has left that industry in desperate need of relief, and with the TREES Act, we will waive the timber harvest tax in hurricane ravaged counties to help these communities recover from the catastrophe of this unprecedented storm.

    As committee meetings pick up, we’re working hard on issues that matter most to our communities, from protecting our schools to strengthening local infrastructure. I chaired the first meeting of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor this week, and I look forward to the committee’s regular meetings in the coming weeks.

    Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.

    As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Mexican Nationals Charged in Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain Visas for Immigrant ‘Victims’ of Staged Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Mexican nationals in the Kansas City area have been charged in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to stage numerous armed robberies so that the purported victims of these crimes, who were immigrants to the United States, could use their status as crime victims to apply for visas.

    Oscar Gutierrez, 35, of Independence, Mo., and Jose Luis Morales Salgado, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., both of whom are citizens of Mexico, were charged in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Jan. 30. The federal criminal complaint, which was unsealed and made public following Salgado’s arrest and initial court appearance, charges both men with participating in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain immigration visas. Gutierrez is already in custody on state charges in a separate case.

    The complaint alleges that immigrants contacted Salgado to arrange for themselves to become “victims” of staged robberies so they could submit applications for U-Visas, which are granted to crime victims. These immigrants, who were either illegally present in the United States or in the United States legally through work visas, paid Salgado thousands of dollars to participate. In exchange, Salgado directed them to the location of a planned staged robbery on a particular day and time.

    Salgado allegedly recruited individuals to pose as robbers during the staged robberies and provided directions to those individuals. One of the persons Salgado recruited to pose as a robber, says the complaint, was Gutierrez.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, each incident involved immigrants who later told police they had car trouble and pulled over and got out of their vehicle to diagnose the car trouble. Soon after stopping, another vehicle would arrive and park next to, or in front of, the purported victim’s vehicle. The robber, wearing a medical mask over his face and brandishing a firearm, would strike the purported victims in the head or face, take their cash, and typically fire two rounds into the purported victim’s vehicle.

    Investigators with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department initially identified 11 incidents in which the reported robberies followed this pattern. These cases were linked to each other, based in part, on leads generated from the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN utilized ballistic imaging technology to compare cartridge case markings on the expended cartridges from each crime scene.  Detectives determined there was likely one firearm used in the commission of all of the robberies. Detectives gathered information from city cameras and license plate readers to identify the vehicles used in the robberies, the affidavit says, which led them to Gutierrez.

    Salgado allegedly instructed the immigrants to falsely report to law enforcement officials how the robberies occurred, and advised them how to make these false reports in an effort to bolster their applications for U-Visas.

    The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute certain crimes while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they were the victim of qualifying criminal activity, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the criminal activity, possessed information about the criminal activity, and were likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

    According to the affidavit, a source told investigators the number of purported victims involved in the scheme was well over 100. The complaint specifically cites 11 robberies involving 33 purported victims that occurred as part of the conspiracy between Dec. 29, 2021, and July 13, 2024.  Of those 33 immigrants, 18 have submitted U-Visa applications claiming to be victims of violent crimes.

    An undercover federal agent and a law enforcement source met with Salgado on Jan. 22, 2025, according to the affidavit, and recorded their meeting. The undercover agent made arrangements to pay Salgado $4,000 for the robbery to be staged in order to fraudulently obtain a U-Visa. Salgado told the undercover agent he would “put on a grand show.” Once the plans were agreed upon, the undercover agent paid Salgado $500 with a promise to pay the balance later. The undercover agent met with Salgado again on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Salgado was arrested.

    The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Sentenced to 14 Years in federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 170 months in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.

    According to court records, on September 13, 2023, Deangelo Michael Lover, age 34, of Hot Springs, sold 24 grams of Methamphetamine to a Confidential Informant.  On September 15, 2023, Lover again contacted the Informant to sell additional Methamphetamine.  Hot Springs Police Investigators with the Special Investigation Division contacted Arkansas State Police and requested that a traffic stop be conducted on the vehicle occupied by Lover. A traffic stop was conducted, and Lover was arrested on an outstanding warrant. A search of the vehicle yielded 46 grams of Methamphetamine and a handgun.

    On September 30, 2024, Lover pleaded guilty to Possession of a more than five grams of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. 

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

    The Hot Springs Police Department Special Investigation Division investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case for the United States.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jennings Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Brandon James Willridge, 41, of Jennings, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 84 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to information presented in court, in January 2023, law enforcement officers were familiar with Willridge and aware of his drug trafficking activities in the area and had an active arrest warrant for him. On January 30, 2023, officers with the Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office and Gueydan Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Willridge as the result of the active arrest warrant for him.

    During the traffic stop, officers found Willridge to be in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle. In addition, Willridge had a bottle containing several orange pills in the driver door console of the vehicle, which were confirmed to be Alprazolam, a controlled substance. Other evidence indicated Willridge had been trafficking in narcotics during this time in the Gueydan and Lake Arthur areas. Willridge pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information on October 18, 2024, charging him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Willridge has prior felony convictions for false representation of a controlled substance in 2003 and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in 2010. 

    The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office and Gueydan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Myers P. Namie.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More than $4M in Civil and Criminal Actions Plus Nearly $2M in Forfeited Assets in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced today that the Northern District of Oklahoma (NDOK) collected $4,029,804.93 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $2,572,450.48 was collected in criminal actions, and $1,457,354.45 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the NDOK worked with partner agencies and divisions to collect $1,726,442 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024.

    “The Asset Recovery Unit and Asset Forfeiture teams consist of federal prosecutors, investigators, and professional support staff. In 2024, they collected more than $4 million on behalf of victims and collected nearly $2 million in assets, said U.S. Attorney, Clint Johnson. “Both teams diligently work to recover court ordered restitution to victims and process court ordered forfeiture. This funding not only impacts the Crime Victims Fund, but also goes towards law enforcement programs.”   

    Examples of Asset Recovery…
    In March 2024, the Northern District recovered $106,994.94 in U.S. v. Shane Hannaford, 21-CR-111. A veteran of the U.S. Marines, Hannaford devised a fraudulent investment scheme, defrauding fellow veterans he had served with in Iraq. Hannaford pled guilty to Bank Fraud, and the Court ordered him to pay $806,607.14 in restitution to his victims. The Northern District captured a significant payment towards restitution by intercepting proceeds from Hannaford’s sale of his home.

    In September 2024, the Northern District recovered $287,521.53 in U.S. v. Keven Ellis Partin, 19-CR-121. Partin pled guilty to Offering or Paying Healthcare Kickbacks. The Court ordered him to pay $338,805 in restitution to Department of Labor, TRICARE, Department of Veteran Affairs, and Medicare. Through liens and other enforcement tools, the Northern District recovered full restitution for these federal agencies.

    In May 2024, the Northern District of Oklahoma recovered $62,000 in U.S. v. Leslie Ellen Mansfield, 23-CR-170. Mansfield, an attorney, oversaw special needs trust accounts for intellectually challenged adults. Mansfield pled guilty to Bank Fraud, and the Court ordered her to pay $137,240.95 in restitution. The Northern District recovered full restitution for the living victims.

    Examples of Asset Forfeiture…
    In March 2024, the Northern District recovered $35,000 in U.S. v. Jesus Salazar-Lares, et al., 22-CR-339. In Aug. 2024, Salazar-Lares and others, traveled from Chicago to Tulsa and delivered more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine.  Salazar-Lares pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. The court authorized the seizure of $35,000 in cash.

    In April 2024, the Northern District recovered $84,788.42 in U.S. v. Melvin Brown, 22-CR-419. From July 2020 through May 2021, Brown conspired with others to distribute cocaine. Romero pled guilty to drug conspiracy. The court authorized the seizure of Romero’s bank account that had approximately $84,788.42.

    In June 2024, the Northern District recovered $620,000 in U.S. v. Jose Romero, et al., 22-CR-339. From Oct. 2019 through Oct. 2022, Romero conducted financial transactions with funds received through drug trafficking. Romero pled guilty to 18 counts of money laundering. The court authorized the forfeiture of $20,297 in cash, 18 vehicles, one firearm, approximately $50,076.31 from seized bank accounts, and four real estate properties.

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: BATON ROUGE MAN SENTENCED TO 211 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND FIREARMS VIOLATIONS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Demarlo Brown, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 211 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Court further sentenced Brown to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the proceeds from his drug trafficking crimes, as well as firearms and ammunition seized by law enforcement, be forfeited.

    This case was the result of an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based and operating in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas.

    According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea,from March through September 2019, Brown operated a drug distribution organization in the Baton Rouge area where he and others distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. When law enforcement raided his home and other locations associated with Brown, they seized over 27 ounces of methamphetamine, 2.7 ounces of heroin, and 1.6 ounces of fentanyl.  Two firearms and 38 rounds of ammunition were also seized from Brown that he illegally possessed to protect himself, his drugs, and his cash proceeds from drug sales. In total, six firearms and 168 rounds of ammunition were seized in the raids.

    Brown was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition. In April 2024, prior to possessing the two firearms and ammunition, he was convicted in the 19th Judicial District Court of armed robbery and was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor.   

    This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge City Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lyman E. Thornton, III and Jessica Jarreau, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Organized and Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Thomaston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Machinegun and Possessing Controlled Substances

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Chandler Breen possessed a firearm augmented with a machinegun conversion device, equipped with a 50-round magazine

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Thomaston man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to unlawful possessing a machinegun and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute.

    According to court records, in April 2024, the Thomaston Police Department received a tip that Chandler Breen, 34, was selling drugs behind a local business. A search of Breen’s vehicle revealed a firearm modified with a machinegun conversion device, 9mm ammunition, a large amount of cash, approximately 62 grams of cocaine, approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine, and at least 6 grams of fentanyl.

    Breen faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on the firearms charge; and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million and a minimum of three years of supervised release on the drug charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Thomaston Police Department.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 45 Months for Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts Violations

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LOUIS HANDY (“HANDY”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously  pleading guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to court records, the FBI’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force, in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department, observed HANDY carrying a concealed handgun.  When uniformed officers approached him to conduct an investigatory stop, HANDY discarded the gun under a nearby vehicle, ran but was caught after a brief chase.  After seizing the handgun HANDY discarded, officers searched HANDY’s person and vehicle, finding fentanyl, marijuana, oxycodone, suboxone films, a digital scale, latex gloves, and several hundred dollars in cash.  HANDY had several prior felony convictions, that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

    Judge Fallon sentenced HANDY to 45 months imprisonment on both the drug trafficking count and the felon in possession of a firearm count, to run concurrently, and ordered that HANDY be placed on supervised release for three years after his release from prison.  The Court also ordered HANDY to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.

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

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Radar Imagery Reveals Details About Los Angeles-Area Landslides

    Source: NASA

    Analysis of data from NASA radar aboard an airplane shows that the decades-old active landslide area on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has expanded.
    Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California used data from an airborne radar to measure the movement of the slow-moving landslides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County. The analysis determined that, during a four-week period in the fall of 2024, land in the residential area slid toward the ocean by as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) per week.
    Portions of the peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean just south of the city of Los Angeles, are part of an ancient complex of landslides and has been moving for at least the past six decades, affecting hundreds of buildings in local communities. The motion accelerated, and the active area expanded following record-breaking rainfall in Southern California in 2023 and heavy precipitation in early 2024.
    To create this visualization, the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) team used data from four flights of NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) that took place between Sept. 18 and Oct. 17. The UAVSAR instrument was mounted to a Gulfstream III jet flown out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and the four flights were planned to estimate the speed and direction of the landslides in three dimensions.
    In the image above, colors indicate how fast parts of the landslide complex were moving in late September and October, with the darkest reds indicating the highest speeds. The arrows represent the direction of horizontal motion. The white solid lines are the boundaries of the active landslide area as defined in 2007 by the California Geological Survey.
    “In effect, we’re seeing that the footprint of land experiencing significant impacts has expanded, and the speed is more than enough to put human life and infrastructure at risk,” said Alexander Handwerger, the JPL landslide scientist who performed the analysis.
    The insights from the UAVSAR flights were part of a package of analyses by the ARIA team that also used data from ESA’s (the European Space Agency’s) Copernicus Sentinel-1A/B satellites. The analyses were provided to California officials to support the state’s response to the landslides and made available to the public at NASA’s Disaster Mapping Portal.
    Handwerger is also the principal investigator for NASA’s upcoming Landslide Climate Change Experiment, which will use airborne radar to study how extreme wet or dry precipitation patterns influence landslides. The investigation will include flights over coastal slopes spanning the California coastline.
    More About ARIA, UAVSAR
    The ARIA mission is a collaboration between JPL and Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA, to leverage radar and optical remote-sensing, GPS, and seismic observations for science as well as to aid in disaster response. The project investigates the processes and impacts of earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, fires, subsurface fluid movement, and other natural hazards.
    UAVSAR has flown thousands of radar missions around the world since 2007, studying phenomena such as glaciers and ice sheets, vegetation in ecosystems, and natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.
    News Media Contacts
    Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov
    2025-012

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