NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Israeli military escalation in Syria, Nicaragua rights probe, South Sudan talks

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    The UN Special Envoy for Syria has condemned the repeated and intensifying military escalations by Israel in the country, including airstrikes that have caused civilian casualties.

    “Such actions undermine efforts to build a new Syria at peace with itself and the region, and destabilize Syria at a sensitive time,” Geir Pedersen said on Thursday in a statement.

    He called on Israel to cease these attacks which could amount to serious violations of international law, to respect Syria’s sovereignty and existing agreements, and to cease unilateral actions on the ground.

    The Special Envoy urged all parties to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue to address security concerns and prevent further escalation.

    Nicaragua: Rights report names 54 officials for alleged violations    

    Top independent experts reporting to the Human Rights Council on Thursday named dozens of Nicaraguan officials who they say are responsible for grave violations, abuses and crimes.

    The Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua was established by the Council following the deadly suppression of protests in 2018 against President Daniel Ortega, who is serving his fourth term, currently with his co-president and wife Rosario Murillo.

    The experts – who are not UN staff – have previously alleged that the Central American country has become an authoritarian State by means of a “tightly coordinated system of repression”, from the President down to local officials.

    On 27 February, one day before the Group presented its latest report, Nicaragua announced its withdrawal from the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    The independent experts maintain that 54 government, military and party officials played key roles in rights violations including arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial executions and persecution of civil society and the media.

    The investigators have previously accused the Nicaraguan authorities of “widespread and systematic” repression and “weaponizing” every branch of government to strengthen their grip on power.

    “These are not random or isolated incidents – they are part of a deliberate and well-orchestrated State policy carried out by identifiable actors through defined chains of command,” said Ariela Peralta, one of the three experts. 

    The list of names has been shared with the Nicaraguan government, which has previously rejected allegations of rights abuses and refuses to cooperate with the experts.

    South Sudan talks aim to avert further escalation

    High-level talks are underway in South Sudan to try and prevent further escalation between forces aligned with the two main parties to the 2018 peace deal, the UN reported on Thursday.

    Meetings are being held in the capital, Juba, between South Sudan’s political leaders and regional Heads of States as well as the African Union Panel of the Wise, comprising highly respected personalities who have contributed to peace, security and development on the continent.

    During a discussion with the Panel, the Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, stressed the importance of urgent collective engagement by regional and international partners to help end the hostilities, prevent a relapse into widespread violence and secure a return to the peace agreement.

    He also highlighted the need for political detainees to be released and for new measures to build trust and confidence between the parties.

    South Sudan is the world’s youngest country, having gained independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011. Conflict broke out in December 2013 between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition forces led by his rival Riek Machar, leaving hundreds of thousands dead.

    The 2018 peace agreement ended the fighting, but the current crisis threatens to tip the country back into civil war.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: After Winning an Oscar for No Other Land, Palestinian Filmmakers Returned Home to ‘Same Reality’ of Occupation, Violence, Palestinian Rights Committee Hears

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Speakers Discuss Growing Collusion Between Israeli Settlers, State Apparatus

    After winning the Oscar for No Other Land, the film’s Palestinian co-directors returned to occupation and violence, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People heard today in a meeting where several speakers drew attention to the increasing collusion between Israeli settlers and the State apparatus.

    Basel Adra, one of the three co-directors of No Other Land, said he grew up seeing bulldozers entering Palestinian communities and destroying homes.  But this was so routine that journalists were not interested in covering it.  So, as a teenager, he started carrying a camera and filming because he wanted the world to see what it was like to live under brutal occupation. 

    Five years ago, he started working on the documentary with friends, he said, adding that the movie succeeded beyond expectations.  “But even after winning the Oscar, we went back to the same reality,” he observed.  He detailed many harrowing stories of violence, destruction and arbitrary detention.  Three weeks after the Oscars, settlers attacked a mosque in the village of one of his co-directors, Hamdan Ballal.  About 20 settlers started vandalizing the village.  Hamdan tried to protect his family by locking the door of his house and standing outside, but two soldiers started beating him, and then abducted him and two other Palestinians to a military base.  He spent 20 hours in the base, handcuffed and blindfolded while soldiers mistreated him — when he was brought to interrogation, he was accused of attacking the settler and only after he paid a fine was he able to leave and get medical treatment.

    Detailing several such stories of violence, destruction and detention, Mr. Adra said it is Israeli State policy to enable radical right-wing terrorist settlers.  The soldiers and police provide not only impunity but also support to settlers attacking communities in the West Bank.  He also highlighted an Israeli court decision to designate the area of Masafer Yatta, which contains several Palestinian villages, as a “firing zone” for the Israeli military to do military exercises.  The struggle against the occupation is something he inherited from his father and grandfather, he said, hoping that his daughter will be able to live without the weight of occupation.

    Events in Masafer Yatta Village in West Bank Part of Larger Policy to Create Settler Regime

    What is happening in Masafer Yatta is part of a larger policy of creating a “settler regime”, Netta Amar-Shiff, human rights lawyer, speaking via video, said.  The village of Jinba in Masaffer Yatta that was attacked repeatedly last week was long a vital economic and cultural centre, she said.  She also detailed a court case in which Palestinians presented the history of Masafer Yatta and requested that its designation as a “firing zone” be overturned.  Sharing some of the historical evidence presented to the court, she showed an 1879 Palestine Exploration Fund Map as well as pages from a book about the Hebron Hill cave dwellers.  The book details an archaeological study of the region, including the discovery of ancient grain containers called ”suma’a” — the author concludes that their presence is a signal of historic permanent residency.  Regardless, the court dismissed all these findings. 

    Masafer Yatta has been a target of extensive settlement activities since 7 October 2023, she said.  But “this is not the same military we know from before 7 October,” she said, adding that while settler violence has long been linked with Israel’s expansion, now armed settlers have been formally incorporated into the regular military forces — they receive drones, vehicles, arms and technology.  Human rights lawyers such as her are fast running out of solutions as judicial remedies disappear, she said, adding that an immediate international intervention is crucial.  From her Mizrahi Jewish perspective, she said, “it is not just a necessity to end the conflict, it is an honour and a blessing.”

    Humanitarian Workers, More Aid Cannot Resolve Conflict; Solution Is Political

    The Committee also heard from Younis Khatib, President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, who recalled how his organization used to have a training centre in Masafer Yatta to train young Palestinians until six years ago when the Israeli army prevented the Red Crescent from reaching that area.  Recently, the Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said that the West Bank is the heart of Israel, he said, adding that what is happening right now in Masafer Yatta is part of the larger Israeli plan for the West Bank.  Most Palestinian cities in the West Bank are totally controlled by Israel.

    “There will be more and more evictions if the international community allows it,” he said, asking how the two-State solution can be implemented if one side does not believe that the other side should be able to exercise their rights as human beings.  He also highlighted the dehumanization of Palestinians, noting that pre-fab building materials for temporary housing in Gaza had to be negotiated in the recent ceasefire agreement.  Denying Palestinians a dignified life is intentional — from day one, the objective was to push the Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip.  “This is a continuation of 1948,” he said. 

    This cannot be solved with more humanitarian aid to the West Bank and Gaza, he said, stressing that the resolution is political.  “Don’t expect that humanitarians will do your job,” he stressed.  It is the responsibility of the United Nations and the international community to stop the killing of aid workers.  Referring to the aid workers — including the eight staff from his organization — who were killed and buried in a mass grave in Rafah, the bodies discovered a few days ago, he said:  “We don’t train our paramedics to risk their lives; we train them to save lives.”  The war in Gaza has been the conflict with the largest number of killed aid workers.  “Khalas, stop counting for God’s sake,” he said, underscoring that these are not numbers, but lives.  These are colleagues, friends and sons, he said, adding:  “The souls of our colleagues ask for justice.”

    No Other Land Brings to Life How Land Is at Heart of Illegal Occupation 

    James Turpin, Chief of the Prevention and Sustaining Peace Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the documentary film, No Other Land, brings to life, in a compelling and accessible way, what the UN has documented in countless reports.  Land is at the heart of the occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, he said, detailing how Israel’s settlement policy is eroding Palestinian rights.  Israel continues to transfer its civilian population to East Jerusalem — there are now around 737,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and almost a third of them are in East Jerusalem alone.  Steps are regularly taken to accelerate construction of additional housing units.  “This is accompanied by demolition of Palestinian properties and structures — mostly under the pretext of lacking building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain,” he pointed out. 

    Israel also undertakes the illegal appropriation of occupied land for Israeli settlements through declarations of “State land”, and the establishment of military zones (as seen in No Other Land), nature reserves, and cultural and archaeological sites.  Livelihoods centred around olive production are particularly targeted by Israeli State and settler violence, he said, adding that “many Palestinian farmers are unable to harvest their trees due to violence and movement restrictions”.  Israel’s provision of services for settlers in settlements and outposts institutionalizes control of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  “The line between settler and State violence has blurred to a vanishing point, further enabling violence and impunity,” he said.

    But “while there may be obfuscation on the ground”, international law is very clear, he said, stressing that Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory must end, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice. 

    Return to Ceasefire Key for Implementing Arab Plan for Gaza’s Reconstruction 

    Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, also briefed the Committee, noting that he just came from a meeting with the Group of Friends of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressed the indispensable role of that Agency.  The group was formed when the Israeli Government started unleashing its campaign against UNRWA.  There is tremendous frustration in the international community, from the Arab Group to European countries, that the Israeli authorities broke the ceasefire, he said.  Highlighting the Arab plan for reconstruction of Gaza, he said that the first stage of the plan is to build temporary housing in the Gaza Strip.  In order to make that happen, “we need this ceasefire to be put back in place,” he underscored.

    Early next month, a meeting will take place in Egypt to move the Plan forward, he said, also noting the conference to be held in New York in June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, towards creating conditions conducive to the implementation of a two-State solution.  Ending the illegal Israeli occupation is crucial for that, he said.  His delegation will continue its “political offensive” in the General Assembly in order to take actions on the decisions that will be taken in Cairo and New York.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Treated wood? If in doubt, leave it out of the burn pile

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Recently, we’ve been spotting chemically treated pallets and other treated timber in burn piles on properties across Waitaha/Canterbury.

    Burning chemically treated timber, painted wood, MDF, plywood and chipboard creates toxic smoke and ash that’s harmful to health and the environment. To protect your health, your community’s health and the environment, never burn these types of wood.

    Chemically treated pallets are sometimes sold as kindling for home heating, but in addition to creating harmful smoke and ash, the chemicals in treated wood will corrode your wood burner.

    How to identify chemically treated wood

    Wood stamped with ‘MB’ (methyl bromide) or ‘CCA’ (chromated copper arsenate) has been treated with toxic chemicals and must not be burned. Timber with a greenish tinge is also likely to be chemically treated and should not be burned. If in doubt about whether or not timber is chemically treated, do not burn it anywhere. The only safe and legal way to dispose of treated timber in Waitaha is dropping it to a transfer station.

    Find out more about transfer stations in your area from your local council.

    Heat-treated pallets stamped with the letters ‘HT’ are safe to burn, but remember to check for and remove any plastic feet or attachments before burning.

    Burning rules in Waitaha

    If you live on a property less than two hectares in area, you can not burn anything outdoors, even if you live in a rural area. If you live on a property over two hectares in area, you can burn dry vegetation, untreated wood, paper and cardboard as long as you follow the rules, burn responsibly, and ensure smoke does not cause a nuisance beyond your property boundary.

    Always visit the Checkitsalright.nz website from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to find out whether you’re in an open, restricted, or prohibited fire season and whether you need a permit for your burn.

    If you live in a Clean Air Zone, outdoor burning is only allowed from 1 September to 30 April (for the Kaiapoi, Christchurch, and Timaru Clean Air Zones) or from 1 September to 31 May (for the Rangiora, Geraldine, Ashburton and Waimate Clean Air Zones). Check all the rules on our outdoor burning page.

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Community groups receive funding to protect indigenous biodiversity

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Successful biodiversity projects

    We received a total of 31 applications requesting more than $1.6m. Through a structured selection process, we awarded funding for eight projects. The organisations, the project titles and the self-described project purposes are listed below.

    Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, $72,550

    Control of infestation and monitoring impacts of pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) on naturally rare coastal ecosystems on Banks Peninsula.

    This project seeks to document impacts of the invasive weed pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) on coastal cliffs, basic tors (rocky outcrops), scarps and rocklands, as well as the coastal forest and scrub remnants and grasslands of Banks Peninsula.

    Additionally, it will examine the features driving spread into interior vegetation communities and determine the effects of chemical control of pig’s ear on these ecological communities, using the 1,800-hectare area between Menzies Bay and Little Akaloa in the north-eastern bays of Banks Peninsula as a case study. 

    Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, $65,810

    Pest Free Community Activator position.

    This project will continue the funding of a Pest Free Community Activator position, to work with community trapping groups across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The Activator will deliver training and support, and a range of resources, to support community groups to positively impact biodiversity outcomes. 

    Summit Road Society Incorporated, $58,500

    Linda Woods Reserve (Avoca Valley) plant maintenance project.

    Linda Woods Reserve is a 233ha reserve, made up of Horotane and Avoca Valleys, which is owned and managed by the Summit Road Society. Supporting the Society’s aim of restoring lowland dry podocarp hardwood forest to the reserve, this project is for maintenance of 14,000 native plants in Avoca Valley, focusing on weed control and protective plant guard removal and recycling.

    Diamond Harbour Community Association Inc, $54,108

    Weeding Waipapa’s wilds.

    This project aims to increase the extent of indigenous coastal forest through weed control, natural regeneration, and community tree planting from Purau to Te Waipapa Diamond Harbour. It will reduce environmental weed sources through control of outlier populations and, through community engagement and outreach, inspire and educate local gardeners to remove weeds from their gardens. 

    Port Hills Park Trust Board, $50,000

    Mt Vernon’s rocky outcrops — protection, investigation, enhancement and engagement.

    This project involves the protection, enhancement, research and monitoring, and education and engagement on rocky outcrops of significance within Mt Vernon. The rstoration work within Mt Vernon will be supported by collaboration with research and restoration communities to document and monitor various restoration/intervention strategies and external impacts and influences. 

    Orton Bradley Park Board, $45,000

    Te Wharau Stream restoration.

    This project will involve the protection and enhancement of the Te Wharau Stream catchment to ensure improved biodiversity habitat, improved freshwater quality, higher carbon capture, and higher survival rates for native flora and fauna. 

    Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust, $37,117

    Protecting special areas: selective gorse control on Te Ahu Pātiki.

    This project will protect identified areas on the summit of Te Ahu Pātiki and designated special areas on Mt. Bradley. Te Ahu Pātiki is host to a variety of nationally and regionally rare species, which are all under threat from recent gorse incursion.

    Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust, $20,000

    Transformation of the wetland edge of Te Roto o Wairewa.

    This project will control problematic weeds in the wetland edge of Te Roto o Wairewa that the Little River Rail Trail runs through. Weed control in this area will also prevent significant incursion into other high value areas that have recently had extensive weed control treatment.

    We look forward to supporting these projects and working with these community groups.

    Please note that the Biodiversity Fund has only been made available for the 2024/25 year. No decisions have been made on whether this fund will be available in the future.

    Environment Canterbury © 2025
    Retrieved: 9:20am, Fri 04 Apr 2025
    ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/community-groups-receive-funding-to-protect-indigenous-biodiversity/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Crash closes State Highway 58, Pāuatahanui – Paremata (SH58 open)

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Update 4 April, 6:15 am: State Highway 58 has reopened overnight following a car crash early yesterday (Thursday) evening.

    The highway reopened around 11 pm after being closed to traffic for almost five hours.

    Update 8:10 pm:

    State Highway 58 remains closed this evening between Postgate Drive and James Cook Drive.

    The Police Crash Unit is investigating, and the route is likely to remain closed until its work is completed.

    Drivers should continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

    Drivers travelling between Pāuatahanui and Paremata can detour via James Cook Drive, Discovery Drive, Spinnaker Drive and Postgate Drive.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    6:30 pm:

    State Highway 58 is  currently closed between Postgate Drive and James Cook Drive following a crash earlier this evening.

    A car is reported to have rolled near the James Cook Drive intersection. The incident was reported around 6 pm.

    Drivers are asked to avoid the area, delay their travel, or and use an alternative route. Local road detours are available.

    Emergency services and contractors are at the scene.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Precautionary closure of SH6 north of Haast overnight with ongoing heavy rain

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    SH6 from Haast to Knights Point/Lake Moeraki in South Westland will close at 7 pm tonight (3 April) as a precautionary measure, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    The road will reopen at 8 am Friday, subject to an inspection to check for any slips or debris associated with the current rain near the area of the Epitaph Slip.

    Heavy rain has been falling across the West Coast region today, creating surface flooding along SH6 from South Westland into Buller District as well as over Tasman and Top of the South.

    People should check the NZTA traffic and travel/ Journey pages for updates or changes if travelling overnight or early tomorrow:

    Highway conditions – West coast(external link)

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Compass Diversified Declares First Quarter 2025 Distributions on Common and Series A, B and C Preferred Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTPORT, Conn., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) (“CODI” or the “Company”), an owner of leading middle-market branded consumer and industrial businesses, announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common shares (the “Common Shares”). The distribution for the three months ended March 31, 2025, is payable on April 24, 2025, to all holders of record of Common Shares as of April 17, 2025.

    The Board also declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.453125 per share on the Company’s 7.250% Series A Preferred Shares (the “Series A Preferred Shares”). The distribution on the Series A Preferred Shares covers the period from, and including, January 30, 2025, up to, but excluding, April 30, 2025. The distribution for such period is payable on April 30, 2025, to all holders of record of Series A Preferred Shares as of April 15, 2025.

    The Board also declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.4921875 per share on the Company’s 7.875% Series B Preferred Shares (the “Series B Preferred Shares”). The distribution on the Series B Preferred Shares covers the period from, and including, January 30, 2025, up to, but excluding, April 30, 2025. The distribution for such period is payable on April 30, 2025, to all holders of record of Series B Preferred Shares as of April 15, 2025.

    The Board also declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.4921875 per share on the Company’s 7.875% Series C Preferred Shares (the “Series C Preferred Shares”). The distribution on the Series C Preferred Shares covers the period from, and including, January 30, 2025, up to, but excluding, April 30, 2025. The distribution for such period is payable on April 30, 2025, to all holders of record of Series C Preferred Shares as of April 15, 2025.

    CODI’s common and preferred cash distributions should generally constitute “qualified dividends” for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent they are paid from “earnings and profits” (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), provided that the requisite holding period is met. To the extent that the amount of cash distributions exceeds earnings and profits, such distribution will first be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares and thereafter be treated as a capital gain from the sale or exchange of such shares.

    About Compass Diversified
    Since its IPO in 2006, CODI has consistently executed its strategy of owning and managing a diverse set of highly defensible, middle-market businesses across the branded consumer, industrial, and healthcare and critical outsourced services sectors. The Company leverages its permanent capital base, long-term disciplined approach, and actionable expertise to maintain controlling ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries, maximizing its ability to impact long-term cash flow generation and value creation. The Company provides both debt and equity capital for its subsidiaries, contributing to their financial and operating flexibility. CODI utilizes the cash flows generated by its subsidiaries to invest in the long-term growth of the Company and has consistently generated strong returns through its culture of transparency, alignment, and accountability. For more information, please visit compassdiversified.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the future performance of CODI and its subsidiaries. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” and “future” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, and some of these factors are enumerated in the risk factor discussion in the Form 10-K filed by CODI with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, CODI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Investor Relations
    Compass Diversified
    irinquiry@compassdiversified.com

    Gateway Group
    Cody Slach
    949.574.3860
    CODI@gateway-grp.com

    Media Relations
    Compass Diversified
    mediainquiry@compassdiversified.com

    The IGB Group
    Leon Berman
    212.477.8438
    lberman@igbir.com

    Source: Compass Diversified Holdings

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: National Fuel Announces Executive Management Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Utility President Donna DeCarolis to Retire;
    Will Continue to Serve as a Senior Energy Advisor to National Fuel

    Michael Colpoys to Succeed DeCarolis as
    President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation

    WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — National Fuel Gas Company (“National Fuel” or the “Company”) (NYSE: NFG) today announced that Donna L. DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, has indicated her intention to retire, effective July 1, 2025, after more than 40 years of service.

    While Donna retires from the day-to-day management of New York’s largest natural gas only utility, she is being retained as a Senior Energy Advisor for the Company, continuing her role actively representing National Fuel in New York’s statewide energy policy matters. Since 2019 when New York passed the most aggressive climate and decarbonization legislation in the country, DeCarolis has been a staunch advocate for natural gas customers and the need for them to have affordable, reliable and resilient energy options. She has participated in hundreds of community conversations to increase awareness and education on the State’s climate mandates and their potential impact on the lives of New York residents as well as the State’s economy. DeCarolis has been an active presence in Albany identifying real regional differences, and how a policy that might work downstate is potentially harmful for upstate New York due to our more extreme weather and less wealth than metro New York City. Her important role as a vocal advocate in this arena is not going to change, she’ll just be in a different capacity as a senior advisor for National Fuel.

    “Donna’s leadership has made a lasting mark on National Fuel and the communities and organizations she has served for more than 40 years,” said David P. Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company. “Her dedication and vision have helped shape the long-term success of our organization, and I am pleased that she will continue to represent the Company in key energy policy matters as a senior advisor. I hope that her next chapter will be as rewarding as her career has been for National Fuel.”

    DeCarolis was named President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, National Fuel’s Utility subsidiary, in February 2019. Prior to that, since 2007, she held the title of Vice President of Business Development for National Fuel Gas Company. During her more than 40-year tenure with the Company, she ascended through several different business areas, including Corporate Investor Relations, Utility Customer Quality Assurance, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Utility Energy Marketing, Government Affairs, Utility Consumer Business/Customer Service as well as having previously been president of several of the Company’s non-regulated business entities. Active in her support of the community, Donna has served in leadership capacities on the boards of the Business Council of New York, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House Restoration Complex, Leadership Buffalo, Shea’s O’Connell Preservation Guild, the University at Buffalo’s School of Management, Buffalo Sabres Foundation, Niagara University and the African American Veteran’s Monument.

    Shortly after assuming the role of Utility President, DeCarolis was named the second appointment to the New York State Climate Action Council, a 22-member body created in statute under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The Council was charged with developing a plan to reach New York State’s 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and spent three years developing a final scoping plan, issued December 2022. DeCarolis was one of the three energy industry executives to vote against the Scoping Plan because of unanswered and unaddressed concerns about the Climate Act’s impact on customer affordability, energy reliability, the elimination of customer choice and the overall impact on New York’s ability to maintain its business competitiveness if the state were to decarbonize and electrify everything.

    The Company also announced that on July 1, 2025, DeCarolis will be succeeded by Michael Colpoys as President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. Colpoys is a long-tenured National Fuel officer who has spent much of his career on the Operations side of the industry. With decades of experience in all aspects of utility operations, Colpoys was named Senior Vice President for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation in 2021, gaining oversight for all utility field operations in New York and Pennsylvania. In addition, he oversees the Rates and Regulatory Affairs, Energy Services and Gas Supply Administration departments.

    Originally from Buffalo, Colpoys started his career in 1987 as a Management Trainee and was promoted to Junior Engineer in 1988. In the following years, he was promoted numerous times, advancing to Assistant Vice President of Distribution Corporation in 2009 and then to Vice President in 2015 of National Fuel Gas Midstream Company where he oversaw the development, construction and operation of the company’s expanding gathering pipelines. In 2016, he was named Vice President of Distribution Corporation. He received a bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State Behrend.

    Colpoys resides in Erie, Pa., and is actively involved with industry, business and community groups, serving on the boards of Northeast Gas Association, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Chamber, Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Penn State Behrend College of Fellows and the 100 Club of Buffalo.

    National Fuel is an integrated energy company reporting financial results for four operating segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering and Utility. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company and provides natural gas service for 2.2 million residents in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Additional information about National Fuel is available at www.nationalfuel.com.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d16aac8d-4110-4b4a-9e31-e12c1a87dce2
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1cb8680-74fe-4355-a3c5-3c5878a05868

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Announces the Appointment of Anthony Gallegos to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Midland, Texas, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midland, Texas, April 3, 2025 – Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (“NGS” or the “Company”) (NYSE: NGS), a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry, announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed Anthony Gallegos to the Board on April 1, 2025. Mr. Gallegos fills the position vacated by David Bradshaw in connection with his retirement from the Board in December 2024.

    “On behalf of the entire team at NGS, we are excited to welcome Anthony Gallegos to the Board of Directors,” said Justin Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer. “Anthony brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the energy sector where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional operational expertise. His deep understanding of our industry, along with his vast network, will be invaluable as we navigate the next phase of growth at NGS. The Board and I are eager to collaborate with Anthony as we focus on driving shareholder value and advancing our mission to deliver innovative natural gas compression solutions.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gallegos stated, “I am excited to work alongside the Directors and executive team of Natural Gas Services Group, and I look forward to leveraging my experiences and expertise to help drive shareholder value. The company has done an extraordinary job driving innovation, growing its fleet, and expanding both its customer base and pipeline for future growth. It is my goal to work together to uncover new ways of driving growth and profitability and an improved customer experience.” 

    Stephen Taylor, Chairman of the Board added, “We are delighted to add someone of Anthony’s background and experience to our Board of Directors as he brings exceptional expertise in the oilfield services industry and across various functional areas of our business. His knowledge will serve our company, our customers, and our shareholders well as we continue to execute our long-term growth plans.”

    Mr. Gallegos has more than 30 years of experience in the offshore, international, and US land drilling business. He currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (ICD), positions he has held since October 2018.  Prior to his role with ICD, Anthony held various executive positions with Sidewinder Drilling Company, a company he co-founded in 2011, until Sidewinder’s merger with ICD in October 2018. Previously, Anthony held various leadership positions in the areas of operations, marketing, and corporate planning with Scorpion Offshore Ltd., Transocean Offshore, Atwood Oceanics, and Ensco, all publicly listed companies. 

    Mr. Gallegos began his career working as a roughneck on offshore drilling rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the International Association of Drilling Contractors. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and an M.B.A. from Rice University.

    About Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS): NGS is a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry.  The Company rents, operates and maintains natural gas compressors for oil and gas production and processing facilities. In addition, the Company designs and assembles compressor units for rental to its customers and provides aftermarket services in the form of call-out services on customer-owned equipment as well as commissioning of new units for customers. NGS  is headquartered in Midland, Texas, with a fabrication facility located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a rebuild shop located in Midland, Texas, and service facilities located in major oil and natural gas producing basins in the U.S. Additional information can be found at www.ngsgi.com.

    For More Information, Contact:
    Anna Delgado, Investor Relations
    (432) 262-2700
    ir@ngsgi.com www.ngsgi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Ranked in Top 10 Most Effective GOP Senators

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) was ranked 6th in effectiveness out of 49 Republican senators during the 118th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

    Last Congress, Fischer championed and successfully passed nine bills into law, outlined below. Several more of Senator Fischer’s bills received action in committee. Fischer also secured more than three dozen provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included improving the Department of Defense’s management of electronic warfare capabilities, establishing a program of record for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, and establishing programs to help resolve our munitions production crisis.

    “I’ve been elected and re-elected to the Senate three times to get things done for Nebraska. That’s exactly what I did last Congress by passing bills to support law enforcement, restore land to local ownership, strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent, and more. I pledge to continue championing commonsense solutions to make life better, safer, and more prosperous for Nebraskans and our great nation,” said Fischer.

    Here is a summary of the bills Fischer successfully passed into law during the 118th Congress:

    Recruit and Retain Act:
    Addresses staffing shortages nationwide by enhancing law enforcement agencies’ access to federal hiring tools.

    Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023:
    Creates a path for military veterans to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses more easily, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers.

    Restoring American Deterrence Act of 2024:
    Overhauls U.S. nuclear preparedness and enacts key updates to America’s strategic posture. Contains multiple provisions to ensure that the U.S. can continue to deter China and Russia.

    REEF Act:
    Protects railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all.

    Advanced Aviation Act:
    Establishes an Advanced Aviation Steering Committee to improve rulemaking and better coordinate new technologies entering the aviation space.

    Sustain Regional Air Travel Act:
    Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the pilot shortage’s impact on rural, regional carriers and recommend concrete ways to address the constraints.

    Winnebago Land Transfer Act:
    Transfers approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that was seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyance Act:
    Transfers the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County.

    National Advisory Committee on Indian Education Improvement (NACIE) Improvement Act:
    Gives Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Speech on Senate Vote to Block $8.8 Billion Sale of Heavy Bombs to Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, April 3 – After filing Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) to block the sale of two of the most egregious Trump Administration offensive arms sales to Israel, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today rose to bring the JRDs up for a vote by the full Senate.

    The sales would provide almost $8.8 billion more in heavy bombs and other munitions to Netanyahu, including more than 35,000 massive 2,000-pound bombs.

    • The first resolution, S.J.Res 33, would block a sale of $2.04 billion for 35,329 MK 84 2,000 lb. bombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads.
    • The second resolution, S.J.Res.26, would block $6.75 billion for 2,800 500-pound bombs, 2,166 Small Diameter Bombs, and tens of thousands of JDAM guidance kits.

    All of these systems have been linked to dozens of illegal airstrikes, including on designated humanitarian sites, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties. None of these systems are necessary to protect Israel from incoming drone or rocket attacks.

    The JRD is the only formal mechanism available to Congress to prevent an arms sale noticed by the administration from advancing.

    Sanders’ remarks introducing the vote today, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched live HERE:

    M. President, let me begin by telling the American people something they already know, and that is, as a result of the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision, we now have a corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaires to buy elections and to influence major pieces of legislation. That, I think, is not a secret to the American people.

    If you’re a Republican and you vote against the Trump administration in one way or another, you have to look over your shoulder and worry that you’re going to get a call from Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world. And he will tell you that if you vote against what he wants, he will spend unlimited amounts of money to defeat you in the next election. That’s not a great secret. That’s what Musk has been saying publicly. 

    If you’re a Democrat, you have to worry about the billionaires who fund AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. If you vote against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his horrific war in Gaza, AIPAC will punish you with millions of dollars in advertisements to see that you’re defeated. AIPAC’s PAC and Super PAC spent nearly $127 million combined during the 2023-2024 election cycle, according to the Federal Election Commission.

    And I must confess that AIPAC has been successful. Last year, they defeated two members of the U.S. House who opposed providing military aide to Netanyahu’s extremist government.

    Given all of that, I would hope that Democrats and Republicans who understand that they were elected to protect the interests of their constituents, not billionaire campaign contributors, would support the ending of Citizens United and the movement toward public funding of elections so billionaires could not continue to control the political and legislative process.

    Further, I would hope that both parties would move to end super PAC funding in their primaries. I would hope that would be the case so that we can once again become a government of the people, by the people, for the people – and not a government run by the billionaire class. 

    M. President, I trust that every American – and certainly every member of the Senate – understands that Hamas, a terrorist organization, began this terrible war with its barbaric October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 innocent people and took 250 hostages. The International Criminal Court was correct in indicting the leaders of Hamas as war criminals for those atrocities. Clearly, Israel had the right to defend itself against Hamas.

    But most Americans also understand that, while Israel had a right to wage war against Hamas, it did not and does have the right to wage war against the entire Palestinian population. Tragically, that is exactly what we have seen over the last year and a half.

    Let us be clear: Prime Minister Netanyahu’s racist and extremist government has waged an all-out barbaric war against the Palestinian people and made life unlivable in Gaza. Within Gaza’s population of just 2.2 million people, more than 50,000 people have been killed and more than 113,000 have been injured – 60 percent of whom are women, children, and elderly people. That is 7.4 percent of the population of Gaza killed or wounded. If those same percentages were applied to the United States, it would mean that over 25 million Americans would have been killed or wounded.

    In total, since the war began, 15,000 children in Gaza have been killed, and today there are more than 17,000 orphans. But it’s not just the dead and the wounded. Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment has damaged or destroyed two-thirds of all structures in Gaza, including 92 percent of the housing units.

    Almost no part of Gaza has been left unscathed. Most of the population now is living in tents or other makeshift structures.

    M. President, most of the territory’s hospitals and primary healthcare facilities have been bombed, leaving virtually all Gazans without basic medical care. Think about what that means. I have met repeatedly with American doctors and others who have served in Gaza. And they are treating hundreds of patients a day without electricity, without anesthesia, without clean water, including dozens of children arriving with gunshot wounds to the head. I have seen the photographs and the videos.

    Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been totally devastated, including almost 90 percent of water and sanitation facilities. Most of the roads in Gaza have been destroyed and made impassable.

    Gaza’s educational system has been obliterated. Children are not going to school. According to the World Bank, more than 2,000 educational facilities, ranging from kindergartens to universities, have been destroyed. Hundreds of schools have been bombed, as has every single one of Gaza’s 12 universities.

    And M. President, there has been no electricity in Gaza for 17 months.

    Put simply, Netanyahu and his extremist government have killed or wounded over 7 percent of Gaza’s population and have turned Gaza into a wasteland unfit for human life.

    That is what has been going on over the last year and a half.

    M. President, in terms of where we are today: the Netanyahu government broke the ceasefire two weeks ago, endangering the well-being of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    Further, in the last two weeks, they have intensified their assault against the Palestinian people. According to UNICEF, since Netanyahu broke the ceasefire, more than 1,000 people have been killed, including over 300 children, and more than 600 children have been wounded. UNICEF says that most of these children were killed while sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes. Just in the last 24 hours, 97 more people have been killed in Gaza.

    Since Netanyahu broke the ceasefire, even more aid workers have been killed, putting the total over 400 since the war began. Earlier this week, the United Nations announced that they had recovered the bodies of 15 emergency aid workers, who were killed by Israeli forces while wearing their emergency responder uniforms and then dumped in a mass grave in southern Gaza. They were buried alongside their destroyed emergency vehicles – clearly marked ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN car.

    M. President, with the resumption of bombing, hundreds of thousands of Gazans are once again being forcibly displaced by bombing and evacuation orders. This week, Israeli authorities issued displacement orders for most of Rafah, where about 150,000 people were estimated to be sheltering.

    Think about what all of this means in human terms.

    Throughout this war, millions of desperately poor people in Gaza have been repeatedly driven from their homes. They have been forced to pick their way through a demolished landscape, again and again, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Families have been herded into so-called “safe zones,” only to face continued bombardment.

    The children of Gaza have suffered a level of physical and emotional torture that is almost beyond comprehension and that will clearly stay with each and every one of them for the rest of their lives.

    These children are hungry. They are thirsty. It is hard to get clean water. They have been denied healthcare, and have witnessed the death of their parents, their family members, their homes, and virtually everything around them. And they have been picked up and moved from one place to another, all the while drones are above them shooting or photographing what they are doing.

    M. President, throughout this war, Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid have left hundreds of thousands of people, including tens of thousands of children, facing malnutrition and starvation. Children have literally starved to death while aid sat just miles away, blocked by Israeli forces. The UN, the United States, and every aid organization working in Gaza has been clear throughout this war: Israel’s unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions on humanitarian aid have contributed to massive death and profound suffering.

    But as bad as the last year and a half has been, at least Israel let some aid through – not enough, but some.

    But what is happening now is truly unthinkable.

    Today, it is 31 days and counting with absolutely NO humanitarian aid getting into Gaza. Nothing. No food, no water, no medicine, no fuel for over a month. That is as clear a violation of the Geneva Convention, the Foreign Assistance Act, and basic human decency. It is a war crime.

    You don’t starve children. And it is pushing things toward an even deeper catastrophe.

    Earlier this week, 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme were forced to close because they ran out of flour and cooking gas. The UN is still trying to distribute its remaining stocks of food already in Gaza, but says that “the situation remains extremely critical since the cargo closure of the crossings almost a month ago.”

    M. President, all of this is unconscionable. What we are talking about is a mass atrocity.

    And what makes it even worse, why I am here today, and why I have introduced these resolutions that we will soon be voting on, is that we, as Americans, are deeply complicit in what is happening in Gaza.

    This is not some terrible event. This is not an earthquake in Myanmar. It’s not something that we had nothing to do with.  We are deeply complicit in all of this death and suffering.

    Last year alone, the United States provided $18 billion in military aid to Israel and delivered more than 50,000 tons of military equipment. It is American bombs and American military equipment being used to destroy Gaza, kill 50,000 people, and injure over 110,000 people.

    We cannot hide from that reality.

    M. President, if we condone the barbarism that is taking place in Gaza today, we will have no standing in the world to condemn the horrors and war crimes that other countries may commit. You’re not going to be able to look at China or Russia or Saudi Arabia or any other country. We will have no credibility.

    M. President, today is the day to stand up to barbarism in Gaza and to do our best to prevent future barbaric acts all over the world. 

    It is no secret to anyone how these U.S. weapons have been used.

    Israel has bombed indiscriminately, killing civilians, journalists, paramedics, children, and humanitarian workers in record numbers. They have used massive 2,000-pound bombs in densely-populated Gaza, despite the fact studies show that 90 percent of victims of explosive weapons used in a populated area are civilians. These bombs have a blast radius of more than 350 meters, yet Israel has dropped them into crowded apartment buildings, killing hundreds of civilians to take out a handful of Hamas fighters.

    All of that is illegal and immoral and against American law.

    The Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, what we’re talking about today, are very clear: the United States cannot provide weaponry to countries that violate internationally recognized human rights or block U.S. humanitarian aid.

    According to the UN, much of the international community, and every humanitarian organization on the ground in Gaza, Israel is clearly in violation of these laws. Under these circumstances, it is illegal for the United States government to provide Israel with more offensive weaponry. It is simply against our laws.

    Despite all of that, in the last month the Trump administration has announced its intention to transfer some $12.5 billion more in offensive weapons to Netanyahu’s government, in clear violation of U.S. law.

    M. President, that is why we are here today. Joint Resolutions of Disapproval are Congress’ tool to enforce American law.

    Today, we will vote on two resolutions to block two of the most egregious of these Trump administration offensive arms sales, which would provide almost $8.8 billion more in heavy bombs and other munitions to Netanyahu, including more than 35,000 massive 2,000-pound bombs that have killed so many civilians.

    The first resolution, S.J.Res 33, would block a sale of over $2 billion for 35,000 MK 84 2,000 lb. bombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads.

    The second resolution, S.J.Res.26, would block almost $7 billion for 2,800 500-pound bombs, 2,100 Small Diameter Bombs, and tens of thousands of JDAM guidance kits.

    All of these systems have been linked to dozens of illegal airstrikes, including on designated humanitarian sites, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties. These strikes have been painstakingly documented by human rights monitors. There is no debate. And none of these systems are defensive, none of them are necessary to protect Israel from incoming drone or rocket attacks.

    M. President, for those of my colleagues who are ambivalent about these resolutions, let me say a word about how the Trump administration is ignoring the law in advancing these arms sales, in terms of the process. Unlike Biden, whose policies on Gaza I strongly opposed, President Trump is trying to circumvent Congress with these transfers, ignoring the Foreign Assistance Act by issuing a bogus “emergency declaration” to bypass Congressional review.

    There is no emergency to justify cutting Congress out of the process. In fact, some of the systems the Trump administration claims are part of this “emergency” sale have not yet been produced.

    This is also part of a broader Trump administration effort to cut Congress out of the arms sale process.

    M. President, it is no great secret that Congress is way out of touch with where the American people are on issue after issue. Everybody knows, Congress is way out of touch.

    The billions of dollars that we are providing to the Netanyahu extremist government is just one more example of how out of touch we are with the American people. 

    According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll in March, just 15 percent of the American people support increasing military aid to Israel, while 35 percent support decreasing military aid to Israel or stopping it entirely.

    To my Democratic colleagues, I would mention that just eight percent of Democrats support increasing military aid to Israel. 47 percent support decreasing military aid to Israel or stopping it entirely. Among Republicans, nine percent are for decreasing military aid and 15 percent are for stopping all. 

    M. President, I would ask that this poll be entered into the Congressional record. 

    And according to a J Street poll of Jewish voters in November, 62 percent of American Jews support withholding “shipments of offensive weapons like 2,000-pound bombs until Prime Minister Netanyahu agrees to an American proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for a release of Israeli hostages.” And 71 percent of Jewish voters support increasing humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

    Finally, M. President, as unbelievably horrific as the situation in Gaza is and has been for the last year and a half, there is another development that could make it even worse.

    In recent months, President Trump and Israeli officials have openly talked about forcibly expelling the 2.2 million people who live in Gaza to make way for what Trump calls a “Riviera” – some billionaires’ playground.

    A few years ago, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said that he felt “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable,” floating the idea of redeveloping it. I think that many people at the time thought that was a weird and terrible joke. But it turns out that his father-in-law Donald Trump took it seriously.

    Here’s what Trump has said, repeatedly, in recent months:

    “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it.”

    “We’re going to take over that piece, we’re going to develop it.”

    “I do see a long-term ownership position… Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”

    I guess he didn’t speak to too many Palestinians who live on that land.

    On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.”

    And what about the Palestinians who have lived in Gaza for their entire lives?

    Trump said, “I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza.” “They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living.”

    Gaza could become “the Riviera of the Middle East … This could be something that could be so valuable, this could be so magnificent.”

    Throw 2.2 million people who have suffered incalculably out of the land in which they live in order to create a billionaire’s playground. 

    M. President, there is a name and a term for forcibly expelling people from where they live. It is called ethnic cleansing. It is illegal. It is a war crime.

    M. President, the United States must not continue to be complicit in the destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza. History will not forgive us for this.

    The time is long overdue for us to tell the Netanyahu government that we will not provide more weapons of destruction to them. Instead, we must demand an immediate ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of the hostages, and the rebuilding of Gaza for the Palestinian people.

    For all of these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote YES on these two resolutions which would prevent illegal and immoral arms sales to Netanyahu, would uphold Congressional power and the rule of law, and would protect innocent life.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac Listens To Patient Voice

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac opening consultation on their proposal to fund two brands of oestradiol patches. 
    “Increasing availability of medicines has always been a priority of mine. For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.
    “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement.
    “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. They heard very clearly that the TDP Mylan brand of patch did not work for everyone, and that people wanted options. 
    From today Pharmac will begin consulting on a proposal to fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan, from December 2025.
    “Pharmac has been working and engaging with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advocacy groups and petition founders to reflect their feedback in a new proposal to fund both Estradot and TDP Mylan patches,” Mr Seymour says.
    “The redirection of Pharmac remains positive and continues towards a more adaptable and patient-centered approach to funding medicines.
    “The decision to begin consultation to fund Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan from December 2025 follows the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, last year’s Medicines Summit, my letter of expectations, and the acceptance of Patient Voice Aotearoa’s White Paper as steps towards a system which works for the people it serves.
    “The Government is doing its part. Last year this government allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders.
    “We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires access to world-class medicines.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Post-Gazette Strikers Demand Healthcare for All After Court Victory as PG Attempts to Deny Improved Union Healthcare to Picket-Crossing Employees

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    PITTSBURGH – Members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh TNG-CWA Local 38061 have demanded that their employer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG), comply with an injunction issued by the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals and restore the healthcare it illegally took away from newsroom workers, addressing a core demand of the union workers who have struck for more than 29 months.

    On the day the ruling was made, the company publicly stated its intention to appeal the ruling. It has delayed its compliance with the court’s order by filing a motion to request that the court narrow the scope of the order to exclude current employees who are working jobs that are part of the union’s bargaining unit but have crossed picket lines to work for the Post-Gazette during the strike. The court’s order explicitly applies to all “employees in the bargaining unit.” Strikers continue to demand improved healthcare for all employees in the bargaining unit.

    “We’ve asked the company to put the health care plan in place as of April 1st for everybody,” said Ed Blazina, striking transportation reporter. “The PG wants the court to allow them to only put it in for the folks on strike—not for the people who are still working. But we will fight for every worker in our bargaining unit, whether they’re on strike or not, to get the dignified health care we all deserve.”

    The striking workers have further demanded that the company meet with the union for bargaining and update their proposal to the union for the first time since 2020, in compliance with the court’s order that includes requirements to submit bargaining progress reports to Region 6 of the National Labor Relations Board and negotiate with the workers’ union on any changes in wages, hours, or any other terms of employment.

    Following the injunction order, company representation made multiple irrelevant bargaining requests to the union in an effort to delay obeying the court’s order. As it was ordered by the court, there is nothing to bargain; the company simply needs to reinstate workers’ health care. Striking workers are willing to discuss contract bargaining once the company has implemented the health care plan ordered by the court.

    The striking newsroom workers are still fighting for their full strike demands: dignified healthcare and the restoration of their union contract, including paid time off, wages, employees having a guaranteed work week, and the right to question company discipline, among other issues, as well as back pay to workers for wage reductions and increased healthcare costs.

    “Our goal is unchanged,” said striking associate sports editor Rob Joesbury. “Not only do we want our health care. We want a full contract. That is the end goal.”

    In 2020, the company illegally and unilaterally tore up the editorial workers’ union contract, claiming they had bargained to an impasse. Both an administrative law judge and the National Labor Relations Board in D.C. ruled that the company broke federal labor law in this instance, in addition to bargaining in bad faith and illegally surveilling its workers.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Felon Indicted For Drug Trafficking And Possessing Firearms On Multiple Occasions

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

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of a superseding indictment charging James Edward Bullard (27, Jacksonville) with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Bullard faces a minimum penalty of 30 years, up to two life terms, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Bullard that the United States intends to forfeit five firearms and their ammunition, which were used in and facilitated the offenses.

    According to the indictment, on September 17, 2024, Bullard was in possession of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. He also possessed firearms in furtherance of this drug trafficking activity. At the time, Bullard had eight prior felony convictions, including selling cocaine and robbery. As a convicted felon, Bullard is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On November 4, 2024, Bullard again unlawfully possessed a firearm.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ajear Anthony Miller-Carter, age 24, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 46 months in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for unlawful possession of a firearm.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Miller-Carter pleaded guilty on September 24, 2024, to one count of possessing a firearm by a prohibited person.  On August 30, 2021, in Union County, police officers initiated a traffic stop of a car in which Miller-Carter was a passenger.  During the stop, officers searched the car and found marijuana, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded Taurus PT111G2 9MM pistol with an extended magazine.  Officers discovered Miller-Carter, a previously convicted felon, had an active warrant for his arrest and took him into custody wherein he admitted the 9MM pistol was his.  Police subsequently learned that the firearm was stolen. 

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.

    This case was part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Sentenced To 36 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Jesus Rene Villa, 31, of Tucson, was sentenced on March 25, 2025, by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 36 months in prison. Villa pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on January 8, 2025.

    On March 1, 2024, Tucson Police Department officers searched Villa’s vehicle after arresting him for previously fleeing from law enforcement. During the search, officers located a loaded firearm in a black duffel bag on the back seat. An investigation revealed that Villa was a four-time convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) then assumed responsibility for the case in collaboration with the Tucson Police Department as part of the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP).

    The National PSP was established by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide an innovative framework to enhance federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution authorities in enhancing public safety. PSP began as a pilot program, the Violence Reduction Network, in 2014 and is designed to promote interagency coordination by leveraging specialized law enforcement expertise with dedicated prosecutorial resources to promote public and community safety. PSP serves as a DOJ-wide program that enables participating sites to consult with and receive expedited, coordinated training and technical assistance, and an array of resources from DOJ to enhance local public safety strategies. This model enables DOJ to provide jurisdictions of different sizes and diverse needs with data-driven, evidence-based strategies tailored to the unique local needs of participating cities to build their capacities to address violent crime challenges. PSP has engaged with more than 60 sites since the program’s inception.

    The ATF and Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Caroline Allen, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:          CR-24-01319-TUC-RCC
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-049_Villa

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, 
    visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Human smuggler pleads guilty in fatal smuggling event

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 23-year-old Mexican national has admitted to alien smuggling resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024, by acting as a river guide. He guided the illegal alien and a brush guide across the river and to the border wall before he returned to Mexico.

    The brush guide and illegal alien continued on and crossed the wall. However, after doing so, the alien had trouble breathing and ultimately collapsed. The brush guide abandoned him in the brush and ran to a nearby house to attempt to conceal herself from law enforcement.

    Law enforcement later found the alien and arranged transportation to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for June 20. At that time, Antonio-Arredondo faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    “Human smuggling is a dangerous enterprise, one that doesn’t care about the lives or well-being of those that are being smuggled,” said Ganjei. “The loss of life in this incident is yet another example of why it is so vital to discourage people from risking their lives trying to enter this country illegally.”

    Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Atlanta Man Sentenced To 151 Months In Prison For Defrauding Former NBA Players

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CALVIN DARDEN, JR., was sentenced to 151 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick for defrauding former National Basketball Association (“NBA”) players Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of $8 million.  DARDEN was previously convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Calvin Darden, Jr., stole millions of dollars from former NBA players and used the money to buy a mansion, a fleet of luxury cars, and expensive artwork.  This conviction—his third—and sentence make clear that severe consequences await those who take advantage of others by fraud.” 

    According to the charging documents and other filings and statements made in court:

    In the fraud against Howard, DARDEN, JR. deceived Howard into sending him $7 million, purportedly for the purpose of buying the Atlanta Dream (the “Dream”), a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association.  DARDEN, JR. worked with Charles Briscoe, Howard’s agent to perpetrate the fraud.  DARDEN, JR. sent a “Vision Plan” to Howard about the purported purchase of the Dream.  The Vision Plan falsely claimed that a number of celebrities and companies—including Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, Naomi Osaka, Aflac, and Starbucks—had agreed to be advisors to the Dream or to sponsor the Dream after Howard purchased it. In truth and in fact, those individuals and companies had never agreed to be advisors or corporate sponsors to the Dream and many had never even heard of DARDEN, JR. or any purported plan by DARDEN, JR. to purchase the Dream.

    DARDEN, JR.’s father (“Relative-1”) is a prominent businessman.  DARDEN, JR. repeatedly impersonated Relative-1 in an attempt to add credibility to his fraud scheme.

    DARDEN, JR. directed Howard to send the $7 million to a shell company he controlled, in order to effectuate the purported purchase of the Dream.  DARDEN, JR. then laundered the money through a number of different bank accounts he controlled.  DARDEN, JR. did not spend any money on the purchase of the Dream.  Instead, he spent the money on a $3.7 million mansion, a Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini, a Porsche, artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, and other luxury goods for himself.

    Howard learned that he did not in fact own the Dream only when ESPN reported that the Dream had in fact been sold to someone else.

    In the fraud against Parsons, DARDEN, JR. deceived Parsons into sending him $1 million, purportedly for the purpose of loaning the money to James Wiseman, a prospect in the 2020 NBA draft.  DARDEN, JR. and Briscoe falsely claimed to know Wiseman, and forged a document stating that Wiseman had agreed that Briscoe would be his agent in order to convince Parsons to send the money.  In truth and in fact, DARDEN, JR. and Briscoe did not know Wiseman and did not send any of the money to Wiseman.  Instead, DARDEN, JR. spent his cut of the fraud proceeds on watches, a Mercedes, and other personal expenses.

    DARDEN, JR. was previously convicted of fraud in New York state in 2005.  He was also convicted of fraud in the Southern District of New York in 2015. In the 2015 case, DARDEN, JR. committed frauds involving a purported purchase of Maxim magazine and a purported NBA exhibition game in Taiwan.  In that prior fraud, DARDEN, JR. also impersonated Relative-1 in an attempt to add credibility to his fraud scheme.

    *               *                *

     

    In addition to the prison term, DARDEN, JR., 50, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.   DARDEN, JR. was ordered to forfeit $8,000,000 and a number of other items, including a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce, $600,000 of artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, and an Atlanta mansion.  DARDEN, JR. was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $8,000,000.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead, Brandon C. Thompson, and William C. Kinder are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Illegal Alien for Possessing Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment yesterday charging an illegal alien with possessing a firearm.   

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, and Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

    According to the indictment, Renan Josue Rodriguez-Rodriguez, age 29, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with possessing a firearm on March 16, 2024, in Jefferson County, Kentucky knowing he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case is being investigated by HSI, ATF, and ICE ERO.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Gomez is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation Into an Armed Individual Fatally Shot by Police

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On January 13, 2025, a 44-year-old District resident, D.W., died after being shot by the police. The officers responded to a call for a man armed with a gun, and encountered D.W., who brandished a handgun at them.

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, autopsy results, and reports from MPD.

                According to the evidence, at about 4:39 a.m., on January 13, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department were summoned to a building in the 300 block of Florida Avenue, N.E., in response to a 911 call for a man with a gun. Upon their arrival, the police were advised that an occupant of the building was armed with a handgun and that he had fired a shot at an employee of the building. The employee advised the police that the man was still in the building. The police began to canvass the building. The eventually encountered the man – later identified as D.W. – near an elevator bank on the second floor. D.W. brandished a handgun, pointed it at the police, and then retreated into an elevator. D.W. emerged from the elevator a few minutes later at the lobby level with the gun now in his pocket. When officers attempted to stop D.W. as he tried to leave the building, D.W. retrieved the handgun from his pocket and a struggle ensued. The police ultimately discharged their service weapons and fatally wounded D.W.

               After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers willfully violated D.W.’s rights.

    Investigations generally

               The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. 

                The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine into Connecticut

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISRAEL MENDOZA, also known as “D-Nice” and “Israel Mandosa,” 45, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine into Connecticut.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a Hartford area narcotics trafficking operation that involved the use of the U.S. Mail to ship parcels of drugs and drug proceeds.  Investigators determined that Mendoza supplied Michael Copeland, of Bloomfield, with large quantities of cocaine, and that Copeland, at Mendoza’s direction, mailed parcels containing cash to individuals in California.  In September and October, U.S. Postal Inspectors in California intercepted and seized two parcels, each containing approximately $13,000 in cash, that Copeland mailed in Connecticut to addresses in the Fresno area.  Investigators analyzed postal records and identified dozens of additional parcels connected to this drug trafficking network that are suspected to have contained narcotics or drug proceeds.

    In February 2019, investigators seized a parcel containing nearly 500 grams of cocaine that had been mailed from California to a Bloomfield residence that was connected to Copeland.

    Mendoza worked with others, including Neliobet DeJesus and Danny Rhodes, in the Hartford area to distribute heroin and cocaine.  During the investigation, after DeJesus had moved to Orlando, Florida, investigators identified a mail parcel that was destined for a residence in Orlando that was linked to DeJesus.  A court authorized search of the parcel revealed approximately 500 grams of cocaine and approximately five grams of fentanyl.

    On October 31, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Mendoza, Copeland, DeJesus, and Rhodes with narcotics trafficking offenses.  Mendoza remained a fugitive until his arrest on August 14, 2023, in California.

    On October 1, 2024, Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and cocaine.  He has been detained since his arrest.

    Copeland, DeJesus and Rhodes previously pleaded guilty.  On December 8, 2021, Rhodes was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment; on December 16, 2021, Copeland was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment; and on March 7, 2022, DeJesus was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.

    This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, including members from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.  The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, and Hartford Police Department assisted the investigation.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Acceptance Celebrates Being Named No. 34 on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For® List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southfield, Michigan, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (referred to as the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) has been named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For® by Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine in 2025. We received this accolade for the eleventh time, ranking #34, up five spots from last year. 

    “Our team thrives in an award-winning culture where they love coming to work because they know they can make a difference,” said Ken Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Acceptance. “We foster this environment through key cultural practices such as remote work flexibility, actively listening to feedback and implementing meaningful changes, and embracing our PRIDE values—Positive, Respectful, Insightful, Direct, and Earnest.”

    With 93% of team members agreeing that Credit Acceptance is a great place to work, the Company is continuously ranked as one of the best places to work. We remain committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive personally and professionally.

    Other workplace accolades we have received from Fortune include Best Workplace for Financial Services and Insurance™, Best Workplace for Millennials™, and Best Workplace for Women™. We have also been named a Top Workplaces USA Award winner, one of People Magazine’s Companies that Care®, and a Best Place to Work in IT by Computerworld, among many others.

    Great Place to Work® selected the 100 Best list by gathering and analyzing more than 1.3 million confidential survey responses representing the experiences of more than 8.4 million U.S. employees. Of those, over 670,000 responses were received from employees at eligible companies, and this list is based on that feedback. Organizations are assessed on their efforts to create generous, supportive, high-performance work experiences for every employee in the organization.

    About Credit Acceptance  

    We make vehicle ownership possible by providing innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.  

    Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles, or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com. 

    About Great Place To Work®

    As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified and receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ list.

    About Fortune

    Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk-takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts — those who shape industry, commerce, and society — through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative, and Most Powerful Women.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Manfreda, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University Australia

    Warner Bros

    The White Lotus season three returns to familiar territory: an exotic escape, privileged and powerful guests, the supposed heights of luxury.

    But beneath this lies a satirical critique of these very things – an investigation into the contradictions of luxury travel.

    Set in Thailand, the heart of the South Asian wellness scene, the show comments on more than just what luxury looks like. It asks: what does luxury cost? And who bears this cost?

    At the same time, the show quietly gestures towards what tourism could become, if we were bold enough to re-imagine it. Because luxury isn’t the problem. The problem is how we do it.

    The resort staff bend over backwards for their guests.
    Warner Bros

    Wellness … but not really

    Season three leans into the booming wellness economy. Between floating therapy, personalised biomarker tests and digital detoxes, the appearance of “healing” is everywhere.

    The irony, however, is clear: guests pursue self-care, but act disconnected, irritable and hostile.

    The luxury setting reflects their worst impulses. Characters such as Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), a Hollywood star chasing relevance, and Victoria (Parker Posey), lost without her Lorazepam, treat wellness practices as a trend that’s more about image than transformation.

    This reflects a broader trend in luxury tourism: wellness that photographs well, but rarely goes beneath the surface.

    Victoria (Parker Posey) can’t seem to get through her holiday without Lorazepam.
    Warner Bros

    Research shows real transformation in tourism requires discomfort – something most luxury guests instinctively avoid.

    As the character of monk Luang Por Teera (Suthichai Yoon) warns:

    Everyone runs from pain toward pleasure […] but you cannot outrun pain.

    One person’s wellness is another person’s work

    In luxury tourism, wellness is not mutual. One person’s transformation often depends on someone else’s sacrifice. And this exchange is never equal.

    While the guests of season three try and look inward, those holding space for them – such as the meditation guide Amrita (Shalini Peiris), or the ever-present security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) – remain relatively voiceless. They quietly manage the chaos, with little room for their own stories to flourish.

    Throughout the season, the interactions between guest and staff are built on performance. Staff are praised for their beauty, politeness or spiritual presence, but rarely acknowledged as full people.

    Emotional and “aesthetic” labour (looking and acting the part) are silently expected and constantly extracted.

    Security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), who gets caught up in some of the guests’ drama, has to always keep up appearances.
    Warner Bros

    When resort employee Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) raises concerns about Greg (Jon Gries), resort manager Fabian (Christian Friedel) brushes her off, saying:

    It is really not wise to stir anything up. You do not have anything to worry about, as long as you focus on yourself and your job.

    The message is clear: stay quiet and stay in your place.

    Nature as wallpaper

    This season offers no shortage of natural cues. Clean air, ocean views, jungle trails – luxury retreats promise grounding and transformation through nature.

    As with much of luxury tourism, however, this nature is curated. The jungle is manicured, the ruins softly lit. Nature, too, performs.

    But unlike the staff, who slip into silence and composure, nature doesn’t follow the script. It interrupts, resists and sometimes bites. Monkeys raid the buffet. Lizards slip into rooms and cause havoc. A venomous cobra bites a guest. The pong-pong tree bears deadly fruit.

    This is a contradiction luxury travel can’t resolve. Nature is brought in for healing and ambience, but refuses to be compliant.

    Culture – flattened and filtered

    Season three could have been set in any location with beaches and palm trees. For most guests, the local culture is invisible – a scenic backdrop for their personal drama. Cultural experiences are safely curated, stripped of context, and designed to comfort, not challenge.

    For character’s like Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), the resort is just a scenic backdrop for their personal dramas to play out.
    Warner Bros

    Even brief moments beyond the resort feel disorienting to the guests.

    “He seems like the real deal,” Timothy (Jason Isaacs) says after an encounter with monk Luang Por Teera (Yoon) – revealing how artificial everything else feels.

    The show critiques a familiar move in luxury tourism: selling “authenticity” while delivering a flattened, palatable version of reality. There is just enough difference to feel exotic, but never enough to feel uncomfortable.

    In one cautionary scene, Jaclyn (Monaghan), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Laurie (Carrie Coon) wander into a Thai New Year celebration, where locals start chasing them with water guns, drenching them in what feels like joyful protest.

    Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Laurie (Carrie Coon) are unhappy to be soaked by locals with water guns – in what is one of few genuinely authentic experiences with locals.
    Warner Bros

    Although it’s played for laughs, the scene reminds us culture isn’t there to serve. Travellers might do better to meet culture on its terms and not their own.

    Glimpses of something better

    Ironically, the show’s satire may be fuelling the very thing it critiques. Since season three aired, talk of a “White Lotus effect” has already begun, with claims of a rise in tourism interest and bookings. It seems the (not-so) fantasy still sells, even when we can see the cracks.

    Yet, in quiet, awkward and sometimes funny moments, the show resists cynicism, offering glimpses of potential. Guests perceive themselves. Relationships shift. Silenced actors push back.

    Through these cracks, we can sense what luxury could be if it connected us, instead of shielding us, from new people and places.

    Luxury travel, re-imagined, could be a space where care flows in both directions – where staff are seen as people, and where nature and culture aren’t curated, but respected as they are. Indeed, it is the experiences that expand us, rather than insulate us, which end up changing us the most.

    And it’s not just up to hotels and resorts to deliver this shift. It asks something of us, too. A different mindset.

    This season’s power lies in what it leaves unsaid, inviting us to examine what is lost in the pursuit of comfort.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel – https://theconversation.com/an-exotic-escape-or-empty-illusion-how-the-white-lotus-exposes-the-contradictions-of-luxury-travel-253229

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Subcommittee Chairman Ezell Introduces Legislation to Establish Secretary of the Coast Guard

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    This week, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) introduced the Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025, to provide the Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian leader, ensuring the service receives the resources and support necessary to continue its vital national security missions.

    Under this legislation, the Secretary of the Coast Guard will report directly to the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard will report to the newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard. This structure mirrors the leadership framework of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which already have dedicated Service Secretaries.

    “The United States Coast Guard plays a critical role in protecting our nation’s security, from safeguarding our shores to conducting search-and-rescue operations and enforcing maritime law, our coasties are the pride of our nation,” Ezell said. “Creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard ensures they have the leadership, resources, and support they need to continue their vital missions. It’s time we give the Coast Guard the same level of recognition and advocacy that other military branches receive.”

    “The United States Coast Guard is the only armed service without the position of a confirmed Secretary to provide civilian leadership to the Service,” House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Graves said. “I commend Subcommittee Chairman Ezell for introducing this bill as part of the Committee’s ongoing initiative to raise the Coast Guard’s profile and provide the resources it needs to carry out its many missions, including maritime law enforcement, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue. I look forward to including this legislation as part of the larger Coast Guard authorization measure the Committee will move this year.”

    “The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in our national defense, homeland security, and maritime safety – particularly in Alaska, where their presence is essential to our coastal communities,” Begich said. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to create a dedicated Secretary of the Coast Guard. This long-overdue step gives the Coast Guard an important seat at the table, strengthens accountability, and ensures the men and women of the Coast Guard have the leadership and support they need to carry out their critical missions.”

    “Establishing a Secretary of the Coast Guard is an important step toward ensuring the men and women of the Coast Guard receive the leadership and resources they deserve,” Buchanan said. “This bill brings parity to the Coast Guard with our other military branches and underscores the critical role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding our national security. With this new position, we will provide the Coast Guard with the support necessary to carry out its crucial missions to secure our borders and protect our waters.”

    Ezell, who serves as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, has been a strong advocate for the Coast Guard and maritime security. He remains committed to advancing policies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of those who serve in uniform.

    Current co-sponsors of the legislation: Daniel Webster (R-FL-11), Nicholas Begich (R-AK), and Vern Buchannan (R-FL-16).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Enhancing cardiac services in southern Alberta

    Alberta’s government is committed to expanding access to cardiac services so that Albertans can get the care they need, when and where they need it. That is why Budget 2025 provides $5 million to advance plans for enhanced cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta, including a cardiac catheterization lab in Lethbridge and expanded intensive care units in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

    Last fall, Alberta’s government announced Lethbridge’s cardiac catheterization lab progression to functional programming, accelerating timelines by up to one year. Budget 2025 provides funding for detailed planning to prepare the cardiac catheterization lab for construction funding in a future budget.

    “Increasing cardiac and ICU capacity is critical, especially in areas where residents are currently travelling significant distances to receive care. These projects include a cardiac catheterization lab, which will improve health outcomes for residents and, ultimately, save lives.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “Building these cardiac and intensive care facilities will help strengthen communities in southern Alberta. On top of creating jobs during construction, this work will literally save lives and enhance the overall quality of care for patients. I look forward to these important projects moving ahead as soon as possible.”

    Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

    “Every heartbeat matters in saving lives. I’m so grateful the Lethbridge cardiac catheterization lab project is being accelerated to ensure patients can get the care they need, faster and closer to home.”

    Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East

    In addition to a new cardiac catheterization lab at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Budget 2025 supports plans to redevelop and expand intensive care units and diagnostic capabilities at both the Lethbridge hospital and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Pending the completion of the planning process, it’s anticipated that about eight new beds will be added at the Medicine Hat hospital and about 34 beds will be added at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. These new beds will have the ability to be ICU or lower-acuity beds, depending on hospital needs at any given time.

    “Expanding intensive care services in Medicine Hat represents the Alberta government’s strong commitment to health care. As the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, I know this will address the health care needs of southern Alberta communities.”

    Justin Wright, parliamentary secretary for rural health

    “Increasing the scope of cardiac services in our city has been a top advocacy priority for several years. On behalf of Lethbridge city council, I want to thank everyone involved in making this a reality.”

    Blaine Hyggen, mayor, City of Lethbridge

    “These changes will reduce wait times, expand cardiac services for southern Albertans and keep patients close to home. ICU upgrades and enhanced cardiac care will greatly benefit the region.”

    Dr. David Stewart, interim South Zone medical director, Alberta Health Services

    Budget 2025 also includes $22 million for an interim cardiac catheterization lab at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The interim lab will provide cardiac serves to Central Albertans until two permanent catheterization labs are built as part of the $1.8-billion Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • In 2024, Alberta Health Services submitted a needs assessment for cardiac services in southern Alberta that recommended the construction of new intensive care units at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and the development of interventional cardiac services in Lethbridge.
    • The project was accelerated to functional programming in fall 2024.
    • The cardiac catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital will help an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 patients per year once it is fully operational.

    Related news

    • Expanding cardiac services in southern Alberta (Oct. 22, 2024)
    • Expanding cardiac care at Chinook Regional Hospital (April 12, 2023)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon launches the Low Carbon Buildings Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon launches the Low Carbon Buildings Program
    jlutz
    April 3, 2025 – 10:25 am

    The Government of Yukon is launching the Low Carbon Buildings Program, which supports local and national emissions reductions in commercial and institutional buildings.

    As part of the Good Energy rebates, the Low Carbon Buildings Program helps building owners save on energy costs, make their buildings last longer, reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

    The updated program will provide funding towards building upgrades that will result in significant energy savings and carbon reductions. Businesses, municipalities, First Nations governments and non-profit organizations play an important role in reducing the territory’s collective energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate action and a net-zero future.

    This program was paused in May 2023 after successfully allocating all available funding for 209 projects from the Government of Yukon and the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund. In March 2025, the Government of Yukon secured a new funding agreement under a renewed Low Carbon Economy Fund, allowing the Government of Yukon to restart this popular program. The total joint investment of $21.8 million, $16.4 million from the Government of Canada and $5.5 million from the Government of Yukon, will fund the ongoing delivery of Good Energy rebate programs for buildings for 2025–2029.

    The Government of Yukon’s incentives program makes energy efficient retrofits accessible, affordable and achievable. These climate actions contribute to the Yukon’s green economy and build a cleaner, sustainable and resilient future for all Yukoners.

    Our government is excited to launch the Low Carbon Buildings Program. With renewed funding, this program will help building owners save on energy costs, reduce emissions and improve efficiency, supporting businesses, municipalities and organizations in creating more energy-efficient buildings. This is just one of the many Good Energy programs helping us meet emissions reduction targets by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

    Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker 

    Quick facts

    • Applicants can call or email the branch to get the new guide and to help them prepare project proposals.

    • To learn more, vist: yukon.ca/en/apply-commercial-institutional-energy-rebates

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca

    Kate Erwin
    Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
    867-667-3183
    kate.erwin@yukon.ca

    News release #:

    25-148

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dems Rebuke Largest Tax Increase in History on American Consumers and Businesses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement following President Trump’s announcement of 25 percent taxes on all automobile imports and between 10 and 50 percent taxes on virtually every good imported from every U.S. trading partner:

    “President Trump’s latest announcement of a massive tax increase in the form of sweeping tariffs will not ‘liberate’ working people or businesses in America – it will handcuff them to a sinking economy weighed down by the President’s reckless, costly, and destructive trade policy.

    “The President’s premise that imposing the largest tax increase in American history will strengthen our economy and lower prices will undoubtedly prove to be one of the dumbest economic policy blunders in decades. These across-the-board taxes will hit the bank accounts of hardworking families and the bottom lines of small businesses as the price of every goods increases, from consumer goods like gas, groceries, and cars to raw materials like lumber, minerals, and metals.

    “President Trump has no clear strategy to strengthen our economy – his own team didn’t even know his plan – and he sees these taxes on consumers not as a means to an end, but as the end goal itself. This approach simply ignores reality, and it’s why industry leaders, economists, and the stock market have been sounding the alarm for weeks.

    “It’s time Republicans join Democrats in taking urgent action to restrict the President’s ability to impose these taxes unilaterally. That’s why we introduced legislation to enforce Congress’s constitutional duty to oversee trade policy, and we call on our colleagues across the aisle to join us in standing up for the American people by ending President Trump’s harmful campaign.”

    New Dem Members have introduced several bills to counter Trump’s unilateral tariffs and reclaim congressional authority to levy taxes, including the:

    • Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act (H.R.2464), 
    • Prevent Tariff Abuse Act (H.R.407),
    • Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R.1903), and
    • Reclaim Trade Powers Act (H.R.2459).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko, Turner, Rutherford & Pettersen Introduce Bipartisan Reentry Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Mike Turner (R-OH), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and John Rutherford (R-FL) today introduced the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore access to healthcare, including addiction and mental health treatment, through Medicaid for incarcerated individuals up to 30 days before their release. Representative Tonko, Turner, Pettersen, and Rutherford are joined by over 60 original cosponsors in introducing this legislation.

    Their bill addresses alarming data showing that individuals released from incarceration are up to 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.

    “The overdose crisis has touched communities of every state across the nation, and few are at greater risk than those individuals returning home from incarceration,” Congressman Tonko, Co-chair of the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus said. “By restarting benefits for Medicaid-eligible Americans prior to release, our bipartisan Reentry Act takes swift, needed action to combat the disease of addiction and bring targeted treatment to the people who most need it. In short, our bill will save lives, lower costs, and reduce recidivism. I urge Congress to join us in advancing the Reentry Act without delay to combat the disease of addiction and provide hope to our communities.”

    “Too many individuals leaving incarceration face overwhelming challenges, with recidivism and overdose rates alarmingly high in the weeks following release,” said Congressman Turner. “The Reentry Act is a bipartisan solution that allows states to restore Medicaid coverage 30 days before release, ensuring access to critical substance abuse treatment and healthcare during this vulnerable transition. By providing continuity of care, we can save lives, reduce repeat offenses, and help communities in Ohio and across the country fight the opioid epidemic. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense legislation.”

    “Throughout my time in law enforcement, I saw many individuals reoffend time and time again as they struggled to break the cycle of substance abuse,” said Rutherford (R-FL-05). “Continuity of care for those leaving the prison system is important to help reduce instances of overdose deaths, suicides, and drug related crimes following reentry. That’s why I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in supporting these important programs that help individuals who are released from prison to receive the mental health and addiction treatment they need right before and after they are released from incarceration. This legislation is smart on crime, saves lives, and reduces recidivism.”

    The Reentry Act:

    • Restarts benefits for Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals 30 days pre-release
    • Makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for smoother transitions to community care and a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release
    • Does not change WHO is eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, just ensures a warm handoff back for those already eligible.

    A fact sheet on the reentry act can be found HERE.

    More than 130 groups support the Reentry Act, including:

    A Little Piece of Light, Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, ACOG, Activate Your Life inc, Addiction Policy Forum, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Correctional Association (ACA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, Alliance for Rights and Recovery, American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Benevolence Farm, Big Cities Health Coalition, Black Male Initiative, BrainFutures, Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado, CADCA, Center for Justice and Human Dignity, Central Ohio Restored Citizens Collaborative, Christian Love Agency, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Catalyst, Community Oriented Correctional Health Services, DC Peace Team, Drug Policy Alliance, Each One Teach One Reentry Fellowship, EvergreenDaley, Exchanging Pathways, EX-incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) of Wisconsin, Fabian Consulting Inc., Fair and Just Prosecution, Families Inspiring Reentry & Reunification 4 Everyone, Florida Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, Florida Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, Foundation for California Community Colleges, From the Block to the Boardroom, Future Stars of Tomorrow, Gateway Alliance Project, Grays House, Hinda Institute, HIV Medicine Association, Honest Jobs, HOPE for Prisoners, Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice, Indivior, InnerMission, Inseparable, Just Detention International, Just Future Project, Justice in Aging, JustLeadershipUSA, JustUS Coordinating Council, KLN Consulting LLC, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration (LEL), Legal Action Center, Los Angeles Reentry Health Advisory Collaborative, Major County Sheriffs (MCSA), MATTERS Network, Mental Health America, Mississippi Impact Coalition, My Meta ReEntry Services, Inc., My Sisters Reunited Reentry Services Inc, NACo, NAMI Huntington, NASTAD, Nation Outside, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Social Workers, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Black Harm Reduction Network (NBHRN), National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National League for Nursing, National League of Cities, National Nurses United, National Sheriffs Association, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Beginnings Reentry Services, Inc, Overdose Prevention Initiative, Petey Greene Program, Phoenix House NY, Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, PrEP4All, Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) of New Mexico, Prison Cells To PH.D., (P2P), Rainbow Connections LGBTQIA, REACH Medical Ithaca NY, Reason for Hope, Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise (ROAR) Center at the University of MD, Baltimore, Reentry Ready, Reentry Working Group, Reflections of a Reformed You (RoarYOU), Reframe Health and Justice, ReNforce, Reproductive Justice Inside, Restored Citizens FAITH Foundation, Returning Artists Guild, Safer Foundation, Settling Our Differences, Skillsets for life consulting LLC, Solution Partners, St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho Reentry Services, Survivors for Solutions, Süt&Tye luxury services llc, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, The AIDS Institute, The Change Up: Midnight Coalition, The First 72+, The Justice Policy Institute, The Liberation Foundation, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, The Productive Offenders of Society Foundation, The Returning Artist Guild, Treatment Communities of America, United Men of Color, Unlock Higher Education, Urban Community Unity Solutions LLC (U.C.U.S.), Vermont Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, Victory House for Women, Virginia Justice Alliance, Vital Strategies, We Are Revolutionary, Why not prosper, Women on the Rise, WorkingGroup512, Young People in Recovery, Youth First Justice Collaborative

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DURBIN, DUCKWORTH, KELLY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.

    “Our youth is our future,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth. Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

    “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

    “Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth. “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

    For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth. In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted. Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

    There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent. A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent. Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

    When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers. It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

    The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

    The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people. The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches. The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

    The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, and Youth Guidance.

    The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

    A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

    A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly, Senator Durbin Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Update Laws Governing Licensed Firearm Dealers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to update the laws governing licensed firearm dealers for the first time in over 30 years. Current laws inadequately meet the business, technological and cultural realities of the 21st century, ultimately insulating rogue firearms dealers from law enforcement.

    “While the gun industry profits $9 billion each year with deadlier and more advanced weapons, the gun lobby obstructs any updates to our laws,” said Rep. Kelly, Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “It is long-past time we bring our gun safety laws into the 21st century. It is simply commonsense for every gun dealer to be responsible for their product and ensure they do not unwittingly provide guns to people with dangerous intentions.” 

    “Our existing laws allow far too many guns to find their way into the hands of individuals who pose a threat to our communities. I’m teaming up with Congresswoman Kelly to introduce the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to ensure that people who shouldn’t have guns aren’t able to get them, including by requiring licensed firearm dealers to take steps to prevent the guns in their inventory from being stolen and trafficked for use in violent crimes,” said Durbin. “Passing this legislation is just one of many actions we must take to reduce gun trafficking and address the gun violence epidemic in Illinois and across the country.”

    U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Seth Magaziner (RI-02) also joined Rep. Kelly in leading the Federal Firearm Licensee Act.

    “Gun violence devastates every one of our communities — it is now the number one cause of death for children and teens in the United States — and as lawmakers, we have an obligation to end the epidemic and save lives,” said Rep. Dean. “We know that background checks are a crucial way we can prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands, but current loopholes in federal law allow individuals to buy firearms online and at gun shows without undergoing background checks. The Federal Firearm Licensee Act would close that loophole. I am grateful to Congresswoman Kelly for her partnership on this commonsense way to shield Americans from gun violence.”

    “We face an epidemic of gun violence in our country—it’s well-past time we put additional safeguards on licensed gun dealers to stop dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands,” said Rep. Morelle. “I have always been a staunch advocate for holding firearms dealers accountable for their role in gun trafficking, and I’m proud to sponsor this legislation—which includes provisions of my Gun Theft Prevention Act—to help reach the common-sense goal of stopping gun violence once and for all.”

    “Our outdated federal firearm licensing laws have not kept pace with the rise of rogue gun dealers and advancements in technology, which criminals exploit to obtain firearms illegally,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our legislation would take a comprehensive, commonsense approach to strengthen background checks, enhance dealer accountability, and close loopholes that allow firearms to end up in the wrong hands. I’m proud to work with Rep. Kelly to advance responsible reforms that will help curb illegal gun trafficking and improve public safety.”

    “Keeping Rhode Islanders safe means making sure guns don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I’m joining my colleagues to support the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to update decades-old laws to crack down on rogue gun dealers and give law enforcement stronger tools to stop gun trafficking and violence in Ocean State and across the country.”

    The Federal Firearm Licensee Act is endorsed by several leading gun safety advocacy groups including GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, Community Justice, March for Our Lives and Moms Demand Action.

    “Every day, gun crime takes lives and hurts communities, made worse by weak, outdated laws that let firearms fall into dangerous hands,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director at GIFFORDS. “The Federal Firearm Licensee Act addresses this by modernizing our systems and closing dangerous loopholes. We thank Representative Kelly for her leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly to protect Americans from the next tragedy.”

    “It’s still way too easy for shady gun dealers to exploit cracks in the system and sell guns to criminals,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “This bill would give ATF more tools to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for putting profits ahead of public safety, and we applaud Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin’s tireless work to advance it.”

    “To free America from gun violence once and for all, we must address the issue at its source: the unfettered flow of guns into impacted communities,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady United. “Regulating gun sales and holding negligent and irresponsible gun dealers responsible is essential to preventing the diversion of firearms into the criminal market and addressing the gun violence epidemic. Brady thanks Representative Robin Kelly for reintroducing the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to reform the gun industry and protect our communities.”

    “If we want to ensure that firearms are not sold improperly or trafficked across state lines, we must better regulate federally licensed firearms dealers,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Vice President of Police at Community Justice. “We thank Congresswoman Kelly for introducing the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to modernize the law, better regulate the gun industry, and improve public safety.”

    The Federal Firearm Licensee Act modernizes regulations for existing licensed gun dealers by:

    • Requiring physical security measures to prevent firearm theft.
    • Clarifies the standards by which licensed dealers, and their employees, are assessed for purposes of license issuance and renewal.
    • Repeals long-standing Appropriations Riders that have impeded enforcement of existing law by barring the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) from using funds to require licensed dealers to conduct physical firearm inventories and prohibiting the public disclosure of firearms trace data.
    • Increases record retention and electronic data management and sharing for background checks.

    MIL OSI USA News –