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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Colleagues Blast Trump Admin. for Nuclear Security Worker Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    ?Washington (February 20, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) along with Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), today wrote to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) firing up to 350 staff members at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), jeopardizing the security of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, weakening our ability to detect and prevent threats to nuclear safety, and undermining U.S. nonproliferation commitments. Senators Markey and Merkley and Congressman Garamendi are co-chairs of the congressional Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “According to press reports, these firings occurred because ‘the officials did not seem to know this agency oversees America’s nuclear weapons.’ The reckless decision to eliminate 350 positions, without a clear national security justification, raises serious concerns about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) commitment to this core mission. DOE has struggled to rehire some of these employees ‘because they didn’t have their new contact information.’ This series of events calls into further question DOGE’s competence to carry out its self-assigned task.”

    The lawmakers continue, “Although you and DOGE may find it administratively convenient to fire probationary employees, these particular employees were not inexperienced new hires to the federal government.” 

    The lawmakers request responses to questions that include:

    • What was the rationale for the reduction in staff at the NNSA? 
    • Who determined that NNSA had too many employees and why?
    •  What is the administration’s broader strategy for responsibly ensuring adequate staffing at the NNSA that guarantees strong and effective oversight of the nuclear arsenal? 
    • If NNSA employees are not exempt, will the decision on whether to accept employees’ resignations include an assessment of how the loss of the employee in that role would impact DOE capabilities? If so, how will you make that assessment? 
    • What, if any, security assessments were conducted before terminating these 350 NNSA employees? 
    • What is the administration’s broader strategy for responsibly ensuring adequate staffing at the NNSA that guarantees strong and effective oversight of the nuclear arsenal? 
    • Which employees have been rehired and how many have accepted the offer to come back? 
    • What steps are DOE and NNSA taking to prevent unauthorized access to classified systems by DOGE members?

    On February 12, 2025, Senator Markey and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08), a House co-chair of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, wrote to Energy Secretary Wright regarding their concerns that Elon Musk’s DOGE had been granted access to DOE, which oversees the NNSA and the nation’s most sensitive nuclear weapons secrets. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Senate GOP Will Secure the Border, Restore Peace Through Strength, and Unleash American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the Senate Budget Resolution.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “The Democrat Leader has a lot to say about the Senate Budget Resolution. None of it is accurate.

    “I have the budget resolution with me. The key section is five pages long. That’s it. Every American can read it for themselves.

    “This resolution focuses on three things.

    “First, securing the border.

    “Second, restoring peace through strength.

    “Third, unleashing American energy.

    “It’s not complicated. It’s common sense. Americans overwhelmingly support these goals.

    “Senate Republicans are moving forward.

    “Let’s talk about border security.

    “This budget allocates $175 billion to secure our border. That includes funding for President Trump’s successful executive orders to deport criminal illegal immigrants.

    “Border Patrol Agents and ICE Agents need more resources.

    “There are currently more than 600,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records in our country.

    “President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are moving at lightning speed to deport them. That makes our communities safer.

    “Their strong actions have led to double the number of arrests of illegal immigrants compared to arrests under President Biden.

    “These arrests are making our communities safer and sending a message to would-be illegal immigrants around the world. They are turning around and going home.

    “Illegal border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico are at their lowest in 5 years.

    “President Trump’s actions are working.

    “They are working so well that the Trump administration says it is running out of money for deportations.

    “Border Czar Tom Homan told us that. Secretary Noem told us that. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told us that. Attorney General Pam Bondi told us that.

    “Senate Republicans will act quickly to get the administration the resources they requested and need.

    “This budget will allow us to finish the wall.

    “It is a step towards hiring more border agents.

    “It means more detention beds so dangerous criminals are off the streets.

    “It means more deportation flights so dangerous criminals are out of our country.

    “Now, let’s talk about our national security.

    “This bill allocates $150 billion to restore peace through strength.

    “We live in a dangerous world. The threats against the United States are higher than we’ve seen in decades.

    “There is the threat of terrorism. You saw the danger of terrorism in New Orleans this year.

    “There is the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. They are rapidly building up their military. Meanwhile, over the past four years, weak leadership undermined our military.

    “There is the threat of Iran. They are the largest state sponsor of terrorism. They are also racing towards a nuclear bomb.

    “Weakness invites conflict. Strength deters war.

    “This budget is a big step towards rebuilding our military and protecting our nation after four years of weakness.

    “We are already seeing a surge of young people who want to join the military.

    “Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, recruitment is at its highest levels in 15 years.

    “With this budget, America will be stronger. Our military will be more lethal.

    “Now let’s talk about American energy dominance.

    “This bill would take the handcuffs off of American energy production.

    “The previous administration caused painfully high prices with its energy blunders. It locked up affordable, reliable, American-made energy.

    “Families suffered from soaring prices. Our economy struggled.

    “Passing this budget allows us to reject the energy failures of the past four years. It puts a premium on affordable, reliable American energy.

    “The federal government would also see its revenue increase as we produce more American energy.

    “If you listen to Senate Democrats, it’s abundantly clear that they do not support these goals.

    “Democrats are opposed to securing our border, rebuilding our military, and unleashing American energy.

    “Democrats are standing in the way of common-sense priorities that Americans overwhelmingly support.

    “Democrats are a party in panic mode. Their high prices and open border agenda
    are out of touch with the American people.

    “Democrats used this very process a few years ago to raise taxes and pass trillions of dollars in Wasteful Washington Spending.

    “They wasted taxpayer money to subsidize electric vehicles for the rich. They sent stimulus checks to criminals like the Boston Marathon Bomber.

    “The federal government is too big and spends too much.

    “Republicans will end the Wasteful Washington Spending and get America back on track.

    “After 4 years of high prices and open borders, Americans deserve a path to safety and prosperity.

    “Starting with the Republican budget, they will finally get it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Carbon capture one step closer

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has made key decisions on a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) framework to enable businesses to benefit from storing carbon underground will support New Zealand’s businesses to continue operating while reducing net carbon emissions, Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.
    “Economic growth is a key focus for this Government, and we want the energy sector to be the engine for our economy – driving electrification and unlocking economic growth,” Mr Watts says.
    “The Government is committed to removing regulatory barriers to enable the supply of abundant, affordable energy to power our homes and businesses – and to reduce net carbon emissions.”
    The Government has made decisions on the key elements of a CCUS framework, designed to enable carbon capture and storage in New Zealand, with legislation expected to be introduced this year.
    “Under our CCUS framework, businesses that capture and store CO2   will be rewarded through the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), our Government’s key tool to reducing net emissions. This will help reduce emissions obligations for New Zealand businesses as we progress towards a low-emissions economy,” Mr Watts says.
    “By making these decisions, we are aligning New Zealand with other countries that are successfully utilising CCUS to drive economic growth and attract investment. Our framework not only supports innovation but also provides a pathway for businesses to remain competitive while reducing net emissions.
    “Ensuring safe and effective storage of CO2 is critically important. That’s why our framework will require any CCUS project to undertake a thorough assessment of storage site suitability and proposed operations, followed by ongoing monitoring.
    “CCUS is gaining momentum internationally as a way to reduce net emissions and support economic growth. In New Zealand, this innovative approach has significant untapped potential of capturing CO2 emissions that would not otherwise benefit Kiwis to create valuable products and materials.
    “Our Government’s second emissions reduction plan, which was released at the end of last year, highlighted carbon capture and storage as a key tool to meeting the second and third emissions budgets.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hartford, Stamford Campuses Open ‘Innovate Labs’ Where Technology, Fun, and New Skills Connect

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Freshman Barbara Hawke Lopez was the captain of her high school robotics team and enjoys coding and emerging technology.

    When she discovered that Innovate Labs was opening a facility on the UConn Stamford campus, with hands-on learning opportunities in emerging technology, she was intrigued.

    Today, Hawke Lopez is employed as a lab assistant there, teaching her peers how to experiment with new technology, and helping them develop their confidence in the automation of the future.

    “When you come into the lab, there is almost always someone playing a game using virtual reality,’’ said Hawke Lopez, who is studying journalism and cognitive science. “Other students come in to 3D print everything from pop culture-inspired objects to fidget-spinner toys. There’s a good mix of activities.’’

    “The lab is very new-user friendly and there are always two or three people there to help you if you get stuck,’’ she said. The lab, which opened in September 2024, is located in Room 310.
    “People are excited when they discover it, and I think it is a good addition to our campus and the overall business environment. It is helping student develop confidence and career skills,’’ she said.

    Hartford Campus Debuted Lab Last Week

    But Stamford students aren’t the only ones with new experiences. Innovate Labs opened another facility in Hartford last week. This newest Lab can be found on the first floor of the Graduate Business Learning Center in Hartford, at 100 Constitution Plaza. All students, regardless of major, as well as faculty and staff are welcome to explore the Lab.

    On the opening day, Feb. 10, student workers demonstrated 3D pens, VR headsets and circuitry that can track a user’s heart rate. The event drew students and staff from the GBLC, Storrs, and the nearby Hartford Times Building.

    A festive balloon arch welcomed students and faculty to the first-floor center that includes stations featuring the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing and modeling, voice and smart technology, drones, robotic, and circuitry and sensors. Both the Stamford and Hartford Innovate Labs are modeled after the original lab located in the School of Business in Storrs.

    Lucy Ledesma, a junior majoring in the dual-degree MEM program and a Lab Outreach Specialist in Storrs, traveled to Hartford to demonstrate the technology. “I think it’s great that students on other campuses are getting to have the experiences we have,’’ she said.

    Innovate Labs Tech Manager, Sophia Hatzis, a sophomore majoring in sociology and mechanical engineering, said initially some students are reluctant to experiment.

    “At first they might not know how to get started, but there is always someone there to walk them through it and build their confidence to try more advanced things,’’ she said.

    Bringing Energy and Excitement to Campus

    Innovate Labs is part of the Digital Frontiers Initiative (DFI) at the School of Business. The program bridges academia and industry through cutting-edge research, innovation, and partnerships. DFI operates under the umbrella of the Connecticut Information Technology Institute at UConn.

    “Our goal is to create an opportunity for students to develop new skills that will foster the next generation of learners, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators,’’ said OPIM professor Jon Moore, who is also the Executive Director of DFI. He created and oversees all three labs.

    The original Innovate Lab opened in Storrs eight years ago, after some recent graduates said they would have liked more emerging technology skills as they entered the workforce.

    “People can start where they are comfortable,’’ Moore said. “We encourage people to push themselves out of their comfort zone but also to acquire skills that match their career interests. Not only is it valuable but keeps students on campus and engaged but it brings energy and excitement to campus.’’

    OPIM professor Wei Chen, the Academic Director of the DFI, agreed.

    “The Innovate Labs are a vibrant space where students can explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life,’’ he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to experiment, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience with the latest tools shaping the future.’’

    Students Can Advance to Local Makerspaces

    Another advantage of the regional Innovate Labs is that once students get comfortable with the technology there, they can expand their ideas at nearby makerspaces.

    Stamford students have access to GE’s CoCreate, a 65,000-square-foot maker space, that welcomes everyone from chefs to designers to contractors or homeowners to use their equipment and explore the “community playground.’’

    The Digital Frontiers Initiative is in conversation with GE CoCreate about joint workshops, events, and projects.

    In Hartford, DFI is building a dynamic relationship with MakerSpace CT, which is just a short walk from both Hartford campuses. Students have an opportunity to earn three months of free membership to this space by participating in a one of Innovate Labs’ non-credit programs, Innovate2Create. This program is designed to help students turn their idea into a marketable prototype. The nine-week program includes guest speakers from MakerspaceCT, and will conclude with a pitch presentation there in the spring.

    For UConn students who are interested, Innovate Labs offer employment opportunities, with students having the choice of working on the tech team (which oversees inventory and learning), the outreach team (which leads workshops, clubs, and classes), or the marketing team. Lab workers from all three campuses collaborate, and live-feed cameras allow them to share ideas, solve problems, or just say hello from across the state.

    Moore is now working towards offering workshops for non-UConn students, particularly elementary, middle and high school students in the area.

    If you would like to learn more about DFI, or take a guided tour of one of the Innovate Labs, please contact Katherine Lorange at Katherine.Lorange@uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bradford Exchange in Court over alleged misleading representations about subscriptions

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC has instituted legal proceedings in the Federal Court against The Bradford Exchange Ltd (Bradford) for allegedly making false or misleading representations in its advertising of collectable coins and ingots in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

    A global retailer of coins and memorabilia, Bradford allegedly made misleading representations to consumers in over 300 newspaper and magazine advertisements for collectable coins and ingots across Australia.

    It is alleged that, in many cases, Bradford represented that it would send consumers a single advertised item, when in fact Bradford sent consumers multiple items subject to a subscription (in some cases up to 24 items) and charged them for those items.

    Bradford also allegedly represented that, if consumers responded to the relevant advertisements, they would be treated as only agreeing to purchase the single item identified in the advertisement, when this was not the case.

    Subsequent items in these collections were typically far more expensive than the originally advertised item, for example, costing $79.99 after the first item was priced at $29.99.

    The ACCC alleges that Bradford applied direct debits, or invoiced consumers for these subsequent items. Consumers who did not pay an invoice were sent follow up invoices, some of which incurred a ‘reminder charge’. If the invoice remained unpaid, consumers would ultimately be referred to a debt collection agency which charged additional fees.

    “We are alleging Bradford’s actions amounted to a ‘subscription trap’ for consumers who thought they were buying one coin or ingot but were treated as if they had agreed to subscribe to receive an entire series and be charged accordingly,” ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.

    Subscription traps occur when businesses mislead consumers into signing up for a subscription by representing that the consumer is only making a one-off purchase, or by making cancellation of a subscription difficult.

    The ACCC action relates to alleged misleading representations between 1 January 2021 and 26 June 2023 in advertisements by Bradford for collectable commemorative coins and ingots in various print newspapers and magazines across Australia such as the Herald Sun, the Courier Mail, Woman’s Day magazine and New Idea magazine.

    The advertisements featured a large image of a single coin or ingot, often with historical or nostalgic themes such as Queen Elizabeth II, World War 1, Phar Lap, and the 1971 Ford Falcon.

    In addition, the ACCC alleges Bradford’s advertisements prominently stated a single price for that item and did not state the total price of all the items in each collection.

    “Businesses must be open and transparent when signing consumers up to subscriptions, including by stating the total price of goods or services being purchased,” Ms Carver said.

    “There have been a large number of complaints about this company from consumers who purchased a single item from Bradford but were then sent and charged for additional items.”

    “We consider Bradford’s actions deprived consumers of the ability to make an informed choice about whether to buy an entire collection of items. As a result, many consumers are likely to have paid for subsequent items they did not want or intend to buy and some are likely to have experienced distress and financial loss when Bradford charged them for items they did not intend to purchase,” Ms Carver said.

    The ACCC is seeking penalties, declarations, injunctions, costs and other orders for Bradford’s alleged contraventions.

    Example of Bradford advertisements:

    Bradford exchange platinum jubilee coin ( PDF 2.71 MB )

    Background

    Bradford is a US-based, retailer of limited-edition memorabilia and collectables including coins and ingots, jewellery, prints, model cars, ornaments and figurines. A significant proportion of Bradford’s revenue comes from the sale of collections. Bradford advertises its products through mainstream newspapers and magazines, as well as on its website and social media accounts.

    The Bradford Exchange Group operates globally across fifteen countries including the US, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Germany. Bradford has operated in Australia for 34 years.

    Concise Statement

    ACCC v Bradford Exchange – Concise Statement ( PDF 3.75 MB )

    This document contains the ACCC’s initiating court document in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event these initial documents are subsequently amended.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Businessman Sentenced in Connection with Migrant Labor Employment Scheme, Payroll Tax Evasion, and Worker Death

    Source: United States Attorneys General 10

    A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison and ordered to forfeit more than $5.5 million to the United States as well as forfeit numerous real properties and cash, and to pay over $55 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and willful violation of a workplace standard that resulted in the death of his employee. Manual Domingos Pita, of Wesley Chapel, previously pleaded guilty to those charges on July 9, 2024.

    According to court documents, Pita owned and operated Domingos 54 Construction, a subcontracting business for the wood framing of new construction homes. Domingos 54 was a shell construction company that Pita used to provide workers, including undocumented aliens, with construction jobs. However, Pita failed to secure the required workers compensation insurance coverage for these employees by falsifying in worker’s compensation insurance applications the number of workers for which he sought coverage. In addition, Pita failed to pay any federal employment taxes on the wages that these workers earned during the course of the scheme between 2018 and 2022. As a result, Pita caused several worker’s compensation insurance companies to sustain a loss of over $22.7 million in premiums that they could have charged had they been aware of the number of workers which they had been manipulated into covering with their policies. In addition, Pita failed to pay to the IRS over $33.7 million in federal employment taxes on those workers’ wages.

    Between February and July 2019, investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued six citations to Domingos 54 for failure to provide fall protection to workers. Even after being cited for these violations, Pita continued to ignore OSHA requirements. In March 2020, Pita assigned a worker and three other carpenters to install sheeting on the roof of a residential home in windy conditions without providing the required fall-protection gear or ensuring its use. As a result, one of the workers was blown off the roof and died from his injuries.

    “Pita’s history of OSHA violations and deception tragically led to a worker’s death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law by prosecuting fraud and enforcing worker safety standards.”

    “The defendant in this case engaged in a deliberate scheme to defraud insurance companies, the government and evade taxes, resulting in huge losses to the U.S. Treasury, and to personally enrich himself,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Sara C. Sweeney. “In addition, flagrant violations of OSHA safety standards put workers at unacceptable risk, ultimately resulting in the death of an employee. My office is committed to federally prosecuting and holding accountable anyone who violates these laws and regulations.”

    “Mr. Pita repeatedly violated the longstanding policies designed to protect the workforce which resulted in a tragic death,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will aggressively pursue those who selfishly ignore the laws and policies in place to protect America’s workforce.”

    “Not only does this type of scheme give an illegal advantage over honest competitors, it intends to allow the use of illegal, undocumented labor to achieve that advantage,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “It’s a blatant form of cheating that undercuts fair competition, costs the government millions of dollars in tax revenue, and skirts our nation’s immigration laws. This case reaffirms our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those who engage in fraud at the expense of workers, taxpayers, and law-abiding businesses.”

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud-Criminal Investigations and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay L. Hoffer for the Middle District of Florida and Senior Trial Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $2.5 million Lung Bus to protect thousands of workers against dust diseases

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 21 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Work Health and Safety

    The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases by unveiling its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which will provide lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

    The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

    These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

    Commencing this month, the icare Lung Bus will travel the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.

    The new mobile clinic features several innovations including:

    • Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.
    • Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.
    • Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.
    • A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
    • Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.

    The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years.

    That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

    This is the latest measure to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

    The Minns Labor Government led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

    The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

    Since September, our Silica Compliance Team has conducted 140 inspections, with more than 125 improvement notices issued and seven prohibition notices in workplaces.

    The Minns Labor government has pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

    The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

    Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

    More information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations can be found here:

    https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/work-related-dust-disease/services-and-support/lung-screening-service/workers-mobile-clinic-lung-bus-bookings-for-workers

    For more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit:

    https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-service

    Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

    “The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

    “Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

    Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

    “Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

    Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

    “A lung health check could save your life.

    “Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Secret in South Philly

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

    Asking a community to come forward

    Investigators are confident that the same tightknit South Philly community that raised Richard—and served as a partial backdrop to his love story with Danielle—is keeping the secret of what happened to the couple.

    “The city of Philadelphia is more like a town than a city,” Blessington explained. “Everybody knows everybody. Everybody kind of looks out for everybody.”

    While some area residents have shared information with the FBI, Blessington said, others may be worried about being seen as traitors to their community. But as the what-ifs of the case continue to haunt the victims’ families into a third decade, investigators ask that potential tipsters come out of hiding.

    “…What I can tell those people—and there are people who know things—[is]: If we only do one thing very, very well, we protect the people that are brave enough and try and help us out,” Blessington said. 

    You can learn more about Danielle and Rich, as well as view their pictures, at fbi.gov/missing.

    Investigators encourage anyone with information about the whereabouts of Danielle, Richard, and/or his truck—a black 2001 Dodge Dakota with Pennsylvania license plates YFH 2319—to call the FBI Philadelphia Field Office directly at 215-418-4000. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone.

    And the case team can help potential tipsters work through any concerns, navigate difficult emotions, and work through different legalities related to coming forward.

    “After 20 years, we really need to bring Rich and Danielle home,” Blessington said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Baltimore Department Of Finance Employee Sentenced To Four Years In Connection With Bribery And Covid-19 Cares Act Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore Department of Finance employee took more than $250,000 in bribes and obtained more than $143,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 relief benefits

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett, today, sentenced Joseph Gillespie, age 35, of Baltimore City, Maryland, to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with a bribery scheme and conspiracy to commit wire fraud scheme involving COVID-19 CARES Act relief benefits.

    Phil Selden, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office.

    “Defendant Gillespie abused the public trust through a bribery scheme and took advantage of money meant to help during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Acting United States Attorney Selden. “When government employees take bribes and public funds, it harms the very communities they are meant to serve. The District of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue those who try to compromise the public trust.”

    “Gillespie’s extensive schemes and lies ultimately cost hardworking taxpayers. Instead of performing his job with honesty, he looked for illicit ways to line his own pockets. This sentence proves that corruption never pays,” said FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno. “The FBI and our partners remain committed to holding accountable those who try to cheat the system for their own benefit and profit.”

    According to Gillespie’s plea agreement, beginning in 2016, and continuing to 2023, the Defendant engaged in a bribery scheme in which he abused his position of trust as a public official within the Baltimore City Department of Finance for his own personal gain.

    As an employee of the Baltimore City Department of Finance, Revenue Collections Department, Gillespie routinely accepted bribes from various property owners in Baltimore City (“the City”) whose property was subject to certain financial obligations, and if the obligations remained unpaid, to a tax sale.  He accepted these bribes — typically 10-15 percent of the amount owed to the City — in exchange for removing or extinguishing these financial obligations, including for citations, tax obligations, and water obligations – thereby causing losses to the City.  Gillespie also accepted bribes in exchange for delaying or postponing — without approval or permission from other City officials — due dates for the payment of outstanding financial obligations, fines, and payments owed to the City, thus forestalling the placement of a lien on the property by the City.

    Once Gillespie received the bribe payment, he would extinguish the financial obligation owed to the City by marking the obligations as paid in the City’s online records.  After removing the obligation, the Defendant would, at times, send a photograph of a cashier slip from his office reflecting that a payment was made towards a financial obligation owed to the City when, in fact, no such payment was made.

    Gillespie engaged in multiple covertly recorded telephone and video conversations with an FBI undercover agent (UC), in which the Defendant and the UC discussed the specifics of the bribery scheme outlined above.

    For example, in a recorded phone conversation with the UC, the UC confirmed the size of the bribe payment with the Defendant: “[S]o you want 100 for each property?” Defendant said, “yeah that’s basically how I do.”  Gillespie then informed the UC that he (Gillespie) had a “girl” in “water”— i.e., the Baltimore City Department of Public Works — that could “wipe some s*** out,” referring to financial obligations owed to the City.

    During a covert video recording of the conversation with the UC, Gillespie told the UC that he had the ability to “wipe a bill off” the City’s record of outstanding obligations tied to a particular property or to “put paid next to ‘em,” even though the financial obligation had not in fact been paid.  The Defendant further stated that he removed certain financial obligations linked to the properties that the UC told the Defendant were his, stating “[t]here was a couple, extra miscellaneous bills that y’all had that I wiped off . . . . That s*** gone now.”

    Gillespie also extended the deadline for payment of financial obligations owed to the City on eight properties by three months.  Gillespie asked for $800 in bribes in return — $100 for each of the eight properties, and, during the recorded meeting, the UC provided Gillespie $800 cash.  Gillespie also stated that he had the ability to wipe out overdue water bills owed to the City, “Once I let you know [about a big water bill], I’ll give it to my girl, and I’ll tell you what you need to give me for her to knock it off.”  Gillespie then stated:

    “Going forward, I’m just your inside man . . . That’s what I do for a lot of different people around the City.  You know what I mean – manage their s*** for them a little bit. . . .  I’m gonna go look at your s***.  Anyone with a high water bill I’m gonna text you the address, and I’m gonna tell you what I need, and we can knock them out going forward with that . . . . Any water bill that’s too high, I’ll get my girl to take care of that.”

    Gillespie’s bribery scheme continued for years thereafter, and he admitted that he enlisted the help of multiple co-conspirators in connection with his scheme.  According to the plea agreement, Gillespie received more than $250,000 in connection with the bribery scheme and caused losses to the City in excess of $1,250,000.

    Further, Gillespie also engaged in a scheme to fraudulent COVID-19 CARES relief funds.  Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), administered through the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

    For example, in 2021, Gillespie and co-defendant Ahmed (“Adam”) Sary submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application to Cross River Bank to obtain a PPP loan for JAG Investments (“JAG”), a company the Defendant owned.  The PPP loan application contained numerous material misrepresentations, including that JAG, in 2019, had 19 employees and an average monthly payroll of more than $55,000. In support of the loan application, a fabricated 2019 Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 940 – Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return – was submitted, which falsely stated that JAG’s total payments to employees, in 2019, was more than $275,000.

    Based on the false representations and fraudulent submissions made on behalf of Gillespie as the owner of JAG, the PPP loan was funded on March 6, 2021, and approximately $138,000 was distributed to a bank account controlled by Gillespie. Gillespie agreed to pay Sary kickbacks totaling $38,000 for his work in submitting the false application and obtaining the fraudulent PPP loan.  In addition, after receipt of the PPP loan, Gillespie established payroll services for JAG to facilitate documentation that would later be used to substantiate a request for the PPP loan to be forgiven.

    The District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Acting United States Attorney Phil Selden commended the FBI for their work in the investigation, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Baltimore City Inspector General for assistance as well.  Mr. Selden thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Evelyn L. Cusson who are prosecuting the federal case.

    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 Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing for Fatal DUI Crash on Navajo Nation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 75 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, stemming from a fatal drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation in November 2022.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on the evening of November 25, 2022, Jane Doe and John Doe were driving from Colorado to visit family in Tse Bonito, NM when their sedan broke down. Jane Doe’s family members came to assist, and her nephew began towing the sedan with his SUV.

    As the group traveled on Navajo Route 12, Olan Jumbo, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, who had been drinking alcohol while driving, crashed his speeding truck into the back of the sedan. The collision caused severe damage to the sedan, resulting in Jane Doe’s death at the scene and serious injuries to John Doe. Jumbo fled the scene but was apprehended two days later.

    Investigation revealed Jumbo was driving between 74-82 mph in a 45-mph zone at the time of impact and had multiple prior drunk-driving related convictions. Open containers of alcohol were found in Jumbo‘s vehicle after the crash.

    Upon his release from prison, Jumbo will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norman Gray, Founder and CEO Of Biomedical Company, Sentenced For Defrauding Investors Of More Than $13 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NORMAN GRAY, the founder and CEO of a biomedical company (the “Biomedical Company”), who defrauded investors of over $13 million, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to 10 years in prison.  GRAY was convicted of wire fraud at trial on May 29, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Norman Gray preyed upon people who wanted to invest in developing life-saving medicine for children with a rare and generally fatal disease.  Gray gained his victims’ trust by lying about everything from his educational background and to his supposed access to off-shore trusts he could use to fund his company alongside the investors.  He even submitted false patent applications, invented a fake mortgage company, and forged FBI background check records.  Thanks to the work of the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners, Gray has now received just punishment.”

    According to the Superseding Indictment, public filings, public court proceedings, the evidence presented at trial and in connection with sentencing:

    At all relevant times, GRAY was the founder and CEO of the Biomedical Company, which is headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut.  GRAY presented himself to investors (including “Victim-1” and “Victim-2”) and others as a billionaire scientist and successful entrepreneur with a Ph.D. from MIT at the helm of a company he was personally funding that was potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  GRAY claimed to have previously created a successful medical equipment company (“Prior Company”) with over 1,000 employees, which was earning approximately $900 million in revenues before GRAY sold it to a foreign pharmaceutical company.  GRAY claimed that he put the profits from the sale of the Prior Company into his offshore trust (“Offshore Trust”), which he claimed held more than $300 million, and which he was using to self-fund the Biomedical Company.  In reality, GRAY did not have a Ph.D., had not created or sold a nearly billion-dollar company, did not have access to hundreds of millions of dollars to fund Biomedical Company, and, as of 2020, both he and the Biomedical Company were in significant debt. 

    Beginning in 2016, GRAY also claimed to employees and investors in Biomedical Company, including Victim-1 and Victim-2, and in written investment materials, that a flagship medication being developed by Biomedical Company was approved for compassionate treatment in Saudi Arabia, where it was saving the lives of two specific children who were suffering from a rare and generally fatal disease known as MVID.  Victim-2 sent $200,000 to GRAY to continue funding this supposed program.  GRAY submitted treatment data from the supposed program in patent applications for the flagship drug.  But the program did not exist.

    Based on GRAY’s misrepresentations, between 2018 and 2020, Victim-2 invested approximately $7.6 million in the Biomedical Company through wire transfers into accounts controlled by GRAY.  In May 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRAY fraudulently induced Victim-2 to invest into a joint venture with GRAY to purchase personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and resell it to hospitals and universities in the United States and Spain. GRAY provided Victim-2 with fabricated purchase orders from two New York-area hospitals purporting to show that he had close to $8 million of committed sales. Victim-2 sent three wire transfers totaling $1,751,342 to GRAY’s account.  Ultimately, the PPE that GRAY purchased  could not be sold, because it was defective or otherwise not fit for market, and Victim-2 lost the $1.75 million supposedly invested by GRAY into the PPE project.

    In or about August 2020, GRAY induced Victim-1 to send him $250,000 as a purported investment in the Biomedical Company.  Rather than purchase equity for Victim-1, GRAY used nearly all of Victim-1’s $250,000 payment to repay a loan that GRAY had taken out from a tenant in the same building where the Biomedical Company is headquartered in order to make payroll. In the ensuing weeks, GRAY extracted an additional $1,217,000 from Victim-1, representing that Victim-1’s funds would be invested in deals involving the procurement of PPE for two major universities in the tristate area who committed to close to $8 million in sales in essentially the same amounts as GRAY’s prior fabricated purchase orders sent to Victim-2.  Notwithstanding the losses Victim-2 had already experienced through GRAY’s venture, GRAY falsely represented to Victim-1 that his prior PPE deals had turned a 40% profit within 90 days, that he already had purchase orders in hand for PPE worth nearly $8 million, and that, therefore, the risk was “virtually zero.” In reality, over the preceding months, GRAY had accumulated a vast inventory of unsellable PPE, the purported purchase orders were recycled fakes, and GRAY did not invest Victim-1’s funds in PPE. Instead, GRAY misappropriated Victim-1’s funds, in part, to purchase himself a nearly $1 million home, a $50,000 luxury SUV, and to pay down $200,000 of his and his family’s credit card debt.

    As part of his scheme to defraud Victim-1, and as a means of dispelling Victim-1’s concern that an investment with GRAY might require Victim-1 to forego the purchase of a home, GRAY offered Victim-1 a mortgage from a purported boutique mortgage company of which he was the sole investor.  GRAY directed Victim-1 to a purported mortgage broker that worked for this boutique mortgage company.  In reality, both the mortgage company and the mortgage broker were completely fabricated by GRAY and did not exist.  To further this aspect of the fraud on Victim-1, GRAY registered an internet domain in the name of the purported mortgage company and created an email address in the name of the invented mortgage broker contemporaneously with making his false representations to Victim-1.   As GRAY’s fraud began to unravel in or about early November 2020, GRAY promised to return all of Victim-1’s money.  Ultimately, GRAY never returned any money to Victim-1 and, after Victim-1 asked GRAY to provide her with the purported PPE purchase orders from the two universities, she never heard from GRAY again.

    Victim-2 was a board member of the Biomedical Company at the time that GRAY defrauded Victim-1.  Following Victim-1’s report of GRAY’s fraud to the board in November 2020, accompanied by publicly available evidence of GRAY’s prior criminal history, GRAY reassured Victim-2 that he had no criminal history beyond driving infractions.  GRAY also produced to the board a fraudulent record purportedly from the FBI disclaiming any criminal history and falsely asserting that GRAY had a “top secret” clearance status renewed on November 14, 2016.  After being reassured by GRAY that Victim-1’s allegations were meritless, Victim-2 provided approximately over $2.3 million in loans separate from his over $7.5 million of Vanessa investments and $1.75 million of PPE investments.

    At trial, GRAY obstructed justice by attempting to introduce into evidence a false document supposedly drafted after GRAY’s fraud on Victim-1 was complete and purporting to memorialize an agreement by Victim-1 to “convert” her PPE investment into shares of Biomedical Company.

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison term, GRAY, 69, of Hamden, Connecticut, was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release.  GRAY also was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1,467,000 and to forfeit his interest in the home and luxury vehicle discussed above.  The Court also ordered restitution of $1,533,675 to Victim-1.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the New Haven Police Department, as well as law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom and Spain and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Gianforti, Vladislav Vainberg, and Jessica Greenwood are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal Correctional Officers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant was awaiting resentencing for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and kidnapping in the District of Maryland

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Igor Yasinov, 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release for four counts of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Certain Officers or Employees, Inflicting Bodily Injury.

    Phil Selden, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland, and Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

    According to the evidence presented at his four-day trial, on November 16, 2021, Yasinov assaulted multiple correctional-staff members at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF), causing several injuries.  CDF is a pretrial detention facility located in Baltimore, Maryland.  In November 2021, CDF exclusively housed federal inmates awaiting the disposition of criminal cases in the District of Maryland, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).  DPSCS employs correctional officers to effectuate the goals and directives of USMS.

    The assaults began with Yasinov breaking a control-center window within the facility with a broom stick that caused him to sustain minor injuries.  As correctional staff transported Yasinov to the medical unit for treatment, he began threatening the escorting correctional officers.  After receiving medical treatment, Yasinov was transported to a segregation unit. Although he was initially cooperative, Yasinov became irate and refused to follow the correctional officers’ orders after he learned that he was not returning to his original housing unit.

    Yasinov refused to lock, or return, into his cell.  As correctional officers attempted to escort him into the cell, he began to fight them.  Yasinov swept the leg of one correctional officer, causing her and other officers to fall to the ground.  Eventually, correctional officers were able to apply leg irons to Yasinov’s legs to prevent further attacks, enabling them to carry him to his cell.  While in the cell, Yasinov continued fighting officers. Ultimately, Yasinov relented, and allowed officers to remove the leg irons.  Staff ordered Yasinov to face the wall to allow the group to exit the cell individually.  Yasinov was told to continue facing the wall until all officers exited and the door to the cell was closed.

    As the last officer attempted to exit the cell, Yasinov charged the group, slamming his body into them.  Yasinov continued to flail on the floor, kicking officers and attempting to strike them with his hands.  As a result of Yasinov’s actions, several officers who sustained bodily injuries, including one officer, who suffered a fractured tibia, and three other officers who sustained injuries to their heads, necks, backs, and limbs.

    Acting United States Attorney Selden commended the U.S. Marshal Service for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Selden also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Aubin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin who prosecuted the case.

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

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Files Amendments to Republican Budget Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  As the Senate prepares for an all-night vote-a-rama on the Republican reconciliation budget bill agenda that will cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of Virginia families, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed 21 amendments to the GOP budget proposal to address the needs of working Americans and taking aim at the Trump administration’s lawlessness.
    “As President Trump and Senate Republicans try to move a budget resolution clearing the way to cut taxes for the richest Americans at the expense of the programs working families depend on, it’s important to understand what we’re talking about here: the GOP plans to provide tax breaks for billionaires while slashing health care, education and public safety and doing nothing about the really big problems most Americans are facing, like the rising costs of housing and child care,” said Sen. Warner. “I hope some of my Republican friends will think twice about supporting a budget plan that cuts taxes for the richest and doubles down on the chaos of the Trump-Musk administration.”
    Specifically, Warner’s amendments would:
    Put senators on the record for raising costs, gutting programs American families rely on
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation bill that would not decrease the cost of housing for American families. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing benefits to survivors of miners who died due to pneumoconiosis. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase monthly student loan costs for borrowers of Federal student loans. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving funding and current staffing levels at the Department of Education. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing affordable health care for American families, which may include making permanent the extended and expanded advance premium tax credits. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase the cost of child care for United State families. Text
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation legislation that would increase health care costs for children receiving Medicaid. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting cuts to critical health programs, which may include preventing the institution of a Medicaid per capita cap policy. Text
    Put senators on the record on combating Trump-Musk lawlessness and corruption
    Establish a deficit-neutral fund relating to protecting the American people from the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, transnational organized crime, and terrorism by prohibiting the mass termination of critical employees in the intelligence community. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation if certain Federal civil service laws are being violated. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to ensuring that employees of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and elements of the intelligence community are not subject to retaliation and firing due to political preferences of any Presidential administration. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of reconciliation legislation until the Congressional Budget Office certifies that health, education, research, law enforcement, and foreign aid funding authorized by Congress is not subject to programmatic funding delays, deferrals, or rescissions. Text
    Create a point of order against considering funding legislation for the Office of the President while there is pending litigation alleging a violation of the Take Care Clause. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would rescind obligated or awarded amount made available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Text
    Create a point of order against considering reconciliation legislation during a period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of spending or revenue legislation during any period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting duly-enacted appropriations from unconstitutional cancellation by the President. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any year in which an employee has been placed in administrative leave for more than a total of 10 work days. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any period in which there is litigation pending against the President or another Federal officer alleging a violation of certain provisions of title 5, United States Code. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting classified and sensitive information on programs and individuals of the United States from being accessed by DOGE employees. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting the closure or relocation of Federal agencies without congressional authorization. Text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Opposes Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on his vote opposing the confirmation of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “The person in charge of running America’s most elite and powerful law enforcement agency should be someone with unquestioned character and integrity, a person with vast experience and clear independence who will put the Constitution and public safety first.

    “When a Republican like William Webster, who served as President Reagan’s FBI and CIA Director, says Mr. Patel should not be FBI Director, people, especially Republicans, ought to listen.  Sadly, once again, my colleagues are going along to get along.

    “Kash Patel is by far the most partisan, ideological, and extremist pick for this critical position.  Mr. Patel has no experience as a senior law enforcement officer.  Rather, he was chosen for his submissive fealty to Donald Trump and rabid willingness to serve Trump’s personal interest instead of the public interest. 

    “Mr. Patel’s past actions and statements make clear his focus will be turning the FBI from an apolitical agency into Trump’s politically-motivated police force.  I am deeply concerned that Mr. Patel will abuse the FBI’s resources and direct them against anyone who disagrees with President Trump or declines to carry out Trump’s wishes, including members of the media exercising their First Amendment rights through accurate reporting and ordinary Americans exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly.

    “Even Trump’s own Attorney General from his first term said that Patel would become FBI director over his dead body.  And Trump’s own Vice President and White House counsel from his first term intervened to prevent Patel from being appointed as CIA deputy director.  Having seen his work up close, they had grave concerns about giving Mr. Patel responsibility and authority to enforce the law.

    “And in a stunning move, Mr. Patel has refused to sell his shares of a Chinese company and stands to receive millions of dollars in compensation while he will be responsible for protecting the American people from the threats of Chinese espionage and cybercrime.

    “Mr. Patel routinely spreads misinformation and debunked conspiracies and cannot be trusted to be forthright and truthful to Congress or the American people.  For these reasons and more, he is not fit to lead the FBI.”

    In practice, FBI Directors serve a ten-year term that spans multiple administrations unless they resign, die, or are removed.  Over the last thirty years, there have been just four Senate-confirmed FBI Directors: Louis Freeh; Robert Mueller; James Comey; and Christopher Wray, who President Donald Trump nominated during his first term and who President Joe Biden kept on.

    This marks the first time in his Senate career that Senator Reed voted to oppose a nominee to lead the FBI.  Mr. Patel’s nomination was narrowly approved on a vote of 51-49.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats In Amicus Brief Slamming President Trump’s Lawless Removal Of Inspectors General; Calls For More Transparency Amidst The Chaos Of The Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief on behalf of eight inspectors general who were illegally fired by President Trump at the start of his term. The Senators noted that the role of an inspector general is to ensure the laws enacted by Congress are faithfully executed, and an inspector general cannot be removed without proper notification to the Congress.

    This lawless act is just one of many perpetrated by the current administration. As President Trump continues to break down the roles of checks and balances in this country, he also has dissolved the oversight process. Today, Senate Democrats strongly condemn these firings and are working within the court system to overturn this clear violation of law.

    “In the last month, I’ve heard from thousands of New Mexicans whose lives Donald Trump and Elon Musk have thrown into chaos – from threatening the Social Security seniors depend on to the health care veterans have earned through their service. Now, instead of delivering for American families, Trump and Musk are illegally firing the very people who cut the government waste, fraud, and abuse they claim to want to eliminate,” said Heinrich. “I’m joining this Amicus Brief to stand up for the rule of law and oppose the corruption Trump, Musk, and their unelected billionaire lackeys are trying to get away with.” 

    “In just a few weeks into the Trump administration, New Mexicans are seeing the chaos, confusion, and corruption that President Trump and Elon Musk are inflicting on the American people,” said Luján. “The President and Elon Musk are on a mission to gut the federal workforce, slash critical programs that New Mexicans rely on, and fire the people who are responsible for upholding the rule of law. To hold the President and the Administration accountable, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in exposing the President’s illegal firing of inspectors general and blatant disregard for checks and balances.”

    The amicus brief can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.

    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.

    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” the senators wrote in a letter to the VA Secretary. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”

    The senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing the ways the Trump Administration directives to gut VA’s workforce are already harming veterans:

    • Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors, including a VA clinic in Fredericksburg, Virginia;
    • Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    • Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    • Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    • Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and
    • Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.

    The senators underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees:“Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible.”

    The senators continued, “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”

    The senators concluded by calling on Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”

    The letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In addition to Heinrich and Luján, the letter was also joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ChildFund – Don’t Abandon Ukrainian Children Now

    Source: ChildFund New Zealand

    “While the politicians talk, Ukrainian children enter their fourth year of no school and no normal childhood – longer if you include the interruptions of Covid,” says Josie Pagani CEO of ChildFund.
    Thousands of children have relied on the help of New Zealanders and others around the world to make sure they can keep accessing online education, have safe places to play, or learn abroad as their families seek refuge in places like Moldova.
    Many have never set foot in a classroom.
    ChildFund will keep supporting these children, with the help of donations from the New Zealand public, and support from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    “This is the generation who will have to rebuild Ukraine. They will be the builders, engineers, teachers, and leaders of the future. It’s not just that they deserve to be safe, to learn, to have a future like any other child. It’s also that they are literally the future of Ukraine,” says Josie Pagani.
    Since 2022, ChildFund’s partners implementing the Ukraine Regional Refugee Response have:
    • Reached over 3,700 caregivers and children with psychosocial support and counselling services
    • Provided access to child friendly spaces, supporting access for 2,383 children to play activities and facilities
    • Provided child dedicated food bags to 8,237 children and caregivers
    • Provided access to additional education and training services for 204 children and young people
    • Provided referrals, assistive devices and systems strengthening for 88 children with disabilities and service providers.
    Since Russia invaded, more than 4,000 schools and educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed.
    “We are asking New Zealanders to keep supporting these efforts. Ukrainian children need decent food, safe places to learn. They need to be able to play like other children, and get the counselling they so desperately need.”
    “We don’t know how this war will end. But we do know these children will be tasked with rebuilding their country and their communities. They need our support more than ever.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 21 February 2025 30 new homes for Wairoa in construction The first new state homes in Wairoa in many years are now being built. Thirty single-storey homes will be built on a two-hectare site, Tihitihi Pā. The development will see a mix of two, three, four and six-bedroom homes built.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Whakamanamana Ltd is the development company behind the project. After two devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, Director of Operations Benji King wanted to come home and build on his involvement in the Wairoa community.

    “It’s clear that Wairoa has a dire need for more homes. I was happy to get stuck in to make sure the 30 homes that were proposed some time ago, get built.” Once completed, Kāinga Ora will purchase the homes for use as social housing.

    “It is rewarding to see siteworks progressing well. They should be completed in the next three months. Framing for the first homes has been erected and it is full steam ahead to get more homes started.”

    “We have contracted PCS Projects to build and manage the project. Fred van der Sande has been involved in this development for the last couple of years and he is the project manager.

    “A big focus for Fred and the PCS team has been to ensure local labour is used on the project. They have worked with the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT) to recruit local rangatahi and ensure they have the opportunity to work towards a qualification. This has resulted in more Wairoa people taking on apprenticeships. It also means that 85% of the people working on the development are locals.

    Naomi Whitewood, Kāinga Ora Regional Director East North Island says Kāinga Ora is focused on delivering social housing in areas where it is most needed. “Wairoa is definitely one of those areas and we are happy to be a partner to this development. Seeing progress made on the site means that mokopuna and whānau will be moving into warm, dry, safe homes by the end of the year.”

    Wairoa District Council Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome. “The good that comes from this project is endless. A housing development of this size bounces our economy by giving local people work. We know that Wairoa needs more housing, there are too many people in this region that don’t have a home. Having a nice place to live is so important for whanau wellbeing.”

    The first homes on Tihitihi Pa are expected to be completed late this year with more following in 2026. They will be low maintenance and fully insulated with carpets, curtains, double glazing and heat pumps.

    Some of the new state homes being built in Wairoa

    Page updated: 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $29 million set aside for Queensland roads and rail crossings

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Roads and rail crossings across Queensland will receive important safety upgrades thanks to almost $29 million in new Albanese Government funding. 

    $14.6 million will go towards 50 high-priority improvements to railway level crossings across the state’s regional road network. Projects will increase safety at these critical junctures, with potential works including upgrades to boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more. 

    The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    A further $14.17 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):

    • Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah. 
    • $5 million to theQueensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah.
    • Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture & $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba. 

    The SLRIP is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to support the delivery of safer roads across Australia. 

    Investment for the level crossings falls under the Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

    Further information on the information on the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is available here, and Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund here.

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

    “The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    “We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across Queensland and Australia. 

    “We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed roads projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million.

    “But it’s not just roads, our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the State Government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.

    “The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”

     

    Funded projects – Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund:

    Project / Railway crossing

    Project location 

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6025)

    Earlsfield

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID6090)

    Callemondah

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID708)

    Callemondah

    Saville Road level crossing improvement works

    Allenview

    Booroondarra Road

    Middlemount

    Bulliwallah Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Belyando

    Tolmies Road

    Blackwater

    Tryphinia Road

    Locality – Wallaroo

    Stratford Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Mt Cooloon

    Mourindilla Road

    Dingo

    Robino Road Crossing Light Installation

    Braemeadows

    Camp Creek Road level crossing upgrade to active controls

    Running Creek

    Sarina upgrade

    Sarina

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6554)

    Earlsfield

    BSL Greatheads

    Woongarra

    Alma Street Crossing Light Installation

    Halifax

    BSL Managers House

    Qunaba

    BSL Ashfield

    Ashfield

    BSL Klotzs

    Windermere

    BSL Golcherts

    Woongarra

    BSL Bargara School

    Qunaba

    Yarrawonga Road

    Blackwater

    Innisfree Road

    Emerald

    533 Marian – Eton Road Ch 0.344km

    Marion

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 5

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 6

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Wilson St and Kennedy Development Rd intersection

    Winton

    88A Bowen Developmental Road (Bowen-Collinsville) Ch32.6km

    Bowen

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch142.28km

    Mackay

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch 144.307km

    Mackay

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 1

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 2

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 3

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 4

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 5

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 6

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 7

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 8

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 1

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 2

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 3

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 4

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 7

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 8

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 9

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 10

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Whitsunday Coast Airport access road (Lascelles Avenue)

    Gunyarra

    Alice Street Mitchell

    Mitchell

    Cunningham Street Dalby

    Dalby

    Nicolson Street Dalby

    Dalby

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber Respond to Appellate Court’s Prompt Order in Huntington Beach Voter ID Lawsuit

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued the following statements in response the unanimous order by a three-judge panel of the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, on the petition for writ of mandate that the state filed last week concerning Huntington Beach’s Measure A. Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose additional voting restrictions prohibited by state law for all municipal elections starting in 2026. According to the order, the lower court’s “conclusion that this matter is not ripe for decision is problematic” and the city’s argument that “it had a constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference . . . is also problematic.”

    “We are grateful for, and encouraged by, the appellate court’s prompt action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Our priority remains the same: making sure that Huntington Beach’s Measure A is struck down as quickly as possible.” 

    “We are pleased with the court’s order and direction this case is headed,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “I look forward to a resolution that protects California voters.”

    In the order, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, instructs the lower court — the Orange County Superior Court — to notify the appellate court by February 28, 2025 whether it intends to modify its order granting the city’s motion to dismiss the case. If the lower court does not modify its earlier order, the parties are invited to file briefs with the appellate court by March 10, 2025 responding to the appellate court’s tentative analysis.

    In response to the appellate court’s order, the lower court has scheduled a hearing in the case. The hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    A copy of the appellate court’s order can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Real Estate Split Corp. Renews At-The-Market Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States.

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: RS, RS.PR.A) Real Estate Split Corp. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) that allows the Company to issue Class A and Preferred Shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively) to the public from time to time, at the Company’s discretion. Any Class A Shares or Preferred Shares sold in the ATM Program will be sold through the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.

    Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated February 14, 2025 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with National Bank Financial Inc. (the “Agent”). Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be made by way of “at-the-market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares in Canada. Since the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be distributed at the prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution.

    The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated February 14, 2025 to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated February 12, 2025. The maximum gross proceeds from the issuance of the shares will be $75,000,000 for each of the Class A and Preferred Shares. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from your registered financial advisor or from representatives of the Agent and are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion. The ATM Program will be effective until March 13, 2027, unless terminated prior to such date by the Company.

    The Company intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with the investment objectives and investment strategies of the Company, subject to the investment restrictions of the Company. Real Estate Split Corp. has been designed to provide investors with a diversified, actively managed, high conviction portfolio comprised of issuers operating in the real estate or related sectors, including real estate investment trusts, that are engaged in E-Commerce, data infrastructure as well as the multi-family, retail, office and healthcare sectors. Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

    The investment objectives for the Class A Shares are to provide holders with non-cumulative monthly cash distributions and to provide holders with the opportunity for capital appreciation potential. On August 17, 2021, the monthly cash distribution was increased to $0.13 per Class A Share from $0.10 per Class A Share. The investment objectives for the Preferred Shares are to provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions, currently in the amount of $0.13125 per Preferred Share, and to return the original issue price to holders of Preferred Shares on December 31, 2025.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the investment funds on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an “exchange”). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the funds. You can find more detailed information about the fund in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in share value and reinvestment of all distributions and do not take into account certain fees such as redemption costs or income taxes payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Certain statements in this press release may be viewed as forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends” (or negative or grammatical variations thereof), or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including as a result of changes in the general economic and political environment, changes in applicable legislation, and the performance of each fund. There are no assurances the funds can fulfill such forward-looking statements and the funds do not undertake any obligation to update such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing one or more of the funds, many of which are beyond the control of the funds. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Steven Bradbury at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Steven Bradbury at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation.  
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Bradbury about his commitment to supporting rural America, specifically citing small, rural Nebraska communities, by maintaining the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for smaller to medium-sized airports. She also questioned him on his plans to ensure that all state Departments of Transportation receive clear, consistent guidance from the Federal Highway Administration over funding requests. Finally, Senator Fischer asked Bradbury how he plans to hold companies like Amtrak accountable for using their grants efficiently and effectively.
    Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    Senator Fischer questions Steven Bradbury:
    Senator Fischer: Mr. Bradbury, as you know, rural communities rely heavily on the Essential Air Service program. It provides them with connectivity and access to critical services. In my home state of Nebraska, we have seven communities that are served by Essential Air Service. It provides these communities not just with an increased opportunity to connect with the outside world, but it serves to help them attract business, attract visitors, and it drives local economies.
    Yesterday, in our meeting to get to know each other and have a good conversation—thank you for coming—you mentioned looking at potential reforms to Essential Air Service, and you said, including examining the subsidies that airports receive. Are you willing to commit to me and the committee today that you stand with rural America, and ensure that our airports are able to maintain the Essential Air Service that meets those needs?
    Steven Bradbury: Yes, Senator, I appreciated our chance to meet together. Thank you very much for being available to meet with me. I appreciated that. The Secretary, I think, in his hearing, made it very clear he’s a strong supporter of Essential Air Service, and I certainly know how important it is to small and medium communities across the country, and clearly it has very strong support in Congress. And whatever proposals may have been made to reconsider that or phase it out, I don’t think that’s realistic, and I don’t expect to be pushing for anything approaching sunsetting or eliminating Essential Air Service. There are still decisions that the department makes in implementing the program and examining whether communities are meeting the metrics stated for the program. And that’s a process that happens periodically, and it’s a very important process. And sometimes new communities come into the program, and that’s something the Secretary will look at. And I expect to assist him in that with an eye to preserving the effectiveness of the program. Senator Fischer: Thank you. I also appreciated the opportunity yesterday to show you my frustration with FHWA. They seem to be struggling to provide any kind of clear, consistent guidance across their division offices. And as I stated yesterday, I’ve heard from state Departments of Transportation that there is a lack of that consistent guidance from U.S. DOT regarding the requirements needed for states, such as to justify building back better after a disaster. If confirmed, how would you work across the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that division offices are consistent, that they are clear in their guidance to our state DOTs?
    Steven Bradbury: Well, thank you, Senator, it really requires strong leadership from the head of FHWA and the Secretary out to those field offices. Consistency is critical, but also making clear that the states have a strong role in deciding the use of the funds that come into them from the Highway Trust Fund, but we need a focus on safety, efficiency, capacity, and resilience of our infrastructure—and not to be distracted by other goals, policy goals that may not be necessary and that may divert from those central, important goals of safety and efficiency. So, I think that consistency is critical and working closely with the state and the state DOTs is absolutely essential.
    Senator Fischer: I hope we can work together on that. It is extremely important, and we can certainly see cost savings when things are more streamlined and made available to the states, so they can get those projects out there and get them going. On rail service, Americans, they want safe and reliable rail service. With Amtrak, that’s not always been fiscally responsible, I believe, nor have they been cooperative with their state rail partners, who are operating profitable rail service across the network. I have some legislation on that, the Amtrak Transparency Act. It would require them to have open board meetings to state partners and requires disclosure of executive bonuses. I’m sure you recall the articles that came out about those bonuses several months ago, totally indefensible that they were given. As the DOT Deputy Secretary, how will you address concerns over Amtrak’s fiscal responsibility and ensure that they work well with their state rail partners?
    Steven Bradbury: Well, thank you. I appreciate those goals and definitely would look forward to working with you and this committee on any legislation that would address that. But with regard to the current situation with Amtrak, there’s so much additional funding that has been provided to Amtrak. There’s so much money in the system. We really need to take a careful look and ensure that it’s being used efficiently and effectively. And there shouldn’t be any wasteful spending, unnecessary bonuses that don’t make sense, and certainly they need to cooperate closely with states and local interests on their passenger service. You know, just before COVID hit, Amtrak was on the brink of finally being in the black for the first time across their network. Of course, that still assumes a lot of grant money coming from Congress. Real tragedy for Amtrak what COVID did in terms of hitting it. And it’s still coming back, but we really need to take a hard look at the economics.
    Senator Fischer: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell on Confirmation of FBI Director Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director:
    “Threats to the United States homeland are growing. From terrorism to cybercrime to violent crime to cartel and drug violence to counterespionage, the work of the FBI has never been more important. The Bureau’s reputation in recent years has been plagued by high-profile scandals that risk politicizing its critical work. Director Patel has committed to restoring Americans’ trust in the FBI, and I hope and expect he will move quickly to reset the Bureau with greater transparency, accountability, and cooperation with the Congress. Finally, as foreign adversaries like the PRC become more emboldened to steal our secrets, the FBI must not lose sight of its counterintelligence mission.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the nomination of Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education:
    “While I find some areas of common ground with Ms. McMahon, especially our support for robust career and technical education, I cannot vote for a Secretary of Education nominee who will willfully assist Donald Trump in abolishing the very Department she seeks to lead.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Files Amendments to Republican Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed amendments to the Senate Republicans’ budget resolution in an attempt to improve the bill, which currently tees up tax cuts for billionaires by cutting critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation. The Senate will begin consideration of the budget resolution later today.
    “I’d like to focus on cutting taxes for the middle-class. Unfortunately, Republicans disagree. Instead, they are coming after your Medicaid and Medicare benefits, your health care, education programs, and other critical funding that Virginians rely on so that they can tee up their tax cuts for billionaires. I’m filing several amendments to safeguard Virginians from President Trump’s proposed tariffs, which would raise costs; protect federal employees who provide essential services to millions of Americans; prevent cuts in funding for community health centers and national security programs; and more. I will be pushing to get votes on my amendments and will do everything I can to stop Republicans from passing policies that hurt Virginians and our economy and make us less safe,” Kaine said.
    Kaine filed a series of amendments, including:
    To cut taxes for middle-class Americans.
    To protect Americans from new, senseless taxes by preventing abuse of emergency authorities to launch trade wars with Canada and Mexico.
    To prevent cuts to federal funding for air traffic safety.
    To prevent the Department of Veterans’ Affairs from reducing its workforce below levels needed to staff and provide services at new or remodeled facilities.
    To prohibit funding for agency efforts to reclassify federal employees in the civil service outside of any schedule not currently in the competitive service.
    To prevent federal agencies and departments from terminating, rescheduling, or furloughing federal workers who are also veterans.
    To prevent federal employees in harm’s way overseas from losing critical protections.
    To protect Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and federal prosecutors from political retribution.
    To deny access to classified materials to anyone without a proper security clearance.
    To protect Virginians who receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion.
    To protect rural hospitals from cuts that would threaten rural communities’ access to health care.
    To protect access to health care services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers.
    To ensure working families are able to access affordable and high-quality child care.
    To prevent a reduction of programs that support high-quality teacher and school leader preparation.
    To protect seniors and people with disabilities who use long-term services and supports.
    To prevent reductions in staff at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, who ensure miners do not get hurt or die on the job.
    To undo the harm that the January federal funding freeze did to Head Start programs.
    To protect the Pell Grant program from facing cuts or changes to the program that will hurt low- and middle-income students most.
    To prohibit termination of national security programming implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    To prohibit termination of foreign assistance contracts with U.S. farmers or with faith-based organizations.
    To prohibit funding for a new Middle East war in Gaza or appeasement of Russia in Ukraine.
    To prevent cuts to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
    To prevent cuts to voluntary conservation agriculture programs.
    To ensure that much-needed funding comes to Virginia to repair federally maintained trails—such as the Virginia Creeper Trail—impacted by natural disasters in 2024.
    To prohibit any efforts to privatize or defund the United States Postal Service.
    Kaine has spoken out against Republicans’ proposal on the Senate floor and during a Senate Budget Committee markup.
    President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are currently negotiating an extension to Trump’s 2017 tax law, which cut taxes for large corporations and the highest-income earners and substantially increased the federal deficit. They are now proposing broad-based tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to federal programs like Medicaid to fund these tax cuts for billionaires. Tax estimates have shown that if fully enacted, Trump’s tariffs could raise costs by $2,500 to nearly $4,000 per household, and American consumers could lose between $46 billion to $78 billion in spending power each year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Eighteenth International Capacity-Building Seminar on Trade and Transport Facilitation

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    This event is organized in collaboration between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, and other partners. It is part of the work plan of the SPECA Chairmanship of Turkmenistan in 2025 and part of the implementation of the SPECA “Roadmap for the digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, using United Nations legal instruments and standards”. It focuses on the port-to-port data exchange across the Caspian Sea.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Glassford Road, Otago

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a serious crash on Glassford Road, Otago overnight.

    Police were alerted to the single-vehicle crash at around 11pm.

    Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene overnight.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – NZSA Kupu Kaitiaki & Kaituhi Mentor Programmes for Kaituhi Māori Now Open For Application

    Source: New Zealand Society of Authors

    These two programmes aim to support the amplification of Māori voices, Māori stories, and ultimately see greater publication and performance of these works.  They are modelled on NZSA’s 30-year successful and impactful mentorship and assessment support programmes for writers. NZSA now offers dedicated programmes for Māori writers through its Kaituhi Māori branch.

    Kaituhi Māori Mentor Programme:

    Designed for emerging writers who whakapapa Māori to have the opportunity to work closely with an acclaimed writer as their mentor to hone their tuhituhi ability and, in the process, evolve and refine a work toward a publishable state. We welcome kaituhi who write in te reo Māori and/or te reo Pākehā, in the genres of fiction including short fiction, on any topic(s). We welcome kaituhi of all ages – from rangatahi to kaumātua.
     
    Over a period of up to six months, it provides opportunities to discuss ideas and issues – practical and editorial – and benefit from the experience, mōhio and mana of experienced kaituhi Māori to help aspiring kaituhi Māori develop further skills to sustain and strengthen their future career. Modelled on a tuakana-teina relationship, this kaupapa aims to offer a safe and supportive space for emerging kaituhi to develop their craft; gain encouragement and accountability, along with substantive feedback. As well as mentorship, part of this programme is to provide constructive suggestions for the refinement of a work in progress.  
     
    There are four (4) mentorships for kaituhi Māori available in 2025.

    Kupu Kaitiaki:

    This kaupapa is an assessment programme and aims to provide new and emerging kaituhi with valuable feedback from a skilled Kupu Kaitiaki, for the refinement of a part of a manuscript written in te reo Māori.The proposed work can be in the genres of poetry, fiction (excluding plays), short fiction or non-fiction (excluding screenplays and picture books), on any topic(s), of up to 30,000 words. The two selected successful manuscripts will then be read by an experienced te reo Māori pūkenga and literary advisor – a Kupu Kaitiaki – who will compile feedback in a brief report. It offers kaituhi an opportunity to further develop style and direction, and receive reo support for a project in the early stages of development.

    The desired outcome is to champion Māori writers and Māori writing and in particular, works by kaituhi Māori in te reo Māori. To apply, kaituhi can send in a piece a 1-2 page synopsis along with a sample (max 5,000 words) of the manuscript they are seeking feedback on. There are two opportunities available in 2025. Assessments of the recipients’ works will begin shortly thereafter, and will be completed on/by 30 June 2025. 

    Applications for these programmes are open from 21 February – 10 April 2025. Applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks of the result.

    Want to Apply?

    Read all the details for the Kaituhi Mentor programme
    Complete the application form: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=dbb29b6c34&e=466373ae7c

    Read all the details for the Kupu Kaitaki programme
    Complete the application form: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=1d6d0372a3&e=466373ae7c

    More about NZSA and Kaituhi Māori: https://authors.org.nz

    https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=b700ae206f&e=466373ae7c

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 46-2025: Engagement on changes to biosecurity and imported foods regulatory charges

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    ​21 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders and biosecurity industry participants (approved arrangement and compliance agreement holders) vessel masters and shipping agents.

    Changes to regulatory charging in 2025-26

    The department reviews fees and charges annually, to ensure they continue to align with the cost to deliver biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity. Through the 2024-…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking cocaine and illegal firearms in and around the Boston area.

    Malcolm Desir, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting; four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; one count of firearms trafficking; and one count of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. Desir was arrested and charged in November 2023 along with co-conspirator Cordell Miller and Alan Robinson.

    Miller was identified as a firearms and ammunition trafficker in the metro Boston area. Over a three-month investigation beginning in August 2023, Miller sold several firearms to a cooperating witness during controlled purchases and offered to sell distribution weight cocaine. The drug deals were handled by Desir, who distributed the powder cocaine in a number of controlled purchases. During one controlled purchase, Desir also sold a firearm he had purchased from Miller two years prior. More than a kilo and half of powdered and crack cocaine, unknown prescription pills, indicia of distribution and two illegal firearms were recovered during a search at Desir’s residence.

    In January 2025, Robinson pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2025. Miller pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025.

    The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –