NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement: USAID Cuts Will Lead to Millions of Preventable Deaths

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 4 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement about the impact that cuts to USAID from the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE will have on vulnerable people around the world. 
    Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will lead to millions of preventable deaths. The decision of the richest person in the world to destroy an agency that delivers life-saving aid to the poorest people on the planet is unconscionable. 
    According to internal USAID memos, the cuts to foreign aid will mean, every single year: 
    Two to three million additional deaths from lack of vaccinations;
    166,000 more deaths from malaria;
    28,000 new cases of highly-infectious diseases., including Ebola and Marburg virus; and
    200,000 more children paralyzed from polio.
    Separately, independent researchers estimate that the illegal freeze on global AIDS funding has already taken nearly 19,000 lives, and that the toll will increase as the funding freeze continues. 
    These actions are not just immoral, they are unconstitutional.
    Congress created USAID as an independent agency – it cannot be unilaterally eliminated by the president based on the whim of an unelected billionaire. The Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power of the purse. 
    Make no mistake: These cuts will not only lead to millions of unnecessary deaths throughout the world, they are an attack on our democracy and the checks and balances our Founding Fathers established more than 230 years ago. Further, it will weaken our national security and our standing in the global community. When we abandon desperate people in some of the poorest countries in the world, we can be sure that geo-political adversaries will fill the void.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Appoints Anthony Ngororano of Rwanda UN Resident Coordinator in Madagascar

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Anthony Ngororano of Rwanda as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Madagascar, with the host Government’s approval, on 1 March 2025.

    Mr. Ngororano has over 20 years of experience in sustainable development in leadership roles across the UN system and prior to this in the private sector.  Most recently, he served as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Kenya.  Prior to that, he served as UNDP Resident Representative to Mauritania.

    Before his role in Mauritania, Mr. Ngororano served as Chief of the Executive Board Branch in the Office of the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in New York and he held several posts in UN-Women, including Country Representative in Haiti and Chief of the Africa Section in New York.

    He served as the Senior Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Rwanda with the rank of Permanent Secretary and prior to that he held diverse positions with UNDP including Country Adviser in the Regional Bureau for Africa in New York, and in a range of policy, planning and programme roles in Nigeria, Zambia, and Rwanda.

    He also worked as an investment banker with Citigroup N.A in Kenya and Tanzania after starting his career as an economist in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Uganda.

    Mr. Ngororano holds masters’ degrees in development economics and international relations from the University of East Anglia and the University of Sussex respectively.  He also holds a Master of Arts degree with honours in economics from the University of Edinburgh.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s circular economy to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050 – Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Source: Government of India

    India’s circular economy to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050 – Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

    Delegates visits Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s circular economy could generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050. Expressing this view, while speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav said, the ‘circular economy’ may be about to drive one of the biggest transformations in business since the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago. Through a radical departure from the traditional ‘take, make, waste’ production and consumption models, the circular economy could provide a potential $4.5 trillion in additional economic output by 2030 world over.

     

     

    Shri Yadav also informed the forum about India’s candidacy for organising the World Circular Economy Forum in the year 2026. Every year, World Circular Economy Forum is organised and in this year, 2025 it is being organized in Sao Paulo, Brazil. India has expressed the willingness to host World Circular Economy Forum 2026.

    Emphasising on the steps taken, the Minister said, India remains committed to addressing plastic waste challenges and their associated ecological impacts. The Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) have led to significant measures targeting municipal, industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. India has banned certain categories of single-use plastics through notification in 2022. In alignment with the Mission ‘LiFE’ initiative, MoEFCC has notified the Eco-Mark Rules to encourage demand for environmentally friendly products while promoting energy efficiency and circular economy principles.

    He further said, Circular Economy Action Plans for 10 waste categories have been finalized, for which regulatory and implementation framework is under progress. India has already notified various waste management and extended producer responsibility rules in certain sectors, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, e-Waste Management Rules, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, and Metals Recycling Policy, among others.

     

     

    Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Srinivas Kathikala, and Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Sudhansh Pant jointly chaired a significant session today, focusing on advancing waste management and circular economy initiatives. The session saw the launch of several key reports, best practices and the signing of important agreements aimed at strengthening India’s waste management ecosystem.

    Launch of SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal

    A major highlight of the session was the launch of the SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal, an innovative online platform developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The portal is designed to enhance project monitoring, streamline data management, and facilitate resource sharing, thereby supporting the mission’s broader objective of transforming waste into valuable resources. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and effective solid waste management.

    Release of IFC Document Reference Guide

    The session also marked the release of the IFC Document Reference Guide: Business Models and Economic Assistance for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Projects. This guide provides comprehensive insights into various business models for MSW processing, including waste-to-electricity, biomethanation, and bioremediation. The document serves as a crucial resource for municipalities and private players looking to implement effective and economically viable waste management projects.

    MoU Between CSIR and MoHUA

    In a significant step toward fostering scientific collaboration in waste management, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This partnership will facilitate research-driven solutions and innovative technologies to enhance urban waste management practices across India.

    Release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra’

    The event also saw the release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra: A Compendium of Best Practices in 3R & Circular Economy’. This compendium documents successful case studies and innovative approaches in the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) framework, providing valuable insights for urban local bodies and stakeholders looking to implement circular economy solutions.

    These initiatives mark a significant step forward in India’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management, encourage innovation, and drive the transition toward a circular economy.

    CEEW Report on Solid Waste Management in Million-Plus Cities

    The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) presented its latest study, which offers a detailed outlook on solid waste management (SWM) practices in cities with populations exceeding one million. The report highlights sustainable waste management strategies, circular economy principles, and decentralized solutions that can be tailored to meet the unique challenges of India’s rapidly urbanizing regions.

     

    Technical and Heritage Visit of Delegates

     The delegates undertook a technical site visit to key waste management and sanitation facilities in Jaipur, including the Waste to Energy Plant and Sanitary Landfill Site at Langariyawas and the Dehlawas Sewage Treatment Plant. These visits provided firsthand insights into innovative waste processing techniques, energy recovery from waste, and efficient sewage treatment mechanisms.

    In addition to the technical visits, the delegates also explored Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate. These heritage visits offered a glimpse into the city’s architectural grandeur and historical significance, providing a holistic experience that blended urban infrastructure advancements with Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural legacy.

    (Release ID: 2108165) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Cincinnati arrests Bulgarian with firearm and eluding conviction

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    March 4, 2025Cincinnati, OH, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    CINCINNATI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Simeon Roosenov Moutafov, a citizen of Bulgaria, Feb. 24 with a final order of removal.

    Moutafov has convictions of aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in Madison County, Illinois.

    “Moutafov is an aggravated felon with no legal status in United States and will be headed back to his home country,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “I’m proud of our officers’ efforts to ensure safer communities by removing public safety and national security threats.”

    Members of the public can report immigration crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honduran national arrested, charged with possession of counterfeit green card, illegal re-entry

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    March 4, 2025Jacksonville, FL, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An investigation by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has led to Mario Antonio Mejia-Calderon, 34, an illegal alien from Honduras, being charged with possession of a counterfeit permanent resident card – or “green card” – and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien.

    Mejia-Calderon faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison if convicted on both counts. He was arrested and ordered detained while awaiting trial.

    Mejia-Calderon was found unlawfully present in the United States and in possession of a counterfeit green card on Jan. 24, after having been deported on June 11, 2013.

    The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacksonville restauranter pleads guilty to harboring illegal aliens

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Beach sushi restauranter has pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation.

    Ping Ping Zheng, 37, of Jacksonville, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. As part of the plea agreement, Zheng has agreed to forfeit to the United States a residence in Jacksonville and a transit van. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

    According to the plea agreement, Zheng owned and operated the Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar located in Jacksonville Beach. At the restaurant, she employed workers who were unlawfully present in the United States and who were not legally authorized to work in the country. Zheng violated federal employment and federal immigration laws by not requiring the workers to provide employment documentation indicating they could legally work in the United States.

    Zheng also owned a residence at which she provided rent-free housing to the undocumented aliens, provided them with free transportation between the house and the restaurant, and with free food when working. Zheng paid the workers in cash and did not withhold taxes and other payments from the worker’s wages.

    This case was investigated by ICE Jacksonville and the U.S. Border Patrol, with assistance from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Sign Executive Order to Open More Doors of Opportunity to Serve our Commonwealth and Move Pennsylvania Forward

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 05, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Sign Executive Order to Open More Doors of Opportunity to Serve our Commonwealth and Move Pennsylvania Forward

    Governor Josh Shapiro will sign an Executive Order during the Commonwealth Job Fair aimed at connecting more people with job opportunities to serve the Commonwealth, opening doors for those with experience in public service.

    Last year at the inaugural Commonwealth Job Fair, Governor Shapiro signed the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Executive Order, expanding opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking a career in public service and continuing to build a more competitive Commonwealth workforce.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver
    Representative Dave Madsen
    Representative Carol Hill-Evans
    Commissioner Pam Iovino, State Civil Service Commission
    Jonathan Skripka, Commonwealth employee

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Farm Show Complex and Expo Center
    Cameron Street Lobby
    2301 N Cameron St
    Harrisburg, PA 17110

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at Montgomery College

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 4, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at Montgomery College

    ROCKVILLE, Md. – On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Maryland held oral arguments in Montgomery County. The arguments were held at Montgomery College in the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center auditorium and livestreamed. The Supreme Court of Maryland holds off-site oral arguments at secondary or post-secondary educational institutions twice a term year at geographically diverse locations. This marks the third year that the Supreme Court has held oral arguments outside the city of Annapolis.

    “The Maryland Judiciary continues to advance our mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all by promoting public understanding of the Supreme Court of Maryland through off-site oral arguments,” said Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland. “By conducting oral arguments at various educational institutions across the state, students, teachers, and community members have the opportunity to observe and learn about the Maryland judicial system. I want to thank the staff at Montgomery College for their support of this program and allowing us to hold oral arguments on their campus.”

    Three hundred and twenty students from six different Montgomery County Public Schools participated, including Quince Orchard High School, Northwood High School, Springbrook High School, Montgomery Blair High School, Seneca Valley High School, and Thomas Edison High School of Technology.

    “It was a great honor to bring the Supreme Court of Maryland to Montgomery County,” said Justice Steven B. Gould, Supreme Court of Maryland, who represents the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit (Montgomery County). “Today’s off-site oral arguments provided the students in attendance with a wonderful opportunity to watch the Supreme Court of Maryland in action. I join Chief Justice Fader in thanking all of the students and staff at Montgomery College for making today happen.”

    After oral arguments were heard, college and local high school students participated in a question-and-answer session with the justices covering topics such as judicial procedures, their paths to the bench, and educational advice for aspiring jurists.

    “Youth, especially students, are often catalysts for social change, and many Supreme Court cases in our country’s history reflect the issues students care about,” said Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Taylor. “Learning and experiencing how the Supreme Court works opens up the path to understanding how the law works in our country, at the local, state and national level. We are creating learning experiences that will not only guide them when they make their professional choices but also guide them when they become eligible to vote and function as active members of American society.”

    The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases – Estefany Martinez v. Amazon.com Services LLC and Fred Cromartie v. State of Maryland.

    The Supreme Court’s off-site oral arguments are made possible by the Amended Administrative Order on the Supreme Court of Maryland Sitting Temporarily Outside of the City of Annapolis. The justice from the host circuit selects the educational institution to hold oral arguments, with the approval of the full Supreme Court.

    The Appellate Court of Maryland also holds oral arguments outside of Annapolis. Under current Maryland law, the Appellate Court sits only in Annapolis with one exception: the court’s chief judge can set arguments at either of Maryland’s law schools. The Appellate Court has traditionally held one day of oral arguments at University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in the fall and at University of Baltimore School of Law in the spring.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Radio Televisión Española and the Recovery and Resilience Facility – E-000570/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000570/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    The Spanish Government has allocated over EUR 117 million in Recovery and Resilience Facility funding to the Spanish broadcasting company Radio Televisión Española (RTVE). This would make RTVE, a public entity, one of the main beneficiaries of those EU recovery funds.

    The various projects RTVE has financed using those EU funds have not had the impact expected – they have actually been very controversial owing to breaches of regulatory requirements, the return of some of the funding, and the state of RTVE’s finances.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission know the total amount of EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funding that has been allocated to RTVE, the names of the companies subcontracted to carry out the projects, and how much money each subcontractor received? Does the Commission know how much progress was ultimately made on the projects?
    • 2.Has the Spanish Government provided the Commission with an assessment of the various RTVE projects funded via the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the viewing figures, the airtime and the targets achieved?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Mobile Medication Unit Launches in Central NY Region

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) which will provide services in the Central New York Region under the direction of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). MMUs offer a wide range of addiction services, including medication for addiction such as methadone and buprenorphine. They are designed to reach individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional treatment, such as proximity to a traditional treatment facility or issues with transportation.

    “It should not be a challenge for those battling addiction to get the care they need. We are going to make it easier for those New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “The new Mobile Medication Unit will bring vital services to Central New York, offering hope and support to those who need it most. This is just one step in our ongoing commitment to help every New Yorker on their path to recovery.”

    The new mobile unit is the first program able to dispense methadone in Madison County. It is operated by Helio Health and is being supported with $550,000 in federal funding distributed by OASAS.

    New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Medication for addiction saves lives by significantly reducing the risk of overdose death, and this new mobile unit will give people in the Central New York region another avenue to access the important care they need. Mobile units like this are already making a difference in other parts of the state, and we are looking forward to further expanding this service into more regions as we continue to support the overall health and recovery of all New Yorkers.”

    State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “Expanding access to treatment saves lives, and this new Mobile Medication Unit is a critical step in reaching people where they are. Too many New Yorkers face barriers to care, and initiatives like this help ensure that lifesaving treatment—including medication for addiction—is available to those who need it. With continued investment and expansion, we can break down obstacles, close gaps in care, and support more people on their path to recovery.”

    Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone said, “We are grateful that Madison County residents will now have access to these critical services without the burden of traveling outside the county. The arrival of the Helio Health Mobile Medication Unit ensures that more individuals can receive the care they need, closer to home. This is a significant step forward in expanding local healthcare access and supporting those in our community.”

    Services provided through this program include medication for addiction, health assessments and screenings, referrals to other types of care, and various harm reduction services. This mobile unit will be stationed on North Court Street in Wampsville, with possible expansions to additional locations in the future.

    This is the third MMU to begin operation in New York State, and the first outside of New York City. The first MMU which opened in the South Bronx in 2024 has served more than 6,600 patients to date.

    Eight additional MMUs for Brooklyn, Albany, Newburgh, Utica, Buffalo, Dunkirk, Syracuse, and Ithaca have received funding under this initiative and are in various stages of development, with many on track to begin operation in the coming months. Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget also includes an additional $2.5 million in funding to further expand the number of MMUs, helping to close gaps in care and provide treatment options to underserved areas.

    OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

    New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

    Available addiction treatment, including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting human rights in the Republic of Peru – E-000730/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000730/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left)

    In July 2024, Amnesty International published a report entitled ‘Who called the shots?’, which notes that Dina Boluarte could be held criminally responsible, as commander-in-chief of the Peruvian armed forces and national police, for the deaths that occurred during the protests between December 2022 and March 2023.

    In a speech on 6 February 2025, Dina Boluarte was extremely critical of the activities of international NGOs, maintaining that they weaponise respect for human rights to ‘undermine the authority of the state and delegitimise the principle of order’.

    In the same vein, the bill amending Law No 27692, considered by the Peruvian Congress in 2024, was aimed at significantly restricting the work of civil society organisations in receipt of international cooperation funds. The bill was shelved after diplomatic intervention by the US, which was concerned about the repercussions of such a text on democracy in Peru.

    Could the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

    • 1.state her opinion on these government attacks on both democracy and respect for human rights in Peru;
    • 2.condemn government attempts to block the work of international NGOs?

    Submitted: 18.2.2025

    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle District Of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $47 Million In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL ― Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,486,214 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 (FY 2024). Of this amount, $16,429,786 was collected in criminal cases and $31,056,428was collected in civil actions. 

    The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $104,533,923 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to its recoveries in local civil cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $73,477,495 in FY24 in these jointly handled cases.

    “These strong recovery figures show a continued commitment by our office in the critical areas of criminal and civil enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Sara Sweeney. “Safeguarding the interests of crime victims, the American taxpayers, and vital public programs will always be a part of our district’s core mission.”

    U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Laura Taylor, recovered a total of $16,456,189. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $16,429,786 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $26,403 in criminal monetary penalties pursued jointly by these offices. 

    Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $35,981,653 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. For instance, in FY 2024, $10,604,039 million forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $4 million was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases

    United States ex rel. Jacob v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Case no. 8:20-cv-858 (M.D. Fla.). This qui tam case alleged that between 2009 and 2020, Walgreens submitted false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs for prescriptions that it processed but that were never picked up by beneficiaries. Through this practice, Walgreens received tens of millions of dollars for prescriptions that it never actually provided to health care beneficiaries. Collaborating with the Dept. of Justice Civil Frauds Section and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Mexico and Eastern District of Texas, we resolved all of the allegations in the qui tam case for $106.8 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-1068m-resolve-allegations-it-billed-government-prescriptions-never

    United States v. Lubin, Case no. 8:21-cv-2231 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act complaint was filed against Dr. Edward Lubin, who was an outlier prescriber of a powerful opioid medication called Subsys which is prescribed primarily for treatment of various oncology conditions. We alleged that Dr. Edward Lubin received kickbacks from the manufacturer of Subsys, Insys, Inc., through a bogus speaker program sponsored by Insys that paid Lubin hundreds of thousands of dollars to incentivize him to prescribe the potent medication. In October 2023, we settled with Dr. Lubin for $1.5 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-pain-management-physician-edward-lubin-agrees-pay-15-million-settle-false-claims

    U.S. ex rel. Loscalzo v. Bluestone Physician Services, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-295 (M.D. Fla.).  This qui tam case alleged that Bluestone, a geriatric health care provider for residents of assisted living facilities in Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin, submitted false claims to the government by billing monthly medical visits that are either unnecessary or upcoded. In collaboration with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds section and the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we corroborated the allegations and on June 5, 2024, resolved the claims in the qui tam complaint for $14.9 million, on an ability to pay basis.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/chronic-disease-management-provider-pay-149m-resolve-alleged-false-claims

    Dan Hurt.  Daniel Hurt owned and operated Fountain Health Services LLC, Verify Health, Landmark Diagnostics LLC, First Choice Laboratory LLC and Sonoran Desert Pathology Associates LLC, that we alleged submitted false claims to Medicare for cancer genomic (CGx) tests that were not medically necessary and that were procured through illegal kickbacks. From January 2019 to November 2021, Hurt allegedly conspired with telemarketing agents to solicit Medicare beneficiaries for “free” CGx tests; with telemedicine providers to “prescribe” CGx tests that were not medically necessary; with reference laboratories to conduct the CGx tests, and with billing laboratories and a hospital to submit claims for payment to Medicare.  Mr. Hurt pled guilty to criminal healthcare fraud offenses and agreed on an ability to pay basis to settle the civil fraud claims for approximately $27 million.

    Press release:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/florida-businessman-daniel-hurt-pay-over-27-million-medicare-fraud-connection-cancer?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

    United States v. Robert J. Remington, et al., Case no. 8:24-cv-511 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act case was initiated by a referral from the Veterans Administration Inspector General concerning Jacksonville and Orlando franchises of New Horizons Computer Learning Center.  These schools provide federally subsidized educational programs for veterans.  The complaint alleged that both franchises violated subsidy program requirements concerning the percentage of student population that were entitled to receive the subsidies. We filed a complaint against the two schools in February 2024, and on July 10, 2024 reached an agreement that resolved all claims in return for $1,350,000.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-centers-tampa-and-orlando-resolve-post-911-gi-bill

    United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Miles Partnership, LLC, Case No. 8:23-cv-649 (M.D. Fla.).  In this qui tam, the relator alleged that Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles Partnership”) obtained a $2 million second draw Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan by failing to disclose that it was required to register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (“FARA”), 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq .  Any entity required to register under FARA was ineligible for a second draw PPP loan.  Based on various contracts it had with foreign tourism boards, including the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the relator alleged that Miles Partnership was required to register under FARA. On Sept. 17, 2024, we settled these claims for $2,281,950.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/travel-tourism-company-pays-2-2-million-resolve-civil-claims-regarding-funds-obtained

    H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Center.  A leading Tampa, Florida cancer research center disclosed issues to the Health and Human Services Inspector General concerning its bills to Medicare associated with clinical oncology trials. Specifically, Moffitt disclosed that it had billed federal healthcare programs for items and services provided as part of clinical trial research that should have been billed to non-government trial sponsors. The research center cooperated extensively with the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice Civil Frauds section, and HHS OIG, ultimately agreeing in January 2024, to pay $19,564,743 to resolve all of the billing issues that it had disclosed.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-research-hospital-agrees-pay-more-195-million-resolve-liability-relating-self 

    Baptist Health System A Jacksonville, Florida area hospital network voluntarily disclosed conduct to the Health and Human Services Inspector General that may have violated the federal Anti-Kickback statute. Specifically, Baptist Health disclosed that it had offered discounts to patients as an inducement to purchase or refer Baptist Health services that are reimbursed by federal health programs. Baptist Health cooperated with the government’s investigation into these issues and agreed to resolve them in exchange for $1.5 million.

    Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-hospital-system-agrees-pay-15-million-resolve-liability-relating-self 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Opens Applications for Workforce Relocation Program

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Today, the North Dakota Department of Commerce is launching the Relocation Opportunity for Outstanding Talent Grant Program (ROOT) to help businesses attract and retain skilled workers by offering relocation incentives.

    “North Dakota employers are facing critical workforce shortages, and the ROOT program is designed to bridge that gap,” Commerce Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe said. “By supporting relocation efforts, we’re ensuring businesses can grow while strengthening our communities.”

    Through the program, employers must provide a one-to-one match in relocation incentives, such as hiring bonuses, licensing fees, or moving expenses. Funding is available until all allocated funds are distributed, and funds will be disbursed after the employee has relocated and completed their first pay period. Businesses must retain employees for at least one year, and if an employee leaves voluntarily before that period, the employer may be responsible for a prorated reimbursement. 

    Applications will be reviewed in the order received, with priority given to businesses demonstrating critical vacancies, relocation feasibility, and the ability to provide matching funds.

    Employers can apply at https://ndgov.link/ROOTgrant.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OKX Pleads Guilty to Violating U.S. Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Agrees to Pay Penalties Totaling More Than $500 Million

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd, d/b/a “OKEx,” d/b/a “OKX” (“OKX”), a Seychelles-based entity, that since at least 2017 has operated OKX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, pled guilty today to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. In connection with today’s guilty plea and sentencing, OKX agreed to pay monetary penalties totaling more than $504 million.  The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who presided over today’s guilty plea and sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For over seven years, OKX knowingly violated anti-money laundering laws and avoided implementing required policies to prevent criminals from abusing our financial system. As a result, OKX was used to facilitate over five billion dollars’ worth of suspicious transactions and criminal proceeds.  Today’s guilty plea and penalties emphasize that there will be consequences for financial institutions that avail themselves of U.S. markets but violate the law by allowing criminal activity to continue.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “For years, OKX flagrantly violated U.S. law, actively seeking customers in the United States—including here in New York—and even going so far as to advise individuals to provide false information to circumvent requisite procedures. Furthermore, in their failure to adhere to U.S. law, significant illicit transactions which furthered other criminal activity went undetected on their platform. Blatant disregard for the rule of law will not be tolerated, and the FBI is committed to working with our partners across government to ensure that corporations that engage in this type of conduct are held accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents and admissions: 

    OKX is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms, with billions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency transactions occurring daily on its platform.  OKX allows registered users to place orders for spot trades in over three hundred cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. OKX users can also place orders for derivative products, including futures contracts, tied to the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. 

    Financial institutions that operate wholly or in substantial part in the United States must register with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) as a money services business (“MSB”) and comply with federal anti-money laundering (“AML”) laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act.  These laws require the filing of suspicious activity reports and the maintenance of an adequate AML program, including an effective know-your-customer (“KYC”) program. AML programs are critical to ensure that entry-points into the U.S. financial system do not become tools criminals can use to profit from illicit activity.

    Since 2017, OKX has had an official policy preventing U.S. persons from transacting on its exchange. But contrary to this official policy, OKX sought out customers in the United States, including in the Southern District of New York. 

    From in or about 2018 through in or about at least early 2024, OKX served U.S. retail and institutional customers that engaged in over one trillion dollars’ worth of transactions through OKX. Transactions from those U.S. customers generated hundreds of millions of dollars in trading fees and profits for OKX. 

    Because OKX served U.S. retail and institutional customers, OKX knew it was required by U.S. law to register as a money services business with FinCEN, but OKX chose not to do so.[1] In fact, despite OKX’s official policy prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting on the exchange, OKX was fully aware that individuals in the United States could, and did, easily create and use OKX trading accounts.  From OKX’s founding in approximately 2017 through approximately November 2022, OKX allowed retail customers the option to create an account, receive and transfer funds, and place trades without completing a KYC process. This meant that OKX, a large financial institution, facilitated transactions on behalf of customers that it could not identify. Further, while OKX implemented a policy blocking customers with U.S.-located IP addresses from trading or depositing assets onto OKX (the “IP Ban”), OKX knew that the IP Ban could be circumvented through cheap, widely available VPN technology.  Also, through at least early 2023, OKX allowed existing accounts to continue to receive and transfer funds, and place trades, all without completing a KYC process.  And until approximately early 2024, OKX also allowed customers to place trades on the exchange through third-party entities known as “non-disclosure brokers” without the third-party entity disclosing any identifying information to OKX about the customers on whose behalf the trades were placed. 

    Even after OKX began requiring all customers to provide some KYC information to trade, OKX employees on certain occasions advised customers how to provide false information to circumvent the company’s KYC process and official policy prohibiting U.S. customers.  For example, in April 2023, an OKX employee encouraged a potential U.S. customer to open an account by providing false information about the customer’s nationality during the KYC processing, writing “I know you’re in the US, but you could just put a random country and it should go through. You just need to put Name, nationality, and ID number. You could just put United Arab Emirates and random numbers for the ID number.”  At that time, OKX did not verify the information that customers provided to open an account to trade.  In January 2024, the same employee wrote to another potential U.S. customer and asked if the individual had “any workaround on KYC outside of the US to make it potentially work.”

    During the relevant period, OKX advertised in the United States, sponsoring the Tribeca Film Festival, for example, and used affiliate marketers based in the United States to promote the exchange. OKX also allowed existing customers to promote the exchange, and provided such customers benefits for recruiting additional users. At least one such OKX customer produced a publicly-available, step-by-step instructional video educating U.S. customers about how to register with OKX using a VPN to conceal their U.S. presence.

    OKX also focused its efforts on attracting and retaining certain U.S. institutional customers, including large institutions who could provide liquidity and help OKX become one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by making a broad range of cryptocurrencies available at competitive rates.  OKX’s U.S. institutional customers were some of OKX’s largest customers, with one such firm alone generating more than a trillion dollars in spot and derivatives transactions on OKX during the relevant period.  They provided significant liquidity, volume and trading fees for the platform, despite OKX’s knowing failure to register as an MSB and OKX’s “official” policy banning U.S. customers.

    Until approximately May 2023, OKX did not adequately or consistently use commercially available software to monitor and detect suspicious activity, including money laundering, and OKX did not have adequate controls to determine whether either party to transactions on the exchange was potentially subject to sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department. As a result, through at least early 2024, OKX was used by numerous customers as a vehicle for laundering the proceeds of suspicious and criminal activities, including more than five billion dollars of suspicious transactions and illicit proceeds, based on a review of third-party transaction data.

    In early 2024, OKX retained an external compliance consultant (the “Consultant”) to advise OKX on policies and controls reasonably designed to prevent U.S. persons from engaging in transactions on OKX’s platform through accounts held at OKX.  As part of the plea agreement, OKX is continuing to retain the Consultant, at its own cost, through February 2027, and has agreed to continue to cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office.

    *                *                *

    In addition to the guilty plea, OKX, a Seychelles-based entity, also agreed to criminally forfeit $420.3 million and pay a criminal fine of approximately $84.4 million.  OKX received credit for its cooperation with the investigation and timely engaging in remedial measures, resulting in a 25% reduction off the bottom of the otherwise applicable recommended fine range.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Field Office. 

    This matter is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Brumwell, Eli J. Mark, and Vladislav Vainberg are in charge of the prosecution.

    [1] OKX has an affiliate U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange named OKCoin USA, Inc. (“OKCoin”) which, in contrast with OKX, has registered with FinCEN as a MSB. OKCoin serves customers globally, including in the United States, and offers retail and institutional customers the ability to spot trade, including purchasing cryptocurrency using U.S. dollars. The conduct described herein that gives rise to the charge in the Information, and to which OKX pled guilty, is solely that of the unregistered MSB, Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd., d/b/a “OKEx,” d/b/a “OKX,” the defendant.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adam Lynch Appointed IAM International Auditor

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes has appointed longtime Local 325 leader Adam Lynch as an International Auditor, effective March 1, 2025. Lynch will help ensure the financial stewardship of IAM locals and districts in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and southern Missouri and Illinois.

    “Adam has proven himself to be a true leader and a dedicated unionist throughout his IAM career,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “We’re thrilled to welcome him from the Rail Division. He brings a wealth of knowledge needed for the rail sector of our membership.”

    Lynch initiated into Local 325 in October 2000 as a Locomotive Diesel Mechanic Apprentice in North Little Rock, Ark., at Union Pacific Railroad. He has served in various leadership roles such as Committeeman, Vice Local Chairman, and Local Chairman. In 2017, Lynch began serving as Local 325 Secretary-Treasurer for members at Union Pacific Railroad, Burlington Northern Railroad, and Southwest Airlines in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

    “IAM members throughout the South will be well served by Adam’s attention to detail and care for our membership,” said Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “We know that locals and districts throughout the region will enjoy working with Adam.”

    Lynch has been a delegate to the Arkansas State Council of Machinists, the IAM North American Transportation Conference, the IAM International Convention, and District 19 Convention. He also served on the Auditing Committee for the 2018 and 2022 District 19 meetings. Lynch began serving as an Executive Board Member in 2018 for the Arkansas State Council and from 2018 to 2022 for District 19.

    “Our International Auditors work around the clock on behalf of our membership,” said Bryan Pinette, IAM Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “Adam will fit right in with our group, which is dedicated first and foremost to serving our membership.”

    Lynch holds an associates of science degree from Arkansas State University. He has also completed Leadership I, Transportation Local Election Program, Railroad Local Chairman Development, Advanced Railroad Local Chairman Development, and Financial Officers Seminar at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. He also received training in Railroad Hazardous Materials Worker Awareness Train the Trainer from IAM CREST.

    Lynch has two daughters and one granddaughter. He enjoys coaching and working with his daughter in competitive archery and 4-H shooting.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: International President Bryant Showcases IAM Victories, Membership Resources at National Labor and Management Conference

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM International President Brian Bryant was recently a keynote speaker at the annual National Labor and Management Conference.

    “We are the second largest union in organizing new members among our peers in the labor movement,” said Bryant. “The IAM has more organizers on the ground than we have ever had in the course of our union.” 

    The conference brings together leaders from labor, business, healthcare, pension funds, and employment law to discuss and inform attendees on a wide range of current matters.

    More than 600 participants attended this year’s conference. It’s an opportunity to hear different perspectives that impact workers and management in an open forum where information can be exchanged, and interested parties can make their case on what is going to impact workers in the near future. 

    Bryant’s remark highlighted the IAM’s growth in non-traditional union trades like healthcare and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. The IAM’s partnership with AFT fostered a winning organizing campaign at Wexner Medical Center in Ohio, bringing more than 1,000 healthcare workers into the IAM. 

    Bryant also announced that the IAM has become the first labor union to be recognized by the Veterans Administration as a Veterans Services Organization, providing professional case representation for IAM military veterans at no charge.

    During a question and answer session, Bryant gave a detailed response about the seven week strike at Boeing by IAM members from Di​​strict 751 and W24, which resulted in a 40% wage increase over the next four years.

    In response to a follow up question from the audience about the challenges of inflation and worker salaries, Bryant told the audience about fights the IAM sees in negotiations on established collective bargaining agreements with companies that have mismatched expectations. 

    “Companies want skilled trades, but they don’t want to pay skilled wages,” said Bryant. “President Trump’s administration has said it supports skilled workers and we’re going to see if corporations want to adhere to what this administration is saying.”

    Conference Photo Gallery

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina Shares Recovery Progress, Launches Public Dashboard

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina Shares Recovery Progress, Launches Public Dashboard

    Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina Shares Recovery Progress, Launches Public Dashboard
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) shared progress on Helene recovery and launched a public dashboard at WNCRecovery.nc.gov. The newly released website features updates, resources, and information detailing progress of Helene recovery efforts, including rebuilding safe housing, restoring infrastructure, and revitalizing the economy.  

    “My commitment to the people of North Carolina is this: I will bring urgency, focus, transparency, and accountability to everything my administration does as we work to rebuild,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This new resource will allow us to provide regular updates on our progress along with information and resources for our neighbors in western North Carolina.”  

    Since January, GROW NC has worked across state agencies and with local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners to accelerate recovery in western North Carolina. Much more is left to be done but below is an overview of recovery progress.   

    • Temporary housing programs are serving 5,720 households, ensuring they have safe, warm shelter.
    • 4,753,466 cubic yards of right-of-way debris has been removed from WNC roadways.
    • 84% of impacted public roads in western North Carolina are fully reopened. Nearly 1,300 roads have been reopened since the beginning of the storm.
    • Interstate 40 reopened to traffic on Saturday, March 1st for the first time since Hurricane Helene swelled the Pigeon River and scoured large swaths of eastbound lanes last September. The N.C. Department of Transportation and contract crews have stabilized the remaining westbound lanes and prepared them to provide one lane of traffic in each direction. 
    • The WNC Small Business Initiative has funded 989 loans for small business owners impacted by Helene to bolster economic recovery. The program is expected to award more than 600 additional grants to small business owners across western North Carolina in the coming weeks.
    • Half of all state parks and cultural sites impacted by the storm have fully reopened, and all but three are open for visitors in some capacity.

    “There is still so much work to do to help western North Carolina recover,” said Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC. “Our team is committed to working quickly to ensure a robust recovery for the region, while providing complete transparency along the way.” 

    Governor Stein continues to advocate for additional resources from the state and federal government to support recovery efforts. In February, Governor Stein requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds to support home rebuilding, restore critical infrastructure, keep businesses open, shore up local governments, and reduce impacts from future natural disasters. He continues to work with the legislature to secure state funding to address immediate needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, following his request for $1.07 billion.  

    Mar 4, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of Potential Severe Weather Across the State Wednesday

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of Potential Severe Weather Across the State Wednesday

    Governor Stein Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of Potential Severe Weather Across the State Wednesday
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Stein and emergency officials are urging all North Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of severe weather on Wednesday as well as the continued high fire danger conditions today statewide. Tomorrow, the state faces the potential of severe storms, strong winds, potential flooding, and isolated tornadoes. North Carolinians should prepare today to be ready for what may come through tomorrow.

    “As our state from the mountains to the coast faces a severe storm, strong winds, and potential flooding late tonight and all day tomorrow, we urge all North Carolinians to stay tuned to their local weather forecast and stay safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “If a severe weather warning for isolated tornadoes is issued for your area, please have a plan to take immediate cover.”

    A Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall has been introduced to portions of the mountains overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. 

    On Wednesday, a line of storms ahead of a strong cold front will move into western North Carolina before sunrise and continue moving eastward while strengthening, reaching western portions of central North Carolina by late Wednesday morning. The line of storms will reach eastern North Carolina by early afternoon eventually moving offshore by Wednesday evening. This line of storms has the potential for wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. The current forecast places much of central and eastern North Carolina at a level 3 of 5 (enhanced risk) for severe weather on Wednesday. In the enhanced risk area, there is the potential for a few isolated tornadoes. Risk levels vary across the state; North Carolinians should pay attention to local forecasts and make plans that are appropriate for the risk level in their area.

    Ahead of tomorrow’s severe weather, dry conditions, gusty winds, and low relative humidity will increase the threat for wildfires. Outdoor burning is discouraged today.

    Preparedness Tips:

    • During periods of severe weather, it is important to go inside a sturdy structure and to the middle of the building, away from windows.
    • You should secure all outdoor items at your house that could become airborne in gusty winds.
    • Make sure your cell phone is charged and that you have enabled emergency alerts so you can be informed by local emergency management and by the National Weather Service.
    • Have a plan to take cover if a severe weather warning is issued for your area.
    • As a reminder, a watch is a reminder that weather conditions may support severe weather conditions. A warning means that hazardous weather conditions are expected and imminent.
    • Visit www.readync.gov for more information on how you and your family can be prepared.  
    Mar 4, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Inmates

    Source: US State of California

    A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control.

    According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision.

    Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement.

    DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI.

    Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Castor, Tonko Unveil Legislation to Rescind Trump’s Day-One Executive Orders on Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 04, 2025
    Legislation would protect American jobs, keep energy security competitive against China, and support record investments in rural communities
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., along with U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor, D-Fla., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., today introduced legislation to nullify Donald Trump’s day-one executive orders on energy. The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act would reassert America’s clean energy leadership, keep energy costs for families as low as possible, and unfreeze critical Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to protect jobs and support rural economies.
    “Since day-one, Trump has been laser focused on giving handouts to the oil and gas industry at the expense of American jobs,” Wyden said. “As the nation braces itself for more spin from Trump during tonight’s State of the Union, here are the facts: crippling clean energy production at home will only lead to clean energy manufacturing packing up and moving to China. Rural communities, which are the American epicenter of clean energy jobs and investments, will suffer the consequences of Trump’s ignorance. America needs a leading clean energy response to continue to be a dominant energy force against China.”
    “President Trump’s reckless energy agenda will hike electric bills, raise costs for families, and give China the upper hand in advancing clean energy solutions,” Castor said. “By reversing progress in clean energy initiatives and thumbing his nose at allies, Trump is forcing American families to pay the price of unchecked climate change while other nations reap the economic benefits of innovation. Floridians know the costs of extreme weather and pollution firsthand, and we must stand firm against policies that harm our economy and environment. That’s why I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this important legislation, which will protect our significant progress in expanding cleaner, cheaper energy for American families.”
    “Donald Trump’s Day One executive orders were nothing more than a massive giveaway to his Big Oil donors — gutting climate action and stalling clean energy investments while American families were left holding the bag,“ Tonko said. “Trump promised that his actions would lower energy costs for consumers, but instead, energy prices have only gone up. That’s why I’m joining Senator Wyden and Congresswoman Castor to introduce this legislation to repeal these reckless orders, restore American leadership on fighting the climate crisis, and put working families’ pocketbooks over oil industry profits.” 
    The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act would nullify the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, the executive order declaring a National Energy Emergency, the executive order behind the U.S. departure from the Paris Climate Agreement, and the executive order that pauses offshore wind leases in the Outer Continental Shelf.
    Cosponsors in the Senate include Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as well as Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Patty Murray, D-Wash., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Chris Coons, D-Del., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Jack Reed, D-R.I.
    Wyden is a longtime champion of keeping energy costs low for consumers while electrifying the grid. In 2019, Wyden and his colleagues introduced legislation to overhaul the federal energy tax code, create jobs and combat climate change. In 2022, Wyden’s Clean Energy For America Act was enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act – significantly lowering carbon emissions while reducing energy costs.
    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Reaffirming Congress’ Authority to Maintain Trade Restrictions on Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led eight of their Senate colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump reaffirming Congress’ authority to maintain trade restrictions on the Russian Federation while it continues its war of aggression against Ukraine. Their letter follows the devolution of talks between the United States and Ukraine last Friday, just two weeks after the President claimed that Ukraine “should have never started [the war].”
    “Vladimir Putin is a ruthless dictator who has led the Russian Federation into a war of aggression against Ukraine with the explicit goal of denying Ukraine and its people their collective rights to independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” wrote the Senators. “Our country, in coordination with our allies and partners and with bipartisan support has imposed sweeping financial sanctions, stringent export controls, and aggressive trade restrictions on the Russian Federation.”
    In 2022, Congress passed the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act which revoked Russia’s permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to ensure Russian goods and services do not enjoy privileged, “most-favored nation” access to the U.S. market. Congress also passed the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act which banned the importation of all energy products from the Russian Federation.
    According to these laws, the Russian Federation must reach an agreement relating to the withdrawal of its forces and cessation of military hostilities that is accepted by the free and independent government of Ukraine, recognize the right of the people of Ukraine to independently and freely choose their own government, and pose no immediate military threat of aggression to any NATO member before the President can restore normal trade relations.
    “In light of your worrisome statements, we wish to remind you that you must not—and cannot, under statute—attempt to restore normal trade relations or lift the import ban on Russian energy products unless and until Ukraine’s peace demands are met and their free and independent government has accepted a peace agreement,” continued the Senators. “Ukraine must be at the table to determine its future, and conditions for peace cannot be imposed on Ukraine.”
    Additional signatories to the letter include Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
    The full letter can be found here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently advocated for the U.S. to stand up to Russian aggression and support Ukrainian sovereignty. Earlier this year, Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced the HONOR Act to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine. She has voted to pass bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine and helped pass bipartisan economic sanctions that were signed into law to hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. She voted in support of sanctions against Russia and its Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and she supported similar sanctions in the 2020 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Teton County Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    POCATELLO – Jesus M. Beltran-Zazusta, a/k/a Jesus Zazueta-Beltran, 26, a Mexican national unlawfully in the United States and living in Victor, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.

    According to court records, law enforcement officers identified Beltran-Zazusta as the source of supply of methamphetamine for multiple local distributors in Teton and Bonneville Counties.  In November 2023, law enforcement tracked Beltran-Zazusta as he returned to Idaho from a short trip to California.  They followed him to an Idaho Falls residence that belonged to co-defendant Ana Costilla-Delgado.  Officers seized a pound of methamphetamine from co-defendant Jorge Hernandez Venegas as he left the house.  The Idaho Falls Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence where they located nine pounds of methamphetamine in Costilla-Delgado’s bedroom.  Officers had previously identified Beltran-Zazusta as the source of methamphetamine for Fredy Munoz-Morales, of Victor, in a related investigation that occurred in April 2023.

    In January 2024, a federal grand jury in Pocatello indicted Beltran-Zazusta.  The Honorable Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced him to nine years in federal prison on March 3, 2025.  He also ordered Beltran-Zazusta to complete four years of supervised release after he serves his prison sentence.  However, Beltran-Zazusta will likely be deported to Mexico after serving his prison sentence.

    Chief Judge Nye also sentenced Costilla-Delgado to twelve and a half years in federal prison on January 6, 2025, Venegas to nine years in federal prison on December 2, 2024, and Munoz-Morales to twelve and a half years in federal prison on June 28, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration which led to the charges.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In New Op-Ed, Warren Warns Trump, Republicans Could Cut Health Care for Millions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 04, 2025
    “Should the government work for billionaires and giant corporations? Or should it work for working people, helping our friends, families, and neighbors get access to the medicine and doctors they need when they’re sick?”
    “Republicans may think they have the votes in Congress to cut health care, but if Americans ring the alarm bells and fight back, we can again save health care coverage for millions.” 
    Op-Ed in the Boston Globe
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, published an op-ed warning of the dangers of massive cuts to Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations. Senator Warren called for working people to fight back and participate in the tax fight by voicing their opposition to these cuts. 
    Read the full op-ed here and below: 
    Boston Globe – Senator Warren: Trump is targeting Medicaid. Don’t let him win.March 3, 2025 
    President Trump and Elon Musk have unleashed a sandstorm of chaos in the past six weeks — on purpose. From starting a trade war with Canada to renaming the Gulf of Mexico, Trump is trying to distract from his real agenda: more tax giveaways for billionaires and billionaire corporations, paid for on the backs of hard-working Americans. One of their top targets? Medicaid.
    Life carries lots of risk. No one knows if their grandmother will outlive her savings. No one knows if their baby will run up a million dollars in medical bills. No one knows if their sister will be in a catastrophic accident and need full-time caregivers.
    And that’s where Medicaid steps up. Medicaid is jointly funded by states and the federal government and covers more than 79 million people, including almost 2 million people in Massachusetts. If the program is cut, the harm will echo through nearly every home in America.
    About half of all births are covered by Medicaid. Over a third of all children have health care thanks to Medicaid. More than half of all nursing home residents are covered by Medicaid. Many people are counting on Medicaid to pay for medicine that treats their cancer, the hip replacement they need to walk, the prescription for their child’s inhaler, or the nursing home that takes care of their uncle with dementia.
    Cuts to health care programs would be devastating. In Massachusetts, nearly 2 in 3 seniors in nursing homes are covered by Medicaid. If that funding is cut, some of those nursing homes will be forced to cut back or close entirely, which could leave elderly people kicked to the curb.
    Around 92 percent of working-age adults receiving Medicaid coverage are either working — often two or even three low-wage or part-time jobs — or not working because they’re caregivers, have an illness or disability, or are in school. Cuts to Medicaid could mean they have to decide which medicines they will have to skip or whether they will need to cancel a trip to the doctor to have a cough checked out. Failing to treat medical conditions early will cost more money, both in higher long-term medical bills and in knocking more low-wage workers out of their jobs and jeopardizing their ability to support their families.
    For pregnant women, decisions about skipping visits to the doctor or forgoing prenatal vitamins can leave them and their babies at risk — again triggering greater costs in the long run for them and their babies. Denying health care to pregnant women could mean that their babies develop preventable conditions that could alter their entire lives.
    The consequences of cutting Medicaid will be felt in nearly every community. Massachusetts is rightly proud of its community health centers and network of local and regional hospitals. Without Medicaid, their business models simply wouldn’t work. About half of all revenues at our community health centers come from Medicaid. Significant cuts in funding will probably mean health centers will have to cut care — and may have to close pediatric wings, cancer treatment centers, and mental health services.
    All this misery so that a handful of billionaires and billionaire corporations can get another tax break.
    The legislative process is not glamorous, but it tells us a lot about our values as a country. Should the government work for billionaires and giant corporations? Or should it work for working people, helping our friends, families, and neighbors get access to the medicine and doctors they need when they’re sick?
    Trump, Musk, and Republicans in Congress have made it clear whose side they’re on: giant corporations and billionaires — the very people who don’t seem to understand what one bad medical diagnosis can cost a family. But they do understand that cutting health care for millions of people is unpopular everywhere, which is why they are probably hoping people will pay more attention to Trump’s bluster about buying Greenland than to the tax fight unfolding in Congress. Now is not the time to tune out — now is the time to fight back to save the health care program that helps millions of people in this country get health care.
    In 2017, Trump paired up with Republicans in Congress to slash Medicaid by $800 billion and gut health insurance protections. Democrats were in the minority in the House and Senate back then, just as they are today, but thanks to people raising their voices and shaking the ground under the feet of these Republican politicians, their efforts failed, and we managed to save health care for millions.
    Republicans may think they have the votes in Congress to cut health care, but if Americans ring the alarm bells and fight back, we can again save health care coverage for millions. We can win, but only if we fight back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Oversight Effort Demanding Answers from Defense Department on Servicemember Food Access, Quality to Promote Military Readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Oversight Effort Demanding Answers from Defense Department on Servicemember Food Access, Quality to Promote Military Readiness

    Senator Reverend Warnock led a bipartisan, bicameral oversight effort demanding answers from Department of Defense Leadership regarding a lack of nutrient-dense food, food shortages, and inconsistent adherence to the Army’s nutrition policy
    A lack of nutrient-dense food, shortages, and inconsistent adherence to the Army’s nutrition policy negatively affects junior enlisted servicemembers, impacting military readiness and retention rates
    A champion for Georgia’s military communities, Senator Reverend Warnock expects transparency from military leadership on servicemembers’ access to quality, healthy food options
    Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers to Secretary Hegseth: “Through your experience as a junior officer, you can empathize with the importance of a reliable, nutritious dining facility, and its importance to morale. You are now ultimately responsible for the welfare of these servicemembers”
    ICYMI from Military.com: Army’s Use of Soldier Food Allowances Spurs Bipartisan Inquiry from Congress
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led a bipartisan, bicameral oversight effort demanding answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding issues in providing servicemembers adequate and healthy food on military bases. The new oversight effort follows recent reporting on issues with food quality and access at several Army installations’ dining facilities. Senator Warnock and the lawmakers are expressing their concerns over underinvestment in food options for members of the military, which has a direct relation to military readiness and retention rates.
    Poor-quality meals and food shortages force servicemembers to perform grueling physical and mental training exercises without the proper energy, which negatively impacts military readiness and serves as a poor testament to the federal government’s obligation to protect and serve those who put their lives on the line for our nation’s freedoms.
    “The article also found that a lack of nutrient-dense food, shortages, and inconsistent adherence to the Army’s nutrition policy negatively affects junior enlisted servicemembers specifically because they often live in unaccompanied housing on installations.”
    Congress provides servicemembers with the food allowances to help them afford meals. Senator Warnock and the lawmakers wrote that if this funding is not given to servicemembers for meals because the government provides them instead, then that funding should be used to cover the costs and investments needed to serve those meals.
    “Our servicemembers are the best among us and expect fair compensation from their government. If a servicemember is losing money from their paycheck because they are being given a meal, it is reasonable for them to expect that funding will be used only to cover the costs of providing it and to ensure it is of the highest possible quality. We trust you will move expeditiously to answer our inquiries. Thank you for your earnest attention to this matter.”
    The oversight letter closes with a series of questions for Secretary Hegseth, seeking clarity on how investment decisions are made for on-post food service operations, answers on how DOD will improve quality and nutrition of food, and more.
    Senator Warnock is leading the charge in demanding answers on this issue. Additional senators signing onto the effort include U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). The bicameral effort is being championed in the House of Representatives by Congressmembers Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), as well as Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Don Davis (D-NC-01), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24).
    A copy of the letter can be found HERE and full text is below:
    Dear Secretary Hegseth,
    We write to express our concern about the Department of Defense’s (DOD) apparent underinvestment in food options for members of the military. Recent public reporting in military.com highlighted that DOD spends far less on food for servicemembers who are afforded subsistence-in-kind than would be given directly to those servicemembers in Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) if they were not eligible for government-provided meals. Previous reporting also highlighted DOD’s challenges in providing healthy food for servicemembers. This reporting underscores the ongoing challenges the military services have in ensuring our servicemembers have access to high-quality and nutritious meals. 
    Current law states that most servicemembers who receive basic pay are entitled to receive BAS to help them afford the cost of food. It also gives the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Service Secretaries, the ability to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining facilities. Current DOD policy requires most servicemembers who receive government-provided meals to pay for their meals, including through BAS deductions managed by Defense Financial Accounting Service. The current policy delegates the use of those collected funds to the military services.
    The report noted that many installations’ current spending on DFAC operations represented only a small percentage of the BAS collected from servicemembers serving on those installations. The findings, which include 2024 financial records from eleven of the largest Army installations, show that more than $151 million of the $225 million in BAS collected from servicemembers on these installations was not spent on food costs. That figure does not include the additional garrisons under the Army’s control, nor does it include spending at installations managed by the other military services suggesting the issue may be much more widespread.  
    Congress provides servicemembers with BAS to help them afford meals. If BAS is taken from servicemembers for meals the government gives them, then that funding should be used to cover the costs and investments needed to serve those meals. Additionally, for Congress to effectively conduct its oversight responsibilities, it must be fully apprised of how the funding provided is appropriated and must ensure open transparency on behalf of the services. 
    The article also found that a lack of nutrient-dense food, shortages, and inconsistent adherence to the Army’s nutrition policy negatively affects junior enlisted servicemembers specifically because they often live in unaccompanied housing on installations. These junior enlisted servicemembers are also disproportionately affected by the loss of their BAS as it represents a significant portion of their overall compensation.
    Through your experience as a junior officer, you can empathize with the importance of a reliable, nutritious dining facility, and its importance to morale. You are now ultimately responsible for the welfare of these servicemembers, and we request your prompt response to the following questions by April 31, 2025:
    1.     What elements of DOD funding are used to provide meals to servicemembers?
    a.     How do the military services program through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fund food service operations?
    2.     How do the military services make decisions regarding investments in their on-post food service operations?
    a.     How do you consider including nutritious options on their menus?
    3.     Are there barriers to the military services providing healthy and nutritious meals to servicemembers living in unaccompanied housing on military installations?
    a.     If so, what are they?
    b.     Does the Department or the military services require additional resources or authorities to provide healthy and affordable food options to these servicemembers? If so, what are they?
    4.     How do you plan to improve the quality and nutrition of food at dining facilities and other food service providers across the Joint Force to meet the needs of the modern warfighter?
    Our servicemembers are the best among us and expect fair compensation from their government. If a servicemember is losing money from their paycheck because they are being given a meal, it is reasonable for them to expect that funding will be used only to cover the costs of providing it and to ensure it is of the highest possible quality. We trust you will move expeditiously to answer our inquiries. Thank you for your earnest attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta is ready for the 2025 wildfire season

    [. With increased wildfire activity in recent years, it is crucial that Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams and communities at risk are prepared for any challenge that may arise this season.

    If Budget 2025 is passed, the province will invest a new historic high of $160 million in base funding for wildfire personnel, equipment, training and contracts for aircraft, an additional night vision equipped helicopter, and heavy equipment. This investment is vital to ensure Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams have the equipment, training, and personnel needed to respond to wildfire threats and mitigate the impacts of catastrophic wildfires on Alberta’s communities.

    “There is nothing more critical than protecting Albertans, our homes and our communities from the effects of wildfires. Alberta is home to some of the best firefighting personnel in the world and through Budget 2025, we are making a major investment in our wildfire teams and communities, giving them the tools, training and support they need to prevent, mitigate and respond quickly to any challenge that may come up this wildfire season.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister Forestry and Parks

    “We thank our Alberta Wildfire team and first responders for their ongoing dedication to keeping people safe. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) aims to strengthen the province’s emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, collaborating with communities to enhance resilience and public safety. With a 2025-26 budget increase of $10 million for a total of $118 million, the AEMA will empower communities to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and safety.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    The Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs are critical to ensuring vulnerable communities in the Forest Protection Area have the tools needed to successfully mitigate the risks of wildfires. In addition to ongoing work on Fireguard projects across the province – including in the Bow Valley near Canmore, as well as Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Hinton, Whitecourt and Slave Lake, Budget 2025 would allocate an additional $15 million over three years to continue supporting projects being administered by the Forest Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA.)

    Alberta’s government would also allocate $10.8 million to ensure Albertans can easily access FireSmart resources to better protect their homes and properties.

    “FRIAA is pleased to help support Alberta Forestry and Parks as the province enters the 2025 wildfire season. We continue to strongly encourage all communities in Alberta that are exposed to risks of wildfire to participate in the Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs by developing plans and proposals to access funding. Wildfires pose a significant risk to Alberta’s communities, and it’s great to see the province is making wildfire management a priority.”

    Todd Nash, manager, Forest Improvement Association of Alberta

    “Alberta’s wildfire team remains fully prepared and is ready for the 2025 wildfire season. Each year we improve our ability to meet the challenge ahead and the investments we make in people, resources and new technology prove critical in our response efforts.”

    Trevor Lamabe, executive director, Wildfire Management Branch

    A key part of prevention efforts is stopping wildfires before they start. It is essential that every Albertan understands their role in wildfire prevention – every action counts in protecting our communities and natural resources. Last year, the province saw a significant decrease in human-caused wildfires. In 2024, there were 282 wildfires caused by residential and recreational fires, down from 385 in 2020, 395 in 2021, 399 in 2022, and 303 in 2023. This represents a nearly 30 per cent drop from the highest numbers Alberta saw in 2022. It is more important than ever to continue building on that progress to further reduce the risk of future wildfires. As part of these efforts, Alberta’s government is renewing its commitment to public awareness and education campaigns on safe practices, while also enforcing fire bans when necessary.

    “Wildfire is the hazard which poses the greatest risk to communities like Canmore. We are more prepared than we have ever been with work on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard ongoing, years of FireSmart work in the community and ongoing efforts to ensure we have the emergency resources we need in place. The support from the Government of Alberta has been instrumental in helping us advance these initiatives.”

    Sean Krausert, mayor, Town of Canmore

    “As a community surrounded by forests, fire hazard reduction and protection is a priority for the ongoing safety and security of our community.  With the ongoing support of the province, we are nearing completion of our internal community fireguard which will help break the path of a wildfire and keep it away from populated areas and vital infrastructure.”

    Tom Pickard, mayor, Town of Whitecourt

    In 2025, Alberta Wildfire is also launching a pilot project using hoist-equipped helicopters. These helicopters will enable rapid deployment of crews to remote, hard-to-reach areas and provide critical support for emergency evacuations if needed. One new helicopter is under contract and two specialized crews have been hired for this wildfire season. The results of this pilot will determine whether the program will be expanded and continue into 2026.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on supporting the economy.

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2025 allocates more than $1.4 million over three years in additional capital investment to expand and enhance response capacity during the wildfire season.
    • Additional funding of $900,000 over three years for Alberta’s Fire Weather Network, ensures enhanced fire weather monitoring to support the wildfire response throughout the province.  
    • About 51 per cent of wildfires in 2024 were caused by people, down from the five-year average of 67 per cent.
    • In 2024, Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires with just over 705,000 hectares burned.
    • In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
    • So far in 2025, there have been 21 wildfires, and 78 hectares burned, a dramatic reduction from the same time last year where there were 34 wildfires, and 306 hectares already burned.

    Related information

    • Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
    • Bow Valley Community Fireguard

    Related news

    • Protecting the Bow Valley from wildfires (Jan. 13, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary of National Center with Special Exhibition

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Library in Reston, VA celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the National Center with a special exhibition held in the Art Hallway in December. This commemorative display showcases various facets of the USGS Library’s collection that delve into the rich history of the National Center.

    The exhibition features a remarkable assortment of original photographs, blueprints, and documents that collectively narrate the story of the planning, development, and completion of the National Center, which officially opened in 1974. Attendees were treated to an engaging panel discussion during the opening celebration, featuring USGS staff members who transitioned to the National Center upon its completion in the seventies.

    In addition to the visual displays, visitors had the opportunity to relax in comfy armchairs within the Reading Room, which featured a curated selection of books and documents that highlight the history of the USGS, the National Center, and its namesake, John Wesley Powell. Guests were encouraged to take their time exploring these materials, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for learning.

    One of the most captivating sections of the exhibition was the wall of images showcasing the National Center from its opening in the 1970s to the present day. This nostalgic display culminated in a special photo opportunity for former and current USGS staff members on the roof of the National Center that occurred in October 2024.

    For those interested in learning more about the National Center, check out this Status Report digitized by the USGS Publications Warehouse: National Center Status Report. If you are considering a visit to the National Center, also known as the John Wesley Powell Federal Building, please refer to the visitor information available on the USGS website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Condemns Potential Closure of Carlsbad Facility Critical to the Mission of Nation’s Only Repository for the Disposal of Nuclear Waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement in response to reports stating that the General Services Administration (GSA) is moving to discontinue the government’s lease for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office. DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office employs nearly 200 federal workers who oversee highly radioactive nuclear waste from nuclear defense activities at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

    “WIPP is critical to our national security. Now, Elon Musk and President Trump are jeopardizing WIPP’s operations and its ability to safely manage the disposal of nuclear waste. The Carlsbad Field Office exists to ensure that WIPP can safely and effectively conduct its operations, and a potential closure could lead to delays in nuclear waste disposal and puts our environmental safety at risk.

    “Closing the Carlsbad Field Office would not only undermine the safety protocols at WIPP to protect the public and environment but also will put hundreds of federal jobs in one of the most rural areas of our state at risk. The Carlsbad Field Office is critical for WIPP’s mission, and I will fight to ensure DOE and GSA does not close this facility and put our national and environmental security at risk.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Condemns Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canada

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, March 4, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada: 

    “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union strongly condemns the Trump administration’s reckless decision to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. This harmful action threatens jobs, raises prices, and undermines the long-standing economic partnership between the United States and Canada.

    “The IAM has always supported trade policies that protect and grow jobs in both nations. But these tariffs are an unjustified attack on a trusted ally.

    “Canada is not the enemy. Canada is committed to fair trade practices that support workers and communities. This decision will disrupt industries that rely on integrated supply chains, hurting workers on both sides of the border.

    “The IAM represents 600,000 workers, including tens of thousands in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing—industries that depend on strong U.S.-Canada cooperation. These tariffs will destabilize those sectors, putting livelihoods and our nations’ economies at risk.

    “As our union has said previously, tariffs should be used strategically to counter bad actors, like China, that manipulate markets and undermine fair trade. 

    “Targeting Canada with punitive tariffs is not only misguided, but dangerous. It weakens North American industry and puts working families in jeopardy.

    “We urge President Trump to immediately reconsider these tariffs and pursue trade policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, the economic relationship between the United States and Canada.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Three Appointments to Various Boards, Fills Two County Office Vacancies 

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 4, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three appointments to various boards and filled two county office vacancies.

    Scott Albers, of Country Club, was appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.

    Mr. Albers is the president of Public Refrigerated Warehousing at Nor-Am Cold Storage and has served in leadership roles at the company since 2009. Active in the community, he serves on the board of the Global Cold Chain Alliance and previously held roles with the Greater St. Joseph United Way and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Albers earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Business.

    Kathy Lambertz, of Harrisonville, was appointed as the Cass County Clerk.

    Ms. Lambertz currently serves as the chief deputy clerk in the Cass County Clerk’s Office, a position she has held since 2019. She previously served as Cass County clerk from 1999 to 2012 and worked as a senior appraiser in the assessor’s office from 2012 to 2019. With more than 30 years of experience in county government, she is also active in civic organizations, serving on the University of Missouri Extension Board and as an active member of the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club.

    William “Blaine” Luetkemeyer, of St. Elizabeth, was appointed to the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

    A retired U.S. Congressman, Mr. Luetkemeyer represented Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District from 2013 to 2025 and the 9th Congressional District from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure in Congress, he played a key role on the House Financial Services Committee, chaired multiple subcommittees, and helped secure $20 million for the NextGen MU Research Reactor at the University of Missouri. Before serving in Congress, Luetkemeyer was a Missouri State Representative, and as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Mr. Luetkemeyer has decades of experience as a small businessman, having worked as a community banker and bank examiner. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration from Lincoln University. In recognition of his contributions to higher education, Mr. Luetkemeyer received the Henry S. Geyer Award from the Mizzou Alumni Association in 2023.

    Todd Michalski, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.

    Mr. Michalski is the senior vice president of sales and marketing at Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. He serves as a board member for the Missouri Western State University Foundation and the Automotive Lift Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Marketing and Management from Missouri Western State University.

    Dave Schatz, of Sullivan, was appointed as the Franklin County Presiding Commissioner.

    Mr. Schatz is the vice president of Schatz Underground and the former president of Schatz Construction. He previously served as Missouri Senate President Pro Tem and was a State Senator from 2015 to 2022 and a State Representative from 2011 to 2014. A longtime business owner and community leader, Schatz remains active in local government, education initiatives, and community service throughout Franklin County.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Votes for Protect Women and Girls’ Sports Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    03.03.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after voting for the Protect Women and Girls’ Sports Act, legislation that would permanently reinstate the intent of Title IX and ensure that women only, participate in women’s sports at federally funded educational institutions:

    “I voted for the Protect Women and Girls’ Sports Act to provide a level-playing field and ensure girls and women aren’t forced to compete against biological men.”

    MIL OSI USA News –