Latest news with #AUSA
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Longtime federal prosecutor named acting U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Texas
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – A longtime federal prosecutor has been named by President Trump as the acting United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Texas. Jay R. Combs has been working for the Department of Justice since 2006, where he started as Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) on the U.S.- Mexico border. While he was at AUSA, Combs focused on immigration, narcotics and human trafficking cases along with fraud and white collar crimes. 'Dead men can't testify': East Texas judge arrested on multiple charges released Thursday morning Through his tenure, Combs received multiple nationwide awards and was recognized for his contributions to the fight against international drug cartels. Combs served in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General for six years after serving 20 years in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he served in several roles, including Executive Officer of an Air Defense Artillery Battery. Combs looks to carry out the current administration's goal of keeping Americans safe. 'I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this opportunity and humbled by the honor of leading the Eastern District of Texas,' Combs said. 'This opportunity to serve the American people is both a tremendous responsibility and a great privilege. This office plays a critical role in ensuring the American people are kept safe. I look forward to advancing the administration's core priorities of immigration enforcement; combatting human trafficking and smuggling; attacking transnational organized crime, cartels, and gangs; and protecting the federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect us all. I look forward to working alongside our great prosecutors, staff and brave law enforcement partners.' As federal prosecutor, Combs will oversee one of the busiest districts in the United States that prosecutes more foreign drug cartel leaders than most other U.S. Attorney's Offices nationwide. The district represents 43 countries and over 3.5 million people. The district currently comprises six U.S. District divisions with federal district courts in Beaumont, Sherman, Plano, Tyler, Lufkin and Marshall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic breakthrough: IDF reveals laser system shot down dozens of drones in war
The Iron Beam is the most advanced, operational laser in the world, though England, the US, and others have relatively advanced lasers. In a historic breakthrough, the IDF on Wednesday announced that its Iron Beam laser defense system has shot down dozens of aerial threats during the war. Already in fall 2024, the Jerusalem Post had learned that the Iron beam laser, produced by Rafael, had been used in operational situations, but was barred from reporting on that at the time. According to the Defense Ministry, the Iron Beam is the most advanced and operational laser in the world, though England, the US and others also have relatively advanced laser platforms. Sources have told the Post that what makes Iron Beam the most advanced is its reliability in different kinds of weather, its variable range, adaptability to different kinds of aerial threats, and the ability to place it in different contexts. In October 2024, Rafael announced that it was showcasing its latest defense capabilities at the defense AUSA exhibition October 14-16 in Washington DC, including a new Lite Beam laser-based interception system integrated into the Trophy multitasking defense platform. While not as much of a watershed moment as the Iron Beam laser defense system, the Lite Beam is still a powerful example of Israel succeeding in using layers at least for short range defense. Defense sources told the Post that the Lite Beam's operational capabilities have been proven, though they declined to disclose exactly when and how the IDF has used such capabilities in the field in Gaza or Lebanon. The implication was that the Lite Beam would be effective against drones and possibly against mortars, but would not shoot down most rockets or long range missiles which Israel eventually hopes the Iron Beam will do. In general, laser defense technologies are viewed as a major part of future air defense because they would end the arms cost race in which Israel and other wealthy countries constantly waste huge amounts of money to protect themselves from weaker adversaries using low attack cheap forms of threats. The sources added that the Lite Beam has hard kill neutralization capabilities which can be integrated on any vehicular platform and operational capabilities, and that it also can be a component of the drone dome which utilizes both soft kill and jamming. Rafael said that Lite Beam, 'offers advantages such as engagement at the speed of light, an unlimited magazine, and negligible cost per interception.' In February 2023, senior Defense Ministry official Brig.-Gen. (res.) Danny Gold said Israel's air defense lasers, when fully deployed in the future, could shoot down the drones Iran has been sending against Ukraine. Speaking at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference at Tel Aviv University, the Director of MAFAT [Directorate of Defense Research & Development] said his ministry is working on developing 'the next generation of using lasers.' He talked about multiple successful tests destroying rockets 'with a very sophisticated laser weapons system…We have done the same for mortars, rockets and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), like the Iranian UAVs they are sending to Ukraine. The same concept of UAV, we can shoot them down.' On Wednesday, Gold said, "Our vision for deploying laser weapons was realized during the war with tremendous technological and operational success. IDF combat units displayed boldness in integrating and carrying out the first successful operational deployments of the systems, and the lessons learned will be applied as we deploy more operational laser systems. Laser interception systems will provide an additional layer within Israel's multi-tiered air defense array, which has been meticulously developed through the tireless efforts of the defense industries and Israel's exceptional human capital. We will continue to advance this technology and deliver world-leading systems and capabilities to the IDF, turning vision into security in air, sea, land, and across every dimension.' Head of the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Research and Development Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes stated, "During the war, we deployed several high-power laser system prototypes, resulting in significant achievements, culminating in the world's first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield. Throughout this period, we gained substantial experience in optimizing and operating laser technologies in the field. We are currently integrating these insights into the systems under development, while expanding the range of laser-based systems to protect Israeli civilians and IDF forces." Repeated top Israeli official statements have predicted that by the end of 2025, the Iron Beam will be more widely and publicly deployed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Is Kerry Morgan? Cassie's Friend Name Dropped at Diddy's Trial
The trial of Sean 'Diddy'' Combs continues to reveal disturbing allegations about the rapper. Singer and actress Casssie, the star witness of the prosecution, made an appearance at the Manhattan court on Tuesday and gave testimony, accusing Diddy of abuse and torture. During this, she mentioned Kerry Morgan, a former friend of hers, and people are now interested in knowing more about him. So, who is Kerry Morgan? Here are all the details! Cassie mentioned during her testimony that Kerry Morgan was her close friend at one point. She stated that Diddy threw a wooden hanger at Morgan once, which gave her a concussion. Reporting on the testimony, the New York Post shared a photo of Cassie and Morgan from when they were younger. Notably, Cassie mentioned the incident in her 2023 lawsuit against Diddy, in which she accused the rapper of putting her throgh years of 'cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking.' Per legal documents, the incident led to a settlement between Diddy and Morgan. Further, Cassie paid additional money in the hopes of resolving 'the dispute between her close friend and her abusive and controlling boyfriend.' The documents also state that the relationship between the two women became 'strained' after that. Cassie spoke about Morgan another time during the trial. The Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson asked Cassie, 'Where did you celebrate your birthday, in this photo?' In response, the entertainer said, 'In Las Vegas. Kerry Morgan was there too. We were out on his patio on my 21st birthday, during the VMAs.' The AUSA continued by asking what happened after that. Cassie replied, 'Sean kissed me in the bathroom. I ran back to my hotel. I told Kerry.' Diddy and Cassie met when he was 37 and she 19. Morgan, who is a model, has not given any testimony at the time of this article's composition. Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon. The post Who Is Kerry Morgan? Cassie's Friend Name Dropped at Diddy's Trial appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Trial: Who Is Kerry Morgan, Cassie Ventura's Friend?
The trial of Sean 'Diddy'' Combs continues to reveal disturbing allegations about the rapper. Singer and actress Casssie, the star witness of the prosecution, made an appearance at the Manhattan court on Tuesday and gave testimony, accusing Diddy of abuse and torture. During this, she mentioned Kerry Morgan, a former friend of hers, and people are now interested in knowing more about him. So, who is Kerry Morgan? Here are all the details! Cassie mentioned during her testimony that Kerry Morgan was her close friend at one point. She stated that Diddy threw a wooden hanger at Morgan once, which gave her a concussion. Reporting on the testimony, the New York Post shared a photo of Cassie and Morgan from when they were younger. Notably, Cassie mentioned the incident in her 2023 lawsuit against Diddy, in which she accused the rapper of putting her throgh years of 'cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking.' Per legal documents, the incident led to a settlement between Diddy and Morgan. Further, Cassie paid additional money in the hopes of resolving 'the dispute between her close friend and her abusive and controlling boyfriend.' The documents also state that the relationship between the two women became 'strained' after that. Cassie spoke about Morgan another time during the trial. The Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson asked Cassie, 'Where did you celebrate your birthday, in this photo?' In response, the entertainer said, 'In Las Vegas. Kerry Morgan was there too. We were out on his patio on my 21st birthday, during the VMAs.' The AUSA continued by asking what happened after that. Cassie replied, 'Sean kissed me in the bathroom. I ran back to my hotel. I told Kerry.' Diddy and Cassie met when he was 37 and she 19. Morgan, who is a model, has not given any testimony at the time of this article's composition. The post Diddy Trial: Who Is Kerry Morgan, Cassie Ventura's Friend? appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New comic book tells tale of Civil War's first Black Medal of Honor recipient
As the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment stormed toward Fort Wagner, South Carolina, the soldier carrying the American flag fell. It was July 18, 1863, at the heart of the Civil War. Charging with the 54th was Sgt. William Carney, who saw the colors fall. He picked up the flag and carried it forward, reaching the wall of the fort, where his comrades rallied around him. Soon, the regiment's position became untenable, and the order was called to retreat. Shot several times, Carney held the flag aloft as the unit dropped back, returning it to Union lines. Years after the war, his actions in the assault would be recognized with the Medal of Honor, making Carney the first Black American soldier to earn the nation's highest award for valor. Carney's bravery — and that of the all-Black 54th Massachusetts — was retold in the 1989 movie 'Glory,' in which Denzel Washington played a soldier based on Carney, Pvt. Trip. Now, Carney will get his own comic book, the latest in the Medal of Honor series produced by the Association of the United States Army. The Carney issue is the 24th produced by AUSA, an ongoing project by the organization that recruits major stars in the comic book world to tell the stories behind Medals of Honor awarded to soldiers. The script was written by Chuck Dixon, whose past work includes 'Batman' and 'The Punisher.' The cover was created by Wayne Vansant, whose work has appeared in 'The 'Nam' and 'Savage Tales.' Color was by Peter Pantazis, who worked on 'The Justice League' and 'Superman' series, while the lettering was by Troy Peteri, who worked on 'Spider-Man' and 'X-Men.' The Carney book will be one of four AUSA will publish in 2025. Other graphic novels will also be released on: Clint Romesha, who rallied his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan at Combat Outpost Keating; Van Barfoot, a WWII soldier who advanced through a minefield to engage a machine gun position and a tank; Emil Kapaun, a Korean War chaplain known for his courage under fire in providing spiritual guidance to soldiers mid-combat. According to an AUSA release, 24 issues of the Medal of Honor series have already been published, including stories on Audie Murphy, Mary Walker, Daniel Inouye, Henry Johnson, and Roy Benavidez. Carney's story was caught up in controversy in March when Department of Defense officials removed dozens of webpages from the Pentagon's official websites that covered the histories of notable non-white or female service members. Carney was among dozens of past military heroes — including the Navajo Corps Code Talkers, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and the Tuskegee Airmen — whose stories were removed from the site amid a review aimed at identifying diversity, equity, and inclusion material. A 2017 article, 'Meet Sgt. William Carney: The first African-American Medal of Honor recipient,' was removed from the Pentagon's domain. The page appears to have been restored as of April 24. The same article had remained on the Army's official website. Carney was the first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor, though not the first to be awarded. Several other Black soldiers were awarded the medal during or soon after the Civil War for valor, while Carney's came in 1900. But his actions at Fort Wagner are the earliest by a Black soldier later recognized by the award. Born into slavery, Carney was eventually freed and joined the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War. 'Glory,' released in 1989, is a retelling of the 54th, but neither Carney nor any other real Black soldiers are directly portrayed in the movie. Instead, the Black characters in the film were fictionalized versions based on biographical sketches of soldiers known to have been in the 54th. The movie does include the 54th's real white commander, Col. Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick. Shaw's real-life death in the Wagner assault is depicted in the movie. The Black soldier in the film who perhaps most resembles a real member of the 54th may be Morgan Freeman's Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins, the unit's senior non-commissioned officer. Rawlins' seniority and position are a close match to one of the 54th's best-known soldiers, Sgt. Maj. Lewis Douglass, the son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The soldier whose combat actions in the movie most resemble Carney's Medal of Honor actions is Pvt. Trip, played by Denzel Washington, who won an Oscar for the performance. The film's final battle — like nearly all war movies — is far from wholly accurate, but its general tone, several small actions and its outcome mostly match the record of the 54th's assault on Wagner, including Carney's actions. In the second battle at the fort, Union forces attempted to breach the defenses. During the battle, Carney saw the soldier carrying the unit's flag fall and proceeded to carry it forward to rally the 54th. In the film, Pvt. Trip, grabs an American flag from a fallen soldier and carries it forward. In the movie's climactic moment, he holds the flag aloft as Confederate cannons fire at the attacking wave of Union soldiers, killing them all. That part, though, isn't quite right. Though the 54th suffered over 40% casualties in the battle, Carney and Douglass both survived. Douglass even wrote his father a letter that night that tried to capture the terror and trauma of the fight. Top enlisted leader of Air Force Special Operations Command fired amid investigation The Marine in one of the most famous recruiting commercials is now in Congress 75th Ranger Regiment wins 2025 Best Ranger Competition Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer reenlists in Marine Reserve Air Force pilots get a new way to pee at 30,000 feet
