NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Loeffler Applauds Congressional Proposal to Increase Capital for Small Manufacturers

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) applauded Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX) for introducing new legislation that will double the individual loan limit for 7(a) and 504 small business manufacturing loans from $5 million to $10 million. The legislation aligns with SBA’s commitment to restoring American industry through its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative.

    In support of President Trump’s fair-trade agenda and the effort to restore American economic independence, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act will provide small manufacturers with new capital to grow, hire, and produce American-made products. Nearly 99% of manufacturers in America are small businesses – and with new capital injection, they will lead the nation’s effort to rebuild U.S. supply chains and recover American jobs.

    “On Liberation Day, President Trump made a clear promise to fight for our businesses and workers by bringing back the jobs and supply chains that built this nation—and today, we’re delivering,” said Loeffler. “The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act will double SBA loan limits for small manufacturers, supercharging the return of American industry by giving small businesses the capital they need to expand, hire, and compete. I’m grateful to Senator Ernst and Representative Williams for leading this bipartisan effort that will empower our small businesses to reclaim our economic independence and rebuild the foundation of American power.”

    Driven by President Trump’s pro-growth economic policies, small business demand for capital has skyrocketed. SBA 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers have increased by 74% in the first 100 days of this Administration – indicating a strong surge in small business formation and growth. The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act will empower the SBA to meet this new demand – and supercharge the return of Made in America.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MS-13 Gang Member who Led Transnational Fentanyl Distribution Operation from Inside State Prison Sentenced to 17 Years by South Florida Federal Judge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A district judge in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. has sentenced an MS-13 gang member and leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization (DTO) to 210 months in federal prison for running a fentanyl distribution ring, some of which he did from inside a state prison.

    Mario Clifford Rivera (a/k/a “Chuky”), 32, is a member of MS-13, a designated foreign terrorist organization. From at least 2022, Rivera used the U.S. Postal Service to distribute fentanyl smuggled into the United States from Mexico. The fentanyl’s travel path: over the wall from Mexico to California, then to Florida by mail for distribution by Rivera and the DTO dealers he controlled.  

    In early 2023, while free on bond waiting to report to state prison to serve three years for felon in possession of a firearm, throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault crimes, Rivera offered to sell two kilograms of fentanyl to a buyer in Florida, some of which was purchased. Once inside state prison, Rivera continued managing and supervising his DTO. He used prison phones and a contraband cell phone to communicate with his dealers on the outside. Rivera directed them on how to sell fentanyl and what prices to charge, all while making sure that he received his share of the drug proceeds.

    Rivera was responsible in this case for distributing over three kilograms of fentanyl. He pled guilty to drug trafficking charges and will begin serving his federal sentence once he completes his state sentence.   

    “Rivera’s 17-year federal prison sentence should serve as a warning to MS-13 and other terrorist gangs who seek to flood our communities with deadly poisons like fentanyl: Whether you operate on the streets or behind prison walls, we will identify your leaders and members, dismantle your networks, and hold you accountable using the full force of American law,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida.   

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Rinku Tribuiani for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted this case.

    FBI Miami; U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division; DEA Miami Field Division; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Division, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigated it. 

    “The safety of South Florida communities is our top priority,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami. “Shutting down drug trafficking networks like Rivera’s is a key step towards achieving this priority. Our long-standing partnerships with USPIS Miami, DEA Miami, HSI Miami and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office were crucial to this successful investigation. Let this case serve as a warning to MS-13 and other gangs who terrorize communities with violence and sow misery through drug trafficking: these activities will not be tolerated.”

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Mail is not used as a tool to distribute dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, to our communities, said Miami Division acting Inspector in Charge Steven L. Hodges. “The sentence handed down should serve as a reminder that we remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in drug trafficking through the mail to justice.”

    “We and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue and arrest those who flood our communities with illicit, dangerous, and highly-addictive drugs,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “It is our top priority to protect our citizens and get these gang members off our streets.”

    “Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners have a clear message: those who traffic deadly narcotics and endanger our communities through gang violence will face the full force of justice,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa of HSI Miami Field Division. “HSI remains relentless in dismantling transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 and stopping the flow of fentanyl that continues to devastate families across our nation.”

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    It is also part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80140.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader of Bank Fraud Conspiracy Case Receives Lengthy Federal Prison Sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Destane Glass, 24, of Shreveport, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Glass was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $539,578. In addition, Judge Hicks ordered that Glass’s sentence run consecutive to a 37-month federal prison sentence she is currently serving for Payment Protection Program fraud, making her sentence a total of 172 months (14 years, 4 months).

    According to evidence presented in court, beginning on or about January 1, 2021, and continuing through October 31, 2022, Glass and her co-conspirators conspired to commit bank fraud from USAA Savings Bank (USAA Bank), Navy Federal Credit Union, and JP Morgan Chase Bank. Glass was the ringleader of this conspiracy and directed and recruited others to participate in the scheme to defraud the banks. Glass was indicted, along with 20 other defendants, in April 2024 in connection with this federal bank fraud scheme. 

    USAA Bank was a financial institution whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  Teleperformance was a multinational company that provided a wide variety of business services including operating a call center in Shreveport, Louisiana.  The call center provided customer service for USAA Bank.  Teleperformance employees had access to USAA Bank customer information including, but not limited to, customer names, the age of customers, account balances, and account numbers. Glass was not an employee of Teleperformance but conspired with others who were to execute a scheme to defraud USAA Bank.

    As part of the conspiracy, Glass worked with her co-defendants to improperly obtain account holder information so that the information could be used by Glass to create counterfeit USAA Bank checks. She instructed her co-defendants to target elderly bank customers whose bank accounts held high account balances as they would be less likely to regularly check their accounts. Glass created counterfeit checks on USAA Bank totaling $2,149,621 from accounts accessed by her co-defendants.  After she created the checks, Glass used social media and other methods to recruit individuals in the Shreveport area with bank accounts to use their accounts to deposit the counterfeit checks.

    Once the counterfeit checks were deposited into the accounts, Glass and others, worked to withdraw the funds at various locations to include area casinos. Glass and her co-conspirators would share the proceeds generated from negotiating the counterfeit checks. 

    ZarRajah Z. Watkins, 23, of Shreveport, who also participated in this scheme and was charged as a defendant in this case was sentenced today. Watkins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $397,930. 

    All of the other defendants charged in this case have now pleaded guilty and received their sentences.

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $2.7M for disaster-relief jobs, training for Georgia residents affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $2.7 million in grant funding to support disaster-relief jobs and employment and training services for Georgia residents suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

    On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida before swiftly moving into Georgia, bringing torrential rain and heavy devastating winds that left a trail of destruction across much of the state. In addition to causing extensive infrastructure damage and prolonged power outages, the storm caused significant job losses. 

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration, enabling Georgia to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilkes counties.

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Technical College System of Georgia to provide people with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as offer employment and training services to eligible participants in affected communities. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor issues guidance on independent contractor misclassification enforcement

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division today issued a field assistance bulletin providing guidance on how to determine employee or independent contractor status when enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

    While the department reviews the 2024 final rule, Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act – which is also being challenged in federal court – agency investigators are directed not to apply the 2024 rule’s analysis in current enforcement matters. Instead, the division will rely on longstanding principles outlined in Fact Sheet #13 and further informed by the reinstated Opinion Letter FLSA2019-6, which addresses classification in the context of virtual marketplace platforms. This approach provides greater clarity for businesses and workers navigating modern work arrangements while legal and regulatory questions are resolved. 

    This guidance does not change existing regulations but reflects how the department is allocating enforcement resources during the review of the 2024 rule. The FAB supersedes any prior or conflicting guidance provided to Wage and Hour Division staff on enforcement related to independent contractor misclassification. The department may still exercise enforcement authority in individual cases deemed appropriate by the Wage and Hour Administrator or a designee.

    For additional guidance beyond the field assistance bulletin, workers and employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: California Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

    A California man was sentenced in the Eastern District of Virginia today to 10 years in prison and 30 years supervised release for enticing a 12-year-old child from Prince William County to engage in unlawful sexual activity. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Department of Justice Files Complaint Against Illinois for Encroaching on Federal Immigration Authority

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: The Department of Justice Files Complaint Against Illinois for Encroaching on Federal Immigration Authority

    WASHINGTON – The United States has filed a complaint against the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), Jane Flanagan, Director of IDOL, and Kwame Raoul, the Attorney General for the state of Illinois, alleging that the implementation of SB0508, which amended Illinois’s “Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act,” infringes on federal immigration authority. By imposing confusing rules during the employment verification process and threatening employers with penalties if they do not comply, SB0508 discourages and complicates the use of E-Verify and Form I-9 inspection requirements. E-Verify allows any U.S. employer to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees and Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Raman Bahal Receives the School of Pharmacy 2025 Faculty Research Advising Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Raman Bahal, Associate Professor of Pharmacy, earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University before receiving post-doctoral training at Yale. After pursuing his interests in pharmaceuticals and physical sciences, Bahal took his versatile knowledge and passion for interdisciplinary sciences to UConn in 2017 as an assistant professor. He went on to apply ambitiously for the role of associate professor a year early, eager to take on more responsibility.  

    During his time at UConn, Bahal has excelled in multiple areas, but prides himself on his students and research: “My students are my accomplishment.” Combining his passion for research and his love for mentoring students throughout their academic journey, Bahal has worked with undergraduate and graduate students in many capacities. The mentorship provided by Bahal has transformed into life-changing results when just last year Bahal and his team launched a startup – called Zeal Therapeutics – to develop a promising drug delivery system to target the kidneys. Bahal is also passionate about therapeutic application, working with a team of faculty and students targeting genomic DNA and RNA to fight cancer cells.  Bahal has explored other research interests throughout various publications.

    “At the end of the day, as long as my students are happy, learning, and progressing – this is what matters.” 

    In addition to his research, Bahal has also taken on leadership roles within the School, including serving on the PTR Chair Committee last year, where he helped guide decisions on the promotion, tenure, and reappointments of faculty members. 

    Raman Bahal. Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics in the School of Pharmacy onJune 27, 2019. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

    Bahal is honored to receive the Faculty Research Advising Award and hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists with his mentorship: “Some of the students I’ve worked with have been published as coauthors of our papers – they are strong contributors.” Looking to the future, Bahal wants to continue his mentorship journey. Passionate about building relationships between undergraduate students, Pharm.D. students, Ph.D. students, and postdocs, Bahal wants to be the bridge for relationships forged within the School.  

    Bahal also has an interest in working with students in middle and high school and finding ways to encourage STEM programs within these environments. Hosting events for younger students to visit the UConn labs and be inspired to forge their own paths in the STEM and pharmaceutical fields, Bahal hopes to create symposiums and other events to build connections between high school students and university-level students.  

    Motivated to inspire the next generation of scientists, Bahal truly embodies both the research and advising components of his award. This recognition, which Bahal attributes to UConn’s continuous support, has motivated him to look for even more ways to serve the pharmaceutical industry through his research and UConn Pharmacy through his mentorship.

    “I really like mentoring. That’s my passion.” 

    Bahal will receive his award during commencement weekend in May. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James, NYCHA, and Trees New York Announce $750,000 Tree Planting, Workforce Development, and Environmental Education Project at Public Housing Campuses

    Source: US State of New York

    Attorney General James joins Trees New York, NYCHA, and tenants to plant trees at Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn.

    The Trees for NYCHA project was made possible by funds from three OAG settlements with polluters, including:

    • $663,738 from a 2007 Clean Air Act settlement with American Electric Power Service Corporation;
    • $59,500 from a 2023 settlement with Reliant Transportation over unlawful bus idling; and
    • $26,762 from a 2022 settlement with Verizon over practices contributing to the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.

    The project has a total of four elements: tree plantings, workforce development, tree stewardship, and youth environmental education.

    • Tree Planting: 340 trees are being planted across NYCHA properties, and 59 additional trees are being planted in adjacent communities near NYCHA campuses.
    • Workforce Development: In partnership with Green City Force, the project has trained young adults from low-income communities in environmental and green job skills.
    • Tree Stewardship: Volunteers have been trained to care for the new trees, ensuring the sustainability of the expanded canopy.
    • Youth Engagement: Public school students near NYCHA campuses have participated in hands-on environmental education and tree care activities, linking ecology to academic enrichment.

    NYCHA is the largest Public Housing Authority in the nation, housing one in 17 New Yorkers. NYCHA is also the second largest owner of open space in the city, owning over 2,400 acres and supporting approximately 1,000 acres of tree canopy. In New York City, there is generally less tree canopy cover in areas with lower-income housing and higher proportions of people of color. In neighborhoods with clusters of NYCHA developments, these developments are often the primary source of canopy cover in the neighborhood. In recent years, resource constraints and climate-driven damage have led to canopy loss. Trees for NYCHA has helped reverse this trend while empowering residents as partners in environmental restoration.

    The OAG would like to thank NYCHA and Trees New York for their partnership and collaboration.

    This project was handled for the Office of the Attorney General by Policy Advisor Peter C. Washburn of the Environmental Protection Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic. The Environmental Protection Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Denounces Trump Administration for Gutting Family Planning Services

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a multistate coalition of 20 other attorneys general today called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately reinstate tens of millions of dollars in Title X funds, which provide federal funding to health centers for family planning and reproductive health care, including birth control and other non-abortion services. Last month, HHS recklessly cut off support for vital family planning and health care services across the country without reason, leading to the complete loss of federal family planning funding in several states. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Attorney General James and the coalition warned that the recent decision to withhold these Title X funds will have devastating public health consequences, including more unintended pregnancies, more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and increased rates of undiagnosed HIV and cervical cancer.

    “The federal administration continues to play politics with the lives of the American people,” said Attorney General James. “By slashing funding to necessary health care clinics and providers, they are putting millions of Americans at risk while forcing states to clean up the mess. This cruel and shortsighted attack on essential health care will have disastrous impacts in every corner of our country. My fellow attorneys general and I are calling on the administration to reverse this mistaken policy.”

    On March 31, HHS notified several grant recipients, whose subgrantees constitute nearly 25 percent of all Title X clinics, that their funding was being terminated despite no clear evidence of wrongdoing. As a result, some states have seen a complete loss of Title X funding and many others, including New York, face significant reductions.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this decision will be catastrophic, as proven by the devastating impact of previous Title X cuts under the first Trump administration. The 2019 Title X cuts resulted in a more than 60 percent drop in the number of patients served, and half of all Title X clinics in New York lost federal funding. Clinics were forced to reduce services or shut down altogether, and patients ended up forgoing recommended tests, lab work, STI testing, clinical breast exams, and Pap tests in large numbers. Between 2018 and 2019, Title X clinics across the nation performed 90,386 fewer Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer; 188,920 fewer breast exams; 276,109 fewer HIV tests; over one million fewer STI tests; and provided 361,000 fewer patients with birth control.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that low-income and rural communities will suffer the most as a result of these cuts. After the 2019 cuts, Title X providers saw 573,650 fewer patients under the federal poverty level and 324,776 fewer uninsured patients. As the population served by Title X is disproportionately low-income and more likely to be on Medicaid, the financial loss caused by these cuts will be primarily felt by the states. When the first Trump administration cut Title X grants, states suffered an enormous financial burden, including a $14.2 million emergency appropriation in New York to cover the loss in funds.

    In New York and nationwide, Title X programs play a critical role in delivering affordable, lifesaving healthcare. A 2016 survey showed that Title X clinics were the only source of comprehensive medical care for 60 percent of their patients. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that as a direct result of these cuts, at least 834,000 patients – 30 percent of all Title X patients – will lose care annually. Guttmacher also anticipates higher rates of unplanned pregnancies, higher STI rates, and worse overall health.

    In the letter, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that HHS has provided no legitimate evidence to justify the funding cuts, instead relying on vague accusations and political targeting of certain providers. Many of the notices that clinics and providers received point to “possible violations” of civil rights laws or the president’s Executive Orders, but the evidence provided fails to support any such claim. In one letter, HHS simply referenced a statement the grantee issued on racism in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. The attorneys general allege that these allegations are a pretext for the administration to penalize reproductive health care providers it dislikes. Meanwhile, the harm to patients and already strained state budgets is immediate and measurable.

    Attorney General James and the coalition are urging HHS to reinstate the withheld grants and restore full funding to the Title X program.

    Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison for Attempting To Import More Than Half a Kilogram of Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced today to eleven years in federal prison for attempting to import more than half a kilogram of fentanyl into the United States from Mexico. 

    BENIGNO SANCHEZ, 47, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing in federal court in Rockford.

    Sanchez admitted that in March 2023 he expected a package containing controlled substances to be delivered to him at an address in Rockford via FedEx from Mexico.  Law enforcement agents intercepted the package, which contained more than 500 grams of fentanyl pressed into pills (designed to imitate opioid pills) that were hidden inside a wooden tortilla press.  After detecting the fentanyl inside the package, law enforcement agents removed the drugs and delivered the package to Sanchez.  Once delivered, Sanchez took custody of the package, drove it to another location, and opened it to take possession of what he believed to be the drugs.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national sentenced in drug trafficking conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PLANO, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Willy Armando Ramirez-Garcia, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 320 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on May 1, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, from January 2021 to May 2021, Ramirez-Garcia was illegally in the United States, but operated as the leader of a methamphetamine trafficking organization in Texas. The group was responsible for smuggling liquid methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico by using bladders hidden within diesel tanks of commercial tractor trailers. The liquid methamphetamine would be transported to the North Texas area where it was then converted into crystal methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was stored at a stash house in Dallas where it would be retrieved by couriers for distribution in kilogram quantities.

    In January 2021, the investigation revealed that the drug trafficking organization included a local narcotics broker, Rosa Velasco De Ballin, her source of supply, Ivan Dejesus Suastes-Cruz, and other co-conspirators, operating from a stash house in Dallas, and a ranch in Kemp, where the methamphetamine was “cooked.” Angel Rodriguez-Campuzano was identified as a distributor working for Suastes-Cruz. It was also determined that Suastes-Cruz and co-conspirators, Juan Fuentez and German Zapata, worked at the direction of Ramirez-Garcia. They assisted in transporting and distributing the methamphetamine, finding buyers, and obtaining properties to store and manufacture the methamphetamine. As a result, a search warrant was obtained for the stash house in Dallas, where approximately 40 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 25 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine were found. The ranch in Kemp was also searched and a meth conversion lab was discovered. In all, agents seized 66 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 25 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine. For their involvement, these co-defendants were previously sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: De Ballin – 168 months; Rodriguez-Campuzano-295 months; Suastes-Cruz – 240 months; Fuentez – 300 months; and Zapata – 270 months.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cuban National Indicted On Charges Related To Credit Card “Skimming” And Submitting A False Naturalization Application

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Yunier Perez-Bertemati (40) with 22 counts of access device fraud, possessing and trafficking in unauthorized device-making equipment, aggravated identity theft, making a false statement on an immigration application, and making a false statement to a federal agent. If convicted, Perez-Bertemati faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each of the access device fraud counts, 15 years on the device-making equipment counts, 10 years on the count related to making a false statement in his immigration application, and 5 years on the count related to making a false statement to a federal agent, as well as a mandatory sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies Perez-Bertemati that the United States intends to forfeit $9,650, which are alleged to be proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, Perez-Bertemati engaged in a series of transactions between November 2023 and January 2025 where he sold counterfeit credit and debit cards containing stolen victim account information. He also sold “skimming” equipment—namely, devices used to appropriate victim credit or debit card information when used at a point-of-sale terminal such as a gas pump or ATM. Further, Perez-Bertemati, a Cuban citizen, recently applied to be a United States citizen but made material misrepresentations on his naturalization application and during an interview with an officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Young, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Affordable Housing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), and colleagues introduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to increase affordable housing for families and workers by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. The bill also helps build nearly 1.6 million new affordable homes over the next decade.
    “Doing something to help someone buy a home is consistent with President Trump’s goal of helping working families,” said Dr. Cassidy. “No one should be priced out of a roof over their heads.”
    “Affordable housing is needed in Indiana and across the country. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will leverage private sector investment to increase the stock of affordable housing in both urban and rural communities.  As a result, this will help to tackle the housing affordability crisis head-on to help Hoosier families, expand our workforce, and strengthen our communities,” said Senator Young.
    Cassidy and Young were joined by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in introducing the legislation. It is endorsed by the ACTION Campaign and the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.
    “Ensuring access to affordable housing is a critical component in helping Tennessee continue to grow and prosper,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, an important tool that helps to drive private sector investment in affordable housing for all Americans, including our nation’s veterans and seniors.”
    Background
    Currently, nearly one-in-four renters, over 11 million families, spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like childcare, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, over 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.
    The Housing Credit has built or restored more than 4 million affordable housing units, nearly 90 percent of all federally funded affordable housing since its creation. Roughly nine million American households have benefited from the credit, and the economic activity that it generated has supported 6.6 million jobs and spurred more than $746 billion in wages.
    More specifically, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would: 
    Increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent, which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.
    Stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.
    Improve the Housing Credit program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans. 
    The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger, Messmer Lead Push to Defund Universities Still Requiring the COVID-19 Vaccine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As first reported in Fox News, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08) introduced legislation to ensure that no federal dollars go to any university across the country that still requires its students or staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of enrollment of employment, or receiving any benefit, service, or contract.

    The No Vaccine Mandates in Higher Education Act will codify a key piece of one of President Trump’s February executive orders that restricted federal funding to public schools, including colleges and universities, that mandate COVID-19 vaccines for attendance. It is unacceptable that any university still requires the COVID-19 vaccine. Taxpayers’ hard-earned money should not go to higher education institutions that require the COVID-19 vaccine for attendance.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic opened Pandora’s box to a lengthy list of overreaching policies and mandates from the government, institutions, and companies alike. As we work to restore common sense and liberties back to the American people, I am proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure universities can no longer force their students to have the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    “It is unbelievable that even today, two years after the COVID-19 emergency was officially declared dead and gone, there are still learning institutions across this country persecuting students and staff with unnecessary vaccine mandates,” said Rep. Messmer. “The No Vaccine Mandates in Higher Education Act assures the American people that Congress and President Trump recognize this continued injustice and will work together to restore the civil liberties and freedom from government overreach that all Americans richly deserve.”

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

    Background:

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education institutions implemented vaccine mandates for their students and staff. These mandates affect the individual liberties of students and teachers around the country.

    Many institutions announced the end of their vaccine requirement after President Joe Biden ended the COVID-19 national and public health emergency last May. These institutions have either removed COVID-19 information from their websites or haven’t updated the content in a couple of years. 

    Even with the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, there are still higher education institutions around the country that still have vaccine requirements for their students and teachers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Leads Push to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks Associated with Unsecured Networks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with several colleagues commending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on his decision to establish the new Council for National Security within the FCC, and urging him to use the council to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with unsecured routers.

    In part, the members wrote, “The recent proliferation of cybersecurity incidents underscores the need for the entire federal government to work together to address and deter cyber threats. We write to you today because we believe there is more the FCC can do to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. As the backbone of the Internet, routers play a critical role in securing communications for consumers and businesses. When these devices are insecure, they can serve as gateways for cyberattacks. For example, weak, default, or easily predicted passwords make routers vulnerable to exploitation. Malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities in routers to disrupt service, steal sensitive data, or even launch attacks against critical infrastructure…”

    “We are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of these devices and that unsecured routers may allow the CCP to surveil American data or disrupt our networks. Although the Department of Commerce is reviewing whether or not to ban routers made by Chinese-owned companies in the future, many of these devices remain on our networks, which nefarious actors could still leverage.”

    The letter outlines several examples of how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has repeatedly tried to leverage private companies and create backdoors in our critical infrastructure technology. The letter also highlights that under Chairman Carr’s leadership, the Council for National Security can take action against the CCP by leveraging equipment authorization to require routers to allow only uniquely identifiable devices known to the household and securely authenticated by the network owner.

    See the full letter HERE or read the full text below.

    Dear Chairman Carr,

    Firstly, we write to commend your decision to establish the new Council for National Security within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a crucial step in safeguarding America’s telecommunications infrastructure. Congress stands ready to work with you on this initiative to reduce America’s dependence on foreign adversaries, mitigate cyberattack vulnerabilities, and ensure U.S. supremacy in critical technologies.

    As you know, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has worked diligently to combat the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) efforts to leverage private companies to create backdoors in our telecommunications infrastructure. For example, the House of Representatives just recently passed H.R. 866, the ROUTERS Act, to safeguard Americans’ communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both. Additionally, in the 118th Congress, the House passed H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which prevents foreign adversary-controlled applications from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating Americans through online applications like TikTok. Congress also worked to ensure that the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, or the “Rip and Replace” program, received proper funding to remove untrusted equipment such as Huawei and ZTE from our networks.

    Last year, the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released their Joint Investigation report into Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC), a PRC-owned and operated company. The investigation yielded that ZPMC, or a third-party company contracted with ZPMC, installed cellular modems onto STS cranes currently operational at U.S. ports. These installations fall outside the scope of any contract between the affected U.S. ports and ZPMC. The modems created an obscure method to collect information and bypass firewalls in a manner that could potentially disrupt port operations.

    Even more recently, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that the Chinese-made Contec CMS8000 patient monitors contained a hard-coded IP address linked to an unidentified third party, allowing for reverse backdoor functionality. This vulnerability allows for remote access of the medical device and may allow for potential manipulation, risking patient safety and compromising sensitive health data.

    These are just a few examples of how the CCP will use every tool at its disposal to undermine U.S. economic and national security interests to further its agenda. The recent proliferation of cybersecurity incidents underscores the need for the entire federal government to work together to address and deter cyber threats. We write to you today because we believe there is more the FCC can do to reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

    As the backbone of the Internet, routers play a critical role in securing communications for consumers and businesses. When these devices are insecure, they can serve as gateways for cyberattacks. For example, weak, default, or easily predicted passwords make routers vulnerable to exploitation. Malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities in routers to disrupt service, steal sensitive data, or even launch attacks against critical infrastructure.

    It has been reported that TP-Link, a Chinese company, owns roughly 65% of the routers used in U.S. homes and small businesses. Additionally, the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies have used TP-Link Routers before. Multiple TP-Link routers have been added to the National Institute of Science (NIST) National Vulnerability Database for containing a directory traversal vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive files by sending specially crafted requests.

    We are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of these devices and that unsecured routers may allow the CCP to surveil American data or disrupt our networks. Although the Department of Commerce is reviewing whether or not to ban routers made by Chinese-owned companies in the future, many of these devices remain on our networks, which nefarious actors could still leverage.

    With the new Council for National Security, the FCC can take various actions to mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with unsecured routers. The FCC could leverage equipment authorization through the Telecommunications Certification Body to require routers to allow only uniquely identifiable devices known to the household and securely authenticated by the network owner onto a customer’s network. These steps represent broadly accepted minimum security practices under NIST guidance and are necessary first steps toward protecting our nation’s consumers and networks from cyber risks. Other immediate-term options, such as prohibiting any new sales of TP-Link routers, or requiring ISPs to block new TP-Link routers from being added to home networks, would stop the influx of these devices on networks. Additionally, as we think beyond TP-Link routers, ISP authentication will strengthen U.S. networks’ ability to defend themselves against future untrusted Internet of Things (IoT) devices joining their networks.

    We are confident that, under your leadership, we can advance national cybersecurity initiatives

    and create robust strategies to strengthen U.S. networks against cybersecurity threats. Together,

    we can foster a secure digital environment that instills trust and confidence among users

    nationwide.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 205

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 205
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    440 PM CDT Thu May 1 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    South-Central and South Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon from 440 PM until Midnight
    CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast to
    develop through the late afternoon and into the evening. A very
    unstable airmass and adequate deep-layer shear will promote
    supercell development. Large to giant hail is possible with the
    stronger storms. By this evening, a few storms may congeal and move
    east of the Rio Grande into parts of south Texas, posing a risk for
    large hail and severe gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Junction TX to 50 miles west southwest of Laredo TX. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 203…WW 204…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector
    31010.

    …Smith

    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 205
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    440 PM CDT Thu May 1 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    South-Central and South Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon from 440 PM until Midnight
    CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3.5
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast to
    develop through the late afternoon and into the evening. A very
    unstable airmass and adequate deep-layer shear will promote
    supercell development. Large to giant hail is possible with the
    stronger storms. By this evening, a few storms may congeal and move
    east of the Rio Grande into parts of south Texas, posing a risk for
    large hail and severe gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Junction TX to 50 miles west southwest of Laredo TX. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 203…WW 204…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector
    31010.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW5
    WW 205 SEVERE TSTM TX 012140Z – 020500Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    15NW JCT/JUNCTION TX/ – 50WSW LRD/LAREDO TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /8WNW JCT – 45WSW LRD/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 31010.

    LAT…LON 30679860 27279892 27270152 30670129

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU5.

    Watch 205 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (40%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to March 30-April 8 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 1, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 Missouri counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state from March 30 to April 8. Six deaths were confirmed due to severe storms during the period.   

    “Missouri has repeatedly been hit hard by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding this year and the result has been widespread damage and destruction of homes, private property, and public infrastructure,” Governor Kehoe said. “While Missourians and faith-based and volunteer organizations have been supporting their neighbors and local and state government are working hard at recovery, the cost of these efforts – often because of repeated damage in the same counties – is beyond the capacity of local communities and the state to bear in full.”

    Eighteen of the 26 counties included in this request for a federal disaster declaration were also included in a federal disaster request made by Governor Kehoe on April 2, 2025.

    Based on the documented damage, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Individual Assistance for the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, and Wayne.

    Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.  

    Based on the documented damage and emergency response costs, Governor Kehoe is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for the following 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster.

    If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

    Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $25.5 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

    Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces Additions to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool, May 2025 Cash Dividend and Q1 2025 Earnings Release Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) and Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership (“Mr. Lube + Tires”) announced today that effective May 1, 2025 the Mr. Lube + Tires royalty pool (the “Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool”) has been adjusted to include the royalties from six new flagship Mr. Lube + Tires locations and remove one flagship Mr. Lube + Tires location that has permanently closed. With the adjustment for these five net new locations, the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool now includes 149 flagship locations.

    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIV, stated, “Mr. Lube + Tires continues to generate strong same-store-sales-growth across its franchise system and is well positioned to continue this impressive growth moving forward”.

    Pamela Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mr. Lube + Tires, stated, “Mr. Lube + Tires is proud of the performance of our franchisees in 2024. We continue to be focused on growing the Mr. Lube + Tires brand, strengthening the store level economics of our franchisees, and continuing to provide best-in-class service to our customers”.

    Additions to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool

    Subject to certain performance criteria being met, and the LP Amendment as described further below, the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool is adjusted annually on May 1 (the “Adjustment Date”) to include new Mr. Lube + Tires locations that have been open since July 1 of the previous reporting period and to remove Mr. Lube + Tires locations that have been permanently closed during the previous year.

    The initial consideration paid to Mr. Lube + Tires for the estimated net additional royalty revenue was $4.0 million, representing 80% of the total estimated consideration of $5.0 million. The initial consideration of $4.0 million was elected by DIV to be paid in the form of 1,460,419 Common Shares of DIV on the basis of the 20-day volume weighted average closing price of the Common Shares for the period ended April 24, 2025 of $2.7363 per Common Share.

    The remaining consideration payable for the additional royalty revenue of the six new Mr. Lube + Tires locations added to the Royalty Pool on May 1, 2025 will be paid to Mr. Lube + Tires on May 1, 2026, the next Adjustment Date, and will be adjusted to reflect the actual system sales of these six new locations for the year ending December 31, 2025, net of the lost system sales of the one permanently closed Mr. Lube + Tires location removed from the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty pool on May 1, 2025.

    On May 1, 2023, the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool was adjusted to include royalties from five new flagship Mr. Lube + Tires locations. The initial consideration previously paid by DIV was $4.7 million, which represented 80% of the total estimated consideration for those five locations, which estimate was based on the forecast system sales of these five locations for year ending December 31, 2023. As a result of a previously-announced amendment (the “LP Amendment”) to the amended and restated limited partnership agreement (the “LP Agreement”) of DIV’s direct subsidiary ML Royalties Limited Partnership (“ML LP”), the remaining consideration payable for the additional royalty revenue of the five Mr. Lube + Tires locations (the “2023 True-Up Locations”) added to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool on May 1, 2023 was to be paid to Mr. Lube + Tires on May 1, 2025 (as opposed to May 1, 2024), and adjusted to reflect the actual system sales of these five new locations for the year ending December 31, 2024 (as opposed to the actual system sales for the year ending December 31, 2023).

    The actual system sales for the 2023 True-Up Locations added to the Royalty Pool on May 1, 2023 has now been determined for the year ended December 31, 2024 to be $10.1 million. The total consideration payable to Mr. Lube + Tires for the net additional royalty revenue of these 2023 True-Up Locations based on their actual system sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 is $7.1 million. After taking into account the $4.7 million previously paid by DIV to Mr. Lube + Tires on May 1, 2023 for the 2023 True-Up Locations, DIV paid Mr. Lube + Tires the remaining $2.4 million of cash consideration for the net additional royalty revenue of these 2023 True-Up Locations on May 1, 2025.

    For further details with respect to the manner in which annual adjustments of the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool occur and the agreements underlying the procedures therefor, see DIV’s Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 as well as the LP Amendment, copies of each of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    May 2025 Cash Dividend

    DIV is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.02083 per common share for the period of May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025, which is equal to $0.25 per common share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be paid on May 30, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Earnings Release Date

    DIV will release earnings results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 following the closing of regular trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on May 14, 2025.

    About Diversified Royalty Corp.

    DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

    DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive janitorial, building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.

    DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or financial outlook. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and financial outlook, although not all forward-looking information and financial outlook contain these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information and financial outlook in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: the amount and timing of the payment for the remaining consideration payable to Mr. Lube + Tires for the additional royalty revenue from the six Mr. Lube + Tires locations added to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool on May 1, 2025; DIV’s belief that Mr. Lube + Tires will continue to generate strong same-store-sales-growth across its franchise system and is well positioned to continue its impressive growth moving forward; Mr. Lube + Tires being focused on growing the Mr. Lube + Tires brand, strengthening the store level economics of its franchisees, and continuing to provide best-in-class service to its customers; the amount and timing of the May 2025 dividend to be paid to DIV’s shareholders; the timing of DIV releasing earnings results for the three months ended March 31, 2025; DIV’s objective to continue to pay predictable and stable monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such forward-looking information and financial outlook. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information and financial outlook are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: Mr. Lube + Tires will continue to make royalty payments in the amounts and at the times required, or at all; the amount of, or timing of the payment for, the additional consideration payable to Mr. Lube + Tires for the six additional Mr. Lube + Tires locations added to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool on May 1, 2025 will occur in the amount or at the time estimated; that transactions completed with Mr. Lube + Tires for the additions to the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool will be accretive to DIV shareholders; that Mr. Lube + Tires will realize any of the intended benefits of its growth strategy; that Mr. Lube + Tires will continue to grow its brand; that Mr. Lube + Tires will continue opening new stores, or that such stores will be successful if opened; that Mr. Lube + Tires will succeed in strengthening store level economics of its franchisees; that Mr. Lube + Tires will continue to provide best-in-class service to its customers; DIV will be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; or DIV will achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information and financial outlook included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information and financial outlook should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 and in DIV’s most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis, copies of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    In formulating the forward-looking information and financial outlook contained herein, management has assumed that DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; lenders will provide any necessary waivers required in order to allow DIV to continue to pay dividends; the performance of the Mr. Lube + Tires flagship locations in the Mr. Lube + Tires Royalty Pool will be consistent with DIV’s expectations; and the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

    To the extent any forward-looking information in this news release constitutes a “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, such information is being provided to provide investors with an estimate of the financial impact to DIV of transactions with Mr. Lube + Tires described in this news release.

    All of the forward-looking information and financial outlook in this news release is qualified in its entirety by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information and financial outlook included in this news release is presented as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

    THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    Additional Information

    Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact:
    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (604) 235-3146

    Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (604) 235-3146

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Petrus Resources Declares Monthly Dividend for May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrus Resources Ltd. (“Petrus” or the “Company”) (TSX: PRQ) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly dividend in the amount of $0.01 per share payable May 30, 2025, to shareholders of record on May 15, 2025. The dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”)
    Petrus’ DRIP enables eligible shareholders to reinvest all or part of their cash dividends into additional common shares of the Company. Participation in the DRIP is optional. Eligible shareholders who elect to reinvest their cash dividends under the DRIP will receive common shares issued from treasury at a discount of 3% from the market price of the common shares.

    To participate in the DRIP, registered shareholders must deliver a properly completed enrollment form to Odyssey Trust Company (“Odyssey”) before 4:00 p.m. (Calgary time) on the 5th business day immediately preceding a dividend record date. Beneficial shareholders who wish to participate in the DRIP should contact their broker or other nominee through which their Common Shares are held to determine their eligibility and provide appropriate enrollment instructions. Participation by shareholders that are not resident in Canada may be restricted.

    A complete copy of the DRIP is available on the Company’s website at www.petrusresources.com and on Odyssey’s website at https://odysseytrust.com/faq/. A copy of the enrollment form for use by registered shareholders is available on Odyssey’s website at https://odysseytrust.com/faq/. For further information regarding the DRIP, please contact Odyssey at 1-888-290-1175 (Toll free in North America) or 1-587-885-0960.

    ABOUT PETRUS
    Petrus is a public Canadian oil and gas company focused on property exploitation, strategic acquisitions and risk-managed exploration in Alberta.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
    Ken Gray
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    T: 403-930-0889
    E: kgray@petrusresources.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Hudson Unveil Bill to End Biden-Era ‘Social Cost’ Climate Models, Supercharge Trump’s American Energy Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC — Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act alongside Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), legislation that will eliminate the use of “social cost” metrics in federal rulemaking and reinforce President Donald Trump’s Unleashing American Energy executive order.
    “Under President Trump, American energy dominance is back, and states like Oklahoma are fueling the charge,” said Lankford. “This bill pushes back on the Biden Administration’s war on American energy producers by ensuring federal rulemaking is grounded in facts—not flawed models or political agendas. It’s a necessary step to restore transparency, rein in government overreach, and keep American energy competitive.”
    “The Biden-Harris Administration used every tool at their disposal to advance their radical green agenda,” said Hudson. “My bill ensures that going forward, no Administration can use inaccurate, unreliable standards to pass dangerous regulations.”
    Background
    The social cost of greenhouse gas metrics are theoretical measurements that try to put a price or economic impact on emissions. Measurement theories have been used by the federal government to determine the economic impact of potential federal regulations, even though they are unscientific and can result in more burdensome regulations.
    Lankford’s bill would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Interior Department, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health and Human Services from using the social cost of carbon, the social cost of methane, and social cost of nitrous oxide as rationales for their regulations.
    The Washington Reporter published an exclusive on the legislation, which you can read HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Bill to Protect Children Online, Hold App Stores Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the App Store Accountability Act today, a bill providing parents with tools to protect their children from harmful content on mobile apps. Representative John James (R-MI) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.
    “For too long, Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators,” said Senator Lee. “Our legislation brings age verification and accountability to the source of the problem.”  
    “Kids cannot consent — and any company that exposes them to addictive or adult material should be held accountable. The App Store Accountability Act holds Big Tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores. It safeguards the next generation by empowering parents and ensures that when it comes to protecting children, no one is above the law.” – Congressman John James
    The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents as decision makers for their children’s online safety and holds app stores responsible for providing safeguards. The legislation requires app stores and developers to protect children by requiring parental approval for app downloads and providing accurate age ratings for apps. The bill also prohibits any selling or sharing of sensitive data or any act that would restrict free speech or expression. 
    Support for increased parental empowerment online is widespread and bipartisan. Recent polling shows 88% of parents support requiring app stores to obtain parental approval for minors to download apps, and 68% agree that granting approval through app stores would be the easiest way to provide their consent. 101 advocate organizations for children’s online safety endorsed the App Store Accountability Act in a letter of support led by the Digital Childhood Alliance. The letter can be read here. 
    “I started this effort in 2019 with Senator Lee because I saw how easily children were being funneled into danger through apps—often without a parent ever knowing. App stores are the chokepoint, and if we don’t require age checks and consent there, we are failing families. This bill is the solution I wish had existed years ago—and the one we need now more than ever.” – Melissa McKay, Founder, Digital Childhood Alliance and App Store Accountability Movement
    “App stores treat children like virtual adults—promoting adult-oriented platforms and allowing minors to accept terms and download any app without parental oversight. Parents, not tech companies, should have the final say over their child’s app usage. This bill restores parents’ digital sovereignty, empowers them to make informed choices, and reestablishes appropriate digital boundaries for children.” – Annie Chestnut Tutor, policy analyst for the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation
    “For too long, Big Tech has made it nearly impossible to know what our kids are downloading, agreeing to, or being exposed to. While they monetize our children, parents are totally left out of the loop. The App Store Accountability Act gives parents an important tool to protect their children online and off.” – Andrea Sparks, Not on Our Watch
    “App stores continue to overlook the age of their users and let kids download apps that require complex terms of service without parental consent, including mature adult apps, like online dating apps. The App Store Accountability Act would change this. It would put parents back in the driver’s seat over kids’ app experiences, requiring their consent for each app download or purchase. This bill provides the much-needed help that America’s parents need!” – Clare Morell, Fellow, The Ethics and Public Policy Center
    “This bill is a turning point for families. App stores have operated without oversight for too long, making it impossible for parents to protect their children from harmful content and predators. The App Store Accountability Act doesn’t ask for the impossible—it demands the necessary minimum: age verification and real parental consent. With 88% of parents supporting this solution across party lines, we’re witnessing a powerful movement for change that cannot be ignored.” – Andrea Davis, Founder, Better Screen Time
    The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents to protect their children online by:
    • Requiring app stores to utilize privacy-protecting age verification methods, and link minor-owned accounts to a parental account—allowing parents to give consent before the minor makes downloads or purchases. 
    • Providing a safe harbor for compliant app stores: Platforms can meet minimum standards by offering tools like secure age verification, parental oversight, and accurate app age ratings.
    • Requiring transparency and oversight: Annual certifications and a complaint mechanism will ensure tools are effective and loopholes are closed.
    • Prohibiting data exploitation: The sale of age-related data collected for verification will be strictly prohibited.
    To read Senator Lee’s op-ed for The Hill, click here.
    To read CNN’s exclusive coverage, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 259 Colleagues Reintroduce Historic Equality Act To Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 01, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 259 Members of Congress in reintroducing the bicameral Equality Act to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump Administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.
    In states across the country, over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed so far this year—the most in U.S. history. The Equality Act is historic, comprehensive legislation to enshrine civil rights protections for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors in federal law.
    The Equality Act amends landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    “Donald Trump thinks attacking gay and transgender people makes him look tough, but Americans don’t like bullies,” said Murphy. “The Equality Act is simple. Every person deserves dignity, safety, and equality under our laws, no matter who they are, who they love or where they live.”
    “The LGBTQ+ community is under attack by the Trump Administration’s cruel and callous actions every day,” said Blumenthal. “The Equality Act ensures that everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, is protected from discrimination everywhere, whether it’s in the workplace, going to school, or buying a house. LGBTQ+ Americans deserve to be free and safe from unjust and unfair treatment, and I am proud to stand with them in this fight.”
    Full text of the legislation can be found HERE. A summary of the legislation is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Management Approves the First Review New Staff Monitored-Program with Haiti

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 1, 2025

    Staff Monitored Programs (SMPs) are informal arrangements between national authorities and IMF staff to monitor the authorities’ economic program. As such, they do not entail endorsement by the IMF Executive Board. SMP Staff reports are issued to the Board for information.

    • Management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the First Review of the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) with Haiti.
    • The SMP takes into account Haiti’s fragility and capacity constraints, linked to security. It is designed to support the authorities’ economic policy objectives and build a track record of reform implementation.
    • Fund management welcomes the authorities’ publication of the Governance Diagnostic Report.

    Washington, DC: Management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved on April 15, 2025 the first review of Haiti’s Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). SMPs are arrangements between country authorities and the IMF to monitor the implementation of the authorities’ economic program and to establish a track record of policy implementation that could pave the way for financial assistance from the Fund under the Upper Credit Tranche (UCT).

    Haiti faces a multidimensional crisis with a challenging outlook which is highly uncertain. The country is affected by both global and country-specific shocks, which have worsened its fragility, since the negotiation of the SMP. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside and include worsening insecurity that would constrain further activity and the ability to implement reforms and attract aid and the foreign direct investment. The supply-side shock caused by the security crisis will continue to suppress growth and feed inflation unless the security outlook improves. Therefore, restoration of security is the priority.

    Despite domestic and global difficulties, the authorities are firmly committed to implement this SMP and have managed to contain the impact of the various shocks, thereby averting even worse economic outcomes. Net international reserves were valued at over US$1.1 billion at the end of December 2024. Despite the political transition and insecurity both the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (the Central Bank) have remained continuously engaged. They have consistently attempted to adopt feasible measures to limit macroeconomic imbalances and have been able to demonstrate full ownership and support for the SMP through the high-level Program Monitoring Committee which meets with IMF staff on a continuous basis.

    Implementation under the SMP has been broadly satisfactory and its objectives remain achievable. All quantitative targets have been met, with a comfortable margin. Of the seven structural benchmarks assessed under this review, six were implemented and one is expected to be met by June (due to constraints related to insecurity).

    The SMP is an important anchor for signaling the authorities’ commitment to continue making progress toward macroeconomic stabilization and strengthen governance, and locking in macroeconomic gains accumulated over recent years, despite the many headwinds.

    An urgent government priority is re-starting the mobilization of revenue to support the country’s massive development needs and boost well-targeted spending. The measures under the SMP should help achieve these goals. Continued strengthening of the social safety net is essential to cushion the impact of the shocks on the population and alleviate widespread poverty. The spending commitments previously indicated by the authorities using Food Shock Window resources should be audited in line with SMP commitments.

    The fiscal and monetary authorities’ commitment to keeping monetary financing of the deficit at zero is commendable and should continue. The FY2023 financial audit of the BRH is urgent and its eventual publication by August 2025 would be important for demonstrating transparency.

    In addition to addressing insecurity, advancing governance reforms is paramount to help Haiti exit from fragility, ensure macroeconomic stability and build trust with the private sector and development partners. In this vein, the authorities’ publication of the Governance Diagnostic Report and action plan is commendable. The report should provide a road map for reforms to enhance governance and will require capacity development support not only from the Fund but also from development partners.

    A government-led strategy to continue to strengthen the economy’s resilience to multiple shocks requires the financial support of the international community. This assistance is indispensable to allow quality spending, over the short, medium, and long term. Without it, Haiti will continue to suffer large import compression. External assistance should take the form of grants. The authorities should avoid contracting non-concessional loans, to ensure consistency with the SMP commitments. Non-concessional loans would not only be against SMP commitment. It would also undermine debt sustainability.

    In line with the Fund Strategy for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States, IMF staff will also continue to coordinate closely with Haiti’s main development partners, particularly on governance and capacity development.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/01/pr-25126-haiti-imf-approves-1st-review-new-staff-monitored-program

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Use caution, be fire safe this weekend

    People are asked to use caution over the next several days as a combination of warm, dry conditions and strong winds in much of southern B.C. are adding to elevated wildfire danger.

    The BC Wildfire Service urges people to postpone any open burning until the windy conditions pass and to use extra caution when camping in the backcountry.

    “We are expecting active weather in the coming days that could set the stage for dangerous wildfire conditions across the province,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “This is the time of year when we’re at the most risk for human-caused wildfires in B.C., most of which are entirely preventable. As the days get longer and nicer, with more people camping or working outside, we all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risk by remaining vigilant, cautious and informed.”

    People planning to have campfires should do so safely, following any local prohibitions. Tips include:

    • avoid having a campfire when it’s windy;
    • choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris; and
    • do not leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time.

    Open-burning prohibitions are expected to be in place in the coming weeks and will be updated as conditions change.

    Throughout the province, people are encouraged to stay up to date on current wildfire activity and check for road closures, evacuation alerts and orders, and weather conditions, and follow instructions from local governments or First Nations. People are also asked to do their part by reporting any wildfires even if they may have already been reported to either *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555, toll-free.

    The BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to check the current wildfire situation, road conditions, evacuation information and weather forecasts. Users can also report new wildfires and submit photos, which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making.

    Learn More:

    For BC Wildfire Service information and updates, visit: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard

    For more information about how to FireSmart your home, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Environment and Climate Change Canada Enforcement lays 200 charges under the Fisheries Act against one company for alleged offences related to unauthorized deposits of deleterious substances

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 1, 2025 – Montréal, Quebec

    The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health, safety, and environment of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the laws that protect the air, water, and natural environment in Canada, and it takes pollution incidents and threats to the environment very seriously.

    On April 30, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada Enforcement laid 200 charges against ArcelorMittal Canada inc. for violation of subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act. Under subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act, it is prohibited to deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious substance in water frequented by fish or in any place where the deleterious substance may enter any such water.

    The charges stem from several investigations launched by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers. These investigations were conducted into alleged deposits of deleterious substances into several fish-bearing waterways made by the Mont-Wright mining complex and the Fire Lake mine in the Fermont region of Quebec. The incidents reportedly occurred between May 2014 and June 2022.   

    All charges are currently before the Court, and they have not yet been proven. Under Canadian law, those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada will not be commenting further at this time.

    Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Reinforcing legislation, refocusing health care

    [. Since then, significant changes have been made to both legislation and regulations to establish the refocused health care system. The proposed Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, would address all outstanding policy items and ensure a successfully refocused health care system.

    Under Bill 55, amendments are proposed to the Provincial Health Agencies Act, Hospitals Act, Protection of Persons in Care Act, Health Information Act and the Public Health Act.

    “A year and a half in, and we are in the final stages of refocusing Alberta’s health care system. The proposed changes will help us continue to improve the health care system for all Albertans.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Refocusing public health

    Throughout the public engagement sessions held across the province, Albertans and health care workers have stressed the need for a consistent and strategic approach to public health, which the current organizational structure doesn’t facilitate.

    As part of the health care system refocusing, Alberta’s government will transfer several public health functions that currently reside within Alberta Health Services to Primary Care Alberta later this year. Primary Care Alberta will oversee front-line public health services, such as communicable disease control, immunizations, newborn screening and health promotion.

    Additionally, key functions like policy development, public health inspections and surveillance will be moved to Alberta Health, and the province’s medical officers of health will move into the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Amendments to the Public Health Act will enable these transitions while ensuring these important functions are not interrupted and Albertans can rely on a consistent delivery of services.

    “Promoting and protecting the health of individuals, families and communities is foundational to Primary Care Alberta’s commitment to bringing the right care to patients where they are. I look forward to welcoming our front-line public health providers to the Primary Care Alberta team and working with these dedicated professionals to build a strong, unified health care system that improves health outcomes for all those who call Alberta home.”

    Kim Simmonds, president and CEO, Primary Care Alberta

    There will be no disruption to public health delivery in the province during the transition. Albertans will continue to access public health services as they always have. There will be no front-line job losses, and the collective bargaining process will be respected as this work moves forward.

    Other proposed amendments

    If passed, amendments will strengthen health foundations by streamlining governance functions like bylaw approval and board member appointment processes, bring clarity to public health’s role in the refocused system and ensure legislation accurately reflects how hospitals will be managed and operated.

    The new health shared services entity, which supports all four health services sectors, will provide oversight for health foundations in the refocused system. This is a natural fit for health foundations, as they work across all sectors. Legislation will also establish a clearer connection between health foundations and the communities they serve.

    The Government of Alberta takes all allegations of abuse in publicly funded care facilities seriously. A proposed amendment to the Protection of Persons in Care Act will provide additional capacity to complete investigations into allegations of abuse and is part of Alberta Health’s commitment to provide timely service and protect vulnerable adult Albertans in care.

    The Health Information Act is also being amended to provide the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services with further powers to enable it to fulfil its mandate as the sector ministry for continuing care. This ensures the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services can collect, use and disclose health information necessary to support the minister’s role as the sector minister responsible for continuing care in Alberta, including Assisted Living Alberta, the provincial health agency that became a legal entity on April 1 and will be operational later this year.

    Also proposed in this legislation is that sections of the Hospitals Act be repealed. Certain aspects of the Hospitals Act will be integrated into the Provincial Health Agencies Act and will ensure governance of the health system is under one statute. The Hospitals Act is outdated legislation that does not reflect current acute-care system governance or the introduction of new governance structures and ministerial roles. There will be no effects on the standards of care provided within hospitals by repealing portions of this act.

    Quick facts

    • Amendments to legislation would enable key policy shifts to support refocusing efforts, including:
      • Updating the oversight and governance for health foundations.
      • Ensuring hospital governance aligns with the health system refocusing direction.
      • Reorganizing the governance and planning for public health services.
      • Repealing references to regional health authorities, health regions and Alberta Health Services (AHS) in legislation (to be proclaimed in fall 2025, after AHS’ functions and responsibilities as the regional health authority have transitioned to other entities).
    • In spring 2024, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, passed, along with regulatory amendments to enable the stand up of the provincial health agencies.
    • In fall 2024, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (No.2), amended the Provincial Health Agencies Act and its regulations, establishing AHS’ legal status as it transitions from a regional health authority to an acute-care service provider.
    • The Health Information Act was amended in fall 2024 to designate the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) as a custodian under the act, meaning SCSS can access specific health information for the purpose of fulfilling its mandate.

    Related information

    • Streamlining the health care system for Albertans
    • Bill 55: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025

    Related news

    • Refocusing emergency services (March 10, 2025)
    • Refocusing continuing care for the future (Jan. 30, 2025)
    • Refocused health care: Continuing the conversation (Jan. 9, 2025)
    • Refocusing acute care leadership for the future (Jan. 8, 2025)
    • Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Dunn, Luján, Moody Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Spaceport Infrastructure Investments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL-02) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) to reintroduce bicameral and bipartisan legislation to incentivize investment in spaceport infrastructure. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act will provide spaceports like Vandenberg Space Force Base eligibility for tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds, which are typically used to attract private investment for critical infrastructure projects.

    Currently, projects such as airports and docks qualify for these tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act provides spaceports the same opportunities to garner needed investment for a rapidly evolving industry.

    “We’re in the middle of a new space race and we need to give American spaceports the tools they need to maintain their competitive edge,” said Rep. Carbajal, senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step forward to improving public-private investments into our growing space industry and ensuring our country doesn’t fall behind our foreign competitors.”

    Rep. Dunn said, “The United States must invest heavily in its space infrastructure to maintain our economic dominance and national security interests in space. Florida communities are eager to expand investments in space infrastructure, and Congress must be willing to facilitate these efforts. This bipartisan legislation will help secure our commercial and defense interests while paving the way for American dominance in space.”

    Sen. Moody said, “I have seen firsthand how public and private entities can come together to make great strides in innovation on Florida’s Space Coast. It is vital to incentivize these partnerships and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of the space industry to not only build upon Florida’s economic successes but protect national security interests as well. I am thankful for my colleagues that have joined me in introducing this important legislation and look forward to bolstering Florida’s position as the leader of space exploration.”

    Sen. Luján said, “As our adversaries rapidly invest in space innovation and infrastructure, we must act decisively to maintain our leadership in space innovation. Strengthening investments in spaceports – like Spaceport America in New Mexico and others nationwide – is critical to this effort. That is why I’m proud to introduce this bill that creates pathways for public and private partnerships to ensure our country remains at the forefront of space innovation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Domestic Abuser Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Brandon Mitchell, 28, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty in federal court April 30, 2025, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  Mitchell was previously convicted twice for domestic abuse assault in the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, and as a result, was prohibited from possessing firearms. 

    At the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted having two prior convictions for misdemeanor domestic violence and being an unlawful user of marijuana.  Evidence further showed that on February 24, 2024, when Mitchell received the 9mm pistol, he was under indictment for attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser.  Mitchell also admitted that during a search warrant at his residence he discarded the 9mm pistol out of a bedroom window in an attempt to avoid being found in possession of a firearm.   

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

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Mitchell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Mitchell faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, and Mason City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-3038.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Forest City Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.

    Andrew Jay Frazee, 31, from Forest City, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over a pound of methamphetamine.

    At the plea hearing, Frazee admitted that in November of 2024, he and others conspired to distribute over a pound of methamphetamine in and around Hancock County, Iowa.  Evidence showed that, on November 19, 2024, law enforcement observed Frazee and his vehicle in a ditch in rural Hancock County.  Upon contact with law enforcement, Frazee exhibited signs of impairment and deputies noted the smell of marijuana.  A search of the vehicle was conducted where deputies found approximately 325 grams of methamphetamine, a smoking device, baggies, over $1,200 cash, a scale, and marijuana.  Frazee admitted recently buying large quantities of methamphetamine and distributing to others.   

    Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Frazee remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Frazee faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 25-CR-03003.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –