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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Garcia Hosts Veterans Town Hall in Antelope Valley

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25)

    LANCASTER, CA – Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) held a Veterans Town Hall at the Antelope Valley Community Resource Center, where he connected with veterans, advocates, and local leaders to address urgent issues affecting veterans in CA-27. Joined by Jon Clark, Staff Director for the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Garcia provided crucial updates on recent legislative wins, new resources, and his office’s ongoing commitment to supporting local veterans.

    “Our veterans deserve more than just promises—they deserve results,” said Rep. Garcia. “These men and women put it all on the line for our country. Now, it’s our job to ensure they get the care and respect they’ve earned.”

    A primary focus of the town hall was the recent passage of H.R.9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Rep. Garcia introduced and got signed into law. This critical legislation closes a $2.883 billion gap in VA funding, securing uninterrupted benefits for over seven million veterans. The bill also mandates strong oversight, requiring the VA to provide regular reports on budget corrections and spending transparency, along with a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recent budget shortfall.

    Rep. Garcia also shared plans for the new VA clinic in the Antelope Valley, set to open in 2025. This 20,000-square-foot facility will bring essential healthcare services closer to home for local veterans, including primary care, mental health, women’s health, and other specialized services. “The new clinic is a major win for veterans in the Antelope Valley,” Rep. Garcia said. “They won’t have to drive for hours to get the care they deserve. This clinic is built around the idea that veterans should receive top-notch care right here in their community.”

    Additionally, Rep. Garcia highlighted his office’s record of service to veterans in CA-27, noting that they’ve successfully closed over 600 veteran cases, helping with everything from securing benefits to navigating federal agencies.

    To reinforce his commitment, Rep. Garcia outlined several pieces of pro-VA legislation he’s supported: 

    ●      Fully Funded VA Through Appropriations – Ensuring no cuts to the benefits veterans have earned.

    ●      Major Richard Star Act – Providing full retirement pay and disability benefits to veterans with a disability rating of at least 50%, regardless of years of service.

    ●      VA Same Day Scheduling Act – Requiring the VA to provide appointment times on the initial call, ending scheduling delays.

    ●      Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act – Expanding funding for home care options, enabling veterans to stay at home rather than in nursing facilities.

    ●      Veterans Education is Timeless Act – Removing expiration dates on GI Bill benefits so veterans can access education at any time.

    ●      Love Lives On Act – Ending penalties that cause surviving spouses to lose benefits if they remarry.

    ●      ACES Act – Addressing cancer risks for veterans who served in aviation roles, directing the VA to study ways to protect these service members.

    The event underscored Rep. Garcia’s dedication to cutting through the red tape and ensuring that veterans get the timely, high-quality care they deserve. “Enough is enough. Our veterans shouldn’t have to fight for what they’re owed. We’re pushing for real accountability and resources to deliver the care they’ve earned,” Rep. Garcia said.

    Learn more about Rep. Garcia’s ongoing work to support veterans here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler, Beatty, Williams Urge CMS to Issue Guidance on Informed Consent Requirements for Drug Testing of Pregnant Patients

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Joyce Beatty and Nikema Williams led Representatives Barragán, Brown, DeGette, Schakowsky, and Watson Coleman in a letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting CMS include guidance on informed consent prior to drug testing of pregnant patients in the proposed obstetric care Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) included in the proposed CY2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

    The risk of arrest, prosecution, or family separation following a positive toxicology test makes patients afraid to access health and medical services during pregnancy, putting them and their fetus at an increased risk of harm. While the Supreme Court determined in 2001 that diagnostic tests on pregnant patients without the patient’s consent constitutes an unreasonable search, drug testing of pregnant patients without their consent is still a relatively common practice.

    The members write: “As members of Congress committed to improving the health and safety of our pregnant, birthing, and postpartum constituents, we write to commend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for promulgating a thoughtfully considered proposed rule that establishes obstetric care Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). As part of our efforts to advance the health and safety of all patients, we encourage CMS to incorporate guidance into the final rule that reduces roadblocks for pregnant patients with substance use disorder (SUD) seeking prenatal care.

    SUD is a leading cause of maternal death and can also have severe health consequences for infants. However, research has shown that increasing prenatal care for pregnant people with SUD can improve both maternal health outcomes and birth outcomes.”

    In an effort to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, the letter requests that CMS:

    1. Provide guidance for providers on how to obtain informed consent for drug testing during the prenatal period and during labor and delivery.
    2. Prohibit drug testing of people during pregnancy and labor and delivery without the patient’s informed consent.
    3. Enhance provider training requirements regarding SUD during pregnancy.

    The members continued: “CMS should include guidance for medical providers in the obstetric care CoPs on obtaining informed consent for drug toxicology testing during the prenatal period and during labor and delivery. The risk of arrest, prosecution, or family separation following a positive toxicology test makes patients afraid to access health and medical services during pregnancy, putting them and their fetus at an increased risk of harm.

    Maternal toxicology testing often takes the form of a verbal screen or urine test to monitor for conditions such as diabetes or preeclampsia. However, many pregnant patients are not informed that the urine tests can also be used to screen for substance use. Additionally, doctors have reported that because urine tests are regularly provided in prenatal care, patients are not given an option to refuse urine drug testing… 

    …This high occurrence of drug testing of people during pregnancy and labor and delivery without informed consent is concerning, as experts warn that nonconsensual drug testing can undermine trust between patients and providers. In fact, research found that the most common strategy that pregnant patients with SUD employ to avoid their provider detecting their substance use is to skip medical visits or avoid prenatal care altogether…

    ….Ensuring that pregnant patients are aware of all potential ramifications that could result from any medical test in advance of a patient consenting to that test will assuage fears and encourage patients to seek essential prenatal care. Therefore, CMS should incorporate guidance into the obstetric care CoPs that specifically prohibits drug testing of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum patients without their informed consent. CMS should ensure that any updated guidance related to informed consent and drug testing of pregnant patients is not redundant with or in conflict with current requirements mandated by existing state or federal policy.”

    “Hospitals must be places of care and comfort, not fear. Our research shows that the majority of pregnancy-related criminal cases begin in a health care setting,” said Pregnancy Justice President Lourdes A. Rivera. “Ensuring that providers obtain informed consent before unnecessarily drug testing patients is one important step in building trust and improving maternal health outcomes. We are thrilled that Reps. Nadler, Beatty, and Williams are urging this vital guidance to protect pregnant people from criminalization and family separation.”

    The full letter can be found here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set™ Available on Nov. 5

    Source: United States Mint

    WASHINGTON – The 2024 United States Mint (Mint) Limited Edition Silver Proof Set will be available for purchase beginning on November 5 at noon EST.  Mintage is limited to 50,000 sets, with orders limited to one set per household for the first 24 hours of sales.

    This set features eight proof coins struck in 99.9 percent fine silver at the Mint’s facility in San Francisco.  Each coin is encapsulated and placed in a beautifully designed package.  The Mint’s certificate of authenticity accompanies each set which contains the following coins:

    • One American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin
    • Five American Women Quarters™ Program coins with reverse designs honoring Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, the Hon. Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Celia Cruz, and Zitkala-Ša.
    • One Kennedy half dollar
    • One Roosevelt dime 

    The 2024 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set is priced at $255.  To set up a “Remind Me” alert, visit catalog.usmint.gov/limited-edition-2024-silver-proof-set-24RC.html/ (product code 24RC).

    This recurring set is now available for purchase through the Mint’s Subscription Program.  Structured like a magazine subscription, this program affords customers the convenience of signing up to receive automatic shipments of products in a series.  The shipments continue until the subscription is cancelled.  For details, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/shop/subscriptions/.

    The 2024 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set will also be available for purchase at the Mint’s sales centers at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street); at the Denver Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 (on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue); and from the Mint Headquarters Coin Store in Washington, D.C., 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20220.

    This product is part of the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program (ABPP) and is available to Authorized Bulk (AB) members.  Products listed in this program are eligible for early release, carry an AB suffix to the product code, and carry a premium.  Early release products are not eligible for discounts.

    Please use the Mint’s catalog site at catalog.usmint.gov as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing and speech impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

    About the United States Mint

    Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873.  As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins.  Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.  

    Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of November 5, 2024, at noon EST.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Defendants Convicted in Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy Trial

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

    MOBILE, AL – Following a three-week trial, a federal jury convicted three defendants of a murder-for-hire conspiracy, murder for hire, a carjacking conspiracy, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, evidence tampering, and witness tampering.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, John Fitzgerald McCarroll, Jr., 30, Darrius Dwayne Rowser, 20, and Lyteria Isheeia Hollis, 30, each of Mobile, were part of a plot to murder an individual as retribution for a prior killing. Jurors reviewed evidence that McCarroll, aided by Hollis and others, directed payments to hired shooters, including Rowser and others, to carry out the intended murder. The evidence included text messages, social media evidence, financial records, surveillance videos, firearm and toolmark evidence, DNA evidence, and cell tower data, among other things.

    As part of the murder plot, evidence showed that McCarroll’s hired shooters attempted but failed to kill the intended target during multiple nightclub shootings. In September 2022, Reginald Dennis Alan Fluker, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy, opened fire in the Bank Nightlife club using a gun provided to him by McCarroll. Fluker shot the wrong person, who later died of his injuries. In November 2022, Rowser used a machinegun provided to him by McCarroll to shoot at the intended target inside the Paparazzi Lounge. Rowser likewise missed the target and instead hit four victims, one of whom was rendered paralyzed.

    The evidence also showed that as part of the conspiracy, Rowser and others, at McCarroll’s direction, traveled to Mississippi to steal cars for use in surveilling the target of the plot. In September 2022, during an attempted carjacking in D’Iberville, Mississippi, Rowser shot and killed a victim. As part of that murder, Rowser and a coconspirator traveled back to Mobile and burned the stolen car they were using during the attempted carjacking.

    The evidence further showed that in December 2022, at McCarroll’s direction, Rowser and other coconspirators traveled to the Walmart on I-65 Service Road South in Mobile to purchase a GPS tracker for the target’s vehicle. During that trip, Rowser and a coconspirator opened fire into the self-checkout area of the store, striking two victims.

    Finally, evidence showed that following the arrests of McCarroll, Fluker, and other members of the conspiracy, the defendants attempted to tamper with evidence and a witness. Specifically, McCarroll directed Hollis to hide a weapon that he had previously purchased for Fluker because of Fluker’s participation in the murder plot. Federal agents seized that gun from Hollis’s house. Additionally, the jury convicted McCarroll of attempting to tamper with Fluker’s testimony by having him sign a sham affidavit, which was filed in state court to earn McCarroll a bond from jail.

    U.S. District Judge Terry F. Moorer scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2025. Under federal law, each defendant faces a mandatory life sentence.

    U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobile Police Department, and the D’Iberville, Mississippi Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller, Gaillard Ladd, and Kasee Heisterhagen are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of North Cypress-Langford — RCMP seize significant quantity of cash during traffic stop

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 24, 2024, at 5:10 pm, officers with the RCMP Roving Traffic unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located on Highway 1, near Road 84W, in the RM of North Cypress-Langford.

    The traffic stop led to the arrest of the driver, a 39-year-old male from Calgary, for the possession of Proceeds of Crime.

    A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a large sum of Canadian Currency.

    The 39-year-old male was later released from police custody for a court appearance scheduled for February 13, 2025, in Brandon, where he will face a charge of Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000.

    RCMP continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Second Conviction in 2019 Kidnapping

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a count of kidnapping. This crime eventually resulted in the victim’s death at the hands of a co-defendant and the burning of the victim’s body in an attempt by the co-defendant to conceal evidence. Her co-defendant was previously convicted and sentenced to prison for the subsequent killing.

    According to court documents, between July 1 and July 16, 2019, Kendra Panteah, 37, participated in and continued the confinement of John Doe in the trunk of his own vehicle and contacted the co-defendant for assistance in order to avoid getting in trouble.

    Along with the co-defendant, Panteah then drove around for over a day through the Navajo Nation with John Doe locked in the trunk before stopping near Bass Lake, NM. There, John Doe attempted to escape by forcing the trunk open. Before he could get out, however, the co-defendant repeatedly stabbed Doe with a machete. The co-defendant then closed the trunk on the victim, and Panteah and the co-defendant then sat on the trunk until John Doe stopped moving. Doe died as a result of the stab wounds. Panteah and co-defendant then drove the vehicle, with Doe’s body in the trunk to a residence where it was abandoned for several days.

    The co-defendant eventually towed the vehicle to a remote location, doused it with gasoline, and set it on fire with John Doe’s body inside to destroy evidence of the crime. Doe was only identified through hip replacement devices found in the burned vehicle.

    Her co-defendant, Gilbert John Jr., pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

    At sentencing, Panteah faces between a binding range of no less than 10 years up to no more than 18 years imprisonment. Upon her release from prison, Panteah will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Probasco and Alexander F. Flores are prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Defendants Charged in Federal Drug Trafficking Probe Targeting Fentanyl and Cocaine Sales in Chicago

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal investigation has resulted in federal drug and firearm charges against eight individuals for allegedly trafficking fentanyl and cocaine on the South Side of Chicago.

    An indictment unsealed Friday in federal court in Chicago accuses the eight defendants of conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine from March 2023 to July 2024.  During the conspiracy, the defendants used a residence in the 2000 block of West 69th Place in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago to carry out their illicit activities, the indictment states.  The defendants possessed loaded handguns while engaged in their drug trafficking crimes, the indictment states.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized distribution quantities of suspected fentanyl-laced heroin and crack cocaine, as well as more than a dozen firearms and associated ammunition.

    Charged with federal drug and firearm offenses are PATRICK TUCKER, 33, THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, 29, DARIUS JOHNSON, 23, KYWANTE SHUMAKE, 26, KEONTIS SHUMAKE, 23, KAMARI ROSS, 26, DREQUAN BASS, 26, and LACOLA WILLIAMS, 26, all of Chicago. The charges in the indictment carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.  Tucker and Cunningham also face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while the others face a mandatory minimum of ten years.  The defendants were arraigned in U.S. District Court in Chicago and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen B. McCurry and Michael Maione.

    The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers and other criminal offenders that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement against criminal networks.

    The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney and ATF Charge Albuquerque Brothers with Federal Firearms Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Two Albuquerque brothers face federal charges for firearms-related offenses.

    Riley Kellner, 22, is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on August 10, 2024, Riley possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing that he had been previously convicted of shooting at or from a motor vehicle.

    Riley appeared before a federal judge and was detained pending trial, which has not been set.

    Adin Kellner, 26, is charged with 11 counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. The indictment alleges that between October 8, 2019, and February 24, 2023, Adin made false statements to licensed firearms dealers when he executed the ATF’s Form 4473 stating that he was the actual buyer of the firearm when he was in fact acquiring it on behalf on another individual.

    Adin appeared before a federal judge and was placed on conditions of release pending trial, which is currently scheduled for December 16, 2024.

    If convicted, Riley faces up to 15 years in prison and Adin faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

    The ATF and Albuquerque Police Department jointly investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting both cases.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Murdering Best Friend and Conspiring to Influence a Witness

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Eugene Burns, 32, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a Superior Court jury of first-degree murder while armed and related firearm offenses. The jury also found Burns and co-defendant Tyre Allen, 24, of Washington, D.C., guilty of conspiracy and obstruction of justice in relation to the murder case. The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves.

                Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled sentencing for both defendants on January 31, 2025. Burns faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and Allen faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

                On October 24, 2024, following a five-week trial in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the jury convicted Burns of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. On October 28, 2024, the jury convicted Burns and Tyre Allen of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice (corrupt persuasion of a witness), and obstruction of justice (due administration of justice).

                In 2017, Burns was convicted by a jury of murdering the victim, but the conviction was overturned on appeal in 2020. Following the reversal, Burns and co‑defendant Tyre Allen, Burns’s cousin, conspired to and did obstruct justice by corruptly influencing a witness in the murder case to sign a false affidavit in October 2020 recanting the witness’s prior grand jury and trial testimony incriminating Burns in the murder. 

                On November 14, 2015, defendant Burns lured his best friend, Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, to Burns’s mother’s apartment in the 2900 block of 2nd Street Southeast, Washington, D.C. Once inside the apartment, Burns shot the victim four times, killing him.  Burns then fled the apartment but returned the next day with family members, falsely reporting to police that they had just found the victim’s body.  Evidence introduced at trial established that Burns had been planning to murder the victim for several days.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, with valuable assistance provided by the ATF Washington Division and investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles R. Jones and Sharon Donovan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Autocrats and cities: how capitals have become a battleground for protest and control

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Jackman, Departmental Lecturer in Development Studies, University of Oxford

    Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the world’s longest reigning female political leader, fled Bangladesh on 5 August 2024 for the safety of India. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of protesters descended on Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka. The crowds ransacked her official residence, occupied the nation’s parliament and burnt down her family home.

    Hasina, who had ruled the country for more than 20 years in total, had been widely accused of turning autocratic and clamping down severely on any opposition to her rule.

    For many, the Bangladesh revolution offers hope in the context of growing global authoritarianism. It illustrates the power of the youth to confront entrenched leaders, and the fragility of authoritarianism. It also highlights a striking feature of contemporary global politics: how central capital cities are to the political life of nations.

    In our new book, Controlling the Capital: Political Dominance in the Urbanizing World, a diverse range of scholars argue that capital cities are crucial political sites. They’re where governing elites seek to assert and maintain political control, and they are also stages for political contestation.

    The book is focused on sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the two fastest-urbanising regions of the world.

    Authors explore the strategies and tactics used by ruling elites to politically dominate their capital cities in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    The authors also consider how urban populations have engaged with these efforts. People may resist authority, but they can also cooperate with it in ways that benefit themselves – which sometimes reinforces or supports authoritarian control.

    This is increasingly important in the context of two contemporary trends. First, authoritarianism is growing globally. Just 10 years ago under half of the world’s population lived under authoritarian rule; now the figure is at 71%. The second trend is the ongoing rapid urbanisation of the world’s population, with the majority of us globally now living in urban areas.

    Urban unrest

    Over the past year we’ve seen how capital cities are spaces for contestation.

    Some pro-democracy movements draw from their own histories of struggle and the paths that have been carved by those before them. The template of Bangladesh’s 2024 revolution is ingrained in politics from the ways in which liberation was fought and how later struggles against authoritarian rule were won. The capital city has also been crucial, and students at Dhaka University were key mobilisers in such movements.

    In other contexts, the link between political resistance and urban areas is a relatively new and surprising route to political change. One example is “the struggle” seen in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo and the unseating of the Rajapaksa family, who were perceived as increasingly authoritarian rulers of the country. The Colombo chapter in this volume highlights how such protests emerged in a context where urban unrest had rarely threatened those in power before.

    Even where anti-authoritarian protests have proved futile time and again, urban populations rarely remain quiet.

    In Kampala, Uganda, demonstrations prior to the 2021 elections resulted in a horrifying government crackdown. Inspired by events in neighbouring Kenya, protesters took to the streets once more in July 2024 to demonstrate against corruption.



    Read more:
    Kenya’s protests happened in every major urban centre – why these spaces are explosive

    The protests that erupted in Nairobi from late June 2024 against tax rises engulfed the capital city. They continued for some time, fuelled by the brutal police response. Similarly, Nigeria’s 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality created a powerful movement in cities such as Abuja and Lagos which shook government, and resonated across much of the continent.

    In an age of social media, learning and mimicry across national borders is increasingly common. One of the defining images of Kenya’s 2024 urban uprising was of a group of men with their arms raised and crossed at the wrists – a gesture of anti-authoritarian protest that gained particular resonance several years back during neighbouring Ethiopia’s own uprising.

    As urban protest seems set to continue and spread – often taking intentionally similar forms – techniques of urban authoritarian control are more varied and complex.

    Strategies to dominate and control city populations can be dramatic and repressive – such as the brute force of police violence – and they can also be subtle, deeply ingrained, and sometimes difficult to discern.

    Authoritarian tactics

    Our book argues that authoritarian leaders are increasingly aware of the power of the urban masses. As a result, they are using a range of subtle, and not-so-subtle, tactics to entrench their domination in capital cities.

    We broadly described two types of interventions that elites use.

    The first are policies and favours that actively build support among urban groups. These can range from inclusion in political parties to investments in social provisions or infrastructure to win support. The book’s chapter on Addis Ababa shows how the latter were particularly striking under the previous governing regime in Ethiopia.

    The second are repressive interventions that aim to crush opposition. These are also diverse, and include violent crackdowns, but also surveillance and intimidation.

    In practice, the two types of interventions often overlap. The line also blurs through various forms of manipulation. For instance, misinformation or the delivery of goods in exchange for performances of political loyalty, underpinned by implicit threats of coercion.

    We also highlight the significance of urban geography.

    Ruling elites often seek to divide city populations (for example inner-city dwellers versus the peripheries). This is evident in our book’s chapter on Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Rajapaksas tried to consolidate power by appealing to the new middle class suburbanites through “beautification” projects. But these displaced and excluded the inner-city poor.

    Chapters on Harare and Kampala also show how particular peripheral areas have become central to efforts to build an urban support base by Zanu-PF and the National Resistance Movement. This often plays out through the informal parcelling out of land to supporters.

    Contesting autocratic rule

    Concerns about authoritarian politics are at an all-time high.

    The above Google Ngram highlights the perilous rise in the use of the term “autocratization” in published work over the past decade.

    Meanwhile, the contestation of autocratic rule will continue to erupt in cities, especially in rapidly urbanising parts of the world. In this context, the need to understand how autocracy and urbanisation collide could hardly be more important.

    If pro-democracy forces are to have any hope of prevailing against efforts by authoritarian ruling elites to entrench their position, there is a crucial need to better understand their urban strategies and tactics.

    David Jackman received funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    Tom Goodfellow is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which funded part of the research on which this book is based.

    – ref. Autocrats and cities: how capitals have become a battleground for protest and control – https://theconversation.com/autocrats-and-cities-how-capitals-have-become-a-battleground-for-protest-and-control-240377

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CAREER ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY TO LEAD DOJ ELECTION DAY PROGRAM IN THE DISTRICT OF NORTH DAKOTA

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick L. Volk will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Volk has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of North Dakota for the past 20 years, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’s handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington.

    “Lawfully casting a vote without interference or discrimination and having that voted counted in a fair and free election is a fundamental right in North Dakota and across the country,” Schneider said. “There is a history in the District of North Dakota of election officials and staff serving their critical roles without being subject to unlawful threats or violence, and the Department of Justice will do its part to uphold that tradition and protect the integrity of the election process. With an experienced career federal prosecutor as a point of contact on Election Day, our Office stands ready to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns or election fraud in real time while the polls are open.” 

    Volk has led the Office’s Election Day efforts since 2004 and has served as DEO during five presidential elections. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Volk will be on duty while the polls are open in the District of North Dakota.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 701-530-2420 and/or 701-297-7400.

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The relevant FBI field office for the District of North Dakota can be reached by the public at 763-569-8000.

    Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Escapee Sentenced to Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who was finishing his prison sentence at a residential reentry center for a 2020 escape and then escaped again in 2023 was sentenced on October 28, 2024, to more than two years in federal prison.

    Caleb Lee Olson, age 49, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 15, 2024, guilty plea to one count of escape from Federal Bureau of Prisons custody on November 27, 2023.

    At the guilty plea, Olson admitted that on November 27, 2023, he was completing his sentence for a 2020 escape in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at Gerald R. Hinzman Center in Cedar Rapids when he left the facility without permission and did not return.  Olson was found in Marion, Iowa, and was arrested on December 5, 2023.    

    Olson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Olson was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Olson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by United States Marshals Service and the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-00003.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Indictment Charges Three Men With Chicago Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted three men on carjacking and firearm charges for allegedly violently stealing a vehicle in Chicago.

    MARQUELL DAVIS, 22, RAMONE BRADLEY, 26, and EDMUND SINGLETON, 34, all of Chicago, conspired to take an Infiniti Q50 and a BMW X6 on Nov. 3, 2022, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  Davis carried a firearm while the trio carjacked the Infiniti’s driver at a gas station in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, the indictment states.  Later that day, Bradley and Davis carried firearms while they attempted to carjack the BMW at a gas station in Chicago’s Douglas neighborhood, the indictment states.  Davis took the BMW driver’s car key, but he and Bradley were not successful in stealing the vehicle, the indictment states.

    All three defendants are currently in law enforcement custody.  Bradley faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.  Davis and Singleton face mandatory minimum sentences of seven years and a maximum of life. Arraignments are scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly.

    The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Steindorf.

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: HAProxy Fusion 1.3 Showcases the Power of a High-Performance Control Plane for App Delivery and Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HAProxy Technologies, the company behind HAProxy One, the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer, today announced the launch of HAProxy Fusion 1.3. HAProxy Fusion is the scalable control plane that provides full-lifecycle management, monitoring, and automation of HAProxy Enterprise deployments, and is central to the HAProxy One platform. The latest release of HAProxy Fusion significantly advances platform performance, observability, and ease of use.

    HAProxy Fusion combines a high-performance control plane with a modern GUI and API (with 100% coverage), enterprise administration, a comprehensive observability suite, and infrastructure integrations including AWS, Kubernetes, Consul, and Prometheus. Threat intelligence from HAProxy Edge, enhanced by machine learning, powers the next-gen security layers in HAProxy Fusion and HAProxy Enterprise. Today, with the release of version 1.3, HAProxy Fusion adds:

    • High-performance service discovery with near-instant configuration generation, which simplifies the automation of Kubernetes networking and application routing at scale.
    • Customizable monitoring dashboards, which enable high-level observability and the ability to drill down into granular metrics and events.
    • A pre-built security dashboard, which provides a unified view of bot management and web application firewall (WAF) data and any actions taken, empowering teams with the intelligence needed for threat response.
    • Collaborative configuration editing with efficient and low-latency updates, which makes it easier and faster for multi-team organizations to update rules safely.

    Kubernetes service discovery, first introduced in version 1.2, is made more powerful in HAProxy Fusion 1.3. New filters allow teams to pull targeted Kubernetes services into HAProxy Fusion, while performance has increased to enable dynamic generation of over 100,000 lines of HAProxy configuration in seconds. This automatic process provides everything that application teams need to route external traffic into Kubernetes clusters, including external IP addresses, routing rules, load balancing, and security layers (DDoS protection, bot management, API security, global rate limiting, and WAF). 

    “With massive Kubernetes deployments, updating traffic routing rules can be a slow process when backends are added, changed, or removed,” said Andjelko Iharos, Director of Engineering, HAProxy Technologies. “But with the power of HAProxy Fusion 1.3, the configuration is updated almost immediately. This allows businesses to be more agile and drastically simplify Kubernetes networking at scale.” 

    HAProxy was recently named a Leader in 20 G2 Fall 2024 Grid® Reports across multiple G2 categories including API Management, Container Networking, DDoS Protection, DevOps, Load Balancing, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Web Security. HAProxy’s success in the reports was due to an exceptional Satisfaction Score of 99 and the reliability, flexibility, and performance of the platform.

    “When we say that our platform – HAProxy One – is the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, we look at the impact of every layer,” said Dujko Radovnikovic, CEO, HAProxy Technologies. “We are known for the low latency and high throughput of HAProxy’s data plane, but high performance in the control plane is just as important – as HAProxy Fusion proves, with real benefits for large-scale customers. Very few vendors can offer the top-to-bottom performance that’s fundamental to our culture and available in the HAProxy One platform.”

    See HAProxy Technologies at KubeCon NA 2024
    HAProxy Technologies will attend KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, North America 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah to showcase its platform and latest Kubernetes capabilities. Visit the company’s booth on November 12-15 or schedule a meeting with us.

    Join the Global HAProxy Community at HAProxyConf 2025
    HAProxyConf 2025 will take the stage in San Francisco, California, from June 3 to 5, 2025. The 2+ days flagship conference for the highly active HAProxy community will be held in the Mission Bay Conference Center, hosting expert speakers from across the open source and enterprise landscape.

    HAProxy users, customers, and developers are invited to submit a talk and become a part of HAProxyConf 2025’s exciting lineup.

    Registration for HAProxyConf 2025 is coming soon.

    About HAProxy One
    HAProxy One is the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, from the company behind HAProxy. It combines the performance, reliability, and flexibility of our open source core (HAProxy) with the capabilities of a unified enterprise platform. Its next-generation security layers are powered by threat intelligence from HAProxy Edge, enhanced by machine learning and optimized with real-world operational feedback. The platform consists of a flexible data plane (HAProxy Enterprise and HAProxy ALOHA), a scalable control plane (HAProxy Fusion), and a secure edge network (HAProxy Edge), which together enable multi-cloud load balancing as a service (LBaaS), web app and API protection, API/AI gateways, Kubernetes networking, application delivery network (ADN), and end-to-end observability.

    About HAProxy Technologies
    HAProxy Technologies is the company behind HAProxy One, the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer. Leading companies and cloud providers trust HAProxy to simplify, scale, and secure modern applications, APIs, and AI services in any environment. HAProxy Technologies is headquartered in Newton, MA, with multiple offices across the US and Europe. Learn more at HAProxy.com.

    For questions or comments, please contact press@haproxy.com.

    Media Contact:
    Deb Randel, VP Marketing
    HAProxy Technologies, LLC
    press@haproxy.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6eb842b3-7b37-4866-821c-faa14b2fac79

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israeli UNRWA ban will deepen Palestinian humanitarian catastrophe

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    The Israeli Knesset’s (parliament’s) ban on UNRWA’s operations voted on 28 October represents a devastating blow to Palestinian life. It will further undermine people’s survival prospects in Gaza and heavily impact communities in the West Bank.

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) denounces this legislation, which represents an inhumane ban on vital humanitarian aid. The Knesset’s vote is propelling Palestinians towards an even deeper humanitarian crisis. It is imperative that the world acts to safeguard Palestinians’ fundamental rights. Immediate international intervention is needed to pressure Israel to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid, implement a ceasefire, and bring to an end the current campaign of destruction in Gaza.

    “UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinians,” says Christopher Lockyear, MSF Secretary General. “If implemented, the ban on UNRWA’s activities would have catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank, now and for generations to come. We strongly condemn this decision, which is the culmination of a long-running campaign against the organisation.”

    The newly voted legislation will make it almost impossible for UNRWA to work in Gaza or the West Bank; coordination with Israeli authorities will be impeded and entrance permits to either of the occupied territories will be denied, and essentially blocking delivery of UNRWA aid into and within Gaza. UNRWA handles almost all the distribution of UN aid coming into the strip.

    UNRWA is the largest health provider in Gaza, with over half of Gazans relying on UNWRA for essential healthcare services, including for the treatment of chronic diseases, maternal and child heath, and vaccinations. Each day UNWRA’s health teams provide over 15,000 consultations in the Gaza Strip. The ban of its activities threatens to create a vast gap in services within an already largely destroyed health system in Gaza – directly and indirectly endangering the lives of Palestinians. Without urgent action, more Gazans could die from preventable diseases and displacement-related conditions.

    The impact of UNRWA’s ban will extend beyond Gaza. Critical services, including refugee camp management, health services, education, and social programmes across the West Bank are also at risk of destabilisation under this legislation. This legislation sets a grave precedent for other conflict situations where governments may wish to eliminate an inconvenient United Nations presence.

    For months, international leaders and organisations, including MSF, have raised warnings about the disastrous potential of these newly adopted bills. Yet Israel has chosen to press forward with measures that will undermine vital assistance, endangering Palestinian lives and intensifying the collective punishment they face.

    This vote adds to the endless physical and bureaucratic impediments imposed by Israel to limit the amount of aid reaching Gaza, and blatantly contradicts Israel’s claims that it is facilitating humanitarian assistance into the Strip.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans to help people sleeping rough in Manchester this winter

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester City Council is activating its plans for cold weather this winter to ensure that there is a warm space indoors for people who want one when the weather is below zero.

    Every year, the Council, working alongside Manchester Homelessness Partnership and health services, provides additional accommodation during periods of severe cold weather, so that no one has to sleep outside in freezing weather. 

    Year-round provision, funded by Manchester City Council , at Etrop Grange hotel in Wythenshawe already exists to help people off the street and into accommodation with support services in place to help them move on. However, we know that in periods of extreme cold weather more people are likely to accept an offer to come inside. 

    From November 1, these efforts are enhanced and council officers alongside Manchester Homelessness Partnership members, operate a system of increased outreach.  

    When the weather is forecast to drop below zero, even for one day, severe weather emergency protocol is called leading to increased outreach which operates until 4.30am. This allows officers to support people into accommodation paving the way to connect them with any additional support that they need and carry out housing assessment to find a suitable move on pathway.  

    Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: 

    “We work year-round to help people off the streets, giving them access to the support they need to help them get on with their lives. 

    However, as it gets colder, people are more likely to accept help and come inside. This is why we expand our outreach offer and our officers, along with partner agencies, work into the early hours seeking out people who have bedded down so that we can offer them the opportunity to come indoors and access additional support. 

    This is especially important as sometimes coming inside in cold weather is the impetus that they need to accept help that we, along with our partners, can provide. It is often the first step on the road to a better, healthier future.” 

    Amanda Croome, Head of Homelessness for Caritas, speaking on behalf of Manchester Homelessness Partnership, said:  

    “There are a range of charities that support people experiencing homelessness in our city, coordinated through the Manchester Homeless Partnership. 

    “All year round we work alongside the Council to support their provision and to help people in Manchester who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. That support can comprise many different aspects, from finding new homes, day and evening/weekend services with free food, showers, specialist advice and supported accommodation. It also includes access to vital health and wellbeing services and expert drop-ins. 

    “Anyone can become homeless at any time, for a wide range of reasons – whether that’s changes to financial circumstances, accidents, sudden unemployment, or no-fault evictions. But, everyone deserves a safe, secure place to call home and we’re incredibly grateful to local people, businesses and other organisations who support these charities to make sure that people get the assistance they need to find and keep tenancies of their own.” 

    If you’re concerned about someone that you have seen sleeping rough in Manchester please contact Manchester City Council homelessness

    More information on MHP – Manchester Homelessness Partnership 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Investigates Medical Distress at Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP Detachment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on October 29, 2024

    On Thursday, October 24, at approximately 4:32 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding an individual who went into medical distress while lodged in cells at the Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP detachment. 

    SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT. 

    On October 23, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a report of a male sitting on the step of a residential address with possible facial injuries. The subject of the call, a 55-year-old man, was located and later removed from the residence at the request of its occupants. The man was transported to the Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP detachment to be lodged until sober. On October 24, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a detachment guard alerted RCMP members that the man had not moved for a period of time. The man was checked and determined to be breathing but non-responsive. EMS was contacted and transported the man to hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle. At approximately 3:50 p.m., RCMP were advised that the man had been transferred to hospital in Regina, where he remains in critical condition. 

    Following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and four SIRT investigators were deployed to begin their investigation. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s detention and his time in custody. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the time preceding the man’s arrest, including the cause of the originally reported injury. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

    SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

    For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SIRT_SK.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer Could Decipher the Moon’s Icy Secrets

    Source: NASA

    There’s water on the Moon, but scientists only have a general idea of where it is and what form it is in. A trailblazing NASA mission will get some answers.
    When NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer begins orbiting the Moon next year, it will help resolve an enduring mystery: Where is the Moon’s water? Scientists have seen signs suggesting it exists even where temperatures soar on the lunar surface, and there’s good reason to believe it can be found as surface ice in permanently shadowed craters, places that have not seen direct sunlight for billions of years. But, so far, there have been few definitive answers, and a full understanding of the nature of the Moon’s water cycle remains stubbornly out of reach.
    This is where Lunar Trailblazer comes in. Managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and led by Caltech in Pasadena, California, the small satellite will map the Moon’s surface water in unprecedented detail to determine the water’s abundance, location, form, and how it changes over time.
    “Making high-resolution measurements of the type and amount of lunar water will help us understand the lunar water cycle, and it will provide clues to other questions, like how and when did Earth get its water,” said Bethany Ehlmann, principal investigator for Lunar Trailblazer at Caltech. “But understanding the inventory of lunar water is also important if we are to establish a sustained human and robotic presence on the Moon and beyond.”
    Future explorers could process lunar ice to create breathable oxygen or even fuel. And they could also conduct science. Using information from Lunar Trailblazer, future human or robotic scientific investigations could sample the ice for later study to determine where the water came from. For example, the presence of ammonia in ice samples may indicate the water came from comets; sulfur, on the other hand, could show that it was vented to the surface from the lunar interior when the Moon was young and volcanically active.

    “In the future, scientists could analyze the ice in the interiors of permanently shadowed craters to learn more about the origins of water on the Moon,” said Rachel Klima, Lunar Trailblazer deputy principal investigator at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. “Like an ice core from a glacier on Earth can reveal the ancient history of our planet’s atmospheric composition, this pristine lunar ice could provide clues as to where that water came from and how and when it got there.”
    Understanding whether water molecules move freely across the surface of the Moon or are locked inside rock is also scientifically important. Water molecules could move from frosty “cold traps” to other locations throughout the lunar day. Frost heated by the Sun sublimates (turning from solid ice to a gas without going through a liquid phase), allowing the molecules to move as a gas to other cold locations, where they could form new frost as the Sun moves overhead. Knowing how water moves on the Moon could also lead to new insights into the water cycles on other airless bodies, such as asteroids
    Two Instruments, One Mission
    Two science instruments aboard the spacecraft will help unlock these secrets: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) infrared spectrometer and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) infrared multispectral imager.
    Developed by JPL, HVM3 will detect and map the spectral fingerprints, or wavelengths of reflected sunlight, of minerals and the different forms of water on the lunar surface. The spectrometer can use faint reflected light from the walls of craters to see the floor of even permanently shadowed craters.
    The LTM instrument, which was built by the University of Oxford and funded by the UK Space Agency, will map the minerals and thermal properties of the same lunar landscape. Together they will create a picture of the abundance, location, and form of water while also tracking how its distribution changes over time.
    “The LTM instrument precisely maps the surface temperature of the Moon while the HVM3 instrument looks for the spectral signature of water molecules,” said Neil Bowles, instrument scientist for LTM at the University of Oxford. “Both instruments will allow us to understand how surface temperature affects water, improving our knowledge of the presence and distribution of these molecules on the Moon.”
    Weighing only 440 pounds (200 kilograms) and measuring 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) wide when its solar panels are fully deployed, Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the Moon about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the surface. The mission was selected by NASA’s SIMPLEx (Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration) program in 2019 and will hitch a ride on the same launch as the Intuitive Machines-2 delivery to the Moon through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Lunar Trailblazer passed a critical operational readiness review in early October at Caltech after completing environmental testing in August at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, where it was assembled.
    The orbiter and its science instruments are now being put through flight system software tests that simulate key aspects of launch, maneuvers, and the science mission while in orbit around the Moon. At the same time, the operations team led by IPAC at Caltech is conducting tests to simulate commanding, communication with NASA’s Deep Space Network, and navigation.
    More About Lunar Trailblazer
    Lunar Trailblazer is managed by JPL, and its science investigation and mission operations are led by Caltech with the mission operations center at IPAC. Managed for NASA by Caltech, JPL also provides system engineering, mission assurance, the HVM3 instrument, as well as mission design and navigation. Lockheed Martin Space provides the spacecraft, integrates the flight system, and supports operations under contract with Caltech.
    SIMPLEx mission investigations are managed by the Planetary Missions Program Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of the Discovery Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The program conducts space science investigations in the Planetary Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
    For more information about Lunar Trailblazer, visit:
    https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/lunar-trailblazer
    News Media Contacts
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    Ian J. O’NeillJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-2649ian.j.oneill@jpl.nasa.gov
    Gordon SquiresIPAC, Pasadena, Calif.626-395-3121squires@ipac.caltech.edu
    2024-148

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Convictions of Capital Region Drug Traffickers Who Sold Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the convictions of members of a major drug trafficking ring that distributed heroin and fentanyl, as well as powder and crack cocaine in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) resulted in the indictment of 25 individuals in November 2023, and recovered more than three kilograms of cocaine and approximately 40 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, which have a combined potential street value of approximately $350,000. The investigation also recovered four handguns, two large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and over $50,000 in cash. All 25 individuals charged in the investigation have pleaded guilty, and the first defendant was sentenced yesterday to 12 ½ to 15 years in prison for his role in the trafficking operation. 

    “We are committed to ending the opioid crisis in our state, and that means addressing this problem from every angle, including stopping dangerous drug traffickers who bring fentanyl into our communities,” said Attorney General James. “This drug trafficking ring ran a widespread network to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of narcotics, and now they are being brought to justice. I thank all of our partners in this investigation for their hard work to protect our communities and keep New Yorkers safe.”

    The OAG’s investigation centered on the activities of several key individuals in the Capital Region who bought and sold large quantities of drugs. Alexander Torres and Yamillet Galarza were central figures in the narcotics distribution network, and they often partnered together to obtain and sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in Rensselaer County. Torres had four different sources of supply for the cocaine and narcotics, and he sold the drugs to a network of customers around the Capital Region. Torres purchased heroin laced with fentanyl from a Bronx-based narcotics dealer in custom-designed bags stamped with the phrase “American Gangster” as a brand to distinguish his narcotics from other local sellers.

    Efrain Acevado was also a major cocaine distributor in this operation. During the course of the investigation, Acevado opened a restaurant called “El Coqui,” in Troy, and he sold narcotics to customers from the restaurant and used it as a location to stash his narcotics and related proceeds.

    The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), included the New York State Police, City of Troy Police Department, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady Sheriff’s Office. The year-long investigation, which concluded in November 2023 with the indictment of 25 individuals, included covert surveillance and hundreds of hours of wiretaps over more than two dozen target phones.

    Defendant Elvis Colon, a/k/a “Minino”, a heroin and fentanyl trafficker in Rensselaer County who was part of the drug trafficking operation, was sentenced yesterday to 12 ½ to 15 years in prison. Colon was convicted by a jury on charges of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree on October 4, 2024. 

    The remaining defendants in the case have all pleaded guilty: 

    • Efrain Acevedo pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class A-II felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison.
    • Erick Baez pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Raul Baez pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Jose Cintron pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison. 
    • Javier Colon pleaded guilty to Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a class B felony and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a class A-I felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison.
    • Mercedes Danahy pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. She faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • James Foley pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Jack Frazier pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a class D felony. He faces a maximum sentence of two and a half years in state prison.
    • Jose Galarza pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Yamillet Galarza pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. She faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Vladimir Guzman Grullon pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • David Harden pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Mark House pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Karim Little pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Jordan McCullen pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.
    • Jahtiek Milisci pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Beau Moreau pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Michael Nelson pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Tracy Taylor pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. She faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Denzel Timot pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a class E felony. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in state prison.
    • Alexander Torres pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class A-II felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison.
    • Israel Vasquez pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison.
    • Abner Velasquez pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class A-II felony. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison.
    • David Venson pleaded guilty to Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a class C felony. He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison.

    Attorney General James would like to thank Rensselaer District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly and the Schenectady County Drug Task Force for their assistance in the investigation. 

    The investigation was directed by New York State Police Investigator Matthew Guiry under the supervision of Senior Investigators Robert Martin and Vonnie Vardine and OCTF Detective Michael Connelly, with the assistance of the U.S. Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Detective Brian Fleming, OCTF Assistant Chief Investigator John Monte, and OCTF Deputy Chief Investigator Andrew Boss. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

    The case and jury trial was conducted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Andrew McElwee, with the assistance of legal support analysts Stephanie Donovan and AnnaLisa MacPhee, under the supervision of OCTF Upstate Deputy Bureau Chief Maria Moran. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado. Both the Investigations Division and the Criminal Justice Division are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Workers’ Compensation Rate Decreases by 22 Percent

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State employers are expected to save more than $191 million dollars in 2025 due to a reduction in the annual workers’ compensation assessment rate — the rate was set today and goes into effect on January 1, 2025. The workers’ compensation rate will be 7.1 percent of the standard premium or premium equivalent — a 22 percent decrease from 2024 — which is expected to save New York State businesses approximately $191 million.

    “Affordability is crucial for both businesses and employers to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “This tremendous increase in savings for New York State’s employers not only adds employment opportunities, but also strengthens the necessary services and the community that businesses provide. We are dedicated to supporting our State’s businesses and their employees, and ensuring that they receive the benefits they rely on to care for themselves and for their families.”

    New York State Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa Rodriguez said, “The Board is honored to join the Governor today in celebrating these incredible savings for New York’s businesses. Assessments on employers have continued to decline, while benefits to workers have climbed in recent years. We are proud of the work we are doing to build a better workers’ compensation system for the hardworking New Yorkers and businesses we serve.”

    Employers pay an annual assessment to operate the workers’ compensation system, which provides critical benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their employment responsibilities, while protecting employers from costly lawsuits. Building on Governor Hochul’s initiative to make New York State more affordable, the projected savings will reduce the current assessment costs for employers.

    As Chair of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board, Chair Rodriguez establishes an assessment rate for all employers by Nov. 1 of each year, to be effective Jan. 1 of the subsequent calendar year. The employer assessment rates are determined by the Workers’ Compensation Board’s need and budgeted statewide premium. The rate is calculated by dividing the Board’s total estimated annual expenses by a base of total estimated statewide premium. Insurers are required to apply the assessment rate to their premium or premium equivalent.

    The assessment rate has been steadily declining in recent years, largely due to prudent management in accelerating the runoff of special workers’ compensation liabilities — known as special funds — which are funded by the assessments. The 2025 rate of 7.1 percent reflects an over 43 percent decrease since 2019, when the assessment rate was 12.6 percent.

    Rate Changes from 2019 to 2025
    Year Rate
    2019 12.6
    2020 12.2
    2021 11.2
    2022 10.2
    2023 9.8
    2024 9.2
    2025 7.1

    For more information regarding the 2025 assessment rate, as well as additional resources for employers related to workers’ compensation, visit the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board’s website at wcb.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 60k-person stress test smooth: CS

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said a large-scale stress test for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) tonight was conducted smoothly and that the anticipated effects and test objectives were achieved with satisfactory results.

    The aim was to test the operation and capability of the three venues and the supporting facilities in the vicinity during events with maximum attendance, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of the KTSP upon its official commissioning in the first quarter of this year.

    Over 60,000 participants simulated crowd flow during the test.

    Mr Chan inspected the stress test and told reporters at a media session aftewards that the dispersal was very smooth.

    “I really do not see any bottleneck actually, because the situation, I would say, is far better than my expectation.”

    He added that the arrangements for participants entering and leaving the venue as well as public transport became more refined and orderly during the stress test, with all units able to respond promptly to deal with simulated emergencies.

    Mr Chan expressed gratitude to various government departments, KTSP Limited and public transport operators for their preparation and co-ordination work.

    He also thanked the personnel involved in the test, including civil servants from 77 bureaus and departments, community members, and residents of the Kai Tak area, for their full support and co-operation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta’s business sector is booming

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Thanks to Alberta’s highly productive economy, cutting red tape, and business-minded policies, Alberta has become the small business hub of Canada.

    With strong, common-sense policies, Alberta is attracting more new business than ever before. Alberta saw an average of 1,945 more active businesses between January and July when compared with the same period last year. This 1.6 per cent increase far surpassed the Canadian average of 0.6 per cent. Alberta is the top destination for business innovation and creation, nationwide.

    “Alberta is the economic engine of Canada and thanks to the strength of our business community, we are further diversifying our economy with strong, business-friendly policies that attract job-creating investment and sustain the Alberta Advantage that we are known for.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Alberta’s active businesses numbers can be attributed to Alberta’s highly skilled and productive workforce, competitive business policies and low tax rates.

    Making up 95 per cent of businesses in the province, Alberta’s small businesses employ almost 35 per cent of our private sector workforce and contribute 27 per cent of the province’s GDP.

    “Small businesses are the heartbeat of Alberta, driving innovation and community spirit. They create jobs, support local economies and foster a sense of belonging. Investing in these enterprises is investing in a strong economic future for our province. We are proud to see such positive growth in our small business community in Q3.”

    Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary for Small Business and Northern Development

    Many sectors are leading the charge, with Alberta’s world-class tourism industry continuing its strong performance in 2024. Alberta saw a notable increase in the number of active businesses in tourism transportation, travel services, recreation and entertainment, and food and beverage services. In fact, Alberta’s overall tourism businesses increased by 3.2 per cent in the first seven months of 2024 – the second-highest increase in Canada.

    “Alberta has the fastest-growing economy in the country right now, with more new businesses starting, and productivity levels significantly higher than the national average. Higher productivity means higher paycheques and better living standards for Albertans. Maintaining and increasing the focus on economic growth and productivity, as well as energizing our key industries, will be critical to ensuring a bright economic future for our province.”

    Adam Legge, president, Business Council of Alberta

    Alberta’s government is taking action to make sure the province remains a place where small businesses can start up, grow and thrive.

    Alberta remains the best place to live, work, do business, invest and raise a family. Alberta’s government has a plan for ensuring sustainable provincial growth, supported by productive industries, and an ever-expanding resource extraction sector.

    Related news

    • Small Business Week: Parliamentary Secretary Yao (Oct. 20,2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA is Hiring Georgians to Assist with Hurricane Helene Recovery

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA is Hiring Georgians to Assist with Hurricane Helene Recovery

    FEMA is Hiring Georgians to Assist with Hurricane Helene Recovery

    ATLANTA – FEMA is currently hiring locals to ensure Georgia’s recovery is led by the people who know the area best. If you live in Georgia and want to help your community recover after Hurricane Helene, FEMA encourages you to apply for a temporary or permanent local hire position. The agency is hiring for positions in a variety of fields, including emergency management, logistics management, information technology, grants management and more to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. These positions are normally for 120 days but may be extended based on agency needs. How to ApplyVisit USAJobs.gov to see all open positions. Type keywords “FEMA, Local Hire” and enter your location as “Georgia”.  Click “Apply Online” and follow instructions in the “How to Apply” section of the job opportunity announcement.You will need to submit the documents and information outlined on the page.Questions?If you have questions, please email them to fema-careers@fema.dhs.gov or visit fema.gov/careers for more information.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 16:01

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hiring FEMA Community Liaisons in North Carolina

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Hiring FEMA Community Liaisons in North Carolina

    Hiring FEMA Community Liaisons in North Carolina

    RALEIGH, N.C. – FEMA is hiring Community Liaisons to support local communities affected by Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina. FEMA Community Liaisons will work with storm-affected communities and serve as a community link between FEMA, state, and federal partners. In this position, FEMA Community Liaisons will work with other FEMA staff to support communities in navigating federal programs, identifying and reporting potential barriers and gaps in recovery needs and determining the best approaches to meet those needs. These positions are for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE). CORE employees are full-time employees hired to directly support response and recovery efforts related to disasters. These positions will be hired into temporary two-year, excepted service appointments, which may be renewed based on workload, funding and supervisory approval. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, sick leave and up to 11 paid annual holidays. Applications are being accepted online. To see all open positions and to apply, visit usajobs.gov. More information about FEMA’s hiring process can be found on FEMA.gov/careers.All applicants must be U.S. citizens and 18 years of age or older. Additional requirements vary by position type.
    erika.suzuki
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 15:37

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Celebrate Multi-Million Dollar Federal Investment in Rail Safety, Stronger Supply Chains Across Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    October 29, 2024
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced $42,712,400 in federal funding is coming to Oregon for five projects to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability across the state. The investment—funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which advances projects that modernize America’s freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure to move people and goods.
    “Railroads are a vital mode of transportation for businesses and communities across our state, and this is the kind of significant investment in infrastructure we need to make to keep Oregon on track in the 21st century,” Merkley said. “As I travel to every corner of our state, I see firsthand the need for bold infrastructure investments in our communities. This nearly $43 million in federal funding invests in rail safety and stronger supply chains—creating jobs and economic opportunity for all Oregonians.”
    “Rail improvements in rural Oregon communities are a must to ensure small businesses generating jobs throughout our state have a full menu of reliable transportation options for their goods,” Wyden said. “Federal investments like this prove yet again the immense value of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Oregon and the entire country. And I’ll keep battling to secure similar investments from this landmark federal law I worked to pass so Oregon could channel significant infrastructure resources into building a stronger economy.”
    Today’s major funding announcement comes after Merkley, Wyden, and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle announced last week that the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL) Upgrades Planning Project secured an over $29.7 million award through the CRISI Program. This critical funding further moves the Port of Coos Bay toward the goal of becoming the first fully ship-to-rail port facility on the West Coast.
    The five additional projects in Oregon awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) CRISI Program can be found below:
    $19,843,062 for Watco ZE Locomotive Conversion (Watco Companies, LLC). The proposed project involves project development and construction activities to acquire and repower eight (8) diesel locomotives (non-tiered and Tier 0) with eight (8) battery-electric, zero-emission locomotives to be put into service on Watco-operated rail lines. Watco operates 44 short-line railroads across the U.S. and provides rail switching service to tens of locations, including at the Georgia Pacific containerboard facility in Toledo. The project enhances climate resiliency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the harmful health impacts associated with diesel locomotives.
    $13,736,000 for the Lake County Rail Replacement Project (Lake County Railroad). The proposed project involves final design/construction for a rail rehabilitation project on the Lake County Railroad between Alturas, California and Lakeview, Oregon. Lake County will complete an essential rail replacement project that would significantly increase track safety standards, allow for an increase in freight, and provide new connections for environmentally friendly industries. The replacement project will significantly improve safety standards, allowing Lake County to achieve FRA Class 2 (25mph freight) track safety standards on the lower portion of the line allowing for capacity for expected growth.
    $4,139,730 for the Sweet Home Branch Rail Relay (Albany & Eastern Railroad Company). The proposed project will complete final design and construction activities for track and track structure improvements on the Albany and Eastern Railroad’s (AERC) Sweet Home Branch in Linn County, Oregon. Specifically, the project will replace approximately 6.25 track miles of 85 lb. jointed rail with at least 112 lb. rail, which includes upgrading four turnouts and associated tie and surfacing work along the project area. The project will improve the safety and performance of rail shipments along this line
    $3,393,608 for the Mill City Branch Tie Renewal Project (Albany & Eastern Railroad Company). The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace 12,000 defective ties and related ballast and surfacing on the Mill City Branch of the Albany & Eastern Railroad Company in Oregon. The project will enhance safety and improve system and service performance by removing all slow orders placed on the project segments and reducing the risk of derailment.
    $1,600,000 for the City of Prineville Railway Track Improvement and Restoration Project (City of Prineville, Oregon). The proposed project will complete final design and construction for the rehabilitation of 18 miles of the City of Prineville Railway’s track between Prineville and Prineville Junction, OR. Specifically, the project will improve the track by replacing approximately 9,700 rail ties as well as associated tamping, resurfacing, and aligning the rail line, and the procurement of the necessary railroad equipment to perform this work including a tamper, regulator, tie inserter, tie handler, and mini excavator. These improvements will allow for the removal of two slow orders, decrease locomotive run-time and associated emissions, improve safety, and provide a Class II track condition, thereby imparting benefits to 34 rail users served by the City of Prineville Railway.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Cartwright Secure Funding to Begin Construction on Scranton to New York Rail Line

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Casey, Cartwright have long pushed to restore passenger rail service to region

    Direct rail service between Scranton and New York could generate as much as $84 million in economic activity every year, according to Amtrak study

    Funding to begin railway construction made possible by Casey and Cartwright-backed infrastructure law

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8) announced $8,958,919 in federal funding to begin construction to bring back Amtrak passenger rail service between Scranton, PA and New York, NY. The award will kick off long needed railway rehabilitation and track improvements to begin the process to restore service between the communities via the Lackawanna Cut-Off. The funding comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Casey and Cartwright fought to pass.

    “I have fought to restore rail service between Scranton and New York for my entire career in the Senate, and this investment from the infrastructure law means we are now closer than ever to making it a reality,” said Senator Casey. “Passenger rail service to and from New York will be a game-changer for our region, meaning more family time, more economic investment, and more job opportunities. I won’t stop fighting for this train until it pulls into Scranton.”

    “Restoring passenger rail has been a major goal of mine since my first day on the job. That’s why I’m thrilled to help announce that we’re getting closer than ever to seeing the realization of our passenger rail project. This nearly $9 million CRISI Grant Award will go towards restoring the rail line between the Delaware Water Gap and Scranton,” said Congressman Cartwright. “Connecting our region to major metropolitan areas in a seamless, passenger friendly system will be transformative. It will create jobs, improve quality of life, and offer convenient travel options for commuters, college students and tourists, alike. We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something transformational for our region.”

    Rail service previously ran directly between Scranton and New York but was discontinued in 1970. Without consistent use and upkeep, the track fell into disrepair.

    Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright have spent their careers in Congress advocating relentlessly to restore rail service between Scranton and New York. In 2008, Casey began leading the charge in the Senate to implement a passenger service between Scranton, PA and New York City. Representative Cartwright has also been fighting to restore the Lackawanna Cut-Off since being elected to the House of Representatives in 2012.

    Senator Casey pushed the Obama administration, emphasizing the need for continued support to see the project to completion. Additionally, Casey sent letters to the Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission and the Luzerne County Planning Commission, as well as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in support of funding for the Lackawanna Cut-Off Restoration Project. Representative Cartwright also organized and led symposiums to highlight the project and helped the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PRRNA) secure funding to investigate costs, feasibility, and impact of the project.

    In 2021, Casey and Cartwright fought to pass the landmark bipartisan Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), creating unprecedented funding for infrastructure across the Nation and paving the way for the restoration of service via the Lackawanna Cut-Off. Senator Casey visited East Stroudsburg to tout the potential for train service after Amtrak released a proposal to expand rail across the country, including restoring Scranton-New York rail service. In October 2021, President Biden delivered his infrastructure speech at the Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton and was joined by Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright.

    In 2022, Casey and Cartwright led a coalition of regional partners from Pennsylvania and New Jersey in urging the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to reestablish rail service through a once-in-a-generation investment in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s rail infrastructure. The Members have also pushed Pennsylvania Governors Tim Wolf and Josh Shapiro to support the rail project. In 2023, at the Members’ urging, Governor Shapiro pledged millions in matching funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to further the rail service restoration project.

    In December 2023, the Members announced that the FRA had included Northeastern Pennsylvania in its Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program with the goal of reestablishing direct passenger rail service between Scranton, PA and New York, NY. In addition, Senator Casey and Congressman Cartwright both delivered funding for the line in the FY24 spending bills.

    Since being elected to Congress in 2012, Cartwright has made restoring passenger rail service to Northeast Pennsylvania the top priority of his work in public life. Beginning shortly after being sworn in, Rep. Cartwright teamed up with Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority (PNRRA) officials Larry Malski, Dominic Keating and Bob Hay for dozens of meetings and hundreds of calls, all with a view toward reviving the moribund project.

    In January 2017, Cartwright and then State Senator John Blake (and currently District Director for Rep. Cartwright) organized and led a symposium at Pocono Manor at which the bipartisan coalition of scores of local elected officials, New Jersey rail officials and community business leaders began to come together. At that event, PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards and Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan provided key advice on how to position the project for success, including evaluating the repair work needed on the massive bridges over the Delaware River and the Paulinskill Creek.

    Beginning in 2017, Cartwright helped PNRRA secure funding from Lackawanna and Monroe counties, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund a rail study on costs, feasibility, ridership and environmental impact. These studies were performed by recognized engineering firm Greenman Peterson and, later, Amtrak itself.

    In February 2021, Cartwright and Blake held a Zoom meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and secured his agreement to increase the New Rail part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by $2 billion, to increase this project’s chances of success.

    In May that year, Cartwright founded the Lackawanna Cutoff Rail Restoration Caucus in Congress, which included inaugural Members Susan Wild (PA-7), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

    As a member of House Leadership, in the summer of 2021, Cartwright heavily lobbied top leadership to treat the Infrastructure Law as a stand-alone bill and pass it. Rep. Gottheimer also aided in that effort. It succeeded, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed the House on July 1, 2021.

    In October 2021, Cartwright selected the Scranton Trolley Museum as the site of President Biden’s infrastructure speech, and invited Amtrak President Stephen Gardner and CEO Bill Flynn, who attended. The next month, November 15, 2021, Cartwright was joined by both men, plus Amtrak Board Chair Anthony Coscio, at the signing of the Infrastructure bill into law.

    In July 2022, Cartwright secured an agreement from Governor Tom Wolf to provide $3.7 million matching funds for the purchase of 43,000 railroad ties to upgrade tracks on the Pennsylvania side of the line. PNRRA will be applying for a matching grant from FRA in February.

    Later in 2022, Cartwright introduced Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro to the rail project and met with him several times during the campaign. After his inauguration, Governor Shapiro agreed to a January 14, 2023, discussion of the project. On that day, after a full discussion of the project, including an explanation of its widespread bipartisan support and economic benefits, Governor Shapiro enthusiastically agreed to support it. He agreed to provide $125 million in local-match funds, to have PennDOT author the application to the Federal Railroad Administration, and to seek New Jersey Transit’s co-sponsorship of the application. Under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll, that application was submitted, and NJT did cosponsor it.

    This past August, Cartwright and New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer led a delegation that included Amtrak’s vice president of network development along with N.J. Transit and PennDOT officials on a tour of proposed station locations and other key landmarks along the Scranton-to-New York City passenger rail route.

    The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safey Improvements (CRISI) grant program is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, ant reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Secures $48.4 Million to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Trains in Erie

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding will support Wabtec Corporation, which will remanufacture trains to run on hydrogen fuel

    Grant made possible thanks to Casey-backed infrastructure law

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced $48,412,512 to help Wabtec Corporation develop hydrogen-powered trains in Erie. Hydrogen fuel is a low-emission fuel that increases train efficiency and ultimately reduces fuel costs. The funding comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Casey fought to pass.

    “Pennsylvanians have a long history of being on the cutting edge of building our Nation’s railroads, and it is critical that as America’s transportation sector begins using the technology of the future, our Commonwealth continues to lead the way,” said Senator Casey. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, we are investing in the development of trains that run on hydrogen, which will protect our environment and boost our economy. I will always fight to modernize our Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and ensure that Pennsylvania remains a leader the technology that powers the Nation.”

    The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

    The $48,412,512 will help Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corporation remanufacture trains at its facility in Erie to use hydrogen as a fuel source. This research and development project will entrail control system and engine upgrades to accommodate the hydrogen fuel.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Scanlon, Boyle, Evans Secure $79.6 Million to Make PhilaPort More Energy Efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    New investment will support the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority’s efforts to transition to more energy efficient equipment and operations

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), and Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) announced that Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $79,650,965 in federal funding to plan and implement projects that will transition the port’s operations to zero-emissions equipment. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    “This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will allow PhilaPort to bring down its energy costs and improve air quality in surrounding communities while incorporating the technology of the future into its operations,” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight to improve our shipping hubs to ensure that the Commonwealth’s waterways boost economic growth and create and sustain good jobs.”

    “The nearly $80 million investment in PhilaPort is a transformative step toward a more efficient future for Philadelphia. Moving to zero-emission technology will help make our port cleaner and healthier for the community while boosting the local economy and creating good paying jobs. This is what the Inflation Reduction Act is all about—making big investments that keep Pennsylvania competitive and sustainable,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “The Port of Philadelphia is a critical driver of good-paying jobs for our region and a vital gateway for goods and passengers across the country,” said Representative Scanlon. “I’m so pleased to see funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda continue to flow into our region, helping clean up pollution at our ports and improving air quality and public health in neighboring communities.”

    “This funding, which I proudly supported as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will enable PhilaPort to adopt cutting-edge technology that reduces carbon emissions and could help expand the port’s operations,” said Congressman Brendan F. Boyle. “Philadelphia’s ports are vital to our communities, providing jobs and positioning our city as a key hub of commerce. This investment not only supports the hardworking port workers who drive our economy but also ensures that PhilaPort can continue serving the nation sustainably for years to come.”

    “I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark clean-energy and health-care law, and this more than $79 million in federal funding for our area is just the latest way it’s benefiting Philadelphia and the region,” said Representative Evans.

    The Clean Ports Program funding will support two PhilaPort projects. $77.6 million will help Philaport deploy electric cargo handling equipment, install new charging infrastructure, and upgrade existing electrical infrastructure. An additional $2 million will support planning operations to better understand the port’s current emissions levels, identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, and engage the surrounding community about the process of transitioning to zero-emission operations.

    The announcement comes just a month after the members secured $217 million for PhilaPort to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Announces $6.8 Million for Penn State Rail Research to Improve Railway Safety and Reliability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Federal funding will support research to improve railroads’ safety, efficiency, reliability

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced that Penn State University is receiving $6,877,761 in new, competitive grant funding to research and develop technologies that improve railroads in rural areas. This federal funding comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program and will establish a rail research center to develop ways to improve railroad safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Technologies developed through this research initiative will improve railroads across the Commonwealth.

    “Ensuring Pennsylvania’s railroads are safe, efficient, and reliable is critical to keeping our Commonwealth fully connected and running full steam ahead,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will support critical research efforts to modernize our railroads and continue delivering transportation service across the Commonwealth.”

    The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Scanlon, Houlahan Secure $11.3 Million to Improve Railways in Southeastern Pennsylvania

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Funding includes more than $3.6 million to improve 26 miles of rail tracks on the East Penn Railroad and more than $7.7 million to secure rail track in Chester

    Funding comes from Casey, Scanlon, and Houlahan-backed infrastructure law

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-5) announced $11,393,644 in federal funding to make Southeastern Pennsylvania’s railways safer for passengers and surrounding communities. East Penn Railroad will receive $3,624,223 to improve 26 miles of train tracks. Amtrak will receive $7,769,421 to build a fence along a segment of rail track in Chester. These two awards will enhance safety by decreasing the chance of derailments and reducing the incidence of accidents. The funding comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Casey, Scanlon, and Houlahan fought to pass.

    “It is critical that rail transportation is safe and efficient for all Pennsylvanians. Thanks to the infrastructure law, we are investing in rail projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania that will improve rail safety,” said Senator Casey. “Ensuring Pennsylvania’s railroads are safe, efficient, and reliable is critical to keeping our Commonwealth fully connected and running full steam ahead.”

    “We know the great impact railroads have had on our Commonwealth and the country for the last two centuries. I’m thrilled that over $11 million in federal funds is coming to southeastern PA to improve both passenger and commercial rail to improve both safety and efficiency,” said Representative Houlahan. “As Amtrak’s most traveled line, it’s essential that we put parameters in place on the Northeast Corridor, such as this steel fencing, to reduce accidents, injuries, fatalities, and operational disruptions. Our commercial rail also needs to be upgraded. I’m excited that 26 miles will be improved on the Wilmington & Northern Subdivision of the East Penn Railroad, greatly increasing capacity. This is great rail progress, and I’m thankful to the DOT for their efforts in improving our PA rail infrastructure.”

    The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

    MIL OSI USA News –