NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unlicensed door supervisor convicted after working at club

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A man has been given a suspended sentence for fraud after he used someone else’s SIA licence to work illegally at a venue in Newcastle.

    An SIA investigation found that Samuel Miller committed fraud by lying to his employers and working unlicensed as a door supervisor at City Vaults in Newcastle.

    He worked multiple shifts between August and October 2022 at the venue using the SIA licence number of somebody with a similar name. Northumbria Police were investigating a separate incident at a venue when they discovered Mr Miller working without a licence and referred the matter to the SIA to investigate.

    Jenny Hart, a criminal investigations manager at the SIA, said:

    Door supervisors and security guards have an important frontline role protecting the public. That is why we have a robust licensing regime in place to make sure they have the skills they need to keep people safe.

    Mr Miller used a fraudulent licence to obtain work. He showed a brazen disregard for public safety by deceiving his employers to get a job for which he was not qualified. We take matters like this incredibly seriously. Mr Miller has found out the hard way that crime does not pay.

    Samuel Miller pleaded guilty on 13 May 2024 to one count of fraud and one count of breaching the Private Security Industry Act by working in a licensable role without a valid licence. He was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Newcastle Crown Court on 11 October 2024. He must also pay £500 in court costs.

    Notes to editors  

    By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA.

    The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that is mentioned above is: 

    • Section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence 

    The offence relating to the Fraud Act 2006 that is mentioned above is: 

    • Section 2 – fraud by false representation 

    Further information

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).  

    For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit http://www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk). 

    Media enquiries

    For media enquiries only, please contact: 

    media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Songwriters have long revealed the ugly side of ‘love’ – from John Lennon to Mariah Carey

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

    For as long as pop music has existed, there have been love songs. And as long as there have been love songs, songwriters have been wrestling with what love means to them. We have been told that love is the best, that it can mend our souls, and keep us alive. But we have also been warned that love is a battlefield upon which we will be torn apart, and eventually killed.

    Sitting somewhere between these mixed messages is what I will call the “ugly love songs” category. These are songs that focus on concepts like control, jealousy and emotional blackmail, all presented (to paraphrase U2) in the name of love. It’s unlikely you’ll ever see ugly love songs popping up as a genre search option on Spotify, but here’s what you might find if it did.

    First, songs with themes of control and possession. In 2020, a group of psychology researchers used the phrase “you belong to me” in the title of a piece of research which focused on male control, dominance and manipulation of women. Yet these words have been sung in over 600 songs, by artists as diverse as Boyz II Men and Slipknot and used as a song title for the likes of Brian Adams, Steve Perry, Elvis Costello, Dean Martin, Suede and Sam Cooke.

    Similarly possessive phrases are also commonplace in lyrics such as “never gonna let you go” (Led Zeppelin, Kiss and Jay Sean) “won’t let you leave” (Nas, Trey Songz and Air Supply) and “won’t let you go” (Daniel Bedingfield, Three Dog Night and Elvis Presley).

    The phrase “you’re mine” (or variations thereof) has also been frequently used, showing up in hundreds of songs. And then there are artists that make possessions of themselves, like Little Mix and Selena Gomez singing “I’m yours” on Secret Love Song and Come and Get It respectively, and Destiny’s Child on Cater 2 U with the vomit-inducing lyrics: “What you wanna eat, boo? Let me feed you / Let me run your bathwater / Baby, I’m yours, I wanna cater to you, boy.” Shudder.

    Cater 2 U by Destiny’s Child.

    Songs about jealousy

    A complex emotion which contains varying levels of anger, sadness, irrationality, fear and resentment, jealousy has found its way into several ugly love songs over the years. The most famous example came courtesy of John Lennon with Jealous Guy (1971), which saw him rework the lyrics of White Album-era Beatles demo Child of Nature into a display of chronic insecurity.

    Lines like “I was feeling insecure / You might not love me anymore” make listeners sympathise with him. But perhaps less so “I began to lose control/ I’m sorry that I made you cry”, which show how hurtful and damaging the emotion can be to the other person in the relationship.

    No One Else by Weezer.

    Elsewhere, alt-rock band Weezer’s song No One Else is described by its songwriter Rivers Cuomo as being “about the jealous-obsessive asshole in me freaking out on my girlfriend” and contains the lyrics “I want a girl who will laugh for no one else / When I’m away, she puts her makeup on the shelf / When I’m away, she never leaves the house.”

    Then there’s The Police’s infamously creepy Every Breath You Take which sees our heartsick narrator begging for his former lover’s embrace (“I keep crying, baby, baby please”) before really overstepping the mark and, now in full-on stalker mode, informing them that he’ll be watching their every move, breath and step. And not just occasionally, either, but every single day.

    Emotional blackmail

    Emotional blackmail is the act of using a person’s feelings of kindness, sympathy, or duty in order to persuade them to do something or feel something, and it has cropped up in a number of songs over the years.

    Without You, originally by the group Badfinger, and later covered by both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, suggests that “it’s only fair” to let their departing lover know what they “should know” – which is that they’ll be unable to go on living if they follow through on their desire to leave the relationship.

    If You Buy This Record Your Life Will Be Better by The Tamperer feat. Maya.

    LeAnn Rimes goes down a similar route with her 1997 hit How Do I Live?, where she tells her “baby” that they are “everything good” in her life, and that (I guess logically) their exit would leave her unable to survive.

    To end on a lighter note, a year later, with tongue firmly in cheek, The Tamperer (featuring Maya) took the manipulation angle to the extreme by singing over and over that “if you buy this record your life will be better, your life will be better, your life will be better”. Note: I didn’t buy it, so can’t comment, but maybe if I had, I’d be writing this from my private beach in the Maldives.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Glenn Fosbraey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Songwriters have long revealed the ugly side of ‘love’ – from John Lennon to Mariah Carey – https://theconversation.com/songwriters-have-long-revealed-the-ugly-side-of-love-from-john-lennon-to-mariah-carey-240501

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: A year after Tusk came to power, why is access to safe and legal abortion still a distant dream in Poland?

    Source: Amnesty International –

    A year ago, Anna Błuś travelled home to her native Poland to vote in an election whose result she hoped would usher in a change to the country’s near total ban on abortion. What went wrong?

    Exactly a year ago on the eve of Poland’s elections, I joined a huge queue snaking around a polling station in Warsaw on a cold autumn day.  Despite the chill and the hours spent waiting to vote, the atmosphere was festive. There was a mood of anticipation in the air: a palpable sense that change was coming after eight years of regressive rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.

    As I watched the exit polls in a packed bar later that night, it became clear that this had been an election like no other with a record turnout (74%) and unprecedented numbers of women and young people coming out to vote.  

    Among the things that had galvanized so many people had been the assurances by Donald Tusk and his Civic Coalition, that they would liberalize Poland’s draconian abortion law which only allows terminations in cases of rape, incest or risk to the pregnant person’s health or life. While abortion has already been severely restricted in Poland since 1993, the Constitutional Tribunal’s 2020 ruling, which went into effect the next year, removed one of the legal grounds for abortion – in cases of fetal impairment – and leaving a near-total ban.

    If elected, Doland Tusk promised he would make access to free, safe and legal abortion for all a reality within 100 days of coming into power.

    And yet those 100 days have come and gone and a year after Tusk swept to power, the possibility of Poland providing access to safe and legal abortion for all who need it, seems as distant as ever.

    In July 2024, the Parliament failed to vote through a bill tabled in an effort to undo the harm caused by the tightening of the abortion law during PiS’s rule and the 2020 judgment of the PiS-controlled Constitutional Tribunal.

    The bill, which also proposed to end the criminalization of “aiding with an abortion”, was defeated by members of the ruling coalition, the Polish People’s Party (PSL) who voted it down alongside members of PiS and other conservatives.

    Both PSL and centrist Poland 2050 politicians have spoken in favour of reinstating a “compromise” abortion law dating back to 1993,which allowed for terminations in cases of severe or fatal fetal impairment in addition to the current legal grounds. Alternatively, they have suggested putting the matter to vote in a referendum. Both these propositions are contrary to international human rights law and standards, which require states to decriminalize abortion and guarantee access to safe abortion to all who need it without discrimination and with respect to personal autonomy and human rights.

    In August, Donald Tusk said, matter-of-factly, that it will not be possible to get a parliamentary majority to support the liberalization of the abortion law until the next election. The implication of this statement is that no further efforts will be made to push through reform for at least another three years.

    But for Polish women, girls and any person who can become pregnant, waiting three years is not an option.

    Since the restrictions came into force in January 2021, they have been keenly felt and have had sometimes tragic consequences for women and their families.  A  “chilling effect” has meant that doctors are more likely not to take lifesaving steps for pregnant patients and since the ruling restricting the law came into force, several women lost their lives.

    New guidelines on abortion that the government issued in August were presented as a measure that would help mitigate the “chilling effect” on healthcare staff. Yet, while they clarify that mental health grounds should be respected in the same way as other health grounds for abortion, they simply reiterate the very limited circumstances in which legal abortions can be performed.

    Polish women are well used to broken promises and to our votes being instrumentalized. We were under no illusion that the much-needed change would come thanks to the political goodwill of any man happening to lead our next government. Because we have been at the forefront of this change.

    Polish women have been marching and facing arrest. They have been pursuing legal challenges in the courts and lobbying the politicians in parliament. They have been doing grassroots reproductive rights work in Poland and abroad and some – like Justyna Wydrzyńska – have provided abortion pills to those in need and been prosecuted as a result.

    And despite the risk of criminalization, we are continuing to take our reproductive health and autonomy into our own hands. The women-led grassroots organization Abortion Dream Team is crowdfunding to open the first abortion clinic in the country. And in September, the longstanding Federation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) opened its first sexual and reproductive health clinic in Warsaw.  

    Women cannot keep dying from gender-based violence committed by our own state. The government’s lack of action on abortion is unacceptable and untenable. Prime Minister Tusk and the other leaders of the coalition parties (men, naturally) need to wake up and recognize our human right to abortion, accessed freely, safely and legally, in Polish law. 

    The man we elected as Prime Minister must uphold his promise to the women of Poland and work with rights holders, civil society and experts to bring his coalition partners to a place where legal abortion in Poland becomes a reality. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: GL Advances Network Testing with PacketExpert 100G Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom test and measurement solutions, addressed the press regarding their advanced Ethernet and IP testing solution, PacketExpert™ 100G. This tool tests high-speed networks at wirespeed, making it perfect for network engineers in search of precision and adaptability. With the ability to seamlessly interface to industry-standard equipment, PacketExpert™ 100G ensures smooth incorporation into the existing testing environments.

    [For illustration, refer to https://www.gl.com/images/Newsletter/packetExpert-100g-architecture-newsletter.jpg]

    “GL’s PacketExpert™ 100G is a hardware platform designed for wirespeed Ethernet and IP testing at speeds of up to 100 Gbps. The PacketExpert™ 100G functions as a full-fledged PC, equipped with specialized network interface cards, GL’s proprietary PacketExpert™ software, optimized RAM, storage, processing, and cooling systems. The Ethernet ports support speeds of 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 50 Gbps, and 100 Gbps. The appliance comes with up to eight ports, all of which can generate and receive traffic simultaneously,” said Vijay Kulkarni, CEO of GL Communications.

    The PacketExpert™ 100G, available in portable and rack-mount configurations, supports up to eight ports per appliance and offers a user-friendly web interface for multi-user, multi-location access. Users can configure tests, monitor real-time graphs, and export results to PDF and CSV, with Python scripting available for automation of complex tests.

    Featuring high-speed 100 Gbps QSFP ports, the PacketExpert™ 100G supports various optical speeds—1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 50 Gbps, and 100 Gbps by utilizing adapters with the respective SFP modules. GL provides a full accessory kit with QSFPs, fiber optic cables, and adapters for enhanced flexibility.

    PacketExpert™ 100G provides robust support for Forward Error Correction (FEC) in compliance with IEEE 802.3 standards, a crucial feature for maintaining data integrity in high-speed, long-distance networks. FEC enhances network reliability and performance by detecting and correcting bit errors during transmission. The supported FEC types include Fire Code FEC, RS-FEC (528, 514), and RS-FEC (544, 514).

    The Multi-Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer allows the device to generate multiple streams of Ethernet traffic with customizable protocol headers, packet sizes, and payloads. Supporting up to 16 streams per port, it is ideal for end-to-end testing of Wide Area Networks at speeds up to 100 Gbps. Key metrics measured include throughput, packet loss, delay, jitter and more.

    [For more information, refer to Efficient Multi-Stream Traffic Testing]

    ITU-T Y.1564 is a Service Activation test methodology that allows for comprehensive validation of Ethernet Service-Level Agreements. GL’s ExpertSAM™ is optimized for multiservice applications, measuring maximum network performance. Each port supports up to 16 streams. This enables users to assess Ethernet service capabilities for voice, data and video traffic, surpassing traditional RFC 2544 testing, especially in Wide Area Network scenarios.

    [For more information, refer to Streamlining Multiservice Testing]

    PacketExpert™ 100G supports Python automation, which allows for seamless integration into automated testing environments. Through the PacketExpert™ Python client APIs, users can control all functionalities of the device remotely, making it ideal for regression testing in network validation setups.

    [For more information, refer to Python Sample Script]

    Key features of the PacketExpert™ 100G include:

    • PCIe based hardware supports up to 8 x 100G ports in either portable or rack-mount form factors
    • Detects Layer 1 alarms and errors
    • Simultaneously generate and receive Ethernet traffic at 100% wirespeed (bidirectional 100 Gbps rate)
    • Generates traffic from Layer 2 to Layer 4 at up to 100 Gbps with varying protocol headers and packet sizes
    • Generate frames with lengths ranging from 64 bytes to Jumbo frames (up to 16000 bytes)
    • BERT supports industry standard PRBS patterns including 29-1, 211-1, 215-1, 220-1, 223-1, 229-1, and 231-1, as well as user defined patterns
    • BERT can be tested at Ethernet (Layer 2), up to 3 Stacked VLAN (Q-in-Q), up to 3 Stacked MPLS (Layer 2.5), IP (Layer 3) and UDP (Layer 4)
    • Capable of handling full wirespeed BERT, in both directions Electrical/Optical ports
    • Supports smart loopback with auto layer detection, and allows swapping source and destination addresses at MAC, IP and UDP layers
    • Generates traffic at throughput of CIR (guaranteed traffic), EIR (best effort bandwidth) and Traffic Policing Rates (dropped bandwidth) ensuring key performance indicators validation
    • Supports multiple streams with customizable configurations, including MAC/VLAN/IP/UDP headers, rate, and frame size, allowing prioritization of different traffic types (e.g., voice, video, data)
    • Measures packet loss, delay, and jitter for each stream, providing real-time graphs to visualize these metrics across all streams

    About GL Communications Inc.,

    GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions are used to verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.

    Warm Regards,

    Vikram Kulkarni, PhD
    Phone: 301-670-4784 x114
    Email: info@gl.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Associated with “Everybody Shines Together” Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Louisville, KY – This week the last of ten defendants, each of whom were associated with the “Everybody Shines Together” street gang (also knowns as “EST”), was sentenced as part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses. 

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    “I commend the outstanding work of our prosecutors, federal law enforcement agents, and our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “These are significant federal prison sentences for serious violations of the law. Together, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to flood our streets and neighborhoods with drugs while illegally using and possessing firearms.” 

    “With the sentencing of Mr. Mosley comes the conclusion of a years-long collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement to put some of Louisville’s most hardened criminals behind bars and disrupt one of the area’s most consequential street gangs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. “With multiple significant federal prison sentences, we hope this case serves as a warning sign. As long as you continue to exploit the young and vulnerable and fill our neighborhoods with senseless gun violence and harmful drug operations, the FBI will use every available resource to identify and dismantle your operation.”

    “This sentencing highlights the result of countless hours of dedicated effort from officers and investigators from LMPD and our partner agencies,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey. Each day they place their life on the line to remove criminals such as these from the streets, making Louisville a safer, better place.  The men and women of LMPD will not stop fighting against the scourge of violence and gang activity in our city. There is more work to do, but this particular group of criminals being sentenced and removed from our community is a move in the right direction.”

    According to court documents, Eric D. Mosley, 33, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Mosley was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On December 1, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, enhanced possession of drug paraphernalia, enhanced possession of marijuana, and enhanced possession of heroin.

    On December 1, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than 4 grams of cocaine, receiving stolen property (firearm), enhanced possession of marijuana, and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (less than 2 grams of heroin).

    Zaman Taylor, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    Darrian Toogood, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Devonzo Summers, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 21, 2024, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    Barry Reed, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

    Dazaray Rice, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 3 years of probation, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Aerion Cook, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

    Khasi Jones, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Cedric Palmer, 28, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of methamphetamine.

    Ricos Mosley, 36, of Louisville,was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the ATF, IRS-CI, DEA, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from Paralegal Aaron Cooper.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    ####

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Highway 101 — RCMP investigates two fatal collisions on Highway 101

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP responded to two fatal collisions on Highway 101 over the weekend.

    On October 12 at approximately 8:26 a.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a five-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Wolfville. RCMP officers learned that a transport truck travelling eastbound struck four vehicles that were stopped for construction on the highway. Two occupants of a black GMC Acadia, a 62-year old woman and a child, both of East Kingston, were located deceased at the scene. A third occupant of that same vehicle, a 40-year-old woman, was transported via EHS LifeFlight with life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported to police.

    On October 14 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Kings District RCMP, fire, and EHS responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 in Berwick. The initial investigation indicates a Dodge Journey was travelling westbound and a Ford F150 was travelling eastbound when they collided. The driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Journey, a 38-year-old man of Middleton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 49-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger of the F150, both of Greenwood, were transported to hospital by EHS with non-life threatening injuries.

    Highway 101 was closed for several hours during both incidents while an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scenes. Both investigations are ongoing.

    Our thoughts are with the victims’ families at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nain — Nain RCMP arrests unruly airline passenger, charges laid

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of an unruly airline passenger on an October 13, Air Borealis flight, Nain RCMP arrested 32-year-old Monique Penashue of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for assault and other offences.

    At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nain RCMP received the report of the unruly passenger from Air Borealis. Penashue was allegedly intoxicated and had assaulted two individuals, including a pilot, during the flight. Upon arrival in Nain, airline passengers were removed from the aircraft and Penashue, who was found in possession of alcohol, was arrested without further incident.

    She is charged under the Criminal Code for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety of an aircraft
    • Assault – two counts
    • Breach of probation

    She is charged under the Aeronautics Act for the following offences:

    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by interfering with the duties of a crew member
    • Endangering the safety or security of an aircraft by lessening the ability of a crew member to perform their duties

    Penashue was remanded in custody over the weekend and attends court today.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Horry County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Machine Gun and Machine Gun Conversion Devices

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    FLORENCE, S.C. —Orlanier Colon Menendez, 21, of Conway has pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun and multiple machine gun conversion devices.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Conway Police Department officers responded to a vehicle crash within the city limits involving Menendez. While investigating the crash, the responding officer found a .45 caliber handgun that had a machine gun conversion device installed on the firearm. During a search, officers found a backpack that contained an additional 12 machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock conversion switches, and a rotary tool with accessories commonly used to install the devices.

    Menendez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Menendez after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Conway Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Portage County, Ohio

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day.

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    Voters in Portage County have raised concerns about intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process. Attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    Reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County and complaints about any other possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at http://www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at http://www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at http://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Portage County, Ohio

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Portage County, Ohio, during the early voting period and on Election Day.

    The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.

    Voters in Portage County have raised concerns about intimidation resulting from the surveillance and the collection of personal information regarding voters, as well as threats concerning the electoral process. Attempted or actual intimidation, threats or coercion directed toward any person for voting and related activities or urging or aiding others in voting is prohibited by Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

    Reports related to voter intimidation in Portage County and complaints about any other possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at http://www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at http://www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at http://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Honors Local Law Enforcement at Hometown Heroes Event

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (October 15, 2024) BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Last Friday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his inaugural Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes event at the Bernardsville Library to recognize and honor outstanding law enforcement officers in the community. In attendance were Bernardsville Council President Al Ribeiro, Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay, the Hometown Heroes, along with their families, friends, and supervisors. 

    Congressman Kean honored 22 Hometown Heroes, who represent all six counties in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Each Hometown Hero was nominated by their chiefs and supervisors for the outstanding work they do every day. 

    “First responders and law enforcement are the backbone of our communities’ safety,” said Congressman Kean. “I am fortunate to represent a district filled with some of the most selfless and hard-working people, including those we recognized as Law Enforcement Hometown Heroes. I am grateful to play a small role in recognizing their efforts as a token of appreciation for the difficult responsibilities these men and women have keeping our communities safe.” 

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Kean for choosing to recognize our law enforcement professionals,” said Sergeant Daniel Kern, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “Law enforcement officers are some of the most misunderstood professionals. The vast majority of officers sacrifice a great deal for their communities and do so without the expectation or desire of any recognition. My department is full of officers that could easily be here in my place.”  

    “I am grateful to have been nominated and recognized as part of Congressman Kean’s Hometown Heroes Initiative,” said Sergeant Tracy Baldassare, 2024 Law Enforcement Hometown Hero. “I am proud to represent and serve alongside all of the honorable women and men of the Bernards Township Police Department. Being able to do so in my hometown has been an added privilege, for which I will always be thankful.” 

    Photos of the event can be found HERE.  
     

    The Honorees are:

     Honorees That Attended:

    Captain Miguel Acabou – Clark Police Department

    Sergeant Tracy Baldassare-Bernards Township Police Department

    Lieutenant Douglas Baylor- Phillipsburg Police Department

    Officer Alyse Brown- Sparta Township Police Department

    Staff Sargeant Brent Hawkswell – NJ State Police

    Sergeant Daniel Kern-Hopatcong Police Department

    Captain Michael Jackson- Mountainside Police Department

    Corporal Gretchen L. Malone -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office

    Officer Jarren Mann -Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office

    Lieutenant Thomas Polito- Bedminster Township Police Department

    Detective Elizabeth Savnik – Westfield Police Department

    Officer John M. Simonetti Jr.- Mount Olive Police Department

    Lieutenant Donald Sretenovic -New Providence Police Department

    Patrolman Peter Zabita-Hopatcong Police Department

     

    Honorees That Did Not Attend:

    Officer Vincent Conti- Scotch Plains Police Department

    Officer Jessica Gutsick- High Bridge Police Department

    Corporal Ryan Kamieniecki- Far Hills Police Department

    Captain Jonathan Rachel – Springfield Police Department

    Captain Scott Rayack – Rahway Police Department

    Sergeant Timothy Richard-Bernardsville Police Department

    Officer Connor Strohm- Readington Township Police Department

    Officer Nicholas J. Villa- Raritan Township Police Department

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man arrested following murder in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested following the murder of a man aged in his 40s in Tottenham.

    On Tuesday, 15 October, police were called to Waltheof Gardens, N17 at 09:00hrs following reports of a shooting.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    A 56-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

    Although police believe this was an isolated incident and do not believe the wider public is at risk, detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

    Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are yet to formally identify the victim of this tragic incident. We will continue to carry out efforts to ensure his family are informed and supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will also be scheduled in due course.

    “We are appealing for anyone who was present in the area who may have seen or heard anything relating to this incident to please get in touch.

    “You can submit any footage or information via the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24X05-PO1 Finally, we want to thank the local community for their patience whilst we conduct our enquiries in the area in the coming days.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 1613/15OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT FOR WOLFSPEED FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW; SENATOR SAYS NEW $$$ WILL HELP ACCELERATE ONGOING MOHAWK VALLEY EXPANSION & SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Includes $750M Agreement For Funding From Schumer’s CHIPS Act & $750M Private Investment, Boosting Wolfspeed’s Ongoing Expansion In Upstate NY And Building A New North Carolina Facility Which Sends Wafers To Oneida County’s Marcy Nanocenter To Be Finished, Providing Long Term Work For Mohawk Valley

    Wolfspeed Says It Also Plans To Tap Up To Nearly $1 Billion From The CHIPS ITC That Schumer Created To Help Fund Completion Of Mohawk Valley Plant

    Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Is Bringing Wolfspeed To Front Of The Pack & Helping Mohawk Valley Lead America’s Semiconductor Renaissance

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

    Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. This CHIPS investment will also support Wolfspeed’s new North Carolina Siler City facility which is integral to the Mohawk Valley’s future as it will send wafers to be finished in NY, creating long term work and future growth opportunities for the Marcy operation.

    “Wolfspeed is leading the pack in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America. This major multibillion investment powered by my CHIPS & Science Law will accelerate the ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley, helping boost hundreds of good paying jobs and providing long term work for the Marcy fab to succeed well into the future,” said Senator Schumer. “From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, so much critical technology relies on the silicon carbide chips that Wolfspeed will manufacture and perfect in the Mohawk Valley. Today’s massive investment will make America’s economy and our national security stronger as Wolfspeed helps us write the next chapter of America’s resurgence as the leader in the semiconductor industry, with the Mohawk Valley as the beating heart.”

    Schumer explained that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is the largest and one of the only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. Wolfspeed officially opened their new fab in 2022 and is actively expanding with approximately $790 million in additional capital planned investment in the Mohawk Valley which will help support new good paying manufacturing and construction jobs to the region. The proposed CHIPS investment would also support the construction of Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Nearly all of the wafers from Wolfspeed’s new facility in Siler City, NC are needed and sent to the Mohawk Valley Fab to be finished and this investment is essential to ramp up chip production in New York. The proposed CHIPS funding will support the Mohawk Valley fab to increase its production capacity by approximately 30%.

    To achieve this increase in capacity in the Mohawk Valley, Wolfspeed will purchase and install additional tools & equipment in the Mohawk Valley, such as photolithography tools, ion implanters, metal deposition tools, etch systems, automation equipment and more that will be support by the Investment Tax Credit from the CHIPS & Science Law.

    The proposed $750 million in CHIPS funding will also help catalyze private capital investment of at least $750 million to support the company’s expansion plans. This injection of private capital would not have occurred were it not for the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed is the world’s leading manufacturer of wafers and devices made from silicon carbide, a compound which has favorable chemical and material properties compared to traditional silicon, enabling Wolfspeed’s semiconductors to be highly energy-efficient and durable. The silicon carbide devices manufactured by Wolfspeed power electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, enabling extended driving range-per-charge, faster charging times, and lower overall systems costs, they also are vital for artificial intelligence and in military applications critical for national security.

    Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We thank Senator Schumer for securing $750 million in funding for Wolfspeed from his historic CHIPS & Science Law. This transformative investment will accelerate hundreds of good-paying jobs in Oneida County and further elevate our region as a leader in semiconductor production. As Wolfspeed enhances its capabilities, we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our workforce and our future in the Mohawk Valley.”

    Acting President of Mohawk Valley EDGE Shawna Papale said, “On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE, we commend the Department of Commerce for reaching a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed to leverage more than $2.5 billion of investment including over $750 million in CHIPS Act grant funding. The growth of the Mohawk Valley Fab is hinged on the ability of Siler City to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers to supply Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, this CHIPs announcement accelerates hiring towards Wolfspeed’s job target of over 600 employees and increases production capacity at the Marcy Nanocenter. This was a true collaboration across local, county, State, and Federal officials along with the leadership of Wolfspeed to make the dream of recreating American made manufacturing a reality right here in Oneida County.”

    Last week, Schumer announced Edwards Vacuum reached a $18 million CHIPS PMT to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind for America, in Western NY. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that Micron, which plans to invest $100 billion over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’ s history – reached a $6.1 billion CHIPS PMT funding agreement. In addition, GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region also reached an agreement for $1.5 billion in direct grant funding under his CHIPS & Science Law to support a $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in Malta, NY. 

    Schumer added, “The CHIPS & Science Law keeps helping grow the booming semiconductor industry in Upstate NY. We are seeing more targeted federal investment than ever before to bring back manufacturing, and awards like this show how the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Syracuse to Utica to Albany truly is becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway.”

    Schumer has long worked to position the Mohawk Valley for semiconductor investment. In addition to his efforts on further recruiting chip suppliers to Marcy Nanocenter, Schumer secured $2 million in U.S. DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to boost technical training to support the expansion and attraction of the semiconductor industry. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training center.

    Schumer is also actively working with Mohawk Valley EDGE to help lure additional semiconductor and supply chain companies to Marcy Nanocenter which will get a further boost from Wolfspeed and Micron’s expansions in the region.

    Schumer said, “Marcy Nanocenter is one of the most shovel-ready sites in the whole country and with this investment helping to strengthen Wolfspeed and with Micron rapidly establishing itself in the broader region, I am going all out to land more companies to make the Mohawk Valley a central component of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Edwards Vacuum is also moving forward with a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York and across the nation.

    The PMT outlines key terms for Wolfspeed’s CHIPS agreement. To finalize the federal CHIPS agreement, the Commerce Department will now begin a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed project and other information contained in the application. After satisfactory completion of the due diligence phase, the Commerce Department will finalize the PMT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cole Harbour — RCMP seeking assistance from the public to identify a person of interest

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking assistance from the public to identify a man involved in an attempted robbery in Cole Harbour.

    On October 11, at approximately 6:46 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a recreational centre on Forest Hills Parkway. RCMP officers learned that a man approached four youths who were near the pedway, displayed a knife, and demanded jewelry from one of them.

    The man fled on foot when the youths said they were advising security. No physical injuries were reported.

    The man was wearing a black jacket, black pants, yellow shoes and had a mask over his face. The weapon is described as serrated bread knife approximately eight to ten inches in length.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 24-140049

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Deer Lake RCMP investigates shed fire, human remains located inside

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Deer Lake RCMP is investigating human remains that were found inside a burned shed on a residential property in Deer Lake on October 13, 2024.

    At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, police received a report of a shed fire on a residential property on Middle Road in Deer Lake. An occupant of the home was unaccounted for and was believed to be inside the shed. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Male human remains were located inside the shed.

    A Fire Scene Investigator with the Fire Services Division of Justice and Public Safety attended the scene and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged. The investigation is continuing.

    Deer Lake RCMP asks residents in the area to check for possible surveillance footage around the time of the fire and to report any information to the detachment at 709-635-2173. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: IMPD Sergeant Facing Federal Charges for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    INDIANAPOLIS—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant, Javed Richards, 42, with five counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Richards had his initial appearance in federal court on October 10th.

    According to the indictment, on July 14, 2024, Richards allegedly distributed at least five videos of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct to other individuals via the Kik messenger application. Richards is further charged with possessing numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material on his iCloud account.

    IMPD announced it has suspended Sergeant Richards pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.

    The FBI and Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is investigating this case, with cooperation from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. If convicted, Richards faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI which is part of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT FOR WOLFSPEED FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW; SENATOR SAYS NEW $$$ WILL HELP ACCELERATE ONGOING MOHAWK VALLEY EXPANSION & SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Includes $750M Agreement For Funding From Schumer’s CHIPS Act & $750M Private Investment, Boosting Wolfspeed’s Ongoing Expansion In Upstate NY And Building A New North Carolina Facility Which Sends Wafers To Oneida County’s Marcy Nanocenter To Be Finished, Providing Long Term Work For Mohawk Valley

    Wolfspeed Says It Also Plans To Tap Up To Nearly $1 Billion From The CHIPS ITC That Schumer Created To Help Fund Completion Of Mohawk Valley Plant

    Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Is Bringing Wolfspeed To Front Of The Pack & Helping Mohawk Valley Lead America’s Semiconductor Renaissance

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

    Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. This CHIPS investment will also support Wolfspeed’s new North Carolina Siler City facility which is integral to the Mohawk Valley’s future as it will send wafers to be finished in NY, creating long term work and future growth opportunities for the Marcy operation.

    “Wolfspeed is leading the pack in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America. This major multibillion investment powered by my CHIPS & Science Law will accelerate the ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley, helping boost hundreds of good paying jobs and providing long term work for the Marcy fab to succeed well into the future,” said Senator Schumer. “From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, so much critical technology relies on the silicon carbide chips that Wolfspeed will manufacture and perfect in the Mohawk Valley. Today’s massive investment will make America’s economy and our national security stronger as Wolfspeed helps us write the next chapter of America’s resurgence as the leader in the semiconductor industry, with the Mohawk Valley as the beating heart.”

    Schumer explained that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is the largest and one of the only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. Wolfspeed officially opened their new fab in 2022 and is actively expanding with approximately $790 million in additional capital planned investment in the Mohawk Valley which will help support new good paying manufacturing and construction jobs to the region. The proposed CHIPS investment would also support the construction of Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Nearly all of the wafers from Wolfspeed’s new facility in Siler City, NC are needed and sent to the Mohawk Valley Fab to be finished and this investment is essential to ramp up chip production in New York. The proposed CHIPS funding will support the Mohawk Valley fab to increase its production capacity by approximately 30%.

    To achieve this increase in capacity in the Mohawk Valley, Wolfspeed will purchase and install additional tools & equipment in the Mohawk Valley, such as photolithography tools, ion implanters, metal deposition tools, etch systems, automation equipment and more that will be support by the Investment Tax Credit from the CHIPS & Science Law.

    The proposed $750 million in CHIPS funding will also help catalyze private capital investment of at least $750 million to support the company’s expansion plans. This injection of private capital would not have occurred were it not for the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed is the world’s leading manufacturer of wafers and devices made from silicon carbide, a compound which has favorable chemical and material properties compared to traditional silicon, enabling Wolfspeed’s semiconductors to be highly energy-efficient and durable. The silicon carbide devices manufactured by Wolfspeed power electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, enabling extended driving range-per-charge, faster charging times, and lower overall systems costs, they also are vital for artificial intelligence and in military applications critical for national security.

    Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We thank Senator Schumer for securing $750 million in funding for Wolfspeed from his historic CHIPS & Science Law. This transformative investment will accelerate hundreds of good-paying jobs in Oneida County and further elevate our region as a leader in semiconductor production. As Wolfspeed enhances its capabilities, we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our workforce and our future in the Mohawk Valley.”

    Acting President of Mohawk Valley EDGE Shawna Papale said, “On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE, we commend the Department of Commerce for reaching a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed to leverage more than $2.5 billion of investment including over $750 million in CHIPS Act grant funding. The growth of the Mohawk Valley Fab is hinged on the ability of Siler City to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers to supply Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, this CHIPs announcement accelerates hiring towards Wolfspeed’s job target of over 600 employees and increases production capacity at the Marcy Nanocenter. This was a true collaboration across local, county, State, and Federal officials along with the leadership of Wolfspeed to make the dream of recreating American made manufacturing a reality right here in Oneida County.”

    Last week, Schumer announced Edwards Vacuum reached a $18 million CHIPS PMT to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind for America, in Western NY. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that Micron, which plans to invest $100 billion over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’ s history – reached a $6.1 billion CHIPS PMT funding agreement. In addition, GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region also reached an agreement for $1.5 billion in direct grant funding under his CHIPS & Science Law to support a $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in Malta, NY. 

    Schumer added, “The CHIPS & Science Law keeps helping grow the booming semiconductor industry in Upstate NY. We are seeing more targeted federal investment than ever before to bring back manufacturing, and awards like this show how the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Syracuse to Utica to Albany truly is becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway.”

    Schumer has long worked to position the Mohawk Valley for semiconductor investment. In addition to his efforts on further recruiting chip suppliers to Marcy Nanocenter, Schumer secured $2 million in U.S. DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to boost technical training to support the expansion and attraction of the semiconductor industry. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training center.

    Schumer is also actively working with Mohawk Valley EDGE to help lure additional semiconductor and supply chain companies to Marcy Nanocenter which will get a further boost from Wolfspeed and Micron’s expansions in the region.

    Schumer said, “Marcy Nanocenter is one of the most shovel-ready sites in the whole country and with this investment helping to strengthen Wolfspeed and with Micron rapidly establishing itself in the broader region, I am going all out to land more companies to make the Mohawk Valley a central component of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Edwards Vacuum is also moving forward with a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York and across the nation.

    The PMT outlines key terms for Wolfspeed’s CHIPS agreement. To finalize the federal CHIPS agreement, the Commerce Department will now begin a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed project and other information contained in the application. After satisfactory completion of the due diligence phase, the Commerce Department will finalize the PMT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON ANNOUNCES DOJ AWARD TO OUR HOUSE INC. FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES PROGRAM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    October 4, 2024

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has awarded Our House Inc., based in Greenville, Mississippi, a federal grant of $382,500 under the Fiscal Year 2024 Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program. The award, made through the OVW’s Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program), will be utilized to enhance culturally specific services for survivors of sexual assault in the region.

    The SAS Culturally Specific Program was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and is the first federal funding stream solely dedicated to direct intervention and assistance for victims of sexual assault. The program supports services such as advocacy, crisis intervention, court and medical accompaniment, and referrals for adult, youth, and child survivors. It also aims to address the unique challenges faced by victims from culturally specific communities, such as linguistic and cultural barriers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces funding to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Canadian cereals

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Cereal crops are a staple of Canada’s agricultural sector.

    October 15, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Cereal crops are a staple of Canada’s agricultural sector. Last year, we exported 29.8 million tonnes of wheat, barley and oats, valued at $13.8 billion, and demand continues to grow.

    To support the competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian cereals, today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $7.3 million in funding to Cereals Canada through the AgriMarketing Program and the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, two initiatives under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

    Cereals Canada is receiving up to $6,660,817 through the AgriMarketing Program to increase market access, improve customer support, and expand exports through initiatives like technical exchanges, market research, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

    Through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, Cereals Canada is also receiving up to $674,249. This funding will support research on how environmental conditions impact cereal crop quality during the growing season. It will also expand milling expertise, establish oat quality standards, and compare Canadian wheat with international competitors to strengthen Canada’s place in the global market.

    By sharing key insights on the performance, functionality, and marketability of Canadian cereals with customers, producers, and partners, these projects will drive market growth. At the same time, by investing in research to help farmers adapt to environmental challenges, they will further build on Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, sustainable cereal grains.

    “We are grateful for the support from the Government of Canada for applied research and market access initiatives that will benefit Canadian wheat, durum, barley, and oat growers, and the value chain as a whole. This funding enables us to amplify our resources, maintain and grow markets, and foster industry relationships and advocacy, helping to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Canada’s cereals industry.”

    – Dean Dias, CEO, Cereals Canada

    • In the last five years, Canada exported wheat to almost 100 countries with some of the largest buyers being in the United States, Indonesia, China and Japan.

    • According to Statistics Canada, 2023 wheat exports were nearly $12 billion, and 2023 oat exports were $725 million.

    • Cereals Canada is a longstanding recipient of departmental funding, having most recently received over $3 million in funding through the AgriMaketing Program under the previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership framework.

    • Cereals Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization representing the cereal grains sector, focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian cereals both domestically and internationally.

    • The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

    • The AgriMarketing Program, under the Sustainable CAP, supports national agricultural sectors to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

    • The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable CAP, aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP stops sixteen impaired drivers in HRM over long weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over the Thanksgiving weekend, RCMP officers in the Halifax Regional Municipality arrested two impaired drivers and suspended the licences of an additional fourteen drivers.

    On October 11, at approximately 5:55 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of a driver who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel of a Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle was stopped in an intersection on Sackville Dr. in Lower Sackville. Upon arrival, the man displayed severe signs of impairment. He refused to comply with the demand of a standard field sobriety test, and was arrested for Operation while Impaired by Drug.

    That same evening, between 9:10 p.m. and 11:40 p.m., RCMP officers stopped three drivers who provided breath samples into an approved screening device (ASD) with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    Throughout the day of October 12, traffic stops completed by RCMP officers involved four other drivers who provided breath samples into an ASD with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    On October 13, between 10:50 a.m. and 11:20 p.m., another six drivers provided breath samples that yielded results over the 50 mg% Provincial limit.

    On October 14, at approximately 3:10 p.m., an officer from the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment Traffic Unit completed a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion near the intersection of Windmill Rd. and Ralston Ave. in Dartmouth. The driver, a 27-year-old Middle Sackville man, provided a roadside breath sample into an ASD which resulted in a “fail”. He was arrested and transported to the Lower Sackville RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 110 mg% and 100 mg%.

    Also, at 3:10 p.m., a second RCMP officer, this time in the Timberlea area, stopped a sport utility vehicle travelling on Timberlea Village Parkway. The driver, a 31-year-old Timberlea woman, provided a breath sample into an ASD with results over the Provincial limit of 50 mg%.

    The two drivers arrested for Impaired Operation of a Conveyance were later released and are both scheduled to appear in court at later dates. All fourteen drivers with blood alcohol concentrations between 50 mg% and 80 mg% were issued immediate driving suspensions.

    If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    File #’s 24-140024, 24-140130, 24-140140, 24-140162, 24-140222, 24-140241, 24-140626, 24-140667, 24-140802, 24-140887, 24-140976, 24-141169, 24-141183, 24-141213, 24-141436, 24-141437

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — RCMP Traffic Services West stops excessive speeder on TCH during Thanksgiving Weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A young driver was stopped for excessive speeding by RCMP Traffic Services West on the Trans-Canada Highway over the Thanksgiving weekend.

    On Monday, October 14, 2024, RCMPTraffic Services West were on patrol on the TCH near Birchy Lake and observed a car traveling at 163 km/hr. The vehicle was stopped and the 17-year-old driver was ticketed for the excessive speed and issued a licence suspension. The vehicle was seized and impounded.

    RCMP Traffic Services remains dedicated to road safety and the enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act. Please report incidents of dangerous driving or excessive speeding to your local police detachment.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Boston arrests Dominican national convicted of drug charges in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended an unlawfully present 33-year-old Dominican national charged with assault and battery on a household member, destruction of property, indecent exposure, carjacking, two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Officers with ERO Boston arrested Luis Esmeraldo Rodriguez Aug. 12 in Roxbury. The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts arraigned Rodriguez Sept. 16 for unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed.

    “Not only has Luis Esmeraldo Rodriguez has displayed a complete disregard for U.S. immigration laws — he also attempted to use our Massachusetts neighborhoods to peddle poison to our residents,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Now he has been charged with some much more severe offenses and clearly poses a threat to our community. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by aggressively apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from New England.”

    U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Rodriguez Nov. 23, 2014, after he unlawfully entered the United States near Laredo, Texas, without inspection, admission or parole by a U.S. immigration official.

    On Jan. 16, 2015, ERO Batavia served Rodriguez with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge in Batavia, New York, granted Rodriguez an immigration bond Feb.18, 2015.

    On May 12, 2015, a Department of Justice immigration judge in Batavia ordered Rodriguez removed from the United States to the Dominican Republic.

    The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts arraigned Rodriguez on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl and an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The court convicted Rodriguez of those charges Feb. 27, 2019, and sentenced him to 30 months in prison.

    ERO Philadelphia arrested Rodriguez Feb. 15, 2020, after his release from state prison and removed him from the United States to the Dominican Republic Feb. 18, 2024.

    Rodriguez unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, without inspection, admission or parole by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Roxbury District Court arraigned Rodriguez June 10 on charges of assault and battery of a household member, destruction of property, indecent exposure, carjacking, two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

    Later that day, ERO lodged an immigration detainer against Rodriguez with the Suffolk County House of Corrections in Boston.

    Officers with ERO Boston arrested Rodriguez Aug. 12 at the Roxbury District Court and served him with a notice of intent/decision to reinstate a prior removal order.

    The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts arraigned Rodriguez Sept. 16 on a charge of unlawful reentry into the United States after removal.

    As part of its mission to identify and arrest removable noncitizens, ERO lodges immigration detainers against noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. An immigration detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable noncitizen is released from their custody. Detainers request that state or local law enforcement agencies maintain custody of the noncitizen for a period not to exceed 48 hours beyond the time the individual would otherwise be released, allowing ERO to assume custody for removal purposes in accordance with federal law.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, the removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Since detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Protect Wisconsinites from Predatory Wall Street Investors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Stop Wall Street Looting Act, comprehensive legislation to fundamentally reform the private equity industry and level the playing field by forcing private investment firms to take responsibility for the outcomes of companies they take over, empowering workers and protecting investors.

    Since 2020, private equity fund assets have grown exponentially, reaching nearly $8 trillion in 2023 compared to $4.5 trillion in 2020. Private equity funds have purchased companies in nearly every sector of the economy — from nursing homes, to newspapers, to grocery stores — laying off hundreds of thousands of workers and ruining thousands of companies in the process.

    “When out-of-state investors buy Wisconsin companies only to turn a quick profit and shutter their doors, it’s Wisconsin workers and communities that suffer. I’m committed to ensuring that when Wisconsin businesses are purchased, Wisconsin families are protected and not left high and dry like we’ve seen in places like Janesville, Green Bay, and Waukesha,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our legislation will help put workers and our community first – protecting them from predatory practices that too often result in devastating job losses for Wisconsin’s working families.”

    The private equity industry claims to invest in companies while also earning high returns for investors by using their management expertise to make the companies’ operations more efficient, and then selling the companies at a profit. In reality, private equity funds often load mountains of debt on the companies they buy, strip them of their assets, and extract exorbitant fees and dividends, guaranteeing payouts for themselves regardless of how the investment performs. When their debt-ridden investments go belly-up, private equity funds walk away with no responsibility for the mess they create, leaving workers in the lurch and forcing communities to clean up their mess.

    This bill would level the playing field, protect workers, consumers, and investors, and force private equity firms to take responsibility for the companies they control by closing the loopholes that allow private equity to capture all the rewards of their investments while insulating themselves from risk and liability. The Stop Wall Street Looting Act will:

    • Require Private Investment Funds to Have Skin in the Game: Private equity firms, the firm’s general partners, and their insiders will all be on the hook for the liabilities of companies under their control — including debt, legal judgments, and pension-related obligations — to better align the incentives of private equity firms and the companies they own. Liability would not extend to the fund’s limited partners, ensuring that only those that control portfolio firms are on the hook. In order to encourage more responsible use of debt, the bill ends the tax subsidy for excessive leverage and closes the carried interest loophole.
    • End Looting of Portfolio Companies. To give portfolio companies a shot at success, the bill limits how much money private equity firms can extract from companies and closes the loophole that private equity firms have used to hide certain assets from bankruptcy courts.
    • Protect Workers, Customers and Communities. This proposal prevents private equity firms from walking away when a company fails and protects workers and communities by:
      • Prioritizing workers’ pay in the bankruptcy process and amending the laws to increase the priority claims for unpaid earnings and other benefits from $10,000 to $20,000 per worker.
      • Creating incentives for job retention so that workers can benefit from a company’s second chance.
      • Ending the immunity of private equity firms from legal liability when their portfolio companies break the law, including the WARN Act. When workers at a plant are shortchanged or residents at a nursing home are hurt because private equity firms force portfolio companies to cut corners, the firm should be liable.
      • Expanding protections for striking workers by clarifying unfair labor practices and the employer duty to bargain.
    • Empower Investors by Increasing Transparency. Private equity managers will be required to disclose fees, returns, and other information about their funds and the corporate loans they make so that investors can monitor their investments.
    • Put Guardrails Around Accessing Public Funds. Firms receiving any funds from a federal or state agency must publicly disclose how the funds are used and will be prohibited from acquiring any company or making a distribution to investors for two years after receipt.
    • Drives REITS out of Health Care. Payments from federal health programs to entities that sell assets or use assets for a loan collateral made to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) are prohibited; repeal a rule in the Tax Code that allows taxable REIT subsidiaries to exert influence on the operations of health care entities; and remove the 20 percent pass-through deduction, passed in the 2017 Trump tax cuts, for all REIT investors.

    The bill is led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and also co-sponsored by Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ed Markey (D-MA) in the Senate.

    The bill is supported by Action Center on Race and the Economy, AFL-CIO, American Economic Liberties Project, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Popular Democracy, Communication Workers of America, Community Catalyst, Economic Policy Institute, Indivisible, National Employment Law Project, National Women’s Law Center, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, People’s Action, SEIU, Strong for All, Take on Wall Street, United for Respect, Working Families Party, and Worth Rises.

    “Private equity has an immense impact on the U.S. economy, touching virtually every aspect of life from healthcare to housing to technology to retail and more. Private equity’s extractive playbook harms workers and communities, diminishes access to quality affordable health care, worsens the housing crisis and the climate crisis, and perpetuates systemic racism. Without major changes, a handful of ultra wealthy Wall Street executives will continue getting richer at everyone else’s expense. The Stop Wall Street Looting Act takes important, much needed steps to reign in Wall Street predatory practices and promote a just and sustainable economy,” said Lisa Donner, Executive Director, Americans for Financial Reform.

    “Union busting, pollution, and bankruptcy aren’t side effects of the private equity model: they are the model,” said Porter McConnell, Take on Wall Street. “It’s a smash-and-grab, plain and simple. That’s why we are so pleased to see comprehensive legislation like the Stop Wall Street Looting Act introduced in Congress today. We created the loopholes in the law that allowed the private equity industry to thrive, and we can end them. Our communities, our economy, and our democracy are depending on it.”

    “As we fight for more public investment in the child care sector, we must also rein in private equity’s ability to enrich themselves at the expense of the public. Building guardrails – such as those in the Stop Wall Street Looting Act – will help put the wellbeing of children and families ahead of private equity’s profits,” said Melissa Boteach, Vice President, Income Security and Child Care/Early Learning, National Women’s Law Center.

    “Private equity firms, which control nearly $15 trillion in assets, routinely prioritize quick, outsized profits, at the expense of workers, patients, renters, and local economies as part of their business model,” said Chris Noble, Policy Director for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. “The Stop Wall Street Looting Act provides an essential check on this opaque industry. By addressing the systemic risks tied to debt-laden private equity buyouts, this legislation prioritizes the long-term health of businesses and communities over short-term profits for wealthy private equity executives.”

    “Private equity should have no influence over medical treatment decisions made jointly by independent physicians and their patients. The Stop Wall Street Looting Act goes a long way towards ensuring physicians, in consultation with their patients, are able to deliver quality, patient-centered, cost-efficient care without corporate interference,” said Dr. Stephen M. McCollam, Chair, Coalition for Patient-Centered Care.

    “Wall Street private equity firms have proven themselves to be a parasite on workers, our economy, and American retailers by gutting companies for profit and driving mass layoffs. Holding billionaire profiteers accountable for the damage they do to our working families and communities is imperative to addressing growing economic inequality,” said United for Respect Co-Executive Directors Bianca Agustin and Terrysa Guerra in a joint statement. “The Stop Wall Street Looting Act will help close loopholes in our laws that for too long have allowed private equity to pillage companies and amass huge profits while workers lose their jobs and are left with nothing. United For Respect is proud to support this bill — and we need all legislators to join us in protecting workers and putting Wall Street on the hook for the havoc they reap.”

    Full text of this legislation is available here. A one-pager on this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Received and Downloaded Child Pornography Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    A man who received child pornography over the internet was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

    Christopher Goins, age 47, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of receiving child pornography.

    In a plea agreement, Goins admitted that between December 2019 and December 2021, he knowingly received and downloaded photos and videos of child pornography, including depictions of minors under 12 years of age.  During a search of Goins’ home in December 2021, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized 33 storage devices containing over 600 images of child pornography.  In January 2024, following his arrest on federal child pornography charges, Goins said that additional child pornography would be found on his phone.  During a search of Goins’ home, FBI agents found child pornography on Goins’ laptop and additional storage devices which Goins had obtained after his home was searched in December 2021.

    Goins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Goins was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to a child victim depicted in videos and photos he possessed.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Goins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

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

    The case file number is 24-CR-06.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide – Te Awamutu

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have a homicide investigation underway after a man died overnight in Te Awamutu.

    Police and Hato Hone St John were called to a disorder incident on Te Rahu Road near Picquet Road at about 11:45pm where the victim was located unconscious. Despite receiving immediate medical treatment, he sadly died at the scene shortly after Police arrival.

    Police have arrested a 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman at the scene and they were taken into custody without incident.

    They are now assisting Police with our investigation and charges are being considered.

    A scene examination is underway and traffic management is in place to divert traffic from the area.

    Police are very early in our investigation and our focus is on establishing the circumstances leading into the incident and to support the victim’s family.

    Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation progresses.

    We appreciate this will be concerning to the community and they can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.

    Anyone with information which they think may be of assistance to the Police investigation, please update us online now  or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241016/0455.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures $8M from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation to Address Redlining in Black Communities in Birmingham, Alabama

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Combating Redlining Initiative Surpasses $150M in Relief for Redlined Communities at its Third Anniversary

    The Justice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced today that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (Fairway) has agreed to pay $8 million and a $1.9 million civil money penalty to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black neighborhoods in and around Birmingham, Alabama.

    Redlining is an illegal practice by which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of residents in those communities.

    With this settlement, the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative surpassed $150 million in relief for communities of color nationwide that have experienced lending discrimination. This settlement marks the Justice Department’s 15th redlining settlement in three years. Under the Combating Redlining Initiative, the Department has secured a historic amount of relief that is expected to generate over $1 billion in investment in communities of color in places such as Houston; Memphis; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; and Birmingham.

    “This settlement, and the over $150 million in relief the Justice Department has secured for communities across the country through our Combating Redlining Initiative, will help to ensure that future generations of Americans inherit a legacy of home ownership that they too often have been denied,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case is a reminder that redlining is not a relic of the past, and the Justice Department will continue to work urgently to combat lending discrimination wherever it arises and to secure relief for the communities harmed by it.”

    The Justice Department and CFPB allege that Fairway illegally redlined Black neighborhoods in Birmingham, including through its marketing and sales actions, and discouraged residents of those neighborhoods from applying for mortgage loans. The settlement announced today requires Fairway to provide $7 million for a loan subsidy program to offer affordable home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans in Birmingham’s majority-Black neighborhoods, invest an additional $1 million in programs to support that loan subsidy fund, and pay a $1.9 million civil penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.

    This case is the third redlining enforcement action brought jointly by the Justice Department and the CFPB under the initiative, highlighting the strong partnership between the agencies to root out and address lending discrimination.

    “Birmingham lies at the heart of our nation’s civil rights struggle but is also a community that bears the legacy of discriminatory redlining and other exclusionary policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement will provide Birmingham’s Black neighborhoods with the access to credit they have long been denied and increase opportunities for homeownership and generational wealth. This settlement makes clear our intent to uproot modern-day redlining in every corner of the country, including in the deep South. With more than $150 million in total relief secured in three short years, our Combating Redlining Initiative is generating real economic opportunity for communities of color while sending a strong message to mortgage lenders, no matter their business model, that discriminatory lending will not be tolerated in America.”

    “The settlement reached with Fairway Mortgage is a win for communities of color here in Birmingham that have historically been denied access to vital economic resources,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “Our office is committed to ensuring that these communities have equal access to housing and credit resources.”

    “The CFPB and Justice Department are holding Fairway accountable for redlining Black neighborhoods,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Fairway’s unlawful redlining discouraged families from seeking loans for homes in Birmingham’s Black neighborhoods.”

    Fairway is a non-depository mortgage company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2022, Fairway was the nation’s fifth-largest lender by origination volume and ninth-largest by application volume. Fairway operates in the Birmingham area under the trade name MortgageBanc.

    The complaint describes how Fairway redlined majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area (Birmingham MSA). During the period covered by the complaint, the Birmingham MSA included six counties in north central Alabama with a combined population of about 1.1 million. While Fairway claimed to serve the entire metropolitan area, it concentrated all its retail loan offices in majority-white areas, directed less than 3% of its direct mail advertising to consumers in majority-Black areas, and for years discouraged homeownership in majority-Black areas by generating loan applications at a rate far below its peer institutions.

    The Justice Department and CFPB allege that Fairway violated the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and Consumer Financial Protection Act. Specifically, the government alleges problematic conduct by Fairway including:

    • Failing to address known signs of discrimination: Fairway’s own data showed that, since at least 2017, it was failing to serve majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham area, but before October 2022, it took no meaningful actions to address redlining risk. Between 2018 and 2022, only 3.7% of Fairway’s applications were for properties in majority-Black areas, compared to 12.2% for Fairway’s peer lenders. In other words, Fairway’s peer lenders generated applications for properties in majority-Black areas at over three times the rate of Fairway. This disparity was even higher in neighborhoods with 80% or more Black residents, where Fairway made loans at less than one-eighth of the rate of its peer lenders. Despite these figures, Fairway failed to adopt any written plan for marketing or growth to address the concern.
    • Redlining Black neighborhoods: From 2015 through 2022, Fairway operated three retail loan offices and three loan production desks within real estate offices in the Birmingham MSA, all of which were in majority-white areas. Fairway also relied on referrals from real estate professionals and its loan officers’ personal contacts to generate applications, and the vast majority of Fairway’s referral sources and referred consumers were located in majority-white areas. Fairway predominantly directed its marketing to majority-white areas and failed to train or incentivize its existing loan officers to better serve majority-Black areas. By taking these actions, Fairway discriminated against, and unlawfully discouraged mortgage loan applications for properties in, majority-Black neighborhoods.

    The proposed consent order, which awaits approval by the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, would require Fairway to:

    • Provide $7 million for a loan subsidy program: The order would require Fairway to offer home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans on a more affordable basis than otherwise available in majority-Black neighborhoods in the Birmingham MSA. The program may provide lower interest rates, down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, or payment of initial mortgage insurance premiums.
    • Invest at least $1 million in redlined neighborhoods: Fairway would be required to open or acquire a new loan production office or full-service retail office in a majority-Black neighborhood in the Birmingham MSA. The company must also spend at least $500,000 on advertising and outreach, at least $250,000 on consumer financial education, and at least $250,000 on partnerships with one or more community-based or governmental organizations to serve the affected neighborhoods.
    • Pay a $1.9 million penalty: The proposed order imposes a $1.9 million civil penalty against Fairway, which would be paid into the CFPB’s Civil Penalty Fund, also referred to as the victims’ relief fund.

    Information about the Justice Department’s fair lending enforcement work can be found at http://www.justice.gov/fairhousing. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online.

    Consumers can submit complaints about financial products and services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

    Employees who believe their company has violated federal consumer financial protection laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to whistleblower@cfpb.gov. To learn more about reporting potential industry misconduct, visit the CFPB’s website.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: $5,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Man Wanted for Striking Officer With Vehicle and Fleeing

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Toledo, OH – The United States Marshals Service (USMS), Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Benjamin Chapman, 32. Chapman is wanted in New York for assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, obstructing government officer, and fleeing an officer.

    Chapman is accused of striking an officer of the Town of Ulster, New York, Police Department with his vehicle on March 30, 2021. Chapman had been pulled over for a traffic violation and was found to be wanted on a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance issued by the Ulster Town Court. During the encounter, Chapman allegedly struck the officer with his vehicle and then fled the scene. The officer suffered injuries from the assault. Chapman has been on the run since this incident and has committed other violent offenses in other states.

    Chapman is described as a white male, standing 5-feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 lbs. Chapman has ties to Toledo, Ohio and Monroe, Michigan.

    Anyone with information concerning Chapman can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third Suspect Wanted in Shooting Death of 28-Year-Old Cleveland Woman Arrested by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Today, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Marshae Davis, 34, who was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

    According to the Cleveland Division of Police, on May 3, 2024, officers from the 3rd District responded to the area of the 2400 block of Central Ave. and discovered 28-year-old female, Christie Bozeman, inside her apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS on scene attempted to render aid but Bozeman later succumbed to her injuries at MetroHealth hospital.

    Leonai Jonson, 18, and Cashemere Cole, 26, were identified as suspects in this fatal incident and warrants were issued for their arrest. On May 15, 2024, members of the NOVFTF arrested Leonai Johnson in an apartment near the 2400 block of Central Ave., Cleveland. On October 11, Cashmere Cole was arrested by the Cleveland Heights Police Department.

    Today, members of the NOVFTF arrested Marshae Davis, who is now the third identified suspect in this case. Task force members arrested Davis at a residence in the 3200 block of Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Months after the initial arrest in this case, the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit continues to pursue justice for this victim, as a third suspect is now in custody. We will continue to assist the Cleveland Division of Police in putting these violent fugitives behind bars.”

    Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Retired IAM Railroad Legend Bob Reynolds Recognized for 60 Years of Achievements

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Retired IAM District 19 leader Robert “Bob” Reynolds recently received a 60-year IAM service award pin and was recognized for his union achievements. 

    Reynolds’ journey with the IAM began as an apprentice on Aug. 6, 1964, with the Illinois Central Railroad in Paducah, Ky. At the time, the Illinois Central Railroad was the most dominant rail company in western Kentucky due to their locomotive repair shops, which included locomotive, boiler, blacksmith and tank shops. It also included the railroad’s rebuilding program, which rebuilt locomotives by increasing horsepower, removing dynamic braking and the addition of paper air filters. The Illinois Central Railroad was viewed as an industry pioneer, piquing the interest to merge in 1972 with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad to form the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad (ICG).

    In 1967, after Reynolds’ apprenticeship, he was elected as President and Local Chairman of IAM Local 123 in Plain City, Ohio. With approximately 500 members, Local 123 was one of the largest railway locals. Reynolds held both positions until he was elected to be a full-time General Chairman at District 21 in 1978. 

    Throughout his years, Reynolds wore many hats. He served as the Assistant President and Directing General Chairman during the mergers of Districts 19 and 22. He served as a delegate for both District and Grand Lodge Conventions, negotiated agreements with various carriers and rail related companies, which at times required going to Presidential Emergency Boards.

    In 1991, when District 22 was officially merged into District 19, Reynolds was elected as District 19’s President and Directing General Chairman. In 1992, he was also elected as Secretary of the IAM Law Committee. Reynolds held both positions until his retirement on June 1, 2005.

    Reynolds’ personal and proud moments within the IAM involved the implementation of the Asbestos Awareness Program and the Employee Benefits Systems (EBS) Program, which were unanimously supported by the IAM Executive Council. To date, the two programs continue to be successful and of service to our membership and retirees. 

    Reynolds’ position has always been, “Once a machinist, always a machinist!”

    He has served the IAM for over 60 consecutive years and it is our honor to acknowledge all his great work throughout the years.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Activities of Liberty Media Corporation and EU competition law – E-002003/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002003/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pascal Arimont (PPE)

    Liberty Media Corporation (LMC) is the owner of the Formula One Group (FOG), which holds Formula 1’s commercial rights until the end of 2110. A separation of commercial and regulatory activities in motor sport was approved by the Commission in 2001.

    Over time, FOG has added the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series to its roster, and affiliate company Liberty Global controls Formula E. Through F1TV, FOG controls global broadcasts. Commercial agreements also make it very difficult for new teams to join the Formula 1 series, possibly restricting competition in an unlawful way – a point the US Department of Justice is investigating[1].

    LMC has now committed to acquiring Spanish-based Dorna SL, rights holder of all MotoGP and affiliated motorcycle circuit racing events. According to LMC, approval has been granted in most major jurisdictions. In 2006, the Commission gave permission to CVC Capital Partners to proceed with a buy-out of Formula One shares, only after the firm agreed to get rid of its interests in MotoGP EU[2].

    In view of these developments, and the fact that Parliament has called for an investigation into competition concerns arising from the Formula 1 motor sport industry[3]:

    Will the Commission finally start an anti-trust investigation into regulations and commercial arrangements involving LMC, in order to protect consumers and guarantee fair competition?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-owner-liberty-media-anti-trust-probe-andretti-rejection/10643128/.
    • [2] Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes stated at the time that this was a necessary step to ward off the risk of a reduction in consumer choice.
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0027_EN.html.
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 917 918 919 920 921 … 1,000
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress