Monday - May 6, 2024
Federal Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday February 11, 2024 ( 84 items )  

82nd Medical Group Enhances Training, Readiness Through Ready Eagle Exercise
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By Senior Airman Katie McKee, 82nd TRW Public Affairs The 82nd Medical Group participated in a Ready Eagle exercise to strengthen training and readiness in response to mass casualty events recently. Ready Eagle is a training program funded through the Defense Health Agency to amplify Medical Contingency Response Home Station readiness, team integration and all-hazards response skills. This specif  more

82nd Medical Group Enhances Training, Readiness Through Ready Eagle Exercise
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Senior Airman Katie McKee, 82nd TRW Public Affairs The 82nd Medical Group participated in a Ready Eagle exercise to strengthen training and readiness in response to mass casualty events recently. Ready Eagle is a training program funded through the Defense Health Agency to amplify Medical Contingency Response Home Station readiness, team integration and all-hazards response skill  more

82nd Training Wing Launches Deep Dive Into Wartime Training Plan
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By George Woodward, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs The 82nd Training Wing held an initial tabletop discussion Feb. 8 to kick off an in-depth look at how it would implement its Wartime Training Plan in the event of high-attrition wartime demands. "We have three training groups, 1,000 courses and 73 training pathways in the wing," said Col. Kirk Peterson, 82 TRW deputy commander,   more

AFIMSC fast tracks range initiative to boost ATF readiness
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: An Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center initiative to develop a network of training ranges is aimed at boosting the readiness of combat support and combat service support Airmen. Called Combat Support Training Ranges, or CSTR, the AFIMSC team is designing the sites so Airmen assigned to Air Task Forces can improve their expeditionary skil  more

Air Education & Training Command: Alamogordo Community Wins 2023 Altus Trophy
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLF, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Marilyn C. Holliday, AETC Public Affairs Altus Chamber of Commerce officials have named the community of Alamogordo, New Mexico, winners of the 2023 Altus Trophy for their support to Holloman Air Force Base. The Altus chamber partners with Air Education and Training Command officials each year to recognize a community that goes above and beyond in support to mem  more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center Fast Tracks Range Initiative to Boost Air Task Forces Readiness
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news: By Shannon Carabajal, AFIMSC Public Affairs An Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center initiative to develop a network of training ranges is aimed at boosting the readiness of combat support and combat service support Airmen. Called Combat Support Training Ranges, or CSTR, the AFIMSC team is designing the sites so Airmen assigned to Air Task Forces   more

Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center: Mission Monday - SF Mobility Equipment
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center issued the following news on Feb. 5, 2024: It's Mission Monday. Meet Joseph Shaeffer, Mobility Equipment Branch chief with the Air Force Security Forces Center. Shaeffer and his team are responsible for lifecycle management of centrally stored security forces mobility equipment and preparing and planning for global contingencies and conflicts to ensure the Department of the Air Force's ability t  more

Air Force Recruiting Service Partners With the Indigenous Nations Equality Team, Scheuring Speed Sports in Outreach Events Across South Dakota
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Tech. Sgt. Jessica Kind, HQ Air Force Recruiting Service The Air Force Recruiting Service, along with the Department of the Air Force Indigenous Nations Equality Team (INET), traveled to various locations across western South Dakota from January 25-27, 2024, in an effort to increase Air Force and Space Force awareness to Native American communities. "INET has b  more

Air Force retired officers, enlisted members can rejoin active duty to offset personnel shortfalls
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: ARLINGTON, Virginia - The Secretary of the Air Force has reimplemented the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty program in an effort to leverage the talents of our highly trained and experienced officers and enlisted military retirees to help minimize the service's critical manning shortages. Application window opened Feb. 8, 202  more

AMSUS recognizes two local 'rising stars' from Defense Health Network Central
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Four health care professionals from Defense Health Network Central will be recognized for their extensive contributions to military health care during the Annual Meeting of AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals, on Feb. 12, 2024. Two are from Joint Base San Antonio. AMSUS awards recogniz  more

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Shoppers Can Win $27,500 in Make It REIGN at Exchange Sweepstakes
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers worldwide can enter for a chance at nearly $28,000 in prizes in the Make it REIGN at the Exchange Sweepstakes. Through March 31, authorized shoppers can enter by completing the official entry form at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes. One grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 Exchange gift card. Fifty second-prize winners will each win a $250 Exchange   more

Army & Air Force Exchange Service, The Avenue Entertainment Bring Free Advance Screening of 'Land of Bad' to Reel Time Theaters
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service issued the following news release: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and The Avenue Entertainment are bringing a complimentary advance screening of the action film "Land of Bad" to all Reel Time Theaters worldwide on Feb. 10. The screenings will take nearly a week in advance of the Feb. 16 national theatrical release. "The Exchange is honored to bring advance showings to military communities around the world," said Air Force  more

Army Corps of Engineers Awards $4.5M Contract to Design Modified Central City Trinity Point, Tarrant Regional Water District, Clear Fork Flood Gates, TRWD Pump Station
FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Fort Worth District issued the following news release on Feb. 8, 2024: Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, awarded an architect-engineer contract to Black and Veatch-GEI Joint Venture, totaling $4.5 million, to update the conceptual designs and perform the necessary physical and hydraulic modeling for three flood gates and one pump station in support of the Modified Central City Project. The flood gates wil  more

Barnes Center for Enlisted Education Concludes Foundations Initial Operational Capability, Focuses on Full Operational Capability
MAXWELL AFB, Alabama, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Brian Ferguson, Barnes Center for Enlisted Education The Barnes Center for Enlisted Education will begin the full operational capability phase of Foundations in March, after concluding its initial operational capability phase, Jan. 30, 2024. "We started with our first IOC course at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas, in November 2023," Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Jackson-Fo  more

Barnes Center for Enlisted Education Concludes Foundations Initial Operational Capability, Focuses on Full Operational Capability
MAXWELL AFB, Alabama, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force's 42nd Air Base Wing issued the following news: By Brian Ferguson, Barnes Center for Enlisted Education The Barnes Center for Enlisted Education will begin the full operational capability phase of Foundations in March, after concluding its initial operational capability phase, Jan. 30, 2024. "We started with our first IOC course at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas, in November 2023," Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Jackson-Foster, BCEE chi  more

BLM schedules wild horse and burro event in Kerrville, Texas
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management issued the following news release: NORMAN, Okla. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event Feb. 23 - 24 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville, Texas. The event begins Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m., and will feature 120 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place Feb. 23, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-noon. As part of the program's efforts to fi  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Women's Earnings in Louisiana - 2022'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 5 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 5, 2024, entitled "Women's Earnings in Louisiana - 2022": * * * In 2022, Louisiana women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $822, or 77.3 percent of the $1,064 median usual weekly earnings of their male counterparts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commiss  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Women's Earnings in Oklahoma - 2022'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 5 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 5, 2023, entitled "Women's Earnings in Oklahoma - 2022": * * * In 2022, Oklahoma women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $769, or 80.8 percent of the $952 median usual weekly earnings of their male counterparts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissione  more

BLS - Southwest Region Issues Report Entitled 'Women's Earnings in Texas - 2022'
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 5 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics - Southwest Regional Information Office issued the following report on Feb. 5, 2024, entitled "Women's Earnings in Texas - 2022": * * * In 2022, Texas women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $916, or 83.0 percent of the $1,103 median usual weekly earnings of their male counterparts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Assistant Commissioner fo  more

BLS: Miami Area Compensation Costs Up 5.5 Percent Over the Year Ended December 2023
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (TNSrep) -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document from Economics Daily: * * * For the nation as a whole, total compensation costs for private industry workers increased 4.1 percent over the year ended December 2023. Among the nation's 15 largest metropolitan areas, costs increased 5.5 percent in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Port St. Lucie, Florida, and 5.2 percent in Houston-The Woodlands, Texas, during 2023. * * * 12-month perce  more

Brothers receive significant sentences for manufacturing deadly fentanyl-laced pills disguised as pain meds
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Two brothers have been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills disguised as legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pain medications. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation that led to the length  more

CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Child Molestation at Hidalgo International Bridge
HIDALGO, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Bulmaro Madrigal, a male lawful permanent resident from Walton, Indiana wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation. "CBP screens all travelers entering the United States. We are committed to bringing in those individuals to   more

CBP Officers Seize $459K Worth of Cocaine at Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 9, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to Brownsville Port of Entry took down two significant loads of cocaine the same day with a combined street value of $459,000. "These back-to-back cocaine seizures illustrate the gravity of the narcotics threat our frontline CBP officers face every day as well a  more

CBP Officers Seize Fentanyl at the Paso Del Norte Border Crossing
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 7, 2024: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte Border Crossing, intercepted 37 pounds of fentanyl in three separate failed smuggling attempts in less than 48 hours. "CBP is on the front line of America's fight against fentanyl and other dangerous drugs," said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. "As the largest law   more

CBP Officers Seize Over $370K in Narcotics at Laredo Port of Entry
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge and Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized narcotics over the weekend, that totaled over $370,000 in street value. "CBP prioritizes its border security mission," said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. "These interdictions successfully halted the tra  more

CBP Officers Seize Over $9.5 Million in Hard Narcotics at World Trade Bridge
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge seized hard narcotics that totaled over $9,500,000 in street value. "Officers in the cargo environment interdicted and seized millions worth in alleged methamphetamine, an addictive synthetic stimulant that causes a significant number of deaths nationwide,"  more

Country music artist becomes Army Reserve warrant officer
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - Country music star Craig Morgan wore his Army green service uniform Saturday at Redstone Arsenal. The Army Reserve Soldier was promoted to warrant officer in a pinning ceremony at Heiser Hall attended by his fellow members of the 313th Army Band, family and friends from as far away as Texas and Oklahoma. He was promoted from staff sergeant. Warrant Officer  more

DEA-Houston: Brothers Receive Significant Sentences for Manufacturing Deadly Fentanyl-Laced Pills Disguised as Pain Meds
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: Two Corpus Christi brothers have been ordered to federal prison for manufacturing and distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills disguised as legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pain medications, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani  more

DEA-Houston: Final Man Sent to Prison in Cocaine Car Battery Conspiracy
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 31-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for conspiring to traffic cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Andres Rodriguez-Murillo pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2023, to conspiring with others to smuggle na  more

DEA-Houston: Laredo Felon Admits to Possessing Cocaine and Handguns in Home
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division issued the following news release: A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 800 grams of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The investigation began in September 2022, when law enforcement learned Homero Flores was selling cocaine in the Laredo area. They   more

DOD conducts first dual-patient ECMO C-17 transport
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - The Department of Defense's only Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, or ECMO, team traveled to El Paso, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2023, to support a civilian patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The ECMO team, located at Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-For  more

Ellsworth AFB: B-1s Part of Airstrikes
ELLSWORTH AFB, South Dakota, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Ellsworth Air Force Base (28th Bomb Wing) issued the following news: By Steven Merrill, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing launched early Feb. 1, 2024, from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, as part of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to includ  more

EPA Announces Settlement With Mosaic Fertilizer for Alleged Chemical Accident Prevention Violations at St. James, Louisiana, Facility
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized a settlement with Mosaic Fertilizer and Tampa Port Services over alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention provisions of the Clean Air Act at Mosaic's facility in St. James, Louisiana. Under the settlement, the companies will pay more than $217,000 in civil penalties, install two ammonia gas monitors and donate equipment t  more

FCC DEMANDS ENTITY BEHIND ROBOCALLS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE TO STOP ILLEGAL EFFORT TO TARGET VOTERS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2024: The FCC's Enforcement Bureau today issued a cease- and-desist letter against Texas-based Lingo Telecom--the entity that is alleged to have originated robocall traffic using AI-generated voice cloning to spread misinformation to voters prior to New Hampshire's primary election. The letter (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-400264A1.pdf) demands the company immediately stop sup  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Reports Q4, Full Year 2023 Operating Results
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 10 (TNSres) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release on Feb. 9, 2024: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) today reported net income of $212.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. In comparison, for the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Bank reported net income of $247.7 million and $115.9 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31,  more

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas: 2024 Affordable Housing Advisory Council Appointments
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following member bulletin (No. 2024-04): The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members and the reappointment of two members to its Affordable Housing Advisory Council (Advisory Council). Kelly Davila and Carla Mancha are new appointees to the Advisory Council; Calvin King Sr. of Arkansas and Nicole Barnes of Loui  more

Final Man Sent to Prison in Cocaine Car Battery Conspiracy
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 31-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for conspiring to traffic cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Andres Rodriguez-Murillo pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2023, to con  more

Information Warfare Training Command Monterey Detachment Goodfellow Opens New Building
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force Goodfellow Air Force Base (17th Training Wing) issued the following news: By Airman James Salellas, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs The Navy Center for Information Warfare Training Command Monterey, Detachment Goodfellow Headquarters, celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the re-opening of the newly renovated detachment building at Goodfellow Air Force Base on Feb. 2. The ceremony celebrates the joint efforts between Goodfellow and Nav  more

JBSA Ambassadors take part in 2024 Fiesta Poster unveiling, Miss Fiesta selection
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The 2024 Joint Base San Antonio Military Ambassadors, along with JBSA and 502nd Air Base Wing leadership, were in downtown San Antonio Jan. 31 for the 2024 Fiesta Poster Unveiling and Miss Fiesta Selection Event at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum. The Military Ambassadors are selected by their respec  more

JBSA hosts funeral services for CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing will host funeral services for Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, on Feb. 10 at JBSA-Lackland and the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.  Gaylor passed away Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 93. As a champion of professional military education, Gaylor's legacy extends far  more

JBSA Hosts Funeral Services for CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing will host funeral services for Robert D. Gaylor, the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, on Feb. 10 at JBSA-Lackland and the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.Gaylor passed away Jan. 17, at the age of 93. As a champion of professional military education, Gaylor's legacy extends far beyond his distinguished 31-year mili  more

Justice Dept.: False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against Former President & Co-Owner of Mobile Cardiac PET Scan Provider
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release: The United States has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas under the False Claims Act (FCA) against Rick Nassenstein, a resident of Florida and formerly the president, chief financial officer, and co-owner of Illinois-based Cardiac Imaging Inc. (CII), a provider of mobile cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The complaint alleges Nassenstein knowingly   more

Justice Dept.: Texas Man Sentenced To 41 Months in Prison for Tax Evasion
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2024: A Texas man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for evading his taxes by not reporting income he earned while working overseas. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2013 to 2018, Peter Joseph Tignini, formerly of Cypress, Texas, worked in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, earning over $4,750,000 in income. For tax years 2013 through 2017, Tignini filed fal  more

Laredo Felon Admits to Possessing Cocaine and Handguns in Home
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Division issued the following news release: LAREDO, Texas - A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 800 grams of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The investigation began in September 2022, when law enforcement learned Homero Flores was selling  more

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Halted a Human Smuggling Attempt
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 6, 2024: Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working their assigned duties interdicted a human smuggling attempt yielding the apprehension of 19 migrants. On Feb. 5, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties observed several suspicious vehicles parked near a tractor trailer by HWY 359. Agents approached the driver of the tractor trailer when   more

Laughlin AFB: 47th Medical Group Conducts Ready Eagle II Exercise
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Laughlin Air Force Base (47th Flying Training Wing) issued the following news: By Tech. Sgt. Dustin Mullen, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs The 47th Medical Group hosted a Ready Eagle II Exercise from Jan. 29-31, to enhance medical contingency response plan readiness, team integration and all-hazards response skills. The exercise, which included more than 90 participants and 25 Air Force Specialty Codes, allowed Airmen to sharpen thei  more

Learn about TRICARE Pharmacy Network changes for specialty drugs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FALLS CHURCH, Virginia - The TRICARE Pharmacy Program is improving how we manage specialty drugs. Starting March 1, Accredo will provide specialty drugs and enhanced clinical services if you fill TRICARE-defined specialty prescriptions with TRICARE Home Delivery. Accredo will also stay in the TRICARE network as an in-network retail  more

Mexican national sentenced for trafficking cocaine into US from Mexico
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: PECOS, Texas -- A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 41 months in prison for cocaine trafficking on Jan. 31. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case with assistance from the Brewster County Sheriff's Department. According to court documents, a Brewster County sheriff's deputy stopped Ana Cristina Alarcon Rios, 2  more

MICC commanding general pins on second star
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Family, friends and colleagues, past and present, gathered at the Fort Sam Houston Theater at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Feb. 2 to honor the promotion of the commanding general of U.S. Army Mission and Installation Management Command, Douglas S. Lowrey, from the rank of b  more

Mission Monday: SF mobility equipment
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: It's Mission Monday. Meet Joseph Shaeffer, Mobility Equipment Branch chief with the Air Force Security Forces Center. Shaeffer and his team are responsible for the lifecycle management of centrally stored security forces mobility equipment and preparing and planning for global contingencies and conflicts to ensure the Department of the Air Force's abi  more

Mobilization Support Brigade Soldiers graduate Basic Leader Course
FORT BRAGG, North Carolina, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Army Reserve Command issued the following news: FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - Three U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 646th Regional Support Group, and mobilized to Fort Cavazos, Texas, in support of the Mobilization Support Brigade mission, graduated from the U.S. Army's Basic Leader Course at the III Corps and Fort Cavazos Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Jan. 31. Sgts. Kyra Cure, Deployment Readiness Center (DRC) DD214 Huma  more

National Guard Bureau leaders say taking care of Guardsmen key to meeting mission at home, abroad
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: WASHINGTON - Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said that as the global security landscape has become increasingly complex, the National Guard continues to fill its role as an indispensable warfighting force while at the same time responding in times of crisis at home. "With an aggressive China assert  more

National Park Service: Cane River Creole 'Tracks of Unity - The Texas and Pacific Railway Depot Story' Documentary Premiere, Unveiling the Journey of Restoration and Community Spirit
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The National Park Service Cane River Creole issued the following news release: The captivating narrative of community resilience and the restoration of the Natchitoches Texas and Pacific Railway Depot unfolds in the much-anticipated documentary, "Tracks of Unity." The documentary premieres on February 17, 2024 at the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot, showcasing the extraordinary efforts to revive and preserve a vital piece of local history. The Texas and Pacific Railway De  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for South Texas Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56944) involving South Texas Nuclear Plant: * * * Facility: South Texas Region: 4 State: TX Unit: [1] [] [] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: Matthew Dugger HQ OPS Officer: Adam Koziol Notification Date: 02/01/2024 Notification Time: 20:47 [ET] Event Date: 01/23/2024 Event Time: 19:02 [CST] Last Update Date: 02/01/2024 Emergency Class: Non Emergency 10 CFR Section: 5  more

NRC Issues Event Notification for South Texas Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 56944) involving South Texas Nuclear Plant: * * * Facility: South Texas Region: 4 State: TX Unit: [1] [] [] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: Matthew Dugger HQ OPS Officer: Adam Koziol Notification Date: 02/01/2024 Notification Time: 20:47 [ET] Event Date: 01/23/2024 Event Time: 19:02 [CST] Last Update Date: 02/01/2024 Emergency Class: Non Emergency 10 CFR Section: 5  more

Operation AGILE Medic: Joint Forces Collaborate in Full-Spectrum Medical Readiness Exercise
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CAMP BULLIS, Texas - In early December 2023, military personnel from the Air Force, Army, and Marines joined forces for Operation AGILE Medic at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas. The exercise united more than 100 physicians, nurses, medics, and support staff who collaborated in various medical compone  more

Paramount Healthcare Consultants to Pay $50,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 10 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 9, 2024: * * * Settles Federal Charges El Paso Care Center Retaliated Against Housekeeping Aide for Reporting Abuse * * * Paramount Healthcare Consultants, LLC, which operates nursing care facilities across Texas and Louisiana, will pay $50,000 to settle a sex discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency  more

PRESS RELEASE: Potential for Increased Traffic During CMSAF Gaylor Funeral Procession Feb. 10
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - San Antonio drivers may experience travel delays on Saturday, Feb. 10, as the U.S. Air Force and Joint Base San Antonio honor the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor. A preplanned procession of about 40 vehicles will travel from JBSA-Lackland to the Fort Sam Houston National  more

San Antonio Spurs' Zach Collins visits METC
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Zach Collins, San Antonio Spurs player, visited the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston with USAA on Jan. 25, 2024, as part of several events throughout the basketball season, supporting and celebrating the local military community. He vis  more

SeaWorld instructors, 341st Training Squadron collaborate for cross-training experience
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: In a collaborative initiative, SeaWorld Instructors recently visited the 341st Training Squadron to gain insight into how military working dog trainers apply positive reinforcement training to their four-legged students. This exchange of expertise aims to foster a cross-disciplinary learning experience, allowing professionals from different fields to s  more

SeaWorld Instructors, 341st Training Squadron Collaborate for Cross-Training Experience
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news: By Jonathan Cotto, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs In a collaborative initiative, SeaWorld Instructors recently visited the 341st Training Squadron to gain insight into how military working dog trainers apply positive reinforcement training to their four-legged students. This exchange of expertise aims to foster a cross-disciplinary learning experience, allowing   more

SECAF, 16th Air Force CC visit America's Cryptologic Wing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland - The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing hosted Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on Feb. 2 and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, from Feb. 1-2, 2024, to learn about the wing's cryptologic mission. Headquartered at Joint Base  more

Secretary of the Air Force, 16th Air Force CC Visit America's Cryptologic Wing
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Maryland, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news: By Tech. Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos, 70th ISRW Public Affairs The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing hosted Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on Feb. 2 and Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, from Feb. 1-2 at Fort George G. Meade to learn about the wing's cryptologic mission. Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, the 16th Air Forc  more

Sheppard AFB: 82nd Training Wing Launches Deep Dive Into Wartime Training Plan
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas, Feb. 10 -- The U.S. Air Force's 82nd Training Wing issued the following news: By George Woodward, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs The 82nd Training Wing held an initial tabletop discussion Feb. 8 to kick off an in-depth look at how it would implement its Wartime Training Plan in the event of high-attrition wartime demands. "We have three training groups, 1,000 courses and 73 training pathways in the wing," said Col. Kirk Peterson, 82 TRW deputy commander, "so this is an  more

Texas man convicted of distributing child sexual abuse material following investigation by HSI Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Police
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued the following news release: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- A Texas man has been convicted of distributing child pornography following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Jonathan Follis, a 46-year-old resident of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to the charges Feb. 5 in t  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Alien Smuggler Heads to Prison After Hiding People in Tractor Bed and Cabinets
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 46-year-old man has been convicted of unlawfully transporting undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for 15 minutes following a one-day trial before convicting Deibi Ramos on Nov. 14, 2023. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Ramos to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately fol  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Brothers Get Significant Sentences for Manufacturing Deadly Fentanyl-Laced Pills Disguised as Pain Meds
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: Two Corpus Christi brothers have been ordered to federal prison for manufacturing and distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills disguised as legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pain medications, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Chad Williams Wesevich, 40, and his brother Jamie Wesevich, 41, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to conspiracy to manu  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Corpus Christi Man Sent to Prison for Conspiring to Traffic Machine Guns Across State Lines
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 23-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for conspiracy to traffic firearms, specifically machine gun conversion devices (MCDs), in interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Rene Saldana pleaded guilty Sept. 14, 2023. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now handed Saldana a 36-month term of imprisonment to be immediat  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Distributing Fentanyl Through the Mail Sends South Texan to Prison
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 37-year-old Brownsville resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 1,741 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani. Heriverto Ramirez pleaded guilty July 20, 2023. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Ramirez to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised releas  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Ex-FBI Agent Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison for Secret Probation Scheme
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release on Feb. 8, 2024: A retired FBI agent who convinced a Granbury woman she was on "secret probation" and conned her out of more than $700,000 was sentenced Tuesday to 87 months in prison followed by a term of three years supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. In August 2023, after 12 days of trial, a federal jury con  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against Former President and Co-Owner of Mobile Cardiac PET Scan Provider
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Rick Nassenstein, a resident of Florida and formerly the president, chief financial officer and co-owner of Illinois-based Cardiac Imaging Inc. (CII), a provider of mobile cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The complaint alleges Nassenstein knowingly played a central role in a sc  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Final Man Sent to Prison in Cocaine Car Battery Conspiracy
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 31-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for conspiring to traffic cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Andres Rodriguez-Murillo pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2023, to conspiring with others to smuggle narcotics into the United States by concealing the drugs inside car batteries. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Fort Bend Man Sentenced for Receiving Military Training From a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization
HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 34-year-old resident of Sugar Land has been ordered to federal prison for his conviction related to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Warren Christopher Clark pleaded guilty Oct. 10, 2023. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Clark to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately foll  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Fort Worth Woman Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking
DEL RIO, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Fort Worth woman was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 292 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to import methamphetamine into the U.S. According to court documents, Sally Renae Smith, 54, conspired with others to import 3.422 kilograms of methamphetamine which had a purity of 100%. Smith exchanged text messages with a co-conspirator trafficking met  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Human Smuggling Organization Leader Sentenced in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: A Kaufman man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 97 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens. According to court documents, Fredi Zagala-Servin, 40, was a longtime leader and organizer of a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled hundreds of undocumented noncitizens from Laredo to San Antonio insid  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Justice Department Secures Agreement With Hotel in Austin to Ensure Access for People With Disabilities
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 9 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas issued the following news release: The United States reached a letter agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District, to resolve alleged violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The agreement requires the hotel to train its staff and provide equal service to customers with disabilities. The Department of Justi  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Laredo Felon Admits to Possessing Cocaine and Handguns Inside Home
LAREDO, Texas, Feb. 7 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas issued the following news release: A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 800 grams of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The investigation began in September 2022, when law enforcement learned Homero Flores was selling cocaine in the Laredo area. They later located several clear plastic baggies in in his trash that were consistent with the size and shape of how narcot  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Texas Doctor Convicted of Illegally Prescribing Highly Addictive Opioids
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release: Following an 8-day trial, a Texas doctor who unlawfully prescribed powerful opioids has been convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and six counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. On Monday, a jury convicted Leovares A. Mendez, a 58-year-old  more

Texas U.S. Attorney: Two Fort Worth Gang Members Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued the following news release: Two individuals have been sentenced to a combined 20+ years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Fort Worth area, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. First, Rhance Guerin, 27, was charged in August 2023 via criminal complaint and pleaded guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to possess of a controlled substanc  more

The Great Texas Airshow returns to JBSA-Randolph April 6-7
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas, Feb. 2 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (16th Air Force) issued the following news: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Great Texas Airshow will take place April 6-7 with this year's theme of "Service in Action." This free event will showcase the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-35A Lightning II, the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Team and more. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. each day.   more

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize Marijuana in Alpine, Texas
ALPINE, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection issued the following news release on Feb. 7, 2024: U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Alpine, Texas Station seized more than 530 pounds of marijuana during a vehicle stop approximately one mile south of the Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 385 on Sunday. On Feb. 4, at approximately 9 a.m., agents from the Alpine Station noticed a vehicle pulled off on the shoulder of Highway 385 south of the ch  more

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: West Texas Lizard Will Not Be Listed Under Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2024: A lizard species once feared to be vanishingly scarce is now known to have several thriving populations across its historical range in the Edwards Plateau region of Central and West Texas, as unveiled by recent research. As a result of these findings, today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a 12-month finding that the Plateau spot-tailed ea  more

White House Sends Nominations, Withdrawals Sent to Senate on Feb. 7, 2024
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- The White House sent to the Senate on Feb. 7, 2024, the following nominations and withdrawals of individuals for positions in the federal government: * * * NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: * Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased. * Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired. WITHDRAWALS SENT TO TH  more

Wis. U.S. Attorney: Texas Roofing Company Charged With Fraud Related to Asbestos Removal at Federal Prison in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wisconsin, Feb. 10 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin issued the following news release: Timothy M. O'Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the filing of a criminal information and deferred prosecution agreement on February 7, 2024, charging Brazos Urethane, Inc. Texas City, Texas, with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Brazos contracted in 2014 with the B  more