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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Energy Choice Act to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral H.R. 3699, the Energy Choice Acttoprohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered. Congressman Langworthy, who serves as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Energy and Environment subcommittees, has made protecting Americans’ energy choices a top priority.

    “Governor Hochul and Democrats in Albany have waged an extremist crusade against natural gas that’s sent home energy costs through the roof, crippled our energy supply, and left New York teetering on the edge of an energy crisis—all to satisfy the radical fantasies of the far-left climate cult. New York has been ground zero for the Green New Deal, where common sense goes to die and working families get stuck with the bill,”said Congressman Langworthy.“That’s why I’ve introduced the Energy Choice Act—to slam the brakes on these reckless, ideological mandates and restore sanity to America’s energy policy. People deserve the freedom to choose energy that is affordable, reliable, and proven—not be forced into rolling blackouts to please eco-activists who don’t live in the real world. I thank Senator Justice for introducing this bill in the Senate and urge its swift action.”

     

    “I am an energy guy from an energy-rich state. I know how important freedom of energy production is – which is why I’m proud to introduce Energy Choice Act of 2025. President Trump has stated the need to unleash American energy, and this bill helps facilitate just that. We have too great an energy crisis in this country, and we don’t have the luxury of picking the winners and losers when it comes to energy production. Americans ought to have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs,” said Senator Jim Justice.

     

    The full text of the bill can be found here. Original cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Mike Bost (R-IL), Robert Bresnahan Jr. (R-MI), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Jeff Crank (R-CO), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tim Moore (R-NC), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), August Pfluger (R-TX), John Rose (R-TX), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), GT Thompson (R-PA), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Tony Wied (R-WI), Roger Williams (R-TX), Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

     

    Original cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).  

     

    “Democratic-controlled states like New York are waging an all-out attack on domestic energy production, undermining Americans’ right to choose their preferred energy source. The Energy Choice Act combats these authoritarian regulations by preventing state and local governments from banning specific energy sources. To achieve true energy independence, we must ensure Americans have access to a full range of options, including natural gas,”said Congresswoman Tenney.

     

    “Montanans know the value of reliable, affordable energy, especially during winters when access to natural gas, coal, and other traditional fuels isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity,” said Congressman Zinke. “Heavy handed policies from places like Albany and Sacramento don’t reflect the realities of rural America, where energy diversity is vital. The Energy Choice Act is common sense legislation that defends our right to choose the energy sources that work best for our homes and businesses, and I am happy to co-sponsor it again.”

     

    “In order to achieve American energy dominance, we must utilize an all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes affordability and reliability. By prohibiting states and local governments from banning a service based on the source of the energy, we can ensure that families and small businesses are not being forced to utilize more costly energy sources. I thank Rep. Langworthy for his leadership as we work to make energy more affordable and reliable for our constituents,” said Congressman Newhouse.

     

    “Energy freedom is essential to both our economy and national security,” said Congressman Mike Rulli. “Efforts by state governments to ban natural gas and other traditional energy sources not only hurt working families through higher costs but also jeopardize grid reliability – especially in regions with harsh winters like ours. I’m proud to support the Energy Choice Act and thank Congressman Langworthy for putting consumers first and ensuring that no American is forced into an energy system that doesn’t work for them or their community.”

     

    “Strengthening America’s energy independence requires an all-of-the-above energy strategy that ensures consumer demand and industry experts, not bureaucrats and extreme environmentalists, lead the expansion and delivery of energy services. Banning certain types of energy, like California and New York have tried to do, only raises prices for Americans,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “The Energy Choice Act will safeguard the diversification of energy sources in our nation and make sure that Americans have access to reliable and affordable energy.”

     

    The Energy Choice Act has received wide support from federal organizations, including American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC), American Gas Association (AGA), American Public Gas Association (APGA), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), Energy Marketers of America (EMA) , GPA Midstream Association, GPSA Midstream Suppliers, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP), National Energy and Fuels Institute (NEFI), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC), Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), LIBRE Initiative, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA).

    This legislation has also received support from state organizations, including Alabama Propane Gas Association, Arizona Propane Gas Association, Arkansas Propane Gas Association, Colorado Propane Gas Association, Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, Florida Propane Gas Association, Illinois Propane Gas Association, Indiana Food and Fuel Association, Iowa Propane Gas Association, Propane Gas Marketers of Kansas, Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association, Kentucky Propane Gas Association, Louisiana Propane Gas Association, Maine Energy Marketers Association, Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, Michigan Petroleum Association, Michigan Propane Gas Association, Mid-Atlantic Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association, Mid-Atlantic Propane Gas Association, MidStates Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Midwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Mississippi Propane Gas Association, Missouri Propane Gas Association, Nebraska Propane Gas Association, Energy and Convenience Marketers of Nevada, Nevada Propane Gas Association, New Mexico Propane Gas Association, North Central Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Northeast Heart, Patio & Barbecue Association, Northwest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Propane Gas Association, Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York Inc., New York Propane Gas Association, Empire State Energy Association (ESEA), Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGANY), New York State Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, New York State Energy Coalition (NYSEC), New York State Oil Producers Association (NYSOPA), North Carolina Petroleum and Convenience Marketers, North Dakota Propane Gas Association, Ohio Energy and Convenience Association, Ohio Oil and Gas Association, Ohio Propane Gas Association, Oklahoma Propane Gas Association, Oregon Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Pacific Propane Gas Association, Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association Pacific, Eastern Pennsylvania Energy Association, North Eastern Pennsylvania Energy Marketers Association, Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, Southeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, South Central Pennsylvania Energy Association, South Central Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Propane Gas Association of New England, Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Business Leaders Alliance, Rocky Mountain Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Rocky Mountain Propane Association, South Carolina Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association, South Dakota Petroleum and Propane Marketers Association, Southeast Propane Alliance, Tennessee Propane Gas Association, Texas Propane Gas Association, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, Virginia Petroleum & Convenience Marketers Association, Virginia Propane Gas Association, West Virginia Propane Gas Association, Western Propane Gas Association, Washington Independent Energy Distributors, Wisconsin Fuel and Retail Association, Wisconsin Propane Gas Association, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC).

    “NEFI proudly supports the Energy Choice Act, which represents a critical step toward protecting American consumers and small businesses from government overreach in the home energy market,”said Jim Collura, President & CEO of the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), which represents wholesale and retail distributors of liquid heating fuels, primarily in the Northeast.“This bipartisan legislation ensures that decisions about home heating and cooling remain where they belong – in the hands of American families, not government bureaucrats. At a time when families are recovering from record high inflation, the last thing we need are misguided state and local policies that eliminate affordable heating options. The Energy Choice Act protects market competition, preserves consumer choice, and promotes energy affordability and reliability. We urge Congress to pass this common-sense legislation without delay.”

     

    “NAHB commends Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) for championing the Energy Choice Act, legislation that prohibits state and local governments from banning or limiting access to natural gas, electricity, and other energy sources. A gas ban would exacerbate the housing affordability crisis by increasing costs on new homes and placing added stress on the nation’s electrical grid. With more than 40 million U.S. households relying on natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water, preserving access to this affordable and reliable energy source is vital for American families,”said Buddy Hughes, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders.

     

    “On behalf of millions of AFP’s grassroots activists across the country, we applaud Rep. Nick Langworthy for introducing the Energy Choice Act to ensure energy freedom throughout the United States. Regardless of where Americans live, they shouldn’t be forced to endure energy poverty. The Energy Choice Act will provide certainty, security, and assurance for much-needed permitting reform and energy infrastructure development. Rep. Langworthy’s legislation will ensure American dominance in energy and lower costs for consumers while embracing an “all-of-the-above” approach on the federal level,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity.

     

    “The Energy Choice Act represents a critical step in protecting consumer access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources like propane,”said Stephen Kaminski, President and CEO of the National Propane Gas Association. “NPGA commends Rep. Langworthy and Sen. Justice for their leadership in introducing this legislation to defend energy diversity and empowering Americans to choose the energy solutions that best meet their needs. This bill safeguards consumers from rising energy costs driven by overreaching government mandates.”

    “The American Public Gas Association (APGA) strongly supports Representative Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act. This important legislation will safeguard American consumers’ right to choose the energy that best meets their household and budget needs. Access to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas is essential to the success of American families, businesses, and communities. APGA applauds the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in protecting consumer choice and promoting energy affordability,” said Dave Schryver, President & CEO, APGA.

     

    “The refusal of certain state and local governments to consider policies that provide a more sustainable transition to a less carbon-intensive future, coupled with the economic burdens placed on the American people through restrictions or bans on fossil fuel heating sources, necessitates federal preemption to ensure homeowners can continue to afford living in their homes while having robust options for maintaining home comfort. The Energy Choice Act provides that recourse and PHCC supports its immediate passage,” said Dan Callies, President, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, National Association.

     

    “Passage of this important legislation is a no brainer. We encourage House lawmakers to pass the bill immediately to restore consumer choice and support small business energy marketers across the country,”said Rob Underwood, Energy Marketers of America President.

     

    “At a time when no New Yorker is immune to statewide affordability challenges, having the freedom to choose energy solutions that work best for their homes, businesses, and communities is critical to keeping costs manageable for everyday people. The Energy Choice Act ensures we are taking an all-of-the-above approach to meeting energy needs — opening opportunities to tap into existing solutions like biofuels that advance clean energy goals, while also fostering continued innovation to build a more secure, affordable energy future. We support this commonsense legislation, thank Congressman Langworthy for his leadership, and urge House lawmakers to pass the Energy Choice Act to deliver real energy solutions for all Americans and support the small business energy marketers who help power our communities,”said Kris DeLair, Executive Director of the Empire State Energy Association.

     

    “GPA Midstream appreciates Representative Langworthy taking action to introduce legislation to protect consumer choice. New Yorkers and all Americans deserve the right to choose the energy source, such as natural gas or propane, that is reliable and best fits their budget needs,”said Stuart Saulters, VP of Federal Affairs, GPA Midstream Association.

     

    “Americans deserve reliable, affordable energy without bureaucratic roadblocks or special interests getting in the way. This bill protects consumer choice and energy innovation by ensuring that no state or local government can block access to energy sources based on political agendas or bad politics. This bipartisan bill is a common-sense step toward securing our energy future, protecting American energy jobs, and most importantly protecting the pockets of working class Americans who should not have to pay more for energy. The LIBRE Initiative is grateful for Rep. Langworthy’s leadership on this important issue,” said Helder Toste, Government Affairs Liaison, The LIBRE Initiative

     

    “Concerned Veterans for America wholeheartedly endorses Rep. Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act on behalf of the members of our country’s largest veteran-led grassroots advocacy organization.  This bill will ensure energy freedom in every state and protect hardworking citizens from high energy costs created by special interests at the state level. Veterans served so that Americans are free to benefit from our nation’s ingenuity and natural abundance, and are free to live their unique American Dreams.
    The Energy Choice Act limits states’ permitting requirements and promotes a more resilient energy infrastructure. Rep. Langworthy’s legislation will ensure continued American domestic energy availability and lower costs for consumers while embracing a free market approach to energy development across the country,” said John Vick, Executive Director, Concerned Veterans for America.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Reduce The Cost Of Prescription Drugs For Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Millions Of Older Adults Struggle To Afford Their Prescription Medication

    Legislation Would Expand On Law That Lowers Costs For Prescription Drugs That Treat Diabetes, Kidney Disease, And Other Common Conditions

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, held a virtual press conference to discuss the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. 

    The bill would lower the cost of some of the most expensive and commonly used prescription medications by enhancing the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) ability to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies on the price of certain prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D. This will lower costs for people with Medicare while simultaneously reducing drug spending by the federal government. 

    “Even with Medicare, the cost of prescription drugs can be astronomical; as a result, many seniors are forced to skip doses, cut pills in half, or otherwise alter their treatment in an attempt to save money. That is unacceptable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In 2022, we made major progress in reducing the cost of life-saving medications by passing legislation that allowed Medicare to negotiate the price of certain prescription drugs, including those that treat diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, and blood cancer, among other common conditions. This bill expands on that victory and makes dozens more drugs subject to price negotiations. I look forward to getting it passed.” 

    Throughout her time in Congress, Gillibrand has fought to lower the cost of prescription drugs. In 2022, she helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped Medicare patients’ out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 per year; empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices; and regulated price increases by drug companies. She is an original cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act, which would provide every American with prescription drug coverage at an affordable cost. In 2023, she joined a bipartisan push to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by limiting the use of harmful “copay accumulators,” which prevent copay assistance from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum and make it harder for patients to afford their medications.

    Specifically, the SMART Prices Act would: 

    1. Increase the number of drugs and biologics – medications like insulin that come from living sources – that HHS must negotiate to a minimum of 50 drugs in 2028 and for each subsequent year. 
    2. Increase the amount of savings that Medicare can negotiate off the list price for each drug by adjusting the maximum fair price (MFP) thresholds to match the MFP thresholds that the VA, DOD, and U.S. Public Health Service use in their price negotiations for prescription drugs. 
    3. Shorten the length of time that drugs and biologics need to be on the market following FDA approval before becoming eligible for negotiation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke 20mph zone to be introduced next week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A reduced speed limit of 20mph will be introduced in parts of Stoke on Thursday 12 June.

    The 20mph speed limit is part of a scheme to make it safer for children travelling to school, which will also include a new parallel (pedestrian and cycle) crossing on Mill Bridge, linking Stonehouse Creek to Victoria Park.

    The scheme, which was developed following feedback from local ward councillors about residents’ safety concerns and approved in January following public consultation, is being implemented in two phases.

    The first will cover residential streets around Stoke, Millbridge and Eldad Hill, including Stuart Road Primary Academy in Palmerston Street. The second, which will be implemented within two years, will extend the existing 20mph zone around High Street Primary Academy further to cover streets in the Stonehouse area.

    Enforcement cameras for the first zone have been installed and we are in the process of putting up new 20mph signage and painting road markings, ready for the change. Advanced warning signs will be in place before the new speed limit becomes enforceable to let drivers know.

    Construction of the new crossing is nearing completion and it is expected to open within the next couple of weeks.

    Larger ‘terminal’ signs at the entry points to the new 20mph zone will include artwork featuring safety messages, designed by pupils at Stuart Road Primary. The school recently introduced the city’s first permanent Safer School Streets scheme following a successful 18-month pilot.

    Two designs were chosen from nearly 60 created by the young artists to alert drivers to the importance of road safety, speed limits and people walking, cycling or wheeling in the area. The winning pupils will receive a gift card, a goodie bag and a certificate.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The zebra crossing and 20mph zone are being introduced in response to feedback from ward members and residents concerned about speeding, accidents and near misses in their neighbourhood.

    “Many of these concerns are for pupils and families travelling to and from school and vulnerable road users will always be our number one priority. There are several primary and secondary schools within the two phases of the scheme and this will significantly improve safety on their daily journeys.

    “Our road safety team works closely with Stuart Road Primary, including supporting the introduction of its Safer School Streets scheme, which has been a huge success. We are really pleased to be using signs designed by pupils as part of this first phase.

    “We hope the reduced speed limit – and the new crossing, when it opens – will help people feel safer when they travel through this busy area.”

    Britta Nicholls, headteacher at Stuart Road Primary, said: “We are delighted with the new speed restrictions that will make sure that parents and children can safely travel to and from school. We have had too many near misses in the past and welcome the reduced speed enforcement in roads around Stuart Road. This supports our mission to increase the number of families who walk, cycle or scooter to school for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and is environmentally friendly.”

    Full details of the 20mph zone and maps showing the streets it covers can be viewed on our Stoke 20mph zone page. The new speed limit will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Completes State-Wide Bill Signing Tour, Signing New Laws to Reduce Housing Costs, Make Colorado Safer and Save People Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis completed his 2025 bill state-wide signing tour, signing bills passed by Democrats and Republicans during the landmark 2025 legislative session. Governor Polis signed 476 bills, 87.5% of which were bipartisan, breaking down barriers to housing Coloradans can afford, increasing funding for students and teachers, enhancing public safety, saving people money, protecting the domestic and wild animals Colorado calls home, and protecting and expanding access to outdoor recreation. 

    “This session we continued delivering on our commitment to reduce the cost of living in our state by passing laws to build more housing people can afford, increase student funding to drive student success, improve public safety and more. I am proud of the progress we delivered this year and was thrilled to travel the state from Grand Junction to Alamosa, Keenesberg, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins and more to sign these transformational laws in the communities that make Colorado the best state in the nation to live, raise a family, and thrive,” said Governor Polis. 

    MORE HOUSING NOW: 

    IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY: 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation: This law supports funding for local law enforcement agencies to help recruit peace officers by providing financial reimbursements and tuition assistance for initial and continuing education and training for peace officers, as well as pay incentives and bonuses. The bill also provides funding to ensure that the families of fallen officers get the support they need after losing their loved one in the line of duty.
    • HB25-1062 Penalty for Theft of Firearm: This law cracks down on gun theft by reclassifying firearm theft as a class 6 felony regardless of the value of the firearm stolen.
    • HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes: This law adds first-degree motor vehicle theft to the list of criminal offenses that would make an individual ineligible to possess a firearm.
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving: adjusts penalties for persons convicted of careless driving, making each individual seriously injured or killed in a careless driving event a separate violation and clarifies that careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an included crime for the purposes of the “Victim Rights Act”.
    • A State Budget to Make Colorado Safer: Governor Polis continues working to make Colorado safer for everyone and by signing this year’s budget, Colorado continues investing in preventing and addressing crime. This includes:
      • Youth Crime Prevention: Helping to prevent at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system through increased funding for prevention services.
      • Community Corrections Capacity: The budget also provides $2.4 million to invest in community corrections placement, increasing capacity.
      • Supporting Crime Victims: Additionally, this budget implements Colorado’s Proposition KK, designating $30.0M in spending authority to crime victims’ services, $8 million for mental health services, and $1 million for school safety.
      • $15 million ongoing for critical public safety communication infrastructure, supporting over 1,000 local, regional, state, tribal, and federal public safety entities.
      • Funding for CBI’s Colorado Gangs Database: The Colorado Gangs database (CoG) is an application that stores gang information such as gang names, gang members, gang contacts, and is used by law enforcement as an investigative tool. It allows law enforcement the ability to add and change any information about the gangs, tracking gangs, and gang members that they contact during patrol or other investigative efforts conducted by law enforcement. This information is also queryable in the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), which provides law enforcement with the most accurate information possible.
    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap: This law allows judicial districts to utilize more juvenile detention beds to ensure that individuals deemed high-risk do not re-enter communities before receiving the rehabilitative services they need.
    • SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking: This law will crack down on wildlife trafficking to keep Coloradans and wildlife safe. 

    FULLY FUND SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT COLORADO’S WORKFORCE: 

    • HB25-1320 – School Finance Act: This legislation implements Colorado’s student-focused school finance formula without bringing back the budget stabilization factor. It also increases per-pupil funding again to $11,864, an increase from FY24-25 of $412 per student, or an average of $9,000 per classroom.
    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs: This legislation realigns Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness administration and funding to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate high school with postsecondary credit, an industry-recognized credential, or work-based learning experience.
    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System: This legislation modernizes Colorado’s K-12 accountability system for the first time since 2009 to better measure student outcomes, including the creation of a new sub-indicator to support postsecondary and workforce readiness before graduation.
    • HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement: This legislation ensures that every student takes a course incorporating all financial literacy standards before they graduate high school, as well as practice filling out financial aid forms so that they are equipped with the know-how to plan for and secure their financial futures.
    • HB25-1038 – Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website: This law will support students by providing more information about how their credits earned through prior learning, concurrent and dual enrollment, and GT Pathways courses will transfer to each Colorado public institution. By allowing students to evaluate and compare the value of their transfer credits across institutions and programs, students can save money and more successfully plan their educational journeys. 

    DRIVING COLORADO’S ECONOMY: 

    • HB25-1005 – Tax Incentive for Film Festivals: This legislation supports film festivals in Colorado and helped the state land the iconic Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027, which will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits and thousands of jobs.
    • HB25-1021 – Tax Incentives for Employee-Owned Businesses: This law helps businesses by save more toward taxes, when they transition to employee-owned, which is good for employees and businesses.
    • HB25-1090 – Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices: This legislation will help eliminate fees that drive up costs and get rid of deceptive practices that make Coloradans spend more money than they want.
    • HB25-1001 – Enforcement Wage Hour Laws: This legislation combats wage theft, ensuring that more workers are paid fairly, on time, and in full. It enhances enforcement of Colorado’s wage and hour laws, disincentivizes violations, and provides the Department of Labor and Employment with new tools to prevent and address wage theft.
    • HB25-1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund: This legislation directs the first $4 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting Colorado parks. 

    SAVING PEOPLE MONEY: 

    FREE STATE OF COLORADO: 

    BOLD CLIMATE GOALS AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY: 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring State DOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Bornt

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who passed away after suffering catastrophic injuries related to a work zone intrusion in Pittstown last week. Flags will be at half-staff Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025.

    “I join the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Bornt in mourning his tragic passing,” Governor Hochul said. “A dedicated highway maintenance supervisor, Hoosick Falls Fire Chief, and a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Robert was an extraordinary public servant. I am directing flags to be flown at half staff through Saturday, June 7 to honor Robert’s life and his selfless commitment to his community.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The entire NYSDOT family is grieving over the death of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who spent his entire life in the service of others, protecting the traveling public through his work at the NYS Department of Transportation and making his community a better place through his dedicated work at the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. My thanks to Governor Hochul for honoring Robert’s life and legacy and his family, in such a touching and meaningful way.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul is urging all motorists to drive carefully, stay alert, slow down in work zones and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other drivers.

    In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 59 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul on “The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell”

    Source: US State of New York

    ast night, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”

    AUDIO: The Governor’s interview is available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Joining us now is Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York. Governor, thank you very much for joining us.

    Governor Hochul: Great to see you again, Lawrence.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: I want to begin with this point about Congressman Michael Lawler. This used to be completely bipartisan in Congress. If you had a government office in your district, near your district — like Social Security — helpful to your community. The President, the administration of your party would never close that ever. Because you as a Republican or a Democrat with a Democratic president, if they were even thinking of it, if it was ever on a list, you’d get in there, you’d fight for it, you’d keep it open. That didn’t happen here.

    Governor Hochul: That shows how insignificant the members of Congress are. All the power has been ceded to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s all in Donald Trump’s hands, and they’re sitting there on their hands silent, afraid to say a word, because he might help somebody in a primary against them. They’ve been paralyzed in action. And as a result, if one single person — Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik, anybody else who thinks they’re running for higher office — any one of them had voted against this bill, it would’ve been dead.

    They did not look out for the rural hospitals in their districts that will close, the thousands of people thrown out of jobs in an area where it’s hard to get work in our red parts of our state, the most rural areas. I know them so well — my old district.

    Mike Lawler letting that Social Security office close — it serves seven counties. Now people have to travel over an hour and a half. Some have to go to Connecticut to get services. And if you’re walking into an office for social services — Social Security services — you’re usually an elderly person, can’t get around, you haven’t figured out how to use your computer, and you’re showing up in person and now you have to travel over an hour. Thank you, Mike Lawler. Thank you, Republican members of Congress. Because you clearly don’t give a damn about the people who put you in office.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: In Upstate New York — the areas we’re talking about now — the frequent hospitals are one of the very big employers. What do Medicaid cuts of this scale mean to those hospitals?

    Governor Hochul: Hospitals will lose $3 billion in the State of New York per year. We can’t help solve that problem. This is federal dollars that we need to have here. It is a major employer. Like I said, when I represented seven very rural counties in the reddest part of our state and Congress, I’d always wanted to see who the employers are when I went to visit. The hospital was always the largest, then sometimes it was the prisons, then it was county government. It took a long time to get a private employer because these were people who got their jobs, they worked hard, they struggle. It’s hard to recruit doctors, so they’re always living on the margin. So this basically says it’s not just going to close for Medicaid recipients, it’s going to close for everybody.

    When your kid gets sick and needs emergency care, your parents are having a heart attack, mom or dad are sick, you’re not going to have a hospital to get them to it. That’s how serious this is.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: The Medicaid is the single biggest payer for nursing homes, not just in New York State, but throughout the country, pays about 40 percent of the revenue to nursing homes. What does it mean for nursing homes?

    Governor Hochul: One hundred thousand people in the State of New York who are in nursing homes will lose their Medicaid coverage. Now, what are the options? If you’re in a nursing home, you’re usually in a difficult situation, right? Are you going back to your family’s couch, your grandchildren, going to live in their spare bedroom? It does not have a path forward.

    That’s why the insanity of this bill has to be stopped in the Senate. I never thought I’d be relying on the Republican Senate to bail out our country. But that just shows how desperate we’ve become, that we’re counting on them to do the right thing.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: And if there’s any changes in it — I mean, you used to work in the Congress, you know how it goes. If there’s any changes in it in the Senate, it goes back to the House. Mike Lawler gets another vote on this in the House. The pressure would be on the New York House Republicans, once again, if it goes back to the House.

    Governor Hochul: Well, even if he sees the light and all the constituents that are really unhappy with him right now, force him to change his vote, you’ll never walk away from that first one. You’ll never be able to walk away from that.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: This is all happening at the same time where Donald Trump is imposing tariffs that the Trade Court has said are all completely illegal. You’re a border state with Canada. You do an awful lot of trade across that border every single day that’s important for all of New York. What are the Trump tariffs doing to your state?

    Governor Hochul: The Trump tax is devastating for the State of New York. We have 450 miles of shared border. We’re basically neighbors. We don’t even think of them as a foreign country at all. And so we have a $50 billion trade balance, and what that means is it’s farmers who can’t export into Canada, New York, because they won’t accept our goods and nothing is coming our way because they can’t afford it.

    One farmer told me that it’s going to cost him $10,000 more a month. These people live on the margins. They have a bad crop. The chickens have to be killed because of bird flu. I mean, they’re always struggling and the cost of everything from aluminum to steel to the shavings that they get to put in the stalls because we get them from the trees in Canada — we have such a synergy with them.

    But it’s not just the crops and the business going back and forth and the trade of commodities, it’s also the tourism. Tourists are not coming over. They used to fill the stadium in Buffalo because Buffalo Bisons, they’re an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They usually see a third of the people going to Buffalo Bills games and hockey games and our small tourism towns up in the North country, Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and Plattsburgh, Lake George.

    They’re all suffering now because the Canadians are saying not just this threat of tariffs, but the fact that you’re talking about taking over our country. It is so insulting to our Canadian friends. I understand it, but flights from Canada are down dramatically at JFK. They’re not coming to New York City, they’re not spending money, they’re not going to the shows, and the rest of the state is feeling the ripple effect. It is devastating.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: The Republican budget bill, they’re working on it now. You’ve already got a budget. You did your job on a budget much earlier than Washington as usual, I would say. You had to do the best you could with that budget, with the information you had at the time. Might this be a situation where you have to come back — if this Republican budget becomes law — come back and revisit the New York State Budget?

    Governor Hochul: We may have to do that, but what I want to talk about for one minute is my budget in contrast to what’s happening in Washington. When we talk about these tariffs, we’re talking about over $3,000 to $6,000 more in additional costs. Everything’s going to cost more, especially commodities from China.

    I’m focusing on affordability because I know New Yorkers are struggling. My own family used to live in a trailer park — clipped coupons, we bought our clothes at used clothing stores. So when I see parents, moms and dads today trying to make ends meet, I said, “The best thing I can do for them is to help lift them out of poverty or lift them out of their circumstances, put money back in their pockets.”

    I have $5,000 going back in the pockets of New York families with Child Tax Credit, Middle Class Tax Cut, and an inflation rebate, covering the cost of school lunches and breakfast for every family, and parents are so grateful. But I’m going to put that in this pocket, and the Trump tariffs are taking it out because everything’s going to cost more. So families feel like they just can’t get ahead.

    So we’ll come back if we have to deal with this. I expect we’ll come back in the fall, but we received $93 billion from the federal government. I can’t make that up. No state is going to make that up. So that’s the harsh situation that we’ll be seeing when cuts to everything.

    The largest cut to nutrition program that’s happening, Title One under education law means that schools in New York State that take care of our highest need kids will be cut. There’s no part of our state that will be untouched if that devastating bill becomes law. We must stop that.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Governor Kathy Hochul, thank you very much for finding the time to come by and see us. Really appreciate it.

    Governor Hochul: Great to see you again.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to $3.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today in connection with a five-year scheme to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary medical equipment.

    According to court documents, Michael L. Riggins, 62, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) scheme. Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (Bluewater), a DME supply company in West Monroe. From 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary DME and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for it. Despite receiving hundreds of complaints regarding the fraudulent orders, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying the DME and was reimbursed over $1.8 million.

    Riggins is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin McCoy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mendota Man Pleads Guilty to Witness Tampering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McKinley Lee Shaffer Assaulted Another Inmate to Prevent the Inmate from Testifying

    ABINGDON, Va. – A Mendota, Virginia man – and self-described gang member- pled guilty yesterday to physically assaulting a fellow inmate at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority (SWVRJA) facility in Abingdon to prevent that individual from testifying in relation to a federal investigation.  

    McKinley Lee Shaffer, 32, pled guilty to one count of to using physical force against a witness in relation to the witness’s testimony and potential cooperation in an official proceeding. At sentencing, Shaffer faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.

    The witness was involved in a federal investigation involving a March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon and a related federal investigation. Investigation revealed that Lakin Garrett had fired a pistol at a victim as part of a drug-related dispute. On November 24, 2024, Shaffer assaulted the victim at the SWVRJA facility in Abingdon. Surveillance equipment recorded the assault and shows Shaffer punch the victim without warning, and an ensuing physical altercation. In a later recorded video “visit” with another person, Shaffer stated he was a gang member, and that the victim had robbed an “Aryan Princess” and “told on her” for shooting at the victim. Shaffer was referring to the March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon. Shaffer said that he “had to go beat him up.”

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, and the Abingdon Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Multiple Fires Around the Exterior of a Church; Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest assaulted two federal correctional officers, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.

    Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 78 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on February 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, a predominantly black church with both an in-person and online following, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers who arrived at the church moments after the fires were lit, but not before the church sustained some damage.

    Due to the damage, church congregants were prevented from enjoying their free exercise of religious beliefs as church services were cancelled until the church could be reopened.

    Several hours prior to the fires being discovered, the pastor of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries reported to police that he witnessed an individual on the church’s Ring camera doorbell attempting to break into the church. The pastor spoke to the male subject through the Ring camera, telling him, among other things, that the building was a church. The man continued trying to break in the door, and then broke the Ring camera off the side of the building. The pastor later identified Colantonio as the person he saw on the Ring camera.

    The day after lighting the fires, Colantonio privately messaged a family member that no one in the community cared about the arson; Colantonio called the church “Athiest God mockers,” adding that, “They’re busy dancing around collecting money.”

    During a February 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage.  Also seized were notebooks with writings such as “Eliminate Rich Snob global Elite Pastors, burn churches down to ground, when congregants move to next church, do the same… .”  In a separate entry, Colantonio wrote, “hunt them down gun everyone down that isn’t white, if one is white spread the gospel. Always give our bloodline a chance.”

    In addition to admitting to setting the fires, Colantonio admitted to assaulting two federal correctional officers while he was detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility following his arrest. Colantonio admitted that he struck two federal officers with human bodily waste and fluid that were contained inside a mug he tossed at the officers.

    Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made today’s announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian National Sentenced for Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: An Ecuadorian national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced William Ariel Tamay Guaman, 23, to time served (approximately seven months in prison). Tamay Guaman pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.

    According to court records, on February 4, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the FBI conducted surveillance at a South Portland residence. After observing Tamay Guaman get into a van, agents followed him and conducted a traffic stop. An ERO agent familiar with Tamay Guaman approached the driver and asked for their name. Tamay Guaman provided a false name and was directed to step out of the vehicle. After briefly fleeing on foot and resisting arrest, Tamay Guaman was taken into custody. He had previously been removed from the U.S. in September 2023.

    ICE-ERO investigated the case with assistance from the FBI.

    Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Josue Osmin Montoya Acosta was pulled over by police for driving without a rear plate light

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Honduran national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Josue Osmin Montoya Acosta, 36, to time served (approximately 93 days). Montoya Acosta pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.

    According to court records, on February 25, 2025, Montoya Acosta was observed by an officer from the Brunswick Police Department operating a vehicle with no front license plate and no light on the rear license plate. The rear plate was later determined to be a temporary plate from Indiana. When asked for his license, Montoya Acosta presented a Honduran passport and told the officer he did not have a driver’s license. When asked if he had a visa, he told the officer he did not. Immigration records showed that he had previously been removed on two prior occasions.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case with assistance from the Brunswick Police Department.

    Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    On May 28, 2025, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the country’s federal police service, executed raids at 19 locations across India to dismantle cyber-enabled financial fraud networks, including tech support fraud schemes. This operation, which disrupted a malicious enterprise impersonating Microsoft and targeting older adults in Japan, resulted in the arrest of six key operatives, the takedown of two illegal call centers, and the seizure of digital and physical infrastructure, such as computers, storage devices, digital video recorders, and phones.

    Through close collaboration with the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating cybercrime in Japan, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) identified the India-based malicious ecosystem behind these scams. The DCU alerted Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) and CBI, helping them to take decisive action against the individuals behind the operations.

    This case represents an evolution in the DCU’s disruption approach for cyber-enabled financial fraud. With the growth of cybercrime-as-a-service, connectivity among cybercriminals has increased and become more global. We must continue to look at the full ecosystem in which these actors operate and coordinate with multiple international partners to meaningfully address cybercrime. In the case of tech support fraud, where cybercriminals are increasingly using technology like artificial intelligence to scale their operations, we have transitioned away from focusing on individual call centers to targeting the highest levels of the operation and proactively disrupting their technical infrastructure. 

    The impact of cross-sector collaboration 

    Our collaboration with JC3 marked the DCU’s first partnership with a Japan-based organization to assist victims, proving crucial to the operation’s success. On an ongoing basis, JC3 provided actionable identifiers for malicious pop-ups that urged recipients to call fake technical support lines, believing they were contacting Microsoft. This information, coupled with additional threat intelligence and signals data, was then analyzed by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC), enabling Microsoft to proactively take down approximately 66,000 malicious domains and URLs globally since May 2024. The intelligence gathered was then integrated into Microsoft services to strengthen them against abuse.  

    Importantly, the information from JC3 enabled the DCU to identify the broader network behind these scams—encompassing pop-up creators, search-engine optimizers, lead generators, logistics and technology providers, payment processors, and talent providers. These actors used generative AI to scale their operations, including to identify potential victims, automate the creation of malicious pop–up windows, and perform language translations to target Japanese victims. This activity highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals and underscores the importance of proactive global collaboration to protect victims. 

    Examples of malicious pop-ups impersonating Microsoft. 

    Continued commitment to cybercrime prevention 

    Cyber-enabled financial fraud disproportionately targets older adults, and unfortunately, this growing trend is global. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, tech support fraud was the most frequently reported crime type reported by older Americans (over 60) in 2023, resulting in nearly $590 million in losses. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that, in Japan, the majority of scams target adults over the age of 45. This was consistent with what we observed in this operation, with approximately 90% of the 200 people affected being over the age of 50.

    The DCU has long been at the forefront of combatting sophisticated scams, and our ongoing collaboration with global law enforcement has led to hundreds of arrests and increasingly severe prison sentences worldwide. However, as cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, we too must take more aggressive action to protect those vulnerable to fraud. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and expanding collaborations with law enforcement and civil society, the DCU is intensifying its efforts to disrupt cybercrime operations from the top down. We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration partners across sectors and will continue to look for new ways to help protect people from cybercrime.

    Important: Microsoft will never send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from, or associated with, Microsoft and believe it was a scam, report the incident via our online reporting tool: microsoft.com/reportascam.  

    Doing so assists us with our ongoing investigations with law enforcement as we take appropriate action against those targeting our customers. We also use these insights to strengthen our technology to better protect consumers from fraudulent tactics. 

    For more information on how individuals can protect themselves, please visit: Protect yourself from tech support scams (microsoft.com). 

    Tags: cybercrime, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, The Digital Crimes Unit

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Joins Fox News to Discuss His Oversight of Biden FBI’s Anti-Catholic Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News to discuss his oversight revealing the Biden-era Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) anti-Catholic Richmond Memo was widely distributed to over 1,000 FBI employees across the country.
    Grassley additionally exposed a second FBI memo drafted for Bureau-wide distribution that repeated the unfounded link between traditional Catholicism and violent extremism. The memo was never published due to backlash following the Richmond Memo’s public disclosure in 2023.
    Video and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.
    [embedded content]
    VIDEO
    On the DOJ’s Investigation into President Biden’s Autopen Use:
    “I think that the President made a wise decision that the Department of Justice ought to get to the bottom of it…and the American people are entitled to know what the truth is… I’m sure that Pam Bondi will get to the bottom of it.”
    On Grassley’s Richmond Memo Oversight:
    “We found out that 13 other documents went out, and at least 1,000 people had access to information that, presumably, was following up on some things that the Southern Poverty Law Center was telling people that the Catholic Church needed to be watched because it could be considered a terrorist organization. And, just even that charge in and of itself, is ridiculous. And you’d think that a responsible FBI director would make sure that that shouldn’t be followed up [on].”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to $3.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today in connection with a five-year scheme to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary medical equipment.

    According to court documents, Michael L. Riggins, 62, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) scheme. Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (Bluewater), a DME supply company in West Monroe. From 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary DME and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for it. Despite receiving hundreds of complaints regarding the fraudulent orders, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying the DME and was reimbursed over $1.8 million.

    Riggins is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin McCoy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do people really resemble their dogs?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan

    Although people and their dogs sometimes resemble each other, research suggests that compatibility may be a key element to build a positive relationship with dogs. (Shutterstock)

    Many dog owners wonder whether they share similarities with their dogs, including characteristics like a calm temperament, a sociable personality or even a bit of stubbornness. The idea that people and dogs resemble each other is not just a joke. In fact, some researchers have explored this question.

    As a clinician and researcher who has been studying different aspects of the human–animal bond and works clinically with people grieving the loss of a pet, I understand how meaningful these relationships can be. I am particularly interested in how perceived similarities and emotional connections with dogs can shape the quality of the relationship.

    Understanding what is known so far about the similarities between people and dogs is crucial, as this can reveal whether perceptions of similar physical and personality traits play a role in the quality of the relationship people share with their dogs.

    What researchers says about it

    Research on perceived similarities between people and their dogs aims to understand whether such perceptions are accurate and how they affect the relationship between people and their dogs.

    A recent review synthesizes findings from 15 empirical studies that investigated similarities between dog-human pairs, both in appearance and personality. Regarding personality, the findings suggest that dogs and their guardians may have parallel traits, such as levels of extroversion, anxiety and sociability.

    Looking further, some people seem to choose dogs that physically resemble them, particularly when choosing a purebred dog. Interestingly, there seems to be a link between women’s hair length and their preference for dogs with similar ear length, while short-haired women seem to favour short-eared breeds.

    Another study suggests the similarity between guardians and their dogs may be particularly observed in the eye region. Other studies indicate a positive correlation between owners’ body mass index (BMI) and their dogs’ degree of overweight, possibly related to a shared lifestyle.

    Importantly, many of these studies use questionnaires that the guardians themselves answer. That could lead some people to argue the findings only reflect the perceptions of the guardians.

    However, a group of researchers asked participants who had never met the dog-guardian pairs to match photos of dogs and their guardians based on perceived similarities. Interestingly, the participants were able to correctly match most of the dog-guardian pairs. This finding suggests that similarity may not just be a matter of the guardian’s own perception.

    Comparison to our relationships with people

    But why does this happen? One hypothesis has to do with our evolutionary history, since we also tend to seek like-minded people.

    In evolutionary contexts, being in cohesive and predictable groups increased co-operation and survival. These patterns continue to influence our relationships with others, favouring connections with people who appear to align with our values, behaviours or even physical traits. Apparently, similar mechanisms influence how we relate to dogs.

    Similarities in are also observed for those living with purebred dogs. This might happen because people tend to choose breeds associated with certain behaviours and there is more behavioural predictability and stability in purebred dogs due to standardized breed characteristics.

    Other explanations for personality similarities may be linked to emotional exchanges between people and their dogs, mutual regulation, behavioural reinforcement and learning through observation and imitation.

    For example, people may reinforce certain behaviours in their dogs based on their own preferences or routines, and sometimes this may not even be intentional. At the same time, emotional exchanges between humans and dogs can also shape each other’s emotional states over time.

    More than a scientific curiosity, understanding how perceptions of similarity shape people’s relationships with their dog can help foster more fulfilling relationships for humans and dogs. Such perceptions can lead to greater emotional investment in the bond and may even influence how people interpret and manage challenging behaviours in their dogs. For example, they might be more tolerant of certain behaviours when they identify a similar pattern in themselves.

    On the other hand, while perceived similarities can strengthen the relationship, such perceptions may also shape people’s expectations, leading them to project human-like characteristics onto their dogs, rather than seeing them for who they truly are.

    Beyond similarity: What brings us together

    Even when the personalities of people and their dogs are not alike, they can still match perfectly. Imagine a dog who is playful and energetic, living with someone who may be more reserved or introverted.

    The dog’s energy can encourage the person to be more active, which can lead to healthier habits such as walking or spending time outdoors. Sharing moments of joy, frustration or even sadness with a beloved dog can also provide a sense of companionship and emotional support.

    Although people and their dogs sometimes resemble each other, research suggests that compatibility may be another key element to build a positive relationship with dogs. Factors such as attachment style and aspects of the human’s personality may be equally relevant.

    Also, the sense of similarity is not always immediate and may emerge through co-regulation and mutual reinforcement, similarly to what happens in close human relationships. In this context, compatibility can exist even when people and dogs are not alike.

    Just like in relationships between people, resemblance is not necessarily what holds us together. Although resemblance plays a role, sometimes the most meaningful bonds are not between those who are alike. What seems to matter the most is how well we connect, support each other, embrace potential differences and build mutual understanding.

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

    – ref. Do people really resemble their dogs? – https://theconversation.com/do-people-really-resemble-their-dogs-255088

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Goldman, Ranking Member Thompson Lead House Democrats in Response to President Trump’s Authoritarian Crackdown on Non-Violent, Law-Abiding Immigrants

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Oversight Inquiry Demands Transparency Regarding the Administration’s Authoritarian Tactics with Masked, Plainclothes ICE Agents Detaining Lawful Asylum Seekers 

     

    Goldman Last Week Confronted Masked ICE Agents Detaining Immigrants in His Office Building 

     

    Read the Inquiry Here 

    Washington, D.C – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) today led 84 House Democrats in an oversight letter of inquiry to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem seeking answers regarding the rise in ICE employing its masked, plainclothes officers to detain non-violent, law-abiding immigrants immediately following and in coordination with the dismissal of their existing deportation cases by DHS attorneys.   

    “Over the past week, we have witnessed federal agents lying in wait outside courtrooms, detaining individuals as they leave their hearings upon the expectation that their immigration proceedings — often including asylum applications — have been dismissed upon the government’s request. These mass arrests are part of what Trump administration officials have confirmed is a nationwide effort to terminate ongoing removal cases and reroute people into fast-tracked “expedited” removal proceedings, usually without counsel, due process, or any specific case-by-case analysis,” the Members wrote. 

    This tactic runs directly contrary to Secretary Noem’s Senate confirmation testimony and President Trump’s repeated promises that he would only target violent criminals for removal. The dark shift in tactics follows reporting alleging that the President was frustrated with the level of deportations achieved under his administration thus far. 

    “This new policy, designed to meet an arbitrary quota of deportations, is not targeting criminals — the “worst of the worst” as administration officials have repeatedly claimed — but instead is surreptitiously and deceptively aimed at those who are following the rules, voluntarily appearing in court, and doing it the right way. This policy neither targets criminals nor makes the public safer,” the Members continued. 

    The inquiry demands the Secretary provide internal DHS guidance and documentation regarding the dismissal of ongoing court cases, data on those detained, including asylum seekers and individuals without criminal records, as well as clarification on DHS’s use of masked agents, courtroom surveillance, and coordination with the Department of Justice. 

    “The United States is a nation founded by immigrants that has benefited immensely from immigration. As a democracy grounded in the principles of due process and equal protection under the law, the use of courthouse ambush tactics not only undermines those principles but directly contradicts the Department’s stated mission to uphold the law with integrity,” the Members wrote.  

    Read the full letter here or below: 

    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:  

    We write to express grave concern over the disturbing pattern of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations taking place at immigration courts across the country — including recent incidents in New York City where masked, plainclothes ICE officers detained non-violent, non-criminal immigrants immediately following the dismissal of their existing deportation cases by DHS attorneys. 

    Over the past week, we have witnessed federal agents lying in wait outside courtrooms, detaining individuals as they leave their hearings upon the expectation that their immigration proceedings — often including asylum applications — have been dismissed upon the government’s request. These mass arrests are part of what Trump administration officials have confirmed is a nationwide effort to terminate ongoing removal cases and reroute people into fast-tracked “expedited” removal proceedings, usually without counsel, due process, or any specific case-by-case analysis. 

    By terminating ongoing removal proceedings, any pending asylum claim is rendered void, thereby creating a potentially short window to quickly deport immigrants who have previously applied for asylum, which, as you well know, is a legal pathway to enter the United States. It also bears emphasizing that asylum is not available to individuals convicted of serious crimes or deemed a danger to the security of the United States, meaning that those asserting asylum claims in immigration court are unlikely to have criminal backgrounds and are instead seeking protection under U.S. law.  

    Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration is pressuring federal agencies to triple the number of daily immigration arrests as part of a sweeping push to achieve the arbitrary number of 1 million deportations a year. This effort has led to the reassignment of FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, DEA, and CBP officers to immigration enforcement duties — ultimately straining national security resources, diverting attention away from investigating serious crimes, and raising real concerns about the public safety priorities of this administration.  

    During Secretary Noem’s confirmation hearing, you stated that DHS “would work every day to make sure people are safe and that those with criminal convictions are immediately removed.” However, it is clear that ICE is now targeting immigrants with no criminal history, many of whom are asylum seekers, parolees admitted through lawful processes, and students like Dylan — a 20-year-old Bronx high schooler who was detained after attending his court hearing alone and without a lawyer. He has since been transferred across four states, denied medical treatment, and cut off from legal representation. Dylan entered the United States lawfully in 2024, enrolled in public school, had employment authorization, and had no criminal record at the time of his detainment.   

    This new policy, designed to meet an arbitrary quota of deportations, is not targeting criminals — the “worst of the worst” as administration officials have repeatedly claimed — but instead is surreptitiously and deceptively aimed at those who are following the rules, voluntarily appearing in court, and doing it the right way. This policy neither targets criminals nor makes the public safer.   

    Instead, this policy creates perverse incentives for immigrants who are pursuing lawful pathways into our country and will encourage immigrants to go further underground and avoid following the lawful and official immigration process. This will not only result in the loss of tax and social security revenue — contributed by asylum-seekers eligible for work authorization — but will lead to greater disorder and public safety concerns. When combined with diverting significant law enforcement resources to arrests of non-violent immigrants instead of violent felons, the impact of this new policy makes our communities less safe.   

    The United States is a nation founded by immigrants that has benefited immensely from immigration. As a democracy grounded in the principles of due process and equal protection under the law, the use of courthouse ambush tactics not only undermines those principles but directly contradicts the Department’s stated mission to uphold the law with integrity.   

    Accordingly, as part of Congress’s constitutional obligation to conduct oversight of the Department, we demand written responses to the following questions no later than June 19, 2025:  

    1. What specific guidance has DHS issued regarding the dismissal of ongoing court cases, followed by immediate ICE detention and expedited removal? Please provide all email communications, memoranda, legal justification, and written notes of relevant meetings. This includes any relevant material that mentions how the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) will coordinate and cooperate with enforcement operations.  

    2. What criteria is DHS using to determine which individuals should be targeted by this new policy?  

    3. How many individuals have been detained nationwide following court case dismissals since May 1, 2025? Please provide a breakdown by state and court locations.  

      1. Of those who have been detained and placed in expedited removal, how many (if any) had an affirmative asylum application pending or had informed the court of their intention to pursue other legal relief with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?  

      2. Of those who have been detained and placed in expedited removal, how many (if any) have criminal convictions in the United States? Please provide relevant information about those cases and individuals.   

    4. Are immigration judges being tracked for how they handle these cases? If so, for what specific purpose?  

    5. For every detainee who had previously filed an asylum claim or other juvenile or family-based relief, please provide any and all information about whether and to what extent they received a credible fear screening under the expedited removal process.   

    6. What specific guidance (if any) has DHS issued, including any guidance involving the Department of Justice, about restricting observers in courtrooms or on the court premises?  

    7. What written guidance (if any) has DHS issued about agents wearing masks during enforcement operations?  

    We urge DHS to immediately suspend enforcement actions targeting noncriminal immigrants and individuals who are actively complying with our immigration laws.   

    We look forward to your prompt and forthright response. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 3 illegal aliens arrested in Southeast Texas following execution of search warrant for suspected child sexual abuse materials

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    June 5, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

    GALVESTON, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested three illegal aliens June 3 while executing a search warrant for suspected child sexual abuse materials at a residence in Galveston.

    Following the search, Edgar Javier Escobedo Castillo, an 18-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, was criminally arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material. Javier Escobedo Rangel and Nieves Castillo Guzman, both 49-year-old illegal aliens from Mexico, were taken into custody for administrative immigration violations.

    The search is part of an ongoing joint child exploitation investigation between HSI Houston’s Galveston office and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office that began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities to suspicious online activity involving social media accounts linked to Escobedo Javier.

    For more news and information on ICE HSI’s efforts to investigation child exploitation in Southeast Texas, follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chair for Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    New Chair for Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Board

    Three-year appointment of Julian Blazeby to board role announced.

    Julian Blazeby has been appointed as the non-executive Chair of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Board under the new Executive Agency Framework introduced in 2024-25. His appointment is for three years. Mr Blazeby will also serve as a non-executive member of the CICA Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

    Mr Blazeby is on the board of the Disclosure and Barring Service. He is Chair of its People Committee and is a member of its Quality, Finance and Performance Committee.

    Mr Blazeby has previously held senior civil service roles with the Ministry of Defence, the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Government of Jersey.

    The CICA Board provides strategic leadership for CICA. It advises on strategy, monitors performance, and assesses significant risks. The Chair gives strategic oversight and leadership of the CICA Board; ensuring its continued effectiveness and giving advice and challenge on the organisation’s delivery and performance.

    Lynne Henderson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for CICA, said:

    “This appointment will provide vital scrutiny and challenge to the CICA Board, guiding our work and helping us deliver on our priorities. Julian Blazeby will bring a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with him in our support to victims of violent crime.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Department Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against More Than $7.74 Million Laundered on Behalf of the North Korean Government

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that North Korean information technology (“IT”) workers obtained illegal employment and amassed millions in cryptocurrency for the benefit of the North Korean government, all as a means of evading U.S. sanctions placed on North Korea.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 433rd Airlift Wing Citizen Airmen provide crucial airlift support to Marine Raiders

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    Citizen Airmen from the 433rd Airlift Wing from Joint base San Antonio-Lackland provided crucial airlift support to Marine Raiders assigned to the Marine Special Operations Reserve Detachment and Chilean Special Forces personnel as part of Exercise Southern Star ‘25.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Loses Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Cryptocurrency Investment Scam

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio (USAO) has filed a civil complaint in forfeiture against 679,981.22 Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency suspected of being fraudulently obtained as part of an investment scam. USDT are digital tokens that are circulated through the internet and tied to, or “tethered,” to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar. The USDT amount in the complaint is valued at $679,981.22, at a 1:1 ratio to the dollar.

    According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, a woman using the name “Kristina Tian” contacted a victim located in Solon, Ohio, through the LinkedIn online professional networking platform. The two began messaging and became friendly with one another. Tian then suggested to move their conversation to the WhatsApp messaging platform where they continued to communicate. She then steered the conversation toward her successes in cryptocurrency to gain the victim’s interest. Prior to being contacted by Tian, the victim already had a cryptocurrency account through the Kraken exchange. While corresponding with Tian, he sent her screenshots of his investment holdings to prove that he had a significant amount of funds to invest. In total, he transferred approximately $500,000 of his money to his Kraken account. Tian then instructed him to transfer his Kraken cryptocurrency to an investment platform that the victim did not know was fraudulent. Following his initial investment, the victim requested that a portion of the first deposit be returned. Once that transaction was successful, he felt comfortable to proceed with investing more money. However, around this time, the FBI intervened. FBI agents informed the Solon man that they were investigating investment fraud schemes, and they believed he was a victim. After learning about the scam, the victim confronted Tian through WhatsApp. She responded with a series of mocking messages such as, “I feel for you. But thank you for you giving me half of your savings,” and “Lol, I enjoyed it and thank you for the money so I can find more. Glad to use your life savings.”

    Investigators also identified a second victim of the underlying cryptocurrency fraud scam. The female victim was a resident of Arizona who met a man on a dating app, “Coffee Meets Bagel.” After some time spent messaging through the app and building trust, the man suggested that she invest in cryptocurrencies. The victim made an initial purchase of cryptocurrency through Crypto.com and then transferred the full amount to the fraudulent investment platform that the man recommended. Later, the victim was unable to retrieve her funds. The Arizona woman lost $63,000 to the investment fraud scheme. This included $15,000 that she cashed out from her 401(k) retirement account, and another $48,000 from a home equity loan that her daughter took out and had given to her to invest.

    Because many virtual currencies record their transactions on publicly accessible digital ledgers known as a blockchain, investigators were able to conduct analysis for signs of fraudulent activity. They ultimately traced a portion of the funds stolen from the two victims to two cryptocurrency addresses on the Tron blockchain. Further investigation revealed that the stolen currency had been converted to the USDT virtual currency.

    By the complaint in forfeiture filed on June 2, 2025, the United States seeks to forfeit the entire 679,981.22 in USDT cryptocurrency. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the funds contained in the two cryptocurrency addresses in excess of the victims’ traceable losses also are proceeds of fraud and, accordingly, are subject to forfeiture. Additionally, the complaint alleges that such other funds were involved in money laundering violations.

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. The United States must prove the claims by a preponderance of evidence.

    If successful in this forfeiture action, the United States would seek to return the stolen funds to the victims.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James L. Morford for the Northern District of Ohio.

    The case is part of the FBI’s initiative against cryptocurrency fraud scams perpetrated on victims throughout the United States, including the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report fraudulent conduct involving older adults, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to submit a report. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Allies enhance cooperation in the air

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday (5 June 2025), NATO Allies further strengthened their ability to train aircrews and use cross-border airspace for exercises.

    At a signing ceremony held on the margins of NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting, a number of Allies joined two established initiatives. 

    Canada, Denmark, Norway and Poland joined the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) High-Visibility multinational initiative, which aims to ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art pilot training across Europe in a cost-efficient and interoperable manner.

    Since its launch in 2020, eight military campuses have been fully accredited for NFTE training and six are undergoing certification. NFTE training includes basic, intermediate and advanced training for fighter jet, helicopter and transport pilots, as well as personnel who remotely pilot uncrewed aircraft. On 5 March the first group of students graduated in Remotely Piloted Aircraft System training at the NFTE campus in Waddington, United Kingdom.

    Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands and Slovenia agreed to join the 21 other Allies that participate in the Cross-Border Airspace Cooperation initiative.  

    Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to develop larger airspace solutions, including cross-border, that are better suited to accommodate training events for modern air capabilities and systems.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new parliamentary secretary team

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced a new parliamentary secretary team focused on building Canada strong.

    Canadians elected this new government with a mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to bring down costs, and to keep our communities safe. Parliamentary secretaries will support their respective cabinet ministers and secretaries of state to deliver on this mandate.

    The new parliamentary secretary team is appointed as follows:

    • Karim Bardeesy becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Jaime Battiste becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    • Rachel Bendayan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Kody Blois becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Sean Casey becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • Sophie Chatel becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Madeleine Chenette becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Sport)
    • Maggie Chi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
    • Leslie Church becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities)
    • Caroline Desrochers becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Ali Ehsassi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Canada-U.S. Trade)
    • Mona Fortier becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Peter Fragiskatos becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Vince Gasparro becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)
    • Wade Grant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Claude Guay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Brendan Hanley becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
    • Corey Hogan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Anthony Housefather becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience
    • Mike Kelloway becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Ernie Klassen becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries
    • Annie Koutrakis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families
    • Kevin Lamoureux becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • Patricia Lattanzio becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
    • Ginette Lavack becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
    • Carlos Leitao becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Tim Louis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy)
    • Jennifer McKelvie becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Marie-Gabrielle Ménard becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
    • David Myles becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Nature)
    • Yasir Naqvi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (International Development)
    • Taleeb Noormohamed becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
    • Rob Oliphant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Tom Osborne becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board
    • Jacques Ramsay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
    • Pauline Rochefort becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)
    • Sherry Romanado becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
    • Jenna Sudds becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
    • Ryan Turnbull becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)

    Prime Minister Carney also announced that Élisabeth Brière will serve as Deputy Chief Government Whip, and Arielle Kayabaga will serve as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

    Quote

    “Canada’s new parliamentary secretary team will deliver on the government’s mandate for change, working collaboratively with all parties in Parliament to build the strongest economy in the G7, advance a new security and economic partnership with the United States, and help Canadians get ahead.”

    Quick Fact

    • Parliamentary secretaries are chosen by the Prime Minister to assist ministers and secretaries of state.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis makes Appointments to the District Courts in the 4th and 17th Judicial Districts

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis appointed Kelly J. McPherson and Sherri R. Gryboski to the 4th Judicial District Court. Kelly J. McPherson’s appointment is to fill a new judgeship created pursuant to Senate Bill 25-024 and is effective July 1, 2025. Sherri R. Gryboski’s appointment is created by the resignation of the Honorable David A. Gilbert and is effective July 12, 2025. 

    Kelly J. McPherson 

    Ms. McPherson is a Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District, a position she has held since 2025. Her docket consists of domestic relations matters. Previously, she was the Founding Partner and Attorney at Knies, Helland, and McPherson Law (2017-2024); Attorney at Dailey Law (2016-2017); and Attorney at Black and Graham Law (2015-2016). Ms. McPherson earned her B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy in 2004, and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2015. 

    Sherri R. Gryboski 

    Ms. Gryboski is a District and County Court Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District, a position she has held since 2021. Her docket consists of domestic relations matters. Previously, she was a Child and Family Investigator/Child Legal Representative (2018-2021); Adult Guardian ad Litem (2012-2021); Private Attorney at Sherri Gryboski P.C. (2008-2021); Deputy District Attorney in the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (2000-2008); and Attorney at the Law Firm of J. Douglas Scherling (1999). Ms. Gryboski earned her B.S. from the University of Florida in 1994, and her J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in 1999. 

    Governor Polis also appointed Sara S. Price to the 17th Judicial District Court. The appointment is to fill a new judgeship created pursuant to Senate Bill 25-024 and is effective July 1, 2025. 

    Sara S. Price 

    Ms. Price is a District Court Magistrate in the 17th Judicial District, a position she has held since 2021. Her docket consists of probate, mental health, and adoption matters. Previously, Ms. Price was an Associate Attorney at Frazer-Abel Law, LLC (2015-2021); Associate Attorney at Pelegrin Radeff & Frazer-Abel PC (2013-2015); Law Clerk for Judge Stephen M. Munsinger (2010-2013); and Attorney at the Law Office of Charles H. Torres PC (2009-2010). Ms. Price earned her B.S. from University of New Hampshire in 2004, and her J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2008.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal Named James Magazine 2025 Exceptional State Lawmaker of the Year

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (June 5, 2025) — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) was recently recognized as one of the 2025 Exceptional State Lawmakers of the Year by James Magazine.

    “Thank you to James Magazine for recognizing me as a 2025 Exceptional State Lawmaker of the Year,” said Sen. Dolezal. “Serving the people of Forsyth County and advancing conservative, pro-growth policies under the Gold Dome is a responsibility I take seriously. From pushing back on tax increases to protecting public access to our state parks, I’ve worked to deliver results that reflect the values of our community. Georgia is at a pivotal moment, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure it remains a state where families can thrive, businesses can grow and government works for the people, not the other way around.”

    Phil Kent, CEO and publisher of James Magazine, applauded Sen. Dolezal’s recognition.

    “James Magazine is proud to present Sen. Greg Dolezal with the ‘2025 Exceptional State Lawmaker Award’ at a recent reception for demonstrating outstanding legislative leadership and impressive work on a wide range of policy issues too numerous to mention,” said Kent. “He is chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, opposes tax increases, and has voted to reduce the state income tax with the hope of eventually ending it. The Senator also serves his district with excellent constituent service along with supporting smart infrastructure needs. He has also fought to keep property taxes low while working to attract high-paying jobs. Congratulations to Sen. Dolezal!”

    More information on the award can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a large part of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or via email at Greg.Dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transformative Infrastructure Projects in Village of Catskill

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on transformative water and sewer projects totaling $30 million in the Village of Catskill. The Village is modernizing its outdated wastewater and stormwater system to safeguard the Hudson River and build a stronger, more resilient community. The village is also replacing a century-old water main and undertaking additional improvements that will protect drinking water. A combination of State, federal and local investments, including more than $24 million in grants, are making the projects affordable for local ratepayers while delivering good-paying jobs to the Capital District. The projects signify important progress for Catskill — cleaner water, stronger infrastructure and new opportunities for growth.

    “This project reflects New York’s unwavering commitment to clean water and affordability,” Governor Hochul said. “By upgrading outdated water systems and reducing harmful pollution in the Hudson River, we’re ensuring that communities have access to safe, clean water, without placing added strain on family budgets. These investments are not only protecting the health of our residents today but also creating a more sustainable future for New Yorkers.”

    Catskill’s sewer project will reduce inflow and filtration in the sanitary sewers, allowing for the future decommissioning of four outdated sewer outfalls that currently discharge untreated or partially treated wastewater into the Hudson River during heavy rain events. By upgrading key components of the local sewer network, the project will reduce pollution, ensure reliable wastewater services for residents, and strengthen the community’s resilience to extreme weather-related impacts.

    The drinking water project is part of a comprehensive effort that includes replacing aging water mains, reconstructing the sedimentation basin, constructing a new water storage tank, and upgrading the existing water filtration plant. This project marks a significant step toward ensuring the long-term health and safety of the village’s water supply.

    These projects are funded by grants from Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to clean water and investments from the State Revolving Funds, enhanced in part by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The State Revolving Funds are New York’s primary financial vehicle for advancing the State’s clean water goals, delivering billions annually to communities statewide. The additional federal investment through IIJA has expanded the Funds’ reach, allowing more communities to undertake critical water and sewer projects while minimizing the financial burden on local ratepayers.

    This investment is part of New York’s broader strategy to maximize the impact of state and federal infrastructure dollars, ensuring every region benefits from cleaner water, safer systems, and long-term sustainability.

    The sewer project funding includes:

    • $13.7 million from the State’s Water Quality Improvement Program and Water Infrastructure Improvement grants
    • $7.5 million federal grant and $3.8 million interest-free financing from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, enhanced by IIJA funding

    The drinking water project funding includes:

    • $2.9 million from the State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program
    • $2 million in low-interest financing from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

    In addition to protecting water quality, the projects will support construction, manufacturing, engineering, and other related industry jobs. The projects will be completed in multiple phases. This phase is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.

    Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “EFC is proud to support these vital projects that will directly benefit Catskill and the communities along the Hudson River, and further Governor Hochul’s statewide commitment to clean water. Thanks to the power of the State Revolving Funds and New York’s targeted water infrastructure grants, we’re helping communities afford projects that otherwise might be out of reach. These investments not only protect our environment but also ensure long-term affordability for local ratepayers.”

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “The village of Catskill’s critical infrastructure projects will safeguard drinking water, reduce pollution in the Hudson River, and enhance resiliency in the face of increasingly destructive storms. DEC is proud to partner with EFC and village leaders as we advance Governor Hochul’s clean water priorities and make record state investments in projects like this so they are more affordable for communities and protect residents throughout the region.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul continues to show her commitment to ensuring access to safe drinking water for communities like Catskill and throughout the State of New York. Investments in water infrastructure that are affordable for all are essential to public health. The State Health Department will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to protect this most vital resource and the health of New Yorkers.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “Every family and resident in Catskill should have access to clean drinking water and a modern water-sewer system. I’m proud to deliver millions in federal funding from our bipartisan Infrastructure, Investment & Jobs law to modernize the village’s wastewater and stormwater system. This will help clean the Hudson River by cleaning up the sewer outflows and ensuring residents have access to cleaner drinking water – all while creating good-paying jobs, jobs, jobs. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure to keep our communities economically safe, healthy and economically vibrant.”

    State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Investing in modern water infrastructure is one of the most effective ways we can protect the Hudson River Valley watershed and ensure clean, reliable drinking water for local communities like the Village of Catskill. New York has some of the oldest water systems in the country, and too often, the cost of these upgrades is insurmountable for small communities to manage on their own. I’m proud to have helped secure the state support that made these water infrastructure improvements in Catskill possible, and I thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in getting it done.”

    Greene County Director of Economic Development, Tourism, and Planning James Hannahs said, “Access to clean drinking water and effective stormwater management is essential for the high quality-of-life factor that Greene County strives to strengthen and maintain. With these necessary updates to their water infrastructure and resilient safeguards to the Hudson River, the Village of Catskill will solidify its profile as the premiere destination to raise a family, open a business, and connect with the Great Northern Catskills.”

    Catskill Village Board President Natasha Law said, “The Village of Catskill is excited to announce that we are officially breaking ground on our water and sewer projects, funded by $16.6 million in state grants, $7.5 million in federal grants, and additional financing from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. These essential improvements will protect water quality within our community. We anticipate completing this phase by Summer 2026 and look forward to the positive impact on our village.”

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality

    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard participating in Harborfest 2025

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    06/05/2025 11:34 AM EDT

    The Coast Guard is scheduled to participate in Norfolk Harborfest 2025, which runs June 6-8 at Town Point Park, at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.    Norfolk Harborfest is a maritime festival run in partnership between national, state and local organizations to encourage public boating safety.

    For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard responds, investigates vessel fire in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/05/2025 10:55 AM EDT

    Coast Guard Sector San Juan marine investigators and Incident Management personnel responded, Wednesday, to a fire aboard the 75-foot motor yacht Emilia in Fajardo.  The vessel fire was successfully extinguished by local emergency responders, there are no people missing or injuries reported, and Coast Guard investigators are working to determine the cause of the incident.  Coast Guard Incident Management personnel are working with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and other local authorities to assess the impact of any remaining fuel pollution in the water. 

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Police continue to investigate a house fire in Brent which killed four people

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are continuing to investigate a house fire in Brent in which four people died.

    Met officers were called to assist the London Fire Brigade at the fire in Tillett Close, Stonebridge at 01:22hrs on Saturday, 24 May.

    Sadly, a woman and her three children died at the scene.

    Detectives have named them as Nusrat Usman, 43, Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman, 4.

    A woman in her 70s was taken to hospital but has since been released. A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital in a critical but now stable condition.

    Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in north-west London, said:

    “Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened.

    “Specialist officers are continuing to support the wider family who have asked for privacy at this deeply upsetting time.

    “Local officers are working closely with officers from the Specialist Crime Command on what continues to be a very complex investigation.

    “I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers and colleagues from other emergency services for their efforts during this highly pressurised and distressing incident.

    “Equally, we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will continue to see extra officers in the area while the investigation progresses.

    “This is a complex investigation but it’s moving at pace, and we are working closely with partner agencies.

    “We are grateful for your patience and understanding. If you have any concerns then please speak to them.”

    A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He has since been bailed and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.

    Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to call 101 giving the reference 509/24MAY.

    Information can also be shared anonymously, with the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Conditions Imposed on Operator Following Noise Complaints

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Conditions Imposed on Operator Following Noise Complaints

    Following a public inquiry, the Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington has imposed new conditions on the restricted operator’s license of Peter Youings & Partners in response to persistent noise complaints from residents.

    The inquiry, held on March 26, 2025, at the Law Courts in Barnstaple, addressed concerns regarding disruptive noise levels emanating from the operator’s Barbican Close operating centre, particularly during early morning hours.

    Commissioner Dorrington had asked the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to undertake an analysis of the data contained in the vehicle units from the operator’s regulated vehicles to reveal the times that those vehicles first moved each day. This review determined that vehicle movements, frequently occurring before 5:30 am, created unacceptable environmental conditions for nearby residents. It was discovered that 65.2% of the time (419 instances out of 642) vehicles started being driven before 5.30am, including 105 before 4.30am.

    Mr Dorrington said “Is it acceptable to regularly wake someone from their sleep before 5.30am? No. Could it be reasonably expected for Mr Pickard or Mr Harvey to change their sleeping patterns so that to get enough continuous sleep at night they would have to fall asleep earlier than 9.30pm? No. Could it be reasonably expected for Mr Pickard or Mr Harvey to install soundproofing to the land that they own or occupy to sufficiently mitigate the noise that I have found is waking them up on a regular basis? Again no.”

    Mr Dorrington decided that vehicles were being started and then first moved so early because “the operator wanted its cake and to eat it too. Over time the operator has taken on more and more work that is further and further away from its operating centre. For example, customers as far away as Merthyr Tydfil and Bournemouth. That has resulted in the operator’s vehicles having to leave earlier and earlier to make the return trip that same day.

    “However, there comes a time when the business wants of the operator reach a point where they pose an unreasonable environmental interference upon the owners or occupiers of land in the vicinity of its operating centre.”

    To mitigate the disturbance and ensure the well-being of the community, a new condition has been added to the operator’s license. This condition strictly regulates the hours of vehicle activity at the operating centre:

    • Monday to Friday: No vehicle activity before 0530 hours and after 2200 hours.
    • Saturdays: No vehicle activity before 0800 hours and after 1800 hours.
    • Sundays: No operation allowed, except in documented emergencies.

    The renewal of Peter Youings & Partners’ operator’s license is now contingent upon strict adherence to these newly imposed conditions.

    The full written decision can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –