NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced For Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SAUL MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ (“MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ”), age 38, a resident of Texas, was sentenced on April 30, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.  MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ was sentenced to one hundred twenty (120) months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    *        *        *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national has been arrested and charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Jorge Junior Alvarez Rodriguez, 21, was charged with one count of transportation of child pornography. Alvarez will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later today.

    According to the charging documents, On May 3, 2025, upon arrival at t Boston’s Logan Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Alvarez was flagged for secondary screening. It is alleged that during a review of Alvarez’s cell phone, files depicting CSAM were found. It is further alleged that law enforcement identified multiple files depicting children as young as four to seven years old.  

    The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Patrol, Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney heads to Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Thomas Klassen, Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University, Canada

    Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump as the American president continues his trade war and annexation threats against Canada.

    “We are meeting as heads of our government,” Carney said at a news conference late last week. “I am not pretending those discussions will be easy.”

    The White House visit comes just a week after Carney led the Liberals to their fourth consecutive election victory.

    It was a result that, at first blush, allowed each party to claim that it won, or at least that it did not totally lose. That sets up a Parliamentary session that will feature several interesting dynamics.

    The Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre won several more seats than in 2021 and their highest share of the national vote in decades, though Poilievre himself lost his seat.



    Read more:
    Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out

    The NDP under an outgoing Jagmeet Singh managed to hold onto the balance of power in the upcoming minority Parliament for a third consecutive time. Elizabeth May continues to represent the Green Party in the House of Commons. Yves-François Blanchet kept the Bloc Québécois relevant for voters in Québec.

    Even Justin Trudeau, no longer in politics, won — his legacy is not in the gutter due to a predicted Conservative majority win that never materialized once Carney replaced him.

    But in the coming weeks and months, the leaders and their parties face difficult circumstances that could turn them into losers — most importantly, how Carney manages the relationship with Trump.

    The role of Trump

    Carney and the Liberals capitalized on exceptional
    circumstances     driven by Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state. Winning four consecutive elections is a rare feat for any political party in Canada.
    But Carney cannot count on fortune continuing to smile upon him. He must now manage a party within which he has little history and few favours to call in — a party that he has dragged from centre-left under Trudeau to centre-right.

    The new prime minister will have to rely on aides and advisers to a much greater extent than all former office-holders who had years or decades of experience in the political area, including the House of Commons. At the same time, he will have to demonstrate to Canadians that he is in charge and makes the final decisions.

    Invariably, there will be Liberal missteps in the weeks ahead: ethical lapses for some MPs, ministerial appointments that go awry and disappointment among those not appointed to cabinet. Because Carney has been prime minister for less than two months, the upcoming Speech from the Throne on May 27 — to be delivered by King Charles — that sets the government’s goals is shrouded in mystery.

    Beyond Ottawa, premiers from several different political parties — each with their own agenda — await Carney. South of the border, the unpredictable Trump, with his infuriating rhetoric and disruptive actions, is in office for another three-and-half-years.

    As a newcomer to politics elected on his first attempt to the country’s highest political office, Carney could have at least have one topic of conversation in common with Trump when they meet on Tuesday. Trump too was a political outsider who catapulted into office on his first attempt. The two may find some bond in their shared experience.

    The greatest danger for Carney is not from Trump’s rhetoric but from broader economic conditions. He ran for office on the promise of being able to manage economic turmoil. But politicians of any stripe have little control in a global economic slump or an all-out tariff war. If unemployment, inflation or the cost-of-living tick upward, Carney will quickly lose his lustre among many Canadians.

    The new Parliament

    For the Conservatives, Poilievre’s leadership will continue to weigh on the party in the weeks and months ahead. Losing his Ottawa seat weakens his claim to stay on as leader. He now needs to win a byelection in Alberta triggered by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek.

    The worst outcome for the party is years of infighting between those who support giving Poilievre one more chance and those who believe that 2025 is the best the party can do under his leadership.

    The best outcome is for Poilievre to become a bridge-builder within the party and to Conservatives across Canada, and to rebrand himself to be more palatable to Canadian voters. This will not be easy and he hasn’t shown much inclination to do so.

    The NDP’s Singh has already announced his resignation and accepted responsibility for the party electing only seven MPs. A period of soul-searching leading to a leadership contest has already started. The loss of seats, and returning to Ottawa with an interim leader, lessens the voice of the party in political discourse. If a new leader is elected who is not an MP, the party will be further hampered.

    The Greens remain in the House of Commons, but as a party of one. The jury continues is out on whether the party can exist without its leader, Elizabeth May, who has said she wouldn’t rule out joining Carney’s cabinet.

    Blanchet returns to Ottawa with fewer Bloc MPs and a murky mission. He had hoped that the Bloc would hold the balance of power once the votes were counted, but was foiled by the NDP. He has already faced criticism from his own supporters when he promised to collaborate with other parties in Ottawa to secure Canada’s economic future.

    Beginning with Carney’s handling of Trump this week, how skilfully each party, and leader, performs its distinct high-wire act in the next months will determine the ultimate winners and losers. The show is about to start.

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

    – ref. Mark Carney heads to Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-heads-to-washington-his-visit-with-trump-kicks-off-high-wire-politics-in-canada-255675

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls for All Measures to Treat Victims of Sightseeing Boat Crash in Southwest China

    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

    GUIYANG, May 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Monday called for all-out efforts to rescue and treat people injured in the multiple ship sinking incident in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

    On the afternoon of May 4, a sudden strong wind caused four boats to capsize on a river in Qianxi City, leaving 84 people in the water. By 12:45 p.m. Monday, all the victims had been found: 10 people were dead, 70 were injured, and four were uninjured.

    Zhang Guoqing, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, went to the scene of the tragedy and then to a local hospital to direct rescue work and provide medical assistance.

    At a meeting early Monday morning, he called for medical professionals and resources to be properly deployed to treat the injured to minimize the number of deaths and disabilities due to injuries. The vice premier also called for comprehensive support for the families of the victims.

    Zhang Guoqing required strengthening the implementation of safety management responsibility measures, including accident prevention, identification of hidden dangers and elimination of deficiencies, to effectively prevent and minimize major accidents.

    As the vice-premier of the Chinese government emphasized, it is necessary to focus on key areas such as tourist attractions, large public facilities, residential areas and transportation routes, and identify and eliminate hidden risks based on the lessons learned from previous incidents.

    To ensure people’s safety, it is necessary to strengthen weather monitoring and early warning systems for adverse weather conditions, strengthen mechanisms for responding to early warnings and coordinating emergency operations, and strictly implement measures to restrict visits to tourist sites and navigation of passenger ships during bad weather, Zhang Guoqing added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.05.25

    Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    According to the Washington State Patrol, there are currently 112 unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement ahead of Monday, May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).

    “May 5th is a day we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We must stand together, continue to demand justice, and work together to get more law enforcement resources on the ground to help tribes protect their people from violence.”

    Sen. Cantwell has been a vocal advocate and leader in championing legislation to help end the MMIWP crisis. In 2020, Sen. Cantwell’s Savanna’s Act was signed into law to help federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle with representatives from the Seattle Indian Health Board, tribal leaders, Indigenous community organizations, MMIWP advocates and loved ones of Indigenous persons who have gone missing. At the press conference, Sen. Cantwell announced she sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging them to prioritize funding to assist Tribes and organizations working to combat the MMIWP crisis. Video from that presser is available HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript HERE.

    Following Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.

    In July 2023, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In May 2024, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Sen. Cantwell’s bill, which included testimony from Chris Sutter, Chief of Police of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, and officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Congress of American Indians in support of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs favorably reported Sen. Cantwell’s bill to the full Senate in September 2024.

    In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced $6.9 million in federal funding for state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices to help prosecute violence against women and children cases, among other things.

    Sen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act to provide a substantial increase in resources for tribal crime victim assistance programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien and Mexican National Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Kilograms of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Illegal Alien and Mexican National Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Kilograms of Methamphetamine

    Defendant possessed over four pounds of 100% pure Methamphetamine

    BRUNSWICK, GA:  A jury convicted a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia at trial for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.

    Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico, was convicted of Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

    During testimony and evidence produced during the trial the Government established that on September 12, 2024, the Defendant attempted to receive a package directly from Mexico containing what was described as a horse saddle. Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine that had been hidden inside. The package was then delivered to the Defendant by law enforcement under the guise of a United States Postal delivery. The Defendant accepted the package from law enforcement and brought it inside his residence.

    “This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”

    “This conviction sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to disrupt a major methamphetamine trafficking operation and hold the perpetrator accountable.”

    “This conviction highlights the critical role Customs and Border Protection plays in disrupting the transnational flow of deadly narcotics,” said Zachary Thomas, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP Atlanta. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at every level to safeguard our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief Greg Gilluly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: The Board of Directors of KH Group Plc resolved to establish a performance share plan for the Group’s key employees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KH Group Plc
    Stock Exchange Release 5 May 2025 at 9:15 pm EEST

    The Board of Directors of KH Group Plc resolved to establish a performance share plan for the Group’s key employees

    The Board of Directors of KH Group Plc resolved to establish a performance share plan for the key employees of KH-Koneet. The plan replaces the performance matching share plan announced on 31 May 2024. The aim of the new plan is to align the objectives of the shareholders and key employees to increase the value of the company in the long term, to steer them toward achieving the company’s strategic objectives, to retain them at the company and to offer them a competitive incentive plan that is based on acquiring and accumulating KH Group shares.

    The performance share plan consists of one (1) two-year (2-year) performance period, covering the financial years of 2025–2026. In the plan, the key employees have an opportunity to earn KH Group shares based on performance.

    The potential rewards from the plan will be paid within five months after the end of the performance period. The rewards will be paid partly in KH Group shares and partly in cash. The cash proportion is intended to cover taxes and social security contributions arising from the reward to the participant. As a rule, no reward will be paid if a participant’s employment or service terminates before the reward payment.

    The performance criteria for the key employees of KH-Koneet are based on KH-Koneet’s EBIT in 2026 and Return on Invested Capital in 2026.

    The target group of the plan consists of approximately 20 persons, including members of the KH-Koneet Management. The rewards to be paid on the basis of the plan correspond to the value of an approximate maximum total of 1,094,000 KH Group shares, including also the proportion to be paid in cash. 

    The members of KH-Koneet Management are obliged to hold 50 per cent of the reward shares received, until the total value of the Management member’s shareholding in KH Group equals to 50 per cent of their annual base salary of the year preceding the payment of the reward. Respectively, the CEO of KH-Koneet is obliged to hold 50 per cent of the reward shares received, until the person’s shareholding in KH Group equals to the annual base salary of the year preceding the payment of the reward. Such number of KH Group shares must be held as long as the membership in the Management or the position as the CEO continues.

    KH GROUP PLC

    Further information:
    Chairman of the Board of Directors Juha Karttunen, tel. +358 40 555 4727

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Main media
    www.khgroup.com

    KH Group Plc is a Nordic conglomerate operating in the business areas of KH-Koneet, Nordic Rescue Group and Indoor Group. We are a leading supplier of construction and earth-moving equipment, rescue vehicle manufacturer as well as furniture and interior decoration retailer. The objective of our strategy is to create an industrial group around the business of KH-Koneet. KH Group’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Message of thanks after 150,000 line the streets for Leeds United parade

    Source: City of Leeds

    You did us proud – that’s the message from Leeds City Council to every single person who helped make Leeds United’s promotion party a truly champion occasion.

    Around 150,000 fans turned out in the city centre this afternoon to salute manager Daniel Farke and his title-winning players during a celebratory open-top bus parade.

    Landmark locations such as City Square and The Headrow were packed with supporters more than two hours ahead of the start of the event.

    Huge numbers also lined famous streets like Boar Lane and Vicar Lane as the convoy of three United buses made its way through the heart of Leeds.

    And together the crowds created an electric atmosphere that ramped up still further the city-wide feelgood factor generated by the club’s Championship title win and return to the Premier League.

    The parade was organised by the council in conjunction with United, and with support from various multi-agency partners.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “The scenes today were brilliant and highlighted the bond that exists between Leeds United and the city of Leeds.

    “We were absolutely delighted to be able to stage an event that gave fans, players, coaches, backroom staff and of course Daniel Farke the chance to celebrate promotion together.

    “Thank you to everyone who made it a success, from the supporters who turned out in such incredible numbers to all the people who had an organisational role.

    “This was a team effort that involved the council, the club and partners such as West Yorkshire Police, and showed just how special this city is.

    “Congratulations once again to Daniel and his players, they have given us a season to remember and fully deserved the reception they got today. Bring on the Premier League!”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s historical insights into war and peace 2025-05-06 01:17:07 As the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    Chinese President Xi Jinping watches the military parade during the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

    BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) — In the stately Conference Building at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a 65-inch-tall resplendent bronze vessel gleams under soft light, its cloisonne enamel blazing in vibrant Chinese red.

    The “Zun of Peace,” presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2015 as a special gift for the United Nations’ 70th anniversary, is not merely a delicate artifact. It embodies the aspiration and conviction of the Chinese people to seek peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, Xi said at its unveiling.

    A decade later, as the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future.

    Leading a nation always aspiring for peace and harmony in its long history and further strengthened by its battles against militarism, imperialism and fascism in its recent past, Xi commands a unique insight into the value of peace, and has steadfastly championed the building of a peaceful world, a cause of great urgency given the tensions and conflicts on the global landscape today.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) attends a presentation ceremony on which the Chinese government gives the “Zun of Peace” to the United Nations as a gift in New York, the United States, Sept. 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

    Xi sees history as a mirror from which humanity should draw lessons to avoid repeating past calamities.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in what is commonly known in China as the World Anti-Fascist War or, more globally, as World War II. Almost every part of the world was involved, and more than 100 million were killed or wounded in what was described as the most destructive conflict in human history.

    The bravery and tremendous sacrifice of the Chinese people played a decisive role in defeating Fascist Japan and offered strategic support to the Allies on the European and Pacific battlefields.

    “History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people,” Xi once said. “History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it.”

    This historical observation features prominently in Xi’s unrelenting pursuit of peace. He has repeatedly reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development, pledging that China will never seek hegemony, expansion or any sphere of influence, no matter how strong it may grow.

    During a 2014 visit to France, Xi reshaped Napoleon’s metaphor of China as a “sleeping lion” that would shake the world upon awakening. “Now China the lion has awakened. But it is a peaceful, amicable and civilized lion,” Xi said when illustrating the peaceful dimension of the Chinese Dream.

    Xi’s philosophy stems from the millennia-old Chinese culture. An avid reader of traditional Chinese classics, he once expounded how ancient Chinese wisdom views war and peace by quoting “The Art of War,” a Chinese classic written more than 2,000 years ago.

    The book’s key message “is that every effort should be made to prevent a war and great caution must be exercised when it comes to fighting a war,” Xi said when delivering a keynote speech in the UN Office at Geneva in 2017.

    Xi’s view on prudence in warfare is also reflected in his exchanges with foreign leaders and officials.

    “It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues,” he quoted a Chinese aphorism when meeting with then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Beijing in 2018.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping straightens the ribbon on a flower basket during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

    A clear manifestation of Xi’s reflection is to cherish history and honor heroes. “A nation of hope cannot be without heroes,” Xi once said. Every year since 2014, Xi has paid tribute to China’s fallen heroes on Martyrs’ Day, which falls on Sept. 30, a day ahead of the country’s National Day.

    In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory in World War II, Xi presented medals to Chinese veterans and representatives from Russia and other countries who assisted Chinese soldiers on the battlefields.

    Nikolai Chuikov, the grandson of Soviet General Marshal Vasily Chuikov, was among those who received a peace medal from Xi. “Of all the honors I have won, I hold the highest regard for the peace medal,” he said.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) shakes hands with a Russian veteran in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Halting Development of Wind Energy

    Source: US State of California

    Impeding wind development threatens economic growth and climate progress

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a collation of 18 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to freeze the development of offshore wind energy. Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition allege that the President’s directive harms their states’ efforts to secure reliable, diversified, and affordable sources of energy to meet their increasing demand for electricity and help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. The attorneys general also allege that the moratorium threatens to thwart the states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development — investments that already total billions of dollars.

    “The Trump Administration’s directive to halt the development of offshore wind energy is illegal,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This reckless directive will not only reverse America’s progress in clean energy initiatives, but our communities will also suffer the economic consequences of the President’s misguided lawlessness. The President has promised that his actions would lower energy costs, but instead, energy prices have only gone up and will continue to skyrocket. In California, we will continue to hold the President accountable for breaking the law and protect our significant progress in expanding cleaner, cheaper energy for American families.”  

    On January 20, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum that, among other things, indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Pursuant to this directive, federal agencies have stopped all permitting and approval activities. Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and already supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity.  

    In addition to relying on onshore wind energy, in California, there are also currently five federal offshore wind leases off of California’s coast. Two are located offshore by Humboldt, while the remaining three are offshore from Morro Bay. These new developments are designed to bring substantial amounts of clean energy to the grid, including enough to power 1.6 million homes and potentially more. The President’s directive will not only derail the clean energy transition, but will also threaten to increase consumer energy costs. The President’s directive also jeopardizes substantial economic benefits to California, including the creation of thousands of union jobs, increased tax revenue particularly in the Humboldt area, and the provision of more than $50 million to support communities, Native American Tribes, or other interested parties that are expected to be affected by the lease development.

    Through the lawsuit, the attorneys general allege that the President’s directive and federal agencies’ subsequent implementation of it violate multiple federal laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act. The attorneys general are asking the Court to declare the President’s directive illegal and prevent the Administration from taking any action to delay or prevent wind energy development. 

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, in filing the lawsuit.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic Advisory – Richmond County

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    RICHMOND COUNTY: West Bay Road, French Cove

    West Bay Road will be reduced to one lane for paving, ditching and culvert repairs until Tuesday, September 30.

    Work takes place from sunrise to sunset.

    RICHMOND COUNTY: Veterans Memorial Drive, Arichat

    Veterans Memorial Drive will be reduced to one lane for paving, ditching and culvert repairs until Tuesday, September 30.

    Work takes place from sunrise to sunset.

    NOTE: For the most up-to-date provincial traffic notices, follow @511ns on X at https://x.com/511ns, call 511 or visit: https://511.novascotia.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Level One Sex Offender Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Holyoke man, who is a registered sex offender, has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Justin Ouimette, 34, was charged with possession of child pornography. Ouimette will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield at a later date.  

    In October 2022, Ouimette was convicted of possession of child pornography in Massachusetts Superior Court. According to the charging documents, in July 2024, during a search of Ouimette’s residence and person, over 200 files that appeared to depict CSAM, including children as young as three years old, were allegedly located on Ouimette’s electronic devices. A search of  Ouimette’s Dropbox resulted in the discovery of  an additional 200 files allegedly depicting CSAM.

    On July 25, 2024, Ouimette was issued a probation violation, and he was subsequently sentenced to one year incarceration, which he is currently serving.

    The charge of possession of child pornography as a registered sex offender provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to three years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Deon Cortez Dutrieuille, 24, on May 1, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, on November 25, 2023, the Monroeville Police Department were called to the Monroeville Mall in connection with a retail theft investigation. When they arrived, Dutrieuille was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle wearing a stolen jacket for which he admitted not paying. At that time, Dutrieuille had an outstanding arrest warrant in connection with an unrelated incident. When the officers tried to speak with Dutrieuille, the defendant provided fake names and then fled on foot. After apprehending and taking Dutrieuille into custody, officers conducted a search of the car and seized a stolen Glock handgun. Dutrieuille’s fingerprints were found on the gun by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dutrieuille had multiple prior felony convictions, including in a robbery and prior illegal gun possession cases. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dutrieuille.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: VERAXA Biotech Enters Co-discovery Alliance with OmniAb for a Novel Bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugate Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”), announced today a co-discovery alliance with OmniAb, Inc. (NASDAQ: OABI, “OmniAb”) for the development of a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate (“bsADC”) program targeting solid tumors. The collaboration brings together OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions with VERAXA’s proprietary antibody drug conjugate (“ADC”) linker technology and conjugation expertise to support next-generation therapeutic discovery.

    “This partnership brings together two highly complementary technologies to create a new class of bispecific ADCs,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA. “Bispecific ADCs represent a powerful opportunity to address difficult-to-treat solid tumors, and this collaboration fits squarely within our mission to drive innovation through targeted partnerships. Strategic collaborations will continue to be a mainstay in VERAXA’s pipeline growth strategy, and today’s announcement marks the second major initiative within the past six months, following our first radiopharmaceutical alliance late last year. We look forward to advancing this discovery program alongside OmniAb and deliver novel therapeutic solutions for patients with significant unmet needs.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, VERAXA will initiate a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate program addressing two attractive target molecules in cancer medicine. The Company will utilize OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions to source high-quality human antibody leads, which are naturally optimized through in vivo affinity maturation. VERAXA will subsequently establish the bsADC lead candidate by applying its proprietary linker technology and conjugation routine and will be responsible for preclinical validation. The resulting bsADC program will be jointly owned by both parties. Both parties will share any future revenues resulting from the program’s continued development, licensing and commercialization.

    About VERAXA Biotech

    At VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific ADCs, bispecific T cell engagers and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of transformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design principles, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary BiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technologies. For more information, please visit www.veraxa.com.

    On April 22, 2025, VERAXA entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Voyager Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company targeting the healthcare sector (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”). Upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement, VERAXA is expected to become a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ.

    About Voyager Acquisition Corp.

    Voyager is a special purpose acquisition company with a bold mission: to revolutionize the healthcare sector through a merger, stock purchase, or business combination. Our team of experienced executives includes unparalleled expertise in investing, operations, and medical innovation, supported by a vast network of connections. With these strengths, we not only seek to drive success but commit to scaling companies to unprecedented heights in the healthcare industry. For more information, please visit https://www.voyageracq.com.

    Participants In the Solicitation

    Voyager, VERAXA, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Voyager’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the Business Combination of Voyager’s directors and officers in Voyager’s filings with the SEC, including, when filed with the SEC, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, amendments and supplements thereto, and other documents filed with the SEC. Such information with respect to VERAXA’s directors and executive officers will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described below under the heading “Additional Information and Where to Find It”.

    Non-Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Voyager or VERAXA, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about future events or Voyager’s or VERAXA’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding VERAXA’s anticipated growth and the anticipated growth and other metrics, statements regarding the benefits of the Business Combination, and the anticipated timing of the completion of the Business Combination are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

    These forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future results of Voyager and VERAXA are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which VERAXA operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Voyager’s management and VERAXA’s management. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to, without limitation, (i) known and unknown risks, including the risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Voyager relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Voyager; (ii) uncertainties; (iii) assumptions; and (iv) other factors beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. They are neither statements of historical fact nor promises or guarantees of future performance. Therefore, VERAXA’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Voyager and VERAXA therefore caution against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Voyager and its management, VERAXA and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the Business Combination; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Voyager, VERAXA, or others following the announcement of the Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iii) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain consents and approvals of the shareholders of Voyager, to obtain financing to complete the Business Combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing, or delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iv) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Business Combination; (v) projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, and the estimated implied enterprise value of VERAXA; (vi) VERAXA’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of VERAXA; (vii) VERAXA’s ability to source and retain talent, the cash position of VERAXA following closing of the Business Combination; (viii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with, and following, the consummation of the Business Combination; (ix) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of VERAXA as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of VERAXA to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the Business Combination; (xii) changes in applicable laws, regulations, political and economic developments; (xiii) the possibility that VERAXA may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (xiv) VERAXA’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (xv) the failure to realize estimated shareholder redemptions, purchase price and other adjustments; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings by Voyager with the SEC. There may be additional risks that neither Voyager nor VERAXA presently know or that Voyager and VERAXA currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Voyager or VERAXA speak only as of the date they are made. None of Voyager or VERAXA undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in their respective expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Business Combination Agreement, Voyager and/or VERAXA intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including the Registration Statement, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus of Voyager, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Voyager has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. When available, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed or made available to stockholders of Voyager as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction.

    Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of Voyager are urged to carefully read, when they become available, the entire registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, because they will contain important information about Voyager, VERAXA, and the proposed transaction. Voyager’s investors and stockholders and other interested persons will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Voyager in connection with the Transaction, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Voyager at the address set forth below.

    Contact

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW appoints Deputy Regional Leader to North America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business (Nasdaq: WTW), today announced the appointment of David Loftstrom as Deputy Regional Leader, New England within Corporate Risk and Broking (CRB) in North America.

    Loftstrom’s new position includes working closely with the full New England team to identify new opportunities while also helping to accelerate growth throughout the region. Additionally, he will focus on delivering enhanced value to clients by collaborating with various Industry Vertical Division (IVD) leaders and subject matter experts, while strengthening WTW’s position as an industry leader.

    Based in Boston and reporting directly to Ionel Rizea, Chief Commercial Officer for CRB North America, Loftstrom brings more than thirty years of industry experience. Loftstrom joins Willis from Gallagher, where he most recently served as Area President in the Greater Boston region. He was responsible for branch performance, including sales, carrier and partner management, business development, M&A sourcing and integration and reinforcing the company’s culture in the New England area.

    Ionel Rizea commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the team. His experience – particularly in the sales and business development space, complements our growth strategy for North America. His background in both brokerage and [client] risk management aligns closely with our CRB objective of providing innovative solutions to clients. I look forward to working with Dave.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk, and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce, and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.
    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contact

    Douglas Menelly; Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972-0380

    Arnelle Sullivan; Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Harriet Hageman Selected for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Hageman’s office has been selected for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program. The program offers eligible veterans, Gold Star Families, and active-duty spouses a two-year paid fellowship within the U.S. House of Representatives with a goal to provide hands-on experience and professional exposure, expanding career prospects for participants.  
     

    Through the program, Congresswoman Hageman is seeking eligible candidates for a position in her Cheyenne office. The individual selected for the role will work with military and veteran constituents, assisting them with casework issues involving federal agencies.
     

    “Wyoming has an incredible veteran population, and my office serves as a resource to assist them with receiving their benefits and ensuring our active military and veteran community are well represented in Congress. It’s important that we honor our service members with Congressional assistance provided by someone who understands their needs due to personal experience and this program will do just that.” Representative Hageman stated, “I am pleased to be working with the House of Representatives to help ensure veterans and military personnel living in Wyoming have access to our federal government and the care and services they have earned.” 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Bice & Houlahan Unveil Pivotal Paid Family Leave Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05)

    Washington, D.C. – Last week, Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group, held a press conference at the House Triangle to unveil the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. This legislation consists of two parts: the Paid Family Leave Public Partnerships Act and the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN-Act). This bipartisan legislative package is designed to expand access to paid family leave across the country through state-driven, innovative, and sustainable solutions. The United States remains one of the few developed nations without a national paid family leave policy. While some states have made strides to fill this gap, many American workers still lack access to basic paid leave benefits. This legislation recognizes the innovative work happening in states and provides scalable support, while offering coordination tools to reduce inconsistencies across state lines. 

    This legislation is the culmination of two years of collaboration between an evenly split group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Alongside Reps. Bice and Houlahan, the working group includes Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA). 

    “As a mother myself, I recognize the challenges and the importance of uplifting working parents so that they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and a paycheck. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act empowers states to create their own sustainable paid leave programs through public-private partnerships, while also ensuring coordination and consistency across state lines,”said Representative Bice.We’re not mandating a one-size-fits-all federal program, we’re building a flexible federal strategy that supports state innovation and addresses the real challenges families face today.” 

    “Today’s introduction of a bipartisan paid leave package is monumental. Regardless of party, Americans believe that Congress must act and support efforts nationwide to advance paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act and I-PLAN Act will provide pathways for states to increase access to paid leave, exchange data, and support efforts to streamline best practices and meet the needs of the employees and employers both,”said Representative Houlahan.“I am grateful to the partnership of Rep. Bice and my six other colleagues who join us in this introduction. We still have our work cut out for us, both on these bills and in the continued fight for paid leave for all Americans, but I am determined to keep pushing until we get to the very end and am proud of the immense progress we have made today” 

    “While the rise in state-level paid family leave laws has provided access to this critical benefit for millions of workers, the distinct requirements of each program present compliance challenges for multistate employers. BPC Action is proud to endorse the I-PLAN Act and the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act to improve the efficiency of existing paid family and medical leave programs, help establish new paid family leave programs, and promote greater uniformity across states. We commend the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), for their leadership and commitment to addressing this issue that impacts so many Americans,”says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. 

    Bill Information:  

    1. Title I: The Paid Family Leave Public Partnerships Act: 
    This three-year pilot program administered by the Department of Labor provides competitive grants to states that establish paid family leave programs through partnerships with private entities. To qualify, states must offer: 

    • At least 6 weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption.
    • Wage replacement of between 50% and 67% based on income with a maximum benefit amount equal to 150% of the state’s average weekly wage.
    • A public-private partnership model, such as those used in New Hampshire and Colorado.
    • Participation in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) for harmonization across states. 

    2. Title II: The Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN Act): 

    This initiative creates a national framework to help states coordinate benefits, share data, and reduce confusion for workers who live and work in different states. The I-PLAN will: 

    • Develop best practices from existing state programs.
    • Help states harmonize policies and resolve conflicts.
    • Support the creation of an electronic communication system to promote integrity, efficiency, and accessibility. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Large-scale reconstruction of the M-4 “Don” highway is starting in the Rostov region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The implementation of a large-scale project to reconstruct the M-4 Don highway from km 933 to km 1024 in the Rostov Region has begun. This section runs through the Kamensky, Krasnosulinsky and Oktyabrsky districts, the city of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky and the city of Shakhty in the Rostov Region. During the reconstruction, builders will have to widen more than 90 km of the M-4 Don highway to 6 traffic lanes, which will ensure comfortable and safe high-speed traffic on this section of the road, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “The southern direction of Russia is of strategic importance for the country in economic, transport and tourism aspects. The federal highway M-4 “Don” plays a major role in the uninterrupted communication of the southern regions with the central part of Russia. This road is in great demand among motorists, especially during summer holidays. In recent years, we have managed to gradually complete a huge amount of work to modernize the M-4 “Don” – reconstruct sections of the highway along the entire length from Moscow to Novorossiysk, as well as build a number of bypasses, including Losevo and Pavlovsk, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and other settlements. And now we are starting the reconstruction of the section from the 933rd to the 1024th km in the Rostov region. In addition to the expansion of the roadway, a set of measures is planned for artificial structures. Thus, work will be carried out at 11 interchanges, three of which will be built from scratch to eliminate intersections with other roads at the same level. “It is also necessary to reconstruct 16 existing bridge structures and build four more,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the reconstruction project provides for external lighting of the section, barrier and mesh fencing, noise protection screens where the road passes within the boundaries of populated areas. In addition, the route will be under constant control of the automated traffic control system (ATCS).

    According to the Chairman of the Board of the State Company “Avtodor” Vyacheslav Petushenko, the main result of the reconstruction will be an increase in traffic safety on the M-4 “Don” in the Rostov Region.

    “The design loads for which this section was calculated do not correspond to the actual operating conditions and annual growth of freight traffic on the M-4 “Don”. Thanks to the reconstruction, a six-lane high-speed highway designed for modern loads, without traffic lights and intersections, will pass through the Rostov Region, which will significantly increase traffic safety and the capacity of the highway,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    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: Record Number of Overseas Buyers Attend 137th Guangzhou Fair

    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

    GUANGZHOU, May 5 (Xinhua) — The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Guangzhou or Canton Fair) concluded Monday in Guangzhou, capital of southern China’s Guangdong Province. More than 288,000 overseas buyers attended the event, according to organizers.

    This is an increase of 17.3 percent over the previous year and a new historical record. 171,750 buyers visited the fair for the first time. The number of buyers from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 187,450, an increase of 17.4 percent over the previous year, accounting for 64.9 percent of the total number of overseas buyers.

    The fair also attracted more than 527,000 online buyers from 229 countries and regions around the world.

    A total of 4.55 million exhibits were displayed, including 1.02 million new products, 880 thousand green and low-carbon products, and 320 thousand smart products.

    The first-ever service robotics zone became the highlight of the fair, with 46 Chinese manufacturers exhibiting more than 500 cutting-edge robots covering 60 industrial applications.

    Established in 1957, the Guangzhou Fair is held twice a year. It is the longest-running comprehensive international trade event in China and serves as an important indicator of China’s foreign trade situation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan is developing production of strategically important petrochemical products

    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

    ALMATY, May 5 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan is actively developing the petrochemical industry and entering industrial production of key types of products, the Kazinform news agency reported on Monday, citing Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

    According to him, in November 2022, the Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc /KPI/ plant for the production of polypropylene with a capacity of 500 thousand tons per year was launched. The KPI plant is the first integrated gas chemical complex in Kazakhstan.

    As E. Akkenzhenov said, by the end of 2024, the plant produced about 250 thousand tons of polypropylene. Today, the enterprise produces 12 grades of polypropylene for the production of various products, including sacks, consumer packaging, carpets, and disposable tableware. By the end of this year, it is planned to launch the production of 2 new grades of polypropylene.

    It was previously reported that on March 31, 2025, construction of a polyethylene production plant “Silleno” was launched in the special economic zone “National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark” in the Atyrau region. The construction of the plant with a capacity of 1.25 million tons of polyethylene per year is planned to be completed in 2028, and the launch of production is scheduled for 2029.

    According to the minister, 49.2 percent of early construction work to prepare the site has been completed to date, and excavation work has begun to develop pits for the pyrolysis plant. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smucker Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

    WASHINGTON– Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a nationwide app development competition for middle and high school students.

    The CAC accepts apps written in any programming language and designed for any platform, including desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, and more. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.

    The Challenge’s portal is now open. Students can register and submit their applications until October 30, 2025. 

    “I look forward to seeing students’ apps from across Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. Having visited local schools in York and Lancaster County, I am certain that students will create truly innovative and creative applications. I encourage students to participate in the Congressional App Challenge to apply their classroom lessons to this unique STEM-based challenge,” said Rep. Smucker. 

    Students of all skill levels are strongly encouraged to participate. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of local judges, and winners will be honored by their Member of Congress. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

    This is the third year that Congressman Smucker’s office will be participating in the Congressional App Challenge. The CAC was created to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and computer science. With America’s global competitiveness increasingly tied to technological innovation, the CAC aims to foster future leaders by equipping them with valuable digital skills. 

    For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez and Congresswoman Stefanik Introduce Bill to Strengthen Border Airports 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    HARLINGEN, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) announced the introduction of the Border Airport Fairness Act, which would designate certain airports within 30 miles of the northern or southern border, including Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, as ports of entry (POE). This bill would also terminate the corresponding airport’s user fees. 

    “I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on this bipartisan legislation to save South Texans and travelers from duplicative costs,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “As our region continues to rapidly grow, it’s essential that our airports and transportation infrastructure not only keep up with increased demand for commercial travel but also continue to support critical federal operations. This legislation is an investment in our future.” 

    “The Border Airport Fairness Act will save Plattsburgh International Airport hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by ensuring that it receives the designation it deserves. My legislation makes certain that Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of Upstate New York and North Country families and continue to provide access for tourists visiting our region,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. 

    “Valley International Airport serves as a vital economic driver for South Texas. As a border community, securing a Designated Port of Entry is critical to expanding international travel and strengthening U.S. Customs and Border Protection services. I want to thank Congressman Gonzalez for standing with Harlingen and helping us take this important step toward a stronger, more connected region,” said Mayor of the City of Harlingen, Norma Sepulveda  

    “For years, Valley International Airport (HRL) has operated at a competitive disadvantage due to the absence of benefits routinely available to other primary commercial service airports located along the U.S. border;” said Marv Esterly, Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport. “Securing a designated Port of Entry (PoE) is essential to expanding our access to critical U.S. Customs services and offering greater international travel options to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. We deeply appreciate Congressman Gonzalez’s leadership and steadfast support in championing this vital initiative for our airport and community.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Firearms trafficker sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment

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

    BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Marion man to more than 8 years in federal prison after he admitted to trafficking firearms in southern Illinois.

    Lonnie J. Petty, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of illegal transfer of a machine gun. Law enforcement recovered two privately made firearms or “ghost guns”, one firearm with an obliterated serial number, five additional firearms, three machine gun conversion devices or “switches,” multiple extended and drum magazines, and a large amount ammunition. 

    “Lonnie Petty recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase with police after trafficking firearms and selling drugs in the presence of children. These actions pose an obvious threat to the safety of our community, and the case demanded decisive action,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our office will hold such offenders accountable and ensure the safety of southern Illinois.”

    According to court documents, Petty admitted to possessing a machine gun in Williamson County in June 2023. In addition, he transferred machine guns in Williamson and Franklin counties from September through November 2023.

    “The increasing use of machine gun conversion devices by criminals has fueled violence in our communities, endangering both members of the public and law enforcement officers,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “ATF, in partnership with local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue its mission to investigate and hold those accountable who illegally traffic these dangerous devices into our communities.”

    Machine gun conversion devices include traditional “drop in auto sears,” which are designed for use on AR-type firearms, and more recently developed “switches,” which are designed for use on certain semiautomatic pistols. MCDs are easily integrated with semiautomatic firearms to illegally convert them to fire automatically.

    MCDs are defined as machine guns under the National Firearms Act, even when not installed.

    ATF led the investigation with support from the Marion Police Department and the Carbondale Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Trippi and J. David Sanders prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Statement on FSA Director Jerry Sonnenberg

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO– Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) provided the following statement on the appointment of former Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Director for Colorado:

    “Jerry Sonnenberg is a fantastic choice to be the FSA Director for Colorado and I look forward to working with him to bring real support and helpful reforms for our ranchers and farmers across the Eastern Plains. I’ve gotten to know Jerry over the past year and a half as someone who cares deeply about the health and future of our agriculture industry, a farmer from birth who has passed on his business to his children in Logan County. Jerry is trusted and respected by Coloradans from every background and will always put his community’s interests first. I’m grateful to President Donald J. Trump and U.S.D.A. Secretary Brooke Rollins for making this appointment and I’m excited to see what we can all accomplish together for our farmers and ranchers in the 4th District.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Congresswoman Boebert’s recommendation letter for Jerry Sonnenberg to the U.S. Department of Agriculture can be read HERE.

    Colorado Politics: Former State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg named head of Farm Service Agency for Colorado by President Trump

    Sterling Journal-Advocate: Sonnenberg appointed to run FSA in Colorado

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Phoenix arrest Guatemalan criminal alien wanted by authorities in New Mexico on a sex-related offense against a child

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix officers and agents arrested criminal alien Francisco Alexander Pablo-Antonio, 23, on May 2, following a routine vehicle stop.

    Though the Guatemalan national was arrested in Phoenix, Pablo faces an outstanding criminal arrest warrant in New Mexico’s Magistrate Court for the County of San Juan, where he is charged with criminal sexual communication with a child, a Class Four felony offense.

    “Illegal aliens who perpetrate egregious crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities will be prioritized for arrest and detention,” said ERO Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida. “ERO Phoenix is resolute in its mission to protect American communities through robust immigration enforcement efforts focused on public safety.”

    Pablo was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near El Paso, Texas, in December 2018. He was issued a notice to appear in March 2019 and released on his own recognizance with strict conditions. An immigration judge ordered Pablo removed from the United States on Sept. 7, 2019, three days before the New Mexico Farmington Magistrate filed criminal charges against him.

    He will be held without bond pending determination on his criminal case.

    If you have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins states suing to stop dismantling federal Health and Human Services

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other Trump administration officials to stop the dismantling of HHS.

    Since taking office, Kennedy and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered vital programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. The attorneys general argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people.

    “These actions are both plainly illegal and a moral failing. More Americans will suffer from illness, injury, and death without these commonsense programs,” Brown said. “A robust public health system that serves communities with the most barriers to appropriate medical care is vital.”

    The administration has wreaked havoc across the entire health system through their reckless and illegal cuts. Among the examples are

    • Miners suffering from black lung disease have been left unprotected as congressionally mandated surveillance programs were abruptly shut down.
    • Workers have lost reliable access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory.
    • Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.
    • Hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have lost their jobs, and all SAMHSA regional offices are now closed.
    • Pregnant women and newborns are now at risk after the firing of the entire CDC maternal health team and Head Start centers could face closures after many regional employees at the Office of Head Start were let go.
    • The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, has lost the doctors needed to certify new cancer diagnoses, leaving American heroes without access to the health care they deserve.

    These sweeping actions are in clear violation of hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. The administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers and undermining the laws and budgets enacted by Congress to protect public health.

    The coalition is urging the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

    In April, Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. Days later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Administration, temporarily reinstating the funding.

    Joining Washington in this lawsuit – led by Brown, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha – are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon DEQ to reopen Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on May 22

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he wait is over! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced it will reopen the popular Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on Thursday, May 22. In even more exciting news, the program will remain open longer this year due to funds awarded to DEQ last summer through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action grant. Any vehicles purchased or leased before May 22 are not eligible to apply for the rebate.

    DEQ offers two rebates*:

    • Standard Rebate (Open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies): Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission ​motorcycle selected from the Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List.
    • Charge Ahead Rebate (Open to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit, low-income service providers):
      • The Used Charge Ahead Rebate: $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
      • The New Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
      • Select vehicle options from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List.

    *You may only apply for one rebate.

    To determine Charge Ahead Rebate eligibility for individuals, check DEQ’s Charge Ahead Rebate: Income Eligibility web page. Charge Ahead Rebate applicants can prequalify by completing the prequalification application to receive a voucher to be used at participating dealerships.

    “The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is enormously popular,” said DEQ Air Quality Transportation Section Manager Rachel Sakata. “By helping to offset the cost of an electric vehicle, it continues to be one of the best ways many individuals and families can gain access to cleaner transportation and improve air quality across the state.”

    The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program receives at least $12 million annually, or 45% of the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax. Last year, overwhelming demand closed the program after just two months. However, the $31 million CERTA grant will expand the Charge Ahead Rebate option, giving more low- and moderate-income households access to savings. DEQ will monitor rebates and is required to suspend the program once funds are depleted. The agency will announce the closure date at least 30 days in advance.

    Applicants have six months from date of purchase or lease to apply for a rebate. However, people are encouraged to apply early and track available rebate funding online. If approved applications are submitted after funds are depleted, those applicants will be placed on a waitlist for payment in early spring 2026.

    Electric vehicles purchased or leased before May 22, 2025 will not receive state rebates and will not be placed on a waiting list, but they may still qualify for federal tax credits.

    A variety of state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on electric vehicle purchases, leases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.

    DEQ’s Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program web page has all the details. Please visit the EV Rebate Contact web page to ask questions. You may register at OCVRP Sign Up to receive program updates by email.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Mass Firings and Dismantling at HHS

    Source: US State of California

    17th lawsuit against Trump Administration asks court to block implementation of “Make America Healthy Again” Directive

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices — including one in San Francisco. Announced on March 27, these actions were part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Directive to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA Directive). In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the MAHA Directive is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), is beyond the scope of presidential power, and violates the Appropriations Clause and Separation of Powers doctrine of the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, they ask the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to declare the MAHA Directive unconstitutional and illegal, and to block its implementation in order to undo the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.  

    “The Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are taking the Trump Administration to court — HHS is under attack, and we won’t stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our States, and our people, are facing real harms as a result of the MAHA Directive. We look forward to making our case in court.”   

    Congress has passed dozens of laws for HHS to enforce and authorized HHS to spend about $1.8 trillion in 2024 alone because, in Congress’s judgment, the work of the Department is that critical. The MAHA Directive has had devastating consequences on HHS’s core mission to protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Following the MAHA Directive, work across several agencies within HHS came to a halt overnight. Further, the MAHA Directive layoffs compounded staff departures through a series of so-called “buy-out” offers, meaning that all told, in the last three months, HHS has lost roughly 20,000 of the 82,000 employees who were working at the agency as of January 2025. In addition, workers across the country can no longer reliably access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have also been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.

    In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that: 

    • Long before he was nominated by President Trump to lead HHS, Secretary Kennedy had a history of spinning conspiracy theories about the Department and advocating for the evisceration of the Department’s statutorily mandated work promoting public health.
    • The MAHA Directive has caused substantial harm to their States. Among other things, the regional staff who were fired helped to provide critical support to early childhood programs within the Administration for Children and Families like Head Start. If Head Start programs in their States are forced to pause operations or close, hundreds of thousands of children (and their families) would be left without child care, early education, and health supports, which would inevitably impact and strain their States’ social support programs.
    • The MAHA Directive has disabled HHS from performing its regulatory and enforcement functions. For example, the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the Center for Tobacco Products — a subagency within HHS — typically filed more than 100 complaints a week seeking civil monetary penalties against retailers that repeatedly sold tobacco to customers under 21, in violation of federal law. The MAHA Directive wiped out the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, straining the ability of remaining staff to seek penalties. 

    In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the complaint can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Challenge to Trump Administration’s Attempt to Block Wind Energy

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to end the Trump administration’s arbitrary and indefinite halt on new wind energy development across the country. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a sweeping presidential directive suspending all federal approvals for wind energy projects, threatening to undermine a critical source of clean energy and job growth in the United States. As a result, countless wind energy project applications are now frozen. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this blockade on all wind energy projects is unlawful and will be seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the administration from enforcing the freeze while litigation proceeds.

    “This administration is devastating one of our nation’s fastest-growing sources of clean, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Attorney General James. “This arbitrary and unnecessary directive threatens the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in investments, and it is delaying our transition away from the fossil fuels that harm our health and our planet.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s directive is at odds with years of bipartisan support for offshore and onshore wind energy projects, including during President Trump’s first term. It also directly contradicts the president’s own Executive Orders issued on the same day, which declared a “national energy emergency,” singled out New York and several other states for the country’s lack of energy supply, and called for the expansion of most forms of domestic energy production, but not wind energy. 

    The attorneys general argue this unilateral halt on wind energy development is harming states’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their residents. States have a responsibility to meet increasing electricity demand while also mitigating climate harms and reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels. In addition, the indefinite halt on federal approvals is already putting state investments and economic benefits from wind energy projects in jeopardy. New York’s wind projects currently support over 4,400 jobs throughout the state and are expected to create more than 18,000 additional new jobs in the coming years. Those jobs will not materialize if these projects are halted. The administration’s indefinite blockade could leave billions of dollars in states’ clean energy investments stranded or underutilized and significantly harm their economic development.

    This wind energy blockade is also impeding New York and other states’ ability to meet their energy and climate goals. These are statutory targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, more specifically, meet target dates for electricity generated by wind power. New York’s Climate Law requires the state to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that the halt on wind energy development will delay the replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy, a shift that will exacerbate climate, public health, and environmental harms to people across the nation and the globe. The administration’s blockade would derail key projects already under development, many of which are expected to power millions of homes and support tens of thousands of jobs. The attorneys general also note that the risk of these harms to the industry and the states has risen sharply in recent weeks, as the Trump administration ordered a project off the coast of New York, which had already received federal approval, to immediately stop construction. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president is acting outside of his legal authority and has no statutory right to unilaterally shut down the permitting process. They are asking the court to intervene and rule the approval blockade unlawful, restoring the wind energy permitting process and protecting the wind energy industry long-term.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on ‘CNN News Central’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on “CNN News Central.”

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

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

    Kate Bolduan, CNN:  Let’s focus in right now on the President’s comments on the Constitution, and much more. Joining us right now is the Democratic Governor of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul. It’s good to have you here, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you. Thank you so much.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Let’s start there — where Mark and Sarah were talking about the President saying that he does not know if every person on U.S. soil should be afforded due process under the Constitution. What do you make of that after hearing the President?

    Governor Hochul: He basically said that he doesn’t have to follow or even understand what the Constitution of the United States requires of every person who takes that oath of office. I took the same oath of office 31 years ago to run for town board. I knew I was supposed to uphold the constitution.

    I have to think a President who took the oath of office — not once, but twice — understands that there are limitations and that is the body of the Constitution. He must follow it. Otherwise, the democracy that we fought for and upheld for 250 years is just going to go down the drain and we’re not going to let that happen. But it was shocking and it tells you all you need to know about this presidency and this man — that he doesn’t give a damn about the U.S. Constitution and that is frightening in itself.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Also, overnight, he announced that he wants to put a 100 percent tariff on all films made overseas. I actually saw – I was looking at the budget that you’re rolling out. And as part of the budget, you’re actually expanding tax credits — tax breaks — to try to bring more film production to New York. I mean, while not clear how the President would apply a tariff on intellectual property, something that’s not a physical good. I guess maybe if I can set that aside for a second. Do you like the idea of that?

    Governor Hochul: These midnight ideas that he has or throws out on the table and we’re all supposed to process? I’ll tell you what, I’m fighting hard for this industry in New York State. It’s an economic driver. It’s part of our identity.

    The talent wants to be in New York, and so I’m in competition with other states, but indeed other countries. So I’m focused on what I can do here in the State of New York. I don’t know if that leads to retaliatory tariffs in other countries because once you start the trade war, who knows where it ends.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Right, does it backfire?

    Governor Hochul: Right now, we’re on the bad end of that war because if we’re talking about everything from children’s dolls and toys going up – it may not be here for Christmas. So that’s not what Americans thought they were getting with this president. These were promises they did not expect to see upheld. They thought they’re voting for possible tariffs. But they had no idea that meant when they go to Walmart this Christmas, the shelves may be empty because of what Donald Trump has done.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: You mentioned the dolls. Let me play how he said that, just to remind our viewers how he talked about that when asked, acknowledging the prices would go up, and then he said this, let me play this for you again.

    […]

    What is your reaction to the President’s take on that? I heard Mark Short – who’s a long time Republican operative – say this feels very, “Let them eat cake” at the moment, even hearing that from a Republican.

    Governor Hochul: It’s so condescending on so many levels. But as a mom who has bought dolls for my little girl and my granddaughter. I mean, come on? The President of the United States is telling you that, “Oh, you don’t need that.” This is a millionaire — maybe billionaire, who really knows what his records show — but he has a lot more money than the average American.

    It shows a disconnect with the people who voted him into office — many of them — that he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care about the families, and this is the contrast that I’m drawing with the budget that I just unveiled. And so he shows he doesn’t care about them. And I think they’re starting to hear this and feel this, and they feel they’ve been betrayed.

    And that’s a very overwhelming feeling across the State of New York. People in the North Country who voted for him, people on Long Island who voted for him, who now lost offshore wind jobs. The North Country – our small businesses are saying, why are you at war with Canada? These are our customers, and now they’re not coming to places like Lake George and Saranac Lake.

    They’re not spending money here because you antagonize one of our best friends in the whole world. So people across New York who did vote for him – the majority did not — but those who even did, they’re shaking their heads at what is happening.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: I want to ask you about the budget — the state budget that you’re rolling out. I’ve seen it described in more than one place actually as providing a possible roadmap for Democrats far beyond New York and the coming cycle in the Trump era. Not to get into the weeds of the state budget, but you included measures of increasing public safety and lowering taxes for all but the wealthy.

    Do you see success for yourself in the coming election and your party, as I will broad strokes it as moving more towards the center versus the left, which we’re seeing this conversation happen within the Democratic party.

    Governor Hochul: This is not a new movement for me. I’ve always found comfortable in the very wide center — where I believe that most New Yorkers really are. And what it does is it provides a blueprint for anyone who really cares about delivering what the constituents actually want. They want you to focus on two things. Are they and their families safe? Can you do more to make me feel safe? Or whether I’m on the subway?

    So I put more police officers there on our streets, putting more money for gun interdiction up in our rural communities, making sure that our law enforcement has what they need. You have to feel fundamentally safe and Democrats have to talk about that. Don’t be afraid to talk about fighting crime.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Do you think that’s been one of the misses in and lessons from the election?

    Governor Hochul: For many, many years. Not this year, many years. We will protect defendants’ rights without a doubt. But I changed the laws so no longer will people see cases — violent criminals walking free, because there were technical reasons why a case was dismissed. We ended that. We’re going to make sure that does not — so I’m focused on that, but it’s also public safety and the economy.

    People are worried about prices and their bills, and you see everybody walking around looking at their cell phone, what their 401k plan is plummeting and turning into — numbers that they never thought could go that low. It is frightening for New Yorkers, and I think about the Walmart moms and the people who shop in the big box stores.

    Like I said, I used to do it as a mom, like you’re clutching your coupons. Hoping it’s enough to get you out of that cash out without being embarrassed in front of your kids that you didn’t have enough for the groceries that week because tariffs drove up the prices. So I’m putting money back in people’s pockets — $5,000.

    Inflation rebate. A thousand dollars for kids under the age four, $500 for school age. The biggest — as you mentioned — the biggest tax cut we’ve had for the middle class in 70 years. It’s all about putting money back in their pockets. And lastly, letting them know I care about their families because their family is my fight.

    I’m banning cell phones in all schools so our kids can finally get their childhood back. So you talk to people about things they understand. You don’t give them a 25 point blueprint on future energy needs. Just tell it like it is. Talk like a regular citizen, a regular New Yorker, a regular person, and stop being so condescending ourselves and talking down to people. This is what they want.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: You’re going to face some competition in your reelection effort. Just heard, Elise Stefanik, who was up to be an ambassador for Trump – obviously that did not happen. And she was out just yesterday and had some really harsh words to say about you saying, you’re the worst governor in America, that she dubbed Andrew Cuomo that not thinking anyone could do, do worse.

    She’s clearly — she’s exploring a run against you. Are you concerned there has been a lot of talk about the growing Republican sentiment in the State of New York over cycles. Are you concerned about a Republican challenger?

    Governor Hochul: No. No, Donald Trump has made sure that the Republican Party brand is so tainted in New York that no matter who runs against me, they will have the baggage of explaining why people’s prices went up, why they lost healthcare, why they lost Medicaid, why they lost education, all to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest. I look forward to that fight. No matter who it is, it’s not settled yet, but I say bring it on.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Governor, thanks for coming in.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: It’s good to have you here. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –