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July 8, 2026

Justice Department Dismisses Alaska Lawsuit, Conceding Biden Era Oil and Gas Leasing Program Violated the Law

Source: United States Department of Justice

The Department of Justice’s Energy and Natural Resources Division filed a stipulation today dismissing lawsuits by the State of Alaska and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, concerning those plaintiffs’ challenges to the 2024 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

The lawsuits arose because the 2024 Program had imposed various restrictions on development, with the effect of frustrating Congress’s directive that the Department of the Interior establish and administer a competitive oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain region of the Arctic Refuge.

“The Biden era Alaska oil and gas leasing program violated the law and improperly limited Alaska’s energy potential with unreasonable regulation,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This settlement supports the Trump Administration’s commitment to secure American energy independence and our national security for generations to come.”

“This settlement sets the record straight that the Biden administration’s 2024 restrictions on oil and gas production in Alaska were overly restrictive and contrary to Congress’s clear command to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program in Alaska’s Coastal Plain,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Today’s correction of the prior administration’s congressional obstruction helps enhance America’s energy dominance and prevents any future repetition of overreaching policies that thwart our Nation’s best interests.”

“This settlement furthers President Trump’s commitment to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential,” said Adam Gustafson, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division. “The Bureau of Land Management will now administer its oil and gas leasing program according to the plain meaning of the controlling statute. That means more oil leasing, more domestic energy, and more independence from foreign sources of energy.”

The settlement concedes that the 2024 Program violated the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in various ways, including by:

effectively abdicating Interior’s duty to conduct a second lease sale;
closing 75% of the 1.56 million-acre Coastal Plain to exploration and leasing;
imposing unreasonable surface use restrictions on the remaining 25%; and
unreasonably restricting surface disturbance to 995 acres Program-wide, instead of the “up to 2,000 acres” explicitly provided for in the Tax Act.

The settlement advances national and energy security interests by clarifying the Tax Act’s requirements, identifying violations of those requirements, and prohibiting the Department of the Interior from repeating those violations in any future decision governing the Program.

July 8, 2026

Security News: Justice Department Dismisses Alaska Lawsuit, Conceding Biden Era Oil and Gas Leasing Program Violated the Law

Source: United States Department of Justice

The settlement concedes that the 2024 Program violated the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in various ways, including by:

effectively abdicating Interior’s duty to conduct a second lease sale;
closing 75% of the 1.56 million-acre Coastal Plain to exploration and leasing;
imposing unreasonable surface use restrictions on the remaining 25%; and
unreasonably restricting surface disturbance to 995 acres Program-wide, instead of the “up to 2,000 acres” explicitly provided for in the Tax Act.

July 8, 2026

Binghamton Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Robert Scott, age 60, of Binghamton, New York, was indicted on a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

July 8, 2026

New York Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NICOLAS BROWN, also known as “Breezy,” 30, of New York, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for child exploitation offenses.

July 8, 2026

Former Santa Fe Nonprofit Executive Agrees to Pay $735,000 to Resolve HUD Grant Fraud Allegations

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Carolyn Luna-Anderson has agreed to pay $735,000 to resolve allegations that she improperly obtained federal housing assistance funds by concealing conflicts of interest and submitting claims for ineligible rental assistance payments through a HUD-funded program serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

July 8, 2026

Defense News: Washington Guard, Royal Thai Army strengthen Stryker maintenance

Source: United States Army

CHON BURI PROVINCE, Thailand – Mechanics and logisticians with the Washington National Guard wrapped up a three-week maintenance and logistics exchange with the Royal Thai Army in Ko Chan District on May 30. The bilateral exchange sought to improve the performance and longevity of Thailand’s armored vehicle fleet.

National Guard instructors teamed up with their Royal Thai Army counterparts to develop and deliver the dual-track curriculum. The training program included a two-week Stryker and wheeled vehicle maintenance course, followed by a one-week sustainment and logistics management seminar in Ko Chan District. The training produced 19 graduates from the 11th Maintenance Support Battalion and Forward Support Companies 1 and 2.

The exchange separated participants into maintenance and management courses to address the host nation’s priority sustainment gaps. During the initial two-week technical block, Thai mechanics conducted intensive, hands-on troubleshooting on operational vehicles. Training focused on safety procedures, power pack removals, C7 valve calibration, engine diagnostics, suspension arm replacement and overhaul.

To support the Royal Thai Army’s ongoing modernization, instructors added instruction on operating, maintaining and calibrating Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations, or CROWS, and integrated vehicle sensor systems.

While mechanics turned wrenches during the first two weeks, the final week focused on logistics management, sustainment systems and processes. Classroom discussions and practical exercises helped Royal Thai Army leaders learn to identify, document and track vehicle faults; refine internal maintenance work order flow; forecast requirements for Class III petroleum and Class IX repair parts; manage battery charging and lifecycle programs; and coordinate parts and state-of-the-fleet maintenance reviews.

“During my first iteration of leading the execution of a Stryker Leader Course in July 2023, I had many questions about how the relatively new 112th Stryker Regiment Combat Team conducted maintenance operations of the Stryker fleet,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ricky Thomas, Combined Support Maintenance Shop superintendent with the Washington National Guard. “I discovered that the RTA performed PMCS differently than we did in the U.S. Army.”

The decision to send specialized maintenance teams to Thailand grew out of observations during a July 2023 training rotation. While supporting a separate leadership course, Washington Guard subject-matter experts noted that the newly formed 112th Stryker Regiment Combat Team relied heavily on civilian contractors and managed fleet maintenance differently from standard U.S. Army formations.

A follow-on assessment in September 2024 by Washington Guardsmen identified a shortage of school-trained maintainers across the regiment’s organic support units. At the time, one forward support company was responsible for maintaining the regiment’s vehicles with only 15 mechanics. Just one, a company-grade officer, held formal maintenance school training.

Royal Thai Army leaders requested focused maintenance and logistics training to close those gaps. Working through the State Partnership Program and the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, Thailand, the Washington National Guard mobilized surface maintenance experts to help establish a locally run training pipeline.

The May graduating class represents the fourth iteration of the technical maintenance course and the third run of the logistics management seminar held in Thailand.

Backed by decades of cooperation under the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, Thailand, the latest course iteration strengthens an enduring alliance and helps keep both forces ready to respond to regional security requirements.

Defense News: Passing the guidon, a new chapter for USAG Benelux

Source: United States Army

CHIEVRES AIR BASE, Belgium – U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux marked a new chapter in its history July 8, 2026, as Col. Patrick Hofmann relinquished command to Col. Peter Young during a change of command ceremony at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

Wes Leisinger, Installation Management Command – Europe (IMCOM-E) chief of staff, presided over the event, officiating on behalf of Tommy R. Mize, IMCOM-E director. Leisinger mentioned some of USAG Benelux challenges and its mission since the garrison includes four different communities in three different countries.

Leisinger spoke about the responsibilities of the garrison in the region and how it supports various key headquarters and organizations. Highlighted were the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Allied Joint Forces Command Brunssum and the four APS sites located in Zutendaal, Belgium; Eygelshoven and Brunssum, The Netherlands and Dülmen, Germany.

“Leading an organization responsible for integrating and delivering exceptional BASEOPS services to these key units across this diverse, multinational, geographically dispersed footprint, requires the kind of commander who can work effectively with mission partners, host nation collaborators, and a wide range of military organizations,” he said.

Leisinger commented on the garrison’s accomplishments under Hofmann’s leadership, including support to mission partners and higher headquarters alike, managing his people while serving his community, working on complex, multimillion dollar projects such as the construction of Army Family Housing

“Col. Hofmann’s visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to Soldiers, Families, and Civilians significantly enhanced readiness, strengthened multinational partnerships, and improved quality of life across the Benelux footprint.” Leisinger said. “During his tenure, COL Hofmann has led the way forward on several complex, multimillion dollar projects.”

Hofmann expressed how honored he feels to have served as commander of USAG Benelux and how proud, grateful and humbled he feels to be surrounded with people that make the organization so exceptional.

“And we know why we’re here,” Hofmann said. “Everything we do is grounded in shared values, shared history, and a shared future that connects our American teammates with our Belgian, Dutch, and German partners in ways that are both historic and deeply personal.”

Hofmann’s next assignment will be Director G 3/5/7 Installation Management Command, San Antonio, TX

The official transfer of authority was captured in the traditional passing of the garrison colors. USAG Benelux 1st Sgt. Adam Ustunda first passed the colors to Hofmann, who then handed them to Leisinger, signifying the official conclusion of his command. Leisinger then entrusted the colors to Young, charging him with the responsibility of the garrison and marking the official beginning of his tenure as commander.

Young brings a wealth of diverse leadership experience to the Benelux. His career began as an enlisted Soldier before he attended the United States Military Academy and commissioned into the Engineer Corps in 2003. His combat experience includes deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom before he transitioned to the Special Forces branch, deploying twice more in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Most recently, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado

Leisinger mentioned some of Young’s accomplishments and spoke directly to him in his remarks.

“Col. Young, we’re glad to have you with us on the IMCOM-Europe team,” Leisinger said. “This is both an exciting and challenging time to join us here in Europe, a time when we are called to continue to care for our people by providing them world-class services and reliable infrastructure needed to enhance USAEUR-AF’s readiness.”

Young spoke about how he feels deeply honored to pick up the mantle of garrison commander and expressed his gratitude to Hofmann for the transition.

“You are truly the very best our Army has to offer, and I’ve observed pride and commitment in your work over my past two weeks of transition, and over the past year reading the SITREPs,” Young said. “I’m looking forward to serving alongside you, the people who make it all possible, as we begin this next chapter of our Benelux Garrison’s distinguished history as we transform challenges into opportunities and deliver on behalf of the Soldiers, Civilians, Families, and Retirees that depend on us.”

July 8, 2026

Pensacola Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Pensacola, Florida – Thomas Christopher Morton, 47, and Laurie Ann Chapman, 54, both of Pensacola, Florida, were each sentenced to five years in federal prison. Morton was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and three counts of distribution of fentanyl. Chapman was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

July 8, 2026

Lynchburg Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years on Fentanyl and Firearms Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg man, who distributed thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds of methamphetamine, and kilograms of cocaine, among other drugs, while possessing a firearm, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison. This investigation was brought as part of the revamped Project Safe Neighborhoods, a combined law enforcement initiative that aims to provide a rapid response to violent crime, conduct strategic federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships, and increase accountability and deterrence to promote public safety. John Coleman, III, 35, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and more than a half kilo of cocaine, one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.

July 8, 2026

Defense News: Hawaii Guard, Indonesia mark 20 years of partnership

Source: United States Army

AKARTA, Indonesia — The sounds of Hawaiian melodies and Indonesian songs echoed through classrooms, diplomatic receptions and community venues in Surabaya and Jakarta as Soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band, Na Koa, joined Hawaii National Guard leaders June 8-12 to strengthen military, cultural and disaster response ties with Indonesia.

The visit marked the 20th anniversary of the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program and supported events commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Through military-to-military exchanges, disaster response discussions and cultural performances, the delegation highlighted how professional collaboration and personal relationships continue to deepen ties between Hawaii and Indonesia.

Established in 2006, the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program has supported hundreds of exchanges focused on disaster response, aviation, medical readiness, cybersecurity and professional development. During the visit, Hawaii National Guard leaders met with Indonesian military and government officials to explore future collaboration, while Soldiers from the 111th Army Band served as cultural ambassadors, connecting with communities through music.

“The State Partnership Program is called the State Partnership Program, but it really is the State Friendship Program,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the adjutant general of Hawaiʻi. “The relationships and friendships we’ve built over the years support both of our countries. Those personal connections are what make this partnership so strong. As we celebrate 20 years together, we’re also looking forward to the next 20.”

The delegation’s first official engagements took place June 8 at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, where Hawaii National Guard leaders met with embassy representatives to discuss regional priorities and opportunities for future collaboration. Discussions focused on reserve force development, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and the continued growth of the Hawaii-Indonesia partnership as both nations work to strengthen security cooperation and regional stability.

Discussions continued with leaders from Indonesia’s National Reserve Component Agency, known as BACADNAS, focusing on reserve force development and professional military exchanges. During the engagement, Logan provided an overview of the Hawaii National Guard and shared best practices for developing and sustaining a reserve force capable of supporting national defense and domestic operations.

Beyond security cooperation, Hawaii and Indonesia face many of the same challenges, particularly in responding to natural disasters and emergencies that threaten communities and critical infrastructure.

At Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, known as BNPB, officials briefed the delegation on the nation’s disaster risk environment and emergency management framework. Discussions focused on disaster preparedness, response coordination and lessons learned from recent disasters affecting both Indonesia and Hawaii.

“Technology plays an increasingly important role in disaster management, from risk mapping and forecasting to early warning and response coordination,” said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, known as BNPB. “These capabilities help us take preventive action, strengthen preparedness and reduce the impact of disasters on our communities.”

Indonesian leaders highlighted the nation’s vulnerability to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, landslides and wildfires due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. They also outlined the country’s National Disaster Management Plan 2025-2029, which emphasizes science-based risk reduction, technological innovation and whole-of-government preparedness.

Following the briefing, Logan invited BNPB leadership to participate in Vigilant Guard 2027 to further strengthen humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation between the two organizations.

The partnership also created opportunities for military professionals to exchange knowledge, share best practices and learn from one another’s experiences.

During a visit with Kodam Jaya/Jayakarta, the delegation attended a large-scale static display of riot control equipment and capabilities at Jakarta’s National Monument, known as Monas. Featuring more than 500 Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel, the demonstration showcased the Indonesian Army’s ability to rapidly organize, equip and employ forces in support of public order and contingency operations.

The event included a briefing on riot control procedures, operational concepts and specialized equipment used to support civil disturbance response missions. Delegation members then inspected personnel equipment, support vehicles and other capabilities used during crowd management operations. Following the demonstration, leaders from both organizations exchanged commemorative gifts as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Hawaii National Guard and its Indonesian military and civilian counterparts.

While professional exchanges strengthened military and government relationships, cultural engagements helped foster connections between the people of Hawaii and Indonesia.

Throughout the visit, Soldiers from the 111th Army Band performed at venues across Surabaya and Jakarta, including SMK Negeri 12 Vocational Arts School; events commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence hosted by the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta; and a public performance at @america, a U.S. Embassy-operated cultural center.

The Indonesia engagement marked only the third overseas performance mission in the band’s history and its first international engagement in 34 years. The band’s previous overseas performance took place in Papua New Guinea in 1992, and its first known overseas mission occurred in 1944, when band members performed on Guadalcanal during World War II.

At SMK Negeri 12 Vocational Arts School in Surabaya, band members performed for students and participated in a question-and-answer session about military service, music careers and personal development. The interaction allowed students to learn firsthand about military musicians while fostering cultural understanding between the two countries.

“Representing Hawaiʻi in Indonesia was an honor for our Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charifel Mateo, lead vocalist for the 111th Army Band. “Music allowed us to connect with people in a way that transcends language and reminds us that partnerships are ultimately about relationships.”

Audiences across Indonesia responded enthusiastically to Na Koa’s performances, particularly the band’s renditions of songs sung in Bahasa Indonesia. The performances demonstrated cultural appreciation and reinforced the relationship between the United States and Indonesia.

At the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Jakarta, Na Koa performed before diplomatic, military and government leaders from both nations during a reception commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The visit concluded June 12 with a public performance at @america in Jakarta. The event brought together community members, embassy personnel and senior officials, including U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, highlighting the role cultural diplomacy continues to play in strengthening relationships between the United States and Indonesia.

Through strategic dialogue, disaster preparedness collaboration, professional exchanges and the universal language of music, the Hawaii National Guard and Indonesia continue to strengthen a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose and enduring friendship.