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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Staff Issues Advisory on Referrals to the Division of Enforcement

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC Staff Issues Advisory on Referrals to the Division of Enforcement | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9067-25
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    April 17, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Market Participants Division, the Division of Clearing and Risk, and the Division of Market Oversight (Operating Divisions) and the Division of Enforcement (DOE) today issued a staff advisory providing guidance on the materiality or other criteria that the Operating Divisions will use to determine whether to make a referral to DOE for self-reported violations, or supervision or non-compliance issues. 
    This advisory furthers the implementation of DOE’s recent advisory, issued February 25, 2025, addressing its updated policy on self-reporting, cooperation, and remediation. [See CFTC Press Release No. 9054-25.]

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AGs secure ruling against Google’s digital advertising monopolies

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA — Consumers and small businesses got a major court victory after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia found that Google maintained illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, stifling competition and harming website publishers, advertisers, and consumers.

    The Washington state Attorney General’s Office joined a bipartisan coalition of seventeen attorneys general joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue Google in 2023, seeking to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct that threatens markets in the online advertising industry. 

    “Google’s unlawful monopoly in digital advertising has harmed businesses whose operations are largely funded by online advertising,” Attorney General Nick Brown said after the ruling. “Google’s anticompetitive practices have resulted in higher fees and limited advertising options that has become a vital tool for business both large and small businesses to connect with consumers.”

    In January 2023, DOJ and the coalition of attorneys general sued Google for stifling competition in the advertising technology industry, harming website publishers, advertisers, and consumers. The lawsuit alleged Google’s market power allows it to control nearly every aspect of online ad sales, allowing it to extract higher fees from advertisers while paying lower amounts to publishers for their ad space.

    This conduct hurts consumers and web publishers by making it harder for websites to make enough money on their advertising inventory, preventing them from offering internet users content for free, without subscriptions, paywalls, or alternative forms of monetization.

    Today’s decision, issued by Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia, found Google liable for violating antitrust law by acquiring and maintaining monopolies in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising. The judge also found Google liable for unlawfully tying together its publisher ad server and its ad exchange and that Google harmed competition, its own customers, and Internet users by imposing anticompetitive policies that reduced quality and increased prices.

    A second phase of the trial to determine remedies for Google’s conduct will take place at a later date.

    This lawsuit is led by the attorneys general of New York, California, and Virginia and DOJ, along with the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces Five Rural Workforce Housing Awards from the OneGeorgia Authority

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced today the next round of grant recipients for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, totaling more than $11 million in infrastructure development and supporting 542 housing units in five communities. All award recipients demonstrated strong collaboration and partnership with local real estate developers.

    “Georgia is experiencing rapid growth in communities across the state, and with that growth comes a need to provide infrastructure for those filling the record-breaking number of jobs to live and work,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This latest round of grants will ensure the people of Cairo, Hagan, Douglas, Augusta, and Swainsboro can live where they work and promote prosperity for these communities.”

    First announced in the governor’s 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative continues to be a catalyst for the development of critically needed workforce housing in communities across the state. The Georgia General Assembly approved $35.7 million to start the initiative in the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, a further $50 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget, an additional $6 million for Fiscal Year 2025, and an additional $28 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024. 

    “Housing Georgia’s talented workforce is crucial for the state’s continued economic growth and prosperity,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “The OneGeorgia Authority remains committed to helping communities with a vision implement their intentional workforce housing solutions.”

    In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment to increasing access to affordable housing for workers. The use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be utilized within the timeframe specified in the grant/loan award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

    Awards

    City of Cairo

    The City of Cairo was awarded $2,500.000 in OneGeorgia grant funds to construct road, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements to construct a total of 180 new, single-family housing units on 45 acres of land. The phased construction will begin with 60 single-family homes. The City of Cairo is contributing $227,078 to the total construction cost. The city has already approved the zoning requirements, and clearing has already started at the site. 

    City of Hagan

    The City of Hagan received a grant of $1,074,711 to improve street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure to develop 29 single-family homes on six acres of land. The city is contributing $62,241 towards the project.

    Douglas Coffee County Industrial Authority

    The Douglas Coffee County Industrial Authority was awarded $2,500,000 in OneGeorgia funds to construct street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure that will allow for the phased construction of 67 new housing units. The development is on a 36-acre tract.  The first phase will allow for the construction of 40 single-family homes. 

    The Industrial Authority will contribute $83,750 towards the project, and the City of Douglas will contribute $288,813. The developer and Satilla EMC have also committed to funds to the total program cost.

    Augusta Economic Development Authority

    The Augusta Economic Development Authority sought $2,500,000 in OneGeorgia funds to construct road, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements. The grant will support the development of 55 new, single-family housing units within the Southern Oaks Phase I development on 11.5 acres.  Subsequent phases will allow for 104 units and some future commercial development.

    Augusta Utilities is contributing $110,000, and the local development partner is also contributing to the total project cost. All required zoning for the housing development has already been approved.

    City of Swainsboro

    The City of Swainsboro received $2,500,000 in OneGeorgia funds for water, sewer, drainage, and road infrastructure improvements for development in the 23-acre Rolling Oaks Subdivision.  The initial phase will see 24 units developed, and additional phases will allow for a total of 47 homes in the subdivision.

    The city is contributing $102,000 towards the project, along with financial commitments from the developer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Inaugural UConn Hunger Symposium

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Congresswoman Jahana Hayes visited UConn Health to speak at the first UConn Hunger Symposium about the vital importance of nutrition access in Connecticut.

    Congresswoman Jahana Hayes speaking at the UConn Hunger Symposium.

    “Food is a basic need,” Hayes shared, even in America. “Hunger is a policy choice, that is something we can solve for! This one is actually one we can fix.”

    Husky Harvest food pantry at UConn Health.

    “I would like to welcome you all to the first-ever symposium on hunger,” shared Dr. Adam Perrin, director of Student Wellness and faculty co-director of Student Affairs at UConn School of Medicine. “Hopefully there will be many more to follow. As a family medicine doctor I always ask my patients about this social determinant of health. It’s amazing how much food insecurity is out there. It’s a harsh reality in our communities.”

    At the UConn Hunger Symposium Hayes emotionally shared her own past, personal journey with food insecurity, and the struggles she also witnessed in her students as a former public school teacher in Connecticut stressing that, “children need food to learn.”

    “We need to ensure food is getting to people. It’s so deeply personal to me, I understand how important these programs are,” said Hayes who recounted her first visit to the UConn Waterbury campus when she was first running for Congress. “Food insecurity came up and they were starting a food pantry at the school.”

    UConn President Radenka Maric with Congresswoman Jahana Hayes at the first UConn Hunger Symposium.

    Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of the non-profit CT FoodShare, also participated in the Symposium and applauded UConn for its dedication to now having Husky Harvest food pantries on each of its 7 campuses.

    Hayes pointed out startlingly how 3.8 million college students last year experienced food insecurity, and how she has introduced The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act to help them as the Ranking Member of the Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture Subcommittee. She also works closely in Connecticut with CT Foodshare that has also generously donated food and resources to the Husky Harvest food pantries.

    Congresswoman Hayes touring the UConn Health campus food pantry on April 17. 2025.

    “Thanks for all that you do,” shared Hayes with the leadership of UConn, UConn Health, its faculty, staff and medical and dental students attending the symposium. “I applaud what you are doing, and in your clinical curriculum. I know the students who train here will be a kind, different type of doctor.”

    Dr. Adam Perrin of UConn School of Medicine and Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of CT FoodShare.

    “Food insecurity is real. We have food pantries on each of our campuses. This is very dear to my heart as president of the University,” shared Radenka Maric, president of UConn. “I’m so proud this symposium is taking place.”

    The medical school staff including Suzanne Tate and student volunteers founded UConn Health campus’ Husky Harvest food pantry back in 2023 after a survey showed that even 30 percent of its students may struggle at times with food insecurity.

    UConn School of Medicine Dean Dr. Bruce T. Liang and Congresswoman Hayes.

    “Our students are taught as part of their 4-year curriculum about the vital importance healthy food plays on one’s health,” shared Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine. “As a cardiologist I know how critical good nutrition is for a person’s health. As we do more research innovations, nutrition is going to be even more important.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board requests comment on a proposal to reduce the volatility of the capital requirements stemming from the Board’s annual stress test results

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    April 17, 2025
    Federal Reserve Board requests comment on a proposal to reduce the volatility of the capital requirements stemming from the Board’s annual stress test results
    For release at 5:30 p.m. EDT

    The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday requested comment on a proposal to reduce the volatility of the capital requirements stemming from the Board’s annual stress test results. The proposal is the first of several actions following the Board’s announcement in December committing to broad stress test changes.
    In recent years, the framework of administrative law has changed significantly. As previously announced, the Board analyzed the current stress test in view of those changes and determined the test should be modified in important respects to improve its resiliency.
    The Board’s stress test evaluates the resilience of large banks by estimating their losses, revenue, and capital levels under a hypothetical severe recession scenario. Due to the changing hypothetical nature of the test, the results also change and introduce volatility each year. The results, in part, determine the calibration of the stress capital buffer (SCB), which is one component of the amount of capital large banks must hold to absorb losses.
    Today’s proposal would address two of these areas, first by averaging stress test results over two consecutive years to reduce the year-over-year changes in the capital requirements that result from the stress test. In addition, the proposal would delay the annual effective date of the stress capital buffer requirement from October 1 to January 1 of the following year, giving banks additional time to adjust to their new capital requirements. Lastly, the proposal would make targeted changes to streamline the Board’s stress test-related data collection. These proposed changes are not designed to materially affect overall capital requirements.
    Later this year, the Board intends to propose additional changes to improve the transparency of the stress test. Those changes include disclosing and seeking public comment on the models that determine the hypothetical losses and revenue of banks under stress, and ensuring that the public can comment on the hypothetical scenarios used for the annual stress test before the scenarios are finalized.
    Comments on today’s proposal are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
    For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 202-452-2955.

    Last Update: April 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAO Committed to Prosecuting Those Who Sexually Exploit and Abuse Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio is raising awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April by bringing attention to the some of the youngest victims of crime.

    While child abuse can take many forms, the USAO specifically handles online cases where children have been sexually exploited by adults. Federal law prohibits the production, advertisement, transportation, distribution, receipt, sale, access or possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) utilizing a means of interstate commerce. The law further prohibits the online coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The USAO also prosecutes cases where offenders travel to engage in sexual activity with a minor under 16 or who transport a minor across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

    Although the term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statues, the term “pornography” can conjure up a false connection to adult pornography that is created by consenting adults 18 years and older. Instead, child pornography consists of videos and images of victims ranging in age from newborn to 17 years old, and who are physically tortured, sexually abused, extorted, manipulated, or simply incapable of comprehending the ramifications of their material posted online. Therefore, organizations who work to combat child exploitation prefer that these actions be referred to as “CSAM” as it reflects the abuse and exploitation depicted in the images and videos that result in prolonged trauma to children.

    “Offenders use the easy access of the internet to perpetuate this type of criminal behavior against our most vulnerable. Unbeknownst to parents, they connect with children online through social media, video games and other apps. In other cases, victims know their abuser. It could be a trusted friend, neighbor, coach, religious leader, babysitter −or even a parent−committing these crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio. “Our office is determined to go after these perpetrators and will continue to dedicate time and resources to investigate and prosecute CSAM offenders so that we can protect and rescue the children of our District as well as those in the worldwide internet community.”

    With the proliferation of the internet, the Department of Justice launched the Project Safe Childhood initiative in 2006 to combat technology-facilitated crimes that involve the sexual exploitation of children. Sexual predators use online avenues such as social media, to solicit children for physical sexual contact. Increasingly offenders entice, coerce or groom minors into producing CSAM. They accomplish this by gaining their trust in a number of ways quickly. Some minors report chatting with offenders for less than an hour before being asked to provide sexually explicit photos of themselves. Minors who comply with the request oftentimes become the victims of sextortion, where the perpetrator threatens to blackmail them in some way.

    Recent USAO cases involving child exploitation and sexual abuse include:

    U.S v. Rudra – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He admitted to picking her up in his vehicle to drive her to a hotel for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual acts with her. He was also found to possess CSAM on his electronic devices.

    U.S. v. Chesser – A former firefighter from Maumee, Ohio, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a two-year-old and produced child pornography of the toddler. He sexually exploited a second minor who was a teenager.

    U.S. v. Walker – A Rocky River, Ohio, man was sentenced to 35 years in prison after admitted to harming his victims and recording the sexual abuse on his cellphone. He connected with an 11-year-old victim through a children’s app and coerced her to send him sexually explicit photos. Two additional victims were identified as toddlers at a home daycare where he visited a friend who resided there.

    U.S. v. Patterson – A Canton, Ohio, man was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges including possessing hundreds of CSAM images that included children under the age of 12. Some of the images were of a minor who was unaware that she was being surreptitiously recorded by a hidden camera.

    U.S. v. Hughes – A Piqua, Ohio, man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for admitting his intention to engage in sexual activity with a purported seven-year-old daughter of an undercover agent.

    U.S. v. Reebel – A federal jury convicted a Toledo, Ohio, man of receiving and distributing CSAM, for nearly eight years. Investigators also discovered that he used social media for years to chat with minors and send them sexually explicit messages and photos of himself. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025.

    U.S. v. Greulich – A Cleveland man pleaded guilty to gaining the trust of a 14-year-old girl through a social media app and then driving to her home in New York on two separate occasions to take her to a hotel where he violently and sexually abused her which he recorded on a digital device. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

    To report child sexual abuse, please visit www.cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Charged in Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Four indictments were unsealed in federal court charging 16 individuals throughout San Diego County with distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin and laundering drug-trafficking proceeds.

    In a coordinated takedown yesterday, more than 115 federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested 10 defendants and executed three search warrants in the Nestor, Palm City, and Encanto neighborhoods within the City of San Diego. Six defendants were still being sought.

    Including seizures today and throughout this investigation, authorities have confiscated 26.8 kilograms of powdered fentanyl; 5.7 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl (estimated to be 57,000 pills); 25.7 kilograms of methamphetamine; 1.5 kilograms of cocaine; 1.1 kilograms of heroin; ketamine; MDMA; more than $40,000 in U.S. currency; a Maserati Ghibili; and nine firearms including an AK-47.

    U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said: “Together with our law enforcement partners, this office will disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations throughout the district. We are focused on the Department’s Take Back America priorities, and this investigation shows the direct results of implementing these priorities.”

    “Drug trafficking organizations fuel addiction and erode the safety of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “This extensive drug trafficking investigation exposed a criminal network that peddled poison from coast to coast. Law enforcement put their collective authorities together to dismantle this organization brick by brick. We stand with our fellow law enforcement partners to ensure the community is safe and those involved in drug trafficking are brought to justice.”

    “The indictments unsealed today paint a picture of an organization responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs into our communities – drugs that are killing Americans daily,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “These indictments should send a clear signal to drug trafficking organizations that where there’s money, there’s a trail, and IRS-CI is the best in the world at finding and following those trails.  We are proud to partner with fellow law enforcement agencies to flush out DTOs that put our communities at risk.”

    Today’s charges are the result of a 16-month investigation that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, undercover agents, and confidential sources. According to the indictments, the defendants distributed dangerous drugs such as fentanyl throughout the U.S., including in Ohio and Kansas, on behalf of a San Diego County-based drug trafficking organization. The investigation uncovered the use of shell companies to gather and launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking enterprise from other states, including Colorado, Minnesota and Nebraska. 

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Deshong.

    DEFENDANTS                                           

    Case Number 25cr0818-BAS

    Rodrigo Maciel-Cortez                                  Age: 25

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $1 million fine.

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0819-BAS

    Elijah Roman                                                Age: 28

    Leonela Veronica Leal                                  Age: 26

    Cindy Camarena-Gonzalez                          Age: 27

    Adan Antonio Sandoval-Luna                      Age: 30

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual) and more than 400 grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Distribution of more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison; $5,000 fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0820-AJB

    Luis Carlos Franco                                         Age: 24

    Jesus Adrian Garcia Jr.                                  Age: 32

    Jose Alexander Flores                                   Age: 23

    Andres Emilio Arce-Corrales                        Age: 18

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 100 Grams of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10,000,000 fine

    Distribution of more than 100 Grams of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    Case Number 25cr0821-WQH

    Diego Hernandez                                           Age: 24

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Distribution of more than 400 Grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)

    Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine

    Criminal Forfeiture; Title 21 U.S.C. § 853

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Oceanside Police Department

    IRS Criminal Investigation

    U.S. Bureau of Land Management

    San Diego Police Department

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    Carlsbad Police Department

    United States Marshals Service

    * Six defendants are still being sought

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    This investigation 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).

    High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian man charged with illegal re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, 38, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 28, 2025, a North Tonawanda police officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction in the vicinity of Thompson and Payne Avenues. North Tonawanda Police contacted U.S. Border Patrol to assist in identifying the occupants of the vehicle, including Loja-Loja. Through questioning, it was determined that Loja-Loja is a citizen and national of Ecuador, and not a National of the United States. Loja-Loja did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully. A records check determined that Loja-Loja was physically deported from the United States in March 2004.

    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).

    Loja-Loja made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Evans Announce Legislation to Support Victims of Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill would help the 100,000 new U.S. victims & survivors each year
    better navigate & use available resources
    Washington (April 17, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) along with Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03), today announced the introduction of the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025, legislation that would help all victims of gun violence – from survivors to their loved ones, coworkers, and classmates – identify and access the resources available to them to help meet medical, legal, financial, and other needs.
    The bill would establish a federal interagency advisory council to help victims navigate and use these resources, streamlining what can be a complex process in a nation of gun violence survivors. Every year in America, about 100,000 people survive gun-related injuries. An estimated 10,000,000 people in the U.S. have been shot and injured in their lifetimes.
    “For communities across the country, gun violence is an all too familiar tragedy. It is impossible to imagine the trauma that gun violence causes to victims, survivors, and their loved ones,”?said Senator Markey. “I am proud to join Congressman Evans in introducing the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which would establish an advisory council to gather information about programs to aid victims of gun violence and their families. These efforts can help heal the harm that gun violence inflicts on our society.
    “While gun violence is down in Philadelphia and many other communities, it’s still far too common – more than 1,000 people were injured by gunfire just in Philadelphia in 2024. So the list of victims and survivors who need well-coordinated help continues to grow, and our bill would make a difference for many of them,” said Congressman Evans. “I appreciate Senator Markey’s leadership in the Senate on this bill that would help so many victims and survivors across America.”
    The bill text is available HERE.
    The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    The full list of House cosponsors is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Statement on Federal Judge Ruling Google is Illegal Monopolist

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 17, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Following a federal judge ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in the online advertising market, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:
    “This is a big win in the fight to break up Big Tech. A judge ruled that Google broke the law, abusing its monopoly to raise prices and crush competition online. This victory is the result of years of work to rein in tech companies’ abuses.
    Justice Department antitrust enforcers Jonathan Kanter and Doha Mekki, who both filed and prosecuted this case, deserve major kudos. Google is an illegal monopolist—and it’s time to break up this tech giant.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    UNLEASHING OPPORTUNITY IN THE PACIFIC: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation to unleash American commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean—a key component of the America First Fishing Policy.
    The proclamation opens the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to commercial fishing, boosting the economy of American Samoa.
    It allows U.S.-flagged vessels to fish commercially within 50 to 200 nautical miles of the PRIMNM’s boundaries.
    EMPOWERING AMERICAN COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN: President Trump believes that removing unnecessary restrictions on American fishermen will strengthen the U.S. economy, support local communities, and restore fairness to an industry disadvantaged by overregulation and foreign competition.
    The PRIMNM was first established by President Bush in 2009 and then expanded by President Obama, closing off over 400,000 square miles of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific.
    The ban on commercial fishing within the PRIMNM did little to guard fish populations against overfishing, as tuna and other pelagic species are migratory in nature and do not permanently reside within the PRIMNM.
    As a result of the prohibitions on commercial fishing, American fishing fleets have lost access to nearly half of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands.
    This has driven American fishermen to fish further offshore in international waters to compete against poorly regulated and highly subsidized foreign fleets, most notably from China.
    By supporting honest American fishermen, we combat the rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by foreign fleets.

    This disadvantages United States commercial fishermen and is detrimental for United States territories like American Samoa, whose private sector economy is dependent on the fishing industry.
    American Samoa is home to the only Buy American-compliant tuna processing facility for U.S. military rations and school lunch programs.
    This cannery is the largest employer on the island, providing about 5,000 jobs.  In fact, the cannery accounts for 99.5% of American Samoa’s exports and 84% of the private employment in the territory.

    ADVANCING U.S. ECONOMIC INTERESTS: President Trump’s actions to revitalize commercial fishing are part of his broader strategy to unleash the full potential of the American economy by prioritizing deregulation and cutting red tape.
    President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new Federal rule is justified by clear benefits and accompanied by much larger deregulatory measures.
    President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to cut red tape, enhance private sector investments, advance innovation, and streamline the permitting process across all forms of American energy.
    President Trump established the “Department of Government Efficiency” to examine how to streamline the operations of the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs and wasteful spending, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.
    President Trump has already reduced unnecessarily large governmental entities and terminated numerous harmful Biden expansions of governmental authority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores American Seafood Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    STRENGTHENING THE U.S. FISHING INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to restore American seafood competitiveness.
    The Order strengthens the U.S. fishing industry by reducing regulatory burdens, combating unfair foreign trade practices, and enhancing domestic seafood production and exports.
    It directs the Secretary of Commerce to immediately consider suspending, revising, or rescinding regulations that overly burden America’s commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing industries.
    It directs the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to:
    Incorporate better, cheaper, more reliable technologies and cooperative research programs into fishery assessments.
    Expand exempted fishing permit programs to promote fishing opportunities nationwide.
    Modernize data collection and analytical practices to improve the responsiveness of fisheries management to real-time ocean conditions.

    The Order establishes an America First Seafood Strategy to boost U.S. seafood production, sales, and exports, ensuring long-term industry growth and global competitiveness.
    The Order also mandates the development of a seafood trade strategy to address unfair competition, low environmental and labor standards, and illegally sourced seafood from abroad, while expanding access to foreign markets for American seafood products.
    It tasks the administration with improving the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) to better detect high-risk shipments from countries that violate international laws.
    It orders a review of all existing marine national monuments to assess opening them to commercial fishing.
    ADDRESSING THREATS TO AMERICAN SEAFOOD COMPETITIVENESS: President Trump recognizes that overregulation and unfair trade practices have eroded the U.S. fishing industry’s global leadership.
    The U.S. controls over four million square miles of prime fishing grounds but imports nearly 90% of its seafood, resulting in a trade deficit exceeding $20 billion.
    The seafood industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the United States, with restrictive catch limits and outdated data hampering American fishermen’s productivity.
    Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, forced labor in foreign seafood supply chains, and unfair trade practices abroad all undermine U.S. markets.
    SUPPORTING AMERICAN FISHERMEN: This Executive Order builds on President Trump’s commitment to revitalize the U.S. fishing industry.
    In 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order to promote seafood competitiveness and remove unnecessary regulatory burdens.
    Upon returning to office, President Trump signed an Executive Order halting offshore wind projects to preserve a robust U.S. fishing industry for future generations.
    President Trump implemented tariffs to protect America’s fishing industry—praised as being a lifeline for the shrimping industry.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Extends the Hiring Freeze

    Source: The White House

    EXTENDING THE HIRING FREEZE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum extending the hiring freeze for an additional three months.

    • The freeze, originally implemented on January 20, 2025, prohibits filling vacant federal civilian positions or creating new ones, with minor exceptions.
      • Exemptions from the freeze for necessary positions—including for immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety—shall remain.
    • This Memorandum extends the hiring freeze through July 15, 2025.
    • It also clarifies that once a merit hiring plan has been adopted, any hiring of employees exempt from the freeze shall be consistent with that plan.
    • Upon expiration of the hiring freeze and implementation of the hiring plan, agencies will be able to hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart from federal service (with appropriate immigration, law enforcement, and public safety exceptions).

    PROMOTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: The extension of the hiring freeze is a critical step in shrinking the federal government and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.

    • In the last two years of the Biden Administration, government was directly responsible for the creation of more than 1 in every 4 jobs.
    • President Trump is committed to reversing this trend by prioritizing private-sector job growth and reducing the federal workforce to focus on essential functions.

    REFORMING THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY: The American people elected President Trump to drain the swamp and end ineffective government programs that empower government without achieving measurable results.

    • The government wastes billions of dollars each year on duplicative programs and frivolous expenditures that fail to align with American values or address the needs of the American people.
    • President Trump established the “Department of Government Efficiency” to examine how to streamline the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.
    • President Trump launched a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new rule is justified by clear benefits.
    • President Trump authorized buyout programs to encourage federal employees to leave voluntarily.
    • Through these actions, President Trump is keeping his promise to restore efficiency and accountability in the Federal Government.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Westport Announces Annual General and Special Meeting and Timing of Q1 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSX: WPRT / Nasdaq: WPRT) (“Westport” or the “Company”) announces that the Company will release Q1 2025 financial results on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, after market close. A conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results and other corporate developments will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
    Call Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI73bcac200e5f4652873668cf803d72ed
    Webcast: https://investors.wfsinc.com

    Participants may register up to 60 minutes before the event by clicking on the call link and completing the online registration form. Upon registration, the user will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN, along with an email confirming the details.

    The webcast will be archived on Westport’s website and a replay will be available at https://investors.wfsinc.com.

    Annual General and Special Meeting

    Westport will host its 2025 Annual General and Special Meeting (the “Meeting”) virtually on May 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET).

    To streamline the virtual meeting process, Westport encourages shareholders to vote in advance of the Meeting using the voting instruction form or the form of proxy which has been shared with shareholders with the Meeting materials. Further instructions on voting and accessing the meeting are contained in the Management Information Circular under “Section 1: Voting” – upon receipt, please review these materials carefully.

    Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders can attend the meeting online at https://meetnow.global/MD2JR55 to participate, vote, or submit questions during the meeting’s live webcast.

    About Westport Fuel Systems

    At Westport Fuel Systems, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global transportation industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in approximately 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport Fuel Systems, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Investor Relations
    T: +1 604-718-2046
    E: invest@wfsinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Kaptur Call on Energy Department to Reverse New Indirect Cost Cap That Will Gut Funding for Cutting-Edge Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright expressing deep concern about how the Department’s recently announced cap on indirect costs for DOE research will jeopardize critical research and innovation—and calling on him to immediately reverse the policy.

    “We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent decision to impose a cap on indirect cost rates for DOE-funded research. This change threatens to destabilize America’s scientific research infrastructure, delay critical energy innovation, and result in widespread economic harm,” write Murray and Kaptur. “At a time when China is investing billions to catch up to the scientific advancements driven by decades of DOE investments, the U.S. should be accelerating its technological leadership, but this policy does the opposite.”

    The lawmakers note the cap will cut funding essential to conducing cutting-edge DOE research: “This cap represents a sweeping, indiscriminate funding cut that will jeopardize not just projects at universities but also university partners at the national laboratories and in industry. Scientists could be forced to scale back or shutter vital studies; collaboration across sectors may be frozen; and the next generation of clean energy technologies could be delayed or lost entirely.”

    Murray and Kaptur also underscore the implications of DOE’s new policy for the economy, stating: “Beyond its scientific implications, this policy change has serious economic consequences. DOE-funded research supports tens of thousands of jobs—from researchers and engineers to technical staff and support personnel—across all 50 states. In fiscal year 2024 alone, federal energy research investments generated billions in economic activity and helped anchor American competitiveness in global innovation markets. Weakening that support will reverberate through entire regions and industries, putting livelihoods at risk.”

    The lawmakers press Secretary Wright to explain the abrupt new policy change and call on him to reverse it, concluding: “[W]e also ask that you to immediately reverse this shortsighted and harmful new cap, which amounts to nothing short of a disastrous funding cut. DOE’s mission is too important to allow political interference to undercut America’s progress in energy research, climate resilience, and economic development. Let our scientists, engineers, and institutions continue their lifesaving, world-shaping work—uninterrupted.”

    The full letter is available HERE and below:

    April 16, 2025

    The Honorable Christopher Wright
    U.S. Department of Energy
    1000 Independence Ave SW
    Washington, DC 20585

    Dear Secretary Wright:

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent decision to impose a cap on indirect cost rates for DOE-funded research. This change threatens to destabilize America’s scientific research infrastructure, delay critical energy innovation, and result in widespread economic harm. At a time when China is investing billions to catch up to the scientific advancements driven by decades of DOE investments, the U.S. should be accelerating its technological leadership, but this policy does the opposite.

    DOE has long played a crucial role in supporting cutting-edge research in energy, climate science, advanced manufacturing, and national security. By capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent, this new policy undermines the essential support systems that make this research possible—such as the operation and maintenance of research facilities, labs, and technical infrastructure. Research institutions depend on these funds to conduct safe, innovative, and effective science.

    This cap represents a sweeping, indiscriminate funding cut that will jeopardize not just projects at universities but also university partners at the national laboratories and in industry. Scientists could be forced to scale back or shutter vital studies; collaboration across sectors may be frozen; and the next generation of clean energy technologies could be delayed or lost entirely. Even more worrying is the impact on our future science workforce, particularly in energy and critical and emerging technologies, where our nation has long struggled to recruit and train the best talent into roles at the intersection of technology and national security. 

    Beyond its scientific implications, this policy change has serious economic consequences. DOE-funded research supports tens of thousands of jobs—from researchers and engineers to technical staff and support personnel—across all 50 states. In fiscal year 2024 alone, federal energy research investments generated billions in economic activity and helped anchor American competitiveness in global innovation markets. Weakening that support will reverberate through entire regions and industries, putting livelihoods at risk.

    The policy’s abrupt implementation—absent consultation with the research community or Congress—has also introduced confusion and uncertainty into the energy research ecosystem. Programs will be paused, partnerships disrupted, and project leaders left with no clarity about how to proceed. In a moment that demands bold, collaborative leadership to meet America’s energy needs, these actions cause paralysis instead.  In regards to this new policy cap, please provide answers to the following questions:

    1. What will happen to existing awards at universities if they do not meet the new terms and conditions in this policy?
    2. What specific data or analysis did DOE use to determine that a 15% cap on indirect costs is appropriate and sustainable for research institutions?
    3. How does DOE justify this cap given that many universities currently operate with indirect cost rates significantly higher than 15% to cover essential research infrastructure and compliance?
    4. Was there any consultation with academic stakeholders, such as university administrators or research organizations, prior to implementing this policy change?
    5. What impact assessments has DOE conducted to understand how this cap will affect the financial viability of ongoing and future research projects at universities?
    6. Has DOE evaluated how this cap could influence the United States’ position in global research and innovation competitiveness?
    7. What are the long-term implications of this policy on the pipeline of future scientists and researchers trained through university programs?

    Particularly in light of the lack of information justifying this policy we also ask that you to immediately reverse this shortsighted and harmful new cap, which amounts to nothing short of a disastrous funding cut. DOE’s mission is too important to allow political interference to undercut America’s progress in energy research, climate resilience, and economic development. Let our scientists, engineers, and institutions continue their lifesaving, world-shaping work—uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Introduces Bill to Protect Seniors from New Trump Social Security Repayment Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined several of her House Democratic colleagues to introduce the Claws Off Social Security Act—a bill that protects seniors from having their entire Social Security checks withheld in cases of accidental overpayment.

    Under a recently implemented policy by the Trump Administration, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may withhold 100 percent of a senior’s benefit if an accidental overpayment occurs—even when the mistake was through no fault of the beneficiary. This change could leave millions of Americans without the income they rely on for food, housing, and medicine.

    The Claws Off Social Security Act would reinstate a commonsense safeguard previously in place during the Biden Administration, which limited repayments to 10 percent of a recipient’s monthly benefit. This allows seniors to repay overpayments gradually without being pushed into financial crisis.

    “For so many older Americans, a Social Security check isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” said Rep. Frankel. “It helps keep food on the table, the lights on, and critical medications within reach. It’s simply wrong to take away someone’s entire income because of a government mistake. This bill restores fairness and compassion to the system—ensuring seniors can repay what’s owed without losing everything they depend on to get by.”

    In 2023 alone, the SSA sought to recover overpayments from more than two million people. Many were blindsided by sudden demands for repayment and feared losing their only source of income.

    The Claws Off Social Security Act would:

    1. Cap the SSA’s monthly withholding for overpayments at 10 percent of a recipient’s benefit;
    2. Allow beneficiaries the option to repay more if they choose; and
    3. Provide an exception in cases involving fraud.

    The bill is co-led by Reps. Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Larson (CT-01), and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and is endorsed by leading advocacy organizations including Justice in Aging, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and Social Security Works.

    Click here to read the full text.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 17, 2025 1930 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 171907

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0207 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Valid 191200Z – 201200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF THE
    SOUTHERN PLAINS TOWARD THE OZARKS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible from central
    Texas into the Ohio Valley on Saturday.

    …Synopsis…
    An upper trough will move eastward across Ontario and Quebec,
    deepening all the while. Meanwhile, a southern-stream low/trough
    will move from AZ/NM into the southern Plains. This system will take
    on a negative tilt into Sunday morning.

    At the surface, a front will stall from PA westward to the middle MS
    Valley, and southwestward into northwest TX. Upper 50s F to lower
    60s F dewpoints will be common along and south of this boundary,
    with the most substantial instability developing from west-central
    TX into OK. Winds around 850 mb will initially be out of the
    southwest across the entire warm sector, but backing and
    strengthening will occur over the southern Plains late as the upper
    trough approaches. At that time, a cold front will further increase
    lift over TX and OK.

    …From parts of OK across MO/IL/IN/OH/PA…
    Substantial rain and thunderstorms are likely to be ongoing early on
    Saturday north of the stationary front and aided by theta-e
    advection just off the surface with 30+ kt southwest 850 mb winds.
    While the low-level lapse rates will initially be poor, sufficient
    elevated instability combined with strong deep-layer shear may
    support marginal hail during the day. Indications are that heating
    will be most prominent from the central Appalachians into parts of
    the upper OH Valley and into PA, and a few diurnally driven cells
    may produce marginal hail over OH and PA.

    …TX/OK into the Ozarks…
    Scattered storms may redevelop from northern TX into OK during the
    day, as low-level moisture advection is maintained across the warm
    sector and north of the boundary. Lapse rates will likely be poor
    due to extensive clouds and persistent showers/storms.

    Later in the day, strong heating over southwest TX and lift near the
    cold front should allow for new development over west-central TX
    during the late afternoon, with increasing storm coverage as the
    low-level jet increases through the night. A few supercells may
    develop in this region, producing large hail. The front may tend to
    undercut the activity, but a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
    Farther north, batches of elevated storms will spread out of TX and
    into OK, with both periodic hail and heavy rain threat (see WPC Day
    3 Excessive Rainfall Product).

    ..Jewell.. 04/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 17, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 171730

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1230 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Valid 181200Z – 191200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF THE
    SOUTHERN PLAINS NORTHEASTWARD TOWARD THE UPPER GREAT LAKES…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible from parts of the
    southern Plains northeastward toward the upper Great Lakes from late
    Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning. Large hail and
    isolated severe gusts will be the main hazards.

    …Synopsis…
    A broad belt of strong southwest winds aloft will stretch from Baja
    CA to the Great Lakes, with an upper trough extending from Manitoba
    into the Great Basin. Meanwhile, upper ridging will occur over the
    eastern states, with a high over the Gulf Of America.

    At the surface, a large area of high pressure will exist over the
    east, with southeast flow around the high bringing moisture off the
    Gulf and into southern Plains and Midwest. This moistening will
    occur ahead of a cold front, stretching roughly from southern WI
    into central MO and OK at 00Z. This front will gradually progress
    south and east, and will be the primary focus for scattered severe
    storms on Friday.

    …Lower MO Valley into OK and TX…
    Strong surface heating will occur over TX and into western OK Friday
    afternoon, as mid 60s F dewpoints surge northward toward the
    approaching cold front. This front will be near I-40 at 00Z, with
    clusters of severe storms likely developing in the heated air from
    western OK into northwest TX. MLCAPE over 2500 J/kg is possible, and
    wind profiles south of the cold front will favor supercells. Initial
    development may produce a couple tornadoes prior to the cold front
    undercutting the storms as they progress east/northeastward across
    OK. Very large hail will be possible on both side of the front as
    hodographs will be elongated and primarily front-parallel.

    Farther northeast into KS and MO, additional lift via warm advection
    late in the day and into the evening will also support clusters of
    severe storms, possibly elevated but also with hail and localized
    wind potential.

    …Upper Great Lakes southward into the mid MO Valley…
    Strong warm advection will result in elevated thunderstorms by
    midday over parts of WI and into northern/Upper MI, with sufficient
    instability to support an elevated marginal hail risk. Farther
    south, late afternoon development is likely along the front from
    southern WI to the IA/IL border area and into MO, aided by daytime
    heating. Though capped, lift along the boundary should instigate
    scattered cells near 00Z, with isolated supercells tracking across
    IL, IN, and perhaps southern MI and northwest OH. Winds just off the
    surface will be quite strong at over 50 kt, aiding wind gusts. A
    brief tornado cannot be ruled out across this region, and scattered
    hail is likely as well.

    ..Jewell.. 04/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 17, 2025 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 171957

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0257 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Valid 172000Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM EASTERN
    NEBRASKA INTO CENTRAL IOWA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are expected, mainly from
    late afternoon into early tonight from eastern Nebraska into western
    and central Iowa. Very large hail to 3 inches in diameter or
    greater, isolated severe gusts of 60-70 mph, and a couple of
    tornadoes will all be possible.

    …20Z Update…
    Very minor changes were made to the outlook with this update. A
    cluster of thunderstorms is evolving immediately ahead of the
    surface low over southern MN, where low-level convergence is
    maximized amid boundary-layer heating and decreasing inhibition.
    Given around 40 kt of deep-layer shear (per MPX VWP), this activity
    should gradually intensify through the afternoon, with a risk of
    large hail and locally damaging wind gusts. Reference MCD #458 for
    more information.

    Farther south, the latest surface observations and radar imagery
    depict gradually increasing boundary-layer convergence ahead of a
    well-defined triple point over south-central/southeast NE. While
    satellite imagery still suggests strong capping at the base of the
    EML, expectations are still for isolated/discrete storm development
    near the triple point in southeast NE later this afternoon into the
    evening. The primary concern will be large to very large hail with
    initially discrete supercells, with an increasing risk of damaging
    winds and a couple of tornadoes into this evening. For additional
    details, reference MCD #459.

    ..Weinman.. 04/17/2025

    .PREV DISCUSSION… /ISSUED 1129 AM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025/

    …NE/IA/MN/MO through early tonight…
    A belt of strong southwesterly mid-upper flow will extend from the
    southern High Plains to the central Great Plains and upper MS
    Valley, downstream of a large-scale trough over the West.
    Visible-satellite imagery late this morning shows a capped
    stratocumulus shield from eastern OK northward into eastern KS and
    the MO Valley. This low-level moisture depicted on satellite
    corresponds with a 10.0-11.5 g/kg lowest 100-mb mean mixing ratio
    and dewpoints in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Moisture will continue
    northward on southerly flow to the east of a weak surface wave which
    is expected to move along an associated baroclinic from the mid MO
    Valley to the upper MS Valley, while a lee cyclone develops
    south-southeastward across the central High Plains.

    Strong heating and continued moisture advection will result in
    moderate to strong destabilization from eastern KS to eastern
    NE/western IA and southern MN. Models continue to show initial
    thunderstorm development around 20z in southern MN and around 22z in
    eastern NE (near and just east of the cold front/dryline triple
    point).

    Model forecast soundings over southern MN will favor a mix of
    supercells and storm clusters capable of producing large hail
    (generally 1-1.75 inch diameter) and isolated strong-severe gusts
    (50-60 mph), and perhaps a brief tornado. Farther south, greater
    buoyancy and elongated hodographs will be more favorable for
    supercells. A long-track supercell or two is forecast from eastern
    NE this evening into western/central IA through early tonight.
    Large to giant hail (peak diameter 2.75 to 3.5 inches) will be
    possible with the more intense phase of the supercell activity. A
    narrow window of opportunity may exist for a couple of tornadoes
    this evening with sufficient moisture (boundary-layer dewpoints near
    60 F) as low-level shear increases. Severe gusts will be possible
    with the stronger storms before this activity wanes late this
    evening into the overnight.

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0100Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 17, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Apr 17, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Thu Apr 17 16:29:55 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 171629

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1129 AM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Valid 171630Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM EASTERN
    NEBRASKA INTO CENTRAL IOWA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are expected, mainly from
    late afternoon into early tonight from eastern Nebraska into western
    and central Iowa. Very large hail to 3 inches in diameter or
    greater, isolated severe gusts of 60-70 mph, and a couple of
    tornadoes will all be possible.

    …NE/IA/MN/MO through early tonight…
    A belt of strong southwesterly mid-upper flow will extend from the
    southern High Plains to the central Great Plains and upper MS
    Valley, downstream of a large-scale trough over the West.
    Visible-satellite imagery late this morning shows a capped
    stratocumulus shield from eastern OK northward into eastern KS and
    the MO Valley. This low-level moisture depicted on satellite
    corresponds with a 10.0-11.5 g/kg lowest 100-mb mean mixing ratio
    and dewpoints in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Moisture will continue
    northward on southerly flow to the east of a weak surface wave which
    is expected to move along an associated baroclinic from the mid MO
    Valley to the upper MS Valley, while a lee cyclone develops
    south-southeastward across the central High Plains.

    Strong heating and continued moisture advection will result in
    moderate to strong destabilization from eastern KS to eastern
    NE/western IA and southern MN. Models continue to show initial
    thunderstorm development around 20z in southern MN and around 22z in
    eastern NE (near and just east of the cold front/dryline triple
    point).

    Model forecast soundings over southern MN will favor a mix of
    supercells and storm clusters capable of producing large hail
    (generally 1-1.75 inch diameter) and isolated strong-severe gusts
    (50-60 mph), and perhaps a brief tornado. Farther south, greater
    buoyancy and elongated hodographs will be more favorable for
    supercells. A long-track supercell or two is forecast from eastern
    NE this evening into western/central IA through early tonight.
    Large to giant hail (peak diameter 2.75 to 3.5 inches) will be
    possible with the more intense phase of the supercell activity. A
    narrow window of opportunity may exist for a couple of tornadoes
    this evening with sufficient moisture (boundary-layer dewpoints near
    60 F) as low-level shear increases. Severe gusts will be possible
    with the stronger storms before this activity wanes late this
    evening into the overnight.

    ..Smith/Jirak.. 04/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 459

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 0459
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0253 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    Areas affected…parts of ern NE into wrn IA

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely

    Valid 171953Z – 172200Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent

    SUMMARY…The initiation of strong to severe thunderstorms,
    including supercells posing a risk for large, potentially damaging,
    hail may increase by 5-7 PM CDT, if not a bit earlier. It is
    possible that the potential for a tornado or two could increase
    near/north and east of the Greater Omaha area later this evening.

    DISCUSSION…Trailing the surface low, which is now migrating north
    of the Redwood Falls MN vicinity, a surface cold front is
    maintaining a southward advancement into/across the Sioux
    Falls/Sioux City areas, Norfolk NE and the Grand
    Island/Kearney/Hasting NE vicinities. Substantive boundary-layer
    warming and moistening (including surface dew points near 60F)
    continues in a narrow corridor ahead of this feature, where
    mixed-layer CAPE may continue to increase up to around 2000 J/kg
    within the next few hours, beneath a warm and capping elevated
    mixed-layer area.

    Models continue to suggest that mid-level forcing for ascent
    associated with a weak short wave perturbation may increasingly
    contribute to subtle mid-level height falls and erosion of the
    lower/mid-tropospheric inhibition as far south as the Lincoln and
    Omaha NE vicinities by 22-00Z. As this occurs, potential for the
    initiation of thunderstorm activity will increase, both along and
    ahead of the cold front. Although there may be a tendency for
    convection to become undercut by the front, convection allowing
    model output suggests that forcing associated with pre-frontal warm
    advection may maintain at least one or two sustained storms,
    propagating to the right of the 30-40 kt west-southwesterly mean
    flow.

    As long as this occurs, it appears that the environment may become
    conducive to supercells capable of produce swaths of large hail, at
    least occasionally in excess of 2 inches in diameter. Low-level
    flow and shear are initially weak, but strengthening toward early
    evening might result in an increase in potential for a tornado
    near/north and east of Greater Omaha.

    ..Kerr/Smith.. 04/17/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…DMX…FSD…OAX…GID…

    LAT…LON 41179772 41769755 42469675 42579490 41059573 40719646
    40809718 41179772

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…UP TO 95 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…65-80 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…2.00-3.50 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 140 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Watch 140 Status Reports

    Watch 140 Status Message has not been issued yet.

    Top/Watch Issuance Text for Watch 140/All Current Watches/Forecast Products/Home

    Weather Topics:Watches, Mesoscale Discussions, Outlooks, Fire Weather, All Products, Contact Us

    NOAA / National Weather ServiceNational Centers for Environmental PredictionStorm Prediction Center120 David L. Boren Blvd.Norman, OK 73072 U.S.A.spc.feedback@noaa.govPage last modified: April 17, 2025
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 140

    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.
    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 140
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    345 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northwest and Northern Iowa
    Southern and Southeast Minnesota
    Far Northeast Nebraska
    West-Central Wisconsin

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 345 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop and
    intensify through the early evening across the Watch area. The
    stronger storms will be capable of a threat for large to very large
    hail (1 to 2 inches in diameter) and damaging gusts. Upscale growth
    into a linear cluster is possible this evening across southern
    Minnesota as this activity moves east towards the Mississippi River.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
    statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles northeast of
    Minneapolis MN to 30 miles south southwest of Storm Lake IA. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

    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.

    &&

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    25030.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW0
    WW 140 SEVERE TSTM IA MN NE WI 172045Z – 180300Z
    AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    25NE MSP/MINNEAPOLIS MN/ – 30SSW SLB/STORM LAKE IA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /22NE MSP – 57WSW FOD/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.

    LAT…LON 45139152 42199418 42199672 45139419

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU0.

    Watch 140 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

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (50%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (80%)

    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: Luján: Trump Administration is Withholding Nearly $24 Million in Funding for Head Start in New Mexico While Shuttering Centers Nationwide and Forcing Devastating Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    New Data Shows a Steep Decline in Head Start Funding Going Out the Door So Far This Year
    Trump Administration Hollows Out Offices Running the Program and Eyes Eliminating It Outright
    Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), one of only two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate, sounded the alarm as President Trump finalizes his proposal to eliminate Head Start, shutter half of the regional offices running the program, and fire scores of staff who ensure Head Start centers can serve kids and families.
    New data shows how the Trump administration has issued nearly $24 million less in federal grants to Head Start centers in New Mexico so far this year compared to the same period last year, a staggering -83% decline. Nationwide, the Trump administration has issued nearly $1 billion less in federal grants to Head Start centers nationwide so far this year compared to the same period last year, a steep -37% decline.
    The Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $1 billion in Head Start funding is impacting Head Start centers nationwide—already forcing center closures, which hurt families and teachers, and risking many more.
    “Head Start provides critical early childhood programs and helps make child care safer and more affordable for families across the country,” said Senator Luján. “As a proud Head Start graduate, this slow-walk of distributing funding is extremely concerning and an attack on New Mexico families. I know the value of Head Start – it got me to the United States Senate, and I will continue to fight to protect Head Start for New Mexico families and the next generation.”
    A New Mexico breakdown of the Head Start funding being slow-walked by the Trump administration is below:
    State
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/24 – 4/15/24
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/25 – 4/15/25
    Difference in Head Start Funding Dispersed
    New Mexico
    $28,763,786
    $4,812,435
    -$23,951,351
    DATA SOURCE: HHS
    Head Start programs’ grants are generally renewed at the same time each year, and Head Start programs depend on these strict funding cycles to continue serving kids and families. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Head Start has been funded at $12.27 billion nationwide. In 2024, $28.76 million in Head Start funding went out from the start of the year through April 15 in New Mexico. But during the same period this year, only $4.8 million has so far gone out—a nearly $24 million, or -83%, decline. Any delays in funding going out the door can have devastating consequences for Head Start programs.
    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide that help kids and families thrive, and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care. A state-by-state breakdown of the number of kids and families served by Head Start is available HERE.
    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, President Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide.
    To combat attacks on Head Start, Senator Luján has led efforts to reverse the mass firings at Head Start, demanded action and answers regarding the disruption of Head Start programs, and pressed Trump administration nominees on cuts to Head Start.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Exporting energy, importing opportunity

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Manufacturing Loans Skyrocket Under Trump Administration

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a major surge in manufacturing loans during the first 90 days of the Trump Administration. Compared to the same period during the Biden Administration, the number of SBA 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers has increased by 74%.

    The 7(a) loan program is SBA’s flagship program, a public-private partnership which offers government-guaranteed loans to help small businesses finance equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, working capital (including revolving credit lines), and business expansion. Since Jan. 20, 2025, SBA has approved over 1,120 7(a) loans for manufacturers with a total loan volume of $677 million. During the same period in 2021, SBA approved less than 650 7(a) loans for manufacturers with a total loan volume of $497 million. Nearly 99% of American manufacturers are considered to be small businesses.

    “Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging – a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back, fueled by pro-growth policies that put American workers and businesses first,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said. “Thanks to President Trump’s agenda to restore economic and national security, SBA is helping to power an industrial comeback – meeting massive demand to help America’s small producers expand operations, create good-paying jobs, and restore our supply chains.”

    Manufacturing has been on the rebound since President Trump took office, boosted by his pro-business agenda – including tax cuts, deregulation, energy independence and tariffs. The country gained 10,000 manufacturing jobs during President Trump’s first full month in office after losing more than 111,000 under President Biden in 2024.

    Under Administrator Loeffler, the SBA has dedicated significant resources to support small manufacturers and workers. Last month, the agency announced its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative – a campaign to cut $100 billion in red tape, increase access to capital, and promote a skilled workforce. As part of this initiative, agency leaders have met with more than 150 small manufacturers across the country – holding roundtables and site tours on its Made in America Roadshow.

    SBA guarantees numerous different types of loans to help small businesses and manufacturers start and grow their businesses. In addition to the 7(a) loan program, the agency also guarantees 504 loans – which provide long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation.

    # # #

     

    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: dLocal to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLocal Limited (NASDAQ: DLO, “dLocal” or the “Company”), a technology-first payments platform enabling global enterprise merchants to connect with billions of consumers in emerging markets, intends to release financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 on May 14, 2025 after market close.

    The Company will host a conference call and video webcast on May 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode. The live conference call can be also accessed via audio webcast at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, at https://investor.dlocal.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available for one year following the conclusion of the conference call.

    About dLocal

    dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    investor@dlocal.com

    Media Contact:

    media@dlocal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, announced today it will report financial results for its 2025 first quarter after the market closes on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The company will host a conference call that day beginning shortly after 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET.

    A live webcast discussing results, guidance and management observations will be available on Trupanion’s Investor Relations site under Investor Events at http://investors.trupanion.com and will be archived online for 3 months upon completion of the conference call. A slide presentation will also be available on the site.

    Participants can access the conference call by dialing 1-866-250-8117 (United States) or 1-412-317-6011 (International). A telephonic replay of the call will also be available after the completion of the call, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (United States) or 1-412-317-6671 (International) and entering the replay pin number: 10197710.

    About Trupanion:

    Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, certain countries in Continental Europe, and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

    Contact: 

    Laura Bainbridge, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
    Gil Melchior, Director, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jack L. Rozdilsky, Associate Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management, York University, Canada

    On April 15, Toronto once again experienced a soft-target vehicular ramming attack when a passenger vehicle intentionally struck and injured four pedestrians on the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus.

    Almost exactly seven years ago, in the 2018 Toronto van attack, Alek Minassian intentionally drove onto a Yonge Street sidewalk. Motivated by individual extremism with a basis in incel ideology, Minassian killed 11 people and injured 16 more.

    The Toronto Police Service news conference in response to the hit-and-run incident at TMU.

    History seems to repeat itself in Toronto, with car attacks being a means of choice for criminals. Regardless of whether the latest car attack is a terror-related mass attack or an individually targeted crime, the intentional hit-and-run incident shows these attacks have become a grim reality facing the city.

    A traumatic event

    The attack took place on a Tuesday afternoon just before 2 p.m. on Nelson Mandela Walk in the heart of the downtown TMU campus. The public walkway was designated as a pedestrian-only space, located between the campus library and an academic building.

    Investigators have identified a suspect as Ryan Petroff, and have described it as an isolated incident intentionally targeting a specific individual.

    Police statements allege a man drove a four-door Honda Accord along Nelson Mandela Walk and hit several people, including innocent bystanders. Four people were injured, with one sustaining serious but not life-threatening injuries. All are expected to recover.

    The area of the TMU car attack was clearly designated as a pedestrian-only zone.
    (J. Rozdilsky), CC BY

    The suspect remains at large, and other than indicating that the attack was intentional, Toronto Police Service has not yet elaborated on motives or the relationship between the intended victim and the suspect.

    The day after the attack, TMU issued a statement saying university community members were not involved in the incident and mentioned that campus-based supports had been made available for anyone impacted by witnessing the traumatic event.

    Barriers against future attacks

    In the hours after the attack, immediate actions were taken to plug the gap the attacker exploited to drive onto the pedestrian walkway, and temporary planter-type barriers were placed at the attack site.

    TMU also issued a second statement specifically concerning pedestrian walkway safety. It acknowledged the troubling event while attempting to quell campus safety concerns:

    “The university is discussing with the City of Toronto what additional safety measures can be implemented to ensure pedestrian walkways used by TMU community members and the public are safe while maintaining accessibility for emergency vehicles.”

    Conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians

    A dedicated attacker exploited a gap where a car was able to enter a zone dedicated to pedestrians. In hindsight, the easy question to ask is: why wasn’t that gap plugged beforehand?

    This sidesteps the ubiquitous nature of the problem, which is that potential conflict between vehicles and pedestrians exists almost everywhere in a complex urban environment.

    In 2020, Nelson Mandela Walk was revitalized to enhance quality, safety and accessibility. Standard traffic management activities to reduce conflict — referred to as “modal separation” — were in place prior to the incident.

    The walkway had a visually separate streetscape from the traffic lanes of nearby Gerrard Street: the interlocked brick surface, decorative trees and benches clearly indicated it was not a street for cars.

    In addition, posted signs indicated the area was for pedestrian use only. Barriers such as bollards, fences, cement trash cans and large planters were present at points along the walkway.

    In this case, a criminal found one gap in protection and intentionally ignored and evaded all of the elements that were in place to separate people from cars.

    Targeted mass attacks

    The 2025 TMU car attack highlighted a problem that is not new to Toronto: targeted criminal activity that can cascade into a mass casualty incident.



    Read more:
    What authorities can learn from the Raptors parade shooting

    In 2019, four people were wounded at Nathan Phillips Square when gunfire erupted during the celebrations for the Toronto Raptors NBA championship win. This was another example of a targeted attack that almost resulted in a wider mass casualty incident.

    More than 100,000 people were in the area near the shooting, and it was determined that the shooting was a targeted criminal incident, not a mass attack on the celebration itself.

    While Toronto’s most recent vehicular attack at TMU had the elements of a mass attack, it was apparently a targeted crime focused on one individual. Nonetheless these incidents, and not just terrorist-type mass attacks, have the potential to result in a mass casualty incident.

    Jack L. Rozdilsky receives support for research communication and public scholarship from York University. He also has received research support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack – https://theconversation.com/torontos-most-recent-car-attack-was-a-targeted-crime-not-a-mass-attack-254686

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finstad Introduces Legislation to Remove SBA Offices from Sanctuary Cities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, legislation that would remove and relocate U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offices located in jurisdictions that have adopted sanctuary policies, to better ensure resources benefit American small businesses and rural communities.

    “Sanctuary jurisdictions raise serious public safety concerns and erode the rule of law,” said Rep. Finstad. “In Minnesota, cities like Minneapolis continue to circumvent federal law and prioritize illegal immigrants. This legislation ensures that the Small Business Administration is focused on its mission of providing critical resources and support to American citizens and small businesses while rejecting Democrat-run cities’ out-of-touch priorities.”

    “For decades, sanctuary cities have disregarded federal law without consequence, resulting in violence and heartbreak for American citizens. Many of these lawless cities have put the SBA offices at risk,” said Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business. “I fully support the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, which will move SBA offices out of sanctuary cities and into safer, pro-business, pro-America municipalities that believe in the rule of law. Small businesses deserve to operate without the threat of crime and violence exacerbated by sanctuary policies.”

    Background:

    Specifically, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act:

    • Ensures that SBA offices are not located in sanctuary jurisdictions. If an office is currently in a state that is not a sanctuary jurisdiction, it will be relocated to another area within that same state.
    • Requires the Administrator to make a public determination on the relocation of offices within 60 days of the passage of this legislation.

    The Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act defines “sanctuary jurisdiction” as any state or political subdivision of a state that has in effect policies that prohibit or restrict immigration enforcement.

    MIL OSI USA News –