The Commission has presented ProtectEU, a new European internal security strategy to support EU countries in guaranteeing security for its citizens. It sets out a workplan with a stronger legal framework, better information sharing and closer cooperation.
To address increasing security and hybrid threats like terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructure, Europe needs to review its approach to internal security. The strategy aims to adopt a whole-of-society approach that includes citizens, businesses, researchers, and civil society who can contribute to better safety for all.
Key objectives and actions:
a new European internal security governance
anticipating security threats through new ways of sharing intelligence
more effective tools for law enforcement and stronger justice and home affairs agencies
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts commit to tripling down on efforts to end child trafficking
VIENNA, 2 April 2025 – At the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, which concluded in Vienna on Tuesday, OSCE leaders and anti-trafficking experts called on the 57 OSCE participating States to turn their commitments into tangible actions and triple down on efforts in the fight against child trafficking.
Despite notable efforts over the last 20 years, the number of child trafficking cases detected across the OSCE region remains high. Over the past 15 years, the number of child trafficking victims identified has tripled globally, with online child sexual exploitation and abuse escalating at an alarming rate.
“Many people who were victims of human trafficking as children are only identified as victims once they are adults. The exploitation and violence may have continued for years. It is important to remember that, in addition to children in vulnerable positions, even well-off children can become victims of human trafficking,” said Leena Meri, Finland’s Justice Minister, speaking on behalf of the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship.
With national authorities, international organizations, civil society and private sector participation, the annual Alliance conference has become a landmark event within the global anti-trafficking community.
“Over the past two decades, we have made undeniable progress in combating child trafficking. Yet, the reality remains stark: far too many children continue to be trafficked, abused, and denied their fundamental rights. The OSCE is uniquely placed to help participating States put an end to this scourge,” said Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Director of the Office of the Secretary General.
This year marks 20 years since the 2005 Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, which called on participating States to develop national co-ordination and referral mechanisms to address child trafficking. As such, discussions explored various angles of child trafficking, existing efforts to combat it, and what more can be done. Panels included discussions on developments and patterns in child trafficking, identifying risks and solutions within the scope of children’s specific vulnerabilities, and the importance of implementing a whole-of-society approach to end child trafficking.
“The current trends of child trafficking inspire an urgent call to action: it is time we reverse these trends and triple down on our collective commitment to eradicate child trafficking. We must triple our resources, triple our actions, and triple our accountability to end these tragedies once and for all,” declared Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking.
Around 800 participants from across the OSCE region and beyond registered for this year’s Alliance conference, with a record-breaking of nearly 500 in-person registrations, underscoring the importance and relevance of OSCE’s anti-trafficking work.
More information about the 25th Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons can be found here.
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — While en route to Honolulu for scheduled drydock maintenance, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew turned an unexpected weather delay into an opportunity to reinforce U.S. security commitment to Allies and Indo-Pacific partners during a port call in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), from March 18 to 22, 2025.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The II International Scientific and Analytical Forum “Digital Law” was held at the “Boiling Point – Novosibirsk” of Academpark. The event was organized by Novosibirsk State University (Institute of Philosophy and Law), Institute of Philosophy and Law of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Law School of Heilongjiang University (PRC).
— We hold many joint events with the Institute of Philosophy and Law of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but today, thanks to cooperation with Heilongjiang University, we are already reaching the international level of discussing the problems of legal regulation in the field of information technology. The Forum program includes many reports on various aspects of digital law. And all this suggests that its topic is becoming more and more relevant every year, the emergence of new technologies entails the emergence of new tasks and conflicts that need to be resolved with the help of legal mechanisms, — noted Vladimir Diev, Director of the Institute of Philosophy and Law of NSU, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, in his speech.
The forum program opened with a report by Doctor of Law, Professor of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Forensic Science at NSU Roman Borovskikh, dedicated to the university’s developments in the field of new technologies for training future forensic scientists.
— Forensic science is an applied science, it requires honing certain skills, which is best done at a testing ground. But it is not always possible to create a full-scale, physical testing ground, and here its virtual version comes to the rescue. Simulators are used in many areas of training specialists — in cosmonautics, medicine, and others. We have applied this approach in jurisprudence, — he said.
Modeling of training scenarios on simulators is carried out in several directions. First of all, lines of models are built on the investigation of different types of crimes: violent against the person (murder, rape, etc.), property (various thefts), economic, official, etc. Within each such line there is a gradation depending on a specific situation in which the investigation takes place – place, time, situation, etc.
— Our simulators are based on the idea of a computer game, a quest, but at the same time they incorporate the entire arsenal of forensic tools for investigation, evidence collection, verification of versions, and so on. That is, they allow you to simulate the situation of investigating certain types of crimes in a game form. And the first lessons on them have already aroused great interest not only among students, but also among our fellow practitioners and scientists, — emphasized Roman Borovskikh.
In addition to NSU students, participants of the first international student festival of cybercriminology were able to work on cyber simulators CRIMELABE Fest-2024, organized by the university last fall. The event was a success, and Roman Borovskikh invited all the forum participants to take part in the next festival, which will take place approximately in September 2025.
It can be expected that by that time the list of situations simulated on virtual training grounds will expand even more – simulator developers are constantly improving their product.
— Not long ago, we formed a working group, which included university employees as theorists and employees of the Investigative Committee as practitioners. The goal is to improve this educational technology. In particular, we added to the range of simulated situations the investigation of an airliner crash, sabotage at infrastructure facilities. And we continue this work. I think we will be able to show a lot of interesting things at the next festival, — Roman Borovskikh summed up.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Police can confirm that the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath are being treated as a murder-suicide.
Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event. The family have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, to contact Police.
Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.
Chief Executive John Lee announced today that, upon his nomination and recommendation, and in accordance with the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government has approved the appointment of Joe Chow as Commissioner of Police, and the removal of Siu Chak-yee from the post.
Mr Chow was previously Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu begins pre-retirement leave after serving the Police Force for 36 years.
Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said: “Mr Chow has served in the Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills.
“I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.”
On the retirement of Mr Siu, who had been Commissioner of Police since June 2021, Mr Lee lauded his efforts in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world.
“He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest.”
Mr Lee added that as Commissioner of Police Mr Siu was devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to combat deception cases and other criminal activities.
“Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency.
“On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.”
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The educational project “NPO Lab” invites employees of non-profit organizations (NPOs) to learn how to work with electronic reporting, collect and analyze social media data, and apply digital technologies. In April, meetings with specialists from the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and experts in the field of marketing and the use of artificial intelligence were prepared for them. Students will be able to attend face-to-face classes and webinars, and then apply the knowledge they have gained in practice.
Employees of non-profit organizations will be able to join the training: managers, accountants and PR and promotion specialists. The events are free. Pre-registration is required.
The first lesson of the month will be devoted to the work of the new site Ministry of Justice of Russia. At the workshop, which will be held on April 3 from 14:00 to 16:15, specialists from this department will meet with the audience. Participants will receive detailed instructions on filling out reporting forms, which have been transferred to electronic format since this year. They will also analyze typical errors that may occur when preparing documents. The workshop will be held in the NPO coworking center in the Northern Administrative District at the address: Petrozavodskaya Street, Building 18, Building 1. You can register at this link.
Two of the project’s classes will be devoted to the development of NPO Telegram channels. At the webinar, which will take place on April 7 at 16:00, listeners will learn how to collect and analyze data from social networks and track the sources of new subscribers. Registration — by link. At the in-person meeting, which will take place on April 17 at 16:00, participants will be told about ways to promote their Telegram channels. The class will be held in the coworking center of the NPO South-West Administrative District at the address: Vinokurova Street, Building 2. You can register by link.
On April 8, the advanced training course “AI in the Service of NGOs” will begin. It will consist of five in-person classes devoted to working with artificial intelligence and the use of digital technologies. The meetings will tell you how to correctly compose requests, use various applications and online services, analyze data and compose grant applications. The training will take place on weekdays at the educational center at the address: Pleteshkovsky Lane, Building 19. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of the established form. Registration — by link.
The educational project “NPO Lab” began its work in 2016. It includes webinars, master classes, advanced training courses, intensive courses and consultations, which are conducted for employees of non-profit organizations. The full schedule and description of all the project’s events can be found on the Internet portal of the NPO coworking center network in the section “Education”.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since taking office, President Donald Trump and his administration have prioritized negotiating a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine announced its willingness to support a 30-day ceasefire proposal, Russia has not.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 50 of their colleagues, to introduce the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. This bill would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors backing Russia’s aggression if the country refuses to engage in good-faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated.
The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.
“The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 will issue decisive consequences aimed at deterring Russian aggression,” said Cramer. “This bill sends a clear message: bullies have a price to pay for their actions. Vladimir Putin and Russia must face serious consequences for their destructive and unprovoked war on Ukraine.”
Members who cosigned the legislation include U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Todd Young (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jon Husted (R-OH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Boozman (R-AR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), James Lankford (R-OK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Rick Scott (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jack Reed (D-RI).
Click here for bill text.
Source: US State of California Department of Justice
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released a statement after the issuance of a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from conducting unlawful mass terminations of federal probationary employees who live or work in California.
“The Trump Administration’s callous and reckless mass firings of federal employees have harmed thousands of employees and families including many veterans in our state who have dutifully served their country in uniform,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s decision is an important victory for the rule of law, which blocks the administration from terminating federal employees without lawfully required notice. California will continue to fight to protect our federal workforce, and the services Californians rely on.”
Background
Last month, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for conducting an illegal mass firing of federal employees. Soon after, the U.S. District Court for Maryland granted a temporary restraining order that barred the Trump Administration’s unlawful mass firing of federal employees from 18 federal agencies from taking effect and ordering the employees’ reinstatement. Today’s order prevents the federal agencies listed below from conducting during the pendency of the lawsuit unlawful mass firings of federal employees who live or work in California and requires the reinstatement of any affected employees who have not already been reinstated. The order also extends the injunction to encompass employees from the Department of Defense and the Office of Personnel Management.
Department of Agriculture
Department of Transportation
Department of Commerce
Department of Treasury
Department of Defense
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Education
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Department of Energy
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Health and Human Services
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Department of Homeland Security
General Services Administration
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Personnel Management
Department of Interior
Small Business Administration
Department of Labor
United States Agency for International Development
Nationally, there are more than 5.1 million federal workers. Nearly all federal employees serve a one-or two-year probationary period, and more than 200,000 are on probationary status across the federal government. In California, numerous federal employees serve in critical roles across key agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, among others.
The abrupt, pretextual termination of federal employees was not only unlawful but also disrupted essential government services from support for veterans and farmers to protection of our cherished national parks and lands. This action also had far reaching economic effects. Specifically, in California, federal employees heavily contribute to our economy by paying state income taxes and generating substantial local revenue. As a direct result of the Trump Administration’s unlawful actions, the state Employment Development Department was forced to commit substantial human and financial resources to quickly offer unemployment and reemployment assistance and information to wrongfully displaced workers. During the month of February 2025, coinciding with the layoffs, California saw a 149% increase in state unemployment benefit claims by federal workers.
Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‛i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, in securing the preliminary injunction.
Auckland Central Police have cleared out two apartments full of stolen property, resulting in four arrests.
In the process an excess of 80 stolen items, including 13 electric scooters, have been recovered by Police.
Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says an investigation has been underway into a series of burglaries at businesses and apartments in the city over the past month.
On Wednesday morning, the City Tactical Crime Unit along with the Beat Team and Police Support Unit executed two search warrants.
“Operation Rocket homed in on two apartments within a Hobson Street complex,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.
“Inside our teams came across an Aladdin’s cave of stolen property and it’s going to take some time to work through where everything has come from.”
Amongst the find was 13 electric scooters, an assortment of power tools and other electronic valuables.
Some of the power tools have been linked to a North Shore burglary in 2019, Inspector Tetzlaff says.
Four people at the addresses have been arrested and charged.
“Charges laid at this point relate to two burglaries at a Wellesley Street business, and a Union Street apartment last month,” he says.
Those charged are two men, aged 28 and 36, and two women, aged 35 and 41.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of burglary. He has also been charged with the aggravated robbery of an electric scooter in January.
A 41-year-old woman faces two charges of burglary. The other two arrested face charges of receiving stolen property.
Separately, a 47-year-old woman was located during search warrants in possession of methamphetamine and charged accordingly.
“The team working on Operation Rocket are continuing with their enquiries and further charges cannot be ruled out at this stage,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.
“Burglary is a serious offence and brings with it a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
“It’s a fantastic outcome as our team continue to work hard in holding this offending to account.”
Those charged are now before the Auckland District Court.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Washington (April 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement today following the Trump administration’s decision to cut $106 million in K-12 education funding in Massachusetts, and more than $2 billion to K-12 schools nationwide.
“President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have callously cut $106 million in funding to K-12 schools in Massachusetts – another salvo in their war on students and educators. To Massachusetts communities, this funding is a lifeline that helps provide students with math tutoring and dyslexia screening, update aging school buildings, and train educators to provide students with the highest quality instruction possible.
“With these devastating cuts, the Trump administration is hurting students, educators, families, and communities in the Commonwealth and nationwide. Massachusetts is the birthplace of public education and has the best school system in the country. But we cannot continue to make necessary strides toward a school system that enables all students to succeed when the Trump administration is ripping the rug out from under states and cruelly clawing back funds that are owed to the Commonwealth.
“As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I demanded that Linda McMahon promise not to cut funding for public schools. She refused. Now, Trump and McMahon are following through on their anti-student, anti-educator, anti-family agenda. They want to lock the promise of education and opportunity in an ivory tower and throw away the key.
“I will fight these callous cuts, and I will fight any other attempts from Trump, McMahon, Musk and their lackeys to gut public education.”
Impacted school districts in Massachusetts:
Springfield ($47,357,654)
New Bedford ($15,603,433)
Fitchburg ($6,578,468)
Everett ($4,897,300)
Revere ($4,613,327)
Boston ($3,468,659)
Leominster ($1,868,215)
Stoughton ($1,512,470)
Worcester ($1,454,350)
Chelsea ($1,448,715)
Lawrence ($1,307,307)
Dracut ($648,702)
Holyoke ($395,863)
West Springfield ($354,868)
Lynn ($339,357)
Fairhaven ($250,802)
Greater Fall River Regional Vocational Technical ($115,465)
Ludlow ($83,334)
Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical ($21,461)
Mashpee ($2,481)
Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Holyoke ($118,894)
Saint Stanislaus School in Chicopee ($172,692)
Senator Markey is fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
Two teenagers have been arrested after driving a stolen car on the O-Bahn bus track.
Just after 6am on Wednesday 2 April, a red 2016 Ford Mustang was reported stolen from the driveway of a Rosslyn Park home.
Police spotted the Mustang travelling south out of Bute about 11.15am before heading east on the Copper Coast Highway through to Port Wakefield.
Patrols set up cordons around the area and awaited PolAir to commence tracking the vehicle from the air.
The Mustang was tracked through Two Wells and Virginia and into the northern suburbs.
About 12.45pm the Mustang drove onto the O-Bahn track at Tea Tree Plaza and travelled south for about 2km’s before becoming stuck near Welloch Street, Modbury.
Two people ran from the car and over fences of nearby houses but were quickly arrested by patrols.
Two Port Augusta teens aged 14 and 19 have been arrested and are currently being interviewed by police.
The O-Bahn track remains closed until a crane can remove the vehicle.
Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:
Police are continuing to investigate an unexplained death in Northland, Wellington yesterday.
The investigation team have been conducting enquiries door-to-door in the Northland area and speaking to witnesses and people known to the victim.
A scene guard will remain in place at the property over the coming days.
Members of the Northland community can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area while enquiries into the circumstances of the death continue.
If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, April 2 — China’s State Council announced on Wednesday that it has decided to appoint Chow Yat-ming as the commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, replacing Siu Chak-yee.
The decision was made in accordance with the HKSAR Basic Law, and was based on the nomination and suggestion put forward by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, the official announcement said.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Washington-Baltimore HIDTA has recognized two Assistant United States Attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and members of the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for an investigation that dismantled a tri-state drug trafficking operation.
Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane received the Outstanding Community Impact Investigation award at the HIDTA ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland today for their work on a case which dismantled a violent criminal enterprise that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The investigation led to the indictment of 82 co-conspirators and the seizure of nine kilograms of fentanyl/heroin, large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, $250,000 in cash and other assets.
“I express my heartfelt thanks to HIDTA for honoring these Assistant United States Attorneys and members of the task force who work tirelessly to remove fentanyl and these other agents of death from our community,” stated Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard. “The AUSAs and the task force members are on the front lines, days, nights, and weekends using their skills and the most advanced technology to serve the mission of eliminating these poisons and the organizations who distribute them from our country.”
The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force is a HIDTA-funded initiative and consists of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Ranson Police Department; and the Charles Town Police Department.
Washington-Baltimore HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) provides support and guidance to reduce drug trafficking and misuse by improving interagency collaboration, promoting accurate and timely information and intelligence sharing, and specialized training and other resources to law enforcement, intelligence, treatment, and prevention initiatives. To learn more, go to https://www.hidta.org.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Gulfport, Miss. – A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi returned indictments charging nine men—Alvonta Demarcus McCray, Melvin McCray, Cameron Fairley, Christopher Chase Brown, Cleon Johnson, Roderick Victor Minter, Tracy Antoine McCall, Nathaniel Jackson, and Jeremy Young—for their involvement in narcotics and firearm trafficking.
These indictments are the result of a joint investigation among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (“MBN”); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted more than 30 operations that resulted in the seizure of 3.98 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and over 20 firearms.
According to the indictments, Alvonta Demarcus McCray was charged in a six-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute-methamphetamine and fentanyl, and five counts of possession with intent to distribute; he is facing up to life in prison. Melvin McCray was charged in a five-count indictment charging him with trafficking firearms, and four counts of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; he is facing up 15 years in prison. Cameron Fairley and Christopher Chase Brown were charged in a joint indictment charging them with trafficking firearms. Fairley is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fairley is facing up to life in prison and Brown is facing up to 15 years in prison. Nathaniel Jackson is charged in a six-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, he is facing up to 20 years in prison. Cleon Johnson is charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun and is facing up to 10 years in prison. Roderick Victor Minter, and Tracy Antoine McCall are charged in a joint indictment charging them with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Minter and McCall are facing up to life in prison. Jeremy Young is charged in a two-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and is facing up to 20 years in prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of ATF; Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of HSI, Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety; and Todd Stewart, Sheriff of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight 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.
National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has shared dashcam footage from members showing some hair-raising near-misses, and says that impatient driving is endangering lives.
Transporting New Zealand has been calling for members to submit footage of dangerous driving, highlighting the need for all road users to observe safe speeds, pass and merge safely, and observe appropriate following distances.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the footage shows just how dangerous impatient and reckless driving can be.
“Truck drivers spend more time on the roads than almost anyone else. Transporting New Zealand is consistently hearing concerns from our road freight members about incidents of impatient and unsafe driving they’re seeing while going about their work.
“The roads are the workplace for truck drivers, and that’s a workplace where a moment’s impatience or inattention can shatter lives forever.”
He says the maximum speed limit for heavy vehicles is 90 km/h, even on sections of road with 110 km/h speed limits, requiring patience from all road users when overtaking and merging.
“Please be patient and wait until there’s a passing lane or a clear section of road before overtaking.
“Think about how far you have to go to get clear of a truck and possibly a trailer. The combined length of both can be up to 23 metres – that’s a significant distance to cover and you need a safety gap at the other side.”
Transporting New Zealand has shared three videos where disaster was narrowly avoided.
Kalasih says that impatient or reckless driving is never worth the risk.
“It’s not worth risking your life or anybody else’s for the sake of saving a few minutes. That’s how horrible wrecks happen.”
Videos
In Not the Foggiest there’s a van, a plan, and no visibility. You can almost hear the paint squeak as the over-taking vehicle ducks in. Submitted by a freight operator in Taupo.
The next video was recorded near Waipawa in the Hawke’s Bay. A stock truck is carrying a load of bulls and has to swing wide to get into a driveway. Just as one of the team mentions what a tricky spot it is with some people trying to pass on the outside, a vehicle decides it will try a different approach. Some dialogue has been redacted.
– If you believe someone’s driving is dangerous enough to be life-threatening, call the Police on 111.
– You can call -555 from a mobile phone to report road incidents which are urgent but not life-threatening.
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealandis the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows.
Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously sing and dance) to the television form, such as the recent cult series Schmigadoon! (2021–23) and the less successful medieval-set Galavant (2015–16).
Others have foregrounded music by being backstage musicals, or “backstagers”, about the creation of musicals. Glee (2009–15), about the American high school show choir scene, was the most successful of these. It led to imitators like Smash (2013–14), about a Marilyn Monroe musical; 2018’s Rise, a major flop about a high school producing Spring Awakening; and, my favourite, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019–23), a meta-fictional take on the Disney musical canon.
Backstagers have usually been more successful and also easier to produce than true through-and-through musicals for television, as they place their stories in settings that allow for the more or less “natural” presence of song and dance as part of the shows being staged. This acts as a bridge for audience members who might baulk at the singing and dancing fantasies inherent to the musical genre.
With their new show Happiness, Kip Chapman and Luke Di Somma have created a welcome New Zealand answer to this style of musical TV show.
Creating a musical
Charlie (Harry McNaughton) has returned from New York to his hometown of Tauranga, having been dismissed from helming a Broadway revival of Cats.
In a desperate attempt to demonstrate competency for a renewal of his visa – and to please his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney) – he decides to help out the local amateur musical theatre society Pizzaz (“the finest large-scale yet boutique classical musical theatre company in Tauranga”) with their latest production, an original musical called The Trojan Horse, based on the Iliad.
The first number in the first episode is an airport flash mob set to Backstreet’s Back, which Charlie’s mum has arranged to welcome her son home. While the nod to the Backstreet Boys is fun, it would have been more effective to start the show with an original musical number. As many writers of musicals have argued, one has to set up the “rules” of a musical in the first ten minutes, otherwise there is a risk of confusing the audience.
This number hints that Happiness might be a jukebox musical, but thankfully that is not the case. On the contrary, it has a whole set of new songs.
Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre. Warner Bros Discovery
The score that Luke Di Somma has written for the show-within-the-show is a convincing pastiche of standard musical theatre styles. There is lots of Les Misérables high drama, Chicago showbiz razzle-dazzle, and Dear Evan Hansen pop balladry.
The songs carefully tread the line between portraying the well-meaning amateurishness of The Trojan Horse and being clever and competent enough in themselves to retain the audience’s interest.
This collection of stylistic nods, at least among the songs heard in the first two episodes I was able to preview, is typical of musical theatre writing as it is currently done. Di Somma has nicely balanced his own personal style (on display in earlier works like That Bloody Woman and The Unruly Tourists) with the needs of Happiness’s pastiche to create a score that wouldn’t be out of place on any musical stage.
An affectionate take
Happiness takes an affectionate look at community musical theatre, with details like the mismatched teacups and homemade lamingtons available during rehearsal breaks, the amusingly stuffed prop and costume store, and the mix of ages and experiences in the cast.
Backstagers are good fodder for TV as they can involve a wide variety of eccentric characters among the show’s cast and crew. The first episode does a good job of introducing them all. The usual backstage tropes are all there, like the young ingenue overshadowed by the haughty star and the put-upon music director (Marshayla Christie) trying to get her voice heard by the out-of-touch stage director (Peter Hambleton).
Happiness brings a specific New Zealand spin to the backstage musical. Warner Bros Discovery
This all makes Happiness fairly predictable, but it is also well observed and always engaging. A specific New Zealand spin comes with details such as the look of the the barn-like space that houses Pizazz, the Number Eight Wire attitude shown by the crew (they have $167 to make the Trojan Horse prop), and poking a bit of fun at the Kiwi accent. In one scene, Charlie suggests that local star Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence) as Helen of Troy might try it without the “Classical” English accent – which only ends up strengthening her Kiwi vowels.
I hope that Warner Discovery, which produces the show, will distribute it abroad. Happiness paints New Zealand musical theatre talent in a positive light and shows what the locals can do, while also being very entertaining in its own right. It is a welcome addition to the “let’s put on a show” backstager genre.
Happiness is available on Three and ThreeNow from tomorrow.
Gregory Camp does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies. Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.
Defendant helped run a multi-state bank fraud ring that stole nearly half a million dollars from Utah-based credit unions
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Matthew Acquah, 24, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $452,000 in restitution for his role defrauding Utah-based credit unions out of nearly half a million dollars.
The sentence, imposed by Chief District Judge Robert J. Shelby, comes after Acquah pleaded guilty in January 2025 to counts of bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents and statements made at Acquah’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Acquah admitted that he used fraudulent identification documents to open lines of credit on behalf of unwitting victims and then take out unauthorized cash advances. He also admitted helping plan and execute numerous bank fraud sprees in Utah involving out-of-state coconspirators. According to prosecutors, Acquah was referred to as “Scamdaddy” or “Playboy Prince” by his coconspirators. Acquah arranged airfare for coconspirators, booked hotel rooms, facilitated vehicles and drivers, trained new recruits, and performed other management functions for the bank fraud ring.
Between December 2023 and June 2024, Acquah admitted that his fraud ring managed to obtain over $450,000 in fraud proceeds from credit unions in Utah. According to documents filed with the court, Acquah used his share to fund a lavish lifestyle, including an apartment in downtown Los Angeles and a vehicle. He was arrested with over $100,804 in U.S. currency split between his apartment and an offsite storage unit, which will be used to repay victims.
The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Taylorsville City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Senior Chinese legislator Li Hongzhong on Tuesday called for sound understanding and implementation of the newly-revised Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels. Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a launching ceremony for this year’s first term of study sessions for NPC deputies. Li urged people’s congresses deputies to fulfill their duties with a focus on the overall work of the Party and the country, promote the high-quality development of people’s congresses work, and foster closer ties with the people.
Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of 20 senators in introducing a resolution to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility and recognize the achievements and courage of the transgender community around the world.
“International Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the transgender community around the world – their achievements, their courage, and their right to live freely and openly,” said Senator Schatz. “It’s also about raising awareness of the discrimination trans people continue to face, especially under the Trump administration. While the progress we’ve made on trans rights is under threat, we won’t stop fighting until there’s full acceptance and equality for all.”
Schatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
The resolution is supported by Advocates for Trans Equality, Advocates for Human Rights, American Federation of Teachers, AIDS United, Amnesty International USA, CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers, Equality California, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Just Detention International, Kentucky Youth Law Project, Inc., LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, Maryland Communities United, Movement Advancement Project, National LGBTQI+ Bar Association, National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, National Black Justice Coalition, North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth, PFLAG National, People Power United, Point of Pride, Popular Connection Action Fund, Popular Democracy, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Pride at Work – Hawai‘i, Silver State Equality, Transathlete, and Trevor Project.
A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) and co-led by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
The full text of Schatz’s resolution is available here.
IWO TO, Japan– Veterans, families, active-duty U.S. Marines and Sailors, Japan Self Defense Force members, and U.S. and Japanese dignitaries gathered for the 80th Annual Reunion of Honor at Iwo To, Japan on March 29. The event, held on the year of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, was a memorial to the selfless service, sacrifice, and valor exhibited during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths of two people at a residential property on Palliser Road, Roseneath, Wellington.
About 10.25pm on Monday, a concerned family member asked Police to carry out a welfare check on the occupants of the Palliser Road home. The officers who responded saw a need to force entry to the address, where they found two people deceased.
Based on the results of a scene examination and other enquiries, we will be referring the case to the Coroner.
Post-mortems were completed today, and Police will continue to have a presence in the area as we work to understand the reasoning behind this tragic incident.
We would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, is asked to contact us.
Please update us online now or call 105, and reference the file number 250401/2474 or “Operation Palliser”.
Police are continuing to provide support to next of kin.
Police investigate damage at Stanley penguin viewing platform
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:26 pm.
Police are investigating after a series of incidents where damage was caused at the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at Stanley. Between Tuesday 18 March and Saturday 22 March, several LED strip lights and guide lights were damaged or removed from the platform off Harrison Terrace. The marine-grade lighting had been fitted over information boards, and around the platform. Police are also investigating similar incidents of damage at the platform in recent months. Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Smithton Police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report 770206.
Second person charged in relation to murder at Glenorchy
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:32 pm.
Police have charged a second person with murder following an incident at Dickson Street, Glenorchy, on 11 March, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man. The 15-year-old youth was arrested last night. They have been detained to appear before the Youth Justice Court today.
Police working with City of Hobart and local businesses to reduce retail crime
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:38 pm.
More than 100 people attended a retail crime and safety forum in Hobart this morning to discuss strategies for making stores and shopping precincts safer. Inspector John Toohey said the event, organised by Tasmania Police and City of Hobart, brought together community leaders, police and retailers. “Today’s forum highlights the importance of working together to reduce crime,” he said. “By collaborating, we can create better strategies to target retail crime and make our environment safer for everyone.” “There are simple things retailers can do to prevent crime, from ensuring the store layout allows visibility to installing high-quality CCTV and other security measures.” “Properly training staff, engaging closely with customers and restricting access to key areas is also key.” “If a crime does occur, it’s important the matter is reported to police in a timely manner so our officers can respond effectively and hold offenders to account.” “We want our local businesses, and communities more broadly, to be able to thrive without worrying about crime.” “It’s crucial that both the public and employees feel safe not only in public spaces but also in their workplaces.” City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council is dedicated to creating a safe and vibrant retail environment in Hobart. “Today’s discussions have reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration between the council, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges we face,” she said. Retailer Warren Lucas said retail crime not only affects businesses’ bottom line, but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers. “Forums like this are essential for sharing knowledge and developing practical solutions to these issues.” The forum provided a space for meaningful conversations and idea-sharing, paving the way for stronger partnerships and better strategies to fight retail crime.
Police seize 12 kilograms of cannabis during separate searches
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – 12:13 pm.
Two people have been charged after police seized more than 12 kilograms of cannabis during three separate searches at George Town. George Town Police conducted the searches between 28 March and 31 March. A 50-year-old George Town man was arrested following one search, and has been charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance. A 51-year-old George Town was searched twice within three days, and allegedly found in possession of large quantities of cannabis on both occasions. He has been charged with multiple drug related offences including possess a controlled plant product, possess a controlled drug and trafficking in a controlled substance. Both men, who are not linked, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date. Anyone with information about illicit substances is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – Soldiers of the Philippine Army 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions and U.S. Army Soldiers from the Cross-Domain Effects Company (CDEC), 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment (Task Force Gimlet), 25th Infantry Division, participated in a subject matter expert exchange on mortar operations during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, on March 27, 2025.
