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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Chiropractic Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, legislation to expand Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to ensure patients enrolled in the program can access care as a non-drug alternative for pain management. Additionally, it would expand Medicare coverage to include x-rays and other diagnostic services needed to determine and prescribe appropriate chiropractic treatments.
    “New Mexicans deserve to have the care they need, when they need it,” said Heinrich. “By expanding Medicare to include chiropractic services, seniors will have more choices and freedom to pick the care that’s right for them.”
    The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.),Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).
    The text of the bill is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.
    “I have worked for years to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico, Los Angeles, and across the West. This includes securing more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base in Albuquerque so that it can support and refuel the most effective firefighting planes that make the most difference for firefighters on the ground by dropping larger loads of fire retardant on blazes,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sheehy on this bipartisan legislation that will help aerial wildfire firefighting contractors continue purchasing excess equipment from the military to support their heavy aircraft. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires.”
    “As a former Navy SEAL and the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I understand government’s most solemn duty is to keep the American people safe. Combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires is a year-round mission, and we must ensure our aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the resources needed to protect our communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help our brave first responders fight wildfires better, faster, and stronger by streamlining wildland firefighting efforts and removing outdated bureaucratic obstacles to getting the job done,” said Sheehy.
    The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense’s authority to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
    Read more on the bill here.
    Heinrich’s Support for Aerial Firefighting
    Heinrich has long worked to expand and improve aerial firefighting operations in New Mexico to more effectively fight wildfires. In 2022, Heinrich secured more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Those upgrades were completed in 2024 – a major milestone that makes it possible to support and refuel Very Large Air Tanker planes that can drop large volumes of fire retardant on blazes.
    In an op-ed published in the Albuquerque Journal, Col. Mike Power, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation Commander, highlighted the importance of these newly completed upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base that will help the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires in New Mexico more efficiently and effectively.  one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.
    “This base upgrade, where now up to 30 Forest Service professionals work to lead the fight against wildfires, includes the larger ramp space for a stronger, more efficient capability to fight wildfires in New Mexico year-round. It now also houses a retardant tank farm,” said Col. Power in the op-ed. “What does that mean to the average New Mexican? It means 75,000 gallons of retardant available at one time, and cuts response time to a fire in half. Ours is one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.”
    Heinrich’s Continued Leadership on Wildfire Recovery
    Heinrich remains focused on delivering the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires and prevent future devastating blazes by restoring the health and resilience of our forests and watersheds.
    Heinrich is keeping up the effort to do right by the New Mexico families whose lives were upended by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. As communities continue to rebuild, Heinrich will keep working to deliver for every person impacted by that fire and the floods that followed.
    Heinrich, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) successfully secured an additional $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire within the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed in December.
    The Continuing Resolution also extended the period that victims may file claims with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office to March 14, 2025. The lawmakers are continuing to call for the passage of their Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Extension Act, legislation they introduced last year to extend the period a victim can file a claim with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office through the end of 2027.
    The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has now secured a total of $5.45 billion in federal resources to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
    In November, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández announced that President Biden’s disaster supplemental request included transfer authority for $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández also sent a letter urging the FEMA Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and the FEMA Director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office to address concerns from New Mexicans about the process for receiving compensationfrom the Claims Office and help families get the relief and compensation needed to recover.
    Additional information on Heinrich’s leadership on Hermit’’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Response and Recovery can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Leads New Hampshire Congressional Delegation In Urging Trump to Halt Planned Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Citing Likelihood of Increasing Energy and Food Prices for Families in the Middle of Winter

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), are sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, the Granite State’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. Sweeping tariffs would dramatically increase costs for families in New Hampshire and around the nation. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, and these tariffs are estimated to drive up energy prices for families in the middle of winter. It would also increase costs for essential items like groceries, housing, cars and more. Click here to read the full letter.
    In part, the delegation wrote: “During your campaign, you promised to ‘bring down the price of everything.’ Despite that promise, sweeping tariffs would be a tax on Americans that raises the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries. Tariff costs would be passed on to our consumers and businesses through higher costs for goods and services.”
    They continued: “For the more than 350,000 households in New Hampshire who rely on heating oil, propane and wood to keep their homes warm and comfortable, adding these costs would be particularly cruel in the middle of a winter that has seen recent temperatures reach 20 below zero. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, not because we don’t produce enough in the United States, but because it makes logistical and economic sense. The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), which represents wholesale and retail liquid heating fuel distributors throughout the Northeast, estimates that tariffs could increase heating costs by at least $375 per winter for a home in New Hampshire.”
    They concluded: “These taxes would raise families’ grocery bills, too. The type of broad tariffs you’ve proposed could raise food costs by $200 per year for the average household. That’s because the U.S. imports 38 percent of our fresh vegetables, 60 percent of our fresh fruit, and more than 99 percent of our coffee. This is the last thing families need when they’re already struggling with record high prices for eggs or coffee […] We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and reconsider the wisdom of placing sweeping tariffs on imports that would raise prices for our constituents.”
    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools. 
    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates  said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Addresses New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Annual Research Symposium, Highlights Importance of Federal Funding for Coastal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Durham, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), former Chair and now senior member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks at New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Annual Research Symposium and highlighted the importance of federal funding for coastal communities. The New Hampshire Sea Grant Research Symposium is a showcase of recent projects which are supported by federal funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Sea Grant College Program. The event provides a forum to discuss putting scientific research into action through applied research, education and engagement in local communities. You can view photos from the event here.
    “Sea Grant is a key driver of efforts to protect our coast that not only strengthens the health of our coastal areas, but also informs and improves how we utilize coastal resources to benefit our local communities and the coastal economy,” said Senator Shaheen. “Unfortunately, the current administration’s efforts to cut grants and loans that these communities rely on has caused chaos and panic, while fueling uncertainty about the future of these programs. We need to be focused on creating jobs and strengthening our economy, not gutting programs that help to do just that.”
    Based at the University of New Hampshire since 1980, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs in the U.S. under the umbrella of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Sea Grant College Program. New Hampshire Sea Grant works to support a coastal environment that sustains healthy ecosystems, economies and people through integrated research, extension, education and communications efforts.
    As a senior member and former Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen has long advocated for robust funding for the Sea Grant account, which directly supports the New Hampshire Sea Grant program. In the fiscal year (FY) 2024 government funding bill, Shaheen helped secure $80 million for the National Sea Grant College Program which directly funds the New Hampshire Sea Grant program. She also worked across party lines to secure, within that funding,  $2 million for lobster research, $1 million to train young fishermen and $1 million to support research into the impacts of PFAS and other emerging contaminants, efforts that will help ensure that New Hampshire’s coastal economy remains strong for future generations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Couple Pleads Guilty to $1.2B Health Care Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    An Arizona couple pleaded guilty for causing over $1.2 billion of false and fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and other health insurance programs for expensive, medically unnecessary wound grafts that were applied to elderly and terminally ill patients.

    According to court documents, Alexandra Gehrke, 39, and her husband, Jeffrey King, 46, both of Phoenix, conspired with others to orchestrate the massive scheme. Gehrke ran two companies, Apex Medical LLC and Viking Medical Consultants LLC, that contracted with medically untrained “sales representatives” to locate elderly patients, including hospice patients, who had wounds at any stage and order amniotic wound grafts from a specific graft distributor. Gehrke instructed and financially incentivized the sales representatives to order grafts only in sizes 4×6 centimeters or larger, even if the wound was much smaller, to maximize health insurance reimbursement. Gehrke, through companies she owned and controlled, received over $279 million in illegal kickbacks from the distributor of the grafts in exchange for the orders. Gehrke in turn paid the sales representatives tens of millions of dollars in unlawful kickbacks. Gehrke then referred the patients to a company co-owned by King, which contracted with nurse practitioners to apply the grafts. King’s company fraudulently billed Medicare, TRICARE (the health care program for U.S. service members and their families), CHAMPVA (the health care program for spouses and children of permanently disabled veterans), and commercial insurance plans for the grafts. Gehrke and King, who had no medical training, directed the nurse practitioners to suspend their own medical judgment and apply all grafts ordered by the sales representatives, even when medically unreasonable and unnecessary, which resulted in the application of grafts to infected wounds, wounds that had already healed, and wounds that were not responding to the grafts.

    From November 2022 through May 2024, Gehrke, King, and others, through companies they owned, operated, and controlled, submitted $1,212,005,778 in false and fraudulent claims to health insurance plans. This included over $960 million in false and fraudulent claims to the federal health care programs — Medicare, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA. The federal and private health care insurers paid $614,990,420 based on the false and fraudulent claims.

    In their plea agreements, Gehrke and King agreed to pay restitution in the amounts of $614,990,420 and $605,690,110, respectively. They also agreed collectively to forfeit over $410 million in funds that they obtained from the fraud. To date, the government has seized nearly $100 million in assets that Gehrke and King accumulated from the scheme, including bank account balances exceeding $68 million, four luxury vehicles valued over $980,000, $22 million of life insurance annuities, and jewelry and precious metals.

    Gehrke pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2024, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 11 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. King pleaded guilty on Jan. 31 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona; Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office; Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Director Kelly Mayo of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); and Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) South Central Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS, and VA-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Prospera Energy Inc. Provides Update on Future Production Reporting Process

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospera Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PEI, OTC: GXRFF) (“Prospera“, “PEI” or the “Corporation“)

    Prospera is refining its production reporting process to provide greater consistency and enhanced transparency for shareholders. Moving forward, Prospera will apply the following standardized definitions in all production reporting:

    • Gross Production: Represents Prospera Energy’s working interest (operated or non-operated) before the deduction of royalties, excluding any royalty interests held by Prospera Energy.
    • Net Production: Represents Prospera Energy’s working interest (operated or non-operated) after deducting royalty obligations, including any royalty interests in production or reserves.

    These standardized terms are as outlined in ASC 51-324. Additionally, Prospera Energy will report gross production at the first point of sale. As a result, production figures will exclude both produced gas at the wellhead that is used in operations, and production volumes from partners who are in arrears, even when Prospera realizes cash proceeds from these volumes.

    In line with Prospera’s commitment of clear and consistent production data, the Company is also providing updates on previously reported production figures to ensure alignment with this reporting framework and standardized definitions:

    News Release Dated December 18, 2024, Titled:
    “Prospera Announces Monthly Operations Update and Increase to Term Loan”

    • The reported 686 boe/d for November 2024 represented wellhead production at 100% working interest, including JV partner production. 529 boe/d was PEI’s gross production at the first sales point over the same period.
    • The reported 803 boe/d for December 1 – 10, 2024 represented wellhead production at 100% working interest, including JV partner production. 622 boe/d was PEI’s gross production at the first sales point over the same period

    News Release Dated January 21, 2025, Titled:
    “Prospera Announces Monthly Operations Update”

    • The 661 boe/d reported for Dec 2024 reflects gross production at the first sales point.
    • The 682 boe/d reported for Jan 1-19, 2025 reflects gross production at the first sales point.
    • The 751 boe/d reported for Jan 16, 2025 reflects gross production at the first sales point.

    About Prospera

    Prospera Energy Inc. is a publicly traded Canadian energy company specializing in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Prospera is dedicated to optimizing recovery from legacy fields using environmentally safe and efficient reservoir development methods and production practices. The company’s core properties are strategically located in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Cuthbert, Luseland, Hearts Hill, and Brooks. Prospera Energy Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEI and the U.S. OTC Market under GXRFF.

    For Further Information:
    Shawn Mehler, PR
    Email: investors@prosperaenergy.com

    Chris Ludtke, CFO
    Email: cludtke@prosperaenergy.com

    Shubham Garg, Chairman of the Board
    Email: sgarg@prosperaenergy.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

    Although Prospera believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Prospera can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.

    The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Prospera. As a result, Prospera cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward- looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Prospera does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

    Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through construction and remodeling best practices. An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions. FEMA specialists will be available from Feb. 3 through Feb. 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET Monday – Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET Saturday at the following locations:Citrus County: Lowe’s, 2301 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Inverness, FL 34453Hillsborough County: The Home Depot, 5125 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33611Pinellas County: Ace, 2827 9th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710Stay in Touch with FEMAIt is important to let FEMA know about any changes to your contact information. You may update contact information or check on the status of your application by:Visiting DisasterAssistance.govCalling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)Using the FEMA appFor the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    despina.pappas
    Fri, 01/31/2025 – 21:39

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Keep All Options on the Table to Counter a Nuclear-Armed Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) along with U.S. Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida-23) and Mike Lawler (R-New York-17) this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to affirm that the United States, Israel and our allies and partners should keep all options on the table in order to counter and contain the threat from a nuclear-armed Iranian regime.
    “If the Iranian Ayatollah and his henchman obtain a nuclear weapon, it would be one of the most destabilizing and dangerous events in world history. They are trying to acquire a nuclear weapon as part of their religious agenda to purify their faith, destroy the Jewish State, and drive Westerners out of the Middle East. A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel and a nightmare for the world,” said Senator Graham. “This resolution clearly demonstrates that the Iranian regime is lying when it says they only want nuclear power and not a nuclear weapon. This is not an authorization for the use of military force, but a resolution establishing the truth regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions and capability.”
    Senator Graham continued, “Finally, I’d like to recognize the leadership of my colleagues, Senators Fetterman and Britt and Representatives Moskowitz and Lawler, on the issue of countering a nuclear-armed Iran. They understand the serious implications for the world if Iran were to obtain such a weapon. It speaks volumes that members from across the political spectrum are united on this front. I look forward to having a debate and vote in the United States Senate on our resolution.”
    “Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is a threat we cannot ignore. The United States, Israel, and our allies cannot afford to sit back while the Iranian regime continues down this dangerous path,” said Senator Fetterman. “This resolution sends an unmistakable message: all options are on the table to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.”
    “Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a clear threat to the US, Israel, and our allies. Now more than ever, we must stand up to Iran and use every tool in our toolbox to address these threats,” said Senator Britt. “Peace is achieved through strength, and our resolution sends an important bipartisan message to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate Tehran’s aggression.”
    “Allowing Iran to maintain and build a nuclear program is an existential threat to the United States, Israel, and global stability,” said Representative Moskowitz. “As the Iranian regime continues its dangerous attempts at nuclear expansion, leaders have to call this out for what it is: an unacceptable escalation in the Middle East and a national security threat against the United States and our allies. Iran must dismantle its nuclear program now. This resolution makes clear the United States won’t stand for anything less and will consider all options to protect our national security. We must send a clear, bipartisan message that we stand with our ally Israel and that a continued nuclear program in Iran is an absolute nonstarter.”
    “An Iran that has nuclear weapons is unacceptable and a danger not only to our closest ally, Israel, but also to the whole world,” said Representative Lawler. “We must keep all options on the table when it comes to dealing with this unprecedented situation, and I’m glad to be working in a bipartisan fashion with Senators Graham, Fetterman, and Britt, as well as my friend Congressman Moskowitz, to make evident to Iran what the grave consequences of their actions would be.”
    This resolution:
    Affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability is:
    A credible threat to the United States; and
    An existential threat to Israel and other allies and partners in the Middle East.
    Asserts all options should be considered to address the nuclear threat the Islamic Republic of Iran poses to the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners.
    Demands the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease engaging in any and all activities that threaten the national security interests of the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners, including:
    Enriching uranium;
    Developing or possessing delivery vehicles capable of carrying nuclear warheads; and
    Developing or possessing a nuclear warhead
    To read the full resolution text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Coons Introduce Legislation to Require Congressional Approval of New Tariffs on U.S. Allies Ahead of Expected Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Coons (D-DE), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act to rein in chaos that President Trump could create by unilaterally imposing tariffs on trading partners.
    The STABLE Trade Policy Act would institute a requirement of Congressional approval before a president could impose new tariffs on U.S. allies and free trade agreement (FTA) partners. Currently, the president can impose tariffs on any nation using authorities that Congress created to combat national security risks and address international emergencies. The bill reinstates Congressional authority over trade policy and limits the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs on our allies.
    “Virginians want costs to go down, not up. But President Trump’s plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy,” said Kaine. “It’s time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America’s national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans’ pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies.”
    The introduction of STABLE Trade Policy Act comes shortly before President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico are expected to be announced. On his first day in office, President Trump pledged to implement 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The two nations, both members a trade agreement that President Trump negotiated, accounted for almost one-third of all U.S. goods imports last year. The tariffs set to go into effect soon are expected to raise the costs of gasoline, cars, groceries, and home goods.
    Specifically, the STABLE Trade Policy Act would:
    Require the president to explain to Congress any proposal to impose tariffs on allies and FTA partners.
    The president must explain why challenges with allies cannot be better addressed through diplomacy or other mechanisms.
    The president must assess of how tariffs will impact the U.S. economy and U.S. foreign policy interests. 

    Require Congressional approval for new or additional tariffs on imports from allies and FTA partners.
    The bill constrains tariff authorities created by Congress to combat national security risks and address international economic emergencies. 
    The executive branch retains full authority to impose safeguard tariffs to combat unfair trade practices.

    Kaine is committed to protecting Virginian families from price hikes imposed by tariffs. Last week, he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president’s authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Finance Democrats Press RFK Jr. to Reject Big Pharma Pause on Medicare Negotiation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Following Noncommittal Answer in Committee and Statement by CMS, Finance Democrats Press for Commitment to Continuing Medicare Drug Price Negotiation on Schedule

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and all 12 Democratic members of the Senate Finance Committee sent a letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressing him to answer nearly a dozen questions regarding his views on Medicare drug price negotiation and confirm he will not pause negotiations, as CEOs representing the largest pharmaceutical companies have requested.

    “As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed without a single Republican vote, Medicare drug price negotiation is a powerful tool available right now to President Trump to make good on his long-standing promise to stand up to Big Pharma,” the senators wrote. “On behalf of the tens of millions of Americans who count on Medicare, Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee want to know whether the Trump Administration will follow through on negotiating with Big Pharma to deliver the lower costs promised to the American people.” 

    The letter, sent to Kennedy in his capacity as the nominee to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asks whether he will follow the Inflation Reduction Act’s statutory requirements related to Medicare drug price negotiation, whether the Trump administration will continue to defend the law in court against attacks by Big Pharma, and other questions. Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the list of the next set of drugs that will be negotiated by Medicare. Yesterday the agency, now run by the Trump administration, released a concerning statement that appeared to open the door to Big Pharma’s requests for changes in negotiations.

    “Contrary to what you suggested in today’s hearing, the Trump Administration’s statement is far from an embrace of drug price negotiation and appears to be opening the door to changes that could undermine Medicare’s ability to get the best price possible on drugs,” the senators continued.

    The full letter can be found here.

    Senator Cortez Masto has worked to lower drug costs for Americans. She passed legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and cap the cost of insulin at $35-a-month for Medicare recipients through the Inflation Reduction Act. She has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency of Medicare Advantage plans and has pushed pharmacy benefit managers to help continue to lower prescription drug costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Thomas Berrington, age 33, of Colonie, New York, was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison for his repeated sexual exploitation of a child announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Berrington admitted that between June of 2023 and January of 2024, he repeatedly sexually abused a minor female child for the purpose of photographing and video recording the abuse. The victim was eight years old when Berrington’s abuse of her began.

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Berrington to a 25-year term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment. Berrington will also be required to pay a special assessment of $200, an additional special assessment of $5,000, and register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma City Man who Possessed Firearms while on Federal Supervised Release Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT KESHIAN NORWOOD, 72, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

    On April 2, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Norwood with being a felon in possession of firearms. According to public record, on February 1, 2024, officers of the United States Probation Office made contact with Norwood at his apartment to conduct a search pursuant to conditions of his supervised release. Norwood was on supervised release following his previous federal conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In Norwood’s apartment, officers found ten firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition. 

    On July 1, 2024, Norwood pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony conviction. 

    At the sentencing hearing on January 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Norwood to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted Norwood’s lengthy criminal history. 

    Public record reflects that Norwood’s criminal history includes federal felony convictions in the Western District of Oklahoma for possession of methamphetamine after two or more prior convictions and knowingly carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime in case number CR-94-010063-001, and possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance in case number CR-13-43-HE-1. Norwood’s criminal history also includes felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for:

    • second degree burglary in case number CF-1980-3241;
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CRF-1982-5111;
    • first degree robbery in case number CRF-1984-2497;
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm after former conviction, and concealing stolen property after former conviction in case number CRF-1987-3021;
    • unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction in case number CF-1988-5321;
    • two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, maintaining a vehicle where a controlled dangerous substance is kept, and possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2001-1140;  
    • unlawfully possessing a signed and unsigned credit card and larceny of merchandise in case number CF-2005-5469; and
    • possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of proceeds derived from a violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act in case number CF-12-2446.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. 

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Fischer, Ricketts, and Sullivan Urge America to Stand with Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Republican Conference Vice Chair, hosted a floor event to stand with Israel and condemn the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. He was joined by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
    IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
    View the Clip HERE or Download Lankford’s Full Speech HERE.
    “The Trump Administration, I’m confident, will speak out with sanctions against the International Criminal Court. They did during the first Trump presidency. I’m confident they will again. What I’m not confident of is every future president after President Trump, if they will hold the same high standard to be able to protect American citizens, our soldiers, and to be able to stand alongside with Israel,” said Lankford.
     
    View the Clip HERE or Download Fischer’s Full Speech HERE.
    “We have a responsibility to protect the sovereignty of our nation and our allies. This moment—it demands courage, and it demands conviction. And we must rise to meet it,” said Fischer. 
    View the Clip HERE or Download Ricketts’ Full Speech HERE.
    “The appeasement-first policy of the Biden Administration is alive and well in the Democrats in the US Senate today—Americans take note,” said Ricketts.
    View the Clip HERE or Download Sullivan’s Full Speech HERE.
     “I know we’re talking about the ICC, and we should be, but our universities and our great nation need a huge wake up call. Because if we look at antisemitism at the ICC, at the UN, we need to be staring at it in places like Harvard and other universities where it has reached disturbing and sickening levels. And I think it’s this body’s responsibility to do something about it,” said Sullivan.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: American Leadership is Back in the Western Hemisphere

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    American leadership is back in our hemisphere and we’re ready to work with our regional partners. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is embarking on his first trip as Secretary of State. He’ll be visiting Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic where he will focus on mutual priorities that make Americans stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

    Read more: https://www.state.gov/secretary-rubios-travel-to-panama-el-salvador-costa-rica-guatemala-and-the-dominican-republic/

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM-LBMhUVpE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoskins Clarifies Ineligibility of St. Louis ‘Gateway Card’ for Voting Purposes

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    For Immediate Release:   January 31, 2025

               

    Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins 
    Clarifies Ineligibility of St. Louis ‘Gateway Card’ for Voting Purposes

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins today issued a statement to inform residents that the recently introduced ‘Gateway Card’ by the City of St. Louis cannot be used as valid identification for voting in state elections.

    “While the Gateway Card may serve as a valuable municipal identification for St. Louis residents, it does not meet the state’s requirements for voter identification,” Secretary Hoskins stated. “To ensure the integrity of our elections, it’s crucial that all voters continue to present an acceptable form of photo ID at the polls.”

    According to Missouri law, RSMo 115.427, acceptable forms of voter identification include:

    • A non-expired Missouri driver’s license or non-driver’s license;
    • A non-expired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card;
    • A non-expired United States passport; or
    • Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.

    Voters who do not possess an acceptable form of identification are still permitted to cast a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot will be counted if the voter returns to the polling place with valid identification during polling hours or if the election authority verifies the individual’s identity by comparing their signature to the one on file.

    For more information on voter identification requirements and assistance in obtaining an acceptable ID, please visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/voterid or contact the office at (573) 751-4936.

    “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible Missourian has the opportunity to vote while maintaining the security and integrity of our elections,” added Secretary Hoskins.

     

    About the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State

    The Secretary of State’s office is responsible for overseeing elections, maintaining public records, and providing business services to the citizens of Missouri. For more information, visit Phone: (573) 526-0949
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Fills Pettis County Clerk Vacancy

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JANUARY 31, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Megan Page, of Sedalia, as Pettis County Clerk.

    Ms. Page is the owner of Heckart, Meisenheimer, and Scrivner Morrow Funeral Homes as well as Memorial Park and Highland Sacred Gardens Cemeteries. She has considerable experience in finance and business management, having previously served as a bank manager, personal banker, teller, and mortgage loan officer. Beyond her professional expertise, Page has demonstrated a strong commitment to community involvement. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the 4th Ward Councilwoman for the City of Sedalia. She currently serves on several boards, including the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International, State Fair Community College Foundation Board, and the Boys & Girls Club of West Central Missouri Board.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Indicted on Charges of Economic Espionage

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    John Harold Rogers, 63, of Vienna, Virginia, a former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (FRB), was arrested today on charges that he conspired to steal Federal Reserve trade secrets for the benefit of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

    In furtherance of the conspiracy, allegedly made false statements to the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-OIG), and those false statements had a material impact on its investigation.

    “As alleged, the defendant violated the trust placed in him by the Federal Reserve Bank by putting U.S. trade secrets in the hands of his PRC co-conspirators, knowing full well that such information would benefit the PRC Government and PRC instrumentalities,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to disrupt economic espionage and protect our national security.”

    “President Trump tasks us with protecting our fellow Americans from all enemies, foreign and domestic. As alleged in the indictment, this defendant leveraged his position within the Federal Reserve to pass sensitive financial information to the Chinese government, a designated adversary,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Let this indictment serve as a warning to all who seek to betray or exploit the United States: law enforcement will find you and hold you accountable.”

    “As alleged in the indictment, Rogers betrayed his country while employed at the Federal Reserve by providing restricted U.S. financial and economic information to Chinese government intelligence officers,” said Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “This information could allow adversaries to illegally gain a strategic economic advantage at the expense of the U.S. This indictment sends a clear message that the FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who threaten our national security.”

    “The Chinese Communist Party has expanded its economic espionage campaign to target U.S. government financial policies and trade secrets in an effort to undermine the United States and become the sole superpower,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s indictment represents the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protect U.S. national security interests and U.S. jobs and bring to justice those who are willing to betray their country for personal gain.”

    “This indictment sends a clear message that those who deliberately misuse sensitive Federal Reserve information for their own personal gain and lie about it to investigators will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge John T. Perez of the FRB-OIG, Headquarters Operations.

    According to the indictment, Rogers, a U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. in economics, worked as a Senior Adviser in FRB’s Division of International Finance of the FRB from 2010 until 2021, where he was entrusted with confidential FRB information. The confidential information that Rogers allegedly shared with his Chinese co-conspirators, who worked for the intelligence and security apparatus of China and who posed as graduate students at a PRC university, is economically valuable when secret.

    China holds a large amount of U.S. foreign debt (approximately $816 billion as of October 2024). The data Rogers shared with his co-conspirators could allow China to manipulate the U.S. market, in a manner similar to insider trading. Gaining advance knowledge of U.S. economic policy, including advance knowledge of changes to the federal funds rate, could provide China with an advantage when selling or buying U.S. bonds or securities.

    The indictment alleges that, from at least 2018, Rogers allegedly exploited his employment with the FRB by soliciting trade-secret information regarding proprietary economic data sets, deliberations about tariffs targeting China, briefing books for designated governors, and sensitive information about Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) deliberations and forthcoming announcements. He passed that information electronically to his personal email account, in violation of FRB policy, or printed it prior to traveling to China, in preparation for meetings with his co-conspirators.

    Under the guise of teaching “classes,” Rogers met with his co-conspirators in hotel rooms in China where he conveyed sensitive, trade-secret information that belonged to the FRB and the FOMC. In 2023, Rogers was paid approximately $450,000 as a part-time professor at a Chinese university.

    On Feb. 4, 2020, in response to questioning by the FRB-OIG, Rogers lied about his accessing and passage of sensitive information and his associations with his co-conspirators.

    Rogers is charged with conspiracy to commit economic espionage and with making false statements.

    The FBI Washington Field Office and FRB-OIG are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Nicholas Hunter and Steve Marzen of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Section are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Freddie Powell Sims: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session 

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D – Dawson)

    The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium.

    This legislative biennium, I am honored to continue serving on the Senate Committee on Education and Youth as Secretary and on the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities as an Ex-Officio. I am similarly honored to serve as a member on the Senate Committees on, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources and the Environment, and Urban Affairs.

    During our first week of session, Governor Brian  Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. I look forward to supporting some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

    The past two weeks have been busy at the Capitol. Despite the ice and snow that significantly affected Senate District 12 last week, we still have accomplished a great deal. While “Budget Week” was officially postponed, we have continued to hold crucial joint committee meetings to make up for lost time.

    On Tuesday, I recognized the Albany Chamber of Commerce and delegates from Southwest Georgia to the Senate Chamber. The Chamber’s dedication to bolstering the economy and employing numerous Southwest Georgians across District 12 has not gone unnoticed. I commend the Chamber for their work and thank them for making the long drive to spend the day at the Capitol.

    I am proud to have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation since the beginning of the Legislative Session, including Senate Bills (SB) 53 and 54. SB 53, sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur), would increase public education on safe firearm storage for citizens. Senate Bill 54, also sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones, would establish a state-wide database for schools to use to report safety threats made to schools. Addressing gun violence is vital not only to the well-being of our students but to all Georgians. We must provide all students with the safest possible learning environment. It continues to be my honor and privilege to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia.

    # # # #

    Sen. Freddie Powell Sims represents the 12th Senate District which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster County. She may be reached at (404) 463-5259 or by email at freddie.sims@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler: January Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    The Georgia General Assembly is back in session and it is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

    This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, announcing 100,000 million dollars in relief for families and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

    After an uneventful week due to the snowfall in Atlanta and South Georgia, this week concludes the third week of the 2025 Legislative Session, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

    Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

    One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds directly to taxpayers. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we’re in a position to give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

    Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the resources they need to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to making sure they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

    Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. I’m especially proud to sponsor Senate Bill 34. I introduced Senate Bill 34 in anticipation of technology companies building AI databases in Georgia. AI databases use exorbitant amounts of electricity, and I have introduced this bill to prevent electric providers from including the electric fees of these databases in typical Georgia consumer rates.

    I am honored to be re-appointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Ex-Officio of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, in addition to serving as a member on the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services, Higher Education and Rules. I thank Lt. Governor Jones for these appointments, and I look forward to serving District 52 and Georgia on these committees

    Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.

    As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

    # # # #

    Sen. Chuck Hufstetler serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He represents the 52nd Senate District which includes portions of Bartow, Floyd, and Gordon counties. He can be reached at (404) 656-0034 or via email at chuck.hufstetler@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to     SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army Secretary Nominee Commits to Defending Active Duty Force, Advancing “Iron Dome” Missile Defense Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    01.31.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), yesterday received commitments from Daniel Driscoll, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Army, to support President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” policies and kill any proposal that would dramatically cut the Army’s active duty force. In his questioning during Driscoll’s confirmation hearing, Sen. Sullivan noted that the Obama administration cut more than 35,000 active duty troop in its second term, with detrimental consequences to military readiness. At the time, Sullivan and his congressional delegation colleagues successfully fought off attempts by the Obama administration to eliminate the 5,000-soldier 4-25 Infantry Brigade Combat Team (ABN) at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER), which became the cornerstone of the current 11th Airborne Division in Alaska.
    Driscoll, an Army veteran, committed to working with the Senator on implementing President Trump’s “Iron Dome” executive order and Sen. Sullivan’s forthcoming legislation to build a multi-layered missile defense system protecting the entire country. Driscoll also committed to coming up to Alaska and meeting with Alaska’s soldiers, including members of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Ft. Greely.
    [embedded content]
    DAN SULLIVAN: Ten years ago, I was in this position. I was a brand-new U.S. senator. I’d been here for a month, and the Obama administration announced as part of its gutting of our U.S. military that they were going to cut 40,000 active duty Army troops, including the 4-25 at JBER in Alaska, the only airborne brigade combat team in the entire Indo-Pacific. Strategic national security suicide, in my view. I was a brand new senator. I fought that with everything I had. I put a hold on the chief of staff for the Army’s confirmation. I put a hold on the secretary of the Army’s confirmation for several weeks, until we got the Army to see the light. Okay. Obama ended up cutting 35,000 troops, and he kept the 4-25 in Alaska, 5,000 Airborne Army troopers, which became the cornerstone of the 11th Airborne Division as we built up the Army in Alaska. Are you aware that the Army now has two active duty airborne divisions?
    DAN DRISCOLL: I am, Senator.
    DS: The 82nd, which we all love, but the 11th Airborne Division, which is in Alaska, the Arctic Angels. You aware of that?
    DD: I am, Senator.
    DS: Great. Imagine my surprise. There’s been some articles, recent articles in the paper saying certain leaders in policy roles in the Trump Pentagon have had past ideas in the debate about shifting resources to the Indo-Pacific, which I support, but past ideas on how we can do that. One was a report, an idea from a report from 2021 that would deactivate four Stryker brigade combat teams, six infantry brigade combat teams, two National Guard aviation brigades. More than 10 percent of the Army’s active duty combat power. If this idea ever saw its head in the Pentagon from a non-Senate confirmed DAS, I need your commitment to me and this committee right now that you would kill it.
    DD: Senator, I commit, if confirmed, to fight as hard as I can for the Army. As I said to your colleague, the Army is at its lowest staffing since World War II.
    DS: Right. And do you think cutting 12 brigade combat teams worth of combat power is a good idea?
    DD: Without knowing the specifics, senator…
    DS: Well, come on. I need your answer to say no. Do you think cutting 12 brigade combat—this is Obama 2.0, right? Do you think cutting 12 brigade combat teams from the Army would implement President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s policies of peace through strength?
    DD: No.
    DS: No it wouldn’t. Do you think it would deter XI Jinping and Vladimir Putin if this idea—and maybe this idea has been discarded by this DAS who’s there right now—cutting 12 brigade combat teams would help with deterrence?
    DD: No.
    DS: I don’t think so either. Well, thank you on that because it was very disturbing when I read that. I’m glad you agree with me that we’re not doing Obama 2.0. We’re doing Reagan and Trump 1 2.0. Peace through strength, and ideas of gutting the Army’s active duty force—that’s what I fought when I came here. If there’s anyone who’s trying to do that, we’ll fight it. I’ll fight it. Okay. Let me go to another question. In addition to the 11th  Airborne Division in Alaska, we have the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely. A lot of people don’t know this, but the cornerstone of missile defense for America is in Alaska, and it’s led by the U.S. Army. The President put out his Iron Dome executive order recently for layered missile defense. I fully support that. Will you work with me and this committee, Senator Cramer. We’re going to be introducing legislation to bolster what the President’s trying to do. But a lot of it will involve the Army. A lot of people don’t know that. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, they like to call themselves the “300 protecting the 300 million,” because they protect the whole country. Will you commit to working with this committee and me on bolstering our missile defenses, particularly as it relates to Fort Greely and our brave soldiers, who are doing a great job defending our nation, and come to Alaska with me to see them and the 11th Airborne Division?
    DD: It would be an honor, Senator. As we talked about in your office, I was stationed with 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York.
    DS: Where there’s no mountains.
    DD: When you get there, you assume the 10th Mountain Division would have mountains around. I think the highest elevation on the entire base is 50 feet. So I would be honored, Senator.
    DS: Great. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn to Support Tulsi Gabbard for DNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Following yesterday’s nomination hearing in the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement announcing his intention to support Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under the Trump administration:
    “Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 provides that the President shall appoint officers with the advice and consent of the Senate. Having won the election decisively, I believe President Trump has earned the right to appoint his own cabinet, absent extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, it is my intention to consent to the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals in Maine Arrest Man Wanted for Sexual Exploitation of a Child in Colorado

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Maine Violent Offender Task
    Force (MVOTF) announces the arrest of Patrick Byrne, 29, in Livermore Falls, Maine.
    According to Colorado authorities, an arrest warrant was issued for Byrne on November 04, 2024, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child out of Bloomfield County Court in
    Colorado.

    Based upon an investigation from the United States Marshals Service, Maine Violent
    Offender Task Force, Investigators developed information that Byrne was currently residing in Maine. Through a collaborative effort, the USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force
    was able to locate Byrne and safely apprehend him at a residence in Livermore Falls,
    Maine. Byrne was charged as a fugitive from justice and is pending extradition back to
    Colorado.

    The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force received assistance by the USMS, District
    of Colorado, Violent Offender Task Force and the Livermore Falls, Maine Police
    Department.

    The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S.
    Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S.
    Customs Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Maine
    National Guard Counterdrug Program.

    If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive
    please contact the United States Marshals Service, District of Maine at
    MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov, or submit a USMS Web Tip. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wadena — Wadena RCMP investigating break and enter

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 10, 2025, Wadena RCMP received a report of a break-in at the curling rink in Wadena.

    Investigation determined an adult male entered the rink then left. No items were reported as stolen to police.

    The suspect was caught on video surveillance.

    The suspect is described as wearing a two-coloured jacket, glasses, gloves and a backpack. He had a beard or goatee.

    Investigators believe that this break-in may be connected to other break-ins to municipal offices and small businesses in Saskatchewan over the past few years. As this is an active and ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide a list of the potentially-connected incidents at this time, but can say they occurred in southern and central Saskatchewan.

    If you recognize this suspect or have information about this or any other break-in, contact Saskatchewan RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/31/2025 Blackburn, Padilla, Issa, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Artists Receive Fair Compensation for Their Songs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. This legislation would bring corporate radio broadcasters in line with all other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music.

    “As the heart of country music and the birthplace of the blues, Tennessee has produced so many songwriters and artists that have undeniably made their mark on history, whether that be on Beale Street, Music Row, or the hills of East Tennessee,” said Senator Blackburn. “The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not paid for the use of their music on AM and FM radio. This legislation would close an outdated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to take advantage of artists and their songs for decades.”

    “California’s artists enrich our country’s music scene, but our laws unfairly deny them the pay they deserve for their work on AM/FM radio broadcasts,” said Senator Padilla. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of our musical artists at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this weekend, we must also commit to treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve for the music they produce and we enjoy every day.”

    “Artists and music creators deserve to be fairly compensated for their work,” said Senator Tillis. “For too long, FM and AM radio stations have enjoyed the benefits of playing music without compensating the artists. This commonsense legislation makes an important step towards ensuring that our nation’s artists are recognized and paid for the value that they bring to our airwaves.”

    “America’s musical artists enrich our lives, yet they are denied royalties when their music is broadcast on AM/FM radio,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will close a loophole that keeps artists and creators from being paid for their work, while also ensuring that small and local stations are protected and preserved. Musicians bring joy and vibrancy to our country, and they should be compensated for their hard work.”

    Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives this week:

    “Now is the time for the United States to finally adopt the proven global standard of compensating our artists for music broadcast over the radio,” said Representative Issa. “AMFA represents a best effort to modernize our system and finally recognize and reward the artists for all they have given us. After significant progress last Congress, I thank my friend Senator Blackburn for her continued leadership and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and on both ends of Capitol Hill to make this overdue reform a reality.”

    AMERICAN MUSIC FAIRNESS ACT:
    • The United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not compensated for the use of their music on AM/FM radio. By requiring broadcast radio corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays, the American Music Fairness Act would close an antiquated loophole that has allowed corporate broadcasters to forgo compensating artists for the use of their music for decades.
    • The American Music Fairness Act would:
      • Require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay royalties to American music creators when they play their songs;
      • Protect small and local stations who qualify for exemptions – specifically those that fall under $1.5 million in annual revenue and whose parent companies fall under less than $10 million in annual revenue overall – by allowing them to play unlimited music for less than $500 annually; and 
      • Create a fair global market that ensures foreign countries pay U.S. artists for the use of their songs overseas.
    • In recognition of the important role of locally owned radio stations in communities across the U.S., the American Music Fairness Act also includes strong protections for small, college, and non-commercial stations.

    Click here for bill text.

    ENDORSEMENTS:

    The American Music Fairness Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA, the American Association of Independent Music, the MusicFirst Coalition, the Recording Industry Association of America, SoundExchange, and the American Federation of Musicians.

    “For more than a century, American artists and producers have been denied the basic right to earn compensation for their own creation broadcast on AM/FM Radio. The Recording Academy is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Issa and Nadler and Senators Blackburn and Padilla for introducing the American Music Fairness Act, and we urge Congress to finally pay creators for their work.” – Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy

    “Just a few notes of a beloved song can transport you a million miles away. Popular music has helped define and reflect the culture in which we live, speaking to our evolving values and shared concerns. It’s outrageous that the recording artists, vocalists and musicians who bring it to life and enrich our lives receive no compensation from airplay on AM/FM radio. It’s downright un-American to exploit people and not pay them. The AMFA legislation will help close that loophole and restore fairness, so that artists are paid when their songs are played on AM/FM radio, just as they are in other mediums. Our gratitude to Reps Issa and Nadler and Sens. Padilla and Blackburn for taking leadership roles on this important legislation.” – Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA

    “The American Music Fairness Act is long overdue. The radio industry has no valid justification for refusing to compensate the recording artists who form the backbone of their business. Our laws align us with regimes like Iran and North Korea, allowing foreign broadcasters to exploit American musicians without paying them a dime. Congress must hold mega broadcasters accountable to put American musicians first. A2IM commits to working with our congressional champions to get it done.” – Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO of American Association of Independent Music

    “For too long, big radio companies have had a powerful hold on Washington, D.C. It’s time for Congress to stand up for artists, not big radio companies, and ensure working musicians – backup musicians and vocalists who work 9-to-5 jobs to make ends meet – can better earn a living. That means passing the American Music Fairness Act and ensuring that artists are finally compensated when their music plays on AM/FM radio.” – Former U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, Co-Chair of the MusicFirst Coalition

    “The American Music Fairness Act takes a smart, calibrated approach towards solving a decades old problem in the radio industry. When enacted into law, AMFA will ensure recording artists and copyright owners are paid fairly for recorded music regardless of the technology used to broadcast it while carefully protecting small and noncommercial stations to preserve truly local radio our communities depend upon. This practical, compromise legislation has previously passed the House Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support and we applaud Chairman Issa and his colleagues for working to advance this important legislation.” – Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America

    “Radio conglomerates operating thousands of AM/FM stations across the U.S., make billions in profits, employ legions of lobbyists, and spend millions each year to influence lawmakers, all while continuing to refuse to pay the artists whose songs they play on the airwaves. This unfair double standard is the result of a loophole – one that can only be closed by Congress by passing the American Music Fairness Act so artists are paid for the work they do.” – Michael Huppe, President & CEO of SoundExchange

    “The American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) will fix a broken and unfair system. Musicians deserve compensation when their work is played on terrestrial radio. On this issue, the United States is out of step with the rest of the free world. AMFA will correct that.  Thank you, Reps. Issa and Nadler, for recognizing the value of our work.” – Tino Gagliardi, International President of the American Federation of Musicians

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Palestinian Rights Committee Bureau Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire, Demands Full Implementation, Move towards Solution of Conflict

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Also Condemns Israel’s UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Ban Perpetuating Palestinian Suffering

    The following statement was issued today by the Bureau of the General Assembly’s Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People:

    The Bureau of the UN Palestinian Rights Committee welcomes the Gaza ceasefire as a crucial step in halting the Israeli military operations on the Palestinian civilian population since October 2023 and stemming the vast human suffering and loss of life.  As hundreds of thousands return to devastated homes, urgent and sustained humanitarian aid is essential to all civilians in need in Gaza.  The Bureau underscores the irreplaceable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in delivering life-saving assistance and stabilizing the ceasefire.

    The Committee Bureau strongly condemns Israel’s adoption of legislation banning UNRWA and stripping it of its privileges and immunities, obstructing its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, in direct violation of the General Assembly mandate and resolution ES-10/25 recently adopted by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority.  The Bureau calls on Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately suspend and reverse the implementation of this legislation that curtails UNRWA’s vital operations and will negatively impact delivery of essential services and assistance, including education and healthcare, to the Palestine refugees.

    Coming immediately after the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel’s ban on UNRWA is a blatant move that will exacerbate Palestinian suffering — not with air strikes and bombs, but with deprivation, hunger and disease.  As affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of July 2024, Israel, due to its status as an occupying Power, has no sovereignty in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, where the UNRWA headquarters is located.  The UNRWA ban is as unlawful as the Israeli occupation itself, which must end, as determined by the ICJ and consecutive General Assembly resolution ES-10/24 of September 2024.  This unprecedented attack on an UN-mandated agency deepens the suffering of millions of Palestine refugees, for whom UNRWA is a lifeline for survival.  The Agency’s operations are essential in all fields of operation, including to alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, restoring basic services and sustaining the ceasefire, and cannot be replaced.

    Israel’s actions violate the United Nations Charter, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, its obligations as the occupying Power under the fourth Geneva Convention and multiple General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Such ongoing Israeli policies and measures will cripple humanitarian efforts, hinder Gaza’s recovery and destabilize the ceasefire, jeopardizing regional stability.  Israel must immediately cease all attacks on UNRWA and its humanitarian operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and cease all violations of international law and the human rights of the Palestinian people.

    The Committee Bureau urgently appeals to the General Assembly, the Security Council, and all Member States to categorically reject Israel’s unlawful legislation, demand its immediate repeal and insist that Israel uphold UNRWA’s mandate.  The Bureau urges prompt ICJ action, as requested by the General Assembly on 19 December 2024, to urgently deliver an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States to uphold the rule of law and obligations thereunder and to avert further Palestinian suffering.  The Committee Bureau reaffirms its support for the ceasefire agreement and calls for its full respect and implementation, leading to a lasting cessation of hostilities and a just, enduring peace, based on international law and the relevant UN resolutions, and achieving the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the two-State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 lines.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Otaika homicide: Police make additional appeal

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are releasing further information in the Otaika homicide investigation as the appeal for footage continues.

    An investigation team has begun the task of piecing together what took place on the layby on Otaika Valley Road earlier this week.

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei CIB, says a post-mortem examination on the motorcyclist has been completed.

    “I can confirm that the victim was shot,” he says.

    “At this point in the enquiry we are not in a position to release further details around the injuries or firearm likely used in this homicide.”

    Since an appeal for information was launched on Thursday, a steady stream of footage has been sent into Police for examination.

    “This is an encouraging start, and this is already helping us piece together a timeline of movements in-and-around that layby,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

    “We now know from dashcam footage that there were a number of vehicles parked in the layby prior to the victim arriving on his motorbike.”

    Police are continuing to ask those in the community to make contact if they have footage or information.

    “At this point in the enquiry, we believe the victim has been shot in that layby late on 28 January, between 7pm and 11pm.”

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police anticipate releasing further information about the victim over the coming days.

    “We’re continuing to support the man’s family as our investigation continues.

    “Our focus is on finding answers for the family for how the victim has died in such a violent manner.”

    • HOW YOU CAN HELP:

    Police would like any sightings of the victim’s blue and silver coloured road bike that was parked in the layby.

    That is particularly between 8pm on 28 January through to 5am on 29 January.

    Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage around key locations between 7pm on 28 January and 5am on 29 January should contact Police.

    Those areas of interest are along Otaika Valley Road, between the intersections with State Highway 14, Maungatapere, and Loop and Cemetery Roads, in Otaika.

    An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded.

    Please go to https://distant.nc3.govt.nz

    Anyone with further information should call Police on 105 and reference the file number 250129/0335.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Announces $7.1 Million in Support of Local Energy Project Planning, Siting and Permitting

    Source: US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the selection of four projects totaling $7.1 million to expand a program that improves planning, siting, and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy and energy storage facilities across the United States. The collaborative teams formed through these projects, as well as 12 previously selected under the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP™) program, will develop and expand statewide initiatives that provide expertise, trainings, and technical resources to local governments, Tribal governments, and communities as they plan for and evaluate large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects. 
    A significant portion of large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects built in the coming years are likely to be built on private lands, where state and local authorities make permitting decisions. The state-based R-STEP collaboratives will evaluate the needs of stakeholders in their regions and develop tailored educational materials and technical assistance programs to improve planning and streamline project reviews and permit decisions. This will result in renewable energy and energy storage projects that contribute to strong local economies, resilient energy systems, and lower energy costs for households and businesses, especially in rural or underserved communities.
    The R-STEP collaboratives bring together stakeholders from all sides of the energy planning process, including state and regional agencies, universities, developers, technical experts, public service commissions, farmers unions, tribes, community organizations, and other trusted entities. 

    The four newly selected collaboratives are:

    Illinois: Led by University of Illinois Extension, the collaborative will build and maintain a cohort of trusted technical assistance providers in each county to help communities make informed decisions about renewable energy projects. The work will focus on developing education and outreach materials to support proactive decision-making by communities and local government officials. (Award amount: $1.9 million)
    Louisiana: Led by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the collaborative will engage a diverse array of community partners in Louisiana to inform state agencies’ planning and decision-making for offshore wind facilities in state waters. (Award amount: $1.9 million)
    Minnesota: Led by University of Minnesota Extension, the collaborative will engage diverse stakeholders to assess needs, expand technical assistance services, and maintain training and educational resources to expand local officials’ capacity to engage constructively in planning, siting, and permitting for large-scale renewable energy projects. (Award amount: $1.2 million)
    Virginia: Led by the Virginia Department of Energy, the collaborative will create a centralized, stakeholder-informed hub to provide resources and access to trusted experts to increase knowledge about energy fundamentals, economic development, environmental regulations and best practices, and planning for large-scale renewable energy development. (Award amount: $1.9 million)

    DOE is currently seeking experts to provide technical assistance to the R-STEP collaboratives. Organizations with expertise on key renewable energy and energy storage planning, siting, and permitting topics are encouraged to learn more and apply by Jan. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET.
    Learn more about the selected state-based collaboratives. 
    Learn more about large-scale renewable energy siting.
    R-STEP is funded by DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office.
    The R-STEP program is administered by ENERGYWERX. This funding mechanism is made possible through the innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions.
    Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicant will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time. DOE award amounts are subject to change pending negotiations.

    The R-STEP program has announced state-based collaborations supporting: Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Energy Announces $6.9 Million in Projects to Support Effective Community Waste-to-Energy Strategies for Local Transportation Needs

    Source: US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) announced $6.9 million in funding for nine projects to support local waste-to-energy management solutions for transportation energy needs. Located across six states, these selected projects will help sustainably manage and recover potential clean energy sources from local community waste streams using innovative and cost-effective technologies to produce low-carbon biofuels.
    Organic waste streams from food waste, municipal wastewater sludge and solid waste, and manure are a key feedstock for producing biofuels and bioproducts. However, these waste streams represent one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to water, soil and air quality pollution. In addition, waste management costs for treatment, stabilization, hauling and disposal are considerable, and municipal landfills can contaminate soil and water. This funding will support local communities plan and identify waste-to-energy solutions for their waste streams, and also help reduce other impacts associated with waste collection and landfilling, including reducing heavy vehicle traffic, odors, and litter.
    “Organic waste management presents economic, environmental and health burdens for communities across the United States,” said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “By advancing novel technologies to convert this waste into valuable energy resources, these collaborative investments will help solve local waste management challenges and support a more secure and resilient future.”
    Recognizing that local communities may be at different stages in their sustainable waste management planning efforts, the selected projects will address the above waste-to-energy needs through two topic areas:

    Topic Area 1: Feasibility Study Development Analyses 
    Topic Area 2: Design Work and Experimental Validation 

    This funding will benefit communities and transit authorities with waste-to-energy solutions and support the Federal government’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that create jobs for our local communities and achieve a secure energy future. 
    Read more about these selectees and their projects, and visit BETO’s funding opportunities and VTO’s funding opportunities webpages for other upcoming funding opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency Announce $6 Million to Support Development of Advanced Biofuels

    Source: US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $6 million in funding for three projects that will advance biofuel development and support U.S. leadership in energy and emissions innovation. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the projects will support research to improve performance and reduce costs of high-impact biofuel production technologies; scale up production systems with industry; and support the U.S bioeconomy. Located in three states, the projects will support DOE’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge goals by developing biofuel technologies that use sustainable biomass and waste feedstocks. 
    Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from renewable biological sources, including feedstocks such as plants and algae. When responsibly sourced, U.S. biofuel production can help strengthen the rural economy, move the U.S. toward greater energy independence, and support domestic production of cleaner fuels.
    These projects will provide industry with new technologies to meet EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program requirements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector, while reducing reliance on imported transportation fuel, heating oil, and jet fuel. Using agricultural residues and wet wastes, the projects also align with DOE’s BETO: Billion-Ton 2023, an assessment of domestic renewable carbon resources that estimates that the U.S. can sustainably provide 134 million tons of agricultural residues and 32 million tons of wet waste in the near-term.  
    This funding will address the development of advanced biofuels through pre-pilot scale-up of integrated biorefinery technologies. The following projects were selected:

    Air Company Holdings, Brooklyn, New York—Biogenic Carbon Dioxide to Drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
    Erg Bio Inc., Dublin, California—Demonstration of the ASPIRE Feedstock Flexible Biomass Deconstruction and Conversion Technology at the Pre-pilot Scale
    Terragia Biofuels, Hanover, New Hampshire—Continuous Conversion of Corn Stover to Ethanol Using Engineered Thermophilic Bacteria.

    Read more about these selectees and their projects, and visit BETO’s funding opportunities  to learn more about their other funding opportunities.

    About the Renewable Fuel Standard Program

    The RFS program, which is a national regulatory program implemented by the EPA, was created by Congress with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions along with expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. The program requires a certain volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil, or jet fuel. The four categories of commonly used renewable fuels are: biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel.
    For more information on the RFS program, visit the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Launches Second Round of Prize Supporting Grassroots Energy Innovation in Underrepresented Communities

    Source: US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the second round of the Community Energy Innovation Prize, a multi-million-dollar competition supporting grassroots innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and economic development in communities historically underrepresented in clean energy development.

    Through the three phases of the prize, teams have the chance to win part of the $8.42 million prize pool to fund their ongoing activities that address local challenges in clean energy, energy efficiency, manufacturing, materials, and transportation. Successful competitors will demonstrate a strong track record of building trust and strengthening relationships and partnerships within their communities.
    “The most successful solutions are ones that are led by communities themselves,” said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “With this prize, groups and organizations can receive the guidance and financial support they need to solve local challenges and better the lives of residents through job opportunities, less waste, cleaner air and lower energy bills.”
    The Community Energy Innovation Prize is made up of three tracks, each with distinct focus areas, over three phases: 

    Clean Energy Ecosystem Track. In this track, a total prize pool of $3.22 million will be awarded to up to 12 teams for fostering innovation ecosystems and/or technology deployments through activities focusing on community-centric networks and bottom-up solutions for sustainable development, based on the needs of the communities involved. 
    Manufacturing Ecosystem Track. In this track, a total prize pool of $2.6 million will be awarded to up to 10 teams for developing manufacturing innovation ecosystems across government, industry, academia, national labs, and communities to address key challenges in the development and adoption of emerging materials and manufacturing technologies. 
    Vehicles Ecosystem Track. In this track, a total prize pool of $2.6 million will be awarded to up to 10 teams for supporting the deployment of clean transportation technologies in a manner that promotes access to clean transportation technologies, improves health and air quality outcomes, and lowers the burden of transportation impacts on community members.

    Any eligible team may compete in the first phase, CONCEPT, where applicants form their coalitions and develop project ideas. Up to 32 teams across the three tracks will be selected as CONCEPT phase winners and receive an initial prize amount of $75,000 to $100,000 each, along with in-kind mentorship and other support services. Winning teams in the CONCEPT phase will be eligible to compete in subsequent phases. 
    Applications to compete in the CONCEPT phase for all three tracks are now open. The deadline to submit is June 20, 2025. There will be an informational webinar for prospective applicants in the near future. Follow the prize on HeroX for updates.
    The Community Energy Innovation Prize is jointly sponsored by three offices within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: the Integrated Strategies Office, the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office, and the Vehicle Technologies Office. The prize is administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is part of the American-Made program.

    MIL OSI USA News –