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  • MIL-OSI Security: Facebook Marketplace Armed Robberies Case Ends in Guilty Plea

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Elijah Porter, 20, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges from two armed robberies, committed in 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Porter pleaded guilty to armed robbery for an incident on December 2, 2023; he pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to commit robbery for an incident on November 8, 2023. Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 30, 2025. 

                According to the government’s evidence, on December 2, 2023, Porter, using a false Facebook account, responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for the sale of an Apple MacBook. The defendant arranged for the victim to meet him in the 1300 block of Orren Street NE. When the victim arrived, Porter asked to inspect the MacBook, so the victim handed the MacBook to the defendant. The defendant then pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun and stole the MacBook from the victim. A search, conducted two days later at Porter’s residence, resulted in the recovery of the victim’s MacBook.

                On November 8, 2023, Porter created an advertisement for the sale of Apple iPhones using a false Facebook account and the victim responded to the advertisement, eventually agreeing to meet with the defendant to discuss the purchase of the iPhones posted for sale. Porter arranged for the victim to meet him in the 1300 block of Orren Street NE. When the victim arrived, Porter and an accomplice got into the victim’s vehicle and struck the victim in the face with what appeared to be a handgun. Porter and the accomplice then stole personal property belonging to the victim.

                Porter was apprehended on December 4, 2023, and has been in custody ever since.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Nicaragua

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 7, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Nicaragua.

    Nicaragua’s economic performance remains robust, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies and very strong remittance flows. The economy continues to be open and resilient, on a backdrop of transfers of private property to the state, international sanctions, and a reorientation of official financing. Real GDP growth accelerated to around 4½ percent in 2023 and the first half of 2024, from about 3.8 percent in 2022, on the back of robust domestic demand, while inflation declined. Twin fiscal and external account surpluses are leading to a decline in the public debt-to-GDP ratio and the accumulation of strong buffers.

    Real GDP growth is projected to moderate to 4 percent in the near term and to 3.5 percent in the medium-term, amid a slower pace of remittances growth, limited labor contribution to growth due to recent emigration, and cautious private sector investment decisions. International reserves are expected to grow at a slower pace than in the recent period, with narrowing of fiscal and current account surpluses as the authorities’ increase public investment.

    Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced in the short-term and to the downside in the medium term. Upside risks include stronger domestic demand, while downside risks include lower global growth, a deterioration in the terms of trade, natural disasters, stricter and wider international sanctions, and a change in immigration policies in the U.S. In addition, going forward, domestic and international political developments, and deterioration of the rule of law may also impact economic performance by potentially increasing the cost of doing business.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Nicaragua’s robust growth, declining inflation and public debt, and fiscal sector and current account surpluses, supported by prudent macroeconomic policies and high remittances. While noting the positive outlook, Directors stressed that risks are to the downside, including from natural disasters, international sanctions, and U.S. immigration policies. They underscored the importance of continued efforts to safeguard macroeconomic stability, strengthen buffers, and support higher and more inclusive growth.

    Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to preserving fiscal sustainability, while supporting growth. Efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, enhance spending efficiency, and support higher capital and social spending are important. Noting the limited availability of concessional financing, Directors highlighted the importance of prudent debt management to safeguard debt sustainability. They underscored the need to mitigate fiscal risks by strengthening fiscal transparency, enhancing oversight of state owned enterprises, and reforming the pension system.

    Directors agreed that monetary policy should remain focused on supporting price stability and the exchange rate regime and highlighted the criticality of policy coordination. They recommended that the Central Bank of Nicaragua adjust monetary and exchange rate policies, as needed, enhance communication, and strengthen monetary policy transmission. Directors encouraged steadfast implementation of the 2021 safeguard assessment recommendations.

    Directors welcomed the commitment to maintaining financial stability. Noting the vulnerabilities, they encouraged proactive provisioning of distressed assets, close monitoring of consumer credit growth, enhanced foreign exchange risk monitoring, and aligning the crisis preparedness framework with international best practice. Measures to increase financial inclusion and deepening, including developing local bond and capital markets, would support medium term growth.

    Directors stressed the need for efforts to promote higher medium term growth and enhance climate resilience. Important measures include increasing human capital investment, targeted social spending, and promoting labor force participation, particularly for women. Directors also called for efforts to enhance the business climate and strengthen government institutions and frameworks to support increased private investment.

    Directors noted the steps taken to enhance governance, anti corruption, and AML/CFT frameworks, and emphasized that further efforts are needed to ensure their effective and appropriate application. They stressed the need to significantly improve the rule of law and safeguard judicial independence. Publishing asset declarations of politically exposed persons and supporting property rights are important. Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to enhancing the quality and consistency of statistics.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Nicaragua will be held on the standard 12 month cycle.

    Table 1. Nicaragua: Selected Social and Economic Indicators, 2023-25

    I. Social and Demographic Indicators

    GDP per capita (current US$, 2023)

    2,606

    Income share held by the richest 10 percent (2014)

    37.2

    GNI per capita (Atlas method, current US$, 2023)

    2,270

    Unemployment (percent of labor force, 2023)

    3.4

    GINI Index (2014)

    46.2

    Poverty rate ($3.65/day line, 2017 PPP, percent, World Bank, 2023)

    12.5

    Population (millions, 2023)

    6.8

    Adult literacy rate (percent, 2015)

    82.6

    Life expectancy at birth in years (2022)

    74.6

    Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births, 2022)

    14.0

    II. Economic Indicators

    2023

    2024

    2025

    Projections

    Output

    (Annual percentage change; unless otherwise specified)

    GDP growth

    4.6

    4.0

    4.0

    GDP (nominal, US$ million)

    17,843

    19,204

    20,771

    Prices

    Consumer price inflation (period average)

    8.4

    4.0

    4.0

     

    (Percent of GDP)

    Gross domestic investment

    23.0

    25.0

    26.5

    Private sector

    15.1

    15.8

    15.5

    Public sector

    7.9

    9.2

    11.0

    Gross national savings

    30.8

    31.8

    32.9

    Private sector

    21.5

    22.5

    22.9

    Public sector

    9.3

    9.3

    10.0

    Exchange rate

    Period average (Córdobas per US$)

    36.4

    36.6

    …
     

    Fiscal sector

    (Percent of GDP)

    Consolidated public sector

    balance1/

    2.8

    1.8

    1.1

    Revenue (including grants)

    32.9

    33.2

    33.1

    Expenditure

    30.1

    31.4

    32.0

    of which: Central Government overall balance2/

    2.6

    2.1

    1.3

    Revenue

    21.7

    21.6

    21.6

    Expenditure

    19.1

    19.5

    20.3

    Cash payments for operating activities

    14.6

    14.5

    13.8

    Net cash outflow: investments in NFAs

    4.5

    5.0

    6.5

    Money and financial

    (Annual percentage change)

    Broad money

    11.9

    12.2

    11.2

    Credit to the private sector

    18.1

    18.3

    11.2

    Net domestic assets of the banking system

    -8.0

    5.8

    1.3

    Non-performing loans to total loans (ratio)3/

    1.2

    1.7

    …

    Regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets (ratio)3/

    19.1

    19.2

    …

    External sector

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Current account

    7.7

    6.7

    6.4

    Remittances

    26.1

    27.2

    26.1

    Capital and financial account

    4.1

    2.5

    3.0

    Gross international reserves (US$ million)4/

    5,190

    5,907

    6,729

    In months of imports excl. maquila

    7.0

    7.4

    7.7

    Net international reserves (US$ million)5/

    4,249

    4,979

    5,724

    In months of imports excl. maquila

    5.7

    6.3

    6.7

    Non-financial public sector debt6/

    49.6

    46.9

    44.9

    Domestic public debt

    10.3

    8.0

    6-9

    External public debt

    39.3

    38.9

    38.0

    Private sector external debt

    31.0

    28.6

    26.2

    Sources: National authorities; World Bank; and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ The consolidated public sector comprises the central government, the municipality of Managua, the state-owned enterprises, social security system (INSS) and the central bank.

    2/ Include transfers to cover the INSS deficit for 2023-25, 0.5 percent of GDP per year, and payment for historical debt (0.7 percent of GDP in 2023).

    3/ 2024 data is as of September 2024.

    4/ Excludes resources from the Deposit Guarantee Fund for Financial Institutions (FOGADE).

    5/ Excludes FOGADE and reserve requirements for FX deposits.

    6/ Assumes that HIPC-equivalent terms were applied to the outstanding debt to non-Paris Club bilaterals. Does not include SDR allocation.
             

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch Support Legislation to Stop Practice of Debanking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) have co-sponsored the Fair Access to Banking Act, which would prevent discrimination by banks and financial services providers against constitutionally-protected industries and law-abiding businesses, such as firearms manufacturers and energy producers.  The bill, led by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), is co-sponsored by 38 additional Senate Republicans.
    “The financial services industry’s intentional discrimination of lawful businesses continues a disturbing trend established over the last few years,” said Crapo.  “Individuals and companies in compliance with federal and state law must have full access to credit services based on their creditworthiness, not social or political pressure.”
    “Financial institutions should never deny access to services due to political ideologies,” said Risch.  “The Fair Access to Banking Act prevents banks from discriminating against law-abiding Idahoans for their viewpoints and opinions.”
    The Fair Access to Banking Act would:
    Penalize banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally-compliant person who meets certain criteria;
    Prevent payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified and legally-compliant person because of political or reputational considerations;
    Require qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial service; and
    Punish providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying them from using discount window lending programs, terminating their status as an insured depository institution or insured credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. 
    Click here for bill text. 
    During the Obama Administration, Crapo fought against “Operation Choke Point,” an initiative in which federal agencies pressured banks to “choke-off” payment systems and banking services access to political disfavored industries, such as guns and ammunition businesses.  Crapo challenged banks issuing guidelines that would effectively cut off financial services to law-abiding firearm manufacturers, retailers and firearms purchasers if they do not comply with the bank’s firearms preferences.  Crapo and Risch also previously co-sponsored this legislation in the 117th and 118th Congresses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Daines Introduce Bill to Unleash American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Montana) introduced legislation to unleash American energy, promote U.S. energy dominance and benefit rural communities. 

    The Supporting Made in America Energy Act would support oil and gas development by requiring:

    • Four annual onshore lease sales in top oil and gas producing states, 
    • Two annual offshore lease sales in the Gulf, and
    •  Six offshore lease sales over ten years in Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

    “We need pro-American energy proposals that help enhance U.S. energy independence and make us less reliant on our adversaries like China,” said Crapo.  “American-made energy means more jobs, more domestic energy and stronger national security.” 

    “I share President Trump’s vision of revitalizing America’s leadership in energy production and fueling a more prosperous future,” said Risch.  “The Supporting Made in America Energy Act removes barriers to achieving these goals by expanding access to America’s rich resources, strengthening our economy, and safeguarding our national security.”

    “Now that we have a President who supports our energy industry instead of pushing a radical environmental agenda, it’s time to get to work on real change to unleash American energy and ensure that we remain dominant on the world stage.  These bills will have a huge impact on creating Montana jobs, boosting our economy and protecting our national security, and I’ll work with my colleagues every step of the way to get them over the finish line,” said Daines.

    U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisana), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) joined Risch, Crapo, and Daines in introducing the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Illegally Fired by President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.07.25

    Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Illegally Fired by President Trump

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined a group of 37 senators writing to President Trump strongly condemning the President’s recent order to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 government agencies and called on the President to immediately reinstate the officials.

    According to the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act, which was signed into law in 2022, the President is required to provide a 30-day notice and substantive reasons for removal in writing to Congress before an Inspector General can be removed. President Trump failed to alert Congress or provide substantive reasoning.

    “These officials, which include those appointed by Presidents of both parties, including many during your first Administration, collectively conduct oversight of trillions of dollars of federal spending and the conduct of millions of federal employees,” wrote the senators. “Removing these non-partisan watchdogs without providing a substantive and non-political reason is not lawful, and undermines their independence, jeopardizing their critical mission to identify and root out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal programs.”

    The senators continued, “While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized.  The law requires that the President provide a written 30-day notice to both Houses of Congress and include “the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for any such removal or transfer.” With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal. Because your actions violated the law, these Inspectors General should be reinstated immediately.”

    IGs are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs and play a key role in improving government efficiency and effectiveness. IGs were removed from at least 18 departments and agencies, including Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). In addition to Sen. Cantwell, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA). 

    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Mr. President,  

    Your decision Friday evening to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 offices across government—including those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, as well as the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction—does not comply with current law and could do lasting harm to IG independence.  These officials, which include those appointed by Presidents of both parties, including many during your first Administration, collectively conduct oversight of trillions of dollars of federal spending and the conduct of millions of federal employees.  Removing these non-partisan watchdogs without providing a substantive and non-political reason is not lawful, and undermines their independence, jeopardizing their critical mission to identify and root out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal programs. 

    Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need.  They play a key role in improving government efficiency and effectiveness and have helped identify and recover billions of taxpayer dollars.  IG independence is the foundation of this work, and IGs must be free of political influence so that they can carry out their important mission with integrity and credibility.  The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked. For example, just this week the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued an unlawful memo directing agencies to pause nearly all federal grants and loans, which significantly disrupts the administration of over a trillion dollars of critical assistance to communities, businesses, and organizations across the country.  It is especially vital to have independent watchdogs at each of these agencies to conduct oversight of the impacts of this unconstitutional and unprecedented directive.     

    While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized.  The law requires that the President provide a written 30-day notice to both Houses of Congress and include “the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for any such removal or transfer.” With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these Inspectors General should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing “the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.   

    Lastly, if you believe it is necessary to place any of the affected IGs on administrative leave before the 30-day notice period has ended, the law requires that you submit a separate notification to Congress explaining how the IG presents a threat as defined in the Administrative Leave Act. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Wake of Trump Administration Illegally Halting Funds, Cantwell Opposes Nominee to Head Federal Budget Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.07.25

    In Wake of Trump Administration Illegally Halting Funds, Cantwell Opposes Nominee to Head Federal Budget Office

    In speech on Senate floor, Cantwell highlights real impacts not funding federal programs would have on WA constituents; Cantwell: “This is really an attempt to steal money from our constituents, just to pay for a tax bill.”; Cantwell: “It’s not a parlor game, it’s not a think tank exercise. It is their lives.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling on her colleagues to vote against confirming Russell T. Vought, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

    Vought – who following today’s vote will now serve as head of the federal office that helps develop the White House’s budget and priorities – was a chief architect of Project 2025. Last week, the OMB sent shockwaves across the country when President Trump issued an executive order freezing funding for vital federal programs, an order later rescinded amid legal challenges.

    In her remarks, Sen. Cantwell said that the freeze amounted to an attempt to “shortcut Congress.”

    “This administration does not have the power to wave a wand and erase legally authorized and appropriated funds. The Constitution is very clear here, Congress and the administration, together, agree on appropriations. They agree together when we pass laws and what we want to do to govern. And people should be able to rely on current laws until those laws are changed,” Sen. Cantwell said. “The havoc that has been caused by this nominee’s strategy is just absurd.”

    She continued: “My constituents, they want to know what’s going on in their lives. It’s not a parlor game, it’s not a think tank exercise. It is their lives.”

    Video of today’s speech is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump-Ordered Hiring Freeze Threatens Peak Season Access to Washington’s National Parks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.07.25
    Trump-Ordered Hiring Freeze Threatens Peak Season Access to Washington’s National Parks
    National Park Service revoked employment offers for seasonal staff in response to freeze; In letter to Interior Sec Burgum, Cantwell calls for immediate reissue of seasonal employment offers to ensure park campgrounds & visitor centers remain open during the busy summer season
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined a letter with 21 other senators calling on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to immediately reissue seasonal employment offers for the National Park Service, including offers to seasonal employees at Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks.  These three iconic parks host over five million visitors a year with visitation levels concentrated during the summer months. Combined these three parks generate over $350 million in economic benefits to gateway communities, supporting thousands of local jobs.
    “We are alarmed that the National Park Service revoked employment offers for seasonal staff for the upcoming summer season,” wrote the Senators. “Incoming seasonal staff – whose work is critical to managing the influx of visitors during the summer ‘peak season’ – had offers in their hands that were yanked away just days after the inauguration.”
    “National park units experience a summer surge in visitation that peaks in July, and the Service hires more than 6,000 seasonal employees to manage that extra work.  Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable,” the Senators added.
    The outdoor recreation economy contributes $22.5 billion in value added annually to the State of Washington and supports over 121,000 direct jobs.
    Mount Rainier National Park typically hires about 175 seasonal employees and Olympic National Park usually doubles the number of employees during this time. Temporary positions include laborers, maintenance workers, biological technicians, visitor use assistants who handle fees at entrance station and campgrounds, and park rangers. There are also a limited number of openings for clerical staff and trades and crafts professionals. 
    National Park units in Washington state regularly struggle to hire the number of employees needed to keep National Parks clean and safe. Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks have experienced permanent staff losses since 2013 while park visitation has increased. Delays in hiring seasonal employees could result in National Parks being understaffed at the busiest time of year, making it difficult to maintain park operations and keep visitors safe.
    If the parks are not able to hire seasonal employees soon, it will be difficult to recruit employees later.
    Sen. Cantwell is a longtime advocate for the economic and health benefits of outdoor recreation. In January, President Biden signed the EXPLORE Act, which contains several provisions to increase outdoor recreation secured by Sen. Cantwell. She is also the leading Senate supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides grants to improve local community parks. Cantwell successfully led the fight to reauthorize the fund when authorization expired, and ultimately make LWCF funding permanent.
    The full text of the letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Burgum:  
    We urge you to immediately reissue seasonal employment offers for the National Park Service, to rescind damaging and short-sighted deferred resignation and early retirement offers, and to instead work to safeguard, grow, and shape the National Park Service workforce to meet the needs of our national parks and their visitors.
    We are alarmed that the National Park Service revoked employment offers for seasonal staff for the upcoming summer season.  Incoming seasonal staff – whose work is critical to managing the influx of visitors during the summer “peak season” – had offers in their hands that were yanked away just days after the inauguration.
    National Park Service rangers carry out a wide array of functions critical to protecting natural resources, keeping visitors safe, providing for recreation, and creating an inspiring and educational experience for visitors.  National park units experience a summer surge in visitation that peaks in July, and the Service hires more than 6,000 seasonal employees to manage that extra work.  Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable. 
    We are also alarmed that the administration’s offer of deferred resignation and voluntary early retirement, made without clear legal authority, as well as open threats about future terminations will lead to a damaging loss of full-time staff at the National Park Service, which is already operating well below prior staffing levels despite significant increases in visitation.  As a result of onerous budget caps during the 2010s, the National Park Service lost 15% of its staff while park visitation also increased by 15%.  If a significant number of National Park Service employees take one of the offers – or further terminations are made – park staffing will be in chaos.  Not only does this threaten the full suite of visitor services, but could close entire parks altogether. 
    Gutting staffing at national park units will devastate local “gateway” communities where parks generate significant economic activity – from hotels to restaurants to stores to outfitters.  In 2023, an estimated 325 million park visitors spent an estimated $26.4 billion in local gateway regions, supporting an estimated 415,000 jobs and $55.6 billion in total economic output in the national economy.
    Americans showing up to national parks this summer and for years to come don’t deserve to have their vacations ruined by a completely preventable – and completely irresponsible – staffing shortage.  And local economies don’t deserve to have their livelihoods destroyed for political gain.  We urge your cooperation in protecting national parks for the enjoyment of everyone by ensuring National Park Service staffing meets the needs of the 433 national park units in all 50 states. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Boozman, Crapo Introduce Hearing Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    February 7, 2025

    Cotton, Boozman, Crapo Introduce Hearing Protection Act 

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) joined Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to introduce the Hearing Protection Act, legislation to help law-abiding gun owners better access suppressors to preserve hearing and safety. The bill would reclassify suppressors and treat them like traditional firearms for the purpose of regulation. 

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Roger Wicker (R- Mississippi), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin).

    “Burdensome regulations on firearm suppressors are doing more harm than good to sportsmen and women. Our legislation will ensure law-abiding gun owners can easily access hearing protection without having to navigate bureaucratic red tape or exorbitant taxes,” said Senator Cotton.

    “Increasing access to hearing protection for sportsmen and hunters is common sense, law-abiding, responsible gun owners should not have to fight burdensome regulations to enjoy their hobbies safely and with the accessories that can protect their hearing. I am proud to join my colleagues to update unreasonable limitations on suppressors and stand with shooting sports enthusiasts,” said Senator Boozman.  

    “Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen,” said Senator Crapo. 

    Text of the bill may be found here.  

    The Hearing Protection Act would:

    • Remove suppressors from regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA);
    • Replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check, making the purchase and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun; and  
    • Increase funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA.

    On average, suppressors diminish the noise of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels, roughly the same sound reduction provided by earplugs or earmuffs.  The most effective suppressors on the market can only reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to around 110-120 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer.

    The Hearing Protection Act is endorsed by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    “The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans,” said President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology Amyn Amlani, Ph.D. “While the use of conventional hearing protection tools, such as earplugs and earmuffs are fundamental for preventing noise induced hearing loss in firearm users, conventional hearing protection alone does not always offer adequate protection from noise exposure. Firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection.”

    “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not silence the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources.”

    “It’s absurd that our unrestrained federal bureaucracy requires Americans to jump through hoops to buy simple hearing protection devices. Momentum continues to grow for common sense reforms that would end the stranglehold of government on the rights of her people,” said President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association Knox Williams.

    “Gun owners around the world are using suppressors to reduce the impact of noise and hearing loss while using their firearms. Even in countries with the strictest firearms laws, suppressors are often unregulated products that anyone can buy over the counter. However, outdated federal law makes it difficult for Americans to access these useful safety devices,” said Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action John Commerford. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces the appointment of senators

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed the following individuals as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:

    • Baltej Dhillon, for British Columbia
    • Martine Hébert, for Quebec
    • Todd Lewis, for Saskatchewan

    Baltej Dhillon is a retired career police officer, a community leader, and a lifelong advocate for diversity and inclusion. In 1991, Mr. Dhillon made history as the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer to wear a turban. He went on to have a successful 30-year career with the RCMP, playing a key role in several high-profile investigations. Since 2019, he has worked with British Columbia’s anti-gang agency, while remaining active in his community as a youth leader.

    Martine Hébert is a renowned economist, former Quebec diplomat, and public figure with over 25 years of experience in economic relations, governance, and public affairs. She has made significant contributions to the economic development of Quebec and Canada, notably during her time as Quebec’s Delegate to Chicago and later to New York City. She is also the former Senior Vice-President and National French Spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

    Todd Lewis is a fourth-generation farmer and a dedicated champion for Saskatchewan’s agricultural community. He is the former President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and currently serves as the first Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. A lifelong volunteer, he has been a strong voice for his community on numerous boards and working groups, and he continues to give back through his work as  a municipal councillor.

    These new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. Introduced in 2016, this process ensures senators are independent and able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

    Quote

    “Congratulations to Mr. Dhillon, Ms. Hébert, and Mr. Lewis on their appointment as Parliament’s newest independent senators. Their broad range of experience will be a great benefit to the Senate, and I am confident they will continue to be strong voices for their communities.”

    Quick Facts

    • The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy.
    • Candidate submissions were reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provided recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided in its work by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates for the Senate.
    • With today’s announcement, there have been 93 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
    • Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
    • Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.

    Biographical Notes

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Provides Regional State of the State to Boulder Chamber, Celebrates Colorado’s Schools, and Discusses Efforts to Build More Housing Coloradans Can Afford

    Source: US State of Colorado

    BOULDER/LARIMER/WELD COUNTIES – Today, Governor Polis made visits across through Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties. Governor Polis started the day by delivering a regional State of the State address to the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and local leaders.

    “I’m focused on the issues Coloradans care about most. From lowering costs by building more housing people can afford, expanding low-cost and convenient transit options, to investing in law enforcement to keep our communities safe, and ensuring all kids get the high-quality education needed to thrive, we are delivering real results. But in Colorado, good enough is not good enough, and we continue to climb higher to make Colorado more affordable, sustainable, and liveable for everyone,” said Governor Polis.

    Governor Polis then visited Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Longmont, a recipient of the Governor’s Math Bright Spot Award in 2023, and a Universal Preschool Provider.

    “Giving our students a strong start is important for their success in the classroom and our future workforce. As a Universal Free Preschool Provider and Bright Spot award recipient, Rocky Mountain Elementary demonstrates Colorado’s commitment to student success on a daily basis. I was thrilled to visit today to learn about the school’s success and see how their best practices can be applied to help students in all four corners of our state thrive,” said Governor Polis.

    After visiting Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Governor Polis will meet with Tracey Johnson, the General Manager of Clayton Homes to discuss how they are creating more housing that Coloradans can afford.

    “Like most Coloradans, the high cost of housing remains a top priority for me and my administration. Last year we made historic progress to break through the government barriers that prevented more housing from being built. Innovative builders like Clayton Homes are an important part of our next steps to build more housing Coloradans can afford and I was excited to learn about their work in the Fort Collins area,” said Governor Polis.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating Love In A Welcoming Colorado For All: Governor Polis Stamps Valentine’s Day Letters at Annual LOVEland Event

    Source: US State of Colorado

    LOVEland – Today, Governor Polis participated in Loveland’s, the sweetheart city, 79th annual Valentine’s Day card stamping event, stamping love letters to be sent around the country.

    “In our Colorado For All, everyone can celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones. Today, in LOVEland, I joined the beloved 79-year tradition of stamping cards from Valentine’s Station for loving people everywhere to help celebrate an even more special Valentine’s Day,” said Governor Polis.

    The annual Loveland Valentine’s Re-Mailing event, the largest of its kind, receives nearly 100,000 valentines each year from all 50 states and 110 countries worldwide. This beloved event has helped Coloradans and many around the world express their love for friends, family, and that special someone for 79 years since 1946. Today, Governor Polis joined volunteers to handstamp Valentines with the collector’s stamp before these Valentines travel all across the country and globe.  

    2025 Collector’s Stamp

    The 2025 collectors stamp artwork was designed by Corry McDowell and includes the following verse written by Jeanne Perrine:

    “We can’t keep our LOVE inside, So we spread HEATS far and wide, In Loveland’s embrace they abide, To show where LOVE will always reside.” Loveland, Colorado 2025

    Coloradans who want their Valentines to be re-mailed from the “Sweetheart City” of Loveland should mail their pre-stamped and pre-addressed Valentines in a large 1st class envelope to:

    Attn: Valentine Re-mailing

    446 E. 29th Street

    Loveland, CO 80538-9998

    Through February 10, 2025, Valentines may also be dropped off at the red mailbox displayed in the lobby of the Loveland Post Office or additional dropoff locations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Conversation with Mothers on Affordability

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul convened a conversation with mothers at Fox’s Deli in Rochester to highlight her 2025 State of the State affordability agenda.

    B-ROLL of the Governor meeting with mothers at Fox’s Deli can be found on YouTube and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

     Well, I guess you’ve already seen my lunch partners here. I want to thank Sarah Sherwood and Keana DuBoise and Sophia – hi, Sophia – and Emily Jensen for sharing with me for a few moments at Fox’s Deli. Great place.

    Just the stresses of being a mom in today’s society – trying to raise kids, trying to deal with the ever rising cost of everything you need. We’re talking about the cost of the fruits that the little kids like, the strawberries and the blueberries. I mean, you want to give your kids healthy foods, but their costs are – so we talked about the cost of eggs – unbelievably high. There’s a lot going on for families and I wanted to take some time to share with them my priorities as New York’s first mom Governor who actually had to go experiencing the same worries, not that many years – well, actually a few years ago. I’ll admit that, a few years ago.

    But it seems like it was yesterday when the cost of diapers and formula and just the clothes that they outgrew every three months – it’s a lot then and now with the cost of everything because of inflation being so much higher, and it’s been really rough since the pandemic. So it’s important for me to just get out into our communities.

    I’ve spent a lot of time in the Finger Lakes region. I used to represent parts of this area in Congress. And I’ve been to this community many, many times. And I just wanted to let them have a chance to share with me those concerns, but also the cost of child care.

    When you hear what people pay to have their children watched, and whether you have a little one or you’re expecting another little one, this is something that you’re thinking about all the time. And we also talked about the high cost of rent – how expensive it is and will I be able to stay here? I love this neighborhood, but the costs keep going up and up and up.

    I just wanted to assure them that I’ve heard their cries for help. I knew this, and that’s why my Budget, just unveiled a few weeks ago, really talks about what I want to do, which is to make your family my fight.

    And so, what does that mean? Putting more money back in your pockets. Countless ways, but starting with a child tax credit that before I became Governor was literally zero for little kids. We’re going to put $1,000 in the pockets of families for each child under the age of four. It adds up quickly, a significant amount of money. We also talked about a middle class tax cut, the largest in 70 years. So we’re excited about getting that approved by the legislature.

    The inflation rebate, what does that mean? It means that because of inflation, people spent lots more money on everything, and we collected more at the state level. We collected $3 billion more than anticipated. So what do you do with it? You give it back to the people who overpaid all those years and so that’s going to result in over $500 back in people’s pockets as well.

    And lastly, two more things. I want to point out that the cost of breakfasts and lunches for kids who are school age, we’re going to cover that cost for a number of reasons. One is it gives time back to busy parents, it also becomes a great equalizer. There are children today who are skipping lunch and meals because of the stigma associated if they’re on a subsidized plan or they’re getting support from the government because their parents don’t make enough money. We want these kids to be fed. We don’t want them to be stigmatized and feel different than the other children, and also busy parents do not have to worry about the time involved in breakfast and lunches. But also it comes out to about another $1,600 per year per child back in parents’ pockets. You add all that up, we’re talking about $5,000 more in families pockets.

    If I can get this through the legislature, I’m excited about the opportunities. Let families know we hear them, we understand what they’re going through, and anything we can do to alleviate that burden and put more money back in their pockets will always be my priority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta in New Court Filing: Trump Administration Not Complying with Court Order to Unfreeze Certain Federal Funding

    Source: US State of California

    In light of evidence of Trump Administration continuing to block state funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act, states file motion to enforce existing court order 

    Preliminary injunction motion highlights the significant threats posed by the Trump Administration’s funding freeze, affecting access to food, healthcare, and crucial services that states provide  

    More than $100 billion in Medicaid funding, tens of billions in infrastructure and climate funding, among the funding at risk in just California 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a motion to enforce and a motion for preliminary injunction in NY v. Trump, the ongoing lawsuit challenging actions by President Trump, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and federal agencies attempting to pause nearly $3 trillion in federal assistance funding allocated to the states that support critical programs and services that benefit the American people. The coalition today seeks to preliminarily enjoin the Trump Administration’s actions to impose a funding freeze, emphasizing the widespread and irreparable harm to states, which rely on billions of dollars of critical federal assistance for public services that ensure access to education, clean air and water, and health care and that support essential infrastructure projects.  

    The motion further highlights the harm states face if funds under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) are not allocated as required by statute. IRA and IIJA funding strengthens domestic energy security, reduces energy costs, diversifies our domestic energy resources, rebuilds our domestic manufacturing economy, bolsters and modernizes critical infrastructure, and creates well-paying jobs while simultaneously reducing harmful pollution. Citing evidence of ongoing disruptions impacting disbursements to states, and federal funds that remain blocked under the IRA and IIJA despite the court’s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), which remains in place, the coalition also seeks to enforce the TRO to require the Trump Administration to disperse these funds.  

    “Let’s be crystal clear: the power of the purse belongs to Congress, not the President,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s dangerous and unconstitutional actions have created chaos and confusion across this country, and caused significant harm to states across the country and the millions of Americans who rely on federal funding, from children to the elderly. In yet another unlawful move, we have evidence that despite the Temporary Restraining Order we secured, the Trump Administration has continued to block funds needed for our domestic energy security, transportation, and infrastructure provided under the IRA and IIJA. We’re asking the court to enforce its order and ensure that the Trump Administration reinstates access to this critical funding. No one is above the law, and at the California Department of Justice, we will not waver in our commitment to uphold the law and ensure that necessary funding for critical programs and services in states across our country can continue.”

    In just this fiscal year, California is expected to receive $168 billion in federal funds – 34% of the state’s budget – not including funding for the state’s public college and university system. This includes $107.5 billion in funding for California’s Medicaid programs, which serve approximately 14.5 million Californians, including 5 million children and 2.3 million seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, over 9,000 full-time equivalent state employee positions are federally funded. As detailed in the preliminary injunction motion, without access to federal financial assistance, many states could face immediate cash shortfalls, making it difficult to administer basic programs like funding for healthcare and food for children and to address their most pressing needs.

    Additionally, as of January 2025, California has been awarded $63 billion from the IIJA and nearly $5 billion from the IRA, not including funds going to California cities, air and water districts, or other political subdivisions. Due to ongoing disruptions impacting disbursements to states despite the court’s TRO, efforts that bolster clean energy investments, transportation, and infrastructure have been put at risk, including:

    • The Home Electrification and Appliances Rebates Program, for which the IRA appropriates $4.5 billion to the Department of Energy. The rebate program, administered by state energy offices under final federal grants, subsidizes low- and moderate-income households’ purchase and installation of electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pump space heating and cooling systems, and other home electrification projects. Thousands of California homeowners have signed up for these programs, received approvals, and even started installation in reliance on these rebates, and are stuck paying their contractors an extra $8,000 if our state energy offices cannot draw down funds. As of February 5, that remained the case: the home rebate grants were being held “for agency review.”
    • The Solar for All program, administered by EPA and funded by the IRA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, awarded $7 billion to 60 grantees to install rooftop and community solar energy projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities. These awards—all subject to final grant agreements—support the construction of cheap, resilient power in underserved neighborhoods, and provide particular protection to communities in which wildfire risk regularly causes utilities to de-energize transmission lines. As of February 5, numerous states in the coalition were unable to access their Solar For All grant accounts. 
    • The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, administered by EPA and funded by a $5 billion IRA appropriation, supports states, tribes, and local governments in planning and implementing greenhouse-gas reduction measures. For example, the regional air district covering Los Angeles received a $500 million award, subject to a final grant agreement, to clean up the highly polluting goods movement corridor between the Imperial Valley’s logistics hubs and warehouses to the Port of Los Angeles. As of February 5, this grant and other Climate Pollution Reduction Grants remained inaccessible. 
    • The national air monitoring network and research program under Clean Air Act sections 103 to 105, which has been administered by EPA for the last sixty years to protect communities from dangerous pollution. The IRA appropriated $117.5 million to fund air monitoring grants under this program to increase states’ abilities to detect dangerous pollution like particulate matter (soot) and air toxics, especially in disadvantaged communities. These pollutants create a particular public health emergency in areas recovering from wildfires. As of February 5, air monitoring grants remained inaccessible. 

    Amid evidence that the Trump Administration has continued to block these critical funds, in violation of the court’s order, the attorneys general filed a motion to enforce to ensure that the funds are swiftly dispersed so that states can put them to use to protect for the health and well-being of their residents. 

    Attorney General Bonta, along with the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Illinois, led the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin in filing the motions.  

    The motion to enforce and motion for a preliminary injunction is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard detains 11 Mexican fisherman, seizes 1,350 pounds of illegally caught fish and 9 sharks off Texas coast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Office: 281-464-4810
    After Hours: 832-293-1293
    PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

     

    02/07/2025 04:34 PM EST

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard interdicted three lanchas, detained 11 Mexican fishermen, and seized approximately 1,350 pounds of illegally caught red snapper and nine sharks in federal waters off southern Texas on Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Police arrest several people in Shipyards Park parking lot

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 6, 2025 police officers from the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) initiated a high-risk arrest of several people in Shipyards Park parking lot after spotting a person holding a handgun.

    On February 6, 2025 just before 6 pm, an on-duty CRU officer observed several people interacting at Shipyards Park around multiple vehicles. During the interaction, one of the people presented a hand gun and cycled the action.

    A high-risk arrest was conducted by CRU members with the assistance of multiple Whitehorse Detachment officers and Police Dog Services. Five males were arrested ranging in age between 17 and 21 years old. Police located and seized an air pistol that was an exact replica of a Glock 9mm pistol.

    All of the involved people were cooperative with police and were released. No charges are anticipated.

    ” This could have been a very different situation had the circumstances not evolved in the way that they did in this case. Replica firearms look exactly like a real firearm and are illegal to possess, as they are prohibited devices in Canada. Replica firearms along with airsoft guns can easily and dangerously be misidentified as a real firearm, which could put both the police and the public at risk. ” – Sergeant Ian Fraser, Supervisor of the Yukon Crime Reduction Unit

    See: Specific types of firearms | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Drug Trafficking Organization That Distributed Controlled Substances Resembling Heart Shaped Candy Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Investigation resulted in what is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region – an estimated 8 million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder

    BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. In November 2023, millions of doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder with street value estimated to be over $7 million, were seized from a stash location and clandestine laboratory used by organization.

    Emilio Garcia, a/k/a “6,” 26, of Lynn, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2025. Garcia was arrested and charged along with Deiby Felix and Sebastien Bejin in November 2023.

    In July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem led investigators to a DTO led by Garcia, with assistance from at least four other individuals, including Bejin and Felix. On Nov. 1, 2023, searches at four locations in Lynn frequented by Garcia and Bejin resulted in what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region.

    The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy. Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized. During the course of the investigation over 75 kilograms (198 pounds) of fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized, along with multiple additional kilograms of cocaine and dozens of kilograms of cutting agents, including xylazine, that is used to adulterate controlled substances.

    In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.

    A search of Felix’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl and a firearm. A subsequent search of the residence also revealed a clandestine drug laboratory used by the drug trafficking organization that had been built into a small room in the basement of the building where Felix resided. Multiple industrial pill presses, mixing equipment and other manufacturing paraphernalia and equipment were also recovered that had been used by the organization to manufacture hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills.

    Bejin pleaded guilty on Jan. 15, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2025. Felix pleaded guilty on Feb. 3, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2025.

    The charge of possession with intent to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release, up to a $10,000,000 fine and forfeiture. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutively to the underlying drug trafficking crime, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Lynn, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clay County Felon Sentenced To Four Years In Prison For Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Kyle Garrett Prevatt (24, Orange Park) to four years in federal prison for two counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Prevatt pled guilty on November 5, 2024.

    According to court documents, over a period of five months, Prevatt sold multiple firearms to a confidential informant. The offense involved nine firearms in total. After the final transaction concluded, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office attempted to perform a traffic stop on Prevatt’s truck and Prevatt fled in his truck until he crashed it into a ditch. He then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. A search following Prevatt’s arrest revealed additional firearms, along with other ammunition, in the truck. 

    Prior to the firearms sales, Prevatt had been convicted of two felonies, including armed burglary of a dwelling structure or conveyance, and unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure in 2020. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Milliron and Kevin C. Frein.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harvey Man Sentenced For Firearms Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – MIGUEL KEELEN (“KEELEN”), age 36, of Harvey, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on January 30, 2025 to 75 months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

    According to court documents, KEELEN possessed a firearm on December 11, 2023, while at a Valero Gas Station in New Orleans.  Specifically, KEELEN displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before then concealing the pistol and fleeing from police.  KEELEN was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions. 

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracies Involving Cyber Intrusion and a Massive $37 Million Cryptocurrency Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Lebanon, Indiana, man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. The sentencing took place on February 6, 2025.

    Evan Frederick Light, age 22, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Light was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Victims Fund and will be ordered to pay restitution for no less than $37 million. A hearing will be set at a later date to determine restitution.

    Light was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments by a federal grand jury in May 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024.

    “From his mother’s basement in Indiana, Evan Light set out to steal millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, thereby destroying the retirement savings of hardworking, honest Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “His 20-year sentence demonstrates the severity of his crime and its impact on the hundreds of victims whose lives have been devastated by his fraudulent activity. At sentencing, both the Court and the victims rightfully praised the tremendous work of the career professionals at the FBI, whose expertise and dogged commitment resulted in the identification of this perpetrator and the subsequent recovery of a substantial portion of the stolen cryptocurrency. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is equally grateful for its dedicated partners at the FBI, whose first-rate investigative work made it possible for our office to hold Evan Light accountable and bring him to justice.”

    “Cybercrime is not a victimless offense — its impact is felt by hardworking Americans who suffer financial and emotional harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Today’s sentencing makes clear that cybercriminals who believe they can operate from the shadows without consequence are mistaken. The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to investigate and dismantle these schemes to ensure justice is served and the public remains protected.”

    According to court documents, in February of 2022, Light was involved in a cyber-intrusion involving an investment holdings company located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During the cyber-intrusion, Light stole customers’ personal identifiable information (“PII”) and then stole cryptocurrency worth over $37 million from nearly 600 victims. He acted with one or more unidentified perpetrators.

    Specifically, during the cyber intrusion, Light accessed the identity of a real client of the investment holdings company and unlawfully utilized that identity to infiltrate the investment holdings company’s computer servers. After successfully accessing the computer servers, he then exfiltrated from the servers the PII of hundreds of other clients, using this access to steal virtual currencies from the clients who held such assets with the investment holdings company.

    The stolen cryptocurrency, under Light’s control, was then funneled to various locations throughout the world, including multiple mixing services and gambling websites to conceal his identity and to hide the virtual currency. Light’s conduct adversely affected victims all over the world, including South Dakota. As a result of his conduct, the total loss was approximately $37 million.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.

    Light was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to continue serving his sentence.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Idaho Man Sentenced To 18 Months For Possessing A Firearm In Checked Luggage

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger sentenced Dedric Dwayne Rivers (52, Moscow, Idaho) to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony. Rivers pled guilty on October 22, 2024.

    According to court documents, on April 27, 2024, Rivers arrived at Jacksonville International Airport to board a flight traveling to Idaho. During a routine screening process of checked luggage Transportation Security Administration officers identified an undeclared firearm and ammunition located in a checked suitcase bearing Rivers’ name. Law enforcement cut the cables to the gun case inside the suitcase and found an undeclared FN509 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 10 rounds of live ammunition inserted into the magazine well.  The gun case also contained three extended magazines loaded with 70 rounds of live ammunition distributed among the three magazines.  In a voluntary interview, Rivers said he thought the gun case only contained ammunition.

    However, in a telephone conversation the next day, Rivers admitted to his mother that he had previously travelled with a firearm to Jacksonville, Florida.  Prior to possessing the firearm, Rivers had had been convicted of multiple felonies, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.  Therefore, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Jacksonville Airport Authority, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron.

    This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Guilty of Narcotics and Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 5, 2025, CARLOS JONES (“JONES”), age 32, a resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance to narcotics and weapons offenses.

    According to court documents, JONES and co-defendant, Donte Edwards, were charged in an 11-count indictment with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act relating to narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses in New Orleans from January through June 2022.  Specifically, between January and June of 2022, JONES agreed and conspired with co-defendant, Dante Edwards (“EDWARDS”), to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) within the 7th Ward neighborhood of New Orleans.  JONES pled guilty to Counts 1, 8, 9, and 11 of an indictment charging him with violating 21 U.S.C. § 846, conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances (crack); 21 U.S.C. §§ 846(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance; 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and, 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    As to each narcotics charge, JONES faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to the charge for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, JONES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  Finally, as to the felon in possession charge, he faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  JONES will also pay a $400 mandatory special assessment fee. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 7, 2025.  Co-defendant, EDWARDS, previously pled guilty and was sentenced.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/7/2025 Blackburn, Blumenthal Probe Amazon & Google After New Report Reveals They Placed Ads on Website that Hosts Child Sexual Abuse Material

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent letters to several digital advertising platforms after a bombshell report revealed they placed advertisements on a website known to host and distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). 

    This report was shared exclusively with the Senators before public release. Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal sent letters detailing the report to AdTech vendors Google and Amazon, ad verification firms DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science, and industry standards bodies Media Rating Council and Trustworthy Accountability Group. Below are excerpts from their letter to Amazon.

    Blackburn & Blumenthal Sound the Alarm on Amazon Tech Being Used to Monetize Websites that Host Child Sexual Abuse Material

    “We write to express our profound concern that Amazon’s technology has been used to monetize websites that have been known to host child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Recent research indicates that Amazon has facilitated the placement of advertising on imgbb.com, a website that has been known to host CSAM since at least 2021, according to transparency reports released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The dissemination of CSAM is a heinous crime that inflicts irreparable harm on its victims. When digital advertising technologies place advertisements on websites that are known to host such activity, they have in effect created a funding stream that perpetuates criminal operations and irreparable harm to our children.”

    Production, Distribution, Sale, or Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Violates Federal Law

    “Amazon’s actions here—or in best case, inaction—are problematic for several reasons. First, the instances of advertisements being served on a website known to host illegal CSAM via Amazon’s advertising technologies violates Amazon’s own policies. As you are aware, the production, distribution, sale, and possession of materials depicting CSAM violates federal law. Amazon’s own policies further prohibit ads from appearing on websites that host ‘illegal content’ and ‘adult and explicit sexual content.’ It remains unclear, however, whether Amazon has ceased its relationship with the website identified in this report, and it is deeply troubling that you have continued to monetize the website for at least three years since NCMEC first identified the website as a purveyor of CSAM.”

    Amazon Must Take Immediate Action to Ensure It Is Not Funding Heinous Crimes Against Children

    “Many advertisers reportedly cannot readily access page URL-level reports that would allow them to identify which pages their ads have appeared on, including if they had appeared on imgbb.com. Imgbb.com is an anonymous photo sharing website that hosts user-generated content. Without access to the URLs on which their ads appeared, advertisers have no ability to understand whether their ads have appeared on content that violates Amazon’s policies, their own policies, or federal law. It is imperative that your company take immediate and comprehensive action to address this issue and ensure that you are not funding these heinous crimes against children.”

    Click here to read the full letter to Amazon. 

    Click here to read the full letter to Google.

    Click here to read the full letter to DoubleVerify.

    Click here to read the full letter to Integral Ad Science.

    Click here to read the full letter to Media Rating Council.

    Click here to read the full letter to Trustworthy Accountability Group.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New York Seeking Victim Information in Investigation Into Individuals Charged with Running a Fencing Operation for South American Theft Groups in Manhattan’s Diamond District

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI New York Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims of the operators of Big Apple General Buyers. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar, operators of Big Apple General Buyers—located at 75 West 47th Street, Suite 3A, New York, NY 10036—were recently charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property.

    According to the indictment, between approximately 2020 and 2025, Nezhinskiy and Villar allegedly conspired with others to receive and purchase stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags and assorted luxury items that had been stolen outside of the state of New York and transported into New York. As detailed in court filings, Nezhinskiy and Villar regularly served as “fences” for burglary crews based out of South America who traveled around the United States committing burglaries, typically targeting wealthier neighborhoods or jewelry vendors, and stealing luxury accessories.

    If you believe you had property, whether pawned, placed as collateral for a loan, or stolen from you and in possession of Big Apple General Buyers, or have information relevant to this investigation please e-mail us at diamonddistrict@fbi.gov.

    Responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation and to identify respondents as potential victims. Based on the responses provided, respondents may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Cornerstone Funds Announce Continuing Monthly Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cornerstone Strategic Investment Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: CLM) (CUSIP: 21924B302) and Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: CRF) (CUSIP: 21924U300), (individually the “Fund” or, collectively, the “Funds”), each a closed-end management investment company, announced that in keeping with each Fund’s previously adopted monthly distribution policy, each Fund is declaring the following distributions.

      Record Date Payable Date Per Share
    CLM April 15, 2025 April 30, 2025 $0.1224
    CLM May 15, 2025 May 30, 2025 $0.1224
    CLM June 16, 2025 June 30, 2025 $0.1224
           
    CRF April 15, 2025 April 30, 2025 $0.1168
    CRF May 15, 2025 May 30, 2025 $0.1168
    CRF June 16, 2025 June 30, 2025 $0.1168
           

    Each Fund’s distribution policy provides for the resetting of the monthly distribution amount per share (“Distribution Amount”) annually, based on each Fund’s net asset value on the last business day of October and the annualized distribution percentage approved by the respective Board of Directors (individually the “Board”, or collectively, the “Boards”).

    Each Board believes each Fund’s distribution policy maintains a stable, high rate of distribution. These distributions are not tied to each Fund’s investment income or capital gains and do not represent yield or investment return on each Fund’s portfolio. The Distribution Amount from one calendar year to the next will increase or decrease based on the change in each Fund’s net asset value. The terms of each distribution policy are reviewed and approved at least annually by each Fund’s Board and may be modified at their discretion for the benefit of each Fund and its stockholders.

    Each Fund’s Board remains convinced its stockholders are well served by a policy of regular distributions which increase liquidity and provide flexibility to individual stockholders in managing their investment in each Fund. Stockholders have the option of reinvesting these distributions in additional shares of their Fund or receiving them in cash. Stockholders may consider reinvesting their regular distributions through their Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan, which may at times provide additional benefit to stockholders who participate in their Fund’s plan. Stockholders should carefully read the description of the dividend reinvestment plan contained in each Fund’s report to stockholders.

    Under each Fund’s distribution policy, each Fund may distribute to stockholders each month a minimum fixed percentage per year of the net asset value or market price per share of its common stock or at least a minimum fixed dollar amount per year. In determining to adopt this policy, the Board of each Fund sought to make regular monthly distributions throughout the year. Under each policy, each Fund’s distributions will consist either of (1) earnings, (2) capital gains, or (3) return-of-capital, or some combination of one or more of these categories. A return-of-capital is the return of a portion of the stockholder’s original investment.

    Given the current economic environment and the composition of each Fund’s portfolio, a portion of each Fund’s distributions made during the current calendar year is expected to consist of a return of the stockholder’s capital. Accordingly, these distributions should not be confused with yield or investment return on each Fund’s portfolio. The final composition of the distributions for 2025 cannot be determined until after the end of the year and is subject to change depending on market conditions during the year and the magnitude of income and realized gains for the year.

    In any given year, there can be no guarantee each Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of the net distributions. To the extent the amount of distributions paid to stockholders in cash exceeds the total net investment returns of the Fund, the assets of a Fund will decline. If the total net investment returns exceed the amount of cash distributions, the assets of a Fund will increase. Distributions designated as return-of-capital are not taxed as ordinary income dividends and are referred to as tax-free dividends or nontaxable distributions. A return-of-capital distribution reduces the cost basis of a stockholder’s shares in the Fund. Stockholders can expect to receive tax-reporting information for 2025 distributions by the middle of February 2026 indicating the exact composition per share of the distributions received during the calendar year. Stockholders should consult their tax advisor for proper tax treatment of each Fund’s distributions.

    Volatility in the world economy helps to create what Cornerstone Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) views as significant opportunities through investments in closed-end funds. In addition to holding closed-end funds which invest substantially all of their assets in equity securities, the Adviser may also choose to take advantage of situations in funds which invest in fixed income or other investment categories. Closed-end funds, with their broadly diversified holdings, enhance diversification within each Fund’s portfolio.

    Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but the total return on such investments at the investment company level is reduced by the operating expenses and fees of such other investment companies, including advisory fees. To the extent each Fund invests its assets in investment company securities, those assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities, and a stockholder in the Fund will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of a Fund, but also, indirectly the expenses of the purchased investment company. There can be no assurance the investment objective of any investment company in which a Fund invests will be achieved.

    Under the managed distribution policy, each Fund makes monthly distributions to stockholders at a rate which may include periodic distributions of its net income and net capital gains (“Net Earnings”), or from return-of-capital. If, for any fiscal year where total cash distributions exceeded Net Earnings (the “Excess”), the Excess would decrease each Fund’s total assets and, as a result, would have the likely effect of increasing each Fund’s expense ratio. There is a risk the total Net Earnings from each Fund’s portfolio would not be great enough to offset the amount of cash distributions paid to Fund stockholders. If this were to occur, a Fund’s assets would be depleted, and there is no guarantee a Fund would be able to replace the assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, a Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. Furthermore, such assets used to make distributions will not be available for investment pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective.

    Each Fund’s Board has previously approved a share repurchase program. The share repurchase program authorizes management to make open market purchases, from time to time. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to net asset value per share when management reasonably believes such repurchases may enhance stockholder value. There is no assurance each Fund will purchase any shares or the share repurchase program will have an impact on the liquidity or value of the respective Fund or the Fund’s shares. To the extent each Fund engages in share repurchase activity, such activity will be disclosed in each Fund’s stockholder reports for the relevant fiscal period.

    Cornerstone Strategic Investment Fund, Inc. and Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE American LLC under the trading symbols “CLM” and “CRF”, respectively. For more information regarding each Fund please visit www.cornerstonestrategicinvestmentfund.com and www.cornerstonetotalreturnfund.com.

    Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in a Fund is subject to certain risks, including market risk. In general, shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value and at the time of sale may be trading on the exchange at a price which is more or less than the original purchase price or the net asset value. A stockholder should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Please read a Fund’s disclosure documents before investing.

    In addition to historical information, this release contains forward-looking statements, which may concern, among other things, domestic and foreign markets, industry and economic trends and developments and government regulation and their potential impact on a Fund’s investment portfolio. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the factors set forth in each Fund’s disclosure documents, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and actual trends, developments and regulations in the future, and their impact on the Fund could be materially different from those projected, anticipated or implied. Each Fund has no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mexco Energy Corporation Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, TX, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mexco Energy Corporation (NYSE American: MXC) today reported net income of $1,077,370, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the nine months ending December 31, 2024.

    Operating revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 were $5,368,327, an increase of 12% when compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2024. This increase was primarily due to an increase in oil and natural gas production volumes and partially offset by a decrease in the average sales prices of oil and natural gas. Natural gas prices have been low due to limited pipeline capacities in the Permian Basin. Oil contributed to 86% of our operating revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2025.

    Net income of $469,133, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase of 36% compared to $345,610, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Operating revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were $1,891,265.

    The Company currently expects to participate in the drilling of 28 and completion of 19 horizontal wells at an estimated aggregate cost of approximately $1.8 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, of which $1.1 million has been expended to date.

    Also, the Company has expended to date, approximately $2 million for royalty and mineral interest acquisitions in approximately 700 producing wells with additional potential development located in 37 counties in 9 states.

    Mexco Energy Corporation, a Colorado corporation, is an independent oil and gas company located in Midland, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. For more information on Mexco Energy Corporation, go to www.mexcoenergy.com.

    In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Mexco Energy Corporation cautions that statements in this press release which are forward-looking and which provide other than historical information involve risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s actual results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, production variance from expectations, volatility of oil and gas prices, the need to develop and replace reserves, exploration risks, uncertainties about estimates of reserves, competition, government regulation, and mechanical and other inherent risks associated with oil and gas production. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties, is set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Mexco Energy Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements.

    For additional information, please contact: Tammy L. McComic, President and Chief Financial Officer, at Mexco Energy Corporation, (432) 682-1119.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Sims turns 25: Xbox talks with Electronic Arts about the ongoing success of its iconic series

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The Sims turns 25: Xbox talks with Electronic Arts about the ongoing success of its iconic series

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement: Trump Claims He’s on the Side of the Working Class. Really?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    BURLINGTON, Feb. 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released the following statement: 
    At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when 60% of our people live paycheck to paycheck, millions of Americans understand that if they are going to make it to the middle class, they need to be in a trade union so they can negotiate for decent wages, benefits and working conditions.   
    When Trump campaigned for president, he claimed he was on the side of the working class. But that’s not what he’s delivering. Rather than standing up for average Americans, he’s protecting the interests of some of the wealthiest people in the world. 
    When Donald Trump fires the most pro-union General Counsel in the history of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and illegally removes a member of this independent board, he is not a champion of the working class. He is a champion of unfettered corporate greed and union busters.
    As a result of Trump’s unprecedented move, the NLRB no longer has a quorum and has effectively been shut down. What does this mean? It means that it will be far, far harder for workers to exercise their constitutional right to form a union and improve their standard of living. It means that during a union election, corporate bosses can illegally fire workers who vote to join a union. It means that corporate CEOs have free rein to illegally intimidate and coerce pro-union workers without recourse. It means that corporations can aggressively decide not to bargain in good faith with union workers or sign a first contract.   
    And because the NLRB is now dysfunctional, workers have no recourse.  
    Trump’s decision has already had disastrous consequences. Last week, workers at a Whole Foods grocery store in Philadelphia voted 130-100 to join the United Food and Commercial Workers union. But Whole Foods, owned by Jeff Bezos, has made it crystal clear that they will ignore this union victory and will not bargain with their union workers in good faith. Without a functioning NLRB, Whole Foods cannot be held accountable for its illegal behavior.   
    For months, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, the two wealthiest men alive, have been working overtime to abolish the NLRB. Why is that? These notorious anti-union billionaires want the absolute power to exploit their workers and violate labor law.  The lower the wages they pay, the more money they make. Since Election Day, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have become $184 billion richer and are now worth $669 billion. But, apparently, that’s not enough.  
    As the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee I will continue working with the trade union movement to oppose Trump’s decision and make it easier for workers to join unions, not harder.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Presses USTR Nominee for Commitments to Protect Georgia’s Green Energy Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Presses USTR Nominee for Commitments to Protect Georgia’s Green Energy Economy

    During a Thursday Finance committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Jamieson Greer during his nomination to be the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
    Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted the importance of Georgia’s clean energy economy and the thousands of jobs that support it 
    Greer is a partner in the International Trade team at King & Spalding, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’m excited about the investments in solar energy in Georgia. I’m also proud that Georgia, in many ways, is leading the country in building electric cars entirely in the United States, employing thousands of Georgians”

    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on Jamieson Greer’s nomination to be the United States Trade Representative (USTR), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pressed Greer on his commitment to protecting and bolstering Georgia’s clean energy economy.
    During Senator Warnock’s line of questions, he also highlighted the importance of the boon to Georgia’s economy that the clean energy market provides.
    “Down near my hometown where the Kia plant opened, we’ve got about 9,000 more jobs that have been created in that area. A major economic boon,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    Senator Warnock has continuously fought to deliver robust clean energy investments to communities across Georgia. Last year, heannounced over $700,000 in federal investments to help farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners upgrade their energy systems with sustainable solar and electric energy alternatives to help lower their energy costs. Additionally, the Senator played an instrumental role in securing landmark investments to expand the nation’s fleet of clean electric school buses, including delivering over $60 million for electric school buses for Georgia. In the Inflation Reeducation Act, Senator Warnock secured incentives for domestic solar manufacturing, which will help create more clean energy jobs, as well his plan to promote the creation of sustainable aviation fuel. 
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE.
    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and nominee Jamieson Greer:
    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “In our meeting, we discussed the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and its clean energy investments in Georgia. I enjoyed our conversation very much. Welcome and congratulations to you, and to your family.”
    “We talked about these provisions in the IRA. The state of Georgia has seen growth in our advanced manufacturing sector, with both domestic companies and foreign companies making significant investments, due in large measure to the IRA’s clean energy investments, bringing a lot of jobs to Georgia.”
    “One of the things I’m very proud of as a lifelong native of Georgia is that little Dalton, Georgia known as the carpet capital of the world. If you are walking on a floor anywhere, there is a good chance you are walking on something that was created in Dalton, Georgia. But who would have imagined that Dalton, Georgia would become such a leader in the manufacturing of solar panels? This is due to the Korean solar manufacturer, Qcells, bringing thousands of jobs to Georgia, creating a domestic solar industry, almost entirely free of Chinese supply chains.” 
    “However, it needs trade protections to compete against a heavily subsidized Chinese industry. If confirmed as the nation’s trade representative, how would you work to protect and grow domestic solar and clean energy manufacturing to ensure our supply chain does not depend on China?” 
    Jamieson Greer (JG): “Thank you, senator. I’m glad to hear you express concern and interest in this, these are things I am concerned about too.”
    “To the extent that there is going to be energy products manufactured and used in the United States, it would be great to have them made here. And that we’re not using panels that come from China, and in some instances might include products of subsidies or forced labor. The first Trump Administration did a safeguard tariff. The Commerce Department for many years has had other tariffs in place and I think that those can be effective tools.”
    “You have testified to this, that we have new protections in the United States. Europe did not have these protections in place and they saw their solar industry go away. I’m very interested in maintaining and exploring those possibilities to ensure we have that production here.”
    SRW: “I appreciate that, and I look forward to continuing to have that conversation. I’m excited about the investments in solar energy in Georgia. I’m also proud that Georgia, in many ways, is leading the country in building electric cars, entirely in the United States, employing thousands of Georgians. Down near my hometown where the Kia plant opened, we’ve got about 9,000 more jobs that have been created in that area. A major economic boon.” 
    “President Trump and congressional Republicans have bragged about repealing federal investments in the green economy that have created these jobs. Jobs that have bipartisan support in my state. I support what we’re doing there, the Republican Governor supports it. This is a top bipartisan economic issue in Georgia. It’s about American manufacturing.” 
    “If confirmed, how will you use your position to protect the investments and thousands of jobs, jobs that foreign car companies have brought to Georgia?” 
    JG: “My role and my jurisdiction in the administration is to negotiate trade deals where appropriate and do trade enforcement as necessary which is certainly an area where I want to make sure any manufacturing you have doesn’t have to compete unfairly with foreign product.”
    “With respect to other incentives or other legislation, that is something that I believe the Treasury Department and the Energy Department, the President and Congress will determine the path forward.” 
    SRW: “Would you agree that if we seed that space, that it is not a net positive result for American businesses?”
    JG: “We need to have advance manufacturing in the United States as much as possible whether it is traditional or electric vehicles or solar panels.” 
    SRW: “So ideology around clean energy should not stop us from doing what is necessary.”
    JG: “If we are going to have manufacturers making clean energy, that makes sense, and broader energy policy, we should be making those things here.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Humboldt — Saskatchewan RCMP seizes nearly two kilograms of illicit drugs and 35,000 illegal cigarettes near Humboldt

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Humboldt Detachment arrested and charged one individual and seized nearly two kilograms of illicit drugs and 35,000 illegal cigarettes after executing a search warrant near Humboldt, SK.

    On February 4, 2025, RCMP officers from Prince Albert CRT and Humboldt Detachment executed a search warrant at a residence northeast of Humboldt in relation to an ongoing investigation.

    While searching the residence, officers located and seized:

    • 1,000 grams of methamphetamine;
    • 801 grams of cocaine;
    • 35,000 illegal cigarettes;
    • four firearms;
    • ammunition;
    • bear spray; and
    • additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.

    Prince Albert RCMP WEST officers located and arrested an adult male and an adult female during a traffic stop near the residence.

    While searching the vehicle, officers located and seized approximately $42,245 in cash, a small amount of crack cocaine, and additional evidence of drug trafficking.

    As a result of investigation, 59-year-old Gaetan Carrier of Humboldt, SK is charged with:

    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,
    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
    • one count, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.

    The investigation continues. Further charges are anticipated.

    The adult female was released without charges.

    Gaetan Carrier is scheduled to make his first appearance in Humboldt Provincial Court on March 24, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hanley — Saskatoon RCMP investigating fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 5, 2025 at approximately 1:50 p.m., Saskatoon RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway #11, approximately one kilometer north of Hanley, SK.

    Officers responded along with local fire, EMS and STARS. Investigation determined an SUV and truck collided. The passenger of the SUV was transported to hospital by STARS where he was later declared deceased. He has been identified as an 81-year-old male from Saskatoon, SK. His family has been notified.

    Neither the driver of the SUV nor the driver of the truck reported physical injuries to police.

    The northbound lanes of Highway #11 were temporarily closed, but have since been re-opened.

    Saskatoon RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –