NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Second man charged with assault at London venue

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A second man has been charged following an investigation by detectives in the Metropolitan Police Service.

    Omolulu Akinlolu, 38 (1.1.87), a US national, will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

    The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

    A man has already appeared in court in connection with the same matter:

    Chris Brown, 36 (05.05.89), also a US national , was charged on Thursday, 15 May with grievous bodily harm with intent.

    He appeared in custody at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May. He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.

    The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three charged with National Security Act offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Counter Terrorism Policing investigation has resulted in three men being charged with offences under the National Security Act.

    The three men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested and detained on Saturday, 3 May, under Section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023. Warrants of further detention were obtained meaning the three men could be detained until Saturday, 17 May.

    The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and on Friday, 16 May, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against the three men:

    Mostafa Sepahvand, 39 (22.9.85) of St John’s Wood, London
    Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44 (22.9.80) of Kensal Rise, London
    Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 (23.9.69), of Ealing, London

    All three were charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

    Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, intending to commit acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, contrary to Section 18(1)(a) of the National Security Act 2023.

    Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in conduct, namely surveillance and reconnaissance, with the intention that acts, namely serious violence against a person in the United Kingdom, would be committed by others, contrary to section 18(1)(b) of the National Security Act 2023.

    The foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex and fast-moving investigation.

    “Since the men were arrested two weeks ago, detectives have been working around the clock and we have worked closely with colleagues in the CPS to reach this point. We have been in contact with the individuals directly affected, and we continue to provide them with support.

    “Now that these men have been charged I would urge people not to speculate about this case, so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

    The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 May.

    On Friday, 9 May, a fourth man, aged 31, was also arrested as part of the investigation and he was detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. A warrant of further detention was obtained, meaning he could be detained until Friday, 16 May. He was released without charge on Thursday, 15 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 2:49 pm.

    Police are investigating an attempted arson at the Rosebery/Toorak Football Clubrooms in Rosebery overnight.Tasmania Fire Service and emergency services were called to the scene in Primrose St about 2.45am, after a neighbour heard a window being smashed.Quick action by the neighbour with a small fire extinguisher saw the fire extinguished prior to the brigades’ arrival.Damage to the building was minimal, with some scorching and a broken window.TFS investigations today determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and it is believed some object with an accelerant was thrown through the window.Police are seeking any information from the public, including any details around a small dark coloured hatchback that was seen leaving the area immediately after.Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au, quoting reference number 775130.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Honors Police Week in the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congressman John Rutherford (R-Fla.) to discuss the progress House Committees are making on reconciliation in order to pass President Trump’s agenda of energy independence, border security, lower taxes, reduced government spending, and protection for America’s most vulnerable. As the House celebrates Police Week with legislation on the floor, Leader Scalise also highlighted a brave Capitol Police Officer in his life, David Bailey, who took a bullet to save the lives of Members of Congress during the Congressional Baseball Game shooting in 2017.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
    On the heroism of our law enforcement:“Well, I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating National Law Enforcement Week, bringing a number of bills to the floor to give better protections to our men and women in law enforcement, and just continue to remind those brave heroes that we have their back, like Sheriff Rutherford and so many others in law enforcement, they now serve in Congress. Pete Stauber, who was a cop on the beat, I room with. You know the kind of heroes that they are, and we hear about heroes a lot. “You sometimes hear stories about heroes in law enforcement. I get to walk with one of those heroes every day. I’m going to embarrass him, and he’s going to be upset with me, but he happens to be with me this morning. That’s David Bailey. You want to meet a real-life American hero. It’s that man right there. I wouldn’t be here today, and probably about a dozen other Members of Congress wouldn’t be here today, if not for his bravery, that I got to experience firsthand. I didn’t get to see it all, but I heard it all. Over 100 rounds of gunfire. When a gunman came out on a ball field and tried to kill all of us, and the only reason we’re alive today is because he put himself between us and the gunfire, risked his life, got hit during the shootout. The only reason we’re alive and [the gunman is] not is because of the bravery of David Bailey and Crystal Griner. “While we hear about heroes every now and then, when you actually get to see one and walk around with one, and he came back to work when he got out of the hospital for his treatment, he wanted to go back to work because he loves what he does. He cares about his training. It’s not talked about a lot because many men and women in law enforcement might never have to use their revolver. Hopefully, they don’t, and they don’t want to. But they go to training every day in case they have to, so they’re ready to risk their lives to protect us and our communities. And that’s what David did. The reason that we’re all here today, including him, is because he took his training so seriously. In the days where you could have just phoned it in. He said, ‘You know what? If I’m ever called on to be ready, I want to be prepared to do the job.’ We know there’s so many brave men and women just like David, but I got to see it and experience it. I’m here because of him, and I’m always going to pay tribute to the great heroism of what law enforcement represents. I hope we all remember that. It’s not just a talking point. It’s not just stories that we hear about. I got to experience it, and a number of my colleagues would tell you the exact same thing.” On House Committees’ progress on reconciliation:“We also, of course, are moving through the reconciliation bill and finishing it up this week. This incredibly important work, we’re doing what a lot of people said couldn’t be done. We’re doing it because families are relying on us to get this done. We’ve had many meetings with President Trump, including the last one with the Speaker and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee [Jason] Smith, Chairman of Energy and Commerce Committee [Brett] Guthrie last week in the Oval Office to finalize some of the final pieces of this bill. A lot of work has gone into getting 11 committees ready to complete all of their work today. By the end of today, think about that: 11 committees.“When we did this in 2017, which is an important bill, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to get economic growth, to get our economy moving again, to create jobs, to put more money in the paychecks of workers. There were only two committees involved in that back in 2017. There’s 11 involved this time. Each one of them has hit their mark. And by the end of today, all of them will have exceeded the things that they were asked by us to do, and they will be delivering a great product for all Members of Congress to vote on.” On reconciliation benefitting lower and middle-income American families:“Now, we all know not all Members of Congress will vote for that bill. But everybody who casts a no vote is going to have some tough questions to answer back home. Why would you vote against tax relief for work and families? You can lie all day long, as the Whip pointed out, about the rich and the billionaires. The rich and the billionaires are always going to figure out how to get through whatever the tax code looks like. You know who can’t figure out every single component of it, especially if a tax goes up on you? It’s the lower and middle-income families of America who have been struggling. We were losing our middle class before 2017, when we finally lowered rates for those hardworking families. We saw the benefits primarily to lower and middle-income families.“They would be the ones hit the hardest if this bill were not to pass. Luckily, we’re going to come together and figure it out as we have every step of the way to get this done for the American people, because failure is not an option. We’re going to get our economy moving again. We will give President Trump the resources he needs to keep our border secure. Now that he has secured it, he needs additional tools for our border patrol agents. We’re going to make America energy independent again. It’s in this bill. We’re going to remove the threat of a debt crisis in this bill. So many other important things. We’re getting people back to work in this bill. It’s an important piece of legislation, but I want to commend all the committees, all 11 committees who have worked hours and hours tirelessly, get their work done, starting with the leadership of President Trump, making sure that every step of the way, when there were questions, when there were final decisions that had to be made, he was always one phone call away, and he’ll continue to be. This process isn’t over. We’re just getting close to maybe halftime. When we pass this bill next week through the House, it’ll go to the Senate. They’ll do their work. But we will get this bill to President Trump’s desk before the July Fourth deadline that the White House has asked for.”On the leadership of Speaker Johnson:“The reason that we’ve been able to hit all of these marks is because in every meeting, and I’ve been in all these meetings, the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has been about as patient of a man as I’ve seen, listening to our Members. Believe me, you know this, we have Members that have a lot of different points of view, have a lot of different views on how the bill should be put together. They are not ashamed to express those views, but at the end of the day, we’ve all got to come together. He has brought our Members together on every tough issue. There are a lot of tough issues. Might be one remaining to solve, but we’ve gotten through every one of them because he’s had the patience of Job and continues to lead us in the right direction for those families who are counting on us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Resolution Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Introduced by Pappas, Guest, and Letlow

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), and Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) introduced the House Resolution to honor and memorialize fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution was introduced during National Police Week and recognizes the 345 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, as well as their families. 

    “Police Week is an important way to thank our dedicated law enforcement officers and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Congressman Pappas. “Those who put on the uniform to protect and serve our communities, as well as their family members, deserve our gratitude and respect. I will always work to ensure our police departments have the resources they need and that our officers and their families have the support they have earned. I’m honored to once again help lead this legislation to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers.

    “Police officers are the heroes of our communities, protecting us from crime and defending innocent citizens from those who seek to do harm,” said Congressman Guest. “I am honored to lead this legislation that expresses that the Members of the House of Representatives support our law enforcement officers, appreciate all they do for our communities, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

    “Our law enforcement community works tirelessly to keep us safe and protect our communities. Thank you to our heroic police officers for the sacrifices they make every day,” said Congresswoman Letlow.

    President Kennedy signed Public Law 87-725 in 1962, which authorized the proclamation of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 each year to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The legislation also authorized the recognition of the week in which it falls as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day 2025 honors 345 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty and those whose stories were recovered in the past year. This resolution expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones. 

    This measure is supported by the National Association of Police Organizations and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers at Annual Memorial Ceremony in Concord

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined members of the law enforcement community to honor fallen officers at the annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony. The memorial honors New Hampshire law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Today, there are 55 names on the monument representing 34 New Hampshire law enforcement agencies.

    “It was an honor to join members of New Hampshire’s law enforcement community at the Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial today,” said Congressman Pappas. “On this solemn occasion, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of members of law enforcement and pay tribute to those tragically lost in the line of duty. I’m forever grateful for those who put on the uniform to protect our communities and for family members who serve and sacrifice alongside them.”

    “I was honored to join the 33rd annual New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association Ceremony this morning in Concord to pay tribute to those courageous officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “As National Police Week comes to a close, the memorial is an important recognition of just how much our law enforcement officers do every day to provide safety and security for us all.”

    “New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their fellow Granite Staters and keep our communities safe,” Senator Hassan said. “The Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony is an important opportunity to come together to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to supporting their families, loved ones, and fellow officers.”

    “We owe a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay to the fifty-five brave New Hampshire law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “It was an honor to be with people from across our state to commemorate their service and the sacrifices of their families and loved ones. Today and every day, I am grateful to New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping us all safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU team took first place in the intellectual game “Puzzles of state and municipal service”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The intellectual game “Puzzles of the state and municipal service” took place within the walls of the Corporate University of the Government of the Novosibirsk Region. The game was held for the fifth time and gathered a record number of participants and universities, including: SIU RANEPA, NSUEM, NSAU, SUSPS, NUIL (f) TSU, SibUPK, NSU, SSUGIT and NSPU.

    Eleven teams of talented students competed in a tense battle for the title of the best, striving to prove themselves and win.

    — We quickly decided to participate because this year our entire team will be applying, some for master’s degree, and some for postgraduate studies. We all needed achievements. We also liked the format — we decided to try ourselves in this. In addition, all team members are interested in public service, since we are lawyers, — said Yusub Ozmanyan, the team captain.

    The game participants were asked a variety of questions covering key aspects of the activities of state and municipal employees. The questions concerned the structure and functions of government bodies, historical aspects of state development and the specifics of local self-government.

    The Quiz “Puzzles of the State and Municipal Service” included three rounds: the first – “Quiz”, the second – “Own Game”, the third – “True or False”. In the “Quiz” round, all teams had to answer 10 questions in a row. In the “Own Game” round, each team independently chose the category and difficulty of the question, answering one after the other in turn. In the final round “True or False”, one representative from each team participated, who answered 5 questions in a row one after the other.

    – We prepared very carefully, besides, we have been studying in for many years Institute of Philosophy and Law of NSU, so the base is serious. The third round was the most exciting, because only one participant from the team answered. We were confident in it, but worried. In the end, Danila Isaev did an excellent job! We were very happy to win, because initially we came only for the first place! Everything went great, we are satisfied and happy, – Yusub shared his emotions.

    At the end of the game, the places between the teams were distributed as follows:

    1st place – NSU team “ResPublica” (consisting of: Yusub Ozmanyan, Vladislav Cherenkov, Vitaly Kamorny, Denis Kostornov, Danila Isaev);

    2nd place – the team “Law Faculty” of NSUEM;

    3rd place – the team “Managers” of SSUPS.

    We congratulate the winners and wish them further success!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lofgren, Salinas, Padilla, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farmworkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), the daughter of a former farmworker and a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. The bill was first introduced in the 118th Congress.

    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Rep. Lofgren.

    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”

    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Sen. Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”

    Oregon is home to over 100,000 farmworkers, many of whom live and work in the Willamette Valley and power the state’s $42 billion agriculture economy. Yet despite their importance to our food systems, the average farmworker family in Oregon earns less than $25,000 per year. Ninety-six percent reported living in overcrowded housing and about thirty percent are living below the poverty line. When farmworkers cannot work due to extreme weather or other unexpected disasters, they can lose wages and even their jobs—pushing them deeper into housing and food insecurity.

    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farmworkers. Specifically, this bill would:

    • Make grants available to eligible farmworker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    • Ensure USDA develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    • Require USDA to work with eligible farmworker organizations.
    • Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farmworker organization, and migrant or seasonal farmworker.
    • Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farmworkers.

    In addition to Reps. Lofgren and Salinas, the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations, in alphabetical order: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”

    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 

    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Honors Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian with Congressional Recognition on National Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) presented a special congressional recognition to Fresno Police Sergeant George Imirian in Washington D.C. This honor was given to commend Sergeant Imirian’s outstanding service and to celebrate his recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Top Cop Award by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO).In addition to receiving the Top Cop Award, Sgt. Imirian was selected as the Citizen’s Choice Award recipient, NAPO’s highest honor, chosen from hundreds of nominations across the country. This special award is reserved for the officer whose story of bravery, resilience, and service resonates most with the American people. ABOUT SGT. GEORGE IMIRIANOn October 26, 2024, Sgt. Imirian’s life and career took a harrowing turn. While responding to a call involving a homicide suspect, he was ambushed and shot multiple times in the line of duty. Despite the critical injuries he sustained, Sgt. Imirian survived and made a remarkable return to the force.  Today, Sgt. Imirian is back on full duty, continuing to serve the Fresno community with the same dedication, professionalism, and pride that defined his service before the attack.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Champions Bill to Invest in Small Police Departments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is pushing a bipartisan bill to support local law enforcement by backing the Invest to Protect Act, legislation that would deliver critical resources to small and midsize police departments across the country. “During National Police Week, we honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to protect our neighborhoods,” said Costa. “The Invest to Protect Act is about making sure they have the tools, training, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, especially in rural and underserved areas.” BACKGROUNDRoughly 94% of police departments in the United States employ fewer than 100 sworn officers, often operating with limited budgets and outdated equipment. The Invest to Protect Act, led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), would establish a targeted federal grant program to help departments with less than 175 law enforcement officers fund de-escalation and safety training, mental health support, recruitment and retention efforts, victim-centered response programs, and modern safety equipment. Costa is an original cosponsor of the bill.  This bill would directly benefit departments throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including those serving Dinuba, Exeter, Farmersville, Fowler, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Visalia, and Woodlake. Neighboring communities such as Atwater, Chowchilla, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Madera, and Merced would also stand to gain.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Recognizes Outstanding High School Students at Spring Awards Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced the recipients of the Congressional Award, this year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees, and the winners of the 2025 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition at an awards ceremony. 

    Pallone also announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge and the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. Students representing multiple local schools were honored at a reception at Middlesex College. 

    Pallone honored the 2025 recipients of the Congressional Award. Created by his predecessor, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Howard, the Congressional Award recognizes the initiative, achievement, and volunteer services of young people. The recipients include:

    Bronze Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Brody Gray, Rumson
    • Nyla Martin, Rumson
    • Timothy McCooey, Rumson

    Silver Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Hunter Barrett, Rumson
    • Aditya Herekar, Edison
    • Mahi Mahitcha, Edison
    • Ethan Poon, Edison

    Gold Congressional Award Recipients:

    • Suhani Sengupta, Edison

    “The Congressional Award is given to individuals whose accomplishments and dedication to their communities exemplifies the best qualities of the future,” Pallone said. “I’m proud to award this honor to this year’s recipients, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.” 

    The New Jersey Congressman also honored the candidates he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies. The nominees include:

    U.S. Air Force Academy

    • Brody Cannan, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Jackson Gervais, Christian Brothers Academy
    • Cole Pangborn, Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School
    • Satyam Shah, Northwestern Preparatory School
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Naval Academy                                      

    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Thomas Clark, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Sanjna Thoguru, Rutgers Preparatory School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Caitlin Williams, Trinity Hall

    U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    • Tyler Boelhower, Woodbridge High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Max Fredericks, Keyport High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Hannah Nitka, High Technology High School
    • Kyle Pear, South Plainfield High School
    • Cassidy Robertson, Saint Rose High School
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School

    U.S. Merchant Marine Academy                  

    • Owen Bradford, Spotswood High School
    • Carter Braun, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
    • Robert Gallagher, Arthur L. Johnson High School
    • Reed Kerstetter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
    • Ryan Miller, Middletown High School North
    • Brandon Trivino, Saint Joseph High School
    • Jacob Weir, Seneca High School

    “The value of military service to our nation cannot be overstated, and I am proud of the commitment that these nominees have shown to serving their country,” said Pallone. “These nominees showed outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements, leadership, and motivation in serving our country. Our nation’s service academies are some of the highest caliber institutions that are committed to graduating leaders of character, honor, and integrity. New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District is home to so many bright and qualified students. I wish all of the nominees the very best of luck in the future and thank them for their willingness to serve.”

    Young artists from various schools in Middlesex and Monmouth counties participated in this year’s art competition. Local judges chose first, second and third place winners. They also awarded 15 honorable mentions. The first-place winner, Sylphania Njoku, will have her artwork displayed for the next year in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.  

    Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    First Place: Sylphania Njoku, Piscataway High School

    Second Place: Emily Hsu, John P. Stevens High School

    Third Place: Elizabeth Poole, Piscataway High School

    Honorable Mentions: 

    • Shruthika Adaki, John P. Stevens High School
    • Mishti Bajaj, John P. Stevens High School
    • Gabriel DeJesus, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Yoskar Deleon, Perth Amboy High School
    • Julia Liu, John P. Stevens High School
    • Aaliyah Matias, Perth Amboy High School
    • Chasity McNamara, Edison High School
    • Haley Norris, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Ash Peña Martinez, Red Bank Regional High School
    • Gabrielle Petit-Homme, Piscataway High School
    • Patrick Powers, Raritan High School
    • Sofia Rojas, Piscataway High School
    • Mia Vargas, East Brunswick Magnet School
    • Ava Wallenstein, Sayreville War Memorial High School
    • Alexander Zayas, Perth Amboy High School

    “I have long believed that Congress should play a major role in encouraging interest in the arts,” Pallone said. “This competition provides a forum to help the aspiring young artists of our area gain recognition and exposure. Young artists can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities by displaying their work and having it evaluated by knowledgeable judges.”

    Pallone also announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. The competition encourages students to explore STEM education and highlights the value of computer science.

    First Place: Ekya Dogra, Sahil Ghosh and Adithiya Venkatakrishnan, all from Edison Academy Magnet School, with the app RADR: Rapid Amber Detection Response, which is an initiative to enhance amber alerts & assist in child abduction cases.  The core mission is to provide a faster, more efficient way of not just tracking abducted children, but any suspected vehicles supplementing law enforcement officers with autonomous technology. 

    Second Place: Ishaan Kunwar from Edison High School with the app CataSight, which aims to detect cataracts in fundus images, which are images of the back of the eye taken with an ophthalmoscope (fundus camera), using a machine learning approach that involves a Multilayer Perceptron Layer (MLP) model. The web app, developed using Streamlit, allows users to upload a fundus image and receive a diagnosis of “Cataract” or “Normal,” along with the probability of the prediction, which is out of 1 and rounded to the nearest 2 decimal places.

    Third Place: Neerav Gupta from John P. Stevens High School, with the app Symptix, an innovative app designed to assist users in navigating healthcare information and making informed decisions about their health. At its core, Symptix leverages cutting-edge AI technology to provide fast and reliable medical guidance based on user input. One of the key features of the app is an AI-powered chatbot, powered by the Gemini 1.0 pro model, which allows users to input their symptoms and receive an instant diagnosis. 

    “The Congressional App Challenge is an important platform for students to showcase their skills in programming and computer science while supporting the next generation’s interest in STEM subjects. I will continue to support investments in STEM education so that our country remains at the forefront of innovation and research. I congratulate this year’s winners and encourage everyone who has an idea to submit it for the competition next year,” said Pallone.

    Finally, Pallone announced the winners of the tenth-annual Poetry Showcase. The Poetry Showcase coincides with National Poetry Month, which is celebrated during the month of April. The showcase allows students of all ages to express themselves in writing under one of three thematic categories: civic engagement, the environment, and social justice. 

    “The Poetry Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to express themselves in writing while exploring themes that I believe resonate with their community,” Pallone concluded. “This year, we received over 600 submissions, which is a testament to our students’ dedication to literature and language. I want to thank everyone who participated and commend them for their commitment to this literary art.” 

    Category: Civic Engagement

    • Harshikha Anumala, Oak Tree Road School (Woodbridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Ameirah Gordon, Assumption Catholic School (Perth Amboy) (Grades 6-8)
    • Libby Peckman, Highland Park High School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Environment 

    • Samantha Rybakov, Alan B. Shepard Elementary School (Old Bridge) (Grades K-5)
    • Sujena Maheshwaran Subashini, Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Edison) (Grades 6-8)
    • Alexander Poon, Edison Academy Magnet School (Grades 9-12)

    Category: Social Justice

    • Sophia Santos, South Amboy Elementary School (Grades K-5)
    • Scarlett Garcia, Carteret Junior High School (Grades 6-8)
    • Haniya Arif, Piscataway High School (Grades 9-12)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Concludes Trip to Texas Primate Facilities, Introduces Bipartisan “Captive Primate Safety Act”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Quigley and lawmakers introduced the bill to ban the private ownership of primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs, bolstering public safety and animal welfare.

    Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) concluded a trip to Texas to visit the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary and the San Antonio Zoo, following his introduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Nancy Mace (SC-01) earlier this week.

    “Monkeys and apes belong in the wild—not in living rooms. This bill will ban private possession of these animals, ensuring that we are safe and primates are able to live freely,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. “As the lead sponsor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act which was later signed into law, I’m proud to sponsor the Captive Primate Safety Act to advance the same protections for primates.”

    Signed into law in 2022, Quigley’s Big Cat Public Safety Act banned the private ownership and breeding of big cats including lions, tigers, and pumas. Similarly, the bipartisan Captive Primate Safety Act  will ban private ownership of non-human primates like chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. The bill will also prohibit interstate or foreign commerce of these animals, further preventing people from having them as pets. Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) also introduced this legislation in the Senate.

    “Primates are intelligent and social creatures. But when primates are kept as pets—in captivity and restrained—they can become highly unpredictable and dangerous,” Senator Blumenthal (CT). “Wild animals belong in the wild, and this legislation ends the inhumane exploitation of these animals as pets—protecting both people and primates.”

    “Private ownership of primates is a dangerous and outdated practice that puts both animals and communities at risk,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “As a Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m taking action to put an end to this cruelty and close the legal gaps that allow it to continue. The Captive Primate Safety Act will ban the unlicensed trade and private possession of primates—reducing the threat of disease, preventing future tragedies, and ensuring these intelligent animals are no longer subjected to neglect and abuse. It’s time to get this done.”

    “Your family shouldn’t have to worry about wild monkeys next door. When reckless owners treat primates like pets, it’s law enforcement, taxpayers, and innocent families who pay the price,”  said Congresswoman Mace (SC-01). “The Captive Primate Safety Act  is simple: protect the public, protect law enforcement, and stop this dangerous trend before someone else gets hurt.”

    “Too many times, our sanctuary team has received frantic phone calls from primate pet owners desperate for us to help them. They purchase a monkey when they are just a few weeks old and have no idea that this small, vulnerable animal will soon become a dangerous risk to them and their families,” said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA. “When the monkey reaches adolescence, the owners start to see instances of aggression – a natural behavior in monkeys – and these instances often escalate to the point of someone being seriously harmed. It is then that a sanctuary is called in to take on the monkey, as the owner realizes that they have made a mistake. Law enforcement is not trained to deal with these animals. This puts their staff in danger when they find illegally kept primates, or it means that confiscation is simply not possible for lack of somewhere for the monkeys to go. Given the dangers posed by primates to humans – including injury and disease transmission – forcing law enforcement agencies to take responsibility for the fallout of the primate pet trade is unacceptable.”

    “Primates are highly intelligent, social animals with complex needs that cannot be met in private homes,” said Allison Ludtke, legislative affairs manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “The reintroduction of the Captive Primate Safety Act offers a federal solution that is needed to end the trade of nonhuman primates as ‘pets’ in the U.S., instead of the current patchwork of laws that fail to fully address this issue. Keeping nonhuman primates as pets not only causes immense suffering for the animals but also puts the public at serious risk — resulting in injuries, physical and emotional trauma, and costly emergency responses from law enforcement who are unfairly put in the position of managing dangerous wild animals. ALDF applauds Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Quigley, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Mace, and Congresswoman Brownley for their leadership on this impactful and common sense legislation.”

    “Primates are wild animals, not pets or playthings” said Susan Millward, CEO and executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute. “Primates have natural instincts that can make them aggressive and unpredictable toward humans, and nobody wins when they’re kept inside a home. These animals suffer permanent physical and mental trauma when they are mutilated, isolated, caged, and malnourished. The Captive Primate Safety Act would protect primates from a lifetime of cruelty.”

    “Primates are not pets and the primate pet trade is a risk to human health, individual animal wellbeing, and fuels the illegal wildlife trade,” said Lincoln Park Zoo President & CEO Megan Ross, Ph.D. “The Captive Primate Safety Act not only ends the now-legal pet trade, but will protect these cognitively advanced animals.”

    To read the full text of the Captive Primate Safety Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly condemns Trump Administration for flooding streets with dangerous rapid-fire devices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    CHICAGO – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemned the Trump Administration for permitting the sale of forced reset triggers, which enable semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns.

    The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) settled a lawsuit with the National Association for Gun Rights, which challenged a rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ban forced reset triggers. 

    “President Donald Trump just put people’s lives at risk in exchange for the gun lobby’s support. This is not about the Second Amendment – this is about a dangerous device that can do irreparable harm to communities. Anyone can buy or 3D print a forced reset trigger without a background check and without question as to why someone needs a gun with the same firing capacity as a machine gun. Machine guns have been illegal since 1934, and it’s time our laws catch up to the 21st Century to ban devices that cause the same damage, pain and grief.”

    Rep. Kelly has dedicated her career in public service to ending gun violence. Most recently, she led a letter to President Trump demanding he reinstate funds to community violence intervention organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Nampa Man of Attempting to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – After a three-day trial, a federal jury sitting in Boise found William Walls, 52, of Nampa, guilty of three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill presided over the trial, which began on May 12, and concluded with guilty verdicts on May 14.

    According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Walls used his cellphone to surreptitiously record three female children in the bathroom of his apartment. Walls was babysitting the victims at the time. The video captured one of the children showering and the other two children changing their clothes.

    The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of a child carries a minimum of fifteen years and up to life in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least five years and up to lifetime of supervised release. Walls will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.

    Sentencing is set for July 31, 2025, before Judge Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Nampa Police Department for a thorough and professional investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Kassandra McGrady and Erin Blackadar prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘King’ of Violent Haitian Gang Found Guilty on All Charges for Hostage Taking of 16 American Christian Missionaries

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Joly Germine, 32, of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, was found guilty today by a federal jury in the District of Columbia for his role in orchestrating the 2021 hostage taking of 16 American citizens, including five children, and holding them hostage for 62 days.

               The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan James of the Miami Field Office.

               “This office will fight aggressively to protect Americans who are taken hostage and abused, and to uphold the religious freedoms of our people, including Christians.  As the evidence demonstrated, Joly Germine orchestrated a plot that leveraged American Christian missionaries as bargaining chips to try to secure his own release from a Haitian prison,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “When you commit crimes against Americans in other countries, it makes no difference where you are — we are coming for you. Justice may not always be swift but it is certain.”

               “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s determination to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are. Haitian gang leader and convicted kidnapper Joly Germine found out he was not beyond the reach of the FBI,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge James. “Neither time nor distance will weaken our resolve. We will use all tools available and go to farthest reaches of the globe to bring to justice those who kidnap Americans.”

               Following a 10-day trial in U.S. District Court, the jury found Germine guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and 16 counts of hostage taking of a U.S. national for ransom. 

               The former leader and self-described “king” of the notoriously violent Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo, Germine previously pleaded guilty to his role in a gun trafficking conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws and the laundering of the gang’s funds derived from ransoms paid for other U.S. hostage victims. For those crimes, he was sentenced in June 2024 to 35 years in federal prison. 

               Germine’s gang, 400 Mawozo, operated in the Croix-des-Bouquets area to the east of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Germine directed the gang’s operations from prison using unmonitored cell phones and was constantly in touch with other 400 Mawazo leaders, most of whom were his relatives. Germine controlled the gang’s finances, supplied the gang’s weapons, and otherwise directed operations. 

               On October 16, 2021, 17 Mennonite missionaries from Christian Aid Ministries, an Ohio-based missionary aid organization, were returning from visiting an orphanage when they were stopped by 400 Mawozo’s armed and masked soldiers. Many of the gang’s soldiers were brandishing firearms supplied by Germine.  The group included 12 adults and 5 children, including a 6-year-old, 3-year-old, and an 8-month-old. Sixteen of the victims were U.S. citizens and one was a Canadian citizen.  

               The gang drove the missionaries to a field and robbed them, while consulting by phone with Germine, their leader. The gang took the missionaries to a building in a rural area, held them at gunpoint, and demanded ransom of $1 million each for their return. In postings on social media, the gang threatened to kill all the hostages if the ransom was not paid. Early on in the negotiations, senior gang leadership said that, in lieu of the ransom monies, 400 Mawozo would accept Germine’s release from prison in exchange for the hostages. 

               On November 20, 2021, two hostages were released after one was suffering from life-threatening health conditions. On December 5, 2021, 400 Mawozo released three of the hostages, two adults who had significant medical issues and the six-year old child, after receiving a $350,000 ransom payment. Though the gang had stated they would release all the hostages for the ransom paid, at Germine’s direction, the gang thereafter refused to release any more hostages. On December 16, 2021, the remaining hostages escaped under cover of darkness while their captors were distracted, walking for five hours through the Haitian bush until they were out of the gang’s territory. They were received by the FBI, which had deployed to Haiti and arranged to immediately transport them from Haiti before the gang could respond to their escape. In total, most of the missionaries were held for 62 days. 

              The evidence at trial showed that Germine had directed the initial kidnapping, had arranged for the locations where hostages were held, and set the $17 million ransom demand, knowing it was too high to be paid and would result in the Haitian government negotiating his release from prison in exchange for the missionaries.  The evidence also showed that Germine was involved in or consulted on the decisions to release victims.

               The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. During the law enforcement response to the kidnapping, extraordinary assistance was provided in a whole of government response by various agencies, including Customs and Border Protection Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Defense, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Valuable assistance was provided by the government of Haiti, the government of the Dominican Republic, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Department of State and the Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida’s Special Prosecutions Section.

               The case was  prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Tom Saunders and Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas for the District of Columbia, with invaluable assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall, Victim Advocate Yvonne Bryant, and Victim Witness Coordinators Tonya Jones and Guisela Castillo. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 310 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 10, 2025, through May 16, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 310 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 125 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 170 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States charged 15 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Angelica Ramos-Lopez: On May 10, 2025, Angelica Ramos-Lopez, a United States citizen, was charged with Conspiracy to Transport an Illegal Alien, Birth Certificate Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft. On May 9, 2025, Ramos-Lopez approached the State Route 85 immigration checkpoint near Gila Bend in a vehicle with a child lying down in the backseat, covered by a blanket from head to toe. Ramos-Lopez presented a birth certificate and United States passport for the child with a birth year of 2017 that listed Ramos -Lopez as the mother. However, the child who was in the vehicle provided a different name than the one found on the birth certificate and stated that the driver was his stepmother. In a post-Miranda interview, Ramos-Lopez admitted that she did not know who the child was, but that she knew the child was undocumented. Ramos-Lopez told officers that she was getting paid to transport the child from Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona. Ramos-Lopez stated that the birth certificate was real, but it belonged to her biological son, not the child passenger. [Case Number: MJ-25-6234]

    United States v. Yolanda Mendivil-Diaz: On May 13, 2025, Yolanda Mendivil-Diaz was charged with Reentry of a Removed Alien. Mendivil-Diaz was previously removed from the United States in 2014 after being convicted for Conspiracy to Sell or Transfer Narcotic Drugs, a felony offense, in the Superior Court of Arizona. [Case Number: MJ-25-3192]

    United States v. Jose Herrera Daniel: On May 14, 2025, Jose Herrera Daniel was charged by criminal complaint for attempting to illegally export ammunition from the United States into Mexico. The complaint alleges that United States Customs and Border Protection officers searched Daniel’s car at the Douglas Port of Entry and found 6,399 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition hidden in the vehicle. [Case Number: MJ-25-9008]

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are 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).                                                                                    

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-078_May 16 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to 88 Months in Prison for Role in Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – German Montano-Peralta, 33, of Nacozari, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced on May 12, 2025, by United States District Judge Angela Martinez to 88 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Montano-Peralta previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.

    On April 30, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona, Montano-Peralta and others possessed approximately 40 kilograms of powder and pills containing fentanyl and more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine, which they intended to deliver to others later that day.

    This investigation was a collaborative effort between federal law enforcement agencies and is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative in Southern Arizona that is being led by the Arizona Strike Force located in Tucson. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-24-2710-AMM-4
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-079_Montano-Peralta

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oswego County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tyler Hull, age 42, of Fulton, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of a schedule I synthetic cathinone. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Hull admitted that during a traffic stop, police found approximately 316 grams of a synthetic cathinone he intended to distribute to others in Oswego County. During questioning, Hull also admitted that he had distributed a similar quantity of the same substance on two prior occasions. The synthetic cathinone Hull intended to distribute is a schedule I controlled substance and has pharmacological effects on the central nervous system similar to other schedule I or II substances such as methylone, pentylone, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.  At the time, Hull was serving a term of supervised release imposed after a 2022 federal drug trafficking conviction.

    Hull also admitted to violating the terms of his supervised release by committing the new offense and by possessing a controlled substance.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on the new offense and his supervised release violations by United States District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby on September 24, 2025, in Syracuse, New York.

    U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is deeply committed to working closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to root out those who seek to profit by peddling poison in our communities through the distribution of controlled substances.”

    “Yesterday’s guilty plea underscores the successful and unwavering collaboration between state, local, and federal partners, who continuously place the public’s safety above all else,” said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Buffalo. “I commend the law enforcement community for ensuring no stone is left unturned as we strive to protect our New York communities.”

    For his new criminal offense, Hull faces up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and a term of post-release supervision of at least 6 years and up to life.  Hull also faces up to two years in prison on his violations of supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The case was investigated by HSI and the other members of the Oswego County Drug Task Force, which is comprised of members of HSI, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Fulton Police Department, the City of Oswego Police Department, the Oswego County District Attorney’s Office, and United States Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cleaver, Local Federal Employees Hold Press Conference Condemning Cuts to Federal Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) held a press conference with local employees from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to highlight the impact of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s cuts to the federal workforce. More than 30,000 federal workers are employed in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, with one economist estimating the region could lose 6,000 good-paying federal jobs, which could wipe out thousands of other jobs in the process. 

    “The Trump administration and Elon Musk have treated our federal workforce like a disposable expense, rather than the backbone of a functioning democracy,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Slashing jobs, hollowing out agencies, and undermining public service isn’t reform – it’s sabotage. I’m proud to stand with the unions representing the men and women who keep this country running. Today’s gathering is a line in the sand. We’re standing with the workers who’ve been silenced, sidelined, and scapegoated – and we won’t let billionaires hollow out public service under the guise of efficiency without a fight.”

    The basics:

    Where do federal employees work?

    • Federal employees work in every congressional district in the country. In fact, 80 percent of the 2.3 million federal civilian employees work outside the D.C. region. As a result, mass firings have the potential to not only affect government services, but also to disrupt local economies.

    What departments employ the most federal employees?

    • Eight departments each employ over 100,000 civilian employees. They are the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and other Department of Defense employees not included in the branches of the military. Employees at these agencies account for almost 75 percent of the federal civilian workforce, not including U.S. Postal Service workers. 

    How much money is spent on federal employees?

    • Approximately 4 percent of all federal spending is compensation for civilian employees. In fiscal year 2022, the federal government spent $6.3 trillion in total outlays but only $271 billion was from compensation to civilian employees. For comparison, the gross tax gap from taxes the wealthy owe but refuse to pay is approximately $696 billion, or 2.5 times more than all compensation to civilian employees. Total civilian employee compensation is dwarfed by the amounts that wealthy tax cheats don’t pay in taxes.
    • Moreover, as Congressional Republicans enable DOGE cuts in communities across the country, they are currently working to pass a $4.5 trillion tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the top 5% of Americans.

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hoyer Remarks at FSGG Hearing on the Federal Judiciary

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the FSGG hearing on the Federal Judiciary. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:
     

    Click here to watch a full video of remarks.
     

    “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Judge Conrad and Judge St. Eve for being with us and for the meeting we had, which was very helpful as a preface to this hearing. If the Judiciary, Mr. Chairman, is to meet this pivotal moment and preserve the rule of law, we must ensure that it has the resources and independence it needs to function as a co-equal branch of government. That’s why I’m very disturbed to see certain House Republicans call for retaliation against judges who rule on the law as they see it, but with which the President’s administration may disagree.

    “Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan sent a letter asking this committee to limit funding the Judiciary uses to issue and enforce injunctions. Other House Republicans have filed articles of impeachment against judges, not for any misconduct, but rather for ruling against the administration. Federal judges who block Trump’s illegal executive actions are just trying to do their jobs and interpreting the law. That is their role and that is critical to our democracy. Many were appointed by Republican presidents, some were even appointed by Donald Trump himself. I agree with Chief Justice Roberts’ assessment earlier this week, that retaliation against them has, to use his words, ‘endangered the rule of law.’ You can’t claim to stand for law and order when you threaten the independence of the branch responsible for upholding law and order. Some of my colleagues across the aisle agree, and I hope they’ll stand up for the Judiciary. Our subcommittee needs to ensure our courts receive the resources they need to fulfill their duties under the Constitution. Doing so is especially important considering the recent Continuing Resolution did not provide any funding increase for the Judiciary in Fiscal Year ‘25.

    “Six of the eleven judicial branch appropriations were funded at a freeze for a second year, meaning they were forced to continue operating at Fiscal Year ‘23 levels. For Fiscal Year ‘26, Judiciary requested $9.4 billion in discretionary funding, an increase of $800 million, or 9.3%, over the ‘25 Continuing Resolution. Most of that increase, however, some 68%, is just to offset inflation, while the rest is for programmatic reassessment. Failing to fulfill that request would threaten the Judiciary’s ability to perform basic, constitutional, and statutory functions. I’m particularly concerned, Mr. Chairman, about our federal public defender program, which has faced a severe staffing shortage and budget shortfall for years. As a matter of fact, we made a mistake in this committee and the Senate made a further mistake – which was corrected – which would have completely undermined the ability to perform the public defender service as is necessary.

    “The Judiciary has requested $1.77 billion for defender services, an increase – a substantial increase – of $350 million, or 22%, over the Fiscal Year ‘25 CR. Again, a freeze at ‘23 levels. Without that funding, courts will struggle to ensure that Americans are provided their constitutional right to an attorney, a competent attorney. We also need to ensure that our courts can keep up with the increasing caseloads. That means following through on the request to increase funding for the Court of Appeals and district courts by $345 million, or 6%, and again for the administrative office of the U.S. courts by $8 million, or 8%, over the ‘25 CR. Again, we’re talking about ’73 levels, essentially. Without these increases to help our courts here hire staff as needed and cover basic operational costs, case backlogs will only continue to grow, making it harder for Americans to receive timely justice and due process. I know all the committee members understand this, but criminal cases will become – must become before the civil cases because of the right to a speedy trial. That means small businesses and other Americans will be pushed to later resolution of their cases.

    “We also need to devote more resources to keep our judges and courts safe at the time when Donald Trump and his allies are vilifying our courts. The public hears that and it has a tendency to inflame those who may be irrational, may be mentally ill, or just may be angry. We ought to fulfill its request for a $142 million, or 19% increase above the ‘25 CR for court security – now court security is a euphemism for making sure our judges are safe, making sure that our judges are not intimidated, making sure that justice will be served unrelated to the threat of violence.

    “I look forward to hearing more from Judge Conrad and Judge St. Eve – although I want to say to you, I’m going to go back to my other hearing, I’m going back and forth, but my staff will be here and I’m going to hear everything you say but it may not be – it may be virtually. Everyone who stands for law and order, Mr. Chairman, ought to be united in the mission of ensuring that our Judiciary is safe, neutral, and articulating their thoughts regarding – and opinions with reference to the law, unrelated to intimidation and forces beyond their control. I yield back.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hoyer Remarks at the FSGG Hearing on the Federal Trade Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at the FSGG hearing on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:
     

    Click  here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “I thank the chairman very much. Welcome, Chairman Ferguson, to the committee. I want to thank you for the work that you have done and you’re doing. You had a very extensive statement. Footnoted more than any other statement I think I’ve read for an opening statement. I thought I was reading a law brief, but having said that, it was very comprehensive.

    “But one of the things I noticed in it, and I say this at the outset, well, I’m going to ask questions later. I’m going to be going in and out. It has nothing to do with your testimony. It has to do with we have two hearings going on at the same time.

    “One of my top priorities, Mr. Chairman as you know, throughout my time in Congress has been making our workers, our businesses, and our entire economy more competitive.

    “That is why I, as Majority Leader, started the agenda that I call Make It In America. Which obviously is a double entendre. People came to America to make it, to succeed. But also, the way we’re going to succeed better, is to make it—whatever it may be—in America. We’re moving towards that effort. But as you point out in your statement, it can be a self-defeating effort. The larger one enterprise gets other enterprises are left by the wayside. Many of the historic bills we passed in the 117th Congress – including the Chips and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act – were designed to promote competition and to grow manufacturing and our science research in America. That’s the objective we all ought to share.

    “If you support innovation, if you support growth, if you support development, then you have to support competition. I tell my Democrats, if you want to be pro-worker, you need to be pro-employer. Both need to be in equilibrium. Both have a role to play. And both need a referee. [turns to colleague on the dais] You talked about cop on the beat. Referee.

    “If you recognize the importance of the free market, as I do, then you have to recognize how crucial it is to keep it free and keep it a market. The FTC is essential to that mission to promote fair competition and protect American consumers. It breaks up monopolies that inflate the price of everything from groceries to gas to health care. It protects Americans from scam calls, fraud, and unfair business practices. It stands up for Americans’ privacy rights, going after businesses that misuse or fail to secure their personal data. One thing I may just [pulls out smart phone] it ticks me when I get advertisements that I don’t ask for on this device which I own. I don’t know whether there is a solution to that, because obviously they have to ‘pay for the product they give me.’ That is a particular concern that I have that you may pay attention to.  

    “The FTC needs to maintain public trust and credibility to do this vital, nonpartisan work. Now I mention nonpartisan work, but what I started to say, let me say, I noticed at least three times in the opening sort-of synopsis of your statement that you use the term ‘the Trump-Vance FTC.’ I was caught by that, because I don’t see that very often in statements that are made. Actually, it’s America’s FTC. Now, you’re appointed, you’re a Republican, I’m a Democrat, so we have different points of view. But we need to make sure the agenda of the administration really needs to be in this case from your perspective, the agenda of what the FTC is intended to do. Now we may have differences on that, but I would urge you to do it in as non-partisan a way, and, frankly, I urged your predecessor to do the same thing. There would be different views as to whether that was accomplished. The FTC needs to maintain public trust and credibility as I said, and that will help I think. That’s why the agency has always been independent.

    “I am deeply concerned by this administration’s efforts frankly to undermine—not only the independence that that naming it the Trump-Vance FTC would imply—but it also seems to be creeping into almost everything we do. Where so-called ‘non-loyalists’ are being fired. They need to be loyal to the country and the oath that we all take to the Constitution and the laws thereof. Not to any individual or group of individuals. In March, Donald Trump violated 90 years of supreme court precedent when he fired two Democratic FTC commissioners without any legal cause, which under the law is required.

    “Those two commissioners are challenging that action in court, I hope they win. And if it’s anything like the dozens of other cases we’ve seen in the past four months, I believe the courts will likely rule against the administration. [Turns to Rep. Joyce] One more minute? Nevertheless, Trump’s attempt to politicize the FTC ought to concern us all. So should the reports that Elon Musk and his DOGE agents may be able to access sensitive financial data the FTC compiles on American businesses, including Musk’s competitors. That is the opposite of the FTC’s purpose, and we must not let it happen. Democrats and Republicans need to come together to protect this vital institution and ensure it has the resources it needs to keep serving the American people. I thank FTC’s Chair Ferguson for joining us today, and I hope he can address some of these concerns and speak to the importance of this funding. The American people are counting on the FTC, and the FTC is counting on this committee. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Joins Sen. Cotton in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Installations from Unauthorized Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing the Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act. The bipartisan legislation will help enhance airspace security at military installations.

    Sens. Johnson and Cotton were joined by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

    U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) are introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Johnson Introduces Bipartisan Transformational Public Transit Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    On the final day of Infrastructure Week, Rep. Hank Johnson introduces legislation to invest $80B in public transit across large cities, small towns, and rural communities to better serve constituents and working families

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the final day of Infrastructure Week, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, re-introduced the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, which would provide $20 billion annually for four years ($80 billion total) to transit systems for their operating budgets.

    The bill would provide targeted federal funding to help transit agencies increase bus and rail service, especially in places with existing poor service, disadvantaged communities, and areas of persistent poverty. The funding will be in addition to existing state, local and farebox revenue and will support additional services above and beyond what is currently being provided. Agencies could use funding under this bill to make “substantial improvements to transit service.”

    “Transit in our communities is as essential as food on our tables, clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads,” said Rep. Johnson. “This kind of funding is a game-changer for Atlanta and communities across the nation. Simply put, people could get to more places in less time using transit. Jobs, schools, and other daily destinations that previously took too long to reach would become more accessible. People would feel less strain on household budgets as their transportation costs shrink. They would have more time to spend with their families as time spent commuting falls.”

    The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act builds on the momentum of Infrastructure Week by supporting efforts to create a more equitable, efficient, and connected transportation system for all Americans.

    The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act would:

    •    Authorize $20 billion annually for FY2025-FY2028
    •    Create a new formula grant program to support the operating costs of public transportation and certain associated capital costs
    •    Require funds must be used for projects that make “substantial improvements to transit service” –  that directly boosts frequency of buses, trains and increases routes
    •    Clearly define funding for “areas of persistent poverty” and “underserved communities;”

    According to the Transit Center, a foundation that works to improve public transit in cities across the U.S., in Atlanta alone, $20 billion in annual transit funding could mean a 40 percent gain in service that could vastly improve access to transit that arrives at least every 15 minutes, all day, seven days a week.

    In some parts of the city, that would increase the number of jobs reachable within 30 minutes on transit by a factor of eight, it said.

    In cities and communities across the country, a federal program to support transit services could yield similar benefits by helping families lower transportation costs, drive economic opportunity and racial equity and reduce greenhouse gases.

    Cosponsors include: Reps. Cohen, McClellan, Tlaib,  Frost, Cleaver, Dean, Boyle, Doggett, Wilson (FL), Ramirez, Kennedy (NY), McIver, Norton, Smith (WA), Sykes, Gomez, Simon, D. Davis (IL), Schakowsky, Carbajal, Garcia (CA), Sanchez, Mullin, DelBene, McGarvey,  Raskin, R. Kelly, Garamendi, Veasey, Horsford, McBath, Meng, Ruiz, Carter (LA), Titus, Lynch, Fields, Morelle, Scanlon, Omar, Foushee, Tonko, Moore (WI), Adams, Magaziner, Pocan, Moulton, Evans (PA), Landsman, Thompson, Jayapal, Watson Coleman, DeGette, Mfume, Deluzio, Hayes, Thanedar, Barragán, Beatty, Brown, Fitzpatrick, Ocasio-Cortez, Garcia (IL), Lee (PA), Khanna, Neal, Pingree, Clarke (NY), Krishnamoorthi, Sherman, Budzinski, Ansari, Nadler, Cherfilus-McCormick, Ryan, Gottheimer, Casten, Jackson, Garcia (TX), Velazquez, Houlahan, Sorensen, Huffman, Foster, Chu, Ross, Vargas, Stansbury, Goldman, Amo, Moskowitz, Sewell, Dingell, Harder, Quigley, Salinas, Takano, Bishop, Ivey.

    The bill is supported by: Transport Workers Union of America, Amalgamated Transit Union, MARTA, T4America, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Campaign for Transit Justice, Sierra Club, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Union of Concerned Scientists

    What stakeholders are saying:

    “The federal government inexplicably funds transit capital investments without providing the operations funding to ensure that buses and trains can run safely, on time, and frequently enough to benefit working families,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “This bill would end a transit funding practice that doesn’t make sense and ensure that federal dollars can go toward transit operating expenses that improve service and ridership.”

    “Transportation labor has long supported strong federal action that facilitates sustainable and reliable public transit service,” Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Greg Regan said. “By providing $20 billion per year over the next four years, transit agencies would have the opportunity to increase service frequency, expand service areas, extend operating hours and overall improve the passenger experience. We applaud Rep. Johnson for understanding the importance of this public service and introducing this legislation.”

    To read the bill, click HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Nominees Forwarded for District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Doele, Norfolk; Julie L. Reiter, David City; and Breanna D. Flaherty of Columbus.

    The Fifth Judicial District consists of Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties. The vacancy is due to the appointment of Justice Jason M. Bergevin to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 17, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 17, 2025.

    A life of service: celebrating the career of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, RNZ Pacific manager At this year’s May graduation ceremony, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University’s Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition for her contribution to education. Although she has now stepped down from the role, Luamanuvao served as the university’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Pasifika, for 14 years.

    ‘Manu jumping’: The physics behind making humongous splashes in the pool
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pankaj Rohilla, Postdoctoral Fellow in Fluid Dynamics, Georgia Institute of Technology Maybe you’ve unknowingly tried to do a manu jump. Isabel Pavia/Moment via Getty Images Whether diving off docks, cannonballing into lakes or leaping off the high board, there’s nothing quite like the joy of jumping into

    Time for NZ media to ditch the propaganda and stand against genocide
    COMMENTARY: By Saige England in Christchurch “RNZ is failing in its duty to inform the public of an entirely preventable humanitarian catastrophe.” Tautoko to Jeremy Rose, Ramon Das and Eugene Doyle for this critique of a review of RNZ’s coverage of a genocide. Sadly, this highlights RNZ’s failure to report the genocide from the perspective

    Media Council makes ‘stop Telikom PNG silencing journalists’ plea to PM Marape
    The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) has called on Prime Minister James Marape to stop Telikom PNG silencing and suppressing media personnel. Telikom PNG, which is 100 percent government-owned, has two key outlets: FM100 radio and EMTV. Recently, it sacked FM100 talkback host Culligan Tanda after he featured opposition East Sepik Governor Allan

    Ben Roberts-Smith has lost an appeal in his long-running defamation case. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia The full Federal Court has dismissed Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal to have his defamation case loss overturned. It is important in seeking to understand this judgement to know the history of the case. In June

    With a new minister for early childhood education, what can the federal government do to make centres safer?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University This week, more reports emerged of horrific abuse of children at childcare centres. An ABC investigation reported young children had suffered burns and been verbally abused. In another case, a baby was repeatedly slapped by an

    Australian researchers use a quantum computer to simulate how real molecules behave
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ivan Kassal, Professor of Chemical Physics, University of Sydney University of Sydney Nano Institute When a molecule absorbs light, it undergoes a whirlwind of quantum-mechanical transformations. Electrons jump between energy levels, atoms vibrate, and chemical bonds shift — all within millionths of a billionth of a second.

    To boost the nation’s health, the government’s proposed food strategy must put people over profits
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachael Walshe, Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Canberra crbellette/sShutterstock On election night, a triumphant Anthony Albanese took to the stage brandishing a Medicare card as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to public healthcare. As the re-elected government gets to work on its promised national food security strategy

    You usually need more than a few drops of blood, saliva or urine to detect illnesses. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amali Cooray, PhD Candidate in Genetic Engineering and Cancer, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Lumen Photos/Shutterstock In the 2000s, biotech company Theranos promised to revolutionise blood testing. Founder Elizabeth Holmes claimed Theranos technology could perform hundreds of tests using just a finger-prick drop

    Some young trans people take sex hormones so their bodies better align with their gender. What are the benefits and risks?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cristyn Davies, Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney romain-jorge/Shutterstock Triggered by hormonal changes in the brain and body, puberty marks a physical transformation. Oestrogen and testosterone – often called “sex hormones” – drive many

    Saudi Arabia has big AI ambitions. They could come at the cost of human rights
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niusha Shafiabady, Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence, Australian Catholic University This week, on his tour of the Middle East, United States President Donald Trump unveiled a suite of new deals with Saudi Arabia. Trump claimed the deals were worth more than US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion). This is

    Why Anthony Albanese’s presence at Pope Leo’s inauguration is shrewd politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese steps into St Peter’s Square for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, the optics will be far more than pious courtesy. For a day, the Vatican will temporarily be the world’s

    The space race is being reshaped by geopolitics, offering opportunities for countries such as New Zealand
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Zámborský, Senior Lecturer, Management & International Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau NASA/Getty Imges The space economy is being reshaped — not just by innovation, but by geopolitics. What was once dominated by state space agencies, and more recently by private ventures, is evolving into

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trail runner rescued from the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Trail runner rescued from the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park

    Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 12:02 pm.

    A female trail runner has been rescued after becoming lost on the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park last night.
    Search and Rescue was called to coordinate rescue of the woman from Overland Track after the woman called emergency authorities on her mobile.
    Police and a Tasmania Parks and Wildlife ranger located the woman around 8pm last night, seeking shelter overnight at the Waterfall Hut.
    The woman was then walked out to safety a short time ago,
    Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.• Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.• Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.• Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A life of service: celebrating the career of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, RNZ Pacific manager

    At this year’s May graduation ceremony, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University’s Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition for her contribution to education.

    Although she has now stepped down from the role, Luamanuvao served as the university’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Pasifika, for 14 years. In that time has worked tirelessly to raise Pasifika students’ achievement.

    “It’s really important that they [Pasifika students] make the most of the opportunities that education has to offer,” she said.

    “Secondly, education teaches you how to write, to research, to critique, but more importantly, become an informed voice and considering what’s happening in society now with AI and also technology and social media, it’s really important that we can tell our stories and share our values, and we counter that by receiving a good education and applying ourselves to do well.”

    When asked about the importance of service, Luamanuvao explained “there’s a saying in Samoan, ‘o le ala i le pule o le tautua’ so the road to authority and leadership is through service”.

    “And we’ve always been taught how important it is not to indulge in our own individual success, but to always become a voice and support our brothers and sisters, and our families and in our communities who are especially struggling.”

    Juliana Faataualofa Lafaialii, Samoa’s Deputy Head of Mission/Counsellor to NZ (from left); Philippa Toleafoa; Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban; Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa, Samoa’s High Commissioner to NZ; and Labour MP Pesetatamalelagi Barbara Edmonds . Image: Pesetatamalelagi Barbara Edmonds/RNZ Pacific

    As she accepted her honorary doctorate, she spoke about the importance of women taking on leadership roles.

    ‘Our powerful women’
    “Yes, many Pacific people will know how powerful our women are, especially our mothers, our grandmothers, and great grandmothers. We actually come from cultures of very powerful and very strong women . . .  it’s not centered in the individual women. It’s centered on the well-being of our families, and our communities. And that’s what women leadership is all about in the Pacific.”

    She did not expect the honourary doctorate from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University because “I’ve always been aspirational for others. And we Pacific people have been brought up that we are the people of the ‘we’ and not the me.”

    The number of Pasifika students enrolled at the University, during Luamanuvao’s time as Assistant Vice-Chancellor, increased from 4.70 percent in 2010 to 6.64 pecent in 2024. She said she “would have loved to have doubled that number” so that it was more in line with the number of Pasifika people living in New Zealand.

    Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban and supporters during an International Women’s day event in Wellington. Image: RNZ Pacific

    Two of the initiatives she started, during her time at the University, was the Pasifika Roadshow taking information about university life out to the wider community and the Improving Pasifika Legal Education Project.

    Helping Pasifika Law students succeed was very important to her. While Pasifika make up make up only 3 percent of Lawyers, they are overrepresented in the legal system, comprising 12 percent of the prison population.

    Another passion of hers was encouraging Pasifika to enter academia. “I think we’ve had an increase in Pacific academics in some areas. For example, with the Faculty of Law, we’ve got two senior Pacific women in lecturer positions . . . We’ve also got four associate professors, and now I’ve finished, there’s also a vacancy for another.”

    Prior to her work in education Luamanuvao was the first Pasifika woman to enter New Zealand politics, in 1999.

    First Pacific woman MP
    “I was fortunate that when I ran for Parliament, I ran first as a list MP, and as you know, within the parties, they have selection process that are quite robust, and so I became the first Pacific woman MP.”

    “What motivated me was the car parts factory that closed in Wainuiomata, and most of the workers were men, but they were also Pacific, Māori and palagi, who basically arrived at work one morning and were told the factory was closing.”

    “But what really hit me, and hurt me, that these were not the values of Aotearoa. They’re not the values of our Pacific region. These are human beings, and for many men, particularly, to have a job, it’s about providing for your family. It’s about status.

    “So, if factories were going to close down, where was the planning to upskill them so they could continue in employment? None of them wanted to go for the unemployment benefit.

    “They wanted to continue in paid work. So it’s those milestones that I make it worthwhile. It’s just a pity, because election cycles are three years, and as you know, people will vote how they want to vote, and if there’s a change, all the hard work you’ve put in gets reversed and but fundamentally, I believe that New Zealand and Pacific people have wonderful values that all of us try to live by, and that will continue to feed the light and ensure that people have a choice.”

    Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban PhD and her husband Dr Peter Swain. Image: Trudy Logologo/RNZ Pacific

    Although she first entered Parliament as a list MP, she subsequently won the Mana electorate seat. She retained the seat ,for the Labour party, from 2002 until she stepped away from politics in 2010.

    During that time she was Minister of Pacific Peoples, 2007-2008, and even though Labour was defeated in the 2008 election, she continued to hold the Mana seat by a comfortable margin.

    Mentoring many MPs
    Although she has left political life, Luamanuvao has also been involved in mentoring many Pasifika Members of Parliament, and helping them cope with the challenges and opportunities that go with the role.

    One of the primary motivators in her life has been the struggles of her parents, who left Samoa in 1954 to build a better future for their children, in New Zealand. She acknowledged that all of her successes can be attributed to her parents and the sacrifices they made.

    “Yes, well, I think everybody can look at a genealogy of history of families leaving their homeland to come to Aotearoa, why, to build a better life and opportunities, including education for their children.

    “And I often remind our generation of young people now that your parents left their home, for you. And I’ve often reflected because my parents have passed away on the pain of leaving their parents, but there was always this loving generosity in that both my parents were the eldest of huge families.

    “They left everything for them, and actually arrived in New Zealand with very little. But there was this determination to succeed.

    “Secondly, they are a minority in a country where they’re not the majority, or they are the indigenous people of their country. So also, overcoming those barriers, their hard work, their dreams, but more importantly, the huge love for our communities and fairness and justice was installed in Ken and I my brother, from a very young age, about serving and about giving and about reciprocity.”

    Although she has left her role in tertiary education Luamanuvao vows to continue working to support the next generation of Pasifika leaders, in New Zealand and around the Pacific region.

    Her lifelong commitment to service, continues as she’s a founding member of The Fale Malae Trust, a group whose vision is to build an internationally significant, landmark Fale Malae on the Wellington waterfront.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Leads Colleagues in Demanding Trump Lifts Hold on High-Speed Internet Funding for Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led 11 of her colleagues in a letter demanding that the Trump Administration release funding for states under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This program connects families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet and works to close the digital divide. Senator Rosen helped create the BEAD program, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and she secured $416 million for Nevada. The state has been approved to receive the funding since January 2025, but the Trump Administration’s pause on this critical program is indefinitely delaying Nevada’s ability to connect Nevadans to high-speed internet.
    The letter was signed by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Angus King (I-ME).
    “We write with concern regarding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) recent announcement that it is delaying the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program,” wrote the Senators. “This unprecedented move by the NTIA will further delay our communities from having the connectivity they need to grow and thrive. To unlock the full strength of the U.S. economy, every community must have access to the vast opportunities enabled by broadband, and this can be achieved by your Administration following the law as outlined in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58).”
    “Currently, there are multiple states ready for broadband providers to put shovels in the ground tomorrow,” they continued. “NTIA must act swiftly to release BEAD funding to states that have already been approved and expeditiously work to approve the remaining eligible applications. Time is of the essence, and our rural and tribal communities cannot afford more delays.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for expanding high-speed internet access in Nevada. Through her efforts, she has secured $550 million in federal funding through various programs and legislation for the High Speed Nevada Initiative, including the Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program she created. Senator Rosen helped write the broadband section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing $65 billion in overall investments to make high-speed internet affordable for Americans. She also successfully pushed the Federal Communications Commission to update its deeply flawed National Broadband Map and ensure Nevada receives its fair share of BEAD funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Attorney General Bonta Regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Decision to Uphold AB 5

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, May 16, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement regarding the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision to uphold AB 5 in Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. v. Bonta. The case was brought by the California Trucking Association, along with Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc. (OOIDA) in the Southern District of California. Plaintiffs argued that applying AB 5 to drivers who own their trucks and lease their services to motor carriers violates the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. In today’s decision, the Ninth Circuit disagreed, concluding that AB 5 neither discriminates against interstate commerce nor imposes an excessive burden upon it. 

    “We’re pleased with Court’s decision today to uphold AB 5’s protections. This landmark law is essential in preventing the exploitation of workers misclassified as independent contractors, including in the trucking industry, and ensures a more just and equitable economy for all Californians. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to standing up for the rights of our workers to receive the benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled.”

    A copy of the ruling is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Debunks Fake News Narratives About Law Enforcement During Police Week

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today released the following facts about Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) recent operations and Customs and Border Protection arrests to set the record straight on misleading news narratives and reporting.

    “Even during National Police Week, the media, members of Congress, and sanctuary politicians have demonized ICE and CBP officers who bravely serve their country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Attacks and smears against ICE have resulted in officers facing a 413% increase in assaults. We are setting the facts straight and reassuring America that President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to support ICE and CBP in their efforts to make America safe again.

    Debunking the Biggest False News Stories this Week 

    Delaney Hall Storming was “oversight” by Congressional members  

    • At least three members of Congress, Representatives Robert Menendez, Jr., LaMonica McIver and Bonnie Watson Coleman, claimed that breaking into Delaney Hall was “oversight”—but it is actually trespassing and put ICE officers and detainees at risk.
    • Video footage shows McIver assaulting an ICE officer.
    • The allegations made by Newark politicians that Delaney Hall does not have the proper permitting are false. ICE maintains valid permits and inspections for plumbing and electricity and fire codes have been cleared.
    • Delaney Hall currently confines murderers, rapists, suspected terrorists and gang members.
    • There was no need for Congressional members to storm Delaney Hall—they could have just scheduled a tour. ICE will comply with the law and accommodate Members of Congress seeking to tour an ICE detention facility for the purpose of conducting oversight.
    • Safety, security, and good order are always primary considerations in a detention facility, and visitors must be properly identified and attired. 

    Nashville Mayor Smears ICE Enforcement  

    • Mayor Freddie O’Connell and biased news media framed ICE operations in Nashville as “not focused on making us safer.”
    • In reality, of the 196 illegal aliens ICE arrested, 95 had prior criminal convictions and pending criminal charges and 31 were previously removed individuals who reentered the U.S. illegally, which is a felony offense under federal law.
    • The successful operation resulted in the arrests of an MS-13 affiliate, a murderer, sex offenders, and illegal aliens convicted of assault. 

    ICE’s Hawaii Operation focused on “coffee farmers” 

    • Completely leaving out the facts and rap sheets of criminals arrested, the New York Times peddled a misleading narrative about ICE’s operation in Hawaii targeted criminal illegal aliens.
    • The operation resulted in the arrest of illegal aliens charged with kidnapping, assault, firearms offenses, drug offenses and theft. 

     Yamal Said, Lord Buffalo drummer, detained by border officials at airport

    • Yamal Said is a Mexican national and lawful U.S. permanent resident.
    • Yamal Said had a warrant for his arrest after violating a restraining order at least TWICE.
    • When he was attempting to leave the U.S., he was apprehended by CBP and has been turned over to local law enforcement.
    • If you come to our country and break our laws, you will be arrested. 

    Boston ICE agents arrest mother in front of her daughters 

    • What the media failed to report is the target of this ICE operation was a violent criminal illegal alien, Ferreira de Oliveira. She was arrested by local police for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery of a pregnant victim.
    • District Councilor for the City of Worcester Haxhiaj pulled a political stunt and incited chaos by trying to obstruct law enforcement. ICE officers and local police regained control of the situation and ICE arrested Ferreira de Oliveira.
    • The previous administration’s open border policies allowed this criminal to illegally enter our country in August of 2022. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem this criminal is off our streets.  

    Lies for likes: Influencer claims he was targeted for “political beliefs”  

    • Claims that Hasan Piker’s political beliefs triggered a CBP inspection are baseless.
    • CBP officers follow the law, not agendas. Upon entering the country, this individual was referred for further inspection—a routine, lawful process that occurs daily, and can apply to any traveler.   

    Once his inspection was complete, he was promptly released. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –