NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Delivers $20 Million Return to NJ-07 Residents, including $900K Win for Wharton Arts

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    Contact: Riley Pingree

    (June 6, 2025) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced today that his office has returned more than $20 million to constituents across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

    Since January 2023, Congressman Kean and his dedicated casework team have closed over 3,781 constituent cases, helping residents recover $20,606,504 from federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, and other relevant agencies. 

    One recent case highlights the scope and impact of Congressman Kean’s office and its casework services. Wharton Arts, a non-profit organization in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, turned to Congressman Kean’s office earlier this year for assistance recovering over $900,000 owed through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Wharton Arts is New Jersey’s largest independent non-profit performing arts education center. It serves more than 2,000 students across 12 counties through programs like the Performing Arts School, the New Jersey Youth Symphony, the New Jersey Youth Chorus, and the Paterson Music Project.

    After reaching out to Congressman Kean’s office in January of this year regarding unresolved ERC claims filed with the IRS in October 2023, Wharton Arts received prompt and dedicated support from the casework team. Thanks to this advocacy, the organization was able to secure the owed funds and continue building on its 45-year legacy of serving New Jersey’s arts and education communities. 

    “My office has reached a major milestone of securing over $20 million in casework returns for residents of New Jersey’s 7th District,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “To the thousands of families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses who received the benefits and support they needed and deserved: thank you for reaching out and trusting my team with these personal matters. I am thrilled to see the positive outcome for Wharton Arts, an institution that has enriched our region’s cultural and educational landscape for decades. Their story is a powerful reminder of how effective casework can make a lasting difference in people’s lives and our communities. As always, my team and I remain ready to serve you, your families, and your community in any casework matter.”

    “Many thanks to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. and his team for working with us and fulfilling the promise to help us with the ERC,” said Gina Caruso, Executive Director of Wharton Arts. “We received the money for our claims, which will now save Wharton Arts and help us to make plans for the future of this longstanding, beloved organization, which serves 2,000 students in 12 counties, and over 300 students with a free music education.”

    If you or someone you know needs help navigating a federal agency, contact Congressman Kean’s district office in Lebanon Borough at (908) 547-3307 or visit kean.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency. The office also hosts Satellite Office Hours during the first week of every month across the district. For updates on Congressman Kean’s work for you in Congress, follow @CongressmanKean on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Protects Texas Livestock from New World Screwworm

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    WASHINGTON –Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to conduct a study and report strategies to enhance preparedness and response capabilities against potential outbreaks of the New World Screwworm.

    “As the threat of the New World Screwworm rises, it is critical we remain prepared to eradicate the threat before the Texas livestock industry is severely impacted. Texas successfully eradicated this parasite before. I am committed to finding solutions to cut off this pest early to protect our livestock and local economy.”– Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    Original co-sponsors are Reps. Brian Babin (TX-36), Chip Roy (TX-21), August Pfluger (TX-11), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Roger Williams (TX-25), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), and Brandon Gill (TX-26). The legislation has garnered support from the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

    “The New World screwworm poses a serious threat to the United States’ livestock industry. Congresswoman De La Cruz has listened to the concerns of Texas Farm Bureau members and responded with commonsense solutions to protect our agricultural producers. We commend her swift action to introduce critical legislation that will help prevent the spread of this deadly parasite and prepare for future outbreaks across Texas. In addition to her efforts to establish a sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in Texas, Congresswoman De La Cruz has shown strong leadership and a clear commitment to protecting the livestock industry and the broader agricultural economy.”– Russell Boening, President of Texas Farm Bureau

    “The growing threat of the New World screwworm demands swift, coordinated action. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association fully supports this legislation enhancing U.S. preparedness and response to the NWS threat. This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring USDA’s overarching strategy is being communicated to Congress. We are grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman De La Cruz and others who are working to safeguard our cattle industry. We remain committed to working alongside our state, federal and industry partners to protect America’s beef herd.”–Carl Ray Polk Jr., President of the Texas & SouthwesternCattleRaisersAssociation

    Background:

    The New World Screwworm is a highly destructive parasitic fly whose larvae infest the flesh of livestock and wildlife. The parasite has been detected in Veracruz, Mexico, approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border. As more cases arise, the threat and concerns of northward spread grow. Furthermore, an outbreak in Texas could lead to devastating economic for the state’s cattle and hunting industries.

    De La Cruz has backed additional efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm including urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moran, Fine Push Tougher Penalties for Visa Overstays After Boulder Attack

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Congressmen Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and Randy Fine (R-FL-06) reintroduced the Visa Overstays Penalties Act to close dangerous immigration loopholes and hold accountable those who abuse the legal entry system.

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and Randy Fine (R-FL-06) reintroduced the Visa Overstays Penalties Act to close dangerous immigration loopholes and hold accountable those who abuse the legal entry system.

    “East Texans understand that illegal immigration doesn’t stop at the border,” said Rep. Moran. “Thousands have entered the U.S. legally, only to overstay their visas and remain here unlawfully. This bill reclassifies visa overstays as ‘illegal entry’ and imposes serious penalties to help restore law and order.”

    The legislation would impose up to six months of jail time for first-time offenders and civil fines starting at $500—doubling with each violation. Several 9/11 hijackers overstayed visas, as did Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the recent Boulder, Colorado, terror attack.

    “As we all know, the failed policies of the former Biden-Harris Administration turned every state into a border state,” Moran added. “We cannot allow that era of lawlessness to ever return. We must build on President Trump’s historic momentum to secure and protect our border. Visa overstays must carry real consequences—and this legislation delivers on restoring peace and justice.”

    Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL-06) said, “The only place a foreigner should be the day their visa expires is on a plane out of our country. If you’re not, congratulations—you’re now a criminal alien. Being a criminal has consequences, and this bill adds teeth to existing immigration laws to deter and discourage foreign visitors from violating American law. This law makes preventable tragedies like the antisemitic Muslim terrorist attacks in Boulder less likely and makes our communities safer overall. I’m proud to work with Congressman Moran to co-lead this bill, and I’m looking forward to seeing it passed in the House again.”

    “In 2023, Mohamed Soliman overstayed his tourist visa but was never deported; two years later, he launched an antisemitic terrorist attack that maimed 15 innocent American citizens,” said Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. “This man should have never even been in our country—and yet he was, because the Biden Administration refused to enforce our laws. I’m thankful to Congressman Moran for his leadership in reintroducing the Visa Overstays Penalties Act, which will criminalize the act of overstaying a visa and guarantee that terrorists like Soliman are never again able to illegally remain in our country.”

    Background:

    The legislation is being co-led by Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL-06), reinforcing its national importance and broad Republican support.

    The Visa Overstays Penalties Act includes:

    • Reclassification of Visa Overstays: Overstaying a visa for more than 10 days would be classified as “illegal entry,” aligning it with unauthorized border crossings.
    • Criminal Penalties:

    o    First Offense: Up to six months of imprisonment.

    o    Subsequent Offenses: Up to two years of imprisonment.

    • Civil Penalties:

    o    First Violation: Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

    o    Repeat Violations: Fines doubling from the initial amount.

    This legislation aims to address security concerns by ensuring that visa overstays are met with the necessary legal consequences, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

    The Visa Overstays Penalties Act was originally included as part of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which passed the United States House of Representatives with a 219-213 vote last Congress.

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    Related Coverage: Exclusive: Reps. Moran, Fine Introduce Visa Overstays Penalties Act in Wake of Boulder, Colorado Terrorist Attack — Breitbart News

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Cut VA Red Tape and Put Military Families First

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), a 24-year Army veteran and member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has introduced the Fisher House Availability Act, a bill to reverse a Biden-era rule that blocks military families from staying in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lodging facilities when their loved ones receive non-VA care.

    “Families shouldn’t be punished because their care comes from a military or civilian provider instead of the VA,” said Miller-Meeks. “As a veteran and doctor, I’ve seen how critical it is to keep loved ones close during treatment. This bill restores common sense, cuts red tape, and puts our servicemembers and their families first.”

    Background:

    For years, servicemembers and their families could access VA-owned Fisher Houses on a space-available basis, regardless of where care was provided. But in 2024, the VA changed course and began turning them away, even with more than 50% of rooms sitting empty.

    The Fisher House Availability Act ensures that servicemembers and their families are eligible for VA lodging when space allows, whether they’re receiving care at a VA facility, a military hospital, or a civilian provider. The Fisher House Foundation, which built and donated these homes, supports the change.

    The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

    For full bill text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger’s Bill to Unlock Domestic LNG Potential Advanced by House Energy Subcommittee

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

    Read his remarks as delivered below:

    H.R. 1949, Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, is commonsense. And when you look at section three of the Natural Gas Act, it requires that natural gas exports to countries that have a free trade agreement with the United States be approved without delay. For countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the U.S., the energy secretary is required to approve export requests unless they find that such exports will not be consistent with the public interest.

    Therefore, the Natural Gas Act includes a rebuttable presumption in favor of authorizing U.S. LNG exports in early 2024, after succumbing to political pressure from environmental activists. The previous administration announced a ban on issuing export permits to non-FTA countries while it reviewed the climate impacts of U.S. LNG.

    During this ban, America’s energy dominance took a major hit. Russia overtook the U.S. as the leading gas supplier to Europe. Long-term American contracts were not only jeopardized, but they were actually damaged – some of them irreparably – and globally, buyers were forced to look toward less clean sources. Thankfully, the Trump administration quickly reversed this ban, and just last week, the DOE issued its first LNG export approval.

    My legislation is simple. The Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act would ensure that a ban is never placed on U.S. LNG exports again. By removing DOE from the process, export restrictions would be repealed, and LNG exports would have equal treatment with other commodities. LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, our security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product.

    Congress needs to act to remove the politics from these exports, just as this committee did when it lifted the crude oil export ban in 2015. The IEA expects global gas demand to reach record highs in the coming years, underscoring the need for new LNG supply. It must be the United States, not Iran, not Russia, not any other adversary, who meets this demand and supplies affordable, clean, and abundant LNG to the world.

    I urge my colleagues to support this very commonsense legislation and to vote in favor of H.R. 1949. I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese authorities have allocated 580 million yuan to strengthen flood prevention measures.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities have allocated 580 million yuan (about 80.73 million U.S. dollars) to provincial-level regions to strengthen local flood control efforts, the Ministry of Finance said Friday.

    The funds, provided jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water Resources, were sent to 29 provincial-level regions as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

    Local authorities have been ordered to carry out in-depth inspections for hidden hazards at hydraulic structures that are critical to flood control, such as river and lake dams, reservoirs and key seawalls.

    They were also ordered to make every effort to work on flood prevention and preparation during China’s main flood season. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Central Bank of the Russian Federation reduced the key rate from 21 to 20 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 6 /Xinhua/ — The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia on Friday decided to lower the key rate from 21 to 20 percent per annum.

    “Current inflationary pressure, including persistent inflation, continues to decline. While domestic demand continues to outpace the ability to expand the supply of goods and services, the Russian economy is gradually returning to a balanced growth trajectory,” the Central Bank of the Russian Federation said in a press release.

    The Bank of Russia predicts “a prolonged period of tight monetary policy.”

    “Further decisions on the key rate will be made depending on the speed and sustainability of the decline in inflation and inflation expectations,” the Central Bank of the Russian Federation said in a statement.

    According to the Bank of Russia’s forecast, given the current monetary policy, annual inflation will return to 4 percent in 2026. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosatom CEO Asks IAEA Director General to Become Mediator in Issues of Using American Fuel at Zaporizhzhya NPP

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, June 6 /Xinhua/ — Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev has asked International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi to mediate on the issue of using American fuel at the Zaporizhzhya NPP. He told reporters following talks with the IAEA chief in Kaliningrad.

    “An important point – we have spoken about it many times – is the issue of American fuel, fuel from Westinghouse… At today’s consultations, we discussed this topic with the IAEA leadership, and I asked Mr. Grossi to become a mediator in resolving this problem in cooperation with the American side – both in the person of the company and in the person of government bodies, in the person of nuclear supervision. We are grateful to the IAEA Director General for the positive steps in response. I very much hope that we will find this solution in cooperation directly with the fuel manufacturer and determine its future fate,” TASS quotes the head of Rosatom as saying.

    R. Grossi announced that the IAEA will take part in the World Atomic Week in Moscow, which will take place in September 2025.

    “The good news for the global nuclear industry is that a major event will be held in the second half of this year in September in Russia, in Moscow, and the IAEA is going to participate in this event. This is a major event for the development of the nuclear industry in the world,” said R. Grossi. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Attacks Two Russian Military Airfields

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Kyiv, June 6 /Xinhua/ – Ukraine attacked two airfields and other important military facilities in Russia on Friday night, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reported on Telegram.

    The Engels airfield in the Saratov region in the southwest of the Russian Federation, which is a concentration site for Russian combat aircraft following an operation carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on June 1, came under attack.

    At least three fuel and lubricant tanks caught fire at the airfield and dozens of explosions were heard.

    The Dyagilevo airfield in the Ryazan region in western Russia, where air tankers and escort fighters are based, was also attacked. They are used to support missile strikes on Ukrainian territory. In addition, Russian strategic bombers fly out of Dyagilevo.

    According to preliminary data, a fire broke out in the target area; the information is being verified.

    In addition, a number of other Russian military facilities came under fire. In particular, a logistics point in the Kursk region of Russia was hit. The results of the attack are being clarified.

    All strikes were carried out by units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces.

    On June 1, the SBU carried out a special operation called “Web”, during which it attacked airfields in several regions of the Russian Federation. According to the service’s estimates, 34 percent of Russian strategic aviation aircraft were damaged as a result of the strikes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s foreign trade in services shows rapid growth in first four months of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) — China’s foreign trade in services grew rapidly in the first four months of 2025, with travel-related services registering a sharp uptick, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed Friday.

    According to the agency, the volume of foreign trade in services in the country during the reporting period exceeded 2.63 trillion yuan (about 366.1 billion US dollars), increasing by 8.2 percent year-on-year.

    In particular, service exports reached nearly 1.13 trillion yuan, up 14.6 percent from a year earlier, while imports grew 3.9 percent to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan, leaving a trade deficit of 375.02 billion yuan.

    Trade in tourism-related services continued its rapid growth momentum, rising 14.7 percent year on year to 756.78 billion yuan, the data showed.

    At the same time, the volume of trade in knowledge-intensive services showed a 5.5 percent increase year-on-year and approached the mark of about 1.02 trillion yuan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on May Labour Force Survey results

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for May 2025:

    “Now, more than ever, it’s critical for B.C. to focus on diversifying our economy and protecting jobs for British Columbians, and we are doing that work.

    “This week, we announced the launch of our ease-of-doing-business review, to continue the work to cut red tape, modernize our regulatory and permitting systems, and foster innovation, as we secure B.C.’s position as the engine of Canada’s new economy. Businesses are invited to share their ideas, challenges and suggestions through an online website portal until fall 2025. Information gathered will help us to make it easier for companies and organizations of all sizes and sectors to do business in B.C., and to create more jobs so people can find stable full-time work in their home communities.

    “Today’s Labour Force Survey data shows that despite the economic challenges posed by the U.S., in May, B.C. led across the country with a gain of 13,000 jobs compared to last month. So far this year, B.C. has gained 67,000 full-time jobs, the highest increase among provinces.

    “In May, private-sector employment has increased by 8,900 jobs compared to last month. Since July 2017, B.C. has gained 183,300 private-sector jobs. So far this year, we have the second-highest increase in private-sector employment among provinces at 14,700 jobs.

    “B.C. leads in women’s employment, an increase of 11,000 this month. So far this year, B.C. has the highest increase in women’s full-time employment among provinces at 32,900. Youth employment also increased in May by 1,400 jobs.  

    “Our unemployment rate is 6.4%, below the national average of 7.0%. And B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $38.07, with our average wage increased by 2.9% compared to this time last year, the fourth-highest growth among provinces.

    “The data this morning shows that in May, B.C. had employment increases in the construction sector at 23,800 jobs compared to this time last year. Professional, scientific and technical services continue to show strong and steady growth overall with gains of 11,100 in May.

    “Next week, I will be leading a B.C. delegation to Europe to meet with investors, key government officials and stakeholders to build connections and showcase our world-class, made-in-B.C. technology. This mission will build on the work underway on Premier David Eby’s trade mission focused on key markets in Asia, as we work to create trade opportunities for businesses in the province and good-paying jobs for British Columbians.

    “Growing a stronger and more diverse economy will help protect people in B.C. from instability outside our borders, with investments that will bring good-paying jobs to the province as part of robust and sustainable industries.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C.’s Response to Tariffs, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs

    To learn more about the European Union Trade Mission, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/32442

    To learn more about the Ease-of-doing-business Review, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025JEDI0022-000544

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Signs Legislation Supporting Economic Growth by Increasing Trade and Promoting Business Exchanges Between Connecticut and Puerto Rico

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation recently approved by the Connecticut General Assembly requiring the establishment of the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission.

    “Economic growth cannot happen in a bubble, and there remains untapped potential to mutually benefit economic and business partnerships between Connecticut and Puerto Rico,” Governor Lamont said. “By collaborating with the business community and those in Connecticut’s strong Puerto Rican community, this commission has the potential to develop the forward-thinking steps that improve trade and investment between our state and Puerto Rico.”

    The 23-member commission, which will begin meeting this fall, will be responsible for developing and recommending policy and legislative changes that advance bilateral trade and investment between Connecticut and Puerto Rico, while also promoting business and academic exchanges, encouraging mutual economic support and infrastructure investment, and initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest. The group will be required to submit a report to the governor and the legislature annually.

    House Deputy Speaker Chris Rosario (D-Bridgeport) championed passage of the legislation.

    “I want to sincerely thank Governor Ned Lamont for signing this legislation I introduced to establish the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission,” Representative Rosario said. “With nearly 300,000 Puerto Ricans calling Connecticut home, this is a natural partnership that promises new opportunities for collaboration and shared prosperity.”

    “Establishing a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission is a powerful opportunity to strengthen our trades and manufacturing sector,” State Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr. (D-Waterbury) said. “By building direct partnerships with Puerto Rico, we can expand skilled workforce pipelines, increase the flow of goods and materials, and open new markets for Connecticut-made products. This collaboration will drive innovation, economic growth, and good-paying jobs for both regions.”

    Appointments to the commission will be made by the top six bipartisan legislative leaders, the co-chairs and ranking members of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, and the governor. The commission will serve as a function of the General Assembly, and the chairperson of the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Management, will be responsible for appointing administrative staff to support the commission’s work.

    The members serve as volunteers and are not compensated for their service.

    The legislation is Public Act 25-13, An Act Establishing the Connecticut-Puerto Rican Trade Commission. It went into effect immediately upon receiving Governor Lamont’s signature.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board begins 2025 Census of Finance Companies and Other Lenders

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock (
    Lock
    Locked padlock icon

    ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania man sentenced to 15 years in prison for abducting a Virginia woman and transporting her to another state

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for kidnapping a Virginia woman.

    According to court documents, on March 17, 2022, Troy Edwin Leitner, 61, of Scranton, abducted a victim, identified as Jane Doe, from a residence in Norfolk, transported her to various locations, and eventually left her at a hospital in Manning, South Carolina, two days later.

    Jane Doe was renting a room inside a residence in Norfolk and was struggling with an addiction to heroin. Leitner went to a neighboring residence, presented a photograph of Jane Doe to the neighbor, and claimed that he had an arrest warrant for Jane Doe. Leitner also presented what appeared to be valid credentials and was wearing tactical clothing, a jacket marked “Fugitive Recovery Agent,” a badge, and a pistol in a holster. Believing Leitner to be affiliated with law enforcement, the neighbor agreed to assist him.

    Though Jane Doe wasn’t home at the time, the neighbor called Leitner later that afternoon and informed him that the residents were back. Leitner returned, entered the residence, and abducted Jane Doe. Leitner placed handcuffs on Jane Doe and told her that she was under arrest. Leitner told Jane Doe that he was taking her somewhere to ask her questions and would bring her back to her residence. Jane Doe believed Leitner was affiliated with law enforcement and complied with his directions.

    Leitner took Jane Doe to the Ocean View Inn, handcuffed Jane Doe to a table, and told her he would shoot her if she ran. Leitner and Jane Doe stayed for approximately an hour before leaving. Leitner told Jane Doe that they were going to his office, which he claimed was located in Richmond.

    Leitner then transported Jane Doe to Richmond where she consumed heroin. Leitner then took Jane Doe southbound and Leitner rented several hotel rooms from Richmond to South Carolina. When Leitner and Jane Doe got out of his vehicle, Leitner would tell Jane Doe to stay close to him and pretend she was his girlfriend so that he would not have to embarrass her by putting her in handcuffs. Jane Doe feared Leitner and complied with his directions. At some point during the trip, Leitner called Jane Doe’s mother on the telephone and falsely claimed that he was taking Jane Doe to a rehabilitation center in Florida.

    While Leitner and Jane Doe were at a hotel in Hamer, South Carolina, on March 18, 2022, Leitner received a call from a law enforcement officer. Leitner falsely claimed that his “office” in Washington had received information about drug and prostitution activity at Jane Doe’s residence and that Jane Doe had agreed to assist in the apprehension of a drug dealer. He also falsely claimed that he was taking Jane Doe to rehabilitation and that he was part of “Federal Fugitive Recovery.” Leitner and Jane Doe left the hotel and drove for approximately one to two hours before stopping again.

    On March 19, 2022, when Jane Doe began to feel very sick, Leitner left her at a hospital in Manning. A security guard at the facility observed Leitner pull his vehicle into the ambulance bay of the hospital. Leitner was “jittery” and “nervous,” and told security his name was “Agent Leitner ” and that he was a bounty hunter. Leitner falsely claimed that he had picked up Jane Doe on the side of the road and that she was on drugs. The security guard became suspicious and photographed Leitner’s Pennsylvania license plate.

    Leitner was later arrested in Pennsylvania.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya and Anthony C. Marek prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-57.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched following disappearance of a woman from Ilford

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched by Met detectives following the disappearance of a woman from Ilford.

    Yajaira Castro Mendez, aged 46, was reported missing to police on Saturday, 31 May, having left her home on the morning of Thursday, 29 May.

    Today, a man known to her appeared in court charged with her murder, and detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

    Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said: “Officers have been working around the clock to find Yajaira. She has not been seen or heard from by her family or friends since the date she was reported missing.

    “Yajaira’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on Thursday, 5 June after a range of extensive further enquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm. Yajaira’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we are keeping them updated with developments.

    “I understand the impact this news may have on our local community, however we do have a man charged and in custody and we are not searching for anyone else at this stage. The man and Yajaira are believed to be known to each other.

    “Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth. We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our enquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward.”

    Yajaira is a Colombian national who has been residing in the UK.

    Officers are appealing for anyone with any information relating to Yajaira’s disappearance to contact police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on passing of former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia

    Source: United Nations – English

    he Secretary-General has learned of the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of Zambia. Former President Lungu made significant contributions to diplomacy and spearheaded key infrastructure projects in the country during his tenure. The Secretary-General extends his condolences to his family, the Government and the people of Zambia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to Ofwat regarding Environment Performance Assessment Category 1 water pollution incidents

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Letter to Ofwat regarding Environment Performance Assessment Category 1 water pollution incidents

    Letter from the Environment Agency to Ofwat regarding Environment Performance Assessment Category 1 water pollution incidents.

    Documents

    Letter to Ofwat regarding water industry category 1 incidents

    HTML

    Details

    Letter from Philip Duffy, Chief Executive, Environment Agency to David Black, Chief Executive, Ofwat regarding Environment Performance Assessment Category 1 water pollution incidents.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Economic Development Committee looks to boost inter island and regional travel for 2025 and beyond Friday 06 June 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release
    Date: June 6th 2025
    Economic Development Committee looks to boost inter island and regional travel for 2025 and beyond

    The Economic Development Committee (EDC) has made provision of transport links to and from the island a key objective over the first six months of 2025.
    EDC has continued its subsidised support to Alderney Ferry Services, which has moved over 10,000 passengers between Alderney and Guernsey since its establishment 3 years ago. This has proved in recent years that it is essential to the island both economically and socially and bolsters the tourism and visitor offering. This renewed agreement could also run till 2027 subject to review by both parties.

    The Committee has also undertaken a tender process for a sea link service on the largely unexploited Jersey route. Water Taxi CI was selected as the operator for the route for 2025 with a view to extending to 2026, the operator is currently undertaking a marketing campaign in Jersey working with Visit Alderney.

    Chair of Economic Development Stuart Clark said:
    “As a first step, ensuring the ferry service between Alderney and Guernsey continued was of paramount importance for the Committee. It supports the visitor economy and residents alike, whilst complementing the air services provided by Aurigny on the lifeline routes, which are provided under the public service obligation”

    He added, “A successful tender process for the Jersey route is also a great step forward in developing inter-island connectivity. We’re pleased that Water Taxi CI is committing to an intense marketing campaign to ramp up the service and there has been an encouraging amount of traction on social media since the States of Alderney’s announcement about the service on 23rd May”.

    Breaking new ground, The Committee has also struck agreement with the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey, working on a joint venture which provides limited subsidy support to Finistair, an airline out of France, operating between Alderney and Brest via Jersey on a trial basis between June and August this year.

    “This is an exciting opportunity for our island, not only in respect of inter-island travel, but for regional connectivity too. We’re of the view that Finistair and Water Taxi Ci will complement one another and provide us valuable data for the demand on this route, without detracting in any material way from the two critically important PSO lifeline routes operated by Aurigny. It demonstrates Alderney’s desire to encourage economic revitalisation by improving connectivity to and from the island, as has been expressed in several States’ debates on Alderney’s connectivity in Guernsey.”

    The Government of Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: “I am pleased to have worked with the States of Alderney to improve the links between our islands by delivering a new air route for this summer. I look forward to continuing to build on these links to find new areas of cooperation and learn from each other in areas such as tourism, heritage and energy.”

    Ends 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding to Support Francophone Artists and Promote French Language in Saskatchewan Continues

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 6, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $60,000 to support professional development of Francophone artists and strengthen French-language arts and culture across the province. 

    The Conseil culturel fransaskois (CCF) will receive the funds to deliver seven workshops to singers, musicians, writers and visual artists. This is the second year of the funding with more than 55 artists benefitting from the program in 2024-25.

    “These workshops provide valuable opportunities for Francophone artists to hone their craft, share ideas and grow professionally,” Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs Alana Ross said. “The Conseil culturel fransaskois plays a vital role in preserving and promoting our province’s rich cultural heritage. This investment supports artists while delivering for our Francophone communities.” 

    The workshops will focus on a variety of areas for professional development such as marketing, promotion and mentorship. 

    This funding is part of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on French-language Services, a five-year initiative that enhances the delivery of French-language programs and services across the province. 

    Like last year, the 2025-26 Provincial Budget includes several initiatives focused on Saskatchewan’s Francophone communities and French language in the province, including:

    • Two key health programs for Saskatchewan’s French speaking citizens: a patient accompaniment program operated by the Réseau santé en français de la Saskatchewan and a French-language mental health support telephone line offered through TAO Tel-Aide.
    • Improving the provision of French language services to Saskatchewan residents, by developing interactive government services in French and improving the availability of bilingual services for residents when doing business with government.

    “Access to services in French, whether for health care, culture or business support, is essential to building an inclusive and equitable Canada,” Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister Responsible for Official Languages Steven Guilbeault said. “Through strong collaboration between the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, these important investments will help meet the needs of the Fransaskois community. Thanks to the Conseil culturel fransaskois for continuing to make a real difference in the lives of French-speaking communities in Saskatchewan by strengthening their cultural and social vitality.”

    The CCF has been the province’s leading organization for the development and promotion of Francophone culture for over 50 years. 

    “The biggest impact of this renewed and increased funding will be felt in the continuation of initiatives launched last year,” CCF President Anne Brochu Lambert said. “It is a recognition of both the value of these initiatives and the importance of thoughtful long term professional development for our artists.”

    To learn more about the CCF’s programs and events, visit: www.culturel.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Maintien du financement visant à soutenir les artistes francophones et à promouvoir la langue française en Saskatchewan

    Le gouvernement de la Saskatchewan offre un appui financier de 60 000 $ afin de soutenir le développement professionnel des artistes francophones et de renforcer la présence des arts et de la culture en langue française dans toute la province.

    Le Conseil culturel fransaskois (CCF) recevra les fonds à distribuer aux chanteuses et chanteurs, aux musiciennes et musiciens, aux écrivaines et écrivains ainsi qu’aux artistes visuels. Ce financement est offert pour une deuxième année consécutive, permettant ainsi à plus de 55 artistes de bénéficier du programme pour l’année 2024-2025.

    « Ces ateliers offrent aux artistes francophones de précieuses occasions de perfectionner leur art, d’échanger des idées et d’évoluer sur le plan professionnel, déclare Alana Ross, la ministre responsable des Affaires francophones. Le Conseil culturel fransaskois joue un rôle essentiel dans la préservation et la promotion du riche héritage culturel de notre province. Cet investissement soutient les artistes tout en répondant aux attentes de la communauté francophone. »

    Les ateliers s’attarderont sur plusieurs domaines du perfectionnement professionnel tels que le marketing, la promotion et le mentorat.

    Le financement est prévu dans l’Entente Canada-Saskatchewan pour les services en français, une initiative de cinq ans qui permet de fournir plus de prestations de programmes et de services en langue française dans toute la province.

    Comme l’année dernière, le budget provincial 2025-2026 comprend plusieurs initiatives axées sur les communautés francophones de la Saskatchewan et sur la langue française dans la province, y compris :

    • Deux programmes importants en matière de santé pour les citoyennes et citoyens francophones en Saskatchewan : un programme d’accompagnement pour patients géré par le Réseau santé en français de la Saskatchewan et une ligne d’écoute téléphonique de soutien en santé mentale en français offerte par TAO Tel-Aide.
    • L’amélioration de prestations de services en français aux résidants de la Saskatchewan grâce au développement de services gouvernementaux interactifs en français et l’amélioration de l’accès aux services bilingues pour les résidants lors des discussions d’affaires avec le gouvernement.

    « Accéder à des services en français, que ce soit en matière de santé, de culture ou de soutien aux entreprises, est essentiel à l’édification d’un Canada inclusif et équitable. Grâce à une collaboration étroite entre les gouvernements du Canada et de la Saskatchewan, ces investissements importants contribuent à répondre aux besoins de la communauté fransaskoise. Je remercie le Conseil culturel fransaskois de continuer à faire une réelle différence dans la vie des communautés francophones de la Saskatchewan en renforçant leur vitalité culturelle et sociale. »

    – L’honorable Steven Guilbeault, ministre de l’Identité et de la Culture canadiennes et ministre responsable des Langues officielles

    Depuis plus de 50 ans, le CCF est l’organisme phare de la province en ce qui concerne le développement et la promotion de la culture francophone.

    « Nous saluons le renouvellement de ce financement ainsi que l’augmentation accordée, affirme Anne Brochu Lambert, présidente du CCF. Cet appui s’inscrit dans la continuité. C’est une reconnaissance de la valeur des jalons posés l’an dernier et de l’importance de soutenir le développement professionnel de nos artistes sur le long terme. »

    Pour en apprendre davantage sur les programmes et les événements du CCF, visitez le www.culturel.ca.

    -30-

    Pour plus d’information, contactez :

    PCS Media
    Ministère des Parcs, de la Culture et du Sport
    Regina
    Téléphone : 306-798-1020
    Courriel : pcsmedia@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Announces Key Priorities for Georgia’s 13th District in the 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees, announced a list of legislative priorities in the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. These program requests will help create good-paying jobs for residents and businesses in the 13th district and rebuild Georgia’s roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure. 

    “In every vote I cast and every bill I fight for, I remain focused on prioritizing the people I represent in the 13th District,” said Congressman David Scott. “This year’s Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill provides us with an opportunity to build on the success of House Democrats’ landmark 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure bill, which I proudly voted for. The priorities I have requested in this reauthorization will improve public transportation services across the Atlanta metro area. These programs will protect the architectural integrity of our roads, reduce roadway deaths, protect small businesses impacted by transportation construction, and create good paying jobs. I look forward to working closely with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to move these priorities across the finish line.”

    Reauthorization of surface transportation programs is the process by which Congress renews, revises, and funds major federal transportation programs that support highways, public transit, rail, and safety initiatives. Grants provide funding directly to states, local governmental entities, and regional commissions to improve Georgia’s transportation infrastructure. Reauthorization ensures continuity, funding, and policy direction of core federal transportation programs.

    Below are summaries of the surface transportation programs Congressman David Scott requested in 2026:

    1.       Department of Transportation Wide: Increasing the federal cost-share match for transportation projects from 80% to 90% to allow local entities to more easily complete infrastructure projects. (Atlanta Regional Commission)

    2.      Department of Transportation Wide: Develop a voluntary centralized product registry to help localities meet existing “Build America, Buy America” requirements. (Atlanta Regional Commission)

    3.      Federal Highway Administration: Requesting to maintain the 80,000-pound weight limit for trucks on roadways to protect the structural integrity of our roads. (GA-13 Elected Officials)

    4.      Federal Highway Administration: Increasing the percentage of the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) provided based on population to bring more federal grant funding to the metro Atlanta area. (Atlanta Regional Commission)

    5.      Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and Federal Transit Administration: Building upon the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act by increasing the total public transit and passenger rail investment in the 2026 reauthorization to help transit authorities increase and expand services. (MARTA)

    6.      Federal Transit Administration: Request to streamline the approval process for capital projects so that local transit authorities like the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) can more quickly extend bus routes across the metro Atlanta region. (MARTA)

    7.      Federal Highway Administration: Reauthorizing the Safe Streets for All Program (SS4A), which helps local governments create plans and infrastructure to reduce roadway deaths. (League of American Cyclists)

    8.     Department of Transportation Wide: Reauthorize the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, to remove barriers for minority- and women-owned businesses in securing contracts with the Department of Transportation. (Congressional Black Caucus)

    9.      Department of Transportation Wide: Codifying the definition of “labor organization” in infrastructure projects to increase good-paying, union jobs for federal transportation programs. (Transport Workers Union of America)

    10.  Federal Transit Administration: Incentivizing transit projects to prioritize the needs and concerns of small businesses impacted by transit construction. (MARTA)

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Rips Trump’s Plan to Let Palantir Build Dossiers on American Citizens

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) railed against the Trump administration’s plan to turn over Americans’ most personal information that was harvested by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers to Palantir so the company can build dossiers on every American.
    “Under the Trump Administration, DOGE aggressively collected sensitive data across agencies, breaking down firewalls that are supposed to protect us. Then came the Executive Order directing agencies to ‘eliminate information silos’ – basically, to share and pool that data,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “And just last week, we learned that Palantir, a Silicon Valley company known for building surveillance tools, is being hired to build AI-powered profiles on every American using the data DOGE collected. It’s hard to overstate how dangerous this is.”
    CLICK HERE or the image below to watch Trahan’s remarks. A transcript is embedded below.

    Last week, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration has drastically increased federal contracting with Palantir, a Silicon Valley tech firm started by Peter Thiel who has donated heavily to Republican campaigns. Palantir has historically worked closely with the Pentagon and the intelligence community to provide big data analytics and AI products, and in recent years has expanded its customer base to include private companies, civilian agencies, and state and local governments. According to the Times report, the company is now being directed to use its AI systems to merge the personal data of Americans collected by different federal agencies into one database, essentially creating a profile on every person in the country.
    During the hearing today, Trahan pointed out how this type of system could be weaponized by the government against Americans.
    “Let me just give you an example – a hypothetical, of course, but not a far-fetched one. Sarah is a regular American. She pays her taxes, owns a gun legally, and is raising her daughter Emma on her own. She and Emma rely on Medicaid to get the care they need,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “One day, Sarah shares a post on Facebook. She’s concerned about something the President said about firearms, and she posts so. But in Washington, an AI-powered monitoring system flags her post. A political appointee digs into her personal data and sends emails to agency heads urging them to take action against her.”
    “Within days, Sarah’s life falls apart,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “The IRS audits her and claims she owes thousands. Emma’s doctor says her Medicaid isn’t active anymore, and now Sarah has to pay out of pocket. Now, to be clear, this story is made up. But it’s not science fiction. It’s an alarm. It’s a warning.”
    In March, Trahan announced an effort to rewrite the Privacy Act of 1974, a 50-year-old law designed to protect Americans’ privacy that has not been meaningfully updated since its passage in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Dozens of organizations and individuals have responded to Trahan’s request for information about how to strengthen privacy protections while preserving the ability to modernize and improve the efficiency of government services.
    “I’ve spent the past three months talking with civil liberties groups, privacy experts, and people across the country – and the one thing is clear: We need stronger privacy laws,” Congresswoman Trahan concluded. “I believe we can protect people’s data and modernize government to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. These goals are not at odds – they’re linked.”
    —————————————–
    Congresswoman Lori Trahan
    Remarks As Delivered
    House Oversight and Government Reform Hearing: The Federal Government in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
    June 5, 2025

    Trahan: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of this important conversation.
    Over on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is where I usually serve, we have a lot of conversations about technology, and one thing is always clear: data is at the heart of AI. That’s why I believe that any serious discussion about AI has to start with a conversation about privacy. And that’s what I’m here to do today – to sound the alarm about a deeply troubling trend: our own government’s growing appetite for Americans’ personal data.
    Let me just give you an example – a hypothetical, of course, but not a far-fetched one.
    Sarah is a regular American. She pays her taxes, owns a gun legally, and is raising her daughter Emma on her own. She and Emma rely on Medicaid to get the care they need.
    One day, Sarah shares a post on Facebook. She’s concerned about something the President said about firearms, and she posts so. But in Washington, an AI-powered monitoring system flags her post. A political appointee digs into her personal data and sends emails to agency heads urging them to take action against her.
    Within days, Sarah’s life falls apart. The IRS audits her and claims she owes thousands. Emma’s doctor says her Medicaid isn’t active anymore, and now Sarah has to pay out of pocket.
    Now, to be clear, this story is made up. But it’s not science fiction. It’s an alarm. It’s a warning.
    Mr. Schneier, you talked in your testimony about coercion as an “adversarial use” of data. What kinds of coercion could bad actors inside the government use if they had detailed profiles on every American?

    Mr. Schneier: I would think of it as selective investigation. The government has enormous powers to investigate people, and the question is who they choose to investigate. There’s a famous book from many years ago called “Three Felonies a Day” – that we in our normal lives commit three felonies a day because there are just so many rules and we don’t know them.
    So given things like that, who you choose to enforce the law on matters. So this data can be used to select people whom to investigate, people whom to charge. And this could be used selectively by any regime – even not the U.S. – any country that wants to do this.
    Trahan: Unfortunately, this isn’t a hypothetical trend – it’s already happening.
    Under the Trump Administration, DOGE aggressively collected sensitive data across agencies, breaking down firewalls that are supposed to protect us. Then came the Executive Order  directing agencies to “eliminate information silos” – basically, to share and pool that data. And just last week, we learned that Palantir, a Silicon Valley company known for building surveillance tools, is being hired to build AI-powered profiles on every American using the data DOGE collected.
    It’s hard to overstate how dangerous this is.
    Mr. Schneier, are you worried that once this data is centralized, future administrations – no matter their party – could weaponize it? I mean, are we on the verge of opening Pandora’s box?
    Mr. Schneier: I don’t know if Pandora’s Box has been open years ago, but certainly giving this power to a government is something that feels very un-American. There are reasons why this data was siloed. There are reasons why we didn’t have these powers.
    I mean you can imagine humans doing this well before AI, but we chose not to. So AI can certainly make this more efficient, but yes this is power in the hands of a human who wants to wield it for ill can do that very efficiently.
    Trahan: We need a national reckoning on privacy. That means strong oversight of this Administration and its tech partners, and real legislation to protect Americans’ rights.
    You know, I’ve spent the past three months talking with civil liberties groups, privacy experts, and people across the country – and the one thing is clear: We need stronger privacy laws.
    I believe we can protect people’s data and modernize government to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. These goals are not at odds – they’re linked.
    So if you’re listening and you’re concerned about what’s happening – about Big Tech, about government overreach, about your family’s privacy – call my office. Let’s have a national conversation. Let’s protect the freedom our founders fought for and the privacy we all deserve.
    And one last thing I just wanted to mention because over the course of this hearing, the Chair has suggested that no one on the other side of the aisle called attention to the harms of the Republicans’ ten-year ban on state AI regulations. That’s patently false.
    We had robust debate on the Energy and Commerce Committee with several Democratic members, myself included, calling attention to this provision during and after our 26-hour markup. In fact, Democrats offered an amendment to strike the language entirely. So Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record the results of the recorded vote.
    Chairman: Without objection.
    Trahan: Thank you. I yield back.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maine Department of Environmental Protection Issues Air Quality Alert for June 6

    Source: US State of Maine

    June 6, 2025

    CONTACT:

    Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG) level according to air quality meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

    Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the Northern Maine region with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG range on Friday morning. With light winds forecasted, these higher values are expected to linger throughout the day. The remainder of Maine is projected to remain in the Moderate range. Meanwhile, ozone is expected to reach the Moderate range for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions and Good for the remainder of the state.

    On Saturday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, air quality forecasters are not expecting wildfire smoke to move out of the Maine area. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution since smoke can be slow to clean out. Ozone is expected to be in the Good range statewide. However, please check the website Saturday morning for the finalized forecast.

    At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

    Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

    • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
    • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
    • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

    Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

    In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

    For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dunn High School Sit-ins to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Dunn High School Sit-ins to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Dunn High School Sit-ins to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
    jejohnson6

    Protests and legal action by American Indian citizens in Harnett County that led to school integration in 1961 soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Highway Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The marker commemorating the Dunn High School sit-ins will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, during a roadside ceremony at the intersection of West Cumberland Street and North Orange Street in Dunn.

    Although the American Indians of the Harnett and Sampson County region have been recognized by the state as Coharie Indians since 1971, educational opportunities were limited in the preceding decades. Beginning in 1911, the state authorized separate schools for their children. By 1917, the Maple Grove Indian community that had formed near Dunn was large enough to begin petitioning for a school.

    Maple Grove School opened in 1924. As many as 60 children attended at times, often taught by one teacher for grades 1 through 7. After grade 7, students had no school to attend until 1942, when the East Carolina Indian School opened in the New Bethel Indian community a few miles north of Clinton. Children in Harnett and Sampson counties traveled by bus, with the 35-mile trip taking about two hours each way.

    By the mid-1950s, parents of students in the area became dissatisfied with the arrangement and began holding informal meetings at Maple Grove School. Between 1956 and 1960, parents of Indian children formally requested that their children be reassigned to Dunn High School but were denied.

    On Aug. 30, 1960, Indian parents went to Dunn High School to register their children and were turned away. The next day, students and parents returned. The students quietly entered the classrooms and took seats. Two students were charged with trespassing. These sit-ins lasted several days and ended when a judge issued a restraining order prohibiting Indian parents and students from setting foot on Dunn High School property.

    In October 1960, the families filed a lawsuit against the Harnett County Board of Education. A temporary order was signed by federal Judge Albert Reeves directing that the Indian children be admitted to Dunn High School until their eligibility could be determined.

    By June 1961, the school board had received 40 applications for reassignment. On June 20, 1961, 20 students were approved for reassignment to Dunn High School, but 26 elementary-age Indian children were denied admission to the city’s elementary school.

    The addition of Indian students to Dunn High School went reasonably well, it was reported. Later that year the parents returned to federal court to request that their younger children be admitted to Dunn’s segregated elementary schools. The county resisted, but in January 1964 a federal judge ordered the schools to admit 27 Indian elementary students. The county did not appeal, ending Indian school segregation in Harnett County.

    This activism also paved the way for the county’s Black residents to file suit in October 1963. By August 1964, they received a favorable ruling in federal court, ending school segregation for all Harnett County residents.

    For more information about the historical marker, visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2025/05/14/dunn-high-school-sit-ins-h-128 or call (919) 814-6625.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jun 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stolen Paintings Recovered and Returned

    Source: US FBI

    Two paintings have been recovered and returned 40 years after they were stolen from the University of New Mexico’s Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Modelling superfunds

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Modelling superfunds

    We used actuarial modelling to help the Department for Work and Pensions assess the effectiveness of possible options to regulate superfunds.

    Credit: iStockPhoto

    We helped the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with its response – Consolidation of defined benefit schemes – to a 2018 consultation. The response set out that the proposed authorisation regime will assess whether a superfund:

    • has a viable business model
    • is financially sustainable
    • is well governed
    • has a high probability of being able to pay member’s benefits when required

    Modelled and tested

    The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) assessed possible regulatory parameters to determine if a suitable authorisation regime might meet superfund policy objectives.

    We modelled an example superfund, as at 31 December 2022, to test a range of technical provision (TP) discount rates, profit triggers and some possible investment strategies. We used these techniques to determine expected outcomes for the superfund members and investors.

    Results

    Modelling results suggest a TP discount rate of around gilts plus 0.75% and a profit trigger of 150% of the capital requirement for authorisation may come closest to achieving superfund policy objectives at the effective date of the calculations.

    Under the modelling assumptions this provided a balance between superfund commercial viability and reasonable cost of entry against a controlled risk to members’ benefits from superfund failure.

    The DWP used this analysis to support the consultation response to move forward with plans for a superfund regulatory regime. DWP will determine the suitable levels of risk and affordability required for the final regulatory framework.

    GAD’s analysis

    Report co-author and Deputy Government Actuary Matt Gurden said: “This was a complex and detailed analysis of the wide range of factors which can affect superfunds.

    “We modelled an example superfund, in discussion with DWP. The long-term objective was for this example scheme to reach a buyout level of funding when most non-pensioners had retired.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: No cannabis in HK Haribo candies

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today said it tested 58 samples of Haribo candy products in Hong Kong and none of them contained tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabis component.

    The Government Laboratory tested the 58 samples that had already been removed from shelves in the city, after overseas reports suggested that Haribo candies may be contaminated and tested positive for cannabis.

    Upon receiving relevant information, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety contacted local food traders and consulted authorities in the Netherlands.

    The affected batch of products was not imported into Hong Kong, the Government said.

    For prudence sake, the centre had previously informed the trade to temporarily remove the brand’s candies from shelves. The relevant traders have been informed of the test results.

    The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The GREATEST invasion in Army history

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
    spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FQ1ii1lF8Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK What is the Journal? 📚 | House of Commons

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Journal Office holds a complete record of all decisions made in the House of Commons Chamber since 1547.

    A Journal is created for every Parliament session. Two newly printed and bound Journals have arrived to be added to the shelves.

    The Journal is created from a document called Votes and Proceedings which is produced every day by a team of clerks, including Gavin.

    Curious to find out more? You can find Votes and Proceedings by date online https://commonsbusiness.parliament.uk/search?SearchTerm=Votes+and+Proceedings

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ozafvBxuLg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Hageman Introduces Bill to Stop Washington, D.C. from Codifying Agency Deference

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Harriet Hageman introduced a bill aimed at halting the District of Columbia’s efforts to codify Chevron deference, a practice that would empower unelected bureaucrats to interpret and enforce laws without adequate judicial oversight.   

    “Washington, D.C.’s effort to codify Chevron deference is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision overturning Chevron and is nothing more than a political maneuver to give more power to unelected bureaucrats,” Hageman stated. “My bill ensures D.C. courts maintain their independence and upholds the principle that judges, not agencies, should interpret the law when there is a dispute. We cannot allow the administrative state to circumvent the Constitution by granting agencies unchecked power.” 

    The legislation underscores the role of Congress in overseeing Washington, DC and limiting the reach of administrative agencies to substantively change the law through “interpretation,” thereby reinforcing the principle that courts must exercise independent judgment in interpreting the law. 

    The bill reflects a broader movement across the country to protect judicial review, preserve due process for litigants in their disputes with the government, require agencies to comply with the law as it is written rather than as they would like it to be, and prevent the growth of the administrative state. Through this legislation, Congress can help advance the relief achieved in Loper Bright by blocking these political efforts in Washington, D.C. 

    Background: 

    For decades the courts outsourced their interpretative authority pursuant to the judicially created doctrine known as Chevron deference, which required judges to “defer” to an agency’s interpretation of the meaning of statutes. In Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron deference doctrine, requiring courts to independently interpret the law and curbing unchecked agency power.  

    In March, the D.C. Council enacted a temporary law requiring courts to defer to the mayor’s and agencies’ interpretations of the law. This measure, which is intended to remain in effect until October 18, is part of an effort to overtly incorporate the deference doctrine into law, thereby undermining the authority of both elected officials and the judicial branch.  

    Chevron deference undermined judicial independence, put the thumb on the scale in favor of administrative agencies and against our citizens and businesses, and allowed agencies to rewrite the law in real time.  Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council’s support on the proposal make it clear that this move is politically motivated, aiming to consolidate power rather than protect the interests of the public. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA investigates hot-rolled steel plate from South Korea

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    TRA investigates hot-rolled steel plate from South Korea

    The TRA has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hot-rolled steel plate from South Korea.

    The Trade Remedies Authority has today (6 June 2025) opened a new investigation into imports of hot-rolled steel plate from South Korea.

    Hot-rolled steel plates are flat steel products often used in bridge construction, machine manufacturing and shipbuilding.

    The new investigation is in response to an application by UK producer Spartan UK Ltd, which has alleged that imports of hot-rolled steel plate products from South Korea are being dumped into the UK and that these dumped imports are causing injury to domestic industry.

    According to the TRA’s initial analysis, imports of hot-rolled steel plate from South Korea have grown from 14 million tonnes in 2021 to more than 40 million tonnes last year.

    Where the TRA recommends a remedy is necessary, it will conduct an Economic Interest Test to assess whether the implementation of the remedy is in the UK’s economic interest.

    Interested parties can contribute to this investigation by visiting the TRA’s public file.

    Background information

    • The period of investigation for this case will be between April 1 2024 and March 31 2025.
    • The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.
    • The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.
    • UK industries concerned about imports have been able to submit applications for a new trade remedy measure since January 2021. These applications are considered by the TRA to see if there are grounds for an investigation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –