NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement with a Weapon During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to prison today after he previously pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement with a weapon during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                 Joshua Lee Atwood, 31, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. Atwood previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon.

                According to court documents, Atwood traveled from his home in Burgettstown to Washington, D.C., to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, “Stop the Steal” rally on the National Mall. After the rally, Atwood made his way toward the U.S. Capitol building and, by approximately 4:22 p.m., arrived at the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6th. There, Atwood observed law enforcement officers actively attempting to prevent members of the crowd from entering the building.

                At approximately 4:35 p.m., Atwood climbed into the Capitol building through a broken window next to the Tunnel and entered into a Senate room near the Lower West Terrace exterior doors. Atwood exited the building and, by approximately 4:51 p.m., joined the mob gathered around the Tunnel entrance, which law enforcement officers were actively defending. Atwood started throwing several objects at officers in the Tunnel, including a plastic bottle and a metal pole, both of which struck police officers.

                Atwood then picked up a wooden pole and used it to forcibly strike at the riot shields of officers in the police line. Atwood then used the pole to strike an officer’s helmet before throwing the pole at the police line. Next, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Atwood drew a canister of pepper spray and continuously sprayed the officers guarding the Tunnel entrance until the canister was depleted. Atwood then threw the canister at police.  Atwood then threw additional items at the police, including a baseball bat and a plastic bottle.

                Atwood then used a police riot shield to strike at officers guarding the Tunnel, including by thrusting the bottom edge of the shield into the officer’s shields. When striking police with the riot shield, Atwood yelled, “F— off, you guys are all pieces of s—”, and “Everyone of you should be ashamed of yourself. Everyone of you m—f—are pieces of s—. Betraying your country like this, why would you betray your country. Do you love your country, or do you want civil…communist f—.”

                Shortly after, Atwood picked up a metal scaffolding pipe and threw it at police. The pipe bounced off a riot shield and struck another officer in the head and neck. Moments later, Atwood picked up a heavy black speaker and threw it toward the group of officers.

                The FBI arrested Atwood on April 17, 2024, in Pennsylvania.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania provided valuable assistance.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Pittsburgh and Washington Field Offices. Atwood was listed as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #229 in the FBI’s seeking information images. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 47 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,572 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    24-cr-0199

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: $TOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating the Merger – PWOD, CARA, NURO, VOXX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PWOD), relating to the proposed merger with Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Penns Woods shareholders will be entitled to receive 2.385 shares of Northwest common stock for each share of Penns Woods common stock they own.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/penns-woods-bancorp-inc-pwod/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARA), relating to the proposed merger with Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Cara Therapeutics stockholders are expected to own approximately 17.0% of the combined company.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/cara-therapeutics-inc-cara/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • NeuroMetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NURO), relating to the proposed merger with electroCore, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of NeuroMetrix will be entitled to receive the equivalent of the balance of NeuroMetrix’s net cash at the closing of the transaction, estimated to be $9 million in the aggregate.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/neurometrix-inc-nuro/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), relating to the proposed merger with Gentex Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Gentex will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of VOXX common stock not already owned by Gentex for a purchase price of $7.50 per share.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/voxx-international-corporation-voxx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Immutable Holdings Announces Voting Results for Its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Immutable Holdings Inc. (NEO:HOLD) (“Immutable Holdings” or the “Corporation”), a publicly-traded blockchain holding company, is pleased to announce the voting results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that was held on December 20, 2024 (the “Meeting”).

    Election of Directors

    Each of the nominees for election as directors listed in the Corporation’s management information circular dated November 12, 2024 (the “Circular”) were elected as directors of the Corporation for the ensuing year or until their successors are elected or appointed.

    Reappointment of Auditors

    At the Meeting, shareholders also approved the reappointment of Richter LLP as auditors of the Corporation for the ensuing year, as well as the authorization of the directors of the Corporation to fix the auditors’ remuneration and the terms of their engagement.

    For further details regarding the matters considered at the Meeting, please refer to the Circular, which can be found under Immutable’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Immutable Holdings Inc.

    Immutable Holdings is a collection of businesses within the digital assets ecosystem on a mission to build businesses and products that increase the awareness, access, and adoption of digital assets. Founded by Jordan Fried, a founding team member of multibillion dollar Hedera Hashgraph network, Immutable Holdings already boasts tens of millions under management and a portfolio of businesses and brands built on the blockchain ecosystem, including NFT.com, Coffee and Crypto, Immutable Asset Management, and 1-800-Bitcoin. For further information regarding Immutable Holdings, visit https://immutableholdings.com/ and see the Corporation’s disclosure documents on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For media inquiries and further information, contact:

    Jordan Fried, Founder & CEO
    Email: info@immutableholdings.com

    Melyssa Charlton, CFO
    Email: info@immutableholdings.com

    Billy Baxter, Head of Corporate Development & Operations
    Email: info@immutableholdings.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

    This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes to applicable laws or the regulatory sphere in which the Corporation operates, general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility and the other risks disclosed in the Corporation’s annual information form dated March 28, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Corporation’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of factors that may affect the Corporation’s forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation and/or not specifically referenced herein could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements.

    Although the Corporation believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Disarmament Chief Calls Out ‘Unacceptable Levels’ of Civilian Fatalities in Ukraine, as Security Council Debates Western Arms Supplies to Kyiv, Moscow’s Ongoing Attacks

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Meeting again today to discuss Western arms supplies to Ukraine, the Security Council heard that civilians there continue to be killed and injured by a panoply of deadly munitions, while the organ’s members alternately urged a diplomatic end to the violence and condemned Moscow’s initial — and continued — aggression.

    “More than 1,000 days have passed since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched on 24 February 2022 in violation of the UN Charter and of international law,” observed Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.  Since the Council last met on this topic on 31 October, the world has continued to witness “unacceptable levels” of civilian deaths and injuries, she noted, also spotlighting Moscow’s “systematic and deliberate” targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

    Transfers of arms and ammunition, and the provision of other forms of military assistance to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, have also continued, she said.  Additionally, there have been reports of States transferring — or planning to transfer — weapons and ammunition to the Russian Federation.  Further reports refer to an increase in military cooperation between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation, including troop deployment by the former into the latter’s Kursk region.

    “I urge all concerned to refrain from any steps that may lead to further spillover and intensification of the conflict, as well as any further harm to civilians,” she said, citing reports by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of over 12,340 civilians killed — and more than 27,836 injured — between 24 February 2022 and 30 November 2024.  She also noted reports of cross-border strikes by Ukraine inside the Russian Federation – with some reportedly resulting in damage to civilian objects.

    Expressing particular concern over the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, the use and transfer of cluster munitions and recent announcements regarding the transfer of non-persistent anti-personnel landmines, she called on States to abide by their international obligations and become parties to disarmament treaties “as a matter of priority”.  Further, universal participation in arms-control instruments is essential to prevent the diversion of conventional arms and to regulate the international arms trade.

    Concluding, she reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for “a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, consistent with the UN Charter”.

    United States’ Speaker:  Permanent Council Member Violating UN Charter

    “This document has meaning,” stressed the representative of the United States, Council President for December, as he took the floor in his national capacity.  For 80 years — “through thick and thin”, he noted — the Council has worked to uphold the Charter’s principles and to oppose territorial conquest.  Now, today, one of the organ’s permanent members is openly, unashamedly violating the Charter, as well as Council resolutions — that it voted for — to prevent a rogue nation from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    He went on to detail Beijing’s continued supply of dual-use items to Moscow’s war-industrial base, stating that China “telegraphs tacit approval for Russia’s war” by doing so.  “Russia listens only to strength and action — something we collectively lacked when Russia invaded Crimea, and when it invaded Georgia before that,” he noted, adding:  “Appeasement didn’t work then, and it won’t work now.”  Therefore, the United States and its partners will continue supporting both Ukraine and the UN Charter.

    Russian Federation’s Speaker:  Ukraine ‘Gold Mine’ for Military-industrial Complex of ‘Anglo-Saxon Countries’

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation said that there would have been no war “if the United States had not supported the coup d’état in Kyiv in 2014” and had not “made Ukraine into anti-Russia”.  Noting that Ukraine has become a “gold mine” for the military-industrial complex of “Anglo-Saxon countries”, he said that half of all weapons sales went to 41 United States corporations.  In 2023, the revenue of 100 major weapons manufacturers reached $632 billion, he added.

    “It would be naïve to think that these unprincipled traders will give up on their huge profits for the benefit of the helpless Ukrainians,” he emphasized.  Further, he said that the Pentagon had to admit that the whereabouts of more than half of the Javelin and Stinger missiles sent to Ukraine were unknown, highlighting the corruption that “accompanies Western supplies”.  He concluded:  “My advice to all of those who are hoping that military activities will stop:  don’t have any illusions about the real intent of the comedian Zelenskyy.  We never had them.”

    Ukraine’s Speaker:  Kyiv Strikes Legitimate Military Targets on Its Occupied Territory and in Russian Federation

    “Ukraine never wanted this war and — more than any country across the globe — Ukraine wants the war to end,” stressed that country’s representative.  Noting that the Russian Federation again prefaced today’s meeting “with air terror against Ukrainian cities”, he described Moscow’s behaviour as:  “A — plan a strike; B — call a Security Council meeting; C — carry out a strike; D — call a meeting to complain about Western weapons supplies”.  This correlation has been registered in at least 18 cases, he emphasized.

    Against this backdrop, Ukraine strikes legitimate military targets on its occupied territories and in the Russian Federation, he went on to say, stressing that “it is more than easy” for Moscow to stop the war it launched.  Instead, Russian Federation President Vladimir V. Putin called for a “high-tech duel” between his country and the West, in which Moscow would strike Kyiv with medium-range ballistic missiles while Western missile-defence systems would attempt to protect it.  “Yesterday’s revelations from Putin leave no room for doubt:  his regime must be neutralized as soon as possible,” he urged.

    Council Members Weigh In

    Throughout the meeting, several Council members also pointed out that it was Moscow who originated the war.  “It is quite clear that this conflict began with Russia’s invasion of a neighbouring country in violation of the UN Charter,” stressed the representative of the Republic of Korea.  “Today’s meeting on the issue of weapons transfers to Ukraine is irrelevant,” he added, underscoring:  “The world knows the difference between an aggressor and a victim.”  He also expressed concern over the future of the “illegal coalition” between Moscow and Pyongyang, which is internationalizing the conflict.

    Similarly, Japan’s representative — noting today’s “shamefully familiar topic” — underscored that “there is only one aggressor in this conflict”.  The Russian Federation launched this unprovoked war of aggression, and that country is the one systematically violating international law.  Also expressing concern over Moscow’s military cooperation with Pyongyang and Tehran, he stressed:  “We must focus on Russia’s violations of international law and not fall prey to its disinformation or malicious tactics.”

    Echoing that was France’s delegate, who said that today’s “umpteenth meeting” on arms transfers requested by the Russian Federation was merely “a smokescreen to mask” its treatment of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.  “There is one aggressor:  Russia,” he underscored.  Moscow can choose to cease its aggression at any time without harming its own security, but Ukraine’s right to defend itself includes striking Russian Federation military targets.

    “Every country has an inalienable right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” observed Slovenia’s representative, adding:  “By extension, every country has the right to procure the means to defend themselves.”  As others, he said that “it is worth pointing to the source of inconsistencies with international law during this war — it is Russia that illegally invaded Ukraine”.  Also expressing concern over the extent of mine use in Ukraine, he stressed that these weapons will “pose a threat to the civilian population for years to come”.

    Ukraine Most Mined Country in the World 

    On that, Guyana’s delegate observed that Ukraine is now considered “the most-mined country in the world”, as potentially 23 per cent of its land is at risk of contamination with likely clearing costs of over $34 billion.  Emphasizing that such weapons “have no place in our world”, she called on all States transferring weapons and ammunition into the conflict area to do so within the existing international legal framework — including Council resolutions – and with adequate controls in place to prevent their irregular transfer. 

    In that vein, Mozambique’s delegate called on weapons-exporting States to refrain from transferring arms where risks of human-rights violations or breaches of international humanitarian law exist.  Similarly, recipient States must ensure that the arms transferred are used in a manner consistent with applicable international legal instruments and are not diverted or transferred to other destinations.  Ecuador’s representative concurred, urging States to act responsibly at every stage of the chain of transfer to prevent the diversion or misuse of arms.

    Algeria’s representative, citing the use of modern medium- and long-range missiles in Ukrainian and Russian Federation territory, called on both parties to ensure that these weapons do not fall into the hands of criminals, terrorists or extremist groups — who often use such weapons against defenceless civilians.  Adding to that, the representative of Sierra Leone urged all parties to “refrain from further escalation in pursuit of the option of winning battles at all costs”.  For his part, the representative of Malta stressed:  “The people of Ukraine deserve better.  The people of Russia deserve better.  Both nations deserve a peaceful future.”

    “Weapons may help win a war, but cannot bring about lasting peace,” observed China’s representative, recalling that Beijing has called on the parties to cease hostilities and restore peace for the past three years.  “The United States is the only country that has chosen to turn a blind eye to China’s efforts,” he said, adding that one country’s security cannot be achieved at the expense of another’s.  He also expressed hope that the United States will abandon the “zero-sum mentality of the cold war”.

    Switzerland’s representative, meanwhile, noted that today’s meeting was one of approximately 70 so far dedicated to Ukraine.  “And, for the seventieth time, I repeat that Russia must immediately withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine,” she said, adding:  “This repetition is important, however; we cannot — and must not — normalize what has happened in Ukraine.”

    “This Christmas, I suggest the Russian delegation reads How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy,” said the representative of the United Kingdom.  Noting that this is a story about a man who — in his greed to acquire more and more land — exhausts himself and dies, he said that the man is then buried in a six-foot grave — “which is all the land he ends up with”.  “The moral is quite clear,” he observed, adding: “The Russians would do well to heed the wisdom of their forebears.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from President Joe  Biden on Securing 235 Judicial Confirmations

    Source: The White House

    Today, we reached a major milestone in our efforts to protect our Nation’s freedoms: the United States Senate confirmed the 235th federal judge during my presidency – marking the largest number of confirmations in a single term since the 1980s. This includes one Supreme Court Justice, 45 Circuit Court Judges, 187 District Court Judges, and two judges on the Court of International Trade.

    These men and women represent the best of America. They are all highly qualified. And they have had distinguished legal, judicial, and academic careers.

    When I ran for President, I promised to build a bench that looks like America and reflects the promise of our nation. And I’m proud I kept my commitment to bolstering confidence in judicial decision-making and outcomes.

    The 235 confirmed judges include a record number of judges with backgrounds and experiences that have long been overlooked: advocates for civil rights, workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights, and more. I appointed the first former public defenders to sit on the Seventh and First Circuits. I have also put forth men and women who have been prosecutors and plaintiffs’ attorneys.

    In addition, I appointed the most demographically diverse slate of judicial nominees ever. This includes: the first Black woman and public defender on the United States Supreme Court, and appointing more Black women to the Courts of Appeals than all previous administrations combined. I also appointed the first Hispanic-American judge to serve on the D.C. Circuit, and the first openly LGBTQ woman on any federal court of appeals; the first AANHPI judge on the Third and Seventh Circuits; the first Muslim-American judge to ever serve as a life-tenured judge; and the first Native Hawaiian woman to ever serve as a life-tenured judge.

    And no matter who they are or where they come from, all of these appointees are supremely qualified to serve in the role of Judge, and remain committed to the rule of law and the Constitution.

    We reached this milestone thanks to bipartisan support in the Senate, and as a result of the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin.

    Judges matter. They shape the everyday lives of Americans, preserving our freedoms and defending our liberties. They hear cases and issue rulings on whether Americans can cast their ballots, whether workers can unionize and make a living wage for their families, and whether children can breathe clean air and drink clean water.

    I am proud of the legacy I will leave with our Nation’s judges. And I am proud of those who have stepped forward and heeded the call to serve.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden Secures Confirmation of 235th Federal  Judge

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Biden’s 235th life-tenured federal judicial nominee was confirmed. This marks the largest number of confirmations in a single term since the Carter administration. These highly qualified men and women—all committed to the rule of law and the Constitution—will serve the federal Judiciary for decades to come.
     
    Dating back to his time leading the Senate Judiciary Committee, President Biden has made the confirmation of federal judges a top priority. During his four years in office, President Biden has transformed the federal bench and appointed over a quarter of all active judges, and helped to ensure that the Judiciary looks like the communities it serves.
     
    The 235 confirmations include:

    • One to the United States Supreme Court
    • 45 to the nation’s courts of appeals
    • 187 to the nation’s district courts
    • Two to the United States Court of International Trade

    President Biden has worked closely with Senators from both sides of the aisle to fill vacancies at the circuit and district level. He has achieved this milestone despite significant structural disadvantages, including the longest 50-50 Senate in history.

    Importantly, President Biden has followed through on one of his earliest campaign promises—to put forward highly-qualified judges from underrepresented professional backgrounds and to instill confidence in the Judiciary by ensuring that federal judges reflect the nation as a whole. 

    Professional Diversity

    No President has done more to bring professional and experiential diversity to the federal bench than President Biden.

    Not only did President Biden appoint the first former public defender to the United States Supreme Court, but he broke records across the board on professional diversity—appointing more than 45 public defenders, more than 25 civil rights lawyers, and at least 10 individuals who have represented workers.

    President Biden is also proud to have put forward nominees who come from private legal practice, prosecutors’ offices, and a host of other legal backgrounds, including immigration law, municipal law, and plaintiff-side law. As a lifelong advocate for our men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families, President Biden is proud to have put forward judicial nominees who have served on active duty or in the reserves, in both legal and non-legal roles.

    Demographic Diversity
    President Biden has set records when it comes to the demographic diversity of his appointees. In doing so, he has helped to ensure that the Judiciary looks like the communities it serves—vital to instilling confidence in both judicial decision-making and outcomes—while refusing to sacrifice on ability or qualifications.

    The 235 confirmations include:

    • The first Black woman ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court.
    • A record number of women, Black, Latino, AANHPI, Native American, Muslim-American, and LGBTQ judges.
    • More Black women appointed to the circuit courts than every other presidential administration combined.

     
    Impact  
     
    Judges have an enormous impact on the everyday lives of Americans.
     
    These men and women have the power to uphold basic rights or to roll them back. They hear cases that decide whether women have the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions; whether Americans have the freedom to cast their ballots; whether workers have the freedom to unionize and make a living wage for their families; and whether children have the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water.
     
    Judges are also crucial to protecting against overreach and unconstitutional action by the Executive and Legislative Branches.
     
    President Biden is proud of his record of appointments and grateful to the Senate for its partnership in reaching this historic achievement.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gen. Brunson Assumes Command of UNC/CFC/USFK

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

    General Xavier T. Brunson assumes command of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea in a ceremony held at Barker Field at the UNC and USFK Headquarters today.

    Gen. Brunson assumed command from Gen. Paul J. LaCamera who had been in command since July 2021.

    The ceremony was officiated by Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander, Indo-Pacific Command.

    Gen. Brunson most recently served as the commander of I Corps, and previously he led the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., both commands with strong ties to the Indo-Pacific and the Republic of Korea.

    Gen. LaCamera has had the honor of leading and serving with members of all military services, inter-agency colleagues, and coalition partners from platoon through corps, and a combined joint task force and will retire in the United States after a distinguished military career of 39 years. 

    To view the video of the ceremony click this link: www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35601 or https://www.facebook.com/myusfk/live_videos/

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Air National Guard Defender Completes Jungle Agile Employment Course

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    GUAM  –  

    Did you know that roughly one-third, or 500 million acres, of the U.S. is forest? And did you know that Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. that is considered a jungle? By definition, a forest has many tall trees and can usually be traveled by humans, while a jungle is usually dense and overgrown with a tropical or humid climate.

    So why did a Security Forces Specialist assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, travel to the pacific to participate in the Air Forces’ new Jungle Agile Employment Course?

    An instructor and planner for the Air National Guard’s Cold Weather Operations Course at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn., Master Sgt. Ian Nickila, “wanted to learn the finer details of operating and surviving in the jungle climate.”

    The 10-day JACE course, attended by 22 service members from the Air Force, Army, and Marines, was planned and executed by the 36th Contingency Response Group and the 736th Security Forces Squadron, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The CRG mission is to advise, defend, construct, connect, and operate. The 736th is creating training to help Airmen produce a rapid Air Base Opening during Humanitarian Assistance or Disaster Relief mission.

    “The core purpose of the course is to prepare airmen who will execute future Agile Combat Employment operations, at small spokes skills necessary to survive if support is interrupted or delayed, will be vital” said Capt. Wyatt Huff, Operations Officer with the 736th Security Forces Squadron and lead course developer.

    The JACE contained survival-based curriculum to include survival, navigation, force protection, and mobility skills. Students collected and purified food and water, trained on cliffside rappelling, knot tying, building hasty shelters, and fire starting.

    “On day one, Nickila stood out as an avid outdoorsman and his desire to share his skills was of great benefit to his classmates,” said Huff.

    The three-day field training exercise included agile combat employment concepts, allowing Nickila and his classmates to practice operations with speed, scope, and complexity found in recent campaigns.

    While in the field, the class attendees “were hunted by the course planners, or CADRE, so we built hasty shelters to sleep in,” said Nickila.

    The physically grueling course taught Nickila “the importance of water,” he said. “I’ve always known I need water but determining how much I need and how much I wanted to carry in my ruck was a challenge.” Nickila filled a camelback, a canteen, and Nalgene bottle three times a day, and still fought dehydration. “I realized if I was struggling, that others would be, so finding an abundant and consistent water source is vital to operating in the jungle.”

    Nickila, a 2005 graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School, joined the Air National Guard prior to his senior year of high school. “After September 11th, I knew I wanted to join the military,” said Nickila. “I talked to all types of recruiters. My father’s Army unit was activated at the 148th during Operation Noble Eagle; he convinced me that Security Forces would be a good fit.”

    Since joining, Nickila has deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan; Eskan Village Compound, Saudi Arabia; Thumrait Air Base, Oman; Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar; and Amahd al-Jaber Air Air Base, Kuwait in addition to participating several specialized training exercises.

    “Having ‘Defenders” with diverse training backgrounds is a key to our future success,” said 148th Security Forces Operations Superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Ben Nyen. “Ian has extensive experience in the Middle East and has always stepped up to increase his knowledge base. As a person who winter camps for fun, the Cold Weather Operations Course was a great opportunity for him to show his skills an instructor. Now he can teach the opposing lessons learned at the JACE course to our squadron.”

    Bibliography

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (2013). By the Numbers. Retrieved from By the Numbers | US Forest Service

    U.S. Air Force (2021). U.S. Air Force Doctrine Note 1-21, Agile Combat Employment (2021, Dec. 21). Retrieved from https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/Force%20Management/AFDN_1-21_ACE.pdf

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kuliang forum held in Beijing to discuss China-U.S. relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    More than 150 participants from China and the United States, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended a forum on China-U.S. relations in Beijing on Friday.

    The 2024 Kuliang Forum included important topics such as striving for steady and sustained China-U.S. friendly exchanges and exploring correct ways for developing China-U.S. relations.

    The participants agreed to carry the Kuliang spirit forward to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. They also witnessed the launch of the official website of Kuliang Forum, release of the initiative for friendly exchanges among Chinese and American youth, and the initiation of the collection of stories of China-U.S. friendship and cooperation.

    The forum, themed “Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust”, was co-hosted by People’s Daily Digital Communication and Global Times.

    Kuliang is a hillside resort in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, capital city of east China’s Fujian Province. Since the 1880s, foreign expatriates residing in Fuzhou have built summer villas there, blending cultures and sentiment with local residents. Today, Kuliang continues to tell tales of friendship that has lasted for a century.

    In the United States, descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang founded the group “Kuliang Friends” to extend the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges U.S. to stop illegally occupying Cuba’s territory

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The United States needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba’s territory, close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing.

    It is reported that U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain there. In recent years, successive U.S. administrations have promised multiple times they would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven’t acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the United States has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years.

    Lin said the United States has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. “What the United States has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba’s sovereignty and rights and interests.”

    The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the United States to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson.

    The repeated failure of the United States to keep its promise of closing this U.S.-run “concentration camp” will only add another stain to the poor U.S. track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of U.S. commitment to human rights, said the spokesperson.

    The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba’s protracted wound, and it is a living witness to more than a century of U.S. illegal interference in Cuba, Lin said, adding that the United States, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called “state sponsor of terrorism.”

    “The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this,” he added.

    China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes U.S. interference in Cuba’s internal affairs, Lin said, adding that the United States needs to stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, give the Cuban people’s land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of “state sponsors of terrorism.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Proposes New Regulations to Modernize Foreign Agents Registration Act Administration and Enforcement

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Justice Department submitted to the Federal Register yesterday a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to update and clarify regulations issued under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

    FARA requires persons in the United States who are acting as agents of foreign principals and engaged in certain specified activities to make periodic public disclosures of their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. Disclosure of the required information facilitates evaluation by the government and the American people of the activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents. The act authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations, which were last amended in 2007.

    The Justice Department’s proposed rule would make changes to key regulations, including those relating to the commercial exemption, the exemption for persons whose activities do not serve predominantly a foreign interest, and the exemption for persons qualified to practice law. The proposed rule also would modernize regulations relating to labeling informational materials in light of the significant technological changes that have occurred since the regulations were last amended more than a decade ago.

    In December 2021, the department issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with 19 questions to solicit comments about regulations on a range of topics, and the proposed rule reflects the department’s careful consideration of views submitted through this process.

    An unofficial version of the NPRM is available here; the official version will be published in the Federal Register. Written comments on the NPRM may be submitted within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register at www.regulations.gov. The NPRM will be followed by final regulations issued later.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man arrested for receiving, distributing, possessing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was arrested last night at his residence on criminal charges related to his alleged receipt, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

    According to court documents, on Aug. 13, 2024, Anthaney O’Connor, 25, reported another individual to law enforcement, who he claimed wanted to commit sexual assaults against minors. He alleged the other individual sent him CSAM and links to applications known to be utilized by individuals seeking sexually explicit materials portraying minors.

    Law enforcement searched O’Connor’s phone. Upon review, law enforcement discovered that O’Connor possessed two images of CSAM that the individual allegedly sent him. Law enforcement also discovered information indicating that O’Connor discussed creating virtual reality generated CSAM using a photo someone had surreptitiously taken of a prepubescent boy at a local store. O’Connor allegedly possessed roughly six artificial intelligence (AI)/cartoon drawing/images depicting CSAM, four CSAM images and two videos containing CSAM.

    Law enforcement executed a search warrant on O’Connor’s residence on Dec. 19, 2024, and agents discovered additional CSAM images and videos on his computer, some of which were AI images/anime depicting prepubescent children. Law enforcement also discovered two electronic storage devices and a computer hard drive hidden in the vents of O’Connor’s bedroom closet. The contents of these devices are pending review.

    O’Connor is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. If convicted, O’Connor faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department are investigating this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Mount Crawford

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Mount Crawford.

    Just before 10.30am today (Saturday 21 December), police and emergency services were called to Forreston Road after reports of a crash involving a car and motorcycle.

    The rider suffered serious injuries.

    Road closures are in place near Watts Gully Road.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Proposes New Regulations to Modernize Foreign Agents Registration Act Administration and Enforcement

    Source: United States Attorneys General 10

    The Justice Department submitted to the Federal Register yesterday a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to update and clarify regulations issued under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

    FARA requires persons in the United States who are acting as agents of foreign principals and engaged in certain specified activities to make periodic public disclosures of their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. Disclosure of the required information facilitates evaluation by the government and the American people of the activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents. The act authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations, which were last amended in 2007.

    The Justice Department’s proposed rule would make changes to key regulations, including those relating to the commercial exemption, the exemption for persons whose activities do not serve predominantly a foreign interest, and the exemption for persons qualified to practice law. The proposed rule also would modernize regulations relating to labeling informational materials in light of the significant technological changes that have occurred since the regulations were last amended more than a decade ago.

    In December 2021, the department issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with 19 questions to solicit comments about regulations on a range of topics, and the proposed rule reflects the department’s careful consideration of views submitted through this process.

    An unofficial version of the NPRM is available here; the official version will be published in the Federal Register. Written comments on the NPRM may be submitted within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register at www.regulations.gov. The NPRM will be followed by final regulations issued later.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Walz Celebrates Minnesota’s Ranking as a Top State to Retire

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today celebrated the news that Minnesota was ranked a top-five state to retire by a Motley Fool study. States were ranked on factors including quality of life, affordable housing, safety, health care, and cost of living.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s wind power installed capacity sees expansion

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows a major onshore wind power project in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, on Dec. 30, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s installed capacity of wind power has continued to grow as the country accelerates its push for a green transition, official data showed Friday.

    Wind power installed capacity in the country reached 490 million kilowatts at the end of November, rising 19.2% year on year, according to data from the National Energy Administration.

    Solar power capacity surged 46.7% to about 820 million kilowatts last month, the data showed.

    China’s new energy industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, maintaining a double-digit annual growth rate.

    Since 2013, the country’s wind power installed capacity has grown sixfold, while that of solar power has surged more than 180 times. Annual new installations in China account for over 40% of the global total, making a significant contribution to the world’s green development.

    According to the Global Wind Energy Council, an international trade association for the wind power industry, China added 75 gigawatts of wind power installed capacity in 2023, accounting for nearly 65% of new wind power installed capacity worldwide.

    In a tone-setting annual economic work conference last week, China’s policymakers pledged to accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development next year.

    To achieve the country’s dual carbon goals, China will tighten control over the consumption of fossil fuels, work faster to develop a new energy system, and promote the integrated development of hydro, wind and solar power, said an official from the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang’s foreign trade hits record 403B yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This aerial photo taken on Sept. 10, 2022 shows China-Europe freight trains at the Alataw Pass, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The foreign trade value of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region rose by 26% year on year in the first 11 months of 2024, reaching a record 403.1 billion yuan (about $56.1 billion), according to local authorities.

    This is the first time the region’s foreign trade value has exceeded 400 billion yuan, Urumqi Customs said.

    Xinjiang’s trade with the five Central Asian countries grew by 6.9% year on year, accounting for 67.9% of the region’s total foreign trade during the same period. Meanwhile, trade with its largest trading partner, Kazakhstan, rose by 17.6% year on year.

    The region’s trade with ASEAN countries surged by 231% year on year, accounting for 8% of its total trade during the period.

    Established in November last year, the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, spanning Urumqi, Kashgar and Horgos, has supported the growth of trade businesses, with its trade reaching 162.9 billion yuan in the first 11 months of this year, accounting for 40.4% of the region’s total, according to the customs.

    Thanks to its unique geographic advantages, continuous improvements in the business environment and targeted services for enterprises, Xinjiang has achieved steady trade growth, said Li Qinghua, deputy head of Urumqi Customs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kuliang forum held in Beijing to discuss China-US relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    More than 150 participants from China and the United States, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended a forum on China-U.S. relations in Beijing on Friday.

    The 2024 Kuliang Forum included important topics such as striving for steady and sustained China-U.S. friendly exchanges and exploring correct ways for developing China-U.S. relations.

    The participants agreed to carry the Kuliang spirit forward to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. They also witnessed the launch of the official website of Kuliang Forum, release of the initiative for friendly exchanges among Chinese and American youth, and the initiation of the collection of stories of China-U.S. friendship and cooperation.

    The forum, themed “Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust”, was co-hosted by People’s Daily Digital Communication and Global Times.

    Kuliang is a hillside resort in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, capital city of east China’s Fujian Province. Since the 1880s, foreign expatriates residing in Fuzhou have built summer villas there, blending cultures and sentiment with local residents. Today, Kuliang continues to tell tales of friendship that has lasted for a century.

    In the United States, descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang founded the group “Kuliang Friends” to extend the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US to stop illegally occupying Cuba’s territory

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The United States needs to immediately stop illegally occupying Cuba’s territory, close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and pull out of the base at Guantanamo as soon as possible, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

    Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a related query at a daily press briefing.

    It is reported that U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the repatriation of a detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and 29 detainees remain there. In recent years, successive U.S. administrations have promised multiple times they would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, but still haven’t acted on it. Despite repeated protests from the Cuban government, the United States has unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years.

    Lin said the United States has long unlawfully occupied part of Guantanamo Bay, and carried out arbitrary detention and used torture to extort confessions at the detention facility there. “What the United States has done severely violates international law and undermines Cuba’s sovereignty and rights and interests.”

    The international community, including the UN, has more than once expressed concerns on this issue and asked the United States to close the detention facility there and treat the detainees justly as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson.

    The repeated failure of the United States to keep its promise of closing this U.S.-run “concentration camp” will only add another stain to the poor U.S. track record on human rights and expose the emptiness of U.S. commitment to human rights, said the spokesperson.

    The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is Cuba’s protracted wound, and it is a living witness to more than a century of U.S. illegal interference in Cuba, Lin said, adding that the United States, while running massive arbitrary detention at Guantanamo, keeps Cuba on the list of so-called “state sponsor of terrorism.”

    “The whole world can see the hypocrisy and double standard in this,” he added.

    China firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and dignity, and opposes U.S. interference in Cuba’s internal affairs, Lin said, adding that the United States needs to stop the bullying and blockade on Cuba, give the Cuban people’s land back to them, and remove Cuba from the list of “state sponsors of terrorism.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for new provisions to support pupils with complex Additional Support Needs

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee will be asked to consider the plans when it meets on Wednesday, January 29.

    Almost 7000 children and young people in Perth and Kinross Council schools have been identified as having additional support needs, almost four out of every 10 pupils (39%). 

    This is an increase of over 750 children and young people since 2021.

     Currently, PKC has fifteen Intensive Support Provisions (ISPs) across nine primary and six secondary schools, serving 300 children aged 5 to 18.

    A feasibility study highlighted the need for more ISP placements and better geographical distribution to improve educational and social experiences for children and young people and reduce travel costs.

    A report to the committee recommends creating eight new ISPs through recently announced Scottish Government funding and redistribution of existing Perth and Kinross Council resources.

    This will mean all children and young people who need this type of education provision will be able to do so closer to their homes, enabling them to build better community connections for the future.

    Other options for consideration include maintaining existing provision or creating additional ISPs through the redistribution of existing resources. Both options would maintain ISP placements at current levels.

    If the proposed plan to create eight new ISPs is approved, it will be implemented in three phases over the next four years.

    The first will see the development of ISPs at Kinross High School, Perth High School and a primary school within the Perth Academy catchment area once statutory consultations are completed.

    Phases two and three will see the creation of a further five ISPs.

    Councillor John Rebbeck, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee said: “Many of our ISPs are over-capacity and we know the number of children with complex additional support needs who require intensive-level learning opportunities is rising.

    “We want to give every child the best start in life so they can fulfil their potential and creating new ISPs will help ensure all our children receive the education they need and deserve.

    “The development is part of our Additional Support Needs (ASN) Transformation Programme which aims to significantly improve the educational experience for children and young people with additional support needs in Perth and Kinross.

    “We know there are still many challenges ahead but I believe this is an important and necessary step in the right direction. The programme’s vision is to help these children thrive, gain independence, and lead fulfilling lives by ensuring they can access the best possible learning environment and support whilst in Perth and Kinross Council Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings or schools.

    “Access to education and learning close to their home communities will help our children and young people with complex needs to reach their potential”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic and transport arrangements for International Chinese New Year Night Parade and Chinese New Year fireworks display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (January 27) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in various locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon to facilitate the holding of the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Chinese New Year (January 29) and the Chinese New Year fireworks display at Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Chinese New Year (January 30).
     
    (I)       International Chinese New Year Night Parade on the first day of Chinese New Year
     
    Road closures
     
         In connection with the holding of the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8pm on the first day of the Chinese New Year, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on roads in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, including the Parade route along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, and the section of Salisbury Road between Chatham Road South and Star Ferry Pier, from 3.30pm until the reopening of roads at about 11.45pm. During the road closure period, taxi stands (including taxi pick-up/drop-off points), public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will be suspended.
     
    Public transport services arrangements
     

    In connection with the road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated;
     
    Services on MTR lines, including Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, South Island Line and East Rail Line, will be strengthened subject to passenger demand; and
     
    For cross-boundary coach services, the en-route stop of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Jordan and Huanggang Port at China Ferry Terminal Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from about 3pm.

     
    (II)       Chinese New Year fireworks display on the second day of Chinese New Year
     
    Road closures
     
         In connection with the holding of the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour at 8pm on the second day of Chinese New Year, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in Central District, Wan Chai and Eastern District on Hong Kong Island from about 5.30pm. Moreover, the section of Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Man Hong Street and Victoria Park Road will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic (except for franchised buses) from 7.45pm until the reopening of roads.
     
         In Kowloon, road closures and the corresponding traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from about 5pm in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District until the crowd disperses and the roads reopen.
         
         During the road closure period, taxi stands (including taxi pick-up/drop-off points), public light bus stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks on the roads affected will be suspended.
               
    Public transport service arrangements
     

    In connection with road closure arrangements, the bus and GMB routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted or suspended, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated;
     
    MTR services on the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
     
    The frequency of tram services will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
     
    Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services, Park Island Transport and Fortune Ferry will gradually adjust and suspend parts of their services from 6.20pm on the second day of the Chinese New Year to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display; and
     
    For the short-haul cross-boundary coach services to Huanggang Port, the following temporary stopping arrangements will be implemented:

    The terminus of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port at Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from about 4.30pm until the reopening of roads, and a temporary terminus will be provided on Hennessy Road westbound near Southorn Centre; and
    A temporary pick-up point for the short-haul cross-boundary coach service plying between Jordan and Huanggang Port will be added at the coach pick-up and drop-off area on Wui Man Road outside Hong Kong West Kowloon Station from 8pm to 11pm; the en-route stop of this service at China Ferry Terminal Public Transport Interchange will also be suspended from about 7pm.

    ​
    Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System services
     
         The service of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on the second day of Chinese New Year will be extended to 2am on the following day.
     
         Due to extensive road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Hong Kong Island North (including Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Admiralty, Central and the Island Eastern Corridor), the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District in Kowloon, and the Cross Harbour Tunnel as well as the Aberdeen Tunnel, will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
         
         Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. Subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas, the Police may adjust the traffic arrangements. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the TD mobile application “HKeMobility”.
     
         For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements for Lunar New Year fireworks display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on both sides of Victoria Harbour on January 30 (Thursday) to facilitate the public to watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display.
     
    Kowloon
    ——-
     
    Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui
    ————————————————-
     
         Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases.
     
         Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised area including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation.
     
         The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. If these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.
     
         At present, there are some construction works at West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these construction sites nor climb or lean against the barriers.
     
         Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.
     
    Special traffic arrangements
    —————————-
     
         The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases, until the crowd has dispersed and the roads are safe for re-opening:
     
    A. Road closure
     
         The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with permit:
     
    Phase I (from 5pm onwards)
     
    – Salisbury Road and Salisbury Road Underpass between Cheong Wan Road and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;
    – Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs);
    – Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Canton Road between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;
    – Hong Wan Path;
    – Mody Lane;
    – Mody Road;
    – Mody Square;
    – Granville Square;
    – Minden Row;
    – Hanoi Road;
    – Bristol Avenue;
    – Minden Avenue;
    – Blenheim Avenue;
    – Hart Avenue;
    – Prat Avenue;
    – Humphreys Avenue;
    – Cameron Road;
    – Cameron Lane;
    – Hau Fuk Street;
    – Middle Road;
    – Peking Road;
    – Lock Road;
    – Hankow Road;
    – Ashley Road;
    – Ichang Street; and
    – Haiphong Road.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;
    – Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;
    – Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will be re-routed to one-way eastbound, while traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Granville Road near Chatham Road South must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.
     
    Phase II (from 5.30pm onwards)
     
    – Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Salisbury Road and Gateway Boulevard; and
    – Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.
     
    Phase III (from 6pm onwards)
     
    – Museum Drive;
    – Cultural Drive;
    – The slip road of eastbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to westbound Austin Road West near The Harbourside;
    – The slip road of westbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to eastbound Austin Road West near Xiqu Centre; and
    – The left lane of westbound Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout.
     
         During the above road closure period, traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road cannot enter Museum Drive.
     
    Phase IV (from 7.45pm onwards)
     
    – Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West;
    – Canton Road between Austin Road West and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;
    – Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
    – Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;
    – Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Hillwood Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;
    – Shun Yee Street;
    – Granville Circuit;
    – Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;
    – Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;
    – Kimberley Street; and
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn left to westbound Kimberley Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street will be diverted via northbound Pilkem Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road or westbound Austin Road West;
    – Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road heading for Nga Cheung Road will be directed to Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road West will be diverted to northbound Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and
    – Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West.
     
    Contingency plan
     
         If necessary, the following roads will be closed:
     
    – Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;
    – Oi King Street; and
    – Kin Wan Street.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to eastbound Wa Shun Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.
     
    B. Suspension of bus termini
     
         The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5pm.
     
         The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5.30pm.

         The China Hong Kong City Bus Terminus will be suspended from 7pm.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the closed areas will be suspended from noon to 3am of the following day.
     
    D. Suspension of car parks
     
         During the implementation of the special traffic arrangements, vehicles cannot enter or leave the car parks within the closed road area in Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District from 5pm and 6pm respectively, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    Hong Kong Island
    —————-
     
    A. Road closure
     
         Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square, including the pick-up and drop-off areas, will be closed from 3pm.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 5.30pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Kwong Street;
    – Man Fai Street;
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street; and
    – Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office metered parking spaces.
     
    Central – Wan Chai Bypass
    ————————-
    – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;
    – The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and
    – The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;
    – Lung King Street;
    – Eastbound Harbour Road;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central;
    – Expo Drive East;
    – Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;
    – Lung Tat Path;
    – Convention Avenue;
    – Fleming Road flyover;
    – Fleming Road between Expo Drive East and Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Marsh Road flyover;
    – Hung Hing Road;
    – Hung Hing Road flyover;
    – Wan Shing Street;
    – Wan Ying Street; and
    – The slip road leading from eastbound Victoria Park Road to Causeway Bay Promenade.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 6.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Legislative Council Road;
    – Tim Mei Avenue;
    – Lung Wui Road;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;
    – Performing Arts Avenue; and
    – Edinburgh Place.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Tonnochy Road flyover;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Harbour Drive;
    – Westbound Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Fenwick Pier Street flyover;
    – Westbound Fenwick Pier Street; and
    – Fenwick Street between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road.
     
    Eastern District
    —————-
    – Watson Road;
    – King Ming Road;
    – Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road;
    – Whitfield Road; and
    – Electric Road between Watson Road and Gordon Road.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 7.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;
    – Man Po Street; and
    – Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;
    – Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;
    – O’Brien Road;
    – Fleming Road between Jaffe Road and Hennessy Road; and
    – Stewart Road, Tonnochy Road, Marsh Road, Canal Road West and Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road.
     
    Eastern District (except for franchised buses)
    ———————————————-
    – Westbound Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street;
    – The slip roads leading from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road to westbound IEC;
    – The entrance of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel from IEC.
     
    B. Traffic diversions
     
         In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
         From 5.30pm:
     
         Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound.
     
         From 7.45pm:
     
    – Traffic along westbound IEC will be diverted via Man Hong Street;
    – Traffic along slip road of Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Wharf Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West flyover will be diverted via Finance Street.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the above closed areas will be suspended from 10am, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    D. Suspension of bus termini and public transport interchange
     
         Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Central Ferry Piers Bus Terminus will be suspended from 4.30pm.
     
         Causeway Bay (Whitfield Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm.
     
    E. Suspension of car parks
     
         Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas in North Point, Wan Chai and Central District will not be permitted to enter or leave during the road closure period.
     
         If necessary, the car parks on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice.
     
         Police will continue to enforce traffic regulations during the Lunar New Year period. All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing. 
     
         Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Opinion piece: Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn with Labor’s tax cuts

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Exactly a year ago this Saturday, the Prime Minister and I announced a controversial but important decision to provide every Australian taxpayer a tax cut to help with the cost of living.

    One year on and I can say without hesitation that it’s the policy I’m proudest of as Treasurer.

    Every taxpayer is better off as a result of the decision we took 12 months ago, not just some, and those benefits will be even bigger from July this year.

    New numbers just released show there will be even more money on average in the pockets of every taxpayer next financial year.

    Fourteen million taxpayers across the country have already received a tax cut under Labor’s plan since July last year.

    By the end of this financial year, around 84 per cent of all taxpayers will have received a bigger tax cut compared to Scott Morrison’s proposal from 5 years ago.

    And nearly 3 million people earning less than $45,000 who were going to miss out completely under the Liberals and Nationals are getting a tax cut under Labor.

    Whether you’re a nurse, a truckie, a teacher or a tradie, Labor’s plan is all about helping you earn more and keep more of what you earn.

    New figures show that with higher wages under the Albanese government, chances are your tax cut will be even bigger next financial year.

    Due to stronger wages growth under your Labor government, tax cuts will grow from $1,888 this financial year to $1,944 on average next year – putting more money back into workers’ pockets.

    It’s a meaningful increase because it shows we’re making welcome progress on the economy after a wasted decade under the Liberals and Nationals.

    A truckie earning $72,800 in this financial year, whose income grows to $75,600 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,569 next financial year compared to $1,499 this financial year.

    A nurse earning $72,300 in this financial year, whose income grows to $75,500 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,567 next year compared to $1,487 this year.

    A teacher earning $85,600 in this financial year, whose income grows to $87,800 in 2025–26, would get a tax cut of $1,874 in 2025–26 compared to $1,819 in 2024–25.

    We’re giving every Australian taxpayer a tax cut at the same time as we’re getting wages moving again, fighting inflation and creating jobs.

    Wages growth has picked up and on average, wages are growing at almost double the rate they were under our predecessors.

    Inflation was high and rising under the Liberals, it’s much lower under Labor.

    At the election, inflation was 6.1 per cent, it’s now 2.8 per cent.

    More than 1.1 million jobs have been created since the election and unemployment has remained low at 4 per cent.

    The combination of tax cuts, moderating inflation, wage and employment growth means real household incomes per person are also growing again.

    They were going backwards 1.6 per cent when we came to office.

    That means Australians are earning more and keeping more under Anthony Albanese and Australian Labor but all of this substantial progress is at risk under Peter Dutton and the Liberals.

    The Deputy Liberal leader is on the record saying that if the Coalition wins the next election, they will ‘absolutely’ unwind our tax cuts.

    If Peter Dutton and the Coalition really cared about the cost of living, they would have supported our cost‑of‑living relief but they didn’t and they don’t.

    They want Australians to work longer for less.

    The biggest risk to household budgets, jobs and wages is a Peter Dutton‑led Coalition government.

    Only this week we’ve seen Peter Dutton wants to make families worse off to pay for tax breaks for long lunches and golf days for bosses.

    The contrast couldn’t be clearer – we’re for tax cuts for workers and energy bill relief for families, they’re for taxpayer funded long lunches and golf days.

    The Liberals are all about waste and rorts and Labor is all about responsible economic management and that’s reflected in our decision to give a tax cut to every taxpayer to help with the cost of living.

    No matter what you earn or where you live throughout Australia, you deserve your tax cut.

    That’s what we’re delivering because of the important decision we took a year ago, and that’s why we’re proud of the even bigger tax cuts you’ll get next financial year.

    Our aim in all of this is to find the best way to help ease the cost of living for the biggest number of people in the most responsible way and that’s what we’re doing with tax cuts for every taxpayer, strong and sustainable wages growth and more jobs for more Australians.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directive Expanding Immigration Law Enforcement

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive essential to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations.

    The directive gives Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement officials in the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons authority to investigate and apprehend illegal aliens.

    “Thanks to the last Administration’s open border policies, we’ve seen violent criminals and gang members terrorize American communities. Today’s action empowers law enforcement officials at the DOJ to help identify and apprehend aliens who have illegally come into our country. Mobilizing these law enforcement officials will help fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations. For decades, efforts to find and apprehend illegal aliens have not been given proper resources. This is a major step in fixing that problem.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces 2025 Guidance and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 2025 Capital Expenditure Budget of $240-280 Million and Expected 2025 Cash Flow1of $260-300 Million
    • 2025 Capital Program Includes 10-14 Development Wells and 6-8 High Impact Exploration Wells
    • Forecast 2025 Production of 47,000-53,000 BOEPD, Representing at the Midpoint, an Increase of 44% from 2024
    • Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow2of $90 Million Before Exploration, $20 Million After Exploration in Base Case
    • Plan to Allocate Up To 50% of After Exploration Free Cash Flow to Share Buybacks
    • Achieved Total Company Production for 2024 of 34,710 BOEPD, an Increase of 6% from 2023

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) today announced its 2025 capital budget, production guidance and operational update. All dollar amounts are in United States dollars and all production volumes are on a working interest before royalties basis and are expressed in barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) per day (“BOEPD”), unless otherwise stated.

    Message to Shareholders

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “Following up on a strong 2024, which included a very successful exploration campaign and a new country entry into Canada, we are looking forward to our 2025 development and exploration program. Our 2025 budget, which is expected to be fully funded by Cash Flow1, takes a balanced, returns-focused approach to capital allocation while focusing on portfolio longevity. At the midpoint of the Base Case, our production guidance of 50,000 BOEPD represents an increase of 44% from the 34,710 BOEPD 2024 total company production achieved in 2024.

    We plan to focus on profitably growing reserves and production across our Colombian, Ecuadorian and Canadian assets, pursue high impact exploration throughout our portfolio, and invest in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize the long-term value of our assets. This year’s budget would fulfil our exploration commitments in Ecuador which were a result of obtaining the lands back in 2019. Since 2021 we have drilled 10 exploration wells, had 9 discoveries and shot 238 kilometers of 3D seismic in Ecuador. This year, we expect to drill four exploration wells in Ecuador and two to three wells to further appraise our exciting discoveries. We have also planned a very active capital program in the Suroriente block including drilling 5-7 wells, investing in a gas-to-power project, and significant facility investment to increase fluid handling due to increased production and water injection. We forecast spending approximately $60-$80 million in Suroriente, which would fulfil a material component of our $123 million commitment associated with obtaining the 20-year extension. In addition, we plan on drilling a further two to four high impact exploration wells in Colombia. The exploration program and Suroriente capital program represent approximately $135 million of this year’s capital program. After the fulfilment of commitments in 2025, we expect 2026 and beyond to be focused on exploiting our extensive asset base, including anticipated development of our recent discoveries, drilling on our extensive Canadian landholdings and optimizing our assets under waterflood.

    We believe Gran Tierra is strongly positioned with a low base decline, a robust portfolio of conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets, and a high-impact exploration program. As we continue to profitably advance our operational and financial goals, we remain deeply committed to the well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate, recognizing their essential role in our success.”

    Key Highlights:

    2025 Guidance:

    • Gran Tierra is forecasting the following ranges for the Company’s 2025 budget:
     2025 Budget Low Case Base Case High Case
     Brent Oil Price ($/bbl) 65.00 75.00 85.00
     WTI Oil Price ($/bbl) 61.00 71.00 81.00
     AECO Natural Gas Price ($CAD/thousand cubic feet) 2.00 2.50 3.50
     Production (BOEPD) 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000
     Operating Netback3 ($ million) 330-370 430-470 510-550
     EBITDA4 ($ million) 300-340 380-420 460-500
     Cash Flow1 ($ million) 200-240 260-300 300-340
     Capital Expenditures ($ million) 200-240 240-280 240-280
     Free Cash Flow2 ($ million) – 20 60
     Number of Development Wells (gross) 8-12 10-14 10-14
     Number of Exploration Wells (gross) 6 6-8 6-8
     Budgeted Costs Costs per BOE ($/boe)
     Lifting 12.00-14.00
     Workovers 1.50-2.50
     Transportation 1.00-2.00
     General and Administration 2.00-3.00
     Interest 4.00-4.50
     Current Tax 2.00-3.00

    * Budgeted royalties as a percentage of total revenue were approximately 19% in the base case

    • 2025 Base Capital Program: Building on a successful capital campaign in 2024, Gran Tierra plans to continue to execute on its strategy of delivering value by seeking to add new reserves, investing in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize recovery and minimize cost, and providing future growth through exploration. Gran Tierra forecasts spending approximately 55% of its capital program in Colombia, 30% in Ecuador, and 15% in Canada, respectively.
    Category Capital ($ million) Key Activities
    Colombia Development 105-120 Suroriente (47% W.I.): Drill 5-7 gross development wells;
    facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades and
    social investment in the area
    Acordionero (100% W.I.): Investment facility expansion
    activities, gas-to-power generation upgrades and injector
    conversions
    Ecuador Development 35-45 Chanangue/Charapa (100% W.I.): Drill 2-3 appraisal wells
    Canada Development 35-45 Simonette (50% W.I.): Drill 5 gross development wells
    Nisku (100% W.I.): Drill 1 development well
    Exploration 65-70 Ecuador: Drill 4 exploration wells
    Colombia: Drill 2 to 4 exploration wells
     
    • Development: Gran Tierra expects to drill a total of 10 to 14 net development wells in its 2025 capital program, including: 
      • Suroriente: The Company plans to drill 5-7 gross development wells in the Cohembi oil field located in the Southern Putumayo Basin of Colombia. In addition to development drilling, Gran Tierra is also planning facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades, and continued social investment in the area. With the planned investments in 2025, production and reserves are expected to significantly increase in 2026 and beyond.
      • Acordionero: The Company plans to focus on the optimization of the field through continued waterflood expansion activities, including facility expansions, workovers (ESP upsizes and injector conversions) and gas-to-power generation upgrades. These expenditures are expected to reduce unit costs while maintaining production by offsetting natural declines and increasing overall recovery. The Company is planning an active development drilling program in 2026.
      • Chanangue: The Company plans to continue its appraisal program on the highly prospective Arawana/Zabaleta productive trend in Ecuador by drilling 2-3 appraisal wells.
      • Simonette: Gran Tierra plans to drill 2.5 net wells at Simonette targeting two-layer co-development of the Lower and Middle Montney offering improved capital efficiency and lower proportionate infrastructure spending.
    • Exploration: Approximately 20-30% of the Company’s 2025 capital program is expected to be allocated to high impact exploration activities and the drilling of 6 to 8 exploration wells in Colombia and Ecuador in the Base and High Case. Gran Tierra’s 2025 exploration drilling is planned to follow up on the encouraging results from the Company’s 2024 exploration program while meeting all its Ecuador exploration commitments. The Company continues to focus its exploration program on short-cycle time, near-field prospects in proven basins with access to transportation infrastructure.
    • Fully Funded Capital Program Generating Free Cash Flow2: Gran Tierra’s mid-point Base Case 2025 capital budget of $260 million is expected to be fully funded from the Base Case 2025 mid-point Cash Flow1 forecast of $280 million, based on an assumed average $75.00/bbl Brent oil price, $71.00/bbl WTI oil price, and CAD$2.50/thousand cubic feet AECO natural gas price. Gran Tierra remains focused on generating Free Cash Flow2, ongoing net debt5 reduction and shareholder returns via share buybacks.
    • Share Buybacks: During 2025, Gran Tierra plans to allocate up to approximately 50% of its Free Cash Flow after exploration to share buybacks in the Base Case. During 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7% of its outstanding shares.

    Gran Tierra’s Commitment to Go “Beyond Compliance” with Safe and Sustainable Operations

    • 2024 was the Company’s safest year in company history, with a total of 27.8 million person-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), and a Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) of 0.03, which places Gran Tierra within the top quartile in safety performance in the Americas.

    Operations Update

    • 2024 Production
      • Gran Tierra achieved total company average production in 2024 of approximately 34,710 BOEPD, an increase of 6% from 2023 and 13% from 2022.
    • Ecuador
      • Chanangue Block: Gran Tierra has completed its first horizontal well drilled in Ecuador, the Zabaleta Oeste well. The well drilled through 700 feet of pay in the Basal Tena formation and has yielded promising results, confirming the area’s potential for horizontal development. The well continues to clean-up and we anticipate the clean-up will take longer than what is expected for a vertical well. Encouragingly, the well encountered good porosity sands, validating our geologic and reservoir models and confirming the extent of the Basal Tena sands within the Chanangue Block.
      • Iguana Block: Following the drilling of the Zabaleta Oeste well, the rig is currently being mobilized over to the Iguana Block to drill the first exploration well of 2025.
    • Canada
      • Simonette: The development plan with our new Joint Venture partner, Logan Energy, has commenced with the first two wells being drilled. Both wells are planned to be stimulated by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.
      • Central: Gran Tierra has drilled a well in the Nisku play with a horizontal lateral length of over 3,000 meters; testing is planned to commence in February 2025.
      • Clearwater: Gran Tierra has drilled 5 new wells in the Clearwater at East Dawson and Walrus. The Clearwater program has confirmed the quality of our acreage in the Clearwater play. These wells are expected to come onstream in late January 2025.
    • Colombia
      • Suroriente Block: A rig is currently being mobilized to the Cohembi North pad, with first production expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    1“Cash Flow” refers to line item “net cash provided by operating activities” under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
    2“Free Cash Flow” is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Free Cash Flow is defined as “net cash provided by operating activities” less capital expenditures. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release. Forecast 2025 free cash flow of $80 million “before exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million, with Base Case midpoint exploration-only capital of approximately $70 million added back. Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow of $20 million “after exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million. Free Cash Flows in the table above are the midpoints of the ranges of cash flows less the midpoints of the ranges of total capital expenditures for each oil price scenario.
    3“Operating netback” is a non-GAAP measures and does not have standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    4Earnings before interest, taxes and depletion, depreciation and accretion (“EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    5Net debt is defined as GAAP total debt before deferred financing fees less cash.

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry
    President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Ellson
    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    +1-403-265-3221

    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Forward-Looking Statements and Advisories

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements, which can be identified by such terms as “expect”, “plan”, “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “signal,” “measures taken to” and “believes”, derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s capital budget amount and uses; the Company’s strategies related to exploration, drilling and operation activities; expectations regarding reservoir prospects and production amounts; future well results (including initial oil and natural gas production rates and productive capacity based on past performance); expected future net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “cash flow”), free cash flow, operating netback, EBITDA and certain associated metrics; anticipated capital expenditures, including the location and impact of capital expenditures; operating and general and administrative costs; production guidance for 2025; and the Company’s expectations as to debt repayment, share repurchases and its positioning for 2025 and beyond. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. 

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: certain of Gran Tierra’s operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; other disruptions to local operations; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural gas prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than Gran Tierra currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra to further modify its strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges; the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for Gran Tierra’s operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of Gran Tierra’s common stock or bonds; the risk that Gran Tierra does not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; Gran Tierra’s ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under its credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Guidance is uncertain, particularly when given over extended periods of time, and results may be materially different. Although the current capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financing position. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Gran Tierra’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    The estimates of future production, EBITDA, net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “Cash Flow”), Free Cash Flow and operating netback may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

    Presentation of Oil and Gas Information

    This press release contains certain oil and gas metrics, including operating netback, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics are calculated as described in this press release and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Boe’s have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures as further described herein. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, it may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as to not imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure.

    Gran Tierra is unable to provide forward-looking net income, net cash provided by operating activities, and oil and gas sales, the GAAP measures most directly comparable to the non-GAAP measures EBITDA, free cash flow and operating netback, respectively, due to the impracticality of quantifying certain components required by GAAP as a result of the inherent volatility in the value of certain financial instruments held by the Company and the inability to quantify the effectiveness of commodity price derivatives used to manage the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of its oil and natural gas production and changes in commodity prices.

    Operating netback as presented is defined as projected 2025 oil and gas sales less projected 2025 operating and transportation expenses. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are oil and gas sales and oil and gas sales price, respectively. Management believes that operating netback is useful supplemental measures for management and investors to analyze financial performance and provides an indication of the results generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of either forward-looking operating netback to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measures.

    EBITDA as presented is defined as projected 2025 net income adjusted for DD&A expenses, interest expense and income tax expense or recovery. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net income. Management uses this financial measure to analyze performance and income or loss generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking EBITDA to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    Free cash flow as presented is defined as GAAP projected “net cash provided by operating activities” less projected 2025 capital spending. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking free cash flow to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to crack down on rogue prosecutors who refuse to keep Americans safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act, which would require district attorneys (DAs) in many large jurisdictions to annually report information on their handling of certain serious crimes to the U.S. Attorney General. Under the bill, DA’s offices that do not report this data risk losing priority funding for their districts.

    The bill would specifically require DAs in jurisdictions with more than 360,000 people to submit an annual report disclosing data on, among other things, the number of cases referred to them for crimes including murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault and burglary, and the number of these cases that the DA’s office dropped.

    “American families deserve good prosecutors to keep them safe by enforcing the law, but too many district attorneys cater to far-left activists. The Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act would hold rogue prosecutors accountable for refusing to punish criminals and protect innocent Americans,” said Kennedy.

    The bill would help correct a nationwide trend of DAs who decline to prosecute serious crimes. In recent years, a multimillion-dollar project has worked to hamstring effective policing in major cities by empowering soft-on-crime prosecutors.

    Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) cosponsored the bill.

    “With crime on the rise in Democrat-led cities across the nation, it is imperative that these Soros-backed prosecutors work, do their jobs and get these violent offenders off our streets, instead of allowing career criminals to run rampant in our community. Catch-and-release is enough of a disaster on the Texas-Mexico border. The last thing we need is to institute it in our courts. I’m proud to stand with Sen. Kennedy and our colleagues to demand transparency about this abdication of professional responsibility,” said Cruz.

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.

    “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a disturbing trend in big-city district attorneys working to keep dangerous criminals on our streets rather than behind bars. Look no further than my city of New York where Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg released a ‘Day One’ memo initially directing his staff to not prosecute certain crimes, downgrade other felony charges filed by police, and no longer seek sentences of life without parole. The same type of woke policies have been enacted by progressive DAs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, and voters have had enough. With prosecutors refusing to prosecute and governors only enabling their leniency, Congress has a responsibility to step in and arm the public with the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box,” said Malliotakis. 

    The bill’s text is available here.

    Kennedy first introduced the bill in the 118th Congress in Feb. 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘A Generation Has Been Traumatized’, Says Humanitarian Affairs Chief, Briefing Security Council on Plight of Children in Gaza

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Meeting a week after a ceasefire paused the war in Gaza, after it raged for almost 470 days, the Security Council discussed the plight of children, with speakers calling for their needs to be prioritized, through the rebuilding of educational infrastructure, the provision of psychosocial support and ensuring a surge of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

    “A generation has been traumatized,” Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Council, pointing to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) finding that 1 million children need mental health and psychosocial support for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Nonetheless, today’s briefing marks “one of the rare times we are able to highlight positive developments”, he said, with the ceasefire providing a reprieve from relentless hostilities for Palestinians; allowing Israeli hostages and imprisoned Palestinians to be reunited with their families; and allowing a surge in life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza.  “Children have been killed, starved and frozen to death,” he said, adding:  “Some died before their first breath — perishing with their mothers in childbirth.”  Citing conservative estimates indicating that over 17,000 children are without their families in Gaza, he stated that an estimated 150,000 pregnant women and new mothers are now in desperate need of health services.

    Outlining the UN and its partners’ stepped-up response across the Gaza Strip in recent days to meet the needs of 2 million people across Gaza, he said they were enabled by improved operating conditions, including safe, unobstructed humanitarian access, the absence of hostilities and the almost complete cessation of criminal looting. Such operations included the provision of life-saving services; delivering food parcels and flour and working to reopen bakeries; and distributing fuel to ensure that critical services, such as healthcare and water pumping, can run on back-up generators, he said, underscoring: “At the centre of this, as always, is United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”

    He went on to express alarm over the situation in the West Bank, where record-high levels of casualties, displacement and access restrictions witnessed since October 2023 have intensified since the announcement of the ceasefire.  Voicing alarm over attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and an ongoing military operation in Jenin causing death and displacement, he urged the Council to ensure the ceasefire is maintained and to ensure that international law is respected across the Occupied Palestinian Territory of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.  Restrictions on critical humanitarian items must be lifted, including items considered to be “dual use”, and there must be accountability for atrocities.  Underscoring the need to ensure humanitarian operations are well-funded, with the 2025 Flash Appeal in need of $4.07 billion to meet the needs of 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, he stressed:  “The children of Gaza are not collateral damage”, but deserving of security, education and hope.  “They tell us that the world was not there for them through this war.  We must be there for them now.”

    The Council also heard from Bisan Nateel, from Tamer Institute for Community Education, an organization that helps Palestinian children express themselves through artistic activities, who recounted the “very simple dreams” expressed in drawings by the children she worked with, who “dreamed of going back to school, of playing with friends, and of not hearing constant shelling”.  Instead, she said, they were told to go to the safe place in south Gaza, through a “so-called safe corridor” where their lives were under threat, forced to see bodies along the road, forced to walk as snipers targeted them.  “They arrived unable to say a word about the horrific sights seen in their displacement journey, to a safe area that was targeted,” she said.  Displaying a drawing by a child named Gazi when he was in al-Mawasi refugee camp, in which he drew himself feeling well-fed, at home with his father, she said:  “But Gazi lost his life, along with his father, when their tent was attacked.” Also citing the case of a 12-year-old girl in north Gaza, who saw the remains of relatives “torn to pieces” outside her tent, she said that amidst the horror and violence, the children of the Strip forgot “what it means to live, to be human”.

    Throughout the conflict, she recalled awaiting news of Security Council meetings on the radio, hoping for a ceasefire that would end the massacres.  “Every day we lost our friends, loved ones, our homes and lives,” she said, recalling the death of her friend Mohammed, alongside the children he was drawing and playing with at Al-Maamadani Hospital.  “We used to walk down the streets, not knowing if we would live or die, always waiting for the moment the Council would announce a ceasefire, and end the violations against the Palestinian people, including their right to life, violated during 470 days of continuous attack against Gaza,” she stressed.  She voiced hope that Gazans’ “right to life” will he restored, and that children can go back to school, to play, to draw and to sing; to being “normal children in a normal environment, not surrounded by soldiers, and hearing weapons”.  In Gaza, “we do not know how life looks like in the outside world,” she said, adding:  “We have lost a lot in this war and I hope we will not lose more.”

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Ulster County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joshua Atkinson, age 27, of Ellenville, New York, was sentenced last week to serve 156 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).

    Atkinson was one of 11 defendants charged in the case. These defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing: 

    • Christopher Baez was sentenced to 71 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release;
    • Michael Herry was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
    • Joshua Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025;
    • Joseph Logan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2025;
    • Timothy Hutcherson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025; and
    • Daryl Livingston is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025. 

    As part of his guilty plea, Atkinson admitted that during the conspiracy he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 3.2 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of fentanyl. Atkinson also admitted to using violence to obtain payments from his drug redistributors, including threatening a co-conspirator with a hammer. In January 2023, a search warrant was executed at Atkinson’s Ellenville residence and a .22 caliber pistol was recovered by law enforcement.

    Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Atkinson is released from prison.

    This case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT (the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team), an inter-agency taskforce targeting drug dealers and gang members in Ulster County; the New York State Police; the Village of Ellenville Police Department; and the White Plains Police Department, with assistance from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case.

    This case 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee Of Real Estate Investment Firm Indicted For Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – The former Vice President of Project Management for National Realty Investment Advisors (“NRIA”) has been indicted for his role in an investment fraud scheme and for misappropriating approximately $2.3 million from victim investors, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today.

    Ivel Turner, 51, of Newark, Delaware, was indicted by a federal grand jury with eight counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured appearance bond and other conditions.  His arraignment is scheduled for February 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Turner was previously employed as Vice President of Project Management for NRIA, which held itself out as a real estate investment management fund with over $1.25 billion in assets under management. NRIA promised investors guaranteed returns of at least 12 percent per year for a period of five years, a full return of their investments, and monthly distributions of between six and ten percent of their original investments.  Turner had access to NRIA’s PPM, which made many such representations pertaining to NRIA’s purported returns on investment and distributions.

    In April 2020, while still employed at NRIA, Turner incorporated Oasis Realty Investment Group (“ORIG”).  Turner, through ORIG, solicited real estate investors to purchase, finance, and co-develop residential units in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  Turner used NRIA as a model for ORIG.

    To induce investors to invest and continue to invest in ORIG, Turner made material misrepresentations and omissions related to, among other things: (a) ORIG’s financial position; (b) the manner in which Turner used investor money; and (c) Turner’s role at ORIG.  Turner also falsely represented to the victim investors that substantially all of ORIG’s proceeds would be used for real estate investment purposes, but instead, Turner misused hundreds of thousands of dollars of investor money on personal expenses, including luxury retail purchases, several vehicles, international travel, and a down payment on his residence.

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The securities fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the indictment.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    Defense counsel: Rubin M. Sinins, Esq., Springfield, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Announces Appointment of First Assistant U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley has announced that Katherine Ferguson has been appointed to serve as First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Ms. Ferguson, a career prosecutor, has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for more than a decade.

    “Ms. Ferguson’s leadership, dedication, and prosecutorial excellence have earned her widespread respect within our office and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Foley. “Her deep understanding of federal law enforcement and her commitment to upholding the rule of law make her an invaluable asset. I am confident that she will bring the same integrity and vision to her new role as First Assistant U.S. Attorney as she has throughout her career.”

    Ms. Ferguson has served as Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2017 and Lead Task Force Attorney for the District’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force since 2021. As Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, Ms. Ferguson was responsible for overseeing federal narcotics and money laundering investigations and prosecutions. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 15 years, she has extensive experience working collaboratively with other federal, state and local partners to dismantle multi-jurisdictional and international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

    Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ferguson served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. There, she handled over 600 cases in Boston Municipal Court from arraignment to disposition and oversaw the prosecution of child abuse and narcotics offenses in Superior Court. From 2006-2007, Ms. Ferguson served as a law clerk for the Honorable Sandra L. Lynch with the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Ms. Ferguson graduated from Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics with Highest Honors, Phi Beta Kappa. While at Princeton, Ms. Ferguson earned Certificates in Political Economy and French Language & Culture. She also received a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she was an Executive Editor for the Harvard Law Review.

    MIL Security OSI –