NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Highlights Public Safety Priorities at Rehabilitation & Reentry Conference

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Highlights Public Safety Priorities at Rehabilitation & Reentry Conference

    Governor Stein Highlights Public Safety Priorities at Rehabilitation & Reentry Conference
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    (RALEIGH) Today, Governor Stein joined the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, elected officials, law enforcement, and advocates at the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference to reaffirm North Carolina’s commitment to enhancing reentry processes to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and improve outcomes. He also expressed his appreciation that First Lady Anna Stein, who has prioritized reentry as one of her key issues, will serve on the Joint Reentry Council. 

    “We all benefit when every North Carolinian is able to contribute to our state to the best of their ability,” said Governor Josh Stein. “People leaving incarceration are much more likely to stay on the right path if they are set up for success and get a job. I am committed to continuing our state’s work to improve job training and expand health care access for people leaving incarceration, so that we can all live in safer and stronger neighborhoods.”

    “We are thankful for the work of hundreds of partners attending this week’s reentry conference,” said North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes. “These are people working daily to help those leaving prison with needs like housing, employment, treatment, transportation and other assistance needed to be successful after incarceration. NCDAC employees are hard at work to ensure safe communities for every North Carolinian.”

    Governor Stein is committed to equipping formerly incarcerated people with the tools they need to thrive with their second chance. As Attorney General, he furthered State Reentry Council Collaborative with the Department of Public Safety since its inception and signed on to Reentry 2030, a national commitment to reform how individuals successfully return to their communities post-incarceration.

    Governor Stein’s proposed 2025-2027 budget includes funding for people to participate in education programs while incarcerated, which makes them less likely to return to prison, and includes raises for corrections officers to address staffing shortages. Governor Stein is also committed to connecting reentrants with physical and mental health care before they exit, including enrolling all eligible individuals in Medicaid. These investments make North Carolina communities safer by improving outcomes and reducing the likelihood of recidivism. 

    Apr 1, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo, New York Man Charged with Transporting a Minor Victim Across State Lines with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on January 22, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ian Blochwitz, 33, of Buffalo, New York, with transporting a minor victim from Vermont to New York with intent to engage in sexual activity for which Blochwitz could be charged with a criminal offense in New York.

    Blochwitz entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on March 20, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Niedermeier held a detention hearing on March 26, 2025, and ordered that Blochwitz be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, Blochwitz met his twelve-year-old victim on an anonymous chat platform. In February 2023, Blochwitz drove a rental car from Buffalo, New York, to Vermont to meet the minor victim. He then took the minor victim to a short-term rental location in Whitehall, New York, where he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim. He then drove the minor victim back to Vermont before returning to Buffalo.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Blochwitz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Blochwitz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and up to a lifetime of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Blochwitz is represented by Attorney Robert Singer, of Williamsville, New York.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Bluff Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Austreberto Santamaria-Valencia, 29, of Red Bluff, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to four years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Feb. 6, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a suspected overdose by a motel guest in Red Bluff. When officers entered the room, they found Santamaria-Valencia sitting in a chair, unconscious but breathing. On the bed near him, officers saw multiple plastic bags containing what appeared to be blue pills, of the type sold as counterfeit oxycodone pills, but which often contain fentanyl. Officers were able to wake Santamaria-Valencia. In response to their questions, Santamaria-Valencia indicated that he had taken fentanyl. Medical personnel tended to Santamaria-Valencia and confirmed he was not in danger of overdosing. A records check indicated that Santamaria-Valencia had a warrant out for his arrest, and officers arrested him at that time.

    Officers searched Santamaria-Valencia’s room and car and seized approximately 1,000 counterfeit M-30 oxycodone pills, a loaded Taurus G3C 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, two bottles containing a total of 170 Farmapram (alprazolam-Xanax) pills, five packets of suboxone strips, 90 grams of marijuana, approximately $7,000 in cash, and other items commonly used in street sales of narcotics.

    This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Red Bluff Police Department, and the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly prosecuted the case.

    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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

    This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Transforms Cyber Threat Intelligence Offering with New Feeds and APT Report Tiers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Initially developed for governments, Fortune 500 companies and critical infrastructure organizations, ESET Cyber Threat Intelligence has expanded offerings to provide actionable intelligence and address modern cybersecurity requirements faced by businesses of all sizes.
    • ESET offers 15 proprietary intelligence feeds and two sub-feeds, including ransomware, smishing, cryptoscams, IoCs, botnets, phishing URLs, and more.
    • ESET has also added two new APT report tiers to ensure organizations of all sizes and budgets can access these essential intelligence services.
    • ESET Cyber Threat Intelligence services are standalone, customizable, and able to be seamlessly integrated into multi-vendor security solutions.

    LAS VEGAS, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has expanded its award-winning Cyber Threat Intelligence services, including new feeds and APT Report tiers. ESET’s offerings address modern cybersecurity needs with features like APT monitoring, threat hunting, and built-in AI that automates threat investigation. Announced at ESET World 2025 in Las Vegas, ESET enhanced its services to accommodate the requirements of companies of all sizes that now view threat intelligence as an essential component of a next-gen, prevention-focused cybersecurity stack.

    “ESET continues to expand its cyber threat intelligence offerings to accelerate incident response and reduce data breach impacts — delivering a holistic view of threat actors, attack vectors, indicators of compromise, and malware behavior,” said Juraj Malcho, Chief Technology Officer at ESET. “Because cyberattacks know no borders, many organizations mix and match multiple threat intelligence services to gain global visibility and leverage best-in-class capabilities. ESET’s renowned visibility across Europe and Asia gives organizations a distinct advantage in preempting sophisticated threat actors and safeguarding their critical assets.”

    New Feeds
    ESET has expanded its Cyber Threat Intelligence from eight to 15 threat feeds, delivering actionable, highly curated, metadata-rich, detailed data to defend against timely threats, including ransomware, malicious email attachments, cryptoscams, phishing URLs, smishing, SMS scams, and more. Quality is better than quantity in threat intelligence. Rather than struggling to sift through huge, noncurated external datasets, ESET telemetry is carefully deduplicated and delivered in real time — enabling threat analysts to act immediately and quickly identify emerging business risks and previously unknown threats.

    Additional APT Report Tiers
    ESET is enhancing its APT Reports to cover new tiers, extending this crucial intelligence to SMBs. The tailored formats cater to various organizational roles. SOC or threat analysts can use Technical Analysis reports and Activity Summary reports for in-depth details on attacks and post-compromise activity along with details about attacks, Indicators of compromise (IoCs), YARA rules, Snort rules, Shodan, Censys queries, and more. Beyond just IoCs, these reports provide context and expert advice. For high-level strategic intel, CISOs can refer to our Monthly Overviews or Digests.

    The APT Report Advanced and Ultimate tiers provide access to the ESET AI Advisor, a generative AI chatbot that addresses security inquiries, offers APT summaries, compiles IoCs and TTPs, and generates YARA rules for swift threat understanding and prevention. Leveraging ESET’s 20+ years of AI and ML expertise, AI Advisor enables security and intelligence leaders to better analyze and act upon emerging threats with SOC team-level advisory. Finally, organizations with the APT Report Ultimate tier gain access to ESET Analysts to directly resolve issues and collaborate directly with the company’s security threat hunters who are on the front lines.

    Integrations
    The development of ESET’s API gateway, ESET Connect, has enabled ESET to double down on integrations and ecosystem partners, which help customers to simplify cybersecurity management, increase visibility across a variety of attack surfaces, and bring industry leaders together under common architectures. ESET Cyber Threat Intelligence is highly interoperable and is already integrated with several key vendors, including Microsoft Sentinel, IBM QRadar, Elastic, MISP, Filigran’s OpenCTI, Threat Quotient, Stellar Cyber, and others.

    “ESET Cyber Threat Intelligence is built upon our greatest strength — ESET researchers working across 11 research and development centers worldwide,” said Jean-Ian Boutin, Director of ESET’s Threat Research. “ESET does not buy data from others; we generate it ourselves. Our primary source is the vast user base of ESET security solutions — over 110 million users in more than 190 countries. ESET telemetry samples undergo in-depth behavioral and structural analysis, yielding additional useful indicators that enrich our threat intelligence, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape. By aligning with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, ESET threat intelligence users can operationalize their visibility and response.”

    Awareness and information sharing is critical in cybersecurity. ESET researchers have built a multilayered detection engine that processes more than 300,000 unique, new malware samples daily. Top research and discoveries are presented regularly at major global conferences like RSA, Black Hat, and ESET shares information on new threats and campaigns with the public and security enthusiasts via its industry-leading security blog, welivesecurity.com (cited by prominent media, such as BBC, CNBC, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Guardian, TechRadar, Wired, and more).

    For more details, visit the ESET Cyber Threat Intelligence page.

    About ESET
    ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyber threats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, its AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Affordable Housing Coming to Westchester County

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction for Station Plaza, a new affordable housing development in the village of Ossining, Westchester County. This transformative project will provide 108 affordable apartments, along with essential community facilities and commercial space, helping to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and increase housing options in the area. Over the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 5,000 affordable homes in Westchester County. Station Plaza continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “The solution to the housing crisis is simple — we have to build more housing,” Governor Hochul said. “Affordable, transit-oriented developments like Station Plaza in Westchester will unlock opportunities for generations of New Yorkers and create new pathways for families to thrive.”

    The $96 million project, led by WBP Development LLC, consists of an eight-story residential building with 108 units and a four-level detached parking garage. Each apartment will be designated for households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, ensuring affordability for a diverse range of future residents.

    Station Plaza will feature modern amenities, including a roof deck, fitness facilities, free in-unit Wi-Fi, coworking spaces and a communal laundry area. The development will also include a 3,400-square-foot retail space, a 4,000-square-foot community facility and a 64,000-square-foot parking structure offering 195 spaces, 150 of which will be designated for tenants at no charge, with 45 reserved for public use. Additionally, the project will provide residents with access to a linear public park and an extension of the Sing Sing Kill Greenway.

    The development is a model of sustainability, incorporating high-performance building standards such as geothermal heating and cooling, ENERGY STAR appliances, a rooftop photovoltaic solar array and enhanced insulation exceeding code requirements. Eleven electric vehicle charging stations will be available for residents, with infrastructure in place for additional future installations. The project is expected to achieve Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification, further underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship.

    Financing from HCR includes $57.2 million in tax exempt bonds, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $3.4 million in equity, $17.8 million from the New Construction Program and $4.9 million from the New York State Housing Trust Fund. Westchester County provided $4.4 million from its New Homes Land Acquisition program. The project also benefits from participation in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, and upon successful completion of environmental cleanup work, could be eligible for $11 million for land remediation and redevelopment and $2.5 million in sustainability-focused equity in the form of tax credits to be issued by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “With Station Plaza, we are bringing more than 100 high-quality, energy-efficient apartments to a region in desperate need of more housing options. This $96 million investment exemplifies our mission to create affordable housing that not only serves individuals and families across New York but also strengthens neighborhoods and entire communities.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a critical tool supporting community revitalization across the state. By cleaning up environmental pollution in communities like Ossining we can unlock investments in critical needs like affordable housing and give these sites new life. Once built, the Station Plaza project in Westchester County will be a prime example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while supporting DEC’s mission to protect public health and the environment.”

    U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Every family in Westchester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to build over 100 new homes at Station Plaza in Ossining. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing in Westchester and across New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”

    State Senator Peter Harckham said, “The new Station Plaza development in Ossining will help meet the pressing need for housing within the financial reach of seniors on fixed incomes, working families and young professionals. A public-private partnership with commitments from Governor Hochul, local officials and a community-minded developer, this development is being built with geothermal heating and cooling—a model of sustainability and energy efficiency that will benefit residents for years to come.”

    Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, “I am so excited that the Station Plaza project is getting underway. In addition to adding much needed housing, Station Plaza will also bring more retail, community space and vitality to an area that has suffered from underinvestment. Kudos to the Village of Ossining, Wilder Balter Partners, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for coming together for this project, which will be transformative for this neighborhood and the area as a whole.”

    Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said, “I am excited at this public private enterprise which brings together the best of government practices aligned with private investment. The village of Ossining has long been considered one of the most affordable villages in Westchester. This affordable housing initiative at the waterfront continues to be in line with our focus on balancing development with the village’s capacity to support such growth for the benefit of businesses and residents. Of special note is the incorporation of state-of-the-art decarbonization elements for environmental sustainability, additional private and public parking, commercial retail space and community space, along with the extension of the unique Sing Sing Kill greenway.”

    President of WBP Development LLC William Balter said, “We are about our public private partnership with the village of Ossining, Westchester County and New York State that has allowed for this transformation redevelopment of a fallow brownfield site into mixed-income affordable housing, community space, neighborhood retail and a linear park connecting the downtown with the waterfront area of the village.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Nearly 300 communities have been certified, including the Village of Ossining.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Man Admits Possession of Drugs, Machine Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday admitted being caught with a fully automatic pistol, fentanyl and cocaine base after a police chase.

    Mario Mitchell, 22, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

    On Oct. 16, 2023, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers spotted a silver Nissan Sentra violate the stop sign at Euclid Avenue and East Lee Avenue in the Penrose neighborhood of St. Louis. Mitchell sped off when officers activated their lights and siren. After officers used spike strips to disable the Sentra, Mitchell got out and ran, discarding a Glock 10mm fully automatic pistol with an extended magazine. When officers caught and arrested Mitchell, he had a bag holding 40 multi-colored capsules containing fentanyl and a bag with several off-white chunks of cocaine base totaling 2.97 grams, he admitted as part of his plea agreement. The pistol was equipped with a conversion device, or “switch,” making it a machine gun under federal law.

    Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10. Each charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.

    The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lake is prosecuting the case.

    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: Guatemalan national guilty of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Guatemalan national, illegally in Port Arthur, has pleaded guilty to immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Wilmer Armando Xitumul-Godinez, 24, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a previously deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 31, 2025.

    According to court documents, Xitumul-Godinez was arrested in October 2024 after having been deported by immigration officials in September of 2024.

    Xitumul-Godinez faces up to two years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is being investigated as 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).

    This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Port Arthur Police Department and being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman with the cooperation of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Port aux Basques — Chanel-Port aux Basques RCMP arrests driver for impaired operation at Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following the report of a suspected impaired driver at the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in Port aux Basques on March 28, 2025, a 41-year-old man from Nova Scotia was arrested by Chanel-Port aux Basques RCMP.

    Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Friday, RCMP received the report of a suspected impaired driver who was in the line-up to board the ferry at the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal. Police attended the area, located the described vehicle and spoke to the driver who failed a roadside breath test. The man was arrested for impaired operation, was transported to the detachment and provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit. He was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation.

    The vehicle was seized and impounded and the man’s licence was suspended.

    RCMP NL thanks those who report suspected impaired drivers and continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former southern Illinois police chief pleads guilty to corruption charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former Wayne City police chief appeared in federal court Monday and admitted to selling forfeited items confiscated by the department for his personal benefit.

    Anson Fenton, 46, of Belle Rive, pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of property from federally funded programs and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office strongly supports our police, but we must take decisive action when things like this happen,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “By taking unauthorized possession of forfeited property for his personal benefit, the defendant used his position of trust as police chief to deceive the community he was sworn to protect.”

    Asset forfeiture is a legal process to confiscate the means or proceeds of a crime and can apply to money, vehicles, real estate and more. Wayne City stores forfeited items at the Wayne City Police Department until city officials pass an ordinance to authorize the sale of the property.

    As police chief, Fenton was responsible for safeguarding, documenting and preserving property within the care, custody and control of the Wayne City Police Department.

    “No one is above the law, especially those charged with upholding the law, and the Illinois State Police will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement at all levels to protect the public’s trust,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

    According to court documents, Fenton sold two motorcycles, a 2017 Harley-Davidson and a 2000 Harley-Davidson, valued at more than $5,000 and kept the proceeds without authorization from the Wayne City Board of Trustees.

    He also traded one 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle for a 1991 Ford Mustang for his personal benefit. He admitted to driving the Suzuki over state lines to complete the sale from Wayne City to Alexandria, Virginia.

    For the charges, Fenton could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 30 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.

    Wayne City is a village in Wayne County in the Southern District of Illinois.

    The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman Convicted of Embezzling from Car Dealership

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that SEHRELINA TARDO (“TARDO”), age 36, from Tallahassee, Florida, pled guilty on March 26, 2025 to wire fraud, in connection with an embezzlement scheme.

    According to court documents, from November of 2018 through May of 2023, TARDO was a senior accountant at a car dealership in New Orleans, where she embezzled customer cash down payments and deposits, taking the funds for herself.  TARDO hid her theft by creating fake journal entries of customer transactions on her employer’s books and records.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, TARDO agreed to pay restitution of $535,750.77 to her former employer.

    The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for June 25, 2025.

    At sentencing, TARDO faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator and member of the Financial Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin explained how the new standard of emergency medical care works

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow was the first in the country to develop and implement a new standard of emergency medical care. In the future, the capital will continue to improve the quality of emergency care and city hospitals. This in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “A great need for emergency medical care is a daily reality in the largest megacities. Moscow ambulance crews make about four million trips a year,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    Every day, over a thousand ambulance crews are on duty in Moscow. Over a million emergency patients are admitted to the capital’s hospitals every year – this is 60 percent of all hospitalizations.

    The main elements of the new standard of emergency medical care are:

    — unified medical algorithms for each health worker for most cases of emergency care, a unified sequence of diagnostic procedures and manipulations;

    — professionalism in teamwork: high demands on the competencies of employees and a multidisciplinary approach to providing specialized assistance;

    — advanced digital solutions: digital integration with emergency services and city medical organizations, medical documents in electronic form in the unified medical information and analytical system (EMIAS) with round-the-clock access for doctors. Use of the digital triage system, thanks to which patients are distributed into streams depending on the priority of assistance (red, yellow and green);

    — a single standard of organization — new technological and logistical solutions: planning of admission departments and location of relevant services in such a way as to minimize the time from the patient’s admission to the start of providing assistance; organization of work on the principle of “doctor to patient”;

    — a unified standard for equipment.

    The focus is on the person. All processes — both technological and personnel — are built around the patient, medical personnel are focused on fighting for his health, and non-medical functions are performed by employees of public service centers and social coordinators. The new reception departments and flagship centers provide a single standard of customer service: comfortable waiting areas, cloakrooms, open-type counters, water coolers, examination rooms with curtains, lockers for personal belongings and personal hygiene items are equipped.

    “Thanks to the creation of new

    flagship centers and the transformation of existing admissions departments according to the new standard, all adult multidisciplinary hospitals in Moscow are currently operating,” added Sergei Sobyanin.

    Flagship centers have been opened at the V.V. Veresaev City Clinical Hospital, the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care, the O.M. Filatov City Clinical Hospital, the S.P. Botkin Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center, the N.I. Pirogov City Clinical Hospital, and the V.M. Buyanov City Clinical Hospital (the main work is being completed here).

    The medical institutions where the flagship centers are located were chosen to minimize travel time for emergency patients from any area. All of them provide assistance around the clock and every day. Almost all hospitals where flagship centers have been created have or will have helicopter pads to receive medical air transport in the near future.

    More than 10,000 units of the latest medical equipment were installed in the flagship centers, including expert-class CT, MRI and ultrasound machines, angiographs, hybrid systems for operating rooms, navigation systems, endoscopic and laboratory equipment, equipment for the resuscitation and intensive care department. In addition, about 60 operating rooms were deployed, including high-tech hybrid ones that have no analogues in Russia, for performing complex surgical, neurosurgical, vascular, traumatological and cardiac surgery. The capabilities for performing such operations have increased several times.

    Mobile medical equipment, including expert class equipment, for diagnostic rooms (for example, ultrasound and ECG machines), basic heavy medical equipment (including X-ray and CT machines), as well as red zone anti-shock rooms have appeared in the emergency departments of city hospitals.

    Since time is of the utmost importance when providing emergency care and delay can cost the patient his life, the Moscow ambulance service was digitalized and integrated with EMIAS, which significantly simplified the work of hospital doctors. As a result, the time from the patient’s admission to the initial examination by a specialist today does not exceed 20 minutes, and in emergency cases, only a few seconds pass between the patient’s admission and the provision of emergency resuscitation or surgical care. Thanks to the digital circuit, hospital doctors can see all the data about the patient and the medications prescribed to him in the system.

    Since the beginning of 2025, flagship centers and renovated emergency departments of Moscow hospitals have provided emergency care to more than 230 thousand people. Most patients were admitted in such areas as surgery (acute pancreatitis, appendicitis), neurosurgery (traumatic brain injury), traumatology (fractures) and urology (renal colic).

    Stages of emergency medical care

    Anyone can call 103 for emergency medical care. The response time to a call is three to four seconds. More than 60 specialists are on duty around the clock in the single city dispatch center, who not only take calls, but can also provide consulting assistance to the patient and determine whether he really needs a team or whether he needs to go to a medical institution on his own. The survey system with elements of artificial intelligence allows you to quickly determine a person’s condition and, if hospitalization is necessary, select the nearest specialized hospital in the shortest possible time.

    The provision of emergency medical care begins from the moment the team is dispatched to the call. At this stage, thanks to the connection of the ambulance team’s tablet to the EMIAS, doctors can already familiarize themselves with the patient’s data and plan the necessary actions in advance.

    Upon arrival at the scene, doctors examine the person, make a preliminary diagnosis and provide emergency care. If hospital care is required, the patient is taken to the nearest specialized medical facility, where he or she is provided hospital emergency care.

    Thanks to the new standard and digital technologies, these stages are now inextricably linked. After examination and emergency care, doctors enter the necessary patient data into the EMIAS via a tablet. In the case of hospitalization, the hospital medical staff, waiting for the team to arrive, sees all the information about the patient, including the examination results and preliminary diagnosis, and, if necessary, prepare the operating room and diagnostic equipment, and gather specialized specialists.

    When patients are admitted to the hospital admission department, they are sorted by priority of medical care using the “triage” system. Those who are assigned to the yellow and green streams are sent to diagnostic rooms, where all necessary tests are carried out to establish a diagnosis and determine the treatment tactics. Work in diagnostic rooms is built on the principle of “doctor to patient”. That is, most tests, primarily without the use of heavy equipment, are performed at the patient’s bedside.

    Red Stream patients who require emergency resuscitation or surgical care are immediately sent to the operating room or anti-shock room. Due to the fact that the resuscitation room and the angiographic operating room are located in close proximity to the ambulance entry vestibule, only a few seconds pass between the patient’s arrival and the provision of medical care.

    Flagship centers and all admission departments operate on the basis of large multidisciplinary hospitals, thanks to which, if necessary, the attending physician can involve surgeons, traumatologists and orthopedists, a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, neurologist, ENT doctor, urologist, gynecologist and other specialists.

    Overall, thanks to the introduction of the new standard, over several years the average speed of emergency care has increased by one and a half times, with 70 percent of patients receiving a full examination and diagnosis within two hours of admission.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12565055/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Disarmament Architecture ‘at Risk of Collapse’, Secretary-General Warns Eminent Persons Group

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the sixth meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons, held in Tokyo today:

    I am pleased to address you on your sixth, and final, meeting. You have carried out your work during a period of deepening geopolitical divisions.

    The nuclear threat is at heights not seen since the cold war — with escalating rhetoric and another nuclear arms race taking shape.

    Meanwhile, the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture — so carefully constructed over decades — is at risk of collapse.

    Dialogue is sorely needed.  But talk is not enough.  We need solutions and action.  This is why your work over the past two years has been so important.

    You come from all parts of the world — including nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

    And you are united in your commitment to ensure that humanity walks a path towards a world without nuclear weapons.

    We are running out of time to make progress.  I look forward to your recommendations — and wish you every success in your final meeting.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Official of St. Louis County Charity Admits Stealing Nearly $700,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A former official of a charity that houses adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Tuesday admitted embezzling about $690,000 over more than a decade.

    Joelle Fouse, 57, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Fouse was the manager / director of finance and human resources for the charity and was responsible for payroll, expense reimbursement and maintaining the charity’s books and records. She admitted stealing from the charity in multiple ways.

    Fouse caused 181 unauthorized expense payments totaling $407,186 to be transferred into bank accounts she controlled by providing false expense reimbursement information to a third-party payroll processing company. She provided false payroll information that triggered 71 other unauthorized payments totaling $139,810. Her theft, and the unauthorized payments, caused the charity to overpay payroll taxes by approximately $10,694. Fouse also used her company credit card to make 184 unauthorized purchases totaling $133,210. She attempted to cover up her crimes by falsifying financial and accounting records.

    Fouse admitted using the money to pay for personal expenses for herself and relatives including travel, clothing, entertainment, restaurants and rent payments. Fouse’s fraud limited the charity’s ability to provide services to the disabled adults it served.

    Fouse worked for the charity from October 2012 through December 2023, when she was terminated and her employer contacted federal authorities.

    Fouse is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10. Each wire fraud charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos appoints Pierre-Yves Jolivet as Head of Eviden and Cyber Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos appoints Pierre-Yves Jolivet as Head of Eviden and Cyber Business

    Paris, France – April 1st, 2025 – Atos Group today announces that Pierre-Yves Jolivet is appointed Executive Vice-President and Head of Eviden. Pierre-Yves will also serve as Head of Cybersecurity business, overseeing both cybersecurity services and products strategy and portfolio.

    Pierre-Yves is a recognized tech executive who brings a deep knowledge of the cyber, defense, and public sectors. Previously at Thales, he held positions of growing responsibilities in the Defence and Cyber markets, leading most recently as Vice-President and General Manager the Cyber Digital Business Line at Thales.

    Before joining Thales in 2017, he spent 13 years at the Boston Consulting Group, becoming Partner and Managing Director in charge of the Tech and Telecom practice in France, leading consulting assignments for international companies in France, EMEA and the USA.

    After graduating from École Polytechnique in 1996, he specialized in telecoms (Télécom Paris) and economics (Université Paris Dauphine). He began his career at Alcatel-Telspace, before spending 5 years in public office at Ministry of Finance, notably at Treasury Department (“Direction Générale du Trésor”), where he oversaw public funding to innovative industries.

    Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Atos Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pierre-Yves as the new Head of Eviden and of our Cyber business. His broad experience and deep knowledge of the industry makes him a great addition to our leadership team. I am looking forward to working with him to drive profitable growth in both areas and make a decisive contribution to Atos future successes”.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 78,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Xbox Wire gets hands-on with DOOM: The Dark Ages

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Xbox Wire gets hands-on with DOOM: The Dark Ages

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Business benefits of the latest Azure AI Foundry innovations

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Business benefits of the latest Azure AI Foundry innovations

    Azure AI Foundry’s latest innovations empower businesses to optimize AI investments and differentiate in a competitive landscape. New tools like Azure AI Agent Service and Microsoft Fabric data agents enhance operational efficiency, while NVIDIA NIM microservices boost performance and cost optimization. Discover how these advancements can transform your AI strategy.

    Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen tech teams go from feeling excited yet overwhelmed by the blistering pace of AI advancement to now helping bend and direct that curve of innovation using the cutting-edge capabilities of Azure AI Foundry. 

    This rapid transformation underscores the critical role of a robust enterprise AI platform to help you push the AI curve. We continually add capabilities to Azure AI Foundry to empower your teams to do just that. That means business leaders in the era of AI have a lot to consider—it’s easy to get lost in the forest when all the new trees keep making it bigger. 

    Today I’m sharing a couple of the most important Azure AI Foundry innovations announced in recent weeks that keep the forest in view, and that improve operational efficiency, maximize investments, so that you can focus on differentiating in a competitive landscape. 

    Get started with Azure AI Foundry

    AI agents have the potential to transform every business process—revolutionizing productivity by automating routine tasks and enabling employees to focus on more strategic work. We’ve announced several agentic capabilities and tools on Azure AI Foundry to help you efficiently put AI agents to work in your organization. 

    New knowledge tools with Azure AI Agent Service securely ground AI agent outputs with enterprise knowledge, for accurate, relevant, and contextually aware responses. Azure AI Agent Service provides a wide range of knowledge tools for various data types, including unstructured, structured, private, licensed, and public web data.

    And Microsoft Fabric data agents were announced today at the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference to allow developers using Azure AI Agent Service to connect customized, conversational agents created in Microsoft Fabric. These data agents can reason over and unlock insights from various enterprise structured and semantic data sources, making better data-driven decisions. Fabric data agents retrieve, understand, and synthesize data from OneLake, determining when to use specific data and how to combine it. 

    Combining Fabric’s sophisticated enterprise data analysis capabilities with Azure AI Foundry’s cutting-edge GenAI technology means you can create custom conversational AI agents leveraging domain expertise. And the Fabric-Foundry pathway connects your data teams with your dev teams, putting them on a common, secure, and enterprise-ready AI platform. 

    One customer making use of the Microsoft Fabric-Azure AI Foundry bridge is NTT DATA. NTT DATA leverages data agents in Microsoft Fabric to actually have conversations with HR and back office operations data to better understand what is happening in the organization. 

    We also recently announced two more capabilities to empower businesses to deploy AI not just as an assistant, but as an active digital workforce:

    Responses API is a powerful tool enabling AI-powered apps to seamlessly retrieve information, process data, and then act. It simplifies complex tasks, allowing your business to operate more efficiently and ultimately reduce costs. 

    Computer-using agent, or CUA, is a breakthrough AI model that can navigate software interfaces, execute tasks, and automate workflows. It can open applications, click buttons, fill out forms, and navigate multi-page workflows. CUA can adapt dynamically to changes for smooth operations across both web and desktop applications, integrating disparate systems without API dependencies.

    Enhancing AI efficiency and performance with Azure AI Foundry 

    The only thing growing as fast as generative AI technology is the number of use cases for it across your organization, along with the need for tools to optimize efficiency and performance. Azure AI Foundry includes a suite of governance tools and controls to monitor and manage costs, compliance, performance, and more. We also added NVIDIA NIM microservices and NVIDIA AgentIQ toolkit to unlock unprecedented efficiency, performance, and cost optimization for your AI projects. 

    Part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software suite, NVIDIA NIM is a suite of easy-to-use microservices engineered for secure, reliable, and high-performance AI inferencing, and are built to scale seamlessly on managed Azure compute, providing: 

    • Zero-configuration deployment: Get started quickly with out-of-the-box optimization. 
    • Seamless Azure integration: Works effortlessly with Azure AI Agent Service and Semantic Kernel. 
    • Enterprise-grade reliability: Benefit from NVIDIA AI Enterprise support for continuous performance and security. 
    • Scalable inference: Tap into Azure’s NVIDIA accelerated infrastructure for demanding workloads. 
    • Optimized workflows: Accelerate applications ranging from large language models to advanced analytics. 

    Stay agile and performant with Azure OpenAI Service Provisioned spillover 

    Provisioned (PTU) spillover is a new feature in Azure OpenAI Service that helps ensure consistent and efficient performance of AI applications, even during high usage periods.

    Now in public preview, PTU spillover automatically reroutes excess traffic from your provisioned deployments to help maintain smooth service operation and uninterrupted critical processes. This feature gives you the flexibility to manage unexpected traffic bursts or peak demand season without compromising performance so you can adapt to dynamic conditions and maximize your AI investments. 

    New report: Customized generative AI experiences to differentiate your business

    One way we see more and more companies using AI to push the curve on innovation is by leaning into customization capabilities that can create distinctive experiences or services that help their business stand out in the competitive market.

    We recently released a report, DIY GenAI: Customizing generative AI for unique value, that details how businesses are using capabilities like fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, or RAG, and agentic specialization to differentiate. After all, the world’s most powerful AI models don’t know anything about your specific business so it’s your unique business data and customization that helps you differentiate from the competition.

    The report also highlights the motivations, methods, and challenges faced by technology leaders as they tailor AI models to create net-new value for their businesses.

    The findings are worth reading because they offer a glimpse at where AI development is going in the future. I’m confident that what feels custom today will most likely be the norm faster than we can all believe.

    Build a more accessible world with Azure AI Foundry 

    Microsoft has a long-standing legacy of building inclusive technologies, from early screen readers to speech-to-text innovations. This commitment to accessibility is well in line with our mission as a company—and it’s now being realized in Azure AI Foundry where it’s integrated right into the AI development lifecycle.

    Accessibility and inclusivity in AI are essential for any business because they can help expand your reach, boost customer satisfaction, and even enhance your reputation for social responsibility. Put simply, prioritizing these values can drive innovation and your long-term success. 

    Kickstart your AI transformation with Azure AI Foundry 

    Can you believe that was just March? We delivered so much more! From exciting developments in Azure AI Foundry to our comprehensive approach to trustworthy AI, we’re here to support you and lead through this fast-paced era of AI. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive platform with quality, flexibility, security, safety, and choice. When it’s time to invest in AI transformation for your business, you can trust that the latest innovations are ready and waiting for you on Azure AI Foundry.

    Start building with Azure AI Foundry

    About Jessica 

    Jessica leads Azure Data, AI, and Digital Applications at Microsoft. Find Jessica’s blog posts here and be sure to follow Jessica on LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lauren Boebert Introduces Resolution Condemning Domestic Terrorist Attacks Against Tesla and Elon Musk

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

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) introduced a House Resolution condemning the wave of domestic terrorism attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships. Since President Donald Trump tasked Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there has been a disturbing trend of attacks targeting Tesla cars and dealerships, including multiple attacks on the Loveland, CO Tesla dealership in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.

    Rep. Boebert’s resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05), and Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17). 

    “The definition of terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. That is exactly what has been going on across the country at Tesla dealerships, and it is what innocent Americans who chose Tesla as their preferred vehicle are facing in the wake of violence from Radical Left-Wing domestic terrorists who hate President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 

    My House Resolution will make clear where all Members of Congress stand: do they condemn domestic terrorism against Tesla, or do they endorse it completely? The American people deserve to know where their representatives stand when it comes to condemning domestic terrorism,” said Congresswoman Boebert. 

    Full text of Rep. Boebert’s House Resolution can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the resolution by Fox News can be found HERE.

    Background:

    • Members of the Democrat Party have made calls for their supporters to incite and engage in domestic terrorism by attacking Tesla vehicles and facilities to protest Elon Musk.
    • Anti-Tesla incidents have happened in at least 9 States involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism.
    • At least 80 reported cases of vandalism or arson of Tesla vehicles have taken place throughout the United States and Canada.
    • At least 10 Tesla dealerships, charging stations, and facilities have been hit by vandals.
    • On February 11, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, a man attacked a Tesla dealer on multiple occasions, including throwing Molotov cocktails and spray-painting words on vehicles and windows, including the word ‘‘Nazi.”
    • On March 2, 2025, in Washington, DC, 2 people defaced Tesla vehicles, twice writing political hate speech on the vehicles before fleeing.
    • On March 3, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, 7 Tesla charging stations in a mall outside the Massachusetts capital were set on fire.
    • On March 6, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, at least 7 gunshots were fired into a Tesla showroom in the middle of the night, windows were shattered, and 3 cars were damaged, and 1 bullet went through an office wall and into a computer monitor.
    • On March 7, 2025, in North Charleston, South Carolina, a 24-year-old man threw 5 Molotov cocktails at a Tesla charging station, and witnesses reported seeing a man spray-paint an expletive against Trump and ‘‘Long Live Ukraine’’ in red paint in the parking lot.
    • On March 7, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, a man ignited an incendiary device and hurled it at a Tesla dealership, which landed between 2 cars and created a fire that put lives at risk, and rocks were also thrown, damaging both the building and multiple vehicles.
    • On March 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, a person dressed in black shot at Tesla cars at a repair shop and ignited 2 of them with Molotov cocktails, and the word ‘‘Resist’’ was spray-painted on the front doors of the shop.
    • On March 24, 2025, the Austin police discovered multiple incendiary devices that had been placed at a Tesla showroom in Austin, Texas.

    ### 

    For updates, subscribe to Congresswoman Boebert’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Road improvements support booming agrifood sector

    [. By improving transportation infrastructure, these corridors help make Alberta’s agricultural products more competitive globally, enhance supply chain efficiency and support rural development.

    Alberta’s government is providing $1.8 million for a new road connection between Highway 873 and the JBS Food plant. Providing an alternative access to and from the JBS Food plant will improve safety and efficiency for thousands of County of Newell residents while also saving workers up to an hour and a half a day getting to and from the plant. 

    “JBS Foods Canada employs thousands of Brooks residents, helping grow the local economy, create jobs and strengthen communities. This investment will create a better road connection between the JBS Foods Plant to Highway 873, making the commute shorter and safer and cutting up to an hour and half off the time it takes workers at the plant to get to and from work so they can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing other things.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “The City of Brooks and the County of Newell continue to grow and the recent announcement of the JBS Foods expansion has solidified this region’s position as a growing agrifood economic powerhouse. Sustaining this growth requires robust transportation infrastructure.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “The County of Newell is pleased with the announcement of funding for Township Road 192 North and Highway 873. Completion of this project will improve safety and reduce travel times for staff and motorists accessing the JBS Foods Canada plant and other local businesses and residences in the area. We thank the Government of Alberta for recognizing the need for this project and the positive impact it will have for motorists and the local economy.”

    Arno Doerksen, reeve, County of Newell

    A new road directly connecting to Highway 873 will make traffic flow more efficiently in this area while also improving safety and reducing the potential for collisions with larger commercial trucks. The project includes road construction and intersection improvements. Design has been completed, with a construction tender expected this spring.

    “The new JBS road is important for the whole community and the safety of the workers at JBS Foods. These investments will foster stronger communities, create jobs and grow the local economy.”

    Joel Goodnough, city councillor, City of Brooks

    “This access road will significantly improve the quality of life for our team members in Brooks in many ways, ranging from child care to transportation costs to safety. I want to personally thank our Premier, Danielle Smith, for her exceptional leadership and support to make this project a reality.”

    Celio Fritche, president, JBS Foods Inc.

    The City of Brooks and the surrounding area continue to grow and diversify with the expansion of JBS Foods Canada Inc. The facility, which employs about 3,200 people, announced a $90-million expansion of its storage and distribution facilities in June 2024. The meat processing plant is one of the largest beef processing plants in Canada and has been in operation for the last 50 years, most recently under the ownership of JBS Foods Canada Inc. (since 2013).

    Quick facts

    • The County of Newell will receive a total of $1.8 million:
      • $1.2 million in Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding for local road improvements
      • $600,000 to deliver the improvement on the provincial intersection at Highway 873 for Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC)
    • The County of Newell will deliver the project.
    • Design has been completed. Construction is anticipated to get underway in this spring and be completed by fall 2025.
    • About 8,500 vehicles use Highway 1 in this area, daily.
    • About 5,500 vehicles use Highway 873 in this area, daily.

    Related information

    • Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington Waters Newsletter – Spring 2025

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Contents

    Message from Our Director

    Welcome to Washington Waters, a newly launched newsletter for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Washington Water Science Center. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep our partners, collaborators, and data users updated with current research projects, changes to our data network, and other water news.

    Though our motto is “Science for a Changing World”, we are guided and grounded by the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey: to provide objective and impartial science to decision makers, resource managers, and the public.

    At the Washington Water Science Center, we advance the USGS mission by maintaining a network of streamgages that provide reliable real-time information from Washington’s rivers and streams. USGS water data supports flood prediction and response, reservoir management and hydropower generation, water security, and the recreation economy. We also undertake scientific investigations to provide unbiased information in support of water resource management and decision making.

    In this first edition of Washington Waters, we showcase a couple examples of the work we do across Washington State. These include our growing data network and new webpages for data delivery as well as advances in streamflow permanence research.

    Collaboration is at the heart of our efforts, and we value our partnerships with entities across Washington. Together with our partners, we ensure that our science is relevant, timely, and impactful to the communities we serve. Thank you to our partners and data users for your continued support and engagement as we work together to fulfill our mission.

    – Scott VanderKooi, Director, USGS Washington Water Science Center

    New Water Data Web Pages

    New Water Data for the Nation web page.

    You may have noticed recent changes to the USGS water data web pages. Over the past several years, the USGS has been updating our pages to meet modern web standards, security needs, and the ever-increasing demand for USGS water data. Now we are ready to make the switch to the new pages and turn off the old ones. The decommissioning will take place over three campaigns between now and February 2027. Learn more about the changes by reading the Water Data for the Nation Blog and subscribing to their newsletter.

    The modernized pages contain new features including:

    • My Favorites is a centralized place to keep track of the monitoring locations you are interested in.
    • State Pages allow users to see current water conditions from all monitoring locations in a state that collect continuous data.
    • Explore USGS Water Data is a map tool with multiple filters available to help you refine a list of locations and find water data that meet your needs.
    • Data Collection Categories make all kinds of water data (continuous, daily, discrete samples, field measurements) accessible from the same place.

    We acknowledge that this will require a period of transition and learning. The Washington Water Science Center is here to support you through the transition; please use the “Questions or Comments” button at the bottom of the data pages.

    Picture This

    You know the saying “A photo is worth a thousand words”. We’re excited to show off our stellar science and staff with a photo.

    Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione, WA. Photo by William Elliot, USGS.

    This photo of a streamflow measurement on the Pend Oreille River captures a juxtaposition inherent to our work: we use cutting-edge technology to capture high-quality data while working in rugged, beautiful places. In the photo, a hydrologic technician riding a cableway guides an ADCP (streamflow measurement device) across the channel. On the snowy shore, a laptop displays the channel cross-section, allowing technicians to visualize the flow and validate the data. Field visits by hydrologic technicians provide critical information about changes to the channel which are used to calibrate continuous monitoring data.

    The Volcano in Our Backyard: 45 Years of Mt. St. Helens Water Research

    45 years after the Mt. St. Helens eruption, the North Fork Toutle River still carries high sediment loads. Photo by Adam Mosbrucker, USGS.

    45 years ago, Mt. St. Helens began to rumble. The May 18, 1980 eruption drew global attention and sticks in the minds of those who were alive to experience it. USGS volcanologists and seismologists closely monitored the mountain throughout the eruption cycle. USGS water scientists were at the scene too.

    The eruption and lahars forever changed the mountain’s slopes, valleys, and rivers, none more so than the North Fork Toutle River which was immediately loaded with billions of tons of sediment. Scientists and technicians from the USGS Washington Water Science Center quickly responded and led the water quality monitoring and surveyed the dramatically changed river corridor. Even today, sediment loads remain elevated, creating challenges for the downstream communities that rely on the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers for drinking water and navigation. The Washington Water Science Center continues to monitor sediment loads to provide communities with critical information needed to protect their water resources.

    May 18th marks the 45th anniversary of this historic eruption. Retired USGS scientists from the Washington Water Science Center and the Cascade Volcano Observatory have compiled their personal stories and photos.

    Read Stories from the Smoking Mountain

    Expanding Our Data Network

    In 2025, the Washington Water Science Center expanded our water monitoring network, with the support of our cooperators. The new streamgages, wells, and data types will help address specific scientific questions such as supporting aquatic species health, flood warning, understanding groundwater movement, and quantifying precipitation in areas burned by wildfire. We’re excited to bring more water data to our partners and the public!

    View Washington Water Conditions

    New Water Monitoring Sites in 2025

    Will it Flow? USGS Streamflow Permanence Research Makes Splashes

    New Scientific Investigations

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multi-Million Dollar Money Laundering Conspiracy Leader Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Adanegbe Gift Osenmwenkhae (Gift), 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pled guilty to serving as manager and supervisor of a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy. The group laundered more than $20 million in fraudulent proceeds.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Ken DeChellis, Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Cyber Field Office (DCIS).

    According to the plea agreement, beginning in 2021, and continuing into February 2024, Gift conspired with Yahya Sowe, aka “Cash,” Gedeon Agbeyome, Victor Killen, Areal Harris, Bright Boateng, Faizou Gnora, Emily Gil Arias, Fatoumata Boiro, Lawrence Ogunsanwo, Lakeisha Parker, Martin Ogisi, Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, Kevin Colon, Lorena Perez Herrera, and others to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the wire-fraud schemes. 

    Gift supervised and exercised significant managerial control over the money laundering conspiracy and facilitated the laundering of more than $20 million in stolen proceeds from at least 15 different victims.  Victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others.  

    According to the plea agreement, Gift used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts to supervise and manage the money laundering conspiracy. As supervisor, Gift directed and worked with members of the conspiracy to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of their shell entity; and receive and launder fraud proceeds. Additionally, Gift helped coordinate the flow of fraudulent proceeds through various bank accounts and determine how to split funds between each member of the conspiracy as payment for their role in the conspiracy.

    Gift is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2025, at 10 a.m.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, IRS-CI, EPA-OIG, and DCIS for their work in the investigation and recognized the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Is Correcting Course, Driving Results

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    After four years of foreign policy failures, President Donald J. Trump and his administration have made tremendous progress in restoring safety and security at home and abroad by implementing Peace through Strength. All we really needed was a new president.
    After President Trump demanded action, Mexico committed 10,000 of its own troops to our southern border and Canada deployed 10,000 of its own personnel to our northern border to help stem the flow of illegal immigration and illicit fentanyl into our country.
    President Trump designated deadly drug cartels and vicious transnational gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, empowering law enforcement to make enormous progress arresting and deporting these violent terrorists.
    President Trump forced Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries to accept repatriation flights for their own citizens who were illegally in the U.S.
    President Trump’s unprecedented effort to secure the homeland has driven illegal border crossings to historic lows — down 95% over last year.
    President Trump provided key intelligence to the Pakistani government, which led to the arrest and extradition of the ISIS terrorist who orchestrated the deadly Abbey Gate bombing.
    President Trump increased U.S. counterterrorism activities and eliminated dozens of hardened terrorists — including a high-ranking ISIS attack planner in Somalia.
    President Trump reimposed maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to reign in their nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism across the Middle East.
    President Trump ordered strikes against Houthi terrorists, which have overwhelmed their leaders and networks and taken away their capabilities — not stopping “until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation.”
    President Trump’s pressure led Panama to exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a debt-trap diplomacy scheme the Chinese Communist Party uses to gain influence over developing nations — a massive milestone as the U.S. seeks to secure the Western Hemisphere from Chinese influence.
    President Trump’s leadership has secured the release of 39 U.S. citizens detained abroad — compared to just 80 citizens released across Biden’s four years in office.
    President Trump brokered a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the release of hostages, including an American citizen — a deal Biden was unable to secure.
    For the first time in three years, President Trump brought both Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table for serious discussions around a peaceful resolution — engagements that continue in earnest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ramokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that government will pursue private investment for the construction of transmission lines through the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP).

    The Minister made the announcement of the new programme during a media briefing, held in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

    During the briefing, Ramokgopa touted the pilot programme for the ITP which will pave the way to the construction of 1 164 kilometres (km) of new transmission lines, designed to support renewable energy projects.

    “Our renewable energy assets are not fully exploited as a result of the constraints on the transmission side. The Eskom balance sheet and the sovereign balance sheet is not sufficient to carry the kind of investments that are required in this space.

    “In terms of the transmission development plan…we will need modernise and expand transmission by about 14 000km and for us to be able to do this, we need about R440 billion. The State is not in a position to provide that kind of support. So, today we are introducing the independent transmission programme,” Ramokgopa said.

    He said a ministerial determination has been issued to create a “dispensation that allows for private sector participation”.

    “Our view is that there’s a need for us to be able to ensure that we are able to accelerate and support transmission infrastructure development. The transmission development plan does say that we need this 14 000km of new lines to be able to unlock the capacity, especially in the cape provinces.

    “That is where we have the most efficient and reliable energy assets in the form of solar and wind, but we have exhausted all of the transmission that allows us to evacuate the electrons so that the economy can benefit from those assets,” the Minister said.

    Ramokgopa added that the procurement of transmission will be done in the most cost-effective way, while regulations will be issued this Thursday.

    “The Ministry is the one mandated to procure and then the NTCSA [National Transmission Company of South Africa] is the party that buys that. We are going to ensure that we procure the most cost-effective and tendering procedures that are fair, competitive and equitable.

    “The requirement for the ITP pilot has to be consistent with transmission development plan and it must also support the IRP [Integrated Resource Plan]. It must [also] be commercially viable,” Ramokgopa said.

    It is envisioned that with the new transmission lines, at least 3000 megawatts (MW) of energy will be added to the grid.

    “The new generation capacity that we are going to unlock as a result of this intervention is 3 222 MW. It is about 63% of the total capacity of Medupi and Kusile [power stations]. We are moving in the right direction.

    “For the South African economy to grow, we need to unshackle the issues of the structural constraints, which is electricity and the inefficiencies in the logistics side. The second is greater investment by the private sector. Electricity gives us a pristine opportunity to transform the economy [and] grow the economy,” he said.

    A Request for Qualification will be issued in July while a Request for Proposals will be issued in November. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: BMA reflects on progress made since its establishment 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    BMA reflects on progress made since its establishment 

    While challenges remain, progress has been made in strengthening South Africa’s border management systems, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said on Tuesday.

    “Beside the administrative successes relating to the establishment of the new organisation, there are operational successes, worth mentioning,” he said.

    Some of the successes since the authority’s establishment in April 2023, include intercepting stolen vehicles. The authority also successfully managed the movement of heads of state and government technocrats from all over the world as well as a higher number of journalists for the BRICS Summit that the country hosted in August 2023. 

    “We were able to apprehend or arrest over 468 000 individuals who were attempting to enter the country illegally since 1 April 2023,” he said, adding that 2 344 wanted criminals were also arrested. 

    Additionally, over 262 explosives used in the explosion of rocks during illegal mining operations and the blowing up of cash-in-transit vehicles were also confiscated.

    “The establishment of the BMA sought to create a single authority to effect border law enforcement with a single command and control. Contrary to what some people consider to be the functions of the Border Management Authority, our function is not just about stamping passports at the ports of entry,” Masiapato said.

    The Commissioner was speaking at the High-Level Colloquium on Migration, in Pretoria.

    He said the BMA exists to secure South Africa’s borders and concurrently facilitate legitimate movement of people and goods in all ports of entry and border law enforcement areas. The BMA Act provides for the BMA to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in executing its border law enforcement functions in the Ports of Entry and the Border Law Enforcement areas.

    “The Border Management Authority plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth movement of people, goods, and services across borders while ensuring the safety and security of the country,” he said.

    The authority also works to prevent the introduction of invasive species, pests and diseases that can harm the environment and ecosystem.

    “We also ensure that all imports and exports comply with environmental regulations, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The BMA also monitors the movement of hazardous waste across borders to prevent illegal dumping and ensure compliance with international regulations.

    “We also inspect food and water imports to ensure they meet international health standards and regulations. We also monitor the movement of vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases,” the Commissioner explained.

    He told those attending the colloquium that the authority is most known for its immigration function.

    “In this regard, the BMA inspects travel documents, such as passports and visas, to ensure they are authentic and valid. We also monitor the movement of people to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and laws,” he said.

    In the last 24 months, the BMA has screened millions of travellers for infectious and communicable diseases and “those we picked up with diseases have been referred to medical facilities for further medical attention.”

    Masiapato said despite the achievements, challenges exist.

    “Illegal migration, human trafficking and transnational organised crime continue to pose serious threats to our national security and public safety,” he said.

    In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the Department of Home Affairs.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Border Management Authority on 5 October 2023, in Musina, Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin
    Tue, 04/01/2025 – 14:29

    299 views

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Congressional Delegation Announce Military Service Academy Days Across Nebraska

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced that their staff will hold Service Academy Days in Bellevue, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln. 

    The events inform high school students about the process to apply for a congressional nomination to one of our nation’s military service academies. Service academy representatives will be on hand to answer questions. 

    “Home to Offutt Air Force Base and Camp Ashland, Nebraska has long been the home of our nation’s exceptional service members. To continue our state’s proud tradition of military service, I’m happy to host Academy Days for high school students and their parents to learn more about how to apply for nominations to one of our prestigious Military Service Academies,” said Senator Fischer.

    “Nebraska has a strong tradition of supporting our military. Each year, I honor that tradition by nominating outstanding young Nebraskans to attend our United States service academies. I encourage high school students from across our state to attend Academy Days and learn more about the nomination process,” said Senator Ricketts.

    “America’s Military Service Academies are training a new generation of young leaders who are stepping up to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces. Academy Days hosted by the Nebraska delegation will provide in depth briefings on how nominations work. I strongly encourage any young Nebraskan who has an interest in attending one of the academies to join our offices to learn more and get all your questions answered before diving into the application process,” said Representative Flood.

    “As a veteran who served nearly 30 years in the Air Force, I cannot share enough how much my military career meant to me and these academies help our youth get a start on their own exciting and fulfilling careers. I encourage our high school students to check out each of the academies and wish them the best as they start their application process,” said Representative Bacon.

    “Nebraska has many bright young people who are willing to serve and would make outstanding cadets at our country’s service academies. It is an honor to partner with our congressional delegation and connect our state’s leading students with a first-rate education, leadership opportunities, and training for service,” said Representative Smith.

    The event includes representatives from the Nebraska chapters of the service academy alumni associations and Nebraska service academy parent clubs.

    All high school students, parents, and guidance counselors who have an interest in the nation’s service academies are welcome and no preregistration is required. The targeted audience is freshman through juniors.

    To learn more, please contact Kevin Huebert, Senator Fischer’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, at (402) 391-3411.

    Please click here or see below for dates, locations, and more information:

    • April 5
      • 8:00am – 12:00pm CT
      • Bellevue University, John B. Muller Admin Bldg.
        • 812 Bruin Blvd

    Bellevue, NE 68005

    • May 3
      • 9:00am – 12:00pm CT
      • Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
        • 609 W. Norfolk Ave

    Norfolk, NE 68701

    • May 10
      • 9:00am – 12:00pm CT
      • Nebraska National Guard Armory
        • 1700 N. Jeffers St

    North Platte, NE 69101

    • May 17
      • 9:00am – 12:00pm CT
      • Omaha North High School
        • 4410 N. 36th St

    Omaha, NE 68111

    • August 9
      • 11:00am – 2:00pm CT
      • Grand Island Public Library
        • 1124 W 2nd St
          Grand Island, NE 68801
    • August 23
      • 11:00am – 2:00pm CT
      • John J. Pershing Army Reserve Center
        • 3700 West O Street
          Lincoln, NE 68528

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch’s LOCAL Foods Act Reintroduced with Bipartisan Support

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced the bipartisan Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local (LOCAL) Foods Act, legislation to update the Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906’s (FMIA) ‘Personal-Use Exemption’ to better support small-scale meat producers in rural communities. The LOCAL Foods Act would codify current USDA guidance on Personal-Use and Custom Exemptions, allowing consumers to buy live animals from producers and designate agents to handle the slaughter and processing of their meat.  
    “Small, Vermont-sized farms have produced locally-grown produce and farm-fresh meat for their neighbors and community for years, but regulations designed for large-scale farms have made that increasingly difficult. We need to cut through red tape and help our rural producers compete in the marketplace. This bipartisan bill will help support our local producers and help local customers access fresh, locally-sourced products,” said Sen. Peter Welch. 
    “If you’re purchasing livestock for personal consumption, you shouldn’t have to jump through the same regulatory hoops present in the commercial meat market,” said Senator Lee. “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation gives freedom to farmers and ranchers of every size to feed themselves and their communities without going through unnecessary steps to please the government.” 
    The Federal Meat Inspection Act requires all meat in the United States to be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, the small number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses creates bottlenecks for producers, especially small-scale producers that have to compete for slaughterhouse time with much larger operations. To address this, the LOCAL Foods Act will amend Personal-Use and Custom Exemptions to allow producers to sell a live animal to a consumer. The consumer will then have the freedom to either hire someone or slaughter and process the meat themselves, helping farmers to avoid bottlenecks to continue providing their communities with locally sourced food.  
    In 2013, Vermont adopted an on-farm slaughter law similar to the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s guidelines to allow owners to slaughter their livestock on the farm where it was raised while upholding food safety standards. This law helps reduce costs and emissions from animal transport, alleviate pressure on backlogged slaughterhouses, increase farm viability, and improve animal welfare and food security. However, USDA retains the authority to eliminate Vermont’s on-farm slaughter inspection program if the state fails to meet federal standards.  
    In 2018, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service issued updated guidelines to create an avenue for producers to sell their produce locally and without an inspection. This guidance gives livestock owners the option to slaughter livestock themselves, or have an agent slaughter their livestock on the farm where it was raised. This change also allows producers to sell a live animal to a consumer, have it slaughtered on the farm, and then processed at a custom processing facility. Custom processing facilities are inspected periodically, in contrast to round-the-clock inspectors that are present at USDA-certified facilities.  
    The LOCAL Foods Act is endorsed by the Farm Action Fund, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, Kentucky Black Farmers Association, National Family Farm Coalition, and Rural Vermont.
    “This legislation will reduce financial and regulatory burdens on small farmers, thereby improving consumers’ access to local foods,” commented Judith McGeary, regenerative farmer, lawyer, and Executive Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. “Many consumers want to buy from local farmers instead of massive corporations, but farmers are blocked by burdensome regulations written by and for agribusiness.”  
    “The LOCAL Foods Act protects the rights of farmers to sell directly from their farm and the rights of consumers to access the foods of their choice from the source of their choice, achieving the kind of food freedom so many desire for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Christine Dzujna, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s Policy Manager. 
    “On-farm slaughter aligns with the growing demand for locally-sourced food that respects community traditions,” said Diana Padilla, owner operator of Yahweh’s All Natural Farm and Garden and Executive Director of HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, “Through my work with farmers in my community, and as a beef farmer myself, I’m seeing increased demand from people who want to buy their meat directly from a farmer they personally know. The LOCAL Foods Act is a straightforward solution that will put more money in farmers’ pockets while fostering meaningful connections between producers and their customers.”   
    “Modernizing the personal-use exception reflects the realities of diverse communities demanding access to local food that honor their traditions,” said Kenya Abraham, member of the Kentucky Black Farmers Association. “We are observing a growing demand to access local producers like me, but we need legislation that gives us an incentive to continue our operations.”  
    “Securing the independence of farmers and consumers is key to building a healthy food system,” commented Antonio Tovar, Senior Policy Associate at the National Family Farm Coalition. “When consumers are effectively forced to access their food from corporations, it makes us vulnerable to a weak and unreliable market. The LOCAL Foods Act offers a real opportunity to start building a food system allowing freedom of choice.” 
    “Updating the personal-use exemption to be based on ownership aligns with current USDA standards and is needed to protect the rights of livestock owners, producers, and itinerant slaughterers to practice on-farm slaughter in compliance with their state regulations,” said Caroline Sherman-Gordon, a small farmer and Rural Vermont’s Legislative Director. “The LOCAL Foods Act protects farmers from arbitrary change to regulations, offering them the stability they need to plan and grow their businesses.” 
    Learn more about the LOCAL Foods Act.  
    Read and download the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti convicted of visa fraud

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON – The former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti was convicted March 28 by a federal jury in Boston of illegally obtaining a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card, by means of a false statement. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation found he concealed the fact that he ordered and carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.

    Jean Morose Viliena, 52, was convicted of three counts of visa fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2025. Viliena was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.

    “Viliena knowingly lied to conceal his violent past, deceiving immigration authorities to come to the United States. The brave witnesses who came forward to testify in this case relayed their experiences of extreme violence and oppression committed by Viliena and his associates. Thanks to their testimony, his fraud has been uncovered, and he will now face consequences for his violence and deception,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge New England Michael J. Krol.

    “The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “The United States is not where you come to hide from your crimes. Today’s conviction is proof that running away from your crimes and lying to federal officials will catch up to you. I applaud the courage of the witnesses who spoke up about the abuse they suffered as a result of Viliena.”

    “Today a jury found that Jean Morose Viliena lied his way into gaining entrance into the United States after committing unspeakable acts of violence in Haiti,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti. “The Justice Department will not stand for human rights violators illegally entering and roaming the streets of our communities. Thank you to the brave victims and witnesses who helped our law enforcement partners and prosecutors begin to hold Viliena accountable for his crimes.”

    “The men and women of CBP work diligently alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of the people in our communities. Emigrating to the United States is a privilege and if you conceal your criminal conduct to deceive your way into this country, you will ultimately be detected, held accountable and brought to justice,” said Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office.

    According to court documents, Viliena was the mayor of Les Irois, Haiti from December 2006 until at least February 2010. As a candidate and as mayor, Viliena was backed by a political machine called Korega, which exerts power throughout the southwestern region of Haiti through armed violence. Viliena personally supervised his mayoral staff and security detail and led an armed group in Les Irois aligned with Korega. Under Viliena’s direct supervision, the Korega militia enforced Viliena’s policies by various means, including by targeting political opponents in Les Irois through armed violence.

    According to the indictment, as mayor, Viliena was involved in several instances of violence. The first occurred July 27, 2007 when a witness spoke at a judicial proceeding in Les Irois on behalf of a neighbor who had been assaulted by Viliena. In reprisal for that testimony, that evening, Viliena led an armed group to that witness’ home, where Viliena and his associates shot and killed the witness’ younger brother, and then smashed his skull with a large rock before a crowd of bystanders.

    The second incident occurred in or around April 2008, when a group of local journalists and activists founded a community radio station. According to court documents, Viliena opposed establishment of the radio station and, on April 8, 2008, mobilized members of his staff and the Korega militia to forcibly shut down the radio station and seize its broadcasting equipment. At that time, Viliena distributed firearms to the Korega militia members, some of whom also carried machetes and picks.

    On the day of the attack on the radio station, Viliena pistol-whipped an individual with his gun and struck him with his fists. When the individual tried to flee, Viliena ordered one of his associates to shoot and kill him. Shots were fired which hit the individual in the leg. The individual spent several months in various hospitals and his leg was later amputated above his knee. Another individual, also a citizen of Haiti, became a target of Viliena because of his association with the radio station. On the day of the attack of the radio station, that individual was present and when he tried to flee, he was hit by a bullet in the face. He required months of intensive medical treatment, including two surgeries to extract shotgun pellets from his face, which left him permanently blind in one eye. According to court documents, pieces of shotgun pellets remain in the individual’s scalp and arms.

    On June 3, 2008, Viliena presented himself at the U.S. Embassy Consular Office in Port au Prince, Haiti where he applied for a visa to enter the United States. The form specifically requires that each applicant state whether they have “ordered, carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.” Viliena falsely responded that he had not. Viliena thereafter swore before a U.S. Consular Officer that the contents of the application were true and signed the application. According to court documents, the U.S. Department of State approved Viliena’s visa application.

    On July 14, 2008, Viliena entered the United States and was later granted lawful permanent residence status and received a permanent resident card. Viliena used his permanent resident card on numerous occasions to enter the United States.

    The charge of visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The investigation was led by ICE HSI New England and CBP New England with the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Fraud Detection and National Security Division. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. Valuable assistance was provided by the Malden Police Department.

    The Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center is led by ICE and leverages the expertise of criminal investigators, attorneys, historians, intelligence analysts and federal partners to provide a whole of government approach to prevent the U.S. from becoming a safe haven for individuals who commit war crimes, genocide, torture and other human rights abuses around the globe. Currently, ICE has more than 180 active investigations into suspected human rights violators and is pursuing more than 1,945 leads and removals cases involving suspected human rights violators from 95 different countries. The center has issued more than 79,000 lookouts since 2003, for potential perpetrators of human rights abuses and stopped over 390 human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the U.S.

    Individuals can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE or (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Equity Fund reaches $1.5 million milestone

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.

    Just over one month into the 2024 school year and the ACT Government has provided more than $1.5 million to eligible Canberra parents and carers through its Future of Education Equity Fund.

    The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.

    The fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing.

    This includes as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.

    It supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.

    Payments are:

    • $400 for preschool students
    • $500 for primary school students
    • $750 for high school and college students

    Having such items and services, that they otherwise might not have, helps students fully engage with their education.

    Last year the Fund supported 5000 students, with more than $2.9 million disbursed.

    Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November 2024.

    Find information about the fund, and a link to apply online.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meet the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards winners

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Winners Glenda Stevens, Joanne Farrell and Mijica Lus

    The recipients of the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards have been announced.

    The awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.

    Meet the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards winners:

    2024 ACT Woman of the Year: Joanne Farrell – Founder and Director, Build Like a Girl

    Joanne (Jo) Farrell is a champion for women in the building industry.

    In 2020, she founded Build Like a Girl, a not-for-profit program that supports women of all backgrounds and ages to work in trades. Since then, Jo has helped 33 women gain full-time employment. She regularly assists with programs, initiatives and services aimed at improving the participation rate of women in trades, which is currently just 2 per cent.

    “I’m really honoured to be nominated and recognised for the work,” Jo said.

    “I just turn up every day and try and do the work and promote the industry for other women to work in and try and change the negative cultural behaviour we have across the board.

    “For me it is a recognition of that work and hopefully other women feel encouraged to come and work in our industry with us.”

    Jo is not only the recipient of 2024 ACT Woman of the Year but was also named 2024 ACT Australian of the Year.

    2024 ACT Senior Woman of the Year: Glenda Stevens – CEO, Fearless Women

    Glenda is a community leader and expert in a range of social policy areas.

    Glenda started Fearless Women, a program that provides girls and young women in the ACT with a support service to help them find their voice. It offers short-term counselling, equips girls and women with the tools and resources they need, and offers longer term mentoring support.

    “It’s really exciting to see a young person who was frightened and stressed to be able to feel the exhilaration of achieving something,” Glenda said.

    “For her to feel that sense of achievement and satisfaction is really good for her growth, and it’s good for all of us because we’re receiving the benefits of a wonderful young person.”

    2024 ACT Young Woman of the Year: Mijica Lus – Founder, Aurosokwo Project

    For the last six years, Mijica Lus has volunteered her time and effort with various not-for-profits in the ACT in areas of education, media, health care and human services.

    Mijica leads the Aurosokwa Project, which supports multicultural communities through cross collaboration.

    “If it’s helping with food pantries, decreasing homelessness, supporting mental health initiatives and youth services as well, that’s what the project is about,” Mijica said.

    “I’m really excited to contribute to a city that has given me so much, and this is one way of showing my appreciation.”

    2024 ACT Woman of the Year – Special Commendation Award: Delfina Shakespear, football match official

    Delfina Shakespear is a National and State-level Football Match Official. She volunteers as a mentor, educator, and administrator, and provides strategic advice to Capital Football.

    She is committed to empowering the next generation of female referees.

    Delfina fearlessly speaks up against abuse and poor treatment faced by referees. She actively promotes cultural change through media engagement and initiatives like Reduce Abuse.

    “Seeing the girls and women that I’ve mentored succeed, strive for their goals and push through all the challenges is the most rewarding thing,” Delfina said.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Head contractor appointed for southside hydrotherapy facility

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Construction is expected to be completed by May 2025.

    The new hydrotherapy pool in Canberra’s south is another step closer with Monarch Building Solutions appointed to lead its construction.

    The first sod has now been turned on the site following the recent development approval for the project.

    The construction phase is the next step and comes after extensive consultation and engagement with stakeholders to inform the design of the facility.

    Construction is expected to be completed by May 2025.

    “Monarch Building Solutions is honoured to play a role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Canberra,” Director of Monarch Building Solutions Marco Galeotti said.

    “Our team is excited and ready to dive straight into the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool and understand the importance of this facility to the local community.”

    Hydrotherapy offers a vital service for a wide range of Canberrans.

    It provides people with mobility issues access to an important form of recreation. It also supports people to better manage chronic pain caused by illnesses such as cancer, migraine, osteoarthritis and arthritis, and it offers the opportunity to help people recover from injury or surgery.

    The southside pool will complement the hydrotherapy pool opened at the University of Canberra Hospital in 2020.

    “Arthritis ACT welcomes the commencement of the building of this essential infrastructure. For people living with chronic pain conditions which includes all types of Arthritis, hydrotherapy is essential both to providing ongoing pain relief as well as a wonderful place to exercise, especially for those that get a lot of pain when exercising,” CEO of Arthritis ACT Rebecca Davey said.

    Find more information on the new pool on the Built for CBR website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: FiatGate Introduces ‘Exchange as a Service’ (EaaS), Lowering Barriers for Crypto Entrepreneurs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FiatGate (product of Blockchain Reaction), a leading provider of white-label crypto wallet and exchange solutions, announced their ‘Exchange as a Service’ (EaaS) solution. This new pricing and service model simplifies and reduces the cost of launching a fully branded crypto exchange, making it more accessible than ever for entrepreneurs worldwide.

    Clients can now deploy a professional, fully customized crypto exchange without purchasing a full platform license upfront. This shift has cut initial setup costs by nearly 50%, significantly lowering the barrier to enter the crypto exchange market.

    A key advantage of the FiatGate platform is its non-custodial structure, which means entrepreneurs do not need a financial services license (VASP, EMI, MSB or similar) to operate. The built-in, fully licensed on/off-ramp providers ensure seamless fiat-to-crypto transactions, supporting major payment networks such as SWIFT, SEPA, FPS, ACH, Fedwire, VISA, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

    “With EaaS, we’ve eliminated major financial and technical hurdles, enabling more businesses to enter the crypto space effortlessly,” said Mikael Magnusson, CEO of Blockchain Reaction. “Now, launching a compliant, fully functional crypto exchange is faster, easier, and more cost-effective than ever before.”

    To experience FiatGate’s capabilities firsthand, users can instantly log in at FiatGate without the hassle of complicated registrations. Simply enter an email address, receive a secure access link, and start exploring.

    For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or further information about FiatGate’s EaaS model, please contact:
    Anastasia Andrea
    press@blockchainreaction.io

    About FiatGate
    FiatGate is a premier provider of white-label crypto wallet and exchange solutions, offering secure, scalable, and fully customizable platforms. Designed for entrepreneurs aspiring to enter the crypto market, FiatGate seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with regulatory compliance, enabling smooth and secure fiat-to-crypto transactions.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by FiatGate. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91746b97-3b81-4f34-9b26-6f71cd1c7f65

    The MIL Network –