NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Remarks at Markup for FY26 Labor-HHS Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s remarks. 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks at a full Appropriations Committee markup on the FY26 Labor-HHS funding bill.

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery:

    “Thank you, Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray.

    “I applaud your steadfast commitment to returning to regular order, and I hope that our work continues to the Senate floor.

    “As we near the end of these subcommittee markups, I’d like to thank all my fellow committee members for their input.

    “We received 12,548 total member requests for the Labor-H appropriations bill. This bill is always one of the most difficult appropriations bills to negotiate.

    “This is the third year Senator Baldwin and I have been at the helm of the Labor-H Subcommittee, and I’m pleased to once again present a bipartisan bill to the Full Committee.

    “The Labor-H bill allocates limited taxpayer resources to key bipartisan priorities at a lower level than fiscal year 2025.

    “The bill includes a number of bipartisan member priorities such as greater investments in America’s biomedical research, child care, education, mental and rural health, and continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

    “As we work to right-size the federal government, the bill also includes careful, targeted decreases, while ensuring that agencies have appropriate staffing levels to carry out their statutory responsibilities.

    “The bill also maintains long-standing riders and excludes any new controversial riders.

    “I have heard from many West Virginians throughout this process about questions they have regarding funding for programs throughout the state. I am proud that this bill provides critical funding for those worthy initiatives.

    “Our legislation seeks to provide more certainty and support for the work being done in my home state that help improve the lives of so many West Virginians.

    “Our bill provides an increase for the National Institutes of Health to continue prioritizing biomedical research in the United States.

    “This investment includes targeted increases for research in specific areas such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, women’s health, maternal health, rare diseases, and cancer.

    “We have also maintained funding for NIH’s IDeA program, that provides funding to 23 states that historically had lower levels of NIH funding, including my state of West Virginia.

    “The IDeA state program has been so important for research at West Virginia institutions like WVU and Marshall University.

    “Today’s bill also builds on our efforts to combat substance abuse, which remains a serious problem in West Virginia, by providing funding for addiction treatment, prevention, research, and recovery programs. 

    “This bill also provides resources to support our health workforce, including nurses, geriatric providers, and professionals to respond to the addiction crisis, which will help providers in West Virginia. 

    “The Labor-HHS bill again prioritizes our children starting with early childhood all the way through postsecondary education to make sure our students are prepared for jobs today and in the future.

    “The bill also makes critical investments in our workforce to improve outcomes for workers looking to upskill and advance in their careers.

    “The bill includes funding for apprenticeship grants, including those designed to boost the utility sector workforce, to support the administration’s goal of creating 1 million active apprenticeships.

    “The bill maintains important funding to support workers’ rights and ensure the safety of our workplaces.

    “I’ve just described several bipartisan programs we have included to improve the lives of Americans, and I encourage my colleagues to support this Labor-H bill.

    “I want to briefly thank all the staff that worked to put this product together.

    “On Senator Baldwin’s staff: Mike Gentile, Mark Laisch, Meghan Mott, Kathryn Toomajian, Erin Dugan, Amanda Beaumont, and Janie Dulaney.

    “On my Labor-HHS staff: Emily Slack, Catherine Knowles, Elizabeth Joseph, Heather Wadyka, and Jordan Lawlor.

    “And, I’d like to thank those on the Full Committee staff that help all of our subcommittees: Clint Trocchio, Ben Hammond, and the wonderful GPO team led by Valerie Hutton.

    “Thank you again Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergey Kiriyenko and Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the winners of the Big Change contest

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 31, the final stage of the Big Break competition for schoolchildren in grades 5–7 was held at the Artek International Children’s Center. More than 700 students from 67 regions of Russia took part in it.

    First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the closing ceremony of the competition and congratulated the winners.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a welcoming address to the participants of the “Big Change”, in which the head of state, in particular, noted: “The legendary “Artek” is once again becoming a center of attraction for gifted, active, generous with extraordinary ideas children from different regions of our country and foreign countries. At all stages of the competition, you fully demonstrated your talents and abilities, learned to work in a team, found true friends. And today, in a fair fight with worthy opponents, strive to become the leaders of the “Big Change”.

    “You have an opportunity to realize the dream with which you came to the “Big Change” competition. This year our competition is dedicated to a dream, and it, just like the friendship that is born in “Artek”, only becomes stronger over the years. I want to wish that the dream with which you came here, to “Artek”, and which appeared in you here, also becomes stronger. And that you yourself become stronger and can not only dream, but also realize your dream,” said Sergei Kiriyenko.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko also addressed the children: “Dear children! The Big Change competition, launched on the initiative of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, is coming to an end. This competition is truly a huge change, because this year it has become part of the national project Youth and Children. It has already united 7 million participants from all over the country. You must understand that you are not just winners here – you have a mission: everything that you have seen and learned here, you must implement in life.”

    300 winners of the Big Change competition among schoolchildren in grades 5–7 will receive the main prize – a Dream Trip on the Big Change train from Moscow to Vladivostok and back.

    “This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland is being held at the initiative of the President of Russia. Servicemen of the special military operation, participants of the presidential program “Time of Heroes” handed over the Eternal Flame, lit for the first time in history at the North Pole, to the youth of Russia in memory of the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War. And now it is here, in “Artek”, at the final of the competition “Big Change”. We want every Artek child to share the feeling of pride in our country and preserve the memory of our heroes,” said the head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also talked to the finalists of the Big Change competition. Among them are young scientists, media professionals, musicians, winners and prize winners of Olympiads at various levels, and activists of the Movement of the First.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russia has all the opportunities to realize the potential of children and adolescents, largely thanks to the national project “Youth and Children”.

    The guys told Dmitry Chernyshenko about their projects and ideas, covering topics from an inclusive environment to developments to improve the agricultural sector, and also read a poem of their own composition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

    An interesting example of the use of artificial intelligence was the project of Semyon Veretennikov from the Belgorod region. Developed for his grandfather, a beekeeper, an interactive hive with AI allows remote monitoring of the condition of bees and control of the hive via messenger.

    The Deputy Prime Minister suggested integrating Semyon’s idea into the “Berloga” project – a series of useful video games about the world of bear engineers, which teaches schoolchildren to think like programmers, introduces them to technologies and helps them become participants in next-level technology clubs.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also spoke with the first “ambassador of peace” of the USSR, Ekaterina Lycheva, who is often called the Soviet Samantha Smith. In the 1980s, she, like Samantha Smith, became a symbol of children’s diplomacy and the desire for peace between the USSR and the USA.

    Ekaterina Lycheva spoke about the international children’s program “The World of BRICS – the World of the Future”, which is currently taking place in Artek. As a result of the program, more than 3,200 Artek children from more than 69 countries will adopt a joint declaration-appeal to all heads of state “For Peace” and invite five children from each country to the International Children’s Center “Artek” in 2026.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the DNA Isolation laboratory, where technology is used to isolate DNA from various living objects for further genetic research.

    The All-Russian competition “Big Change” is the flagship project of the “Movement of the First”. The competition is held with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Van Hollen, Castro, Jacobs Demand U.S. Security Companies Answer for Deadly Actions in Gaza 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Bicameral lawmakers warn Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UG) that they have put American veterans at risk of criminal and civil liability for de facto “military operations” in Gaza  
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) in leading an effort to demand answers from U.S.-based security companies, Safe Reach Solutions, LLC (SRS) and UG Solutions, LLC (UG) about their activities in Gaza, which according to press reports, include using lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites.  
    The lawmakers warned SRS and UG that the companies and personnel—many of them American military veterans hired as private security contractors—may be subject to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation. The lawmakers also requested the preservation of all documents and communication related to the security companies’ contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). 
    “We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.” 
    The lawmakers continued: “As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.” 
    Read and download the letter here and below:  
    Mr. Govoni, Mr. Reilly,  
    We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation.  
    Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.  
    As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.   
    Even before the latest revelations, press had reported on Israeli military actions that include the wanton destruction of civilian homes, the use of human shields, rules of engagement resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, and blockage of medicine and food. More than 50,000 children have already been killed or injured in Gaza, and as we write, infant boys and girls are starving to death. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response to a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike, is reported to have said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reported to have said, “Gaza will be totally destroyed… They will be totally despairing… and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.” As a result of these actions, U.S. allies have already cut off the supply of offensive weapons to Israel. 
    We, therefore, ask that you urgently respond to the following questions: 

    What are the Rules of Engagement currently in effect for your staff in Gaza and what is the nature of their command-and-control relationship with Israeli military officers and government officials? 

    Did you inform your investors and staff prior to their departure from the United States that they are subject to U.S. criminal law prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation, including under the War Crimes Act? And further, that they could be held legally responsible for crimes by Israeli forces when those actions were enabled or facilitated by your operations? 

    Did you inform prospective staff and investors that they could face civil suits upon return to the United States under the Torture Prevention Act by Americans and the families of Americans harmed in Gaza? 

    Did you inform your staff that the International Criminal Court and third states may exercise jurisdiction over war crimes in Gaza and that they could consider your American staff as combatants for purposes of liability, potentially limiting future freedom of travel to other countries?  

    How is your organization documenting activities in Gaza and what happens to that data? We request that you preserve all documents and communications related to your contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. 

    We respectfully request a response withing two weeks.  
    Sincerely, 
     CC: 

    Charles J. Africano (“Chuck”/“Joe”), Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) 

    Kevin Sullivan, UG Solutions 

    Jennifer C, UG Solutions 

    Lou Rassey, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Brian Grogan, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Ravi Shah, Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Joel Revill, Chief Executive Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY  

    Albert Forkner, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY 

    Dustin Sventy, Chief Investment Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Actions to Get Americans the Best Prices in the World for Prescription Drugs

    Source: US Whitehouse

    REDUCING DRUG PRICES FOR AMERICANS AND TAXPAYERS: Today, President Donald J. Trump sent letters to leading pharmaceutical manufacturers outlining the steps they must take to bring down the prices of prescription drugs in the United States to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations (known as the most-favored-nation, or MFN, price). The steps include:

    • Calling on manufacturers to provide MFN prices to every single Medicaid patient.
    • Requiring manufacturers to stipulate that they will not offer other developed nations better prices for new drugs than prices offered in the United States.
    • Providing manufacturers with an avenue to cut out middlemen and sell medicines directly to patients, provided they do so at a price no higher than the best price available in developed nations.
    • Using trade policy to support manufacturers in raising prices internationally provided that increased revenues abroad are reinvested directly into lowering prices for American patients and taxpayers.

    The letters inform manufacturers that if they “refuse to step up,” the federal government “will deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.”

    Letters were sent to AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi.

    ENDING GLOBAL FREELOADING ON AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION:  President Trump is taking decisive action to rebalance a system that allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer low prices to other wealthy nations while charging Americans significantly higher prices. 

    • According to recent data, the prices Americans pay for brand-name drugs are more than three times the price other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development nations pay, even after accounting for discounts manufacturers provide in the U.S.
    • The United States has less than five percent of the world’s population, yet roughly 75% of global pharmaceutical profits come from American taxpayers.
    • Drug manufacturers benefit from generous research subsidies and enormous healthcare spending by the U.S. Government. Instead of passing that benefit through to American consumers, drug manufacturers then discount their products abroad to gain access to foreign markets and subsidize those discounts through high prices charged in America. Americans are subsidizing drug-manufacturer profits and foreign health systems, both in development and once the drugs are sold.

    ONCE AGAIN DELIVERING ON PROMISES TO PUT AMERICAN PATIENTS FIRST: Today’s letters are an important step in President Trump’s work to get Americans the best deal in the world on prescription drugs.

    • On May 12, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled: “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients” directing the Administration to take numerous actions to bring American drug prices in line with those paid by similar nations.
    • Following the Order, the Administration engaged pharmaceutical manufacturers in discussions to achieve MFN pricing in the United States. Today’s letters indicate that industry proposals have fallen short, and from this point forward, President Trump will only accept from drug manufacturers a commitment that provides American families immediate relief from vastly inflated drug prices and an end to the freeriding by European and other developed nations on American innovations.
    • President Trump has been relentless in his effort to address the unfair and outrageous prices Americans pay for prescription drugs:
      • President Trump: “In case after case, our citizens pay massively higher prices than other nations pay for the same exact pill, from the same factory, effectively subsidizing socialism aboard [abroad] with skyrocketing prices at home. So we would spend tremendous amounts of money in order to provide inexpensive drugs to another country. And when I say the price is different, you can see some examples where the price is beyond anything — four times, five times different.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: The White House Announces White House Ballroom Construction to Begin

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Washington, D.C. — For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.
     
    The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance. The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people — a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.
     
    In recent weeks, President Trump has held several meetings with members of the White House Staff, the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the United States Secret Service to discuss design features and planning. 
     
    President Trump has chosen McCrery Architects as lead architect, which is well-known for their classical architectural design and based in our nation’s capital. CEO Jim McCrery said: “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman. I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”
     
    The construction team will be headed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team will be led by AECOM. 
     
    The project will begin in September 2025, and it is expected to be completed long before the end of President Trump’s term. 
     
    President Trump, and other patriot donors, have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications. 
     
    The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, it’s theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical. The site of the new ballroom will be where the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing currently sits. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and has been renovated and changed many times, with a second story added in 1942. 
     
    The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the following: “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.” 
     
    The White House will continue to provide the American public with updates on this project at whitehouse.gov/visit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Condemns Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    Palm Desert, CA – Today Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) issued the following statement:

    “The extreme hunger and starvation unfolding in Gaza is a dire humanitarian emergency. Reports of Palestinians—including children—dying from hunger and malnutrition are heartbreaking and unacceptable. This is a man-made crisis, and urgent action is needed. Time is of the essence. Every day that food, water, and life-saving medical care are blocked from reaching civilians, more lives will be lost, especially children.

    “That’s why I sent letters to President Trump and Secretary Rubio demanding that they increase humanitarian resources to Gaza, and urge Israel and Hamas to end the war, and release all hostages. 

    “They must guarantee safe and unfettered access for international humanitarian organizations and the United Nations that abide by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence to provide food, clean water, sanitation, and urgent medical care. 

    “We need immediate, coordinated action. Lives are on the line. We need this now.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Installs Key ‘Sunblock’ Shield on Roman Space Telescope

    Source: NASA

    Technicians have successfully installed two sunshields onto NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s inner segment. Along with the observatory’s Solar Array Sun Shield and Deployable Aperture Cover, the panels (together called the Lower Instrument Sun Shade), will play a critical role in keeping Roman’s instruments cool and stable as the mission explores the infrared universe.

    The team is on track to join Roman’s outer and inner assemblies this fall to complete the full observatory, which can then undergo further prelaunch testing.
    “This shield is like an extremely strong sunblock for Roman’s sensitive instruments, protecting them from heat and light from the Sun that would otherwise overwhelm our ability to detect faint signals from space,” said Matthew Stephens, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
    The sunshade, which was designed and engineered at NASA Goddard, is essentially an extension of Roman’s solar panels, except without solar cells. Each sunshade flap is roughly the size of a garage door — about 7 by 7 feet (2.1 by 2.1 meters) — and 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) thick.
    “They’re basically giant aluminum sandwiches, with metal sheets as thin as a credit card on the top and bottom and the central portion made up of a honeycomb structure,” said Conrad Mason, an aerospace engineer at NASA Goddard.
    This design makes the panels lightweight yet stiff, and the material helps limit heat transfer from the side facing the Sun to the back—no small feat considering the front will be hot enough to boil water (up to 216 degrees Fahrenheit, or 102 degrees Celsius) while the back will be much colder than Antarctica’s harshest winter (minus 211 Fahrenheit, or minus 135 Celsius). A specialized polymer film blanket will wrap around each panel to temper the heat, with 17 layers on the Sun side and one on the shaded side.
    The sunshade will be stowed and gently deploy around an hour after launch.

    “The deploying mechanisms have dampers that work like soft-close hinges for drawers or cabinets, so the panels won’t slam open and rattle the observatory,” Stephens said. “They each take about two minutes to move into their final positions. This is the very first system that Roman will deploy in space after the spacecraft separates from the launch vehicle.”
    Now completely assembled, Roman’s inner segment is slated to undergo a 70-day thermal vacuum test next. Engineers and scientists will test the full functionality of the spacecraft, telescope, and instruments under simulated space conditions. Following the test, the sunshade will be temporarily removed while the team joins Roman’s outer and inner assemblies, and then reattached to complete the observatory. The mission remains on track for launch no later than May 2027 with the team aiming for as early as fall 2026.

    Download high-resolution video and images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
    The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

    Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

    Local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance grants for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent work to repair public facilities that were damaged by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding

     These counties join Carroll, Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Stewart, Wayne and Tipton counties which were all previously approved for FEMA Public Assistance

     FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure

    Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

    kwei

    nwaogu
    Thu, 07/31/2025 – 12:12

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Proposals to Lease Aircraft Hangar in Cleveland

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is seeking proposals for the use of its historic aircraft hangar, along with a parking lot, tarmac, and a small neighboring office building. Proposals are due by 1 p.m. EDT on Nov. 28.  
    The hangar, formally known as the Flight Research Building, is available for lease by signing a National Historic Preservation Act agreement for a 10-year base period and two optional five-year extensions.
    NASA first announced plans to lease the Flight Research Building and other facilities in May 2024 under the government’s Enhanced Use Lease authority. These lease agreements allow space, aeronautics, and other related industries to use agency land and facilities, reducing NASA’s maintenance costs while fostering strategic partnerships that spur innovation.
    “Glenn is making great progress as we modernize our Cleveland and Sandusky campuses to support NASA’s future missions,” said Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, Glenn’s center director. “Through Enhanced Use Leases, we’re ensuring full use of land and facilities while preserving an iconic, historic building and creating regional economic opportunities.”
    The property available for lease includes up to 6.7 acres of land, which contains the heated aircraft hangar, Operations and Integration Building, parking lot, and tarmac. The hangar is 160 feet by 280 feet, and the Operations and Integration Building is 5,947 square feet. Proceeds from this lease will be used to maintain Glenn facilities and infrastructure. 
    Visible from Brookpark Road and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Glenn’s hangar was the first building completed after the center was established in 1941. It has sheltered many unique aircraft used to perform vital research. From studying ice accumulation on aircraft wings to the first use of laser communications to stream 4K video from an aircraft to the International Space Station, Glenn flight research has contributed to aviation safety, atmospheric studies, and cutting-edge technology development.
    Interested parties should contact both Carlos Flores at carlos.a.flores-1@nasa.gov and Diana Munro at diana.c.munro@nasa.gov to sign up for a walk-through from Monday, Sept. 8, to Friday, Sept. 12, or the week of Oct. 6.  
    For a 360-degree virtual tour of the Flight Research Building, visit:
    https://www3.nasa.gov/specials/hangar360/
    -end-
    Jan WittryGlenn Research Center, Cleveland216-433-5466jan.m.wittry-1@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Ends Unfair “De Minimis” Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Trump Ends Unfair “De Minimis” Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland

    President Trump’s Executive Order empowers DHS to continue cracking down on smuggling and unfair trade practices
    WASHINGTON – President Trump signed an Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis tariff exemptions for low-value shipments from all countries
    His order empowers Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to close this loophole which was used to avoid tariffs and smuggle deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the United States

    “For decades, bad actors have taken advantage of America’s de minimis process by smuggling in deadly narcotics, harmful products, and other contraband in hidden products,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
    “This loophole led to the death of thousands of Americans, fueled the opioid crisis, and harmed US
    consumers
    This decision to end de minimis will save American lives, increase revenue, and protect the American consumer and entrepreneur”
    Under the de minimis treatment, imported goods that are valued at or under $800 were exempt from tariff duties
    Countries exploited this system to flood the American market with cheap goods that undercut American manufacturers and cost American jobs
    This exemption also allowed drug cartels and other criminal organizations to smuggle drugs and other contraband into our country

    Over the past decade the volume of de minimis shipments to the United States exploded, growing from 134 million shipments in 2015 to over 1
    36 billion shipments in 2024
    De minimis shipments accounted for 90% of all cargo seizures in FY 24
    These shipments often broke the law with 98% of narcotics seized from cargo falling under the de minimis exemption, as well as 97% of counterfeit items seized

    Now, thanks to President Trump’s Executive Order, this loophole is closed
    US Customs and Border Protection is empowered to enforce tariffs on these goods and can continue to protect the homeland from the smuggling of deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl and counterfeit goods
    This will save American lives, protect American jobs, and restore billions in lost revenue

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly all National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles are demobilizing, Governor Newsom demands those remaining be released

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: With nearly all National Guard soldiers demobilizing, Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on the President to allow the 300 remaining National Guard soldiers to go home now. 

    Los Angeles, California – Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are able to go home. So far, 4,700 soldiers have begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers.

    President Trump is realizing that his political theater backfired. This militarization was always unnecessary and deeply unpopular. The President must do the right thing to end this illegal militarization now because the economic and societal impacts are dire. The women and men of our military deserve more than to be used as props in the federal government’s propaganda machine.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Although it is unclear whether the National Guard has received formalized orders to begin additional demobilizations, an estimated 300 guardsmembers will continue to be stationed at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. California urges Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theatrical deployment and send all remaining guardsmembers home immediately.

    Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles. However, nearly 2,000 soldiers remained at Los Alamitos. 

    Economic impact of this political theater 

    After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector in California decreased by 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.

    Governor Newsom recently met with local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.

    Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast. 

    Mass arrests, detentions and deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.

    Drugs arriving at the border, fewer soldiers to stop them

    Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics. CalGuard’s servicemembers dedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.

    Police off the streets, teachers out of classrooms

    Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled from essential civilian duties such as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.

    End the power grab now

    Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform. 

    Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, a bipartisan group of 25 former governors filed a brief in support of Newsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard. 

    Retired four-star admirals and generals and former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard. Several veterans and veteran rights’ groups came together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.

    Recent news

    Jul 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: In response to concerns from local elected leaders and community members about the potential for widespread SB 9 development concentrated in areas rebuilding from destructive fires and crowding evacuation routes, the Governor today issued…

    Jul 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 17 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Elections: precinct maps.AB 377 by Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis) – High-Speed Rail Authority: business plan:…

    Jul 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is standing up for all Americans by challenging Trump’s unlawful tariff policy, which is slowing the national economy and raising prices for consumers.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today filed an amicus brief in support of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MECHANICSBURG – Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Become Organ Donors on PA Donor Day

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    August 01, 2025 – Mechanicsburg, PA

    ADVISORY – MECHANICSBURG – Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Become Organ Donors on PA Donor Day

    Officials from the Departments of Health and Transportation will join area health care providers, organ donation and tissue donation groups, and those impacted by organ donation at UPMC West Shore in Mechanicsburg to encourage all Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors, as part of PA Donor Day.

    PA Donor Day is celebrated on August 1, or 8/1, because one organ donor can save up to eight lives. At any given time, more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are on the state’s transplant list awaiting an organ donation.

    Regrettably, thousands of Americans die every year waiting for a donated organ. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and enhance the lives of 75 others through tissue donation. Tissue donation helps patients recover from spinal injuries, burns, vision loss, and more.

    In Pennsylvania, nearly half of current driver’s license and identification card holders are registered as organ donors, or about five million residents. However, increasing the number of residents who are organ donors is key to saving and improving lives throughout the Commonwealth.

    WHO:
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet
    UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore President Elizabeth Ritter
    UPMC Kidney Transplant Program Surgical Director Dr. Manish Gupta
    Rev. Brenda Alton, Governor’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee
    CJ Adams, organ recipient
    Marilyn Michelle Reynolds, organ donor

    WHEN:
    Friday, August 1, 1:00 PM

    WHERE:
    UPMC Outpatient Services
    2015 Technology Parkway
    Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
    (Entrance #5)

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunrunner Who Illegally Trafficked More than 200 Firearms to DC Area Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.

                In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.

                Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.

                Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.

                On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.

                Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.

                Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.

                This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.

    24cr296

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Armed Robber and Rapist Sentenced for “Nightmarish” Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Today, Deandre Martece Williams was sentenced to 327 months in prison on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, in connection with a series of armed robberies, non-fatal shootings, and rapes he committed in 2023, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. In sentencing Williams, United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith stated that Williams’s “utter disregard for human dignity is breathtaking in the worst sense of the word” and referred to his conduct as “nightmarish.” During a three month stretch in 2023, Williams victimized fifteen people in eight separate incidents, seriously injuring four people, and raping three at gunpoint.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Detroit Field Division, Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department (DPD), and Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor.

    During the investigation, DPD collected fired cartridge casings from the scene of multiple shootings. With the help of the ATF and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), they identified a pattern of targeting sex workers and their customers. The ATF and DPD methodically pieced together other evidence from the crime scenes and identified Williams as a suspect. On October 20, 2023, ATF agents executed a federal search warrant at Williams’s house, arrested him, and found the gun used in the robberies.

    Williams frequently found his victims in parked cars along neighborhood streets. Williams commonly approached on foot, placed his handgun through an open window or door, and robbed his victims. After the robberies, Williams shot at several of the victims as they tried to flee. Several of the victims were injured by gunfire. Williams raped two of his victims during the robberies.

    Through their investigation of the robberies, the ATF and DPD uncovered evidence linking Williams to a rape and adult kidnapping. Williams and that victim had agreed to meet over a dating app. When Williams arrived at the victim’s hotel room, he pulled out a handgun and held the victim at gunpoint for several hours while repeatedly raping the victim.

    Williams’s arrest for the robberies also led to DNA evidence linking him to an unsolved Criminal Sexual Conduct from 2012. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Circuit Court in Detroit for those offenses and was sentenced in March to 10 years 6 months up to 20 years prison in the Wayne County Third Circuit Court.

    “We should all hate robbery and cruelty. And this sinister man did plenty of both. For years, he was prowling around our streets. But through ingenuity and hard work, the ATF and DPD made our city safer,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

    “Deandre Williams is a ruthless predator who used firearms to dominate, violate, and destroy lives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “He didn’t just break the law — he shattered families, preyed on the vulnerable, instilled fear, and left a trail of mayhem wherever he went. ATF’s unique firearm expertise will continue to be the bedrock of gun violence reduction efforts in Detroit.  This expertise enables ATF and our law enforcement partners to identify AND target the most prolific shooters across the Detroit metropolitan community for federal prosecution.  Mr. Williams is a poster child for what this partnership does: removing violent thugs from the community. Williams will now need to pack a suitcase because he will be behind bars.  Exactly, where he deserves to be.”

    “The investigation of Deandre Williams yielded an unexpected dividend.  WCPO was able to successfully prosecute Williams on a 2012 sexual assault case as a direct result of evidence collected in his federal cases.  We are pleased that all of his victims will see him receive the justice he deserves,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Detroit Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO and Medical Director Charged in $500M COVID-19 Test Billing Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Two individuals were charged for their involvement in a $500 million, nationwide scheme that involved billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other health insurance programs for COVID-19 testing services that were never rendered, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.

    Cemhan “Jimmy” Biricik (age 46) of Boca Raton Florida, and Dr. Martin Perlin (age 74) of Fairfield, Connecticut were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and more than 50 substantive counts of health care fraud. Biricik was the sole member and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Lab Technologies, LLC (Fast Lab).  Dr. Perlin was Fast Lab’s Medical Director and provider responsible for ordering the majority of the tests. Both defendants were arrested this morning.

    According to the Indictment, during the Covid-19 pandemic, New York-based Fast Lab operated a website offering “free” covid tests.  When individuals went to the website to order tests, they were asked to provide their insurance information.  Fast Lab then used this insurance information to fraudulently bill Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and numerous private insurances for both antigen (“rapid”) and PCR (“laboratory) tests, across multiple dates for each beneficiary. Specifically, Fast Lab’s claims represented that (1) the antigen tests had been observed by medical professionals, (2) saliva samples were collected by medical professionals, and (3) PCR testing was performed on those samples.  In reality, the vast majority of antigen tests—if taken at all—were taken at home and not observed by medical professionals; saliva samples were never collected nor returned to Fast Lab; and PCR testing was never performed. Dr. Perlin was the ordering physician for these tests, despite not having a treating relationship with the beneficiaries.  Further, Fast Lab would regularly submit insurance claims before the test kits were even delivered to the beneficiaries.  In total, Biricik billed or caused to be billed more than $500 million in claims and was paid more than $50 million.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division; Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General; Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Janet Dhillon (DOL-EBSA); Detroit Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Megan Howell, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).

    The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is being investigated by Special Agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, OPM-OIG, DOL-EBSA, DCIS, MFCU, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, USPIS, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Regina R. McCullough and Ryan A. Particka.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan T. Nees of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York also provided assistance. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 FIRST HALF RESULTS : MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVERS SOLID GROWTH

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

       
    PRESS RELEASE
      
    Paris, 31st July 2025 

      
     

    2025 FIRST HALF RESULTS :
    MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVERS SOLID GROWTH

    Mobilize Financial Services records a progression in new financing by 3.8% in the first semester of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This performance reflects a rise in the average amount financed and the commercial dynamics of Renault Group’s brands, Nissan and Mitsubishi, supported by a robust growth in registrations.

    With a progression of pre-tax profit by 9.7%, Mobilize Financial Services confirms the relevance of its strategy and its commitment to more sustainable mobility, in line with new uses.

    This performance confirms Mobilize Financial Services’ ability to efficiently support the strategy of its automotive partners, while meeting the expectations of customers in quest of flexible and competitive financing solutions.

    KEY INDICATORS

    Commercial performance1

    • The amount of new financing progresses by 3.8% compared to the first semester of 2024, driven by a sustained commercial dynamic.
    • 632,994 contracts were financed in the first semester of 2025, a slight increase in volume compared to the same period of the previous year (+0.8%).
    • The penetration rate on electric vehicles reached 43.9% at the end of June 2025, a positive difference of 6.5 points compared to other motorization.

    Financial performance

    • The Average Performing Assets (APAs) register a growth of 7.3% compared to the end of June 2024, confirming the robustness of the portfolio.
    • The Net Banking Income progressed by 5.3% over one year, to reach 1,132 million euros in the first semester of 2025.
    • The pre-tax income of the group increased to 607 million euros, increasing by 9.7% compared to the first semester of 2024.

    “In the beginning of the year 2025, we reaffirmed our ambition to support our customers as they transition to more sustainable mobility, by offering products and services in line with new uses. The half-year results support the robustness of our economic model and concretely illustrate our commitment to driving more responsible mobility, fully aligned with the ambitions of Renault Group”, declares Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services.

    A SUSTAINED COMMERCIAL DYNAMIC, IN A RECOVERING MARKET

    In an automotive market with slight progression by 0.7%, the volumes of Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi reached 1.19 million vehicles, increasing by 2.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. In this context, Mobilize Financial Services records a growth of its new financing by 3.8% (excluding cards and personal loans), for a total of 11.1 billion euros, driven by an increase in registrations and increases of the average financed amount.

    Excluding companies consolidated by equity method, the overall penetration rate stands at 39.6%, slightly down by 0.4 point compared to the same period of last year. The penetration rate on electrified vehicles, as for it, reaches 43.9% at the end of June 2025, +6.5 points compared to other types of motorization.

    In total, 632,994 new contracts were financed in the first semester of 2025, an almost stable volume (+0.8 %) compared to 2024. The financing activity of used vehicles recorded a slight decrease by 0.4% with 153,759 contracts financed.

    Benefitting from a growing operational leasing market, Mobilize Lease&Co financed in the first semester of 2025, 120,039 operational leasing contracts for private and professional customers and reached a fleet under management of 655,000 vehicles, representing a growth by 4% compared to the first semester of 2024.

    The Average Performing Assets (APAs) reached 58.9 billion euros, increasing by 7.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. APAs related to customer activity (private and professional) rose to 47.4 billion euros (+7%), whereas those related to dealership activity progressed by 8.6% to each 11.5 billion euros.

    Finally, 1.8 million insurance and service contracts were sold during the semester, confirming the relevance of the additional offers proposed by Mobilize Financial Services.

    A ROBUST FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND A DIVERSIFIED RE-FINANCING STRATEGY

    In the first semester of 2025, the Net Banking Income (NBI) of Mobilize Financial Services amounted to 1,132 million euros, increasing by 5.3 % compared to the end of 2024. This performance is mainly the result of an improvement in the financial margin as well as the growth of outstanding loans.

    The operating costs reached 389 million euros, increasing by 24 million euros compared to last year. This change is explained by the present of non-recurring items having reduced the expenses in the first semester of 2024. Reported to the Average Productive Assets, operating expenses remain stable at 1.33%.

    The pre-tax income stands at 607 million euros, against 553 million, one year earlier, a progression by 9.7 %, driven by the rise of NBI. The share of income from associate companies progressed slightly by +0.9 million euros.

    In a context marked by investor caution in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the group raised 1.3 billion euros on the bond market in the first semester of 2025. Three public issued were carried out:

    • 2 senior bonds in Euros of 850 million euros (3 years) and 500 million euros (5 years, Green Bond)
    • 1 Tier subordinated debt issue of 500 million euros

    This latest transaction enables expending the maturity profile of the subordinated debt and falls within an active capital management strategy, aiming to maintain a solid financial structure and robust safety margins. Besides, the subsidiaries of the group in Argentina, Brazil, Korea, Morocco and Poland raised a total of 500 million euros on local bond markets.
    In the securitization market, the group placed 624 million euros in automobile loan-backed securities via its German branch. Private securitization transactions in the United States (automobile loans) and in Germany (leasing) saw their revolving period extended by two years.

    Finally, the savings collection activity, launched in 2012 and present in seven European countries (France, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherland and Poland) continues to play a key role in the diversification of financing sources. The deposits collected reached 30.5 billion euros representing 49.1% of net assets at the end of June 2025.

    1 The factoring contracts for short-term rental companies were excluded from 2025 onwards. These contracts represented 32,000 contracts in the first half of 2024, representing a positive impact of 2.8 points on the penetration rate. A hypothetical calculated based on the 2024 figures.

    Press contacts

    William Servigne

    william.servigne@mobilize-fs.com

    Hopscotch PR for Mobilize Financial Services

    +33 (0)1 41 34 23 06

    mobilize@hopscotch.fr

    About Mobilize Financial Services

    Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries. 

    With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts. 

    At the end of June 2025, average earning assets stood at58.9 billion euros of financing and the pre-tax income at 607 million Euros.

    Since 2012, the group has deployed deposits collecting activity in several countries. At the end of June 2025, the net amount of deposits collected represented 30.5 billion euros, representing 49.1% of the company’s net assets.

    To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: www.mobilize-fs.com/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 161, She DRIVES Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 161 would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct additional crash tests for motor vehicles using devices that represent female drivers. The agency does not currently use such devices for all test types. The bill also would require NHTSA to issue rules requiring the use of newer, more advanced crash test devices by both the agency and vehicle manufacturers. Finally, S. 161 would require NHTSA to report to the Congress twice on its plans to incorporate additional advanced crash test devices—once within a year of enactment and again in 2031.

    Based on information from the agency, CBO expects that NHTSA would spend about $3 million annually, beginning in 2027, for additional test vehicles and about $500,000 annually for additional staff and equipment. On that basis, and accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $14 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects the bill’s rulemaking requirements would largely codify NHTSA’s planned rulemaking processes and would have an insignificant cost. Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that the two reports would cost less than $500,000. Any increase in spending to implement the bill would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 400 (transportation).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 161
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    *

    2

    4

    4

    4

    14

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    *

    2

    4

    4

    4

    14

    * = between zero and $500,000.

    S. 161 would impose private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by requiring vehicle manufacturers to use advanced crash test devices and to conduct additional tests using devices that represent females in the driver’s seat.

    The cost of compliance for manufacturers would stem from two, one-time expenditures as manufacturers replace their inventories of testing devices. Based on information from the automotive industry, CBO estimates that each device would cost about $1 million. Because manufacturers own some of the devices required for front-impact testing, CBO estimates the cost to replace existing testing devices with advanced devices would total between $50 million and $60 million. When standards for side-impact testing devices are finalized, we estimate the cost to replace existing side impact testing devices would be between $150 million and $160 million. CBO estimates that the cost of additional testing would incrementally increase the annual cost of testing by a small amount. Because those costs would occur over multiple years, CBO estimates that the total cost of the mandates in a single year would fall below the threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would not impose intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Willow Latham-Proença (for federal costs) and Lucy Marret (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Overnight Closures Planned for Route 102 in Burrillville

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    On Sunday night, August 3, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close a section of Route 102 (Broncos Highway) in the Glendale section of Burrillville as part of ongoing rehabilitation of the structurally deficient Joslin Road Bridge, which carries Route 102 over Joslin Road and the Branch River.

    The closure will be repeated periodically, during evening and overnight hours when traffic volumes are lowest, through the end of the summer. RIDOT will post closure notices on its website as they are scheduled, at www.ridot.net/TravelAdvisories#NorthernRI.

    During the closure, motorists on Route 102 will use Glendale Bypass, Victory Highway and East Avenue to detour. Local traffic will be permitted between East Avenue and the bridge.

    Rehabilitation of this bridge is part of a $18.8 million, multibridge project in Burrillville. The Joslin Road Bridge carries approximately 16,000 vehicles per day. The entire project will be finished in spring 2026.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The rehabilitation of the Joslin Road Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:

    Matthew T. Wareham as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Wareham is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Scott Thomas retired.

    • Wareham currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4. From 2017 to 2024, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the same office. He also served for almost three years as an Assistant District Attorney in Alamance County. Wareham received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

    “Matt has spent his entire career in public service, serving as a prosecutor for more than a decade in Alamance, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his new role.” 

    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
    jawerner

    As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

    “We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”

    Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.

    To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts. 

    NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
    • Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
    • Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
    • Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:

    • Providing 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers across the state and to partners in the sandhills region;
    • Creating training for doctors and care teams to treat and prevent heat-related illnesses in farmworkers in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health;
    • Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies; and
    • Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.

    A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.

    “Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.

    Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.

    Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor. 

    NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:

    • Manténgase hidratado: beba mucha agua durante todo el día y no espere hasta que tenga sed para beber. Evite o reduzca el consumo de alcohol y cafeína.
    • Limite el tiempo al aire libre: evite la actividad al aire libre durante el tiempo más caluroso del día si es posible. Use ropa ligera y suelta y tome descansos frecuentes en la sombra o en el aire acondicionado.
    • Busque aire acondicionado: si no tiene aire acondicionado y la temperatura está más elevada que 95 grados, vaya a un edificio público donde hace más fresco.
    • Manténgase informado: suscríbase a las alertas de calor de NCDHHS y manténgase actualizado sobre los pronósticos meteorológicos locales para que pueda planificar actividades al aire libre de manera segura.

    La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:

    • Proporcionando 1,300 ventiladores de alta velocidad a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el estado y a los colaboradores en la región de Sandhills;
    • Creando capacitación para médicos y equipos de atención para tratar y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en trabajadores agrícolas en colaboración con la Oficina de Salud Rural de NCDHHS;
    • Distribuyendo materiales educativos a las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición al calor extremo que incluyen orientación sobre estrategias de prevención para el calor, además botellas de agua, toallas refrescantes y sombreros; y
    • Apoyando al Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte en la planificación y dirección del Programa cohorte de calor extremo para que los gobiernos locales y los colaboradores desarrollen un plan de acción contra el calor.
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: US State of California

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Alpine Banks of Colorado announces financial results for second quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX: ALPIB) (“Alpine” or the “Company”), the holding company for Alpine Bank (the “Bank”), today announced results (unaudited) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The Company reported net income of $17.6 million, or $1.10 per basic Class A common share and basic Class B common share, for second quarter 2025.

    Highlights in second quarter 2025 include:

    • Basic earnings per Class A and Class B common shares increased 23.1%, or $0.21, during second quarter 2025.
    • Basic earnings per Class A and Class B common shares increased 44.3%, or $0.61, compared to second quarter 2024.
    • Net interest margin for second quarter 2025 was 3.50%, compared to 3.38% in first quarter 2025, and 2.87% in second quarter 2024.

    “Our second quarter results reflect our continued improvement in both earnings and loan portfolio growth,” said Glen Jammaron, Alpine Banks of Colorado President and Vice Chairman. “Net income through the first six months of 2025 is up 43% over the first six months of 2024. Loan growth through the first half of 2025 is running at a 7.5% annualized pace. We look forward to what is to come in the second half of the year.”

    Net Income
    Net income for second quarter 2025 and first quarter 2025 was $17.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Interest income increased $3.0 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to increases in yields on the loan portfolio and due from bank balances along with increased volume in the loan portfolio. These increases were partially offset by decreases in yields and balances in the securities portfolio and decreased volume in due from bank balances. Interest expense increased $0.1 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in volume of deposits. Noninterest income increased $0.7 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, primarily due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts and increases in other income. Noninterest expense decreased $0.5 million in second quarter 2025 compared to first quarter 2025, due to decreases in salary and employee benefit expenses and occupancy expenses, slightly offset by increases in furniture and fixture expenses and other expenses. A provision for loan losses of $1.6 million was recorded in second quarter 2025 compared to a $1.8 million provision for loan losses recorded in the first quarter 2025. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2024, was $31.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively. Interest income increased $7.7 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to increases in volume in the loan portfolio and balances due from banks, along with increases in yields on the loan portfolio and the securities portfolio. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in volume in the securities portfolio and a decrease in yield on the balances due from banks. Interest expense decreased $10.5 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to decreases in costs on the Company’s trust preferred securities, other borrowings, and cost of deposits. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the volume of deposit balances. Noninterest income increased $1.8 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, primarily due to increases in earnings on bank‐owned life insurance, service charges on deposit accounts, and other income. Noninterest expense increased $3.8 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024, due to increases in other expenses, salary and employee benefit expenses, and occupancy expenses, partially offset a decrease in furniture and fixtures expenses, Provision for loan losses increased $3.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2025 due to loan portfolio increases and a small volume of loan charge‐offs, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    Net interest margin increased from 3.38% to 3.50% from first quarter 2025 to second quarter 2025. Net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2024, were 3.44% and 2.84%, respectively.

    Assets
    Total assets decreased $57.6 million, or 0.9%, to $6.61 billion as of June 30, 2025, compared to March 31, 2025, primarily due to decreased cash and due from banks and investment securities balances partially offset by increased loans receivable. The Alpine Bank Wealth Management* division had assets under management of $1.36 billion on June 30, 2025, compared to $1.32 billion on March 31, 2025, an increase of 3.0%.

    Loans
    Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2025, totaled $4.2 billion. The loan portfolio increased $87.0 million, or 2.1%, during second quarter 2025 compared to March 31, 2025. This increase was driven by a $81.8 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $77.0 million increase in residential real estate loans, a $3.0 million increase in consumer loans, and a $1.6 million increase in commercial and industrial loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $76.8 million decrease in real estate construction loans.

    Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2025, reflected an increase of $145.7 million, or 3.6%, compared to loans outstanding of $4.1 billion on June 30, 2024. This growth was driven by a $131.2 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $70.3 million increase in residential real estate loans, and a $8.8 million increase in consumer loans. This increase was slightly offset by a $56.7 million decrease in real estate construction loans and a $8.2 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans.

    Deposits
    Total deposits decreased $68.4 million, or 1.2%, to $5.9 billion during second quarter 2025 compared to March 31, 2025, primarily due to a $74.2 million decrease in demand deposits, a $7.8 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts, and a $5.6 million decrease in savings accounts. This decrease was partially offset by a $15.2 million increase in money market accounts and a $2.9 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 13.5% to $160.0 million on June 30, 2025, compared to $185.0 million on March 31, 2025. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 29.9% of all deposits on June 30, 2025, compared to 30.8% on March 31, 2025.

    Total deposits of $5.87 billion on June 30, 2025, reflected an increase of $76.6 million, or 1.3%, compared to total deposits of $5.79 billion on June 30, 2024. This increase was due to a $228.2 million increase in money market accounts, a $64.4 million increase in demand deposits and a $18.9 million increase in interest‐bearing checking accounts. This increase was partially offset by a $226.6 million decrease in certificate of deposit accounts and a $8.4 million decrease in savings accounts. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased 59.0% to $160.0 million on June 30, 2025, compared to $390.5 million on June 30, 2024. Noninterest‐bearing demand accounts comprised 29.9% of all deposits on June 30, 2025, compared to 29.2% on June 30, 2024.

    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
    On April 10, 2025, the shareholders of Alpine approved amended and restated articles of incorporation to affect the following actions, among other things:

    • Increase from 15,100,000 to 30,000,000 the total authorized shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue;
    • Increase from 100,000 to 15,000,000 the authorized shares of the Class A common stock;
    • Effect a forward stock split of the outstanding shares of the Class A common stock by a ratio of 150‐for‐one;
    • Provide that holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per share basis based upon the number of shares issued and outstanding, in dividends and other distributions;
    • Provide that each one share of Class B common stock shall be entitled to one vote;
    • Provide that each one share of Class A common stock shall be entitled to twenty votes;
    • Provide that unless otherwise required by law the Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters, including the election of directors;
    • Provide that a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders; and
    • Provide that the approval of certain corporate actions requires the approval of more than 66 2/3% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.

    The amended and restated articles of incorporation and related stock split of the Class A common stock became effective on May 1, 2025. All Class A share and per share information for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2024, set forth herein have been adjusted to reflect the 150‐for‐1 stock split. The stock split has no impact on the Class B share and per share information.

    Capital
    The Bank continues to be designated as a “well capitalized” institution as its capital ratios exceed the minimum requirements for this designation. As of June 30, 2025, the Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.90%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 14.08%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.21%. On a consolidated basis, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 9.63%, Tier 1 Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 13.69%, and Total Risk‐Based Capital Ratio was 15.68% as of June 30, 2025.

    Book value per share on June 30, 2025, was $33.97 per Class A and Class B common shares, an increase of $1.03 per share from March 31, 2025.

    Dividends
    During second quarter 2025, the Company paid cash dividends of $0.21 per Class A and Class B common shares. On July 10, 2025, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.21 per Class A and Class B common shares payable on July 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on July 21, 2025.

    About Alpine Banks of Colorado
    Alpine Banks of Colorado, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alpine Bank, is a $6.6 billion, independent, employee‐owned organization founded in 1973 with headquarters in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Alpine Bank employs 890 people and serves 170,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management*, mortgage, and electronic banking services across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank has a five‐star rating – meaning it has earned a superior performance classification – from BauerFinancial, an independent organization that analyzes and rates the performance of financial institutions in the United States. Shares of the Class B voting common stock of Alpine Banks of Colorado trade under the symbol “ALPIB” on the OTCQX® Best Market. Learn more at www.alpinebank.com.

    *Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed by the Bank.

    Contacts:   Glen Jammaron   Eric A. Gardey
        President and Vice Chairman    Chief Financial Officer
        Alpine Banks of Colorado   Alpine Banks of Colorado
        2200 Grand Avenue   2200 Grand Avenue
        Glenwood Springs, CO 81601   Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
        (970) 384‐3266   (970) 384‐3257
             

    A note about forward‐looking statements
    This press release contains “forward‐looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “reflects,” “believes,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “looks forward to,” “continues,” “expects” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward‐looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our evaluation of macro‐environment risks, Federal Reserve rate management, and trends reflecting things such as regulatory capital standards and adequacy. Forward‐looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward‐looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward‐looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward‐looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward‐looking statement include, but are not limited to:

    • The ability to attract new deposits and loans;
    • Demand for financial services in our market areas;
    • Competitive market‐pricing factors;
    • Changes in assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for loan losses and other estimates;
    • Effects of future economic, business and market conditions, including higher inflation;
    • Adverse effects of public health events, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, including governmental and societal responses;
    • Deterioration in economic conditions that could result in increased loan losses;
    • Actions by competitors and other market participants that could have an adverse impact on expected performance;
    • Risks associated with concentrations in real estate‐related loans;
    • Risks inherent in making loans, such as repayment risks and fluctuating collateral values;
    • Market interest rate volatility, including changes to the federal funds rate;
    • Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings;
    • Geopolitical events, including global tariffs, acts of war, international hostilities and terrorist activities;
    • Assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies and modeling, including under the CECL model, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate, or not predictive of actual results;
    • Actions of government regulators, including potential future changes in the target range for the federal funds rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve;
    • Sale of investment securities in a loss position before their value recovers, including as a result of asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs;
    • Any increases in FDIC assessments;
    • Risks associated with potential cybersecurity incidents, data breaches or failures of key information technology systems;
    • The ability to maintain adequate liquidity and regulatory capital, and comply with evolving federal and state banking regulations;
    • Changes in legal or regulatory requirements or the results of regulatory examinations that could restrict growth;
    • The ability to recruit and retain key management and staff;
    • The ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms; and
    • Effectiveness of legislation and regulatory efforts to help the U.S. and global financial markets.

    There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward‐looking statements. Any forward‐looking statement made by us in this press release or in any subsequent written or oral statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward‐looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Key Financial Measures
    The attached tables highlight the Company’s key financial measures for the periods indicated (unaudited).
    https://alpinebank.kcmspreview.com/_/kcms-doc/1507/92807/Alpine-Banks-of-Colorado-Consolidated-Financial-Statements_06.30.25.pdf

    Contact:   Eric A. Gardey, Chief Financial Officer
        Alpine Banks of Colorado
        (970) 384‐3257
        ericgardey@alpinebank.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advocacy Groups Tell Congress to Pass the DOGE in Spending Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, introduced by DOGE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Aaron Bean (FL-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Pete Sessions (TX-17), is a landmark bill to crack down on financial fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. With over $160 billion in improper payments at stake, advocacy groups are rallying behind the measure—urging swift action in the House to pass this commonsense reform and restore accountability across the federal government.

    Here’s what they are saying about the DOGE in Spending Act:

    America First Policy Institute President & Chief Executive Officer Greg Sindelar: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act is an extremely critical step towards codifying the policies in President Trump’s Executive Order. Before DOGE, taxpayer dollars have been the subject of waste and abuse. This legislation is as commonsense as it is bipartisan as it brings much-needed accountability by mandating that each agency undergoing review by the Treasury Department will have to report key financial information, thus ensuring fiscal responsibility and ending improper payments.”

    The LIBRE Initiative President Daniel Garza: “It’s crucial that we respect taxpayers’ dollars and help drive down the costs that have led to billions in mismanagement and led to record inflation under the previous administration. Congress and the President must know where taxpayer funds are going to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly.” 

    Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy Kurt Couchman: “Congress and the President need to know where taxpayer funds go to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly. The DOGE in Spending Act would shine more light on federal spending so Congress can continue what’s working and change what isn’t.” 

    Council for Citizens Against Government Waste President Tom Schatz: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will require the Treasury Department to make all federal payments public and searchable. The increased spending transparency will help identify and eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. There should not be any objections from members of Congress to this commonsense legislation.” 

    Foundation for Government Accountability President and CEO Tarren Bragdon: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the DOGE effort has uncovered an unprecedented level of waste, fraud, and abuse. But there’s one big problem with DOGE’s work: Most of its work can be undone by a future president with the stroke of a pen. To make President Trump’s DOGE reforms permanent, Congress must act. If passed, the DOGE in Spending Act would help prevent future fraudulent and improper payments by providing the Treasury Department with the information needed to end improper payments, stop fraudsters, and protect American taxpayers. At the end of the day, the DOGE in Spending Act is just common sense.” 

    Open the Books CEO John Hart: “Open the Books has previously reported massive instances of wasted money that could have been avoided had federal agencies been in communication with the Do Not Pay system at Treasury. This legislation would mark a major step in curing that, too. The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will improve transparency for taxpayers and accountability across federal agencies; it’s a no-brainer for passage.”

    Heritage Action Executive Vice President Ryan Walker: “Heritage Action strongly supports The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act to implement fiscal accountability within the federal government. Each year the government loses billions in hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fraud. This DOGE-inspired legislation codifies the Trump executive order to ensure U.S. dollars are not improperly spent or lost, that waste is reduced, and we can accurately track federal spending. Heritage Action applauds Republican lawmakers for pushing this Act, and urges Congress to quickly codify this commonsense legislation.”

    ###

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Seniors From Financial Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee, and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act to protect seniors from financial frauds and scams.

    The GUARD Act would allow grantees of several existing federal grant programs to use funds to increase resources and personnel specifically to utilize the blockchain for investigating financial fraud. It would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology, bolstering their ability to catch fraudsters who use cryptocurrency to facilitate their crimes.

    “Every day, scammers target our seniors, often robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these scams have on older Americans and their families. Far too often, local law enforcement agencies lack the resources they need to track down these criminals and hold them accountable. Our GUARD Act would enhance law enforcement capabilities and foster much-needed cooperation between federal and local agencies to combat fraud and bring scammers to justice. I look forward to working with Senator Britt to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

    “For too long, scammers have preyed upon the elderly, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, and stolen life-changing amounts of money from Americans who often live on fixed incomes. To make matters worse, these scammers exploit gaps in state and local law enforcement capabilities that often allow them to escape prosecution,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to lead the GUARD Act with Senator Gillibrand to give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to bring these faceless cowards to justice and take meaningful steps to combat financial fraud at large.”

    According to the FBI, seniors lost over $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, with an average loss of $83,000. Cryptocurrency was used to facilitate the crime in over 30,000 reports of fraud against seniors, resulting in a net loss of about $2.84 billion. “Pig butchering” schemes – when scammers gain victims’ trust, entice them to invest in fake cryptocurrency projects, and then stealthier contributions – have become a growing threat against older adults.

    Blockchain technology has been useful in helping federal law enforcement and national security agencies prevent pig butchering. When targeting their victims, pig butchering scammers can leave a trail of clues on the blockchain after they swap the illegally obtained funds at a crypto exchange platform. This exchange can reveal a Bitcoin address belonging to the scammer, which can then be identifiable by federal and local law enforcement agencies. By increasing the capacity of law enforcement for blockchain investigations, the GUARD Act will help protect seniors from these fraudulent ploys.

    The senators’ legislation is endorsed by AARP. The bill is a Senate companion to H.R.2978, which was introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) earlier this year.

    Senator Gillibrand has worked to prevent financial fraud throughout her time in office. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, she has led the fight to protect seniors from frauds and scams, raised awareness about predatory scammers targeting seniors, and demanded answers from those attempting to cut funding for agencies like the CFPB. She has also introduced legislation such as the Stop the Scammers Act, the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, and the DO NOT CALL Act, as well as the SNAP Theft Protection Act, the core of which was passed into law in 2022.

    The full text of the GUARD Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid An Explosion Of Lyme Disease Cases In New York, Gillibrand Calls For Passage Of The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Over 22,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in New York State in 2023

    Legislation would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to call for the passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Gillibrand is also fighting to secure over $200 million for research and programs that address Lyme disease, protecting families, communities, and service members across New York.

    “Tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat in New York and across the country, and we must do more to ensure that all Americans are protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would help develop better treatments and preventative measures for the thousands of New Yorkers who suffer from tick-borne illnesses and for those who live in high-risk areas. Funding research and programs that address these diseases will also increase our ability to combat them. New Yorkers deserve the freedom to spend time outdoors without worrying about tick-borne illnesses, and I’m committed to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line.”

    Tick-borne illnesses pose a growing threat to public health, and New York reports the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. Reported cases of Lyme disease in New York have skyrocketed in recent years, from about 2,200 in 2020 to over 22,000 in 2023. Areas like Suffolk County, Orange County, and Westchester County have some of the highest numbers of cases throughout the state, but cases are also rising in urban areas like New York City.

    Specifically, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:

    1. Require HHS to continue implementing and updating its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People;
    2. Reauthorize Regional Centers for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases for five years; and
    3. Reauthorize Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to state health departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness.

    In addition to the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, Gillibrand has requested over $200 million in appropriations to support research and programs that address Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. These funding requests include:

    1. $30 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act;
    2. $35 million for the CDC to further its work on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses;
    3. $9 million to support the Department of Defense’s Tick-Borne Disease Research Program; and
    4. $130 million for Lyme disease and tick-borne disease research at the National Institutes of Health.

    The full text of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fairness for Firearm Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 17 Republican colleagues today introduced the Equal Shot Act. The legislation prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from discriminating against firearm-related businesses.

    “Federal agencies have no authority to deny critical support to small businesses based on ideological bias,” said Risch. “The Equal Shot Actdefends the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s small business firearm industry and ensures these law-abiding Americans have fair access to resources that will help them thrive.”

    Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the Equal Shot Act.

    The Equal Shot Act was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Small Business.

    “The Equal Shot Act ensures every eligible small business is treated fairly and without political bias,” said Williams. “Under the Biden Administration, firearm-related businesses were targeted and singled out by federal agencies and financial institutions simply because of what they represent. These law-abiding job creators should not be punished for supporting the Second Amendment. I want to thank Senator Risch for his support on this important legislation. Every business on Main Street deserves the same opportunity to succeed.”

    “Under the last administration, the Small Business Administration was caught red-handed adopting discriminatory policies aimed at denying financial assistance to members of the firearm industry that provide the means for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The federal government should not be picking winners and losers in a free market based on political ideology. Every lawful business should have an equal shot at success. NSSF is grateful to Senator Risch for his leadership in sponsoring the Equal Shot Act which will ensure the Small Business Administration can never again be weaponized to deny financial assistance to help small businesses in our industry grow and create jobs that are vital to the future of our nation’s economy and the Second Amendment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –