NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Economic and Social Committee demands immediate action to tackle cost-of-living crisis

    Source: European Union 2

    The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) demands urgent action from the European Commission and EU Member States to dismantle barriers fragmenting the single market and keeping living costs high, even as inflation rates fall.

    Despite steadily decreasing inflation in Europe, cost of living remains a concern, as millions of Europeans — especially the 94.6 million people at risk of poverty or social exclusion — continue to struggle with elevated prices.

    In its opinion How single market dysfunctionalities contribute to the rising cost of living, adopted at its plenary session on 29 April, the EESC identified single market fragmentation as a major driver of persistently high costs and called for swift measures to strengthen competition, lower prices and boost investment.

    ‘The cost of living in Europe is fuelled by dysfunctionalities in the single market. We call for urgent action to tackle barriers that affect the costs of products (such as territorial supply constraints), and to speed up proceedings against national rules that infringe EU law,’ said Emilie Prouzet, rapporteur of the opinion.

    Beyond territorial supply constraints (TSCs), the EESC pointed the finger at geo-blocking and diverging national rules as two of the main culprits of the dysfunction and fragmentation plaguing the single market. Despite the European Commission’s efforts to prohibit geo-blocking and address TSCs, these practices continue to create disparities in prices and product availability across Member States.

    Fragmentation not only increases costs for businesses and consumers but also limits the variety of products available. The lack of harmonisation in financial markets, telecommunications, energy and pharmaceuticals further exacerbates market fragmentation.

    The EESC pointed out that despite the fact that the single market boosts the EU’s GDP by 6-8%, fragmentation still costs the economy up to EUR 500 billion every year, which could be unlocked if the single market were completed. This figure can be broken down into EUR 228 billion each year for goods, and EUR 279 billion for services.

    According to IMF estimates, non-tariff barriers within the EU are equivalent to customs duties of around 44% for goods and 110% for services. New barriers continue to emerge, further driving up costs for businesses and consumers.

    To tackle this, the EESC has called for the following:

    • Immediate removal of regulatory and non-regulatory barriers limiting the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
    • Faster enforcement of EU rules that would see the Commission speed up infringement proceedings and use interim injunctions against clear violations of EU law.
    • Elimination of territorial supply constraints that artificially inflate prices for consumers.
    • Completion of the Capital Markets Union to unlock private and public investment across the EU.
    • Promotion of labour mobility and digitalisation to enhance worker protection and economic opportunities.
    • Better infrastructure integration in the energy and telecommunications sectors to create a truly unified market.
    • Assessment of housing market barriers to tackle rising housing costs.
    • Removal of healthcare market restrictions to guarantee affordable access to medicines.

    This opinion is part of a wider EESC initiative tackling the cost-of-living crisis across seven policy areas, providing targeted recommendations for EU and national policymakers, civil society and stakeholders.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: SDTX Continues Efforts to Protect the Border with 259 More Charged in Immigration-Related Crimes

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

    HOUSTON – A total of 256 cases have been filed from April 25-May 1 in matters aimed at securing the southern border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

    As part of the cases, 83 face allegations of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, firearms, sexual or violent offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 160 people face charges of illegally entering the country, while 13 cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration-related crimes.  

    Those charged by criminal complaint include three Mexican nationals found in the McAllen area who are alleged to be here illegally. The charges allege Luciano Ojeda had been sentenced to two years for robbery before his removal, while Sergio Salazar-Gonzalez and Maria Del Carmen Gutierrez-Perez have convictions for driving while intoxicated (3rd offense) and injury to child/elderly/disabled persons with intent of causing bodily injury, respectively, before they were removed from the United States.

    In addition to the new cases filed, two adult Guatemalan citizens were indicted for making false statements about their age in their juvenile immigration cases. Tadeo Pedro Torres and Marvin Ixcoy-Ajqui claimed they were unaccompanied minors after they entered the United States illegally. As a result, they were allegedly transferred to juvenile shelters contracted to provide care for children in the United States for whom there is no parent or legal guardian with the ability to provide custody. However, the charges allege they were adults and had provided a false date of birth and age.

    A Houston federal jury also convicted a conspirator involved in transporting aliens shot en route. Mailon Almendares-Martinez recruited conspirators who picked up the aliens near the border. On the way to Houston, individuals believed to be a part of a rival alien smuggling organization had shot at them, resulting in gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the co-conspirators to return to Houston and not seek medical attention for the two wounded aliens. He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

    “This case demonstrates—like so many cases before it—that human smuggling is an inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes fatal business,” said Ganjei. “Those that smuggle human beings for profit deserve prosecution, and those that would willingly place themselves in a situation to be smuggled need to think twice. Stay home, stay safe.”

    In Corpus Christi, Louis Dante Anthony received a 30-month sentence for smuggling three dozen illegal aliens in an 8 by 4.25-foot false compartment. The illegal aliens had no access to air, could not be heard from the outside and were unable to get themselves out of the compartment. All were from the countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.

    In Laredo federal court, an illegal alien pleaded guilty to assault of an officer, admitting he struck the agent’s body and face repeatedly while attempting to flee. A Border Patrol (BP) agent had transported Marco Cupil-Hernandez to a local hospital for emergency care after he had waded across the Rio Grande River. Once cleared, the agent attempted to assist him into the vehicle. Cupil-Hernandez then forcefully pushed him away and attempted to flee, resulting in a struggle on the concrete during which Cupil-Hernandez elbowed the agent’s face. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

    Also announced this week was the sentencing of two felons in McAllen for illegally reentering the United States. Porfirio Martinez-Santos, Mexico, was ordered to serve 42 months, while Juan Esteban Zelaya-Hernandez, Honduras, received 21 months. The investigation revealed Zelaya-Hernandez had been ordered removed in August 2024 after serving a federal prison sentence for possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal reentry. Martinez-Santos was removed in 2023 and had previously served a 37-month sentence for illegal reentry.

    Another Mexican citizen with a felony criminal history was sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after eight previous removals. Julio Cesar Corona-Corona will now serve 37 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that despite prior court warnings not to do so, Corona-Corona was determined to unlawfully reenter the United States, as evidenced by his repeated encounters with immigration authorities. He was first removed from the United States in January 2014 and returned illegally eight times between 2014 and April 2020. In fact, authorities had removed him six times alone between 2017-2018.

    In Brownsville, a 42-year-old man from Aldamas, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was also sentenced for illegal reentry into the United States. Alfredo Balderas-Rivera was first removed in 2016 with a subsequent removal in 2018 and 2023. However, authorities found Balderas-Rivera in Cameron County March 30, 2024. He had been in custody for allegedly committing fraud and assault and bodily injury. He received a 50-month sentence in Brownsville federal court.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. 

    The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort McMurray — Wood Buffalo RCMP conduct drug trafficking investigation, suspect arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Feb. 7, 2025, at approximately 2 p.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit conducted a traffic stop with a 48-year-old male suspect related to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in Fort McMurray. The suspect was arrested without incident. Following the traffic stop, Wood Buffalo RCMP Drug Section executed a judicially authorized search warrant at two separate residences in the Timberlea area of Fort McMurray related to the same drug trafficking investigation.

    During the search warrant, police located and seized:

    • 14 grams of suspected cocaine

    • Over $8,000 in Canadian Currency

    • Drug paraphernalia

    The male was later released from police custody on an Appearance Notice. During the course of the police investigation, it is alleged that the suspect was operating as a taxi driver to assist in this criminal enterprise.

    The 48-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, has been charged with the following:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking

    The 48-year-old individual is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on April 22, 2025.

    Anyone with information regarding criminal activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788‐4040. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wetaskiwin — Wetaskiwin RCMP traffic stop leads to seizure of drugs and firearm

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 25, 2025, Wetaskiwin RCMP received a report of an impaired driver. Wetaskiwin General Duty Officers and Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit responded to the call. Upon arriving on scene, two occupants were identified departing from the vehicle. Occupants were arrested, and a further investigation led to a search of the vehicle resulting in the seizure of:

    • A sawed-off rifle;

    • 60 grams of methamphetamine;

    • 14 grams of fentanyl;

    • unstamped cigarettes.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Wetaskiwin, was charged with:

    • Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (x2);

    • Drive while prohibited;

    • Breach Firearms prohibition order;

    • Firearms offences (x5).

    A 27-years-old individual, a resident of Maskwacis, was charged with:

    • Breach of Conditional Sentence Order;

    • Breach Firearms prohibition order (x2);

    • Firearms offences (x5).

    Both were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody and are set to appear back in court March 27, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer  — Red Deer RCMP investigate found human remains – Update

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Red Deer RCMP advise that the remainder of the human remains have been located by searchers in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. The remains have been transported to the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. RCMP continue to work with the medical examiner to identify the remains. Although early in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that this death is suspicious.

    Background

    April 3, 2025

    Red Deer RCMP investigate found human remains

    On March 29, 2025, Red Deer RCMP received a report of human remains located in the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary of Red Deer. RCMP attended and recovered the remains which have been transported to the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Searches of the area continue and RCMP ask that the public avoid the area and stay on trails in this environmentally sensitive location.

    RCMP continue to work with the Medical Examiner to determine the identity of the remains.

    An update about this investigation is anticipate once more information is known.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: One Federal Inmate and Two Georgia Residents Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Methamphetamine into South Carolina Federal Prison

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

    FLORENCE, S.C. — Jerrell Antonio Roberts, 36, a current federal inmate, Antoinette Tyeisha Ricks, 36, and Tyree O’Bryant Russell, 23, both of Savannah, Georgia, were sentenced to multi-year terms in federal prison after pleading guilty in connection with a scheme to smuggle methamphetamine into federal prison.  Russell was sentenced to two years and Ricks was sentenced to more than three years after each pleaded guilty to attempting to provide methamphetamine to a federal prisoner.  Roberts was sentenced to more than nine years after pleading guilty to attempting to possess methamphetamine as a federal prisoner.  

    Evidence presented to the court showed that in November of 2022, Roberts was incarcerated at a federal prison in South Carolina in connection with federal charges out of Georgia.  In the early morning hours of Nov. 6, 2022, an unmanned drone crashed in the yard at the prison facility.  The drone was equipped with a skyhook, which would enable it to carry something. Near where the drone crashed, law enforcement recovered a package wrapped in electronics chargers.  The package contained approximately 38 grams of pure methamphetamine. Additional investigation revealed that Roberts was working with Ricks and Russell to obtain methamphetamine for distribution in the federal prison.

    “Crime doesn’t stop when defendants enter the prison gates,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Contraband smuggling schemes like this are not only illegal but dangerous, and the sentences handed down today reflect the seriousness of these crimes.”

    United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Russell to 24 months imprisonment. Judge Dawson sentenced Ricks to 39 months of imprisonment.  Judge Dawson sentenced Roberts to 110 months of imprisonment; Roberts’s 110-month term of imprisonment will run consecutive to the term of imprisonment he was serving on the federal charges out of Georgia at the time he engaged in the attempt to smuggle methamphetamine into the federal prison in South Carolina.  All three defendants’ sentences will be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Sentenced for Obstructing Justice

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

    JAMES GRAHAM, also known as “Little Cuz,” 25, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for an offense stemming from his participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Graham and 15 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

    On November 22, 2017, 960 members Zaekwon McDaniel, Tahjay Love, and Malik Bayon shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury.  Lewis sped from the scene at a high-rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury.  Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.  On October 19, 2019, Graham and Love, who were incarcerated in state custody, assaulted another inmate who they believed had reported to law enforcement Love’s role in the shooting.

    On February 14, 2024, a jury found Graham guilty of obstruction of justice, and Love, McDaniel, Bayon guilty of offenses related to their participation in 960 and the deaths of Lewis and Santos.

    Graham is currently serving a 52-year state sentence for murder, robbery, and firearm offenses related to his role in the murder of an 18-year-old victim in Hamden on November 13, 2017.  Judge Dooley ordered Graham’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence.

    Love, McDaniel, and Bayon await sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Token2049 Dubai VIP Private Party: Gathering in the Cloud to Draw the Future of Web3

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, UAE, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — During the Token2049 Dubai Conference, BitMart, the world’s leading digital asset trading platform, held a unique VIP private party at the world’s highest restaurant, Atmosphere, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. This high-end gathering above the cloud attracted more than 500 industry elites from all over the world, including well-known KOLs, institutional representatives, project founders and industry leaders. BitMart CEO and many executives also attended the event to discuss the future development of the Web3 ecosystem while overlooking the dazzling night view of Dubai.

    In his opening speech, Nathan (Nenter) Chow, global CEO of BitMart, said: “I would like to thank founder Sheldon for his trust and the global community for their long-term support. Today we gather in the cloud to review past developments and look forward to the future blueprint. BitMart will continue to optimize trading infrastructure and strive to provide global users with a better digital service experience.”

    At the private event, the Web3-themed dinner carefully presented by Michelin-starred chefs and the melodious violin performance complemented each other, creating a unique atmosphere for this high-end business exchange. The guests had in-depth exchanges in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, and collided with many innovative ideas and cooperation opportunities. BitMart also specially prepared exquisite souvenirs for each guest, which was a perfect end to this unforgettable cloud appointment.

    This private event with both height and warmth not only demonstrated BitMart’s ability to connect global resources, but also injected new impetus into the prosperity and development of the Web3 ecosystem. In the future, BitMart will continue to promote the development of the global community, with user empowerment as the core, to create a freer and more sustainable financial future.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    Disclaimer:
    Use of BitMart services is entirely at your own risk. All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

    The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: STAR Systems International Introduces the Falcon Dual Frequency Transponder for Tolling

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — STAR Systems International, a global leader in Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) technology, is proud to announce the launch of a revolutionary product: the Falcon dual-frequency transponder. This innovative design marks a major leap forward in tolling technology, combining ultra-high frequency (UHF) capability for traditional tolling systems and near-field communication (NFC) capability for seamless integration with mobile applications. This opens the door to a wide range of possibilities far beyond the conventional toll systems used today.

    “This is a significant step forward for electronic toll collection,” said Stephen Lockhart, Chief Technology Officer of STAR Systems International. “With the introduction of shared data in both the UHF and new NFC interface, we’re unlocking a level of versatility that hasn’t been seen before in vehicle transponders. Furthermore, this will greatly increase the connection between toll agencies and drivers.”

    The Falcon transponder introduces a variety of new ways to improve enforceability for toll agencies and enhance driver experience. With integrated NFC functionality, these tags enable real-time interactions between vehicles and mobile applications.

    One potential use case is High Occupancy Toll (HOT) and Express Lane Management. Vehicle occupancy declarations could be more easily enforced through mobile app verification rather than self-declaration. A sticker tag like the Falcon can be more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to the traditional switchable hardcase tags. In addition, the mobile app could offer other features such as receiving alerts, checking balances, and refilling toll accounts, all enabled by the NFC interface on the Falcon tag.

    The Falcon’s dual-frequency architecture opens the door for integration into broader intelligent transportation systems, including emerging Road Usage Charging (RUC) programs, parking management, mobility-as-a-service platforms, and many others. The Falcon is Gen2V2 compliant and offers advanced embedded cryptographic authentication, providing robust security for high-trust applications. This flexibility positions the Falcon dual-frequency transponder as a powerful tool in the evolution of connected vehicle infrastructure.

    For more information about the Falcon and other AVI solutions that STAR Systems International offers, please contact STAR Systems at salesinquiry@star-int.net.

    About STAR Systems International

    Founded in 2013, STAR Systems International is a world leader in Automatic Vehicle Identification Technologies. STAR Systems focuses on providing best-in-class transponders, readers and professional consulting services for Smart City Initiatives, including Electronic Tolling (ETC), Congestion/Road Use Charging, Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR), Express/HOT Lane, Fleet Management, Parking and Secure Access Control applications.

    STAR Systems strives to ensure customer success by leveraging the Company’s technical expertise and implementation experience. For more information, please visit www.star-int.net.

    Media Contact

    Zhihan Chen
    +(1) 469-838-2649
    zhihan.chen@star-int.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71ee0d09-1b14-4ce8-9735-c4d90839a4fb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple Arcade adds five new games in June, including UNO: Arcade Edition

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Arcade adds five new games in June, including UNO: Arcade Edition

    May 6, 2025

    UPDATE

    Five new games launch :br(xl)::br(l):on Apple Arcade on :br(xl)::br(l):June 5, including UNO: Arcade Edition, :br(xl)::br(l):and the award-winning :br(xl)::br(l):game WHAT THE CAR? :br(xl)::br(l):for Apple Vision Pro

    Apple Arcade welcomes five new games and exciting updates for hit games on the service next month, offering a seamless experience of uninterrupted fun with no ads or in-app purchases. On June 5, players can enjoy these new games with family and friends, including UNO: Arcade Edition, the official reimagining of one of the most popular card games in the world; LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+, where iconic LEGO worlds and Hill Climb Racing’s physics-based gameplay collide; Lost in Play+, an uplifting and wholesome point-and-click adventure; classic 3D arcade bouncing game Helix Jump+; and WHAT THE CAR? for Apple Vision Pro, a new spatial version of the highly rated racing comedy game.

    New updates to popular Arcade titles include a special Paddington event in Crayola Create and Play+ starting June 26; a new Queens neighborhood in Skate City: New York on May 22; and the arrival of the Diesel himself, Shaquille O’Neal, in the Greatest Mode in NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition on May 8.

    Apple Arcade features more than 200 games, playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

    UNO: Arcade Edition by Mattel163
     UNO: Arcade Edition features vibrant visuals, exciting Apple Arcade-exclusive gameplay, and multiple ways for UNO fans to play. Players can unwind with entertaining solo matches using classic UNO rules, or turn up the heat with a new Custom Games mode featuring new options like Wild Swap Hands and Color Showdown. With three game modes (Quick Match, Custom Games, and Single Player) and rich customizations — including unlockable creative frames, special effects, and emotes — every game feels fun and fresh. Whether playing solo or enjoying matches with friends and family, UNO: Arcade Edition delivers an entertaining and engaging experience anywhere.

    WHAT THE CAR? by Triband
     Indie developer Triband’s hilarious racing adventure takes on a whole new dimension. Using a floating TV portal with legs and an extendable steering wheel, players with Apple Vision Pro will use their hands — as if holding a physical steering wheel — to maneuver an unconventional race car with constantly changing features, such as legs, wings, and even the common cold. The wacky gameplay elements leverage spatial computing to pop out of the screen, making each race an adventure full of lively twists and turns.

    LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ by Fingersoft
     LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ invites players on a grand adventure where the creative charm of LEGO meets the wild physics-based gameplay of Hill Climb Racing. Players will race, explore, and build their way through dynamic locations — from sunny countrysides to the highest mountains and the daunting great below. With a cast of lovable LEGO Minifigures, upgradeable vehicles equipped with unique gadgets, and hidden secrets around every turn, the game offers a perfect mix of discovery, strategy, and action.

    Lost in Play+ by Happy Juice Games and Snapbreak Games
     The 2023 App Store Awards winner for iPad Game of the Year, Lost in Play+ is a journey through childhood imagination with thoughtfully crafted puzzles and colorful characters. Players must help a brother-and-sister duo on an adventure to find their way back home, exploring enchanted forests, outwitting quirky goblins, and befriending magical creatures. The young siblings’ adventure is filled with clever puzzles, minigames, and dreamlike surprises. With no dialogue, point-and-click gameplay, and a handcrafted animation style, Lost in Play+ is a wholesome and delightful interactive cartoon where fantasy and curiosity come to life.

    Helix Jump+ by Voodoo and Orbital Knight
     Helix Jump+ is the classic 3D arcade game and genre-defining hit, reimagined exclusively for Apple Arcade — with reworked haptic, enhanced visual effects, exclusive unlockable skins, and no ads or interruptions. Players will guide a bouncing ball through vibrant, twisting helix towers, timing their drops with precision to avoid traps and smash through platforms in a test of rhythm and momentum.

    Alongside new game launches, Apple Arcade players can also continue to enjoy their favorite titles on the service with regular updates.

    • On June 26, families can join Paddington for a special summer event, featuring a seven-day interactive quest full of heartwarming and colorful adventures, imaginative play, and priceless Paddington moments in Crayola Create and Play+ by Red Games Co.
    • On May 22, players can explore Queens and master 20 new Free Skate goals in Skate City: New York by Snowman and Agens.
    • On May 8, Shaquille O’Neal is the latest Greatest player to be added to the Greatest Mode in NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition by 2K.

    Additional fan-favorite titles getting updates this month include Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Shovel Knight Dig, Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE, Angry Birds Reloaded, puffies., Grindstone, Fruit Ninja Classic+, Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve, and more.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.1
    • Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95 U.S.), Family ($25.95 U.S.), and Premier ($37.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.2
    • Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro.
    • An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog.
    • Availability for the 200+ games across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.
    1. This offer is available to new subscribers only. One subscription covers one Family Sharing group. The offer is good for three months after eligible device activation. The plan automatically renews until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
    2. The Apple One free trial includes only services that are not currently used through a free trial or a subscription. The plan automatically renews after the trial until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

    Press Contacts

    Peter Nguyen

    Apple

    pete_nguyen@apple.com

    Jennifer Tam

    Apple

    jennifer_tam@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens hail peak rail fares U-turn and call for cheaper buses

    Source: Scottish Greens

    06 May 2025 Transport

    We did it! No more peak rail fares. Let’s see cheaper buses coming next.

    More in Transport

    The Scottish Greens have welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to finally take forward the Green policy of scrapping peak rail fares for good, and have called for action to make public transport cheaper across the board.

    The policy was initially secured by the Scottish Greens through budget negotiations in 2023 before being dropped by the SNP in 2024. 

    In the 2025 budget the Greens secured a £2 bus fare cap that the Government has committed to rolling out as a regional pilot project by January 2026.

    Speaking in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2025-26 debate today at Holyrood, the party’s co-leader, Lorna Slater, said:

    “I am delighted that the Government has finally committed to the Scottish Green policy of ending peak rail fares for good. 

    “Earlier this year, they said they wouldn’t do it. They even voted against Green calls to do it. We’ve finally got there.

    “More brave decisions are needed to make all public transport cheaper. 

    “The Scottish Government agreed to Green proposals for a £2 bus cap, only as a local pilot from January 2026, but people all across Scotland need cheaper buses now. 

    “Will the First Minister avoid the hesitation he showed over peak rail fares, get on with delivering another great Green idea: capping the price of bus fares in Scotland for good?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visits Star Coaches in Batley and celebrates a sector that provides 42,000 jobs in the UK.

    Pictured from left to right: Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Local Transport) and Imran Dabhad, Managing Director, Star Coaches of Batley

    • Transport Minister visits West Yorkshire to pledge renewed support for the coach sector, which provides 42,000 jobs in the UK
    • meeting industry leaders, he will reinforce the UK’s commitment to working with the sector to grow local economies and make services greener
    • comes ahead of National Coach Week, celebrating an industry that contributes over £6 billion to the national tourism economy, securing jobs and delivering growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The government has reaffirmed its support for the coach sector today (6 May 2025), as Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Star Coaches in Batley ahead of National Coach Week.  

    In partnership with the Road Haulage Association, National Coach Week (12 to 18 May 2025) celebrates the essential role of coaches in everyday life, from transporting over half a million students to school each day, to providing vital backup when trains or planes are disrupted.

    The minister met with staff and Road Haulage Association leaders to discuss the industry’s contribution to local communities, and how the government can work with operators to improve accessibility, make services greener and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: 

    It was a pleasure to visit Star Coaches in Batley today, ahead of National Coach Week. 

    From getting over half a million students to school each day, to supporting 42,000 jobs for drivers and other staff, the coach sector plays a vital role in our economy, and keeps communities connected. 

    That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with the industry to unlock its full potential – which will ultimately boost local economies, and open up access to greater job opportunities across the country to drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    During the visit, the minister discussed how Star Coaches supports the region – from transporting children on school trips, to helping older residents stay connected with their communities. The Batley based operator was founded in 1982 and operates a fleet of 16 to 70-seater coaches to serve local passengers across West Yorkshire.

    Tomorrow, the minister will meet with industry leaders to share insights from the visit and discuss how the government can strengthen the sector for the future. 

    As part of efforts to tackle driver shortages and expand opportunities for young people, the government is currently reviewing consultation feedback on licence rules for 18-to-20-year-olds.  

    The government is also working with the sector to continually improve accessibility, which includes running an innovation competition with Innovate UK to develop transferrable audio-visual equipment for coaches, which will award projects up to £170,000. 

    Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

    National Coach Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role the coach industry plays in our society.

    Coaches provide essential transport links, connect communities, and support our tourism sector. They are also a key part of the solution to reducing congestion and improving air quality.

    We urge everyone to join us in celebrating this important industry and recognise the hard work and dedication of the people who make it all possible.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “This is their Victory.” The “Glagol” Theatre staged a play about the generation of victors

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On May 3, the People’s University Theatre “Glagol” of SPbPU hosted the premiere of the musical and poetic composition “Shards of Silence”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

    In the performance, staged by the artistic director of the theater by Konstantin Gershov based on poems about the war and memories of front-line soldiers, brought together actors of different generations – from experienced masters who graduated from the Polytechnic in the 80-90s of the last century, to first-year students. This musical and poetic performance became an immersion, a kind of bridge between the past and the present.

    “At the end of March, when the repertoire of “Glagol” was being put together until the end of the season, an idea was born to do something dedicated to the anniversary of our Victory,” says Konstantin Gershov. “I buried myself in poetry and documents. As a result, a script for a musical and poetic composition appeared, and during several rehearsals, the play “Shards of Silence” came into being, which intertwined poetry, music, songs, and the memories of front-line soldiers. Conventional theater intertwined with newsreels, familiar songs of the war years became visible. Parallel dramatic stories unfolded within them. The play was glued together from different genre “shards,” moods, conditions, and atmospheres. Those who had the opportunity and desire took part in the play. As a result, several generations of Glagolits and four first-year studio students came together in the common work, which makes me very happy as the theater’s artistic director. We dedicate the play “Shards of Silence” to our ancestors. This is their Victory. And our memory of this Victory.”

    Poems by Vladimir Agatov, Olga Berggolts, Vladimir Vysotsky, Semyon Gudzenko, Yulia Drunina, Mikhail Isakovsky, Boris Kovynev, Mikhail Kulchitsky, Boris Laskin, Vasily Lebedev-Kumach, Mark Maksimov, Alexey Markov, Alexander Mezhirov, Bulat Okudzhava, David Samoilov, Boris Slutsky, Konstantin Gershov, Sergey Slesarev, Alexander Tsirlinson and other poets were recited from the stage.

    The audience heard excerpts from letters and memoirs by Pavel Kogan, Alexey Panteleyev, Boris Polevoy, Vasily Subbotin, and Nikolay Chukovsky.

    The musical accompaniment included music by Nikita Bogoslovsky, Matvey Blanter, Dmitry Shostakovich, Vladimir Vysotsky, Frederic Chopin, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Maria Bulat and other composers. The songs included “A Girl Sees Off a Soldier at the Position”, “Blue Handkerchief”, “The Morning Paints with Gentle Light”, “Three Tankers”, “Dark Night”, “Katyusha”, “It So Happened That the Men Left”, “How Disturbing the Memory is the September Evening”.

    Stasys Krasauskas’s engravings from the “Forever Alive” series, Sergei Larenkov’s photographs from the “Blockade Leningrad” series, and fragments from the film “Two Fighters” fit organically into the performance’s design.

    The production designer is Lyudmila Radchenko. Musical director is Maria Bulat. Sets by Dmitry Afinogenov and Lyudmila Radchenko, costumes and props by Lyudmila Radchenko. Assistant directors are Master’s student of IPMET Irina Smirnova (she is also a lighting designer) and ISI-2021 graduate Kirill Molev (he is also responsible for sound and video together with 3rd year IE student Mikhail Denisov).

    After the premiere, the actors shared their impressions of working in the play.

    Tatyana Mironova, 1995 GTF graduate, performer of the role of Woman: It can’t be called excitement, it’s something else, to the point of ringing in the ears, as if you’ve gone through a portal and feel everything differently. Thank you for the opportunity to be in such a project, to pronounce the names of grandfathers from the stage, for the memory, for the dedication, for this special energy!

    Darya Nonina, FEM-2001 graduate, performer of the roles of Woman and Mathematician: Those who went through the war, talked little about it. People avoided the topic. They were silent… Over time, they began to talk little by little. With fragmentary memories. Short. Sharp. The silence began to look like a panel of fragments. This composition, which we showed to the audience on May 3, is assembled from small and not so small details. Poems. Songs. Photos… I want to keep quiet after that Saturday. Although no… I want to say that the rehearsals went on as usual. Every now and then we would get a lump in our throats. But we managed. And then we got to the rehearsal of the finale. And I had to talk, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t say that my dad was a prisoner of a concentration camp. Because in the composition I also got a small role of a fascist mathematician, who had to dryly tell about the profit from each prisoner. On Friday evening it seemed that the composition was falling apart, crumbling, not fitting into a mosaic. And then Saturday came. What happened to us overnight? I don’t know… But all the participants suddenly connected with an invisible strong string, rallied, gathered, clenched into a fist. And the panel became voluminous, bright.

    Irina Gumarova, a 2016 graduate of the Polytechnic Institute of Humanities, performer of the roles of the Woman in Black and the Singer: It was a time of unity, open emotions. I have never seen the audience applaud so unanimously, with tears in their eyes. It was clear that this applause was intended for those whose lives fell on the terrible years of the war. It seemed that all our ancestors were standing next to us.

    Dmitry Fedorov, a first-year student at the Polytechnic Institute of Secondary Vocational Education, who plays the Soldier: Preparation for “Shards of Silence” was very interesting, educational and intensive. I learned a lot about the life of a Soviet soldier: how to wear a tunic, how to properly handle a carbine. I watched Soviet films about the war, about the horrors of those years. Many viewers cried that evening, which means that we were able to reach the hearts of the public.

    Igor Samoilov, student of the Institute of History and Culture, performer of the role of the Soldier: Work on this performance advanced my understanding of the Great Patriotic War, I began to treat this topic more seriously and responsibly, I began to understand more clearly what ordinary people with ordinary human souls actually went through in the forties, what a severe test our ancestors withstood. Now, I think I understand how it felt. The performance, composed by Konstantin Valentinovich, gives an opportunity to look into that time and experience it together with the characters of the production.

    Alina Buyanova, first-year student at the State Institute of Theatre Arts, performer of the role of the Girl: I am glad that my debut on the Glagol stage fell on such a performance. I never went backstage during a single rehearsal, I always stood behind the stage and watched. And every time – both during the rehearsals and during the performance – I was shivering from head to toe. Many episodes were chilling. In “Shards of Silence” I had the role of the Girl, a weightless and intangible image, a part of which lived in the soul of everyone during that harsh wartime, this is such a sincere and strong hope, a peaceful blue sky and tenderness. For me, this image is a contrast to the horrors of war.

    Pavel Sobolev, third-year student at the Institute of Theatre Arts, performer of the role of the Soldier: I could not even imagine that I, being a studio member, would take part in the premiere. The feelings before going on stage are frighteningly opposite: scary and incredibly interesting. There is a feeling: “The performance cannot be stopped! I will have to play, and there is nowhere to go!” And at the same moment comes a burning desire to go out and start playing my role. After the performance, feelings of joy and euphoria did not leave me, despite such a morally difficult production on an important topic. My heart was filled with a feeling of gratitude to the generation of people whose lives were affected by the war. It is important that we do not forget our heroes. It is nice that my family was present in the audience, who were touched by what was happening on stage.

    Tatyana Amirova, 3rd year student of the Institute of History and Culture, performer of the role of the Girl: My grandparents, great-grandparents were participants of the Great Patriotic War, I have heard stories about them since childhood. The war scared me (and still scares me), but the feat they accomplished delighted and amazed me to the depths of my soul. I could not imagine how they managed to survive this and preserve the human being in themselves. Thank you all for this performance. I am glad that I am part of such important work.

    From audience reviews

    Svetlana Viktorovna Tkacheva, foreign language methodologist at the State Budgetary Institution IMC of the Kalininsky District: The performance grabbed the hearts of the audience with a strong hand at the very beginning and did not let go until the end, and even the victorious march that sounded at the end did not make this grip easier. Because the fragments of war keep flying and flying, piercing our hearts and minds. The performance ended in an unusual and touching way – each performer, addressing the audience, named their grandfather, uncle, relative, who fought for Victory. I am sure that at that moment, each spectator mentally remembered their war hero…

    On May 10 and 17, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the People’s University Theatre “Glagol” of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will present the play “Thirteen Women of Sergeant Major Vaskov Between the Premonition of Great Love and the Expectation of Sudden Death.” The play is based on the story by Boris Vasiliev “The Dawns Here Are Quiet…”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Car Sales in Russia Down 27% in January-April 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 6 /Xinhua/ — According to the results of the first four months of 2025, sales of new cars of all segments in Russia decreased by 27 percent year-on-year and amounted to 404 thousand units, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade reported.

    During the specified period, 346.4 thousand new passenger cars were sold in Russia, a decrease of 26%. The market volume in the light commercial vehicle segment amounted to 34 thousand units, which is 16% less than the same period last year.

    In addition, 20 thousand trucks and 3 thousand electric vehicles were sold in January-April, which is 49 percent and 66 percent less, respectively, than in the same period a year earlier.

    At the same time, in April, the overall market growth was noted by 25 percent compared to March 2025, the ministry noted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Falmouth, Cumberland Students to Attend US Service Academies, Pingree Announces

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced that the two Maine students she nominated to attend U.S. Service Academies have both been accepted. Falmouth High School senior Samuel Yoon will attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado and Greely High School senior Riley Record will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.

    “Being accepted to a U.S. Service Academy is an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about a student’s academic excellence, leadership, and character,” said Pingree. “Like all the Maine students I’ve had the honor of nominating, Samuel and Riley have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our country. I’m incredibly proud of their acceptance to the Air Force Academy and West Point, and I wish them all the best.”

    “My experience as captain [of my high school soccer team] has taught me the values of serving others and has reinforced my belief in the Air Force’s core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” Samuel wrote in his letter requesting a nomination.“I have been fortunate to grow up in a caring family and community. I feel drawn to service, and the environment that the military provides is how I want to serve. The military’s emphasis on duty, honor, and selfless service resonates with me.”

    “It is truly the camaraderie, atmosphere, and service to country that drew me to the Academies. That camaraderie is something I have not felt elsewhere, and the universal ambition and drive of the students create an environment I wish to be a part of,” Riley wrote in her letter requesting a nomination. “I see the Academies as [a means] to dedicate my life to something bigger than myself, and to become a leader who will help people and my country. What I want most in my life is to have a purpose and be a part of an organization greater than a single entity, and the military would allow me this privilege.”

    To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Demands Answers Regarding the Revocation of Student Visas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status. Despite the Trump Administration’s recent claim that it would reverse course, only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made any policy change.  While students are no longer immediately deportable, they will be unable to return to the United States once they go home after the semester ends, as the State Department is not restoring students’ visa status.

    “This is not about national security. It is about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to stifle political dissent, restrict due process, and enforce an exclusionary and nativist vision of America that runs counter to everything our institutions of higher learning stand for,” wrote the lawmakers. “Across the country, students are being picked up – in some cases by masked immigration agents in unmarked cars – and being held in detention facilities with no warning and limited information as to why they are being deported.”

    According to recent reporting, more than 1,800 students and recent graduates across 280 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. Since Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also confirmed that at least 4,736 have had their legal status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). However, DHS does not have the authority to terminate this legal status except under very specific circumstances, none of which have been met in the vast majority of these cases.

    “Our campuses have been spaces where students and scholars from around the world come together to challenge assumptions, push the boundaries of knowledge, and foster the innovation that has made our country a global leader,” continued the lawmakers. “But today, the Trump administration’s heavy-handed and politically motivated immigration enforcement is turning university campuses into places of fear, rather than learning, and these actions deter students from coming to study at U.S. institutions.”

    Reporting has also shown that the State Department has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify students to target through their social media accounts. This aspect is especially troubling as social media accounts may not feature students’ names, and AI facial recognition is often prone to mistakes, at significantly higher rates when identifying people of color.

    The full text of the letter can be read here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Caught Attempting to Export Stolen Vehicles for Cartel

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

    McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old Mexican national has been arrested for his alleged role in attempting to export a stolen vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Angel David Salas-Herrera is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m. 

    The criminal complaint alleges that on May 2, law enforcement observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that had been reported stolen from Edinburg. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, and a chase ensued, according to the charges. It ended as the vehicle allegedly collided near a residence in Brownsville. 

    Salas-Herrera was the passenger, according to the allegations. During a search of the Gladiator, law enforcement allegedly found multiple key fobs and a device utilized to program them. 

    The charges allege the Gladiator was intended to be exported to Mexico for the Gulf Cartel. Law enforcement was also able to recover two additional stolen vehicles that were allegedly intended for the same purpose.  

    Salas-Herrera is charged with export of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.  

    This case is part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Cocina de Caldo. The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations are conducting the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, sheriff’s offices in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties and police departments in McAllen, Mission, Pharr, Brownsville, Edinburg and Rancho Viejo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.

    The OCDETF operation 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global CEO pay increased by 50 percent since 2019, 56 times more than worker wages

    Source: Oxfam –

    • Average CEO pay surged by 50 percent in real terms since 2019, while average worker wages increased by just 0.9 percent.
    • Every hour, billionaires pocket more wealth than the average worker earns in an entire year.  
    • The average gender pay gap in 11,366 corporations worldwide narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023 ―yet their average female employee still effectively works for free on Fridays, while their average male employee is paid through the week.
    • Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are calling for higher taxes on the super-rich to invest in people and planet.

    Average global CEO pay hit $4.3 million in 2024, reveals new analysis from Oxfam ahead of International Workers’ Day (1 May). This is a 50 percent real-term increase from $2.9 million in 2019 (adjusted for inflation) —a rise that far outpaces the real wage growth of the average worker, who saw a 0.9 percent increase over the same five-year period in the countries where CEO pay data is available.

    The figures are median averages, based on full executive pay packages, including bonuses and stock options, from nearly 2,000 corporations across 35 countries where CEOs were paid more than $1 million in 2024. The data, analyzed by Oxfam, was sourced from the S&P Capital IQ database, which uses publicly reported company financials.

    • Ireland and Germany have some of the highest-paid CEOs, earning an average of $6.7 million and $4.7 million a year in 2024 respectively.
    • Average CEO pay in South Africa was $1.6 million in 2024, while in India, it reached $2 million.

    “Year after year, we see the same grotesque spectacle: CEO pay explodes while workers’ wages barely budge. This isn’t a glitch in the system —it’s the system working exactly as designed, funnelling wealth ever upwards while millions of working people struggle to afford rent, food, and healthcare,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.

    Boosts to global CEO pay come as warnings grow that wages are failing to keep pace with the cost of living. While the International Labor Organization (ILO) global reports real wages grew by 2.7 percent in 2024, many workers have seen their wages stagnate. In France, South Africa and Spain for example, real wage growth was just 0.6 percent last year. While wage inequality had decreased globally, it remains very high, particularly in low-income countries, where the share of income of the richest 10 percent is 3.4 times higher than the poorest 40 percent.

    Billionaires —who often fully, or in part, own large corporations— pocketed on average $206 billion in new wealth over the last year. This is equivalent to $23,500 an hour, more than the global average income in 2023 ($21,000).
    Beyond runaway CEO pay, the global working class is now facing a new threat: sweeping US tariffs. These policies pose significant risks for workers worldwide, including job losses and rising costs for basic goods that would stoke extreme inequality everywhere. 

    “For so many workers worldwide, President Trump’s reckless use of tariffs means a push from one cruel order to another: from the frying pan of destructive neoliberal trade policy to the fire of weaponized tariffs. These policies will not only hurt working families in the US, but especially harm workers trying to escape poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries,” said Behar.   

    Increasingly, corporations are being required by law to report their gender pay gaps ―the average difference in earnings between women and men. Oxfam’s analysis of the S&P Capital IQ database found that among 11,366 corporations across 82 countries that reported gender pay gap data, the average gap narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023. Yet, on average, women in these corporations still effectively work without pay on Fridays, while their male counterparts are paid for the full week.

    Corporations in Japan and South Korea reported some of the highest average gender pay gaps in 2023 (around 40 percent). The average gap in Latin America was 36 percent in 2023, up from 34 percent the previous year. Corporations in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK reported average pay gaps of 16 percent.

    Oxfam’s analysis also found that out of 45,501 corporations across 168 countries where the CEO is paid more than $10 million and their gender is reported, fewer than 7 percent have a female CEO.

    “The outrageous pay inequality between CEOs and workers confirms that we lack democracy where it is needed most: at work. Around the world, workers are being denied the basics of life while corporations pocket record profits, dodge taxes and lobby to evade responsibility,” said Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

    “Workers are demanding a New Social Contract that works for them —not the billionaires undermining democracy. Fair taxation, strong public services, living wages and a just transition are not radical demands —they are the foundation of a just society. It’s time to end the billionaire coup against democracy and put people and planet first.”

    Oxfam and the ITUC are calling on governments to sustain and accelerate momentum on taxing the super-rich, both nationally and globally. This includes introducing top marginal rates of tax of at least 75 percent on all personal income for the highest earners to discourage sky-high executive pay. Governments must also ensure minimum wages keep up with inflation, and that everyone has the right to unionize, strike and bargain collectively.
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MEDIA ADVISORY: EMERGENCY PRESS BRIEFING FROM HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATIONS IN GAZA AS ISRAEL’S TOTAL SIEGE ON GAZA MARKS TWO MONTHS

    Source: Oxfam –

    What

    Today marks two months since Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza. Representatives from leading humanitarian organisations, including those who are in or just left the Gaza Strip, will brief the press on the devastating humanitarian impacts, as Palestinians facing starvation struggle to survive against the backdrop of a total siege which has blocked the entry of all aid – food, water, medicine, vital equipment – and commercial goods into Gaza.

    Panellists will share testimonies on the unimaginable suffering people are experiencing as aid stocks run out and malnutrition rates rise, and will renew their urgent call for a full and permanent ceasefire and the unfettered entry of aid.  

    The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire since Israel broke the ceasefire on 18 March and renewed bombings and ground operations. People are risking their lives as they search for food, water and shelter under bombardment.  

    Areas of focus

    • Depletion of essential supplies and food stocks from markets and aid agencies, causing food prices to skyrocket.
    • The resulting acute hunger and malnutrition, especially among children.
    • The militarization of aid.
    • Targeting of medical facilities and the dire state of medical care.
    • The severe constraints of humanitarian aid delivery under Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

    When

    Friday, May 2, 2025 – 13:00 BST; 14:00 CET; 15:00 Gaza; 08:00 ET

    Where

    Please register in advance for this webinar:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_81_sW6z3Tbqb_pPvEijgKg

    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    Who

    • Moderated by Jacqui Corcoran, Media & Comms Lead, Oxfam Jerusalem, Occupied Palestinian Territory
    • Gavin Kelleher, Humanitarian Access Manager, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). He has been working from Gaza for the past year, advising on navigating the deteriorating humanitarian access environment, and focusing on getting aid to the hardest-to-reach populations.
    • Ghada Alhaddad, Gaza Media & Communications Officer, Oxfam International. She holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs, which she earned through a Fulbright Scholarship. Ghada has worked in multimedia production since 2017, with various NGOs in Gaza and USA including Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, Anera, and the IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology. She is based in Gaza.
    • Rachael Cummings, Gaza-based Humanitarian Director, Save the Children. She has been working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) since October 2023, initially based in Ramallah before relocating to Gaza in February. Rachael brings extensive experience in humanitarian public health. Prior to her current role, she served as the Director of Humanitarian Public Health at Save the Children in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where she led the Emergency Health Unit’s COVID-19 response.
    • Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) and the deputy of the General Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Human Rights (ICHR). He worked as a teacher of the deaf from 1992 until 1999. He is a member of The Palestinian Resource Group on Conflict Transformation and is also co-founder and board member of a number of NGOs, and has written and spoken extensively on human rights and civil society issues. He is based in Gaza.
    • Dr. Fady Abed, Gaza-based dentist, Communications and Reporting Officer, MedGlobal. He supports nutrition and health programs by working closely with frontline teams to coordinate and document the response to rising malnutrition, providing firsthand insight into its impact on affected communities. He is based in Gaza.

    For more information and for interviews, please contact:

    Oxfam Media office | Media.OPTI@oxfam.org   

    Jacqui Crocoran | Oxfam Media Lead in Jerusalem, Occupied Palestinian TerritoryOxfam |  jacqui.corcoran@oxfam.org

    For real-time updates, follow us on X and Bluesky, and join our WhatsApp channel. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel’s New INGO Registration Measures Are a Grave Threat to Humanitarian Operations and International Law – 55 Organisations Say

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam, together with 54 organisations operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) call for urgent action from the international community against new Israeli registration rules for international NGOs. Based on vague, broad, politicised, and open-ended criteria, these rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations, silence advocacy grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, and further entrench Israeli control and de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory.

    For over a year and a half, humanitarian organisations have continued operating despite unprecedented constraints. In 2024, they reached millions of people across the oPt with essential services – from food and water to mobile clinics, legal aid, and education. The new registration rules now threaten to shut this work down. These measures go beyond routine policy. They mark a serious escalation in restrictions on humanitarian and civic space and risk setting a dangerous precedent.

    Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as “delegitimising Israel” or expressing support for accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Other disqualifiers include public support for a boycott of Israel within the past seven years (by staff, a partner, board member, or founder) or failure to meet exhaustive reporting requirements. By framing humanitarian and human rights advocacy as a threat to the state, Israeli authorities can shut out organisations merely for speaking out about conditions they witness on the ground, forcing INGOs to choose between delivering aid and promoting respect for the protections owed to affected people.

    INGOs are further required to submit complete staff lists and other sensitive information about staff and their families to Israel when applying for registration. In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns.

    These new rules are part of a broader, long-term crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, marked by heightened surveillance and attacks, and a series of actions that restrict humanitarian access, compromise staff safety, and undermine core principles of humanitarian action. They are not isolated but part of a wider pattern that includes:

    • Blocking or delaying aid through arbitrary bureaucratic restrictions, logistical obstacles, and complete sieges, denying essential lifesaving supplies to Palestinians.
    • Killing more than 400 humanitarian workers in Gaza, injuring and detaining countless others, and repeatedly attacking marked and notified humanitarian premises, facilities or convoys.
    • Passing legislation aimed at curtailing the operations of UNRWA, the largest provider of essential services for Palestinians.
    • Advancing legislation to impose a tax of up to 80 per cent on foreign government funding to Israeli NGOs, while barring them from seeking recourse through the Israeli court system – including organisations that serve as partners for INGOs to deliver assistance and uphold protections in communities facing displacement, demolitions, or settler violence.
    • Suspending work visas for international staff and revoking permits for Palestinians residing in the West Bank to access Jerusalem, severely disrupting operations.• And now, making INGO registration conditional on political and ideological alignment, undermining the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian actors.

    Under international humanitarian law, occupying powers are obligated to facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance and ensure the welfare of the protected population. Any attempt to condition humanitarian access on political alignment or penalise organisations for fulfilling their mandate risks breaching this framework. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in three legally binding provisional measures orders in 2024. Yet, these new rules expand and institutionalise existing barriers to aid.

    We call on States, donors, and the international community to:

    • Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access – including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses.
    • Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery.
    • Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work.

    The undersigned 55 organisations stress that engagement with the registration process to preserve critical humanitarian operations should not be misinterpreted as endorsement of these measures.

    These 55 organisations remain committed to the delivery of humanitarian aid, along with development and peacebuilding services and activities that are independent, impartial, and based on need, in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles derived from it. INGOs stand ready to engage with Israeli authorities in good faith on administrative processes but cannot accept measures that penalise principled humanitarian work or expose staff to retaliation. These measures not only undermine assistance in the oPt but also set a dangerous precedent for humanitarian operations globally.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-India Free Trade Deal: A Deal For Growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-India Free Trade Deal: A Deal For Growth

    The UK has secured the best deal India has ever agreed, providing businesses with security and confidence to trade with the fastest-growing economy in the G20.

    Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds with Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal

    Delivering Economic Growth 

    The core mission of this Government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do. We estimate that it will increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, add £4.8billion a year to our economy and boost wages by £2.2 billion every year in the long run. footnote 1 This is the best deal India has ever agreed to. It delivers on our manifesto commitment to create trade relationships that unlock new opportunities for businesses across all our nations and regions. 

    Case study – Standard Chartered 

    Standard Chartered is a leading UK-based international banking group with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. It is the largest and oldest foreign bank in India, acting as a ‘super connector’ of cross-border trade and investment by driving commerce and prosperity through its unique diversity for more than 165 years.   

    Saif Malik, CEO, UK and Head of Coverage, UK, Standard Chartered, said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor.

    We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.

    Case study – UPS

    UPS is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2024 revenue of $91.1 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories, including connecting the United Kingdom and India. 

    Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics, said:

    We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network.

    We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

    Future-Proofing Our Economy 

    This deal gives UK businesses first-mover advantage with a new economic superpower. Currently the biggest country in the world by population, India is projected to move from its fifth-largest global economy to third in the next three years, thanks to the highest growth rate in the G20. footnote 2 By the end of the decade, it will be home to an estimated 60 million middle-class consumers, whose numbers are projected to grow to a quarter of a billion by 2050. footnote 3 And by 2035, their demand for imports is on course to top £1.4 trillion. footnote 4 The enormous scope of this market, where British goods and services are already sought after, represents an equally huge opportunity for UK businesses in the decades to come. 

    Case study – John Smedley Ltd

    Established in 1784 in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, John Smedley Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer and retailer of luxury knitwear. 

    Bill Leach, Global Sales Director, John Smedley Ltd, said:

    India is one of the fastest growing luxury markets in the world, and we are very excited about the UK- India Free Trade Agreement coming to fruition.

    John Smedley knitwear is already sold in over 50 countries around the world, and now that the FTA has been finalised, we shall very much look forward to ensuring that an ever-increasing number of discerning luxury consumers in India will enjoy greater access to The World’s Finest Knitwear.

    We are thankful to DBT for their significant efforts in bringing this FTA to successful conclusion.

    Cutting costs for UK-India trade 

    From day one, this deal will support businesses across the United Kingdom by making it cheaper, easier, and quicker to trade with India. The deal will slash costs on UK exports, including whiskies and gin, cosmetics, medical devices, advanced machinery and lamb. Based on current trade alone, India’s tariff cuts amount to £400m in the first year, going up around £900m after 10 years. footnote 5 And that’s before factoring in the savings from speedier and easier trade from improved customs and digital commitments. This immediate relief represents a major advantage our businesses will enjoy over their international competitors, helping them to invest, expand, and support more high-quality jobs. 

    Case study – Smith+Nephew

    Smith+Nephew designs and manufactures technology that takes the limits off living. Smith+Nephew’s products include: Advanced Wound Management; orthopaedics and a robot assisted surgery system; and joint preservation and soft tissue orthopaedics.

    Deepak Nath, Chief Executive Officer, Smith+Nephew, said:

    Given the size of the Indian economy and its healthcare system, India is an important location for Smith+Nephew. The Free Trade Agreement offers the potential to build trading links in the healthcare sector.

    We hope that the Free Trade Agreement will enable Smith+Nephew’s innovative medical technologies to support more healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility.

    Delivering opportunities for High-Growth Sectors 

    This deal supports the UK’s world-leading high-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy, including:  

    • Slashing tariffs for UK’s large and varied advanced manufacturing sectors, including for automotives, electrical machinery and high-end optical products.  

    • Giving the clean energy industry brand new and unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market, as India makes the switch to renewable energy, alongside their growing energy demand. 

    • Unlocking new opportunities for medical devices firms within the life sciences sector, with reduced tariffs and rules of origin that factor in the UK’s complex supply chains and ensure that businesses can reap the benefits.  

    • Enshrining copyright protections for the creative sector, enabling our exporters to feel confident exporting to India with a commitment that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. India will also commit to engaging on aspects of Copyright and Related Rights. This deal addresses the interests of UK creators, rights holders, and consumers, including around Public Performance Rights and Artist Resale Rights, which acknowledge the importance of payment rights. India will also conduct an internal review of their copyright protection terms.   

    • Guaranteeing access for the UK’s world-class financial and professional business services sectors to India’s growing market. This is on top of securing India’s foreign investment cap for the insurance sector, ensuring UK financial services companies are treated equally to domestic suppliers, and encouraging the recognition of professional qualifications. 

    • Securing India’s best ever commitments on digital trade for our Digital and technology sectors, such as promoting digital systems and paperless trade, helping UK businesses of all sizes take the opportunities on offer in this huge and rapidly expanding market.  

    Case study – Premier League

    The Premier League is the world’s most-watched football competition, reaching 1.6 billion viewers in 189 countries around the world. The global success of the Premier League makes it one of the UK’s most significant soft power assets, amplifying British cultural values and generating economic growth and inward investment. 

    Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:

    India continues to be incredibly important to the Premier League and its clubs. It is a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential. The Premier League’s recent announcement of an office opening in Mumbai demonstrates our commitment to build on longstanding work to engage local fans, develop grassroots and elite football and further promote the game in India.  

    The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by Government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.

    Case study – EY

    EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and a diverse ecosystem of partners, EY teams provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. 

    Rohan Malik, EMEIA and UKI Government & Public Sector Managing Partner, EY, said:  

    This agreement is poised to accelerate an economic partnership that is already thriving, with the value of total trade between the UK and India having more than doubled from £16.6bn to £40bn over the last decade.

    British businesses stand to benefit substantially from enhanced access to one of the world’s largest export markets and a skills pool that can fuel strategically important UK sectors, including professional services and emerging industries based around data and AI.

    Case study – Concrete Canvas Ltd

    Concrete Canvas Ltd is a Wales-based low-carbon concrete manufacturer. 

    William Crawford, Director of Concrete Canvas Ltd, said: 

    India is a dynamic and vibrant economy and an increasingly important market for Concrete Canvas products. A UK-India FTA will help to accelerate our plans for growth by reducing trade barriers and making us more competitive.

    This is welcome news for both UK and Indian businesses!

    Case study – Biopanda

    Biopanda is a Belfast-based medtech manufacturer which exports in vitro test kits for clinical laboratories, veterinary practice, and food safety laboratories.

    Philip McKee, Sales Manager at Biopanda, said:  

    Biopanda have been supplying a range of diagnostic products to the Indian market throughout the past ten years.

    We value the business we have done already throughout India and with the introduction of the UK-India FTA this should benefit in increased trade with the removal of export barriers.

    This will hopefully increase the market access, allowing our distributors throughout India to provide a larger range of our highly accurate clinical diagnostic products at a lower price to the consumer.

    Unlocking Opportunities Nationwide 

    Through our Plan for Change, this government will raise living standards in every part of the United Kingdom. This deal supports that goal, unlocking new opportunities in every region and nation.  

    This deal also opens a huge new market for iconic UK brands, securing India’s best ever tariff offer and providing access to India’s growing middle-class consumer base, which will give iconic UK brands the opportunity to expand their reach and influence. This access includes cutting tariffs on whiskies from 150% to 75% at entry into force, following to 40% after 10 years, as well as on other agri-food products such as soft drinks dropping from 33% to 0% after seven years, and lamb dropping from 33% to 0% at entry into force. Separately high-end cars will benefit from a drop from over 100% to 10% under a quota. We have also secured India’s best ever agreement on Rules of Origin, which enables UK businesses to take advantage of these new lower tariffs.

    This deal will also support consumers as they benefit from the best of India and greater variety as our trading relationship grows, including clothing, footwear, and iconic food and drink. New commitments will also help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent.

    Case study – Chivas Brothers Ltd

    Chivas Brothers Ltd is part of the Pernod Ricard group of companies and exports over £2bn of Scotch whisky and gin every year, including brands like Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet and Beefeater. India is amongst Chivas Brothers’ largest export markets and the biggest consumer of whisky worldwide by volume. The UK-India trade agreement will help solidify and potentially expand on Pernod Ricard’s existing investments, which includes a €200m distillery construction in the Indian state of Maharashtra and £100m in bottling facilities in Dumbarton, Scotland. 

    Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, said:

    The announcement of a free trade agreement in principle between the UK and India is a welcome boost for Chivas Brothers during an uncertain global economic environment.

    India is the world’s biggest whisky market by volume and greater access will be a game changer for the export of our Scotch whisky brands, such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s. The deal will support long term investment and jobs in our distilleries and bottling plants in Scotland, as well as help deliver growth in both Scotland and India over the next decade. Slàinte to the UK Ministers and officials who steered the deal though long negotiations.

    Case study – Diageo

    Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with a collection of brands across spirits and beer categories sold in more than 180 countries around the world. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  

    Diageo is a leading player in India’s beverage alcohol sector and is among the top 10 fast-moving consumer goods companies in India by market capitalisation. Diageo has 50 manufacturing facilities across India, employs over 3,300 people directly in market with a further 100,000 jobs supported throughout its value chain. India is one of Diageo’s largest markets globally and accounts for almost half of its total global spirits volume.

    Diageo Chief Executive Debra Crew said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a huge achievement by Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer and Ministers Goyal and Reynolds, and all of us at Diageo toast their success. It will be transformational for Scotch and Scotland, while powering jobs and investment in both India and the UK.

    The deal will also increase quality and choice for discerning consumers across India, the world’s largest and most exciting whisky market.

    Enhancing Security through our partnership

    The UK and India already enjoy a deep and broad partnership built on our shared principles as two democracies, our commitment to the rules-based international order, strong ties in areas including culture, education, food, and sport, and of course through our living bridge – with some 1.9 million people with Indian heritage calling the UK their home. footnote 6

    This agreement encourages collaboration between our two complementary economies. It creates a framework to promote closer ties on innovation – including on new technologies in areas like agriculture, health, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. And our agreement on business mobility will help experts on both sides deliver their services, enabling us to capitalise on the economic transformation that technology will bring over the course of this century. 

    Through this deal, we are showing the world that we stand for free, fair, and open trade. In an increasingly unstable and volatile world, this provides businesses with the confidence that they need to grow and expand. And as India’s approach to global trade changes, so can this deal. We have agreed in numerous areas that, if India offer a better deal to a different country, we can come back to the table to renegotiate for the UK. 

    Case study – Coltraco Ultrasonics

    Coltraco Ultrasonics are high-exporting advanced manufacturers of ultrasonic instrumentation and systems, exporting 90% manufactured output to 120 countries. Coltraco have twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and have exported to India for 30 years. Since 2019, Coltraco have won the contract for nearly 200 ships of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard and support in-service use and maintenance of their ultrasonic watertight integrity instrumentation on board. 

    Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, Chairman Coltraco Ultrasonics Limited & Director-General The Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention, said:

    Coltraco Ultrasonics is strongly supportive of the India FTA Trade Agreement and proud to have modestly contributed to and advising the British negotiating team on various chapters.

    The UK private sector can now, because of the India FTA, the Windsor Framework CPTPP, and a variety of other UK FTAs, look out to the world, balancing our exporting and investment opportunities between the USA, the EU and Asia Pacific.

    It is a tremendous success and we thank British and Indian Civil Servants for their public service in the UK-India FTA.

    Unlocking Access to India’s Untapped Procurement Market 

    For the first time, UK businesses will have guaranteed and unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market, covering goods, services and construction. UK businesses will be granted brand new access to approximately 40,000 tenders with a value of at least £38 billion a year. footnote 8 This will unlock significant opportunities spanning a range of sectors, including transport, healthcare and life sciences and green energy. Alongside this UK firms will, for the first time, have access to India’s procurement portal, connecting them to the information they need to make the best out of these opportunities – which will grow as India builds the infrastructure necessary for an economic superpower with the world’s largest population. 

    UK companies will also get exclusive treatment under the ‘Make in India’ policy, which currently provides preferential treatment for federal government procurement to businesses who manufacture or produce in India. However, this unprecedented treatment will mean that if at least 20% of a company’s product or service is from the UK, they will be treated as a ‘Class Two local supplier’– granting them the same status that is currently only ever given to Indian businesses.  

    Protecting Our Values 

    Throughout the negotiations, we have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, the environment, gender equality, and development. We have protected the NHS, defended the UK’s interests, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments throughout. This deal demonstrates our commitment to both workers and businesses, staying true to our values while driving economic growth.

    1. DBT CGE modelling. See Technical Annex

    2. World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024

    3. Projections are calculated using the methodology described in DBT’s Global Trade Outlook, February 2023

    4. Ibid.

    5. The methodology for estimating the value of duties can be found in Annex 5 of the technical annexes accompanying the UK-India FTA Scoping assessment

    6. 2021 England and Wales Census; 2021 NI Census; 2011 Scottish Census

    7. DBT inward investment results 2023 to 2024 (HTML version) – GOV.UK; ; Grant Thornton, Britain meets India 2024; Grant Thornton, India meets Britain tracker: 2023.

    8. This analysis utilises Top 200 Entity data from India’s e-procurement dashboard, for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, which is not exhaustively used by all federal government agencies for all procurements. Therefore, several entities included within India’s market access schedule cannot be included within the analysis. This analysis does not take into account restrictions on access as a result of Make in India, the chapter thresholds and tenders for goods or services not covered by the government procurement chapter.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building the best future for Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    Programme for Government 2025-26.

    The NHS will deliver 100,000 additional GP appointments and Scotland will have a ‘best in UK’ cost-of-living guarantee, including the permanent abolition of peak rail fares, First Minister John Swinney announced as he set out a Programme for Government against a backdrop of global economic challenges. 

    Speaking one year since he was elected First Minister and one year before the end of this Parliament, Mr Swinney committed to a package of cost-of-living initiatives for households and businesses and a new Six Point Export Plan to unlock target markets. He set out plans to strengthen the NHS with the delivery of extra GP appointments for key health risks such as high blood pressure, and 150,000 more NHS appointments and procedures, including a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements.  

    Key announcements include:   

    • 100,000 enhanced service GP appointments by March 2026 for key risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity and smoking as well as more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures, including surgeries and diagnostic tests, and target cancer pathways to tackle backlogs against the 62-day referral to treatment standard 
    • The cost-of-living guarantee which includes ongoing free prescriptions, eye exams, bus travel for 2.3 million people, free tuition for students and more than £6,000 in early learning and childcare support for each eligible child 
    • ScotRail peak rail fares abolished and the general alcohol ban on ScotRail trains removed and replaced with time and location restrictions 
    • Winter fuel payments for pensioners restored 
    • A new Six Point Export Plan, with a focus on actions to unlock target markets, and showcase Scotland to global buyers 
    • A national regeneration fund that will support at least 26 projects to renew and restore communities, with a focus on delivering more local jobs 
    • More rights and stronger protections for tenants, helping deliver more than 8,000 affordable homes, including for social and mid-market rent, and removing barriers on stalled building sites with the potential to deliver up to 20,000 new homes 

    The First Minister said:  

     “This Programme for Government is focused on providing the best cost-of-living support across the UK, as well as delivering a renewed and stronger NHS.   

     “When I became First Minister a year ago, I heard loud and clear people’s concerns about the NHS which is why I am taking serious action to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the public.  

    “This PfG also shows decisive action to protect Scotland’s economy and maximise our economic potential in the face of global challenges.   

     “It is being published earlier than usual, in part because it allows a clear year of delivery on the NHS and other public services, but also due to the scale of the looming economic challenge.    

     “It is a programme for a better Scotland, for a stronger NHS and a more resilient and wealthier Scotland. It is a Programme for Government that gets our nation on track for success.”  

     Background  

    Read the Programme for Government 2025-26

    Read the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament, 6 May 2025

    The First Minister also confirmed Scottish Government plans to introduce six Bills over the course of the 2025-26 parliamentary year – alongside 2 Bills due to be introduced before summer recess and 14 Bills already before the Scottish Parliament – including:  

    Bills for introduction:  

    • Budget (No. 5)   
    • Children and Young People (Care)   
    • Contract (Formation and Remedies)   
    • Digital Assets    
    • Heat in Buildings   
    • Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures   

     Bills from Year 4 programme which will be introduced before summer recess:  

    • Building Safety Levy   
    • Crofting and Scottish Land Court   

    Scottish Government Bills currently proceeding through Parliament:   

    • Care Reform   
    • Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty)   
    • Community Wealth Building   
    • Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews   
    • Education   
    • Housing   
    • Land Reform   
    • Leases (Automatic Continuation etc.)   
    • Natural Environment   
    • Regulation of Legal Services   
    • Scottish Languages   
    • Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance)   
    • UEFA European Championship   
    • Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform 

    A’ togail an ama ri teachd as fheàrr do dh’Alba

    Am Prògram airson Riaghaltas 2025-26.

    Bheir an NHS seachad 100,000 coinneamh a bharrachd le dotairean-teaghlaich. Gheibh Alba cuideachd gealladh gur i an dùthaich san Rìoghachd Aonaichte far am faigh daoine an dòigh-bheatha as fheàrr a dh’aindeoin staing nan cosgaisean bith-beò – mar eisimpleir, le bhith a’ cur às do na faraidhean rèile as daoire aig Rèile na h-Alba. Mhìnich am Prìomh Mhinistear Iain Swinney seo is e a’ cur an cèill Prògram airson Riaghaltas mu choinneamh dhùbhlain eaconamach na cruinne.

    ’S e a’ bruidhinn aon bhliadhna bhon a chaidh a thaghadh mar Phrìomh Mhinistear is aon bhliadhna gun crìochnaich a’ Phàrlamaid seo, thug Mgr Swinney seachad gealladh gun cuireadh an Riaghaltas an sàs iomairtean a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò às leth dhachaighean is ghnothachasan. Gheall e gun dèigheadh Plana ùr fhoillseachadh anns a bheil Sia Puingean a thaobh Às-mhalairt, gus fosgladh margaidhean air a bheil Alba ag amas. Mhìnich e cuideachd planaichean gus an NHS a neartachadh le bhith a’ toirt seachad barrachd choinneamhan le dotairean-teaghlaich airson prìomh chunnartan slàinte leithid brùthadh-fala àrd. A thuilleadh air an sin, thèid 150,000 coinneamh is obair-mheadaigeach a bharrachd a thoirt seachad fon NHS, agus nam measg bidh àrdachadh de 50% ann an obraichean-lannsa leithid a bhith a’ toirt chruaichnean is ghlùinean ùra do dhaoine.

    Mar phàirt de na prìomh rudan a thèid a chur an cèill tha:

    • 100,000 coinneamhan le dotairean-teaghlaich tron tèid seirbheis aig ìre nas àirde a thoirt seachad. Bidh seo air a choileanadh ron Mhàrt 2026 is dèiligidh iad ris na prìomh rudan a chomharras cunnartan slàinte, mar eisimpleir: brùthadh-fala àrd, coileastarail àrd, àrd-ìre de shiùcar-fala, reamhrachd agus smocadh. Thèid cuideachd 150,000 coinneamh is obair-mheadaigeach a bharrachd a thoirt seachad. Am measg iad seo bidh obraichean-lannsa is deuchainnean diagnosach, is slighean leigheis airson aillse gus an tèid dèiligeadh ri cùisean air an deach maill a chur. Bidh seo a’ coileanadh na bun-inbhe a chanas nach bi neach a’ feitheamh barrachd air 62 latha eadar iad a bhith a’ faighinn iomradh airson leigheas agus an leigheas fhèin.
    • Gealladh a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò far an lean daoine orra a bhith a’ faighinn òrduighean-chungaidhean saor an-asgaidh, deuchainnean sùla, siubhal air bus do 2.3 millean neach, oideachadh saor an-asgaidh do dh’oileanaich agus còrr air £6000 as fhiach de thaic airson tràth-ionnsachadh is cùram-cloinne do gach leanabh aig a bheil cothrom air.
    • Gun tèid cur às do na faraidhean as àirde aig Rèile na h-Alba. Bidh cuideachd an casg a tha ann an-dràsta a thaobh a bhith ag òl deoch-làidir air a thoirt air falbh is bacaidhean sònraichte a rèir àm agus àite air an cur ann.
    • Gun tèid pàigheadh connaidh a’ Gheamhraidh do pheinnseanairean a thoirt air ais.
    • Plana ùr anns a bheil Sia Puingean a thaobh Às-mhalairt, a chuireas fòcas air gnìomhan gus fosgladh margaidhean air a bheil Alba ag amas, agus gus an dùthaich a thaisbeanadh do cheannaichean na cruinne.
    • Maoin ath-bheòthachaidh nàiseanta a chuireas taic ri co-dhiù 26 pròiseactan gus ath-nuadhachadh is ath-thogail a thoirt air coimhearsnachdan, is far am bi fòcas air barrachd obraichean ionadail ùra a thoirt seachad.
    • Barrachd chòraichean is ceumannan dìona nas treasa do luchd-gabhail, a chuidicheas ann a bhith a’ toirt seachad còrr air 8,000 dachaigh aig prìs reusanta, is cuid dhiubh sin air an cur a-mach air màl sòisealta no meadhan na margaidh. Thèid cuideachd cur às do chnapan-starra a tha a’ fàgail gu bheil cuid a làraichean togail nan tàmh – rud aig a bheil an comas a bhith a’ toirt seachad suas ri 20,000 dachaigh ùr.

    Thuirt am Prìomh Mhinistear:

    “Tha am Prògram airson Riaghaltas seo a’ cur fòcas air a bhith a’ toirt seachad na taice as fheàrr anns an Rìoghachd Aonaichte a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò, a thuilleadh air a bhith a’ toirt seachad NHS a tha nas làidire agus air ùrachadh.

    “Nuair a chaidh mo thaghadh mar Phrìomh Mhinistear o chionn bliadhna, chaidh na draghan a tha aig daoine mun NHS a dhèanamh soilleir dhomh is ’s ann air sgàth sin a tha mi a’ cur an sàs ghnìomhan cudromach a nì cinnteach gu bheil an NHS a’ coileanadh feumalachdan a’ phobaill.

    “Anns a’ Phrògram seo chithear cuideachd gu bheil sinn a’ leantainn ghnìomhan le cinnt gus eaconamaidh na h-Alba a dhìon is làn-chomas na h-eaconamaidh againn a thoirt gu buil an aghaidh dhùbhlain aig ìre na cruinne.

     “Tha am Prògram air fhoillseachadh nas tràithe na ’s àbhaist, gu ìre seach gu bheil seo a’ toirt bliadhna shlàn far an urrainn do gheallaidhean a bhith air an coileanadh a thaobh an NHS is seirbheisean poblach eile, ach cuideachd air sgàth meud an dùbhlain eaconamaich a tha romhainn.

    “’S e prògram a tha ann airson Alba nas fheàrr, NHS nas làidire agus Alba a tha nas seasmhaiche agus nas beartaiche. ’S e seo Prògram airson Riaghaltas tron tèid an dùthaich againn a thilleadh don rathad as soirbheachaile.”

     Cùl-fhiosrachadh

    Dhearbh am Prìomh Mhinistear cuideachd na planaichean aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba gus sia Bilean a thoirt a-steach don phàrlamaid thairis air bliadhna na pàrlamaid 2025-26. Tha iad seo a thuilleadh air dà Bhile a tha san amharc tighinn do Phàrlamaid na h-Alba ro fhosadh an t-samhraidh agus 14 Bile a tha mu thràth mu choinneamh na Pàrlamaid. Nam measg, tha:

    Bilean rin toirt a-steach: 

    • Buidseat (Àir. 5)  
    • Clann agus Daoine Òga (Cùram)  
    • Cùmhnant (Cruthachadh agus Leasachadh)  
    • Maoinean Didseatach
    • Teas ann an Togalaichean
    • Obraichean-maise air nach fheum Obair-lannsa

    Bilean bho phrògram Bliadhna 4 a thèid a chur don phàrlamaid ro fhosadh an t-samhraidh: 

    • Bile na Cìse airson Sàbhailteachd Thogalaichean
    • Bile na Croitearachd agus Cùirt Fearainn na h-Alba

    Bilean le Riaghaltas na h-Alba a tha sa Phàrlamaid:  

    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh Cùraim  
    • Bile na Cloinne (A bhith a’ tighinn a-mach à Foghlam Creidimh agus Atharrachadh air Dleastanas Co-fhreagarrachd an UNCRC)
    • Bile airson Togail Beartas Choimhearsnachdan
    • Bile airson Ùrachadh Ceartas Eucorach is Sgrùdaidhean air Giùlan Mì-ghnàthach san Dachaigh
    • Bile an Fhoghlaim  
    • Bile an Taigheadais
    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh Fearainn
    • Bile na Gabhalach (Fèin-leantainn msaa.)
    • Bile na h-Àrainneachd Nàdarra
    • Bile airson Riaghladh Sheirbheisean Lagha
    • Bile nan Cànan Albannach
    • Bile airson Foghlam agus Trèanadh Iar-sgoile (Maoineachadh agus Riaghladh)
    • Bile airson Co-fharpais Eòrpach UEFA
    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh a thaobh Luchd-fulaing, Luchd-fianais agus Ceartas

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marathon County Woman Sentenced to Two ½ Years for Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine

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

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jessica L. Colby, 29, Stratford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Colby pleaded guilty to this charge on January 31, 2025.

    In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area. Colby was identified as a facilitator for the group.

    Following a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving other co-defendants in March and April 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant a residence that Colby shared with co-defendant Joshua Lake. Officers found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2 rifles, over $24,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

    Further investigation revealed that between January 22, 2024, and April 15, 2024, Colby assisted in the distribution of approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Colby assisted by picking up and delivering bulk shipments of drugs – at times on her own, as well as making payments to the cartel-connected sources of supply. In addition, Colby admitted to having her own drug customers.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley weighed the severity of Colby’s conduct, including the large quantities of drugs involved and her active role in the conspiracy, against her lack of a prior criminal record and her extraordinary conduct while on pretrial release.

    Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Dustin Brunker was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison on April 24, 2025. Joshua Lake has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2025.

    The charge against Colby was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Grande Prairie RCMP CRU arrests two for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On April 7, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious person and vehicle. Upon approach by RCMP members, the vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Members noted vehicle information for further investigation.

    On April 10, 2025, the vehicle was seen by a Grande Prairie RCMP Police Dog Services member, who advised the Grande Prairie RCMP CRU (Crime Reduction Unit). Grande Prairie RCMP CRU were able to locate the vehicle and conduct a traffic stop, which led to the arrests of the two individuals found within.

    A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed 125 grams of methamphetamines, 30 grams of fentanyl and over $2000 in cash.

    As a result of the investigation, the following two individuals were arrested:

    • A 45-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with:
      • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2);
      • Possession of proceeds of crime;
      • Possession of weapon while prohibited (x4);
      • Obstruct police officer;
      • Dangerous driving;
      • Failure to comply with release order (x2); and
      • Driving while unauthorized.
    • A 30-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

    Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 45-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 30-year-old individual was remanded into custody. They are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on April 14, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Morinville — Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigate homicide in Morinville

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On April 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Morinville RCMP responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Morinville Estates Manufactured Home Community. EMS and STARS attended; however, 37-year-old Shayne Fry of St. Albert, Alta., was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Though investigation is still ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that the shooting was most likely targeted, and the RCMP does not believe there is a risk to the general public.

    Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit has taken carriage of the investigation, with assistance from Morinville RCMP General Investigation Section and Alberta RCMP Forensic Identification Services.

    Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the Morinville RCMP Detachment at 780-939-4520. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foothills County — High River RCMP and Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit make arrests for stolen property

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On April 21, 2025, High River RCMP and the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, with the assistance of Okotoks RCMP, and the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at an acreage located in Foothills County. The search warrant resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen property including: 2 vehicles, 4 trailers, 1 ATV, 3 dirt bikes, and firearms. Two males were arrested on scene, and a third male fled the scene in a stolen truck. He was located and arrested after attempting to evade police.

    The three males have been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
    • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
    • Possession of weapon obtained by crime
    • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
    • Possession of break in tools
    • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
    • Criminal Flight
    • Mischief over $5000
    • Obstruct Police Officer
    • Fail to comply with release order
    • Careless storage of firearm
    • Firearm in motor vehicle

    They remain in custody awaiting court proceedings. An update is anticipated at a later time.

    This search warrant and arrests were a direct result of the work of the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, in conjunction with several Southern Alberta RCMP detachments.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: cheqd and Anonyome Labs Partner to Transform Digital Identity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — cheqd, a decentralised payment and trust infrastructure provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with Anonyome Labs, a pioneer in consumer privacy, cyber safety, and digital identity.

    By integrating cheqd’s decentralized identity and on-chain payment capabilities with Anonyome Labs’ Verifiable Credentials offering, the partnership establishes a trusted, scalable foundation for issuing, verifying, and monetising digital credentials. The combined solution is built to streamline onboarding, reduce fraud, and enhance privacy across sectors including education, finance, healthcare, insurance, and more.

    Next-Generation Identity Infrastructure

    The partnership brings together cheqd’s decentralized identity stack with Anonyome Labs’ Verifiable Credentials offerings to streamline identity verification, combat fraud, and protect personal information. The integrated solution enables individuals and organisations to receive credentials through personal or enterprise wallets and share them securely and privately with any relying party. By placing control in the hands of users, the partnership enables privacy-first interactions while helping organisations reduce operational friction and meet compliance requirements, ultimately improving customer experiences and reducing fraud.

    “cheqd’s on-chain payment rails further enhance the value of Anonyome Labs’ Verifiable Credential offerings by unlocking new revenue models for credential issuers. For the first time, organisations can generate direct value for their role in the digital identity ecosystem by charging for credentials they issue,” said JD Mumford, Anonyome Labs CEO.

    “The future of digital identity must be commercially sustainable to thrive. By introducing monetisation models for credential issuers, we’re proving that privacy and profit can go hand-in-hand. This partnership is a major step towards that future. Moreover, developers no longer have to choose between privacy and functionality,” said Fraser Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of cheqd.

    Developer-First Approach to Digital Identity Integration

    The joint solution also supports seamless integration for developers and enterprises. Anonyome Labs’ SDKs, APIs, and white-label apps make it easy to build and deploy digital identity features – from mobile wallets to credential services. With cheqd’s infrastructure embedded, organisations can rapidly deliver user-centric identity experiences that are secure, scalable, and monetisable from day one.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a8773b7-f56a-43d1-b889-a7ddf04ec209

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESO Releases 2025 EMS Index: Reveals Decrease in Opioid Overdose Calls and Data Informed By New Pre-Hospital Obstetric Emergency Guidelines

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESO’s 2025 ESO EMS Index, which analyzes data from more than 3,000 EMS agencies with 12.5 million 911 records in calendar year 2024, evaluated patient care and outcomes across seven key measures. The leading data services and software provider distributes the annual index to help agencies benchmark and compare performance against aggregate data in the U.S.

    “These data points aren’t just numbers—they represent real patients whose outcomes could be transformed through data-driven protocols and care practices,” said Dr. Brent Myers M.D., MPH, chief medical officer at ESO. “That’s why we’ve included five new metrics to paint a full picture of the current EMS landscape and spark innovation that could save lives, ensure balanced application of evidence-based measures, and maximize resources according to patient demands. When we measure patient encounters and treatments consistently and accurately, we understand precisely how to improve them.”

    Findings include:

    • Calls for suspected opioid overdose continue to drop: EMS agencies responded to 136,300 calls for patients with suspected opioid overdoses, accounting for 1% of all EMS calls, a decrease from 2% in the 2024 ESO EMS Index. This is in line with the CDC’s findings showing a significant reduction in overdose-related deaths across the U.S.
    • Maternal care findings: Among patients with postpartum hemorrhage, 20% of white patients received tranexamic acid (TXA) or oxytocin treatments compared with only 3% of Black patients and 8.5% of Hispanic patients. According to the CDC, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among industrialized countries. In April 2025, the National Association of EMS Physicians released new EMS model guidelines and protocols designed to support the care of obstetric emergencies, including postpartum hemorrhage, in the prehospital setting.
    • Airway safety gaps: 64% of invasive airway procedures in adult patients and 62% of pediatric patients included documentation confirming waveform capnography, according to the National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA)—the gold standard for confirming invasive airway placement due to its accuracy, reliability and continuous monitoring capabilities. While this measure focuses on the discrete documentation of waveform ETCO2, it is understood that other methods of documenting the use of this important tool are being utilized; we look forward to enhancing this measure in future indices to ensure current practice is being most accurately captured.
    • Pediatric behavioral health surge: The rise in pediatric behavioral health diagnoses is mirrored in 911 calls—about one in eight pediatric encounters (13%) involved behavioral health or substance use emergencies. Most EMS-transported children with behavioral health emergencies were discharged from the Emergency Department (ED), highlighting an opportunity to evaluate optimal alternative care settings.
    • Whole blood adoption increasing: Whole blood has become the most commonly administered blood product in ground EMS. EMS professionals administering whole blood to critically ill and injured patients is practical, feasible and associated with a low risk of adverse events.

    The 2025 EMS Index is the first index to use ESO’s longitudinal patient record ID—which makes it easier to track patients who frequently use EMS services. The new data revealed that 20% of patients (1.1 million) used EMS services twice or more in the calendar year, representing a significant opportunity to improve health outcomes by shifting nonemergent and chronic disease management to primary care settings.

    Access the 2025 ESO EMS Index here. For more information on ESO, visit www.eso.com.

    Methodology and Limitations
    The dataset for the 2025 ESO EMS Index report is real-world data, compiled and aggregated from 12,527,211 911 records that occurred in calendar year 2024 across the United States. This index is retrospective and looks at aggregate data from 2024. There are no universal rules
    designed around these measures. The purpose of the ESO EMS Index is to be informative and
    directional. This document is intended to serve as a body of literature that adds to the discussion about EMS best practices and quality improvement efforts to enhance patient outcomes. It is not meant as a scientific study nor comprehensive in nature.

    About ESO
    ESO (ESO Solutions, Inc.) is dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Since its founding in 2004, the company continues to pioneer innovative, user-friendly software to meet the changing needs of today’s dispatch centers, EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and state and federal offices. ESO currently serves thousands of customers across the globe with a broad software portfolio, including the state-of-the-art Logis IDS CAD solution, industry-leading ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR), the next-generation ePCR; ESO Health Data Exchange (HDE), the first-of-its-kind health care interoperability platform; ESO Fire RMS, the modern fire Record Management System; ESO Patient Registry (trauma, burn and stroke registry software); and ESO State Repository. ESO is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.eso.com.

    Media Contact:
    For ESO,
    Hope Sander
    Red Fan Communications
    eso@redfancommunications.com
    737-280-8783

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IntelliTrans Recognized as a Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Provider for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IntelliTrans, a leader in software and services for transportation management in bulk and break-bulk shipping, announces its inclusion in the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Providers for 2025. This honor reinforces IntelliTrans’ continued commitment to innovation and excellence in addressing the evolving challenges of modern supply chains.

    Selected from more than 400 technology leaders, IntelliTrans joins an elite group of solution providers whose services empower businesses to overcome logistics hurdles with data-driven insights and cutting-edge tools. The prestigious list, curated by Inbound Logistics editors, highlights those providers whose solutions enable Fortune 1000 enterprises, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, to thrive in complex, competitive markets.

    “With technology in the logistics and supply chain space evolving rapidly, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the companies driving innovation for shippers,” says Felecia Stratton, Editor of Inbound Logistics. “We are excited to uncover the supply chain and logistics tech industry trailblazers whose solutions are transforming the landscape. This recognition honors excellence and provides valuable insights into the evolving technological trends within the supply chain industry.”

    IntelliTrans’ recognition is not just a testament to its technology but also its unwavering dedication to customer success. By listening to industry pain points and delivering tailored solutions, IntelliTrans positions its customers as leaders in their fields, consistently enabling them to unlock new opportunities for expansion and efficiency.

    “We are incredibly honored to once again be recognized as a Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Provider by Inbound Logistics,” said Chad Raube, President and CEO of IntelliTrans. “This achievement reflects our ongoing mission to empower our customers with innovative software that makes supply chains more visible, efficient, and resilient. Our solutions are purpose-built to tackle the challenges of an unpredictable market, and we are motivated every day by the success of our customers.”

    The Top 100 Logistics IT Providers list is published in all the April Inbound Logistics magazine editions and apps.

    About IntelliTrans Multimodal Transportation Solutions
    IntelliTrans, a Roper Technologies business (Nasdaq: ROP), empowers businesses to optimize their supply chains with seamless freight management and shipment execution across all modes of transportation, including rail, truck, ocean, and barge. IntelliTrans’ trusted transportation management solutions enable customers to solve complex business challenges and help achieve a holistic digital strategy by incorporating multimodal solutions backed by extensive industry knowledge. Recognized as a top transportation management provider, IntelliTrans has recently received the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider Award, the 2023 BIG Innovation Award, the Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award, and the Food Logistics/SDCE Top Software and Technology Award. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in Conway, AR, and internationally in Sweden and the UK. Unlock hidden efficiencies in your supply chain. Visit our website to see how IntelliTrans can help.

    Media Contact for IntelliTrans:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR (M1PR.com)
    404.421.8497
    becky@mediafirst.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Congolese refugees face humanitarian emergency in Burundi

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Thousands of Congolese refugees who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are now living in extremely precarious conditions in the designated Musenyi site in Burundi. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched an emergency response to reduce the risk of measles and malaria, but more support is needed as people’s humanitarian needs remain largely unmet.

    Since the beginning of the year, thousands of people have fled fighting and insecurity in the provinces of North and South Kivu in the DRC. Crossing the Rusizi river into Burundi, they have hastily set up camp in schools, sheds, churches and stadiums in the province of Cibitoke on the border with South Kivu.

    In March, the Burundian authorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) relocated the refugees to the Musenyi site, an official site inaugurated in 2024 in the south-east to provide basic facilities and services for up to 10,000 refugees.

    Megaphone in hand, an MSF community mobiliser walks around the Musenyi refugee site to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against measles. Burundi, April 2025.
    Dorine Niyungeko/MSF

    Unfortunately, the site’s capacity was quickly exceeded: according to UNHCR, by the end of April, some 18,000 refugees were living at the Musenyi site. Unsurprisingly, their living conditions quickly became unbearable and created health risks for adults and children alike.

    “I’ve been living in a shed since I arrived because there aren’t enough shelters for everyone,” says Nathalie*, a refugee who arrived in February. “Tarpaulins are given to large families to make shelters. But I live here, and we sleep in this shed, without mattresses, with toads, and moisture everywhere. We feel abandoned.”

    Built on poorly drained clay soil, the Musenyi site is particularly prone to flooding during the rainy season. Now, since the end of April, the rainy season has begun and, although drainage channels have been dug, water is stagnating in many parts of the site. People are trying to protect their shelters and the communal latrines as best they can to prevent the dirty water from spilling into the alleyways.

    “There is an urgent need to improve the living conditions on this site, as all the elements for serious health problems are present,” says Barbara Turchet, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Burundi. “Given the hygiene conditions, we have started to set up isolation units as a preventive measure in case of a cholera outbreak. And to reduce the risk of malaria, which is exacerbated by the amount of stagnant water everywhere, we have distributed more than 8,000 mosquito nets and are planning long-term mosquito spraying at the site.”

    8,500

    8,5

    measles vaccinations for children

    8,000

    8,

    mosquito nets

    Given the concentration of children at the site, MSF has also helped the health authorities organise a measles vaccination campaign, as several cases of this highly infectious but preventable disease have already been confirmed among the refugees.

    “We set up four vaccination points,” says Turchet. “We were able to vaccinate 8,500 children against measles and treat those who were infected. That’s something, but we have to do more to improve the refugees’ situation and protect their health.”

    Essential services overwhelmed as aid funding contracts

    A few organisations other than MSF are also present to offer healthcare to the refugees, but many people are unhappy with the insufficient access to care.

    “Here, refugees living with HIV have no access to treatment,” says Henri*, a refugee from South Kivu who was moved to Musenyi site from another in Burundi. “When we were in Rugombo, [also] in the province of Cibitoke, there was medical follow-up and treatment. But here, the health facilities don’t offer this kind of care.”

    In Musenyi, as in many other places today, humanitarian organisations are struggling to provide sufficient support because funding has decreased. Several humanitarian agencies are unable to provide sufficient medical follow-up for patients in the clinics they support. Food distributions are also clearly inadequate, further increasing the vulnerability of families. The UN estimates that US$76 million are required to meet the humanitarian needs of Congolese refugees in Burundi.

    “The gravity of the situation is real and calls for more attention and support,” warns Turchet. “At our level, we are doing our utmost and have extended our support to provide medical care for victims of sexual violence and psychosocial support for refugees suffering from mental health problems. But there are needs everywhere…”

    *Names have been changed for confidentiality

    MIL OSI NGO –