NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP stops ten impaired drivers on second weekend of Canada Road Safety Week

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As part of Canada Road Safety Week, over the Victoria Day weekend RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment arrested 7 impaired drivers and suspended the licences of an additional 3 drivers in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

    On May 16, RCMP officers stopped five drivers that exhibited signs of impairment including:

    • While officers were conducting a check point on Hwy. 7 in Porters Lake, they arrested a driver for impaired operation of a conveyance. He was transported to a nearby RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples of 100mg% and 90mg%.
    • At approximately 8:52 p.m., officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet Camaro the struck aa transit shelter on Cobequid Rd. The driver who exhibited signs of impairment was arrested and subsequently provided breath samples of 110 mg% and 120mg% at an RCMP detachment. He will be facing impaired driving charges.
    • At 10:47p.m., on Cobequid Rd., officers observed a driver who attempted to avoid a police check point. He was subsequently stopped, displayed signs of impairment and was arrested. Breath samples of 240 mg% and 240mg% were later provided by the man. He was later released and will be charged with Impaired Operation of a conveyance.
    • At approximately 11:38 p.m., an officer conducting traffic enforcement completed a traffic stop, in Cole Harbour, after observing driving evidence consistent with signs of impairment. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. He was arrested and will be charged with Refusal to Comply with a Demand.
    • At approximately 12:59 a.m., an RCMP officer conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-250 that was towing a trailer in Lower Sackville. The driver, who displayed signs of impairment failed a roadside alcohol screening test. After resisting arrest, he was transported to a nearby RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples of 70 mg%. He was issued a 7-day license suspension and will be charged with resisting arrest.

    On May 17, at approximately 7:56 p.m., while conducting a traffic checkpoint in Terence Bay, a driver showed signs of impairment. He provided a breath sample roadside into an Approved Screening Device (ASD) which resulted in a “warn”, indicating blood alcohol concentration above the provincial limit of 50 mg%. He was issued a 7-day licence suspension.

    On May 18, at 10:37 p.m. a Halifax Regional Detachment Traffic Services member was travelling on highway 101 when he noticed a vehicle rapidly approaching from the rear of his patrol vehicle. A traffic stop was subsequently initiated. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was a new driver. When he provided a roadside breath sample, it indicated 41mg% of alcohol in his system. The driver was issued a summary offence ticket for speeding and given a 24-hour suspension. New drivers are not permitted to have alcohol in their system.

    Later night, at 11:57 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in Cole Harbour. The vehicle had extensive front-end damage. The driver, who was arrested for impaired driving, subsequently provided a breath sampled of 220mg% and 210mg%.

    Two additional drivers were also arrested after leaving licenced establishments in the Bedford area. They will be facing charges of Impaired Operation of a Conveyance.

    If you suspect an impaired driver, it’s an emergency; call 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: PBK Miner Integrates AI for Better Yields

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City,NY, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In a move set to transform the landscape of remote operations, PBK Miner has launched a pioneering AI-based optimization framework across its renewable-powered mining centres. This strategic upgrade harnesses artificial intelligence to autonomously fine-tune mining configurations, unlocking higher performance and smarter energy use for users across more than 180 countries.

    The newly embedded system, developed in collaboration with blockchain data analysts and computational engineers, reassesses thousands of variables in real time, from energy consumption metrics and hardware cycles to asset valuation trends and blockchain congestion. As a result, PBK Miner can now proactively adjust hashing allocations and resource deployments with a precision previously isolated through manual oversight.

    “Efficiency has always been central to our operations, but this advancement reshapes what’s possible,” said KEELEY, Paul Brian, President of PBK Miner. “By embedding predictive artificial intelligence at the core of our infrastructure, we’re not only making mining more lucrative for participants but also more responsible from an environmental and operational perspective.”

    Unlike traditional cloud mining models that operate with fixed strategies or rigid contracts, PBK Miner’s AI-enhanced approach adapts quickly. When a particular coin’s network becomes congested, the system shifts instantly to alternatives which preserve user rewards and avoid unnecessary overhead. 

    This rollout also aligns with PBK Miner’s sustainability agenda. The platform operates exclusively on renewable energy sources — including wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric — and now, with the AI layer in place, it can intelligently shift workloads between data centres based on local power availability and weather conditions, minimising carbon footprint and downtime alike.

    Highlights of the AI Integration:

    • Real-time adjustment of mining parameters based on token economics and hardware wear.
    • Predictive modelling for optimal switching between digital assets based on market sentiment signals.
    • Automated identification and mitigation of inefficiencies across data centre operations.

    Already recognized for its accessibility and clean energy ethos, PBK Miner’s latest development aims to expand its appeal to both seasoned crypto miners and eco-conscious newcomers seeking sustainable financial strategies.

    “We didn’t just add automation — we added intelligence,” KEELEY emphasised. “This isn’t about replacing human oversight but enhancing it with systems that can think ahead, analyse at scale, and act faster than any team could manually. That’s a game changer.”

    With over 8 million registered users and operations spanning five continents, PBK Miner continues to position itself as more than a cloud mining provider — it aims to be a technological vanguard in the digital asset ecosystem.

    About PBK Miner
     Established in 2019, PBK Miner is a United Kingdom-based crypto infrastructure firm offering fully-managed digital asset mining powered by sustainable energy. With a commitment to transparency, security, and environmental responsibility, PBK Miner has become a trusted choice for individuals and institutions seeking to participate in decentralised networks without the technical barriers of physical equipment management.

    To get more details or check out contract options, visit https://pbkminer.com

    Media Contact:
    Alison Evans
    PR Manager
    info@pbkminer.com
    +44 7514 226545

    Company Address:
     30 Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey, England

    Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, legal advice, or investment recommendations. Cryptocurrency involves risk and market volatility. Please research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Pbkminer.com and associated parties are not liable for any financial loss incurred.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Pushes for Threat Assessment of All Drones Found Near US Borders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Border Drone Threat Assessment Act. The bill would require a complete threat assessment of unmanned aircraft systems at or near the international borders of the United States, and a unified response across agencies.
    “When American airspace is violated by cartels and bad actors, America should be able to defend itself. We need a clear strategy to counter unmanned aircraft systems that cartels use and that threaten border security,” said Senator Lankford. “As we address these threats and consider using our own drone technology, we must prioritize Americans’ privacy and maintain transparency about the threats along our border.”
    “Drone technology is rapidly evolving, and in the wrong hands, it can pose risks to our national security,” said Senator Kelly. “With this bill, we’re working to stay ahead of that threat, keeping Arizona families and our country safe.”  
    Background
    In recent years, Border Patrol and other agencies have noticed a growing increase of unmanned aircraft systems flying near or across our borders. This bill would require all agencies that have a say over enforcement at our borders to collaborate on threat assessment and countermeasures to mitigate threats effectively.
    In 2023, Lankford introduced The Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, aimed at strengthening efforts to counter unauthorized drone activity along the southern border. The legislation called for coordinated action among the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, to develop a comprehensive strategy. It also emphasized the importance of transparency regarding drone-related threats, and prioritized protecting Americans’ privacy as both foreign drone threats and the use of U.S. drone technologies are addressed.
    You can read the exclusive in the Daily Caller HERE, and can read the full text of The Border Drone Threat Assessment Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transforming Hudson Valley Downtowns

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 28 transformational projects for the Mid-Hudson Region as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Thirteen projects were announced for White Plains, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; ten projects were announced for Highland Falls, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and five projects were announced for Montgomery, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

    “Our downtowns are where New Yorkers unwind and our communities connect. Every downtown that we transform through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs elevate the quality of life for residents and that is what we’re doing in the Hudson Valley,” Governor Hochul said. “When communities are invested in, they thrive — and we’re investing in the development of beautiful main streets and boosting our local economies, creating lasting change for New Yorkers all across the state.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “When we invest in our downtowns, we’re investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re not just funding projects — we’re fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are transforming communities across New York State by turning local visions into bold investments to generate place-based economic development. These projects will create new opportunities for businesses, support vibrant public spaces, and attract residents and visitors alike — laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger regional economies.” 

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “All across this State, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are strategically prioritizing communities, growing economies with targeted awards, creating more housing opportunities that improve affordability for New Yorkers where it is most needed, and building on the diverse character of our neighborhoods. By working with local and municipal partners, these awards continue Governor Hochul’s commitment to developing the full potential of our downtowns as economic drivers and attractive places to live.” 

     City of White Plains

    The White Plains DRI focuses on the City’s traditional urban core. The area is home to numerous multi-family developments, the soon to be redeveloped Galleria and City Center shopping malls, a thriving restaurant row and hospitality center, and a busy Metro North train station. DRI projects identified by the community focus on enhancing downtown buildings and community centers, public gathering spaces, safe and accessible pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and interconnectivity between the downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods.

    The 13 White Plains DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

    • Build a Protected Bicycle Track and Implement Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Hamilton Avenue ($2,700,000): Establish a boulevard-style median on Hamilton Avenue, featuring a two-way protected cycle track and refuge islands at intersections to improve pedestrian safety, calm vehicle traffic and improve corridor appearance.
    • Create the “Water Street Connector,” a Linear Park Connecting Hillside Terrace to Downtown ($2,250,000): Transform the right-of-way between Water Street and Hillside Terrace into a linear park connecting Hillside Terrace to downtown.
    • Create and Implement a Comprehensive Branding and Wayfinding Initiative ($749,000): Develop a brand unique to White Plains and create wayfinding to direct residents and visitors to key locations and various points of interest.
    • Create a Pocket Park at 73 Waller Avenue ($745,000): Convert the municipal parking lot at 73 Waller Avenue into a new pocket park.
    • Implement a Small Projects Fund for Building Improvements and Public Art ($600,000): Create a Small Projects Fund to help advance a wide range of small downtown projects including exterior and interior building renovations, upper story residential improvements, permanent equipment acquisition and public art installations.
    • Improve the Thomas H. Slater Center ($600,000): Enhance and improve the Thomas H. Slater Center with a new ADA accessible bathroom and new windows to foster a sense of expansiveness and light, improve energy efficiency and enhance comfort in the building.
    • Enhance Streetscaping Throughout the DRI Area ($554,000): Create and implement an overall streetscaping vision throughout downtown.
    • Establish the ArtsW’s Makerspace at the ArtsWestchester Building ($500,000): Create the “ArtsW’s Makerspace,” a new multi-purpose education center, by expanding the footprint of the ArtsWestchester building.
    • Reimagine the White Plains Train Station Clock Tower ($270,000): Restore the White Plains Train Station clock tower into a vibrant landmark featuring community-driven art.
    • Enhance Curb Appeal at the Chester Apartments ($245,000): Enhance the visual impression of Chester Avenue with public art, landscaping and a creative ground floor façade at the Chester apartment building.
    • Install Decorative Lighting Throughout the Business Improvement District ($225,000): Enhance the public realm with decorative lighting installations that create a more festive and inviting environment throughout the Business Improvement District.
    • Revitalize the Mamaroneck Pedestrian Pathway ($132,000): Revitalize the pedestrian pathway from Mamaroneck Avenue to the municipal garage to create a safer, more enjoyable pedestrian experience.
    • Upgrade the Interior and Exterior of the Play Group Theatre ($130,000): Renovate the Play Group Theatre with new stage lighting, flooring, window shades and lighting. Upgrade the HVAC system and building façade.

    Village of Highland Falls

    The Village of Highland Falls has been identified in Orange County’s most recent comprehensive plan as a priority growth area, which makes it an ideal location for downtown revitalization. The Village’s NY Forward projects will build on and expand past incremental downtown improvements, including upgrading and renovating downtown buildings for mixed use; enhancing park and community spaces; completing wayfinding and branding initiatives; and creating new housing options.

    The 10 Highland Falls NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Redesign and Expand Ladycliff Park to Increase Usage and Offer New Amenities in Downtown ($1,300,000): Transform Ladycliff Park by expanding the park along Webb Lane and adding ADA accessible walking paths, tables and seating, an amphitheater to host community events and additional landscaping.
    • Improve and Restore Downtown Buildings with a Small Project Fund ($600,000): Establish a Small Project Fund that will enable business and property owners to improve building facades, enhance building interiors, purchase permanent equipment and enhance building exteriors with public art.
    • Renovate 441 Main Street to Add and Improve Residential Units and Make an Inviting Storefront ($405,000): Renovate existing apartments and construct new apartments on an additional story at 441 Main Street. Also, upgrade the storefront exterior with new signage and windows to make the restaurant more inviting to the public.
    • Highlight Downtown Highland Falls with a Comprehensive Branding and Wayfinding Initiative ($400,000): Create a branding strategy for downtown Highland Falls to attract and inform visitors about points of interest and downtown businesses; design and install custom wayfinding signage to facilitate navigation and inform visitors about the downtown.
    • Enhance South Gate Tavern Through Building Repairs and Capacity Upgrades ($314,000): Expand existing South Gate Tavern with second floor restaurant balcony to provide outdoor seating along Main Street. Restore the building’s exterior façade and perform interior upgrades.
    • Revitalize 447 Main Street to Add New Apartments and Modernize the Building Exterior ($400,000): Add a second story and renovate the exterior of 447 Main Street to modernize the façade and add new residential units.
    • Develop 285 Main Street into an Arts and Retail Space ($201,000): Reactivate 285 Main Street into an art center to provide opportunities for community arts programming, retail space and exhibit/event space.
    • Add New Residential and Commercial Spaces at 327 Main Street ($475,000): Renovate 327 Main Street to include an additional residential unit, reactivate the vacant commercial storefront, improve the existing grocery store with equipment and interior upgrades and enhance the building exterior.
    • Renovate 293 Main Street to Improve Interior and Exterior Conditions ($180,000): Enhance 293 Main Street by conducting façade upgrades, interior and exterior renovations and upgrades to mechanical systems.
    • Renovate 209 Main Street to Attract Commercial Tenants ($225,000): Conduct interior and exterior renovations to upgrade the building façade and enhance the functionality of vacant commercial space to make it rentable.

    Village of Montgomery

    The Village of Montgomery is a quaint historic village with a strong sense of community and a picturesque location along the Wallkill River. The NY Forward downtown area is compact and walkable, containing a high concentration of historic buildings, businesses and civic and cultural amenities. The NY Forward projects will develop new housing options; improve connectivity among the Village’s downtown parks and green spaces; improve streetscape safety and walkability; preserve historic structures; and expand childcare facilities.

    The 5 Montgomery NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Foster a Walkable Downtown Montgomery Through Streetscaping and Enhanced Connections ($1,500,000): Enhance the streetscape of the core downtown area, including sidewalk upgrades and the installation of street trees, lampposts, seating areas and crosswalks on up to six streets with a focus on Clinton and Union Streets.
    • Redesign and Upgrade Veterans Memorial Park to Meet the Needs of All Residents and Visitors ($961,000): Redesign Veterans Memorial Park to improve circulation, enhance accessibility, safety and aesthetics, and provide new and improved amenities for users of all ages, including new pedestrian and bicycle paths, play area amenities, new and improved athletic fields and improvements to the current teen center.
    • Construct a Mixed-Use Development on an Underutilized Parking Lot at 71- 73 Clinton Street ($950,000): Construct a mixed-use building at 71-73 Clinton Street that includes commercial space on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors, as well as pedestrian improvements along Charles Street from Union to Bridge Street.
    • Expand Montgomery Nursery School to Meet the Demand for Additional Students ($589,000): Expand the Montgomery Nursery School to include additional classroom space and amenities, ensuring the facility is equipped to serve its students’ educational needs.
    • Establish a Small Project Fund to Provide Funding Opportunities for Capital Improvements and Small Business Assistance ($500,000): Establish a Small Project Fund dedicated to revitalizing downtown buildings by preserving their historic character and enhancing their overall quality, including façade upgrades and historic restoration, accessibility and safety enhancements and energy-efficiency improvements.

    In the FY2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for cities, towns and villages to access up to $650 million in State discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward. To date, more than 300 municipalities across the State have become certified. To further support localities that are doing their part to address the housing crisis, Governor Hochul is creating a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund for certified Pro-Housing Communities to assist with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing, such as sewer and water infrastructure upgrades.

    MHREDC Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, “These investments in White Plains, Highland Falls, and Montgomery underscore how targeted, community-driven projects can unlock long-term value. By enhancing cultural spaces, activating underused properties, and improving public infrastructure, DRI and NY Forward are enabling communities to build on their assets in ways that reflect local priorities and strengthen civic life.” 

    City of White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, “Thank you Governor Hochul for recognizing the potential of White Plains and making a bold investment in our city’s future. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative will help us reimagine and reinvigorate the heart of our community – transforming key corridors, enhancing public spaces, improving pedestrian safety, and creating new cultural and recreational amenities. These projects will build on our momentum and ensure downtown White Plains continues to thrive as a dynamic, walkable, and inclusive hub for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”

    Village of Montgomery Mayor Michael R. Hembury said, “We are grateful to receive this grant from the state. It will be used to enhance the downtown and park areas in our beautiful and historic village. We are glad that New York State recognized that Montgomery village is a great place to live and raise a family.”

    State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am thrilled that White Plains will receive nearly $10 million from the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative to support 13 projects throughout the city. White Plains is a beautiful and vibrant community, and this funding will enable positive investments in downtown White Plains for its diverse community and will enhance our city’s arts and culture, tourism, and street safety. I am proud to represent White Plains, and I want to thank the Governor for her commitment to supporting our communities.”

    Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “Downtown revitalization has long been a driving force behind White Plains’ growth, and this new investment will help propel it forward. White Plains has been a leader in sustainable development, and these projects, including protected bike and pedestrian lanes, refuge spaces, and streetscaping, are essential to that mission. I thank Governor Hochul and White Plains Mayor Tom Roach for their leadership and commitment to these transformative efforts.”

    Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “I am delighted that the Mid-Hudson Region is the recipient of these terrific grants. Representing White Plains, I am particularly proud of the projects selected, which will have a significant positive impact on the vitality of this area, improving the safety, culture, and sense of community. Kudos to White Plains for having the initiative to go after these grants.”

    Assemblymember Chris Eachus said, “These NY Forward projects for the Village of Highland Falls will be transformative for a region that so recently saw catastrophic flooding only two years ago. Enhancing streets and infrastructure, revitalizing Main Street with new cultural and economic centers, and sustainably developing new residential units in areas of need will all add to the already existing beauty of the area. Highland Falls is a gem on the shores of the Hudson River, neighboring the historic West Point, and I am proud to see it receiving the attention it deserves.”

    Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “On behalf of Westchester County, I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for this tremendous investment in White Plains — a city that is not only our County Seat, but a vibrant hub where people live, work, and play. These transformative projects will breathe new life into our downtown, support small businesses, enhance our arts and cultural spaces, and improve public infrastructure for residents and visitors alike. This bold commitment by Governor Hochul is a game-changer for White Plains and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the State and local communities work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future.”

    DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) composed of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

     About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State strengthen its economy, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 91 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program

    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program has awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Business Leaders Engage in Roundtable Discussion Addressing the Impact of Tariffs on California Industries

    Source: US State of California

    SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today hosted business leaders on the front lines of the tariff war for a roundtable conversation to discuss the impacts of tariffs on industries across California. The roundtable in San Francisco comes on the heels of California filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for its imposition of illegal and chaotic tariffs, and included leaders with a birds-eye view of industries spanning workforce development, global trade, transportation, housing development, and local economies and small businesses. President Trump’s erratic tariffs are wreaking havoc on the U.S. financial system and causing uniquely immense harm to California’s economy, which as the fourth largest economy in the world, remains a major driver of our national economy. 

    The tariffs challenged under California’s current lawsuit are projected to shrink the U.S. economy by $178 billion, cost California consumers $25 billion, and result in the loss of over 64,000 jobs throughout California.  

    “The Trump Administration’s chaotic tariffs have sent shockwaves through financial markets, businesses, and consumers in every corner of the globe — and especially here in California, home to the fourth largest economy in the world,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, I heard from leaders on the front lines concerned about the disastrous impact of tariffs on their industries and businesses. These folks are the bellwethers for our state and have sounded the alarm — I thank them deeply for their time and candor. California will continue to fight on all fronts to end President Trump’s illegal tariffs and restore certainty and vibrancy to our economy.” 

    “Dramatic shifts in trade policy and increases in tariff costs can cause disruptions which threaten millions of jobs and billions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenue,” said Jennifer Cohen, Vice President of Government Relations for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. “It is critical that we avoid volatility and uncertainty in the marketplace that impedes American access to essential goods, components used in US manufacturing, and export markets for agriculture. The importance of maintaining the integrity of the ports and maritime supply chains on the US West Coast that undergird our international commercial relationships are vital to all Americans, not just Californians.”

    “Uncertainty is never a good thing for businesses of any size, especially those with limited resources who cannot ride out wild fluctuations — particularly in the pricing and availability of goods and services. Small businesses are the heart of our local economies and communities, and operate on razor thin margins. When you combine higher operational costs with the fact that consumers are pulling back on purchases as prices rise, the result is devastating,” said Peter Katz, Co-Chair Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition. “Already, a significant number of family owned restaurants and merchants have seen increased expenses in essential supplies, from food costs to packaging to raw materials. These businesses do not have the luxury of waiting months — or years — for things to normalize.”  

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to challenging the illegal tariffs that threaten California jobs, businesses, and consumers. On April 16, Attorney General Bonta and Governor Newsom filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unlawful use of power to impose tariffs and direct agencies within the administration to implement and enforce those tariffs without the consent of Congress. Last week, California filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to stop the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs while litigation in their case proceeds and filed an amicus brief in the Court of International Trade in Oregon v. Trump, another case also challenging President Trump’s illegal imposition of tariffs. 

    More information about the lawsuit can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced for Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stewiacke — RCMP investigates fatal motorcycle crash in Stewiacke

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Colchester County District RCMP is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Stewiacke.

    On May 21, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Colchester County District RCMP, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on Hwy. 2, between Main St. and George St. RCMP officers learned that the motorcycle was travelling on the highway when it left the roadway and went into the ditch.

    One rider, a 46-year-old woman from Salmon River, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, a 61-year-old man from Shubenacadie East, was transported to hospital by EHS with life-threatening injuries.

    A collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation is ongoing.

    The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at the Department of State, on May 23, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Founder of Haitian Orphanage Sentenced to 210 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Boys in his Care

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Colorado man was sentenced today to 210 years in prison for sexually abusing numerous children at the orphanage he founded and directed in Haiti.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, most recently of Littleton, founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — a home for orphaned, impoverished, and otherwise vulnerable children in Haiti — in 1985 and operated it for more than two decades. During this time, Geilenfeld repeatedly traveled from the United States to Haiti, where he sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care. He also physically and emotionally abused the children in the home, including through physical assault and other forms of punishment.

    In February 2025, a federal jury convicted Geilenfeld of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place between 2005 and 2010. Each of the six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct relates to a separate victim who was a child at the time of the offense.

    At trial, these six victims testified about the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld and the devastating impact it had on them, as did other victims — now adults — who were not the subject of the charged offenses. Victims and witnesses also described the physical abuse Geilenfeld inflicted on his victims and the manipulation that he employed to keep his operation running and financially supported by others.

    “The defendant’s sustained sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of some of the most vulnerable children in the world is intolerable,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates the Department’s commitment to securing justice for children harmed by criminals who travel abroad from the United States to commit their crimes. We thank our partners for working with us to ensure that the defendant can never harm another child.”

    “This sentencing marks the end of a case built on the courage of survivors and the dedication of investigators,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “For decades, Geilenfeld used his position of trust and access to exploit vulnerable children under the guise of humanitarian work. We are grateful to those victims who came forward to report their abuse. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who commit crimes against children no matter where they occur or how long ago they were committed.”

    U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. FDA Approves Liquidia’s YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease (PH-ILD)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • FDA’s approval of YUTREPIA paves the way for prescribers to add a new treatment option for patients with PAH and PH-ILD
    • YUTREPIA is designed to enhance deep-lung delivery with an easy-to-use device requiring low inspiratory effort
    • Demonstrated tolerability and titratability in the pivotal INSPIRE study
    • Liquidia will host a webcast Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET to provide an update on commercial launch preparations

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, a prostacyclin analog for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) to improve exercise ability. YUTREPIA is the first and only prostacyclin dry-powder formulation enabled by Liquidia’s proprietary PRINT™ technology, which yields uniform, free-flowing particles designed to enhance deep-lung delivery via an easy-to-use, low-effort device requiring less inspiratory effort.

    Dr. Roger Jeffs, Chief Executive Officer of Liquidia, said: “Today, we celebrate for the patients and physicians who will now have access to a potential best-in-class dry-powder form of treprostinil with exceptional portability, tolerability, titratability and durability. Thank you to the clinical investigation team, our steering committee, and the members of the pulmonary hypertension patient communities who helped make this day a reality. With today’s milestone, our commercial team is prepared to launch YUTREPIA and bring meaningful change to the lives of patients in need, and we look forward to speaking with physicians and patients about the unique benefits of YUTREPIA in the days and weeks ahead.”

    The approval of YUTREPIA is based on findings from the Phase 3 INSPIRE trial which evaluated patients who were naïve to treprostinil, as well as those transitioning to YUTREPIA from nebulized treprostinil. YUTREPIA was shown to be safe and well-tolerated regardless of a patient’s previous exposure to treprostinil. Results from the INSPIRE study were published in the Pulmonary Circulation Journal in 2022 and the Vascular Pharmacology Journal in 2021. Please see the “Selected Safety Information” in the section entitled “About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder.”

    Dr. Nicholas Hill, Chief Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Division, Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and Principal Investigator on the Phase 3 INSPIRE study, said: “I am so pleased that patients with PAH and PH-ILD now have this newly introduced option for inhaled treprostinil. Having treated patients for more than six years in Liquidia’s INSPIRE and extension studies, I am confident in the safety, tolerability and dosing that YUTREPIA offers. The low-effort inhalation device used to deliver YUTREPIA may make it easier to start and maintain patients on treatment, especially those with limited inspiratory flows or lung capacity.”

    Matt Granato, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, said: “PAH and PH-ILD impact more than 105,000 patients in the U.S. alone. These patient communities and the physicians who serve them need therapies that can lead to the improvement of quality of life. We are always glad to see industry research leading to development of drugs that expand options for the patient community.”   

    As previously disclosed, United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR) filed a complaint on May 9, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 1:25-cv-00368) against Liquidia alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,357,782 (the ‘782 patent) and seeks to enjoin Liquidia from commercializing YUTREPIA to treat PAH and PH-ILD.   UTHR has filed a motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block Liquidia from commercially launching YUTREPIA. Oral argument on the motion was held on May 20, 2025. The motion remains pending with the Court.

    Webcast Information
    Liquidia will provide an update on YUTREPIA commercial launch preparations via a live webcast on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. Access to the webcast will be available on the “Investors” page of Liquidia’s website at https://liquidia.com/investors/events-and-presentations. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

    About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
    Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic, progressive disease caused by narrowing, thickening or stiffening of the pulmonary arteries that can lead to right heart failure and eventually death. Currently, an estimated 45,000 patients are diagnosed and treated in the United States. There is currently no cure for PAH, so the goals of existing treatments are to alleviate symptoms, maintain or improve functional class, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life.

    About Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease (PH-ILD)
    Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a diverse collection of up to 200 different pulmonary diseases, including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, connective tissue disease-related ILD, and chronic pulmonary fibrosis with emphysema (CPFE) among others. Any level of PH in ILD patients is associated with poor 3-year survival. A current estimate of PH-ILD prevalence in the United States is greater than 60,000 patients, though population size in many of these underlying ILD diseases is not yet known due to factors including underdiagnosis and lack of approved treatments until March 2021, when inhaled treprostinil was first approved for this indication.

    About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder
    YUTREPIA is an inhaled dry-powder formulation of treprostinil delivered through a convenient, low-effort, palm-sized device. YUTREPIA was designed using Liquidia’s PRINT® technology, which enables the development of drug particles that are precise and uniform in size, shape and composition, and that are engineered for enhanced deposition in the lung following oral inhalation. Liquidia has completed the INSPIRE trial (NCT03399604), or Investigation of the Safety and Pharmacology of Dry Powder Inhalation of Treprostinil, an open-label, multi-center phase 3 clinical study of YUTREPIA in patients diagnosed with PAH who are naïve to inhaled treprostinil or who are transitioning from Tyvaso® (nebulized treprostinil). YUTREPIA is currently being studied in the ASCENT trial (NCT06129240), or An Open-Label ProSpective MultiCENTer Study to Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of Dry Powder Inhaled Treprostinil in PH, with the objective of informing YUTREPIA’s dosing and tolerability profile in patients with PH-ILD. YUTREPIA was previously referred to as LIQ861 in investigational studies.

    INDICATION
    YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder is a prostacyclin analog indicated for the treatment of:

    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability. Studies establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with NYHA Functional Class III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (56%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (33%).
    • Pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD; WHO Group 3) to improve exercise ability. The study establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with etiologies of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) (45%) inclusive of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) (25%), and WHO Group 3 connective tissue disease (22%).

    SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION: WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    • Treprostinil is a pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. In patients with low systemic arterial pressure, treatment with Treprostinil may produce symptomatic hypotension.
    • Treprostinil inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding.
    • Co-administration of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 enzyme inhibitor (e.g., gemfibrozil) may increase exposure (both Cmax and AUC) to treprostinil. Co-administration of a CYP2C8 enzyme inducer (e.g., rifampin) may decrease exposure to treprostinil. Increased exposure is likely to increase adverse events associated with treprostinil administration, whereas decreased exposure is likely to reduce clinical effectiveness.
    • Like other inhaled prostaglandins, YUTREPIA may cause acute bronchospasm. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other bronchial hyperreactivity, are at increased risk for bronchospasm. Ensure that such patients are treated optimally for reactive airway disease prior to and during treatment.
    • Most common adverse reactions with YUTREPIA (≥10%) are cough, headache, throat irritation and dizziness.

    Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder are available at YUTREPIA.com.  

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, a drug that has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PHILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    Tyvaso® is a registered trademark of United Therapeutics Corporation.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our strategic and financial initiatives, our business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, clinical studies and other clinical work (including the funding therefor; anticipated patient enrollment, safety data, study data, trial outcomes, timing or associated costs); regulatory applications and related submission contents and timelines; our ability to successfully commercialize our products, including YUTREPIA, for which we obtain FDA or other regulatory authority approval; the acceptance by the market of our products, including YUTREPIA, and their potential pricing and/or reimbursement by third-party payors, if approved (in the case of our product candidates) and whether such acceptance is sufficient to support continued commercialization or development of our products; the successful development or commercialization of our products, including YUTREPIA; our revenue from product sales and whether or not we may become profitable in the near term, or at all; future competitive or other market factors that may adversely affect the commercial potential for YUTREPIA; and our ability to execute on our strategic or financial initiatives, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Despite the approval of YUTREPIA by the FDA, it is possible that commercialization of YUTREPIA may be blocked or delayed in connection with legal proceedings that have been initiated or that may in the future be initiated, or we may be required to pay damages, including royalties, in connection with our commercial launch, as a result of these legal proceedings. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks discussed in our filings with the SEC, as well as a number of uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and our industry has inherent risks. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that these goals will be achieved, and we undertake no duty to update our goals or to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    919.328.4350
    jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Pittman, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee

    Some ‘kidfluencers’ have huge followings on social media, but the spotlight isn’t always a friendly place. ilkercelik/E+ via Getty images

    Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

    How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid? – Anushka, age 9, St. Augustine, Florida

    First, consider what kind of fame you want. Some kids, such as Blue Ivy Carter or Suri Cruise, are known for having famous parents – in their cases, singer Beyoncé and actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. That’s something you can’t really control.

    Maybe you want to be a star athlete, like basketball player Caitlin Clark or skateboarder Sky Brown. If you’re good at a sport, practicing a lot will make you even better, and you might get famous.

    Or maybe you want to be a famous musician. Singer LeAnn Rimes won her first Grammy Award at age 14. Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube when he was 12. If you work hard at playing an instrument or singing, you increase your chances of getting noticed.

    Skateboarder Sky Brown won her first Olympic medal, a bronze, at age 13 in 2020.

    A newer way to become famous is to be a social media influencer – a person who gets paid, either with money or with stuff, to help sell things on social media. A 2023 survey of 1,000 Gen Zers – people in their early teens to mid-20s – found that 57% wanted to become influencers.

    I study social media and teach a social media class at the University of Tennessee. I also have a side gig as an influencer. My posts have gone viral and been seen hundreds of millions of times all around the world. I post silly and serious things about my life on Instagram and TikTok.

    Here are some things to know about fame at a young age.

    There wasn’t always a youth culture

    Before modern times, people didn’t pay much attention to children in the way that we do now. There were a few exceptions, such as composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who played music as a child for kings and queens in the 1700s, but they were rare.

    Things changed a lot as the U.S. population boomed after World War II. Businesses realized that young people were a big market, and a new, youth-focused culture developed. Movies, TV shows and songs were increasingly made for young people, featuring young people.

    Opening credits for seasons 3-4 of “The Partridge Family,” a TV situation comedy about a family that forms a pop music band. The show ran from 1970-1974 and turned David Cassidy, who played the oldest son, into a teen idol.

    Now, thanks to social media and the internet, kids can get famous without being star athletes or actors. If you can make videos, sing songs, tell jokes or share art from your phone or computer and people like what you post, they might share it with others. Some kids become famous just by being really good at explaining things or showing their everyday lives.

    For example, Anastasia Radzinskaya, an 11-year-old Russian American girl who shares content about children’s songs and games, has 1.5 million followers on Instagram. Ethan Gamer, a video game influencer, started appearing on YouTube in 2013 at age 7.

    Pros and cons

    Being a famous kid can offer a lot of benefits. You might get to appear on TV or in movies, wear cool clothes, or hang out with famous athletes or celebrities. You might also get to make money that you could use to support your family, pay for a high-quality education or fund causes that you care about, such as protecting nature or feeding hungry people.

    But there also are downsides. Famous kids often have to work a lot and don’t have much time to hang out with friends. Also, people may say hurtful things about you on social media, which is something you can’t control.

    Being famous can pressure people to act or dress in certain ways. Handling attention and criticism from strangers can be stressful for any young person, and fame makes the challenge much harder.

    Should you try to be an influencer?

    For me, influencing can be fun and creative. It’s cool to make a video and know that lots of people around the world are enjoying it.

    Another plus is that the skills you need to be an influencer – communicating clearly, producing digital content and helping other people find cool new products – can be valuable as you grow up, no matter what job you have.

    However, most influencers don’t make enough money to do it full time – they do it as a side gig while working a real job. If you are a kid, school should be your full-time job.

    You also should expect to get rejected a lot before you start developing an audience. This can make you emotionally strong in the long run, but it still hurts when you share your work and no one seems to notice. Most influencers put in years of effort to learn the skills that help make them successful.

    You’re likely to get negative responses that can hurt your feelings. You will need your parents’ help to manage online feedback and know how to react to all kinds of responses, positive and negative.

    It’s definitely possible for kids to be famous today, but that doesn’t mean that every kid should try. What’s important is to do things that you enjoy, even if the whole world isn’t watching.

    Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

    And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

    Matthew Pittman’s influencer posts focus on his college teaching and family life. He occasionally receives products or payments in return for promoting toys, teaching tools and family games.

    – ref. How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid? – https://theconversation.com/how-does-a-person-become-famous-when-theyre-just-a-kid-255820

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bryan Keogh, Managing Editor

    Graduates of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government celebrate during commencement exercises in Cambridge, Mass. AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

    A federal judge in Boston on May 23, 2025, temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that would have revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students.

    The directive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and resulting lawsuit from Harvard have escalated the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution.

    It’s also the latest step in a White House campaign to ramp up vetting and screening of foreign nationals, including students.

    Homeland Security officials accused Harvard of creating a hostile campus climate by accommodating “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist agitators.” The accusation stems from the university’s alleged support for certain political groups and their activities on campus.

    In early April, the Trump administration terminated the immigration statuses of thousands of international students listed in a government database, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The database includes country of citizenship, which U.S. school they attend and what they study.

    Barring Harvard from enrolling international students could have significant implications for the campus’s climate and the local economy. International students account for 27% of the university’s enrollment.

    Here are four stories from The Conversation’s archive about the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard and the economic impact of international students.

    1. A target on Harvard

    This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted the university.

    The White House has threatened to end the university’s tax-exempt status, and some media outlets have reported that the Internal Revenue Service is taking steps in that direction.

    But it is illegal to revoke an entity’s tax-emempt status “on a whim,” according to Philip Hackney, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, and Brian Mittendorf, an accounting professor at Ohio State University.

    “Before the IRS can do that, tax law requires that it first audit that charity,” they wrote. “And it’s illegal for U.S. presidents or other officials to force the IRS to conduct an audit or stop one that’s already begun.”

    Several U.S. senators, all Democrats, have urged the IRS inspector general to see whether the IRS has begun auditing Harvard or any nonprofits in response to the administration’s requests or whether Trump has violated any laws with his pressure campaign.

    Hackney and Mittendorf wrote that the Trump administration’s moves are part of a larger push to exert control over Harvard, including its efforts to increase its diversity and its response to claims of discrimination on campus.



    Read more:
    Can Trump strip Harvard of its charitable status? Scholars of nonprofit law and accounting describe the obstacles in his way

    .“

    University of Michigan students on campus on April 3, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
    Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

    2. International students help keep ‘America First’

    The U.S. has long been the global leader in attracting international students. But competition for these students is increasing as other countries vie to attract the scholars.

    In a recent story for The Conversation, David L. Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, wrote that stepped-up screening and vetting of students could make the U.S. a less attractive study destination.

    Di Maria wrote that such efforts could hamper the Trump administration’s ability to achieve its “America First” priorities related to the economy, science and technology, and national security.

    Trump administration officials have emphasized the importance of recruiting top global talent. And Trump has said that international students who graduate from U.S. colleges should be awarded a green card with their degree.

    Research shows that international students launch successful startups at a rate that is eight to nine times higher than their U.S.-born peers. Roughly 25% of billion-dollar companies in the U.S. were founded by former international students, Di Maria noted.



    Read more:
    Deporting international students risks making the US a less attractive destination, putting its economic engine at risk

    3. A boost to local economies

    Indeed, international students have a tremendous economic impact on local communities.

    If these global scholars stay home or go elsewhere, that’s bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States, wrote Barnet Sherman, a professor of multinational finance and trade at Boston University.

    With the money they spend on tuition, food, housing and other other items, international students pump money into the local economy, but there are additional benefits.

    On average, a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created, Sherman wrote.

    In Greater Boston, where Harvard is located, there are about 63,000 international students who contribute to the economy. The gains are huge – about US$3 billion.



    Read more:
    International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?

    4. Rising number of international students

    The rising number of foreign students studying in the U.S. has long led to concerns about U.S. students being displaced by international peers.

    The unease is often fueled by the assumption that financial interests are driving the trend, Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University and Bernhard Streitwieser of George Washington University wrote in a 2015 story for The Conversation.

    A common claim, they wrote, is the flawed assumption that “cash-strapped public universities” aggressively recruit more affluent students from abroad who can afford to pay rising tuition costs. The pair wrote that, historically, shifting demographics on college campuses result from social and economic changes.

    In today’s context, Miller-Idriss and Streitwieser maintain that the argument that colleges prioritize international students fails to account for the global role of U.S. universities, which help support national security, foster international development projects and accelerate the pace of globalization.



    Read more:
    Foreign students not a threat, but an advantage

    This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

    – ref. Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact – https://theconversation.com/harvard-fights-to-keep-enrolling-international-students-4-essential-reads-about-their-broader-impact-257506

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity of U.S Health Care System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act to bolster the health care and public health sectors’ cybersecurity. This bipartisan bill would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. It would also create a special liaison to HHS from CISA to support cybersecurity for health care and public health sector entities.
    “For years, America’s health care system has faced devastating cyberattacks that have exposed patients’ data, jeopardized access to care, and hurt local and rural medical facilities across Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to increase coordination to prevent cybersecurity attacks and make more resources available to hospitals and health care entities to improve their cybersecurity. I’ll keep working with both parties to strengthen our cybersecurity and protect Nevadans from cybercriminals.”
    “In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.”
    Since she joined the Senate, Senator Rosen has been working across party lines to improve our nation’s cybersecurity. Last month, she sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. expressing her deep concerns and demanding answers regarding the elimination of critical information technology and cybersecurity personnel and leadership at HHS. Last year, Senator Rosen announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented her bipartisan law to strengthen the cybersecurity of veterans’ personal information and data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Support Merit Staff and Protect SNAP Program Integrity

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Legislation Would Invest in the Workers Who Work to Ensure SNAP is Run Efficiently;
    Reintroduction Comes as Congressional Republicans Work to Cut SNAP Benefits and Other Nutrition Programs for Millions of Americans
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Specialty Crops, announced the reintroduction of the SNAP Administrator Retention Act, legislation that would support merit staff and protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide states with federal resources to ensure state agencies can retain their experienced merit staff and help fill open SNAP administrator positions, allowing the program to operate at peak efficiency. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
    As Congressional Republicans continue to push for $290 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, Senator Luján is working to protect and improve SNAP by investing in the merit staff who work to ensure the program is run efficiently. Specifically, the SNAP Administrator Retention Act gives states the ability to receive 100 percent of the administrative personnel costs associated with hiring and retaining the merit staff who carry out the SNAP program and aligns the wages of SNAP administrators with the federal wage standards.
    “In New Mexico and across the country, the merit staff who administer SNAP help families access critical nutrition benefits and keep food on the table, all while ensuring the program operates efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Luján. “As Congressional Republicans work to rip away nutrition assistance from our nation’s most vulnerable, my SNAP Administrator Retention Act works to support the dedicated merit staff that help families access to nutrition support they rely on and make sure SNAP is administered effectively. I’m committed to defending and improving SNAP and look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.”
    “Every month, SNAP helps millions of struggling families put food on the table, and well over 90 percent of participating households include children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “But chronic underinvestment in the program’s workforce causes staffing shortages and unacceptable delays that too often leave eligible families without food assistance for days or even weeks. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Jahana Hayes, will help states invest in hiring, training, and retaining staff. It will also help them better respond to families’ needs and ensure SNAP remains a powerful bulwark against hunger in our communities.”  
    “The effective administration of SNAP is critical to addressing our nation’s hunger crisis and preserving the program’s integrity,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center. “The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide state agencies with the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain skilled merit staff, which will help streamline administrative processes, reduce delays, and strengthen access to this essential program. It’s a win-win for families and for states.”
    In New Mexico and across the country, SNAP is a lifeline for Americans facing hunger and poverty. In New Mexico, nearly 20 percent of the state’s population depends on SNAP to feed themselves and their families. Across the country, nearly 40 percent of SNAP recipients are children. Merit staff play an essential role in determining SNAP eligibility, walking recipients through the application process, and ensuring that applications are processed as quickly as possible.
    The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), and NAACP.
    In Congress, Senator Luján has long fought to protect and improve SNAP. Last week, Senator Luján hosted a press call on Republicans’ efforts to gut SNAP. Additionally, Senator Luján has led legislation to protect local grocers from transaction fees that would make it harder for them to accept SNAP benefits and has fought toprotect access to SNAP in the Farm Bill.
    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Support Students Walking or Biking to School

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (May 23, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) on Wednesday introduced the bipartisan Safe Routes Improvement Act to enhance program accessibility for communities in North Dakota and nationwide. Specifically, the bill requires state departments of transportation (DOT) to designate an SRTS program coordinator, which will serve as a point of contact for local governments, school districts, and others looking to navigate the SRTS Program and receive funds for projects in their communities.
    The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, established nearly two decades ago, was created to make it safer and easier for students who walk or bike to school. In addition to providing safety education to children and caregivers, it also funds infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have SRTS programs which serve millions of students across the nation.
    “Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school, whether they’re walking, biking, or riding the bus,” said Markey. “By ensuring every state has a Safe Routes to School coordinator, we’re helping communities design safer streets and healthier futures. I’m proud to partner with Senator Cramer to introduce this legislation and put children’s safety first.”
    “As someone who walks to work every morning when I’m in Washington, I know how essential safe routes are for the kids who walk or bike to school,” said Cramer. “Over the last 20 years, the Safe Routes to School program has been instrumental in helping support infrastructure improvements to keep our kids safe. This legislation is a smart solution to make it easier for school districts and rural communities to access Safe Routes funding.”
    “Every child should be able to bike, walk, or roll to school safely,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this legislation from Senators Cramer and Markey which would direct state departments of transportation to designate a Safe Routes to School Coordinator. By helping school districts and local governments navigate the grants process, share best practices, and track successes, Safe Routes to School Coordinators are a crucial resource in our shared goal to improve traffic safety for kids.”
    “As the national leader of the Safe Routes to School movement, Safe Routes Partnership applauds Senator Cramer for his continued leadership in strengthening a program that helps students get to and from school safely and reliably,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of the Safe Routes Partnership. “Safe Routes to School is an evidence-based, cost-effective, bipartisan initiative that supports rural, suburban, and urban communities in meeting the daily transportation needs of families. By ensuring every state has a dedicated Safe Routes to School coordinator, this legislation will expand the program’s reach and ensure more communities can benefit from safer, more connected school travel options.”  
    The bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Safeguard Genetic Data Privacy After 23andMe Bankruptcy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today introduced the Don’t Sell My DNA Act, which would safeguard customers’ sensitive genetic information when an entity that maintains their data files for bankruptcy:
    “Advances in DNA testing have allowed Americans to have unprecedented access to important insights about their genetics, but these companies must have a plan to protect this data in the event of bankruptcy,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By updating the bankruptcy code, this legislation would safeguard Americans’ sensitive genetic information to ensure it cannot be weaponized against them or made public without their knowledge and consent.”
    “For too long companies have profited off of Americans’ data while consumers have been left in the dark, which is especially concerning in light of reports that 23andMe plans to sell customer genetic data assets to a large pharmaceutical company,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bill will put new protections in place to safeguard Americans’ privacy while giving consumers greater control over how their sensitive health data is shared.”
    “Consumers should feel confident that any personal information shared with a public company isn’t up for grabs when that company files for bankruptcy,” said Sen. Grassley. “This bill would fill gaps in current law to help safeguard consumers’ genetic information and ensure Americans’ DNA isn’t treated like any other financial asset.”
    Background:
    Recently, data privacy concerns have been raised when companies who maintain data on users’ DNA and genetic profiling file for bankruptcy. Under current law, the Bankruptcy Code provides protections for personally identifiable information in bankruptcy court proceedings to prevent the possibility of identity theft, harm, or other unlawful injury from occurring. The current definition of personally identifiable information includes an individual’s name, address, email, phone number, social security number, credit card number, and other information that could be used for identification purposes. However, the definition is outdated and does not include reference to genetic information, meaning this information is vulnerable. This legislation would solve this problem by updating the definition of “personally identifiable information” in the bankruptcy code to include genetic information.
    The Don’t Sell My DNA Act strengthens consumer privacy protections by:
    Modernizing the definition of “personally identifiable information” in the Bankruptcy Code to include genetic information;
    Having consumers affirmatively consent to the use, sale, or lease of their genetic information after the bankruptcy case commences;
    Requiring companies to provide prior written notice of the use, sale or lease of their genetic information during bankruptcy;
    And requiring the trustee or debtor in possession to delete any genetic information not subject to a sale or lease.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Lead Call for Inspector General to Investigate Emil Bove’s Abuse of Prosecutorial Power at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) referred Emil Bove III to the Office of Inspector General. Senators asked Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate Mr. Bove’s potential abuse of prosecutorial authority within the Civil Rights Division. 
    Public reporting indicates that Mr. Bove used intimidation tactics to stymie protected rights of students, including freedom of speech and freedom of association. Mr. Bove reportedly instructed career prosecutors in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate those students. After career prosecutors raised concerns about whether such actions violated the Constitution, Mr. Bove reportedly demanded prosecutors file for search warrants for the list. A magistrate judge twice rejected this request, finding the investigation initiated at Mr. Bove’s direction lacked probable cause. He then, purportedly, ordered FBI agents to intimidate protestors by putting on their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx formation.  
    “If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda,” the Senators write. “This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.” 
    The letter, led by Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin, was signed Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). 
    Read the letter here and below:  
    Dear Inspector General Horowitz:  
    We write to express our concern about grave allegations that Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III violated the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Justice Manual, flouted his ethical responsibilities, abused the powers of his office, and exceeded the constitutional limitations on prosecutorial power by initiating pretextual criminal investigations against students at Columbia University and premising investigative steps on protected constitutional activity.  
    According to public reporting, Mr. Bove sought to have career prosecutors in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate its members. Prosecutors resisted this request due to the Justice Manual’s prohibition on initiating criminal investigations based on protected constitutional activity, such as freedom of association. These career prosecutors then learned Mr. Bove allegedly sought this list to share with immigration agents, creating a fear that the investigation was a pretextual effort to intimidate students engaged in First Amendment expression with threats of detention and deportation. Separately, Mr. Bove reportedly attempted to employ a different intimidation tactic, instructing Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on the Joint Terrorism Task Force to don their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx near protestors on Columbia’s campus. 
    Subsequently, Mr. Bove ordered prosecutors to obtain a search warrant for the nonpublic data associated with the student group’s Instagram account, based on the premise that the account was used to make a threat—despite the assessment of career prosecutors that the identified statement did not meet the legal definition of a threat. No prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York signed the warrant application, despite the action being brought in their jurisdiction, reportedly due to the same concerns shared by the career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division. 
    Ultimately, Mr. Bove’s requested warrant application was rejected twice, once on initial review and again on reconsideration, by a federal magistrate judge for failing to establish probable cause. The nature of the second rejection appears to indicate further abuses because the magistrate judge imposed a special condition: if DOJ seeks to refile this search warrant application before another federal judge, they must include a transcript of the sealed discussions of these initial efforts. If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda.  
    This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.  
    Moreover, concurrent jurisdiction exists between OIG and OPR, particularly where misconduct creates waste, fraud, and abuse. The alleged abuse of power and unethical behavior in question involves the type of misconduct that extends beyond an attorney’s professional responsibilities and falls under the jurisdiction of OIG. In this extraordinary circumstance, we urge you to exercise existing concurrent jurisdiction to investigate all alleged misconduct. 
    Sincerely,  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Names Leadership Team, Reorganizes Criminal Division

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced today the appointment of a new executive leadership team to guide the District of New Mexico’s mission, along with a restructuring of the Albuquerque office’s Criminal Division to best advance the Administration’s priorities.

    Mr. Ellison named Kimberly Brawley as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Divisions. Ms. Brawley joined the office in 2007 and has worked across all sections of the Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018, she supervised the General Crimes Section, which handled violent crimes, firearms offenses, narcotics, and immigration cases.   Since 2018 she has prosecuted white collar, national security, and civil rights cases.  Ms. Brawley earned her B.A. with honors from New Mexico State University and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she clerked for the office and practiced civil defense litigation in the private sector.

    Christopher McNair will serve as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. McNair joined the office 2018 and has primarily handled firearms, violent crime, and immigration offenses. Mr. McNair graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned his B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

    Roberto Ortega has been appointed as Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Ortega has over 35 years of legal experience, including 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases and now focuses on defending the United States in civil litigation. Mr. Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He is also an active community leader, having served on several local boards, including the UNM Alumni Association and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He and his wife, Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega, have four children.

    Niki Tapia-Brito will lead the Albuquerque Office’s Criminal Division as Chief. Ms. Tapia-Brito joined the office in 2011, after serving for 10 years as a prosecutor in the 7th and 2nd Judicial District Attorneys’ Offices.  Throughout her career with the office, Ms. Tapia-Brito has prosecuted federal cases in the Indian Crimes, Violent Crimes, Civil Rights and Public Integrity sections.  Ms. Tapia-Brito earned her B.A. from Stanford University and a JD at University of New Mexico School of Law.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Richard Williams will serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. He joined the office in 2001 as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002. From July 2008 to July 2022, Mr. Williams served in supervisory roles, including Deputy Branch Chief and Section Supervisor. Throughout his career with the office, he has led numerous criminal investigations and prosecutions involving immigration, firearms, narcotics, money laundering, murder and other violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and various federal violations. He has also argued multiple appeals before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing two successful topside appeals. In recognition of his appellate work, Mr. Williams received the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2010. Before joining the office, he practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Williams earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Paige Messec will continue to serve as the Chief of the Appellate Division, which she has headed since 2018. Ms. Messec joined the office in 2008 and served in the Immigration, General Crimes, and White Collar sections of the Criminal Division before moving to the Appellate Division in 2015. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University and law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. Before joining the office, she clerked for Judge Harris L Hartz on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Jeremy Peña has been appointed as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Albuquerque Criminal Division. Mr. Peña joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011, starting in the General Crimes Section and moving to the White Collar Section that same year. In 2014, he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for the trial conviction of Sheriff Thomas Rodella.  He has prosecuted some of the Office’s most complex cases, including Ayudando Guardians and the recent trial conviction of Solomon Peña.  Mr. Peña graduated from Pomona College and the University of Chicago Law School.  He was an Assistant District Attorney for five years before becoming an AUSA.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Terri Abernathy will continue to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Criminal Division, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, Ms. Abernathy is responsible for coordinating the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Las Cruces Office. She has been with the office since 2000 and serves as the District’s Border Security Coordinator. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Abernathy has prosecuted complex narcotics cases and more than a thousand immigration cases. Before joining the office, she clerked for Circuit Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.

    In addition to his executive leadership team, Mr. Ellison announced a restructured Criminal Division in the Albuquerque Office, now organized into four sections:

    • Narcotics and Organized Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Mattei.
    • White Collar Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
    • Indian Country Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley.

    The Las Cruces Branch Office is organized into two sections:

    • Organized and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Armijo.

    Public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. With this new leadership team in place, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the law, protecting our communities, and upholding the rights of all New Mexicans. The office will continue to collaborate closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to address violent crime, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen border security. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Deported Mexican National Indicted For Illegally Possessing Firearm After Shots Fired From Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Hilario Diaz-Velazquez (32, Mexico) with illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Diaz-Velazquez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

    According to court records, on March 30, 2025, the Palmetto Police Department responded to a call for service regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto. An officer from the Palmetto Police Department witnessed gunshots from a vehicle, and officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants. The occupants were arrested on state charges and two firearms were seized from the vehicle. One of the occupants was identified as Diaz-Velazquez. A review of Diaz-Velazquez’s immigration history showed that he was previously deported from the United States on November 26, 2012.

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

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint CBSA and OPP investigation leads to arrest and charges for drug importation and trafficking

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 23, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    A 47-year-old was arrested and is facing drug related charges after a joint investigation involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the CBSA conducted a secondary inspection of a package from Italy arriving at the Ottawa International Airport. Testing determined the contents was heroin.

    The CBSA requested assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU).

    On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the joint investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant by CSCU members, as well as members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and CBSA, at a residence on Red Castle Ride, in the Manotick area of Ottawa. One person was arrested the scene.

    Harvinder Singh Malhi of Ottawa has been charged under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act with:

    • Import Schedule 1 substance
    • Possession a of Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking

    The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on June 24, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Families in Prince George will benefit from new child care spaces

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Families in Prince George will now have access to a new child care centre with 73 licensed spaces.

    “I’m so proud of this partnership. This new child care centre will give Prince George families greater access to high-quality, inclusive, culturally rooted care where children can learn, grow, and thrive by staying connected to their language, traditions and heritage,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “It will be a welcoming space for families, Elders and educators to come together, strengthen community ties and support a strong future for the children of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the community as a whole.”

    The Province partnered with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to create new child care spaces through an investment of more than $6.1 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This new child care centre includes 24 spaces for infant-toddlers and 49 spaces for children 30 months to school age.

    “We are truly blessed to be opening a daycare that lifts our name up, on our traditional territory at the entrance to the park that carries our history, culture and ancestors,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “Thank you to the Province for recognizing the need in our community for a daycare that supports families who work shift work. It is through strong partnerships and friendships like this that we are able to officially open the Lheidli Littles’ Lodge.”

    The new child care centre will follow the Lheidli T’enneh calendar and focus on language and culture. Children will learn through activities such as storytelling, songs and dance, blessings and prayers, Elder involvement and land-based learning.

    “Our vision is to build a thriving, connected community where children walk proudly in their identities, grounded in love and rooted in the teachings of the land,” said Tandi Purych, general manager, Lheidli Littles’ Lodge. “We are not just providing care – we are offering a foundation, a beginning, a lodge of belonging. It is more than a daycare – it is a place of renewal, learning and cultural connection.”

    Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s space-creation programs have helped fund more than 40,900 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. and 24,900 of those are now open. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on. Under the ChildCareBC plan, the Province is also partnering with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples to build culturally relevant child care that meets their unique needs.

    Learn More:

    For information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

    For information about the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

    For information on how to connect to services and help save money, visit the BC Benefits Connector: https://gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Steven Zalewski

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Steven Zalewski, who was declared dead on October 9, 2023 after a motor vehicle incident involving a member of the Dewitt Police Department (DPD) in Dewitt, Onondaga County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of DPD reports, interviews, and body-worn camera footage, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the involved DPD officer caused Mr. Zalewski’s death or committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges are not warranted in this case.

    On the evening of October 9, a DPD officer was driving in a marked police car while responding to a residence in Dewitt. The officer was driving on Bridge Street, a multi-lane roadway with four southbound lanes and four northbound lanes separated by a concrete median, with a speed limit of 40 MPH. The officer was traveling southbound in the lane closest to the median at 28 MPH when he drove over Mr. Zalewski, who was lying on the ground. Mr. Zalewski was pronounced dead at the scene.

    In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person caused a death when they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. In this case, the investigation could not determine whether Mr. Zalewski had already been struck by another vehicle, or in fact had already died, when the officer’s car ran over him. In addition, there is no evidence that the officer was speeding, driving while distracted, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. The body-worn camera shows that the officer was not using his phone or any equipment in the police car. While toxicology testing showed that the officer was on a prescription medication, there is no evidence that it affected his ability to operate his patrol vehicle.

    In this case, the evidence does not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s conduct was a gross deviation of the standard that would have been observed by a reasonable person in the same circumstances, or that the officer consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death. Therefore, OSI concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

    Determining the possibility of alcohol impairment is an essential component of investigating vehicular crashes. In this case, the officer was never administered a Portable Breath Test (PBT) and was not asked to provide a blood sample for two and a half hours after the incident. While there is no evidence that the officer driving the car was impaired by drugs or alcohol, OSI recommends that all patrol officers and supervisors be trained in the administration of PBTs and field sobriety tests so that any on-duty or off-duty police officer, or any civilian, involved in a motor vehicle collision can be tested as close to the time of the collision as practicable to ensure the most accurate results. OSI also recommends that when a motor vehicle collision results in serious physical injury or the death of another person, police agencies should ask the involved officer to voluntarily consent to toxicology testing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Increased Police Patrols During Memorial Day Weekend

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul announced increased New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving as Memorial Day celebrations get underway. This annual STOP-DWI traffic enforcement detail, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, and runs through 11:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and police will be out in force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.

    “Public safety is my top priority and my Administration is committed to ensuring travelers are safe on our roadways this holiday weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and a busy travel season – I urge all motorists to drive responsibly and if you are celebrating, make a plan to get yourself or your guests home safely. New York State has zero tolerance for impaired driving.”

    Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by State Police along with local and county law enforcement agencies during this holiday weekend. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

    To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekends, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27.

    Drivers should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “For many New Yorkers, Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season which means additional traffic and increased risks on our roadways. As we take time to honor those who died in service to our county, we encourage all motorists to make safety their number one priority.  Drive sober, put down your smart phone, and slow down and move over if you see emergency vehicles or highway workers on the side of the road. Troopers will remain vigilant in keeping the roadways safe throughout the holiday weekend.”

    New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governors Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “This weekend we will remember the many servicemembers who sacrificed their lives so we could enjoy our freedom. Don’t lose that freedom to a DWI arrest, crashing your vehicle or injuring yourself or others. With so many options for ensuring you have a safe and sober ride home, there’s absolutely no excuse to drive impaired.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “As we enjoy a long weekend with friends and family this coming Memorial Day, let us remember and honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our nation’s freedom.  We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. In an effort to ensure the safe flow of traffic over this weekend, the State Department of Transportation will be suspending all non-emergency construction activities. I urge the traveling public to put your phones down and pay attention to the task at hand – driving.  In addition, please drive sober and alert, slow down and move over for all vehicles, obey speed limits and do your utmost to help everyone reach their destinations safely this weekend.”

    New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “As the summer travel season begins, we urge motorists to make safety a priority. Suspending construction activities over the holiday weekend will help people get to their destinations with fewer delays, but we remind motorists our employees and emergency personnel will still be out assisting motorists. It’s imperative that motorists remain alert, slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”

    During last year’s initiative, law enforcement officers issued 30,031 citations including 4,791 tickets for speeding and 1,421 arrests for impaired driving.

    Drivers must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation urge drivers to stay alert while driving, slow down and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend upon it.

    Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. 

    The Thruway Authority reminds drivers that all but one service area located on the Thruway from the lower Hudson Valley to the Pennsylvania State line are open. The final of the 27 service areas constructed as part of the $450 million redevelopment project located on I-87 southbound will open later this year. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Drivers can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides drivers direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

    Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

    This initiative is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind drivers that their  “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.

    New York State Sheriffs’ Association Chautauqua County Sheriff and President James Quattrone said, “As we take some time this Memorial Day to honor and remember those servicemembers who are no longer with us, let’s do so in a safe and smart way.  This weekend is also the unofficial start of summer and many will be spending time over the next few months outdoors, traveling, and enjoying the nice weather.  There are times when people are not able to drive after their picnics, parties, and events.  Don’t put yourself or others in danger…have a plan to not drive impaired.  The Sheriffs of New York State honor our servicemembers and want you to enjoy this weekend and the upcoming summer by being safe and sober behind the wheel.”

    New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to support the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s Memorial Day enforcement campaign. This initiative is a critical reminder that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility. Increased enforcement during this high-traffic holiday period helps prevent impaired driving, reduces crashes, and ultimately saves lives. We stand with our law enforcement partners across the state in making New York’s roads safer for all.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “On a weekend meant for celebrations with friends and family, no one should have to worry about their safety on the road. I want to thank Governor Hochul and our New York State Police for their efforts to combat impaired driving and make sure everyone gets home safely this Memorial Day weekend.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Departmental update Progress on patient safety across health systems around the world

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO highlighted improvements made in 108 countries listed in the Global Patient Safety Report 2024, in advancing targeted policies, improving patient safety processes, strengthening incident reporting and learning systems, engaging patients, and building health workforce competencies to reduce avoidable harm in health care. To support countries, WHO has provided technical support and capacity building to Member States, continues to develop essential technical resources, and has actively engaged in establishing and leading strategic partnerships and global alliances. 

    Despite improvements, important gaps remain. Only one-third of countries have specific national programmes or action plans in place, prompting WHO to initiate dialogue with 59 countries to address these issues. Progress has also been slow, with only 25% of countries fostering a safety culture and 23% adopting a human factors approach. WHO is developing guidance to address these challenges. 

    WHO continues to support the Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm, with 74% of countries implementing the Challenge. Efforts to integrate patient safety into healthcare professional education and training remain limited, with only 20% of countries incorporating it into curricula. WHO is developing the WHO Academy Patient Safety Essentials course and updating the Patient Safety Curriculum Guide. 

    WHO continues to support Member States in promoting access to high-quality and safe services within national health systems, ensuring that these services are integrated into universal health coverage and humanitarian response efforts. As a demonstration of the political commitment to patient safety, the series of the Global Ministerial Summit  on Patient Safety continues, with the 8th one to be hosted by Oman in 2026 to discuss progress made by Member States. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/health-topics/patient-safety/who-023396.jpg?sfvrsn=2bd64df3_26″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/23-05-2025-progress-on-patient-safety-across-health-systems-around-the-world”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Departmental update Progress on infection prevention and control

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Following the adoption of resolution WHA75.13, WHO developed a global action plan and monitoring framework between June 2023 and March 2024. This included consultations with Member States and experts, as well as a Delphi survey to define key actions, indicators, and targets at global, national, and facility levels. The finalized framework, covering the period 2024–2030, was adopted by the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in 2024. 

    To assess the implementation of IPC measures worldwide, WHO launched a global survey in November 2023 across 150 countries, territories, and areas. The survey evaluated adherence to minimum IPC requirements and gathered updated data on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. The results were published in the 2024 WHO Global Report on IPC, expanding the evidence base for global IPC efforts. 

    Between June 2022 and December 2024, WHO published 21 IPC guidance documents, 11 training resources, and three assessment tools. Technical support was provided to countries across all WHO regions, including 25 in Africa, 12 in the Americas, all 11 in South-East Asia, 11 in the Eastern Mediterranean, 25 in Europe, and eight in the Western Pacific. 

    In addition to technical work, WHO has actively promoted IPC in high-level political forums. Since May 2023, IPC has been included in the agendas and outcome documents of major international meetings, including the G20 in Brazil, G7 summits in Italy, the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance, and the Fourth Global High-level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Saudi Arabia. 

    WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening national IPC programmes and aligning with the global action plan and monitoring framework. These efforts are seen as essential to improving healthcare safety, reducing the spread of infections, and addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://www.who.int/images/default-source/wpro/emergencies-hub/goarn/severe-acute-respiratory-infection-isolation-and-treatment-center-facility_2003.jpg?sfvrsn=91c7b11d_5″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-23T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/23-05-2025-progress-on-infection-prevention-and-control”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 23 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Controlled medicines, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines and dissociative anaesthetics like ketamine, are drugs that have authorized use for medical or scientific purposes. They should be used under careful regulation as they have properties that can increase health risks if used for non-medical purposes and they can be associated with drug use disorders and drug dependence, unless rational use is ensured. But they also have essential life-improving properties, reducing suffering and improving health and well-being when used appropriately for treating specific medical conditions.  

    However, the majority of the world’s population lives in countries with limited or no access to affordable, quality-assured controlled medicines, even when they are proven to be safe and effective for treatment. And there is a major access and equity gap; for example, in 2021, over 80% of the world’s morphine was distributed to high-income countries, which leaves out 5.5 million terminal cancer patients and millions of others suffering from acute illness and end-of-life suffering in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Studies show that 75% of people living with epilepsy in LMICs do not receive treatment.  

    The updated WHO guideline offers a clear roadmap for Member States to develop and implement balanced national policies that support the medical and scientific use of controlled medicines while protecting individuals and communities from the risks associated with non-medical use. 

    Key highlights include: 

    • ensuring accurate and timely quantification of controlled medicines based on current consumption and projected needs; 
    • banning misleading and unethical marketing practices;
    • strengthening procurement and supply chain systems using appropriate tools and technologies to enhance traceability, reduce stockouts and waste, and ensure equitable distribution; 
    • enabling local production where feasible; 
    • facilitating continuous access to opioid agonist treatment in all clinically needed settings; and 
    • promoting robust training for health-care professionals and public education campaigns for safe, informed use.  

    The rapid communication announced today will be followed by the full document of the “WHO guideline on balanced national controlled medicines policies to ensure medical access and safety” to be released online in June 2025. 

    Related document: 

    Related links:

    Landmark resolution on lung health approved 

    Member States approved a landmark resolution on lung health, recognizing the urgent need to tackle respiratory diseases and their major risk factors, including air pollution and tobacco use. The Resolution aims to strengthen national and global actions to prevent, diagnose, and manage common lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia and tuberculosis. 

    The Resolution calls for improved access to affordable care, greater investment in clean air policies, and integrated strategies linking lung health with broader efforts on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and climate resilience. This milestone reaffirms global commitment to protecting respiratory health and preventing millions of avoidable premature deaths each year.  

    Related link:

    Assembly approves first-ever resolution on kidney health  

    The first-ever WHA resolution on kidney health, led by Guatemala and co-sponsored by multiple Member States, was approved today – recognizing  kidney disease as a growing global public health issue.  

    It urges countries to integrate kidney care into national health strategies, expand prevention, early detection and treatment efforts, and strengthen primary health-care services. This Resolution represents a major step forward in reducing the global burden of kidney disease as part of the efforts to address NCDs and advancing universal health coverage (UHC). 

    Related link: 

    Resolution calls for scaling up eye, hearing care and prevention 

    Today’s Resolution on primary prevention and integrated care for sensory impairments, including vision impairment and hearing loss, calls for improved services needed for at least 2.2 billion individuals affected by vision impairment, and 1.5 billion individuals by hearing loss.  

    The burden of unaddressed vision impairment and hearing loss remains disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries, Small Island Developing States, and settings affected by different emergencies.  

    Recent technological advancements help improve the screening and detection of vision impairment and hearing loss, and the availability of cost-effective and good-quality interventions. These include cataract surgery and assistive technologies such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, implants, and rehabilitative services as well as sign language interpreters, and Braille literacy, which can reduce the barriers people with sensory impairments experience to actively participate in society.  

    The new resolution invites countries to adopt or adapt and implement the recommendations outlined in the World report on vision and World report on hearing. Doing so can help incorporate comprehensive eye, vision, ear and hearing care across the life course as a core element within national health plans and primary health-care initiatives towards universal health coverage. 

    Related document:

    World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day announced as official health campaign 

    Today, the Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to cervical cancer elimination and established World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, to be marked on November 17, annually. 

    Cervical cancer –  the fourth most common cancer in women – could become the first cancer to be eliminated if sufficient global action and support is mobilized. The disease claims the lives of 350 000 women each year, and an additional 600 000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. 

    In support of the Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, launched by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in 2020, World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day will promote actions to end the disease and protect the health of women and girls. Critical measures include vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the major cause of cervical cancer, alongside efforts to step up screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions and management of cancer cases. 

    In addition to strengthening global advocacy and accountability, the commemoration of the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day will further support service delivery and encourage resource mobilization to expand health-care services for cervical cancer elimination as a benchmark for health equity and access. 

    Related document:

    Countries agree to extend timeline for global action plan on dementia  

    Countries have endorsed a decision to extend the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia from 2025 to 2031, following a recommendation from WHO’s Executive Board. The revised timeline brings it in line with the Global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological Disorders 2022–2031, supporting a more coherent approach to the global response to neurological conditions. 

    The extension comes amid rising concern over the global burden of dementia. Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and a major driver of disability among older people. In 2021, 57 million people were living with dementia, over 60% in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, there are 10 million new cases that occur. Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia, accounts for the majority of cases. 

    The extension gives countries space to accelerate national responses, invest in care and support systems, and integrate dementia into broader public health and ageing agendas. 

    Related documents: 

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    Countries commit to improve nutrition for mothers and young children 

    In a Resolution endorsed today at the World Health Assembly, countries recommitted to tackling malnutrition in mothers, infants and young children, and agreed to new indicators to advance progress in critical areas like diversifying diets and breastfeeding. This Resolution also extended the deadline for meeting the targets of the current global comprehensive plan until 2030. 

    Since the plan was first adopted in 2012, there has been notable progress, including a decline in childhood stunting (being too short for one’s age) and to a lesser extent in wasting (being too thin for one’s height), while exclusive breastfeeding rates increased. However, little progress has been made against targets for reducing the prevalence of low birth weight and anaemia among women, making these critical areas for action.  

    More ambitious goals were set for improving breastfeeding and reducing the proportion of children who are overweight – noting that the initial targets were nearly achieved in these areas. The 2030 targets are: 

    1. A 40% reduction in the number of children under five years of age who are stunted, compared to the 2012 baseline.
    2. A 50% reduction in anaemia in women of reproductive age, compared to the 2012 baseline.
    3. A 30% reduction in low birth weight, compared to the 2012 baseline.
    4. Reduce and maintain overweight in children under five years of age to less than 5%.
    5. Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 60%.
    6. Reduce and maintain wasting in children under five years of age to less than 5%. 

    Malnutrition has long-term effects on the development, health, and economic growth of individuals, communities and nations. Almost half of child deaths are linked to undernutrition. This new Resolution seeks to unify countries in their efforts to tackle these persistent issues. 

    Related document:

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    Global digital health strategy extended to support health system transformation 

    In a decisive move to advance digitized health systems, Member States agreed to extend the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 through to 2027. They also approved a decision for the development of a new Global Strategy on Digital Health for 2028–2033, ensuring alignment with efforts such as the UN Pact for the Future and the Sustainable Development Goals. These steps reflect the growing momentum and critical importance of digital health in achieving equitable, resilient, and people-centred health systems. 

    Originally endorsed at the Seventy-third World Health Assembly (WHA73) in 2020, the Strategy has catalysed significant progress in equitable digital health implementation across all WHO regions. These include: 

    • 129 countries have established national digital health strategies.
    • Over 1600 government officials from more than 100 countries have received training in digital health and artificial intelligence.
    • Transformative initiatives such as the Global Digital Health Certification Network have been launched, benefiting 1.8 billion people across 80 countries.
    • Critical guidance on artificial intelligence in health has been issued, including the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Health, with global workshops supporting Member States in ethical AI implementation.
    • 130 Member States have conducted digital health maturity assessments using the Global Digital Health Monitor.
    • Government-to-government collaboration on digital health has been established in four WHO regions, with 40 Member States joining the Global Digital Health Partnership.
    • Global collaboration has been strengthened through the Global Initiative on Digital Health, the WHO Innovation Hub and regional frameworks led by WHO, ITU, the African Union, PAHO and other key partners. 

    This extended Strategy is about accelerating action and launching a new critical phase in global efforts where digital health can be purposefully scaled and equitably integrated into every health system.  

    Related document:

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    Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery extended to 2030 

    Delegates welcomed WHO’s recommendation to extend the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery to 2030, underlining the essential role of nurses and midwives in delivering health services and strengthening systems.  

    The recently launched State of the world’s nursing report 2025 reveals that nurses account for approximately 39% of the global health workforce shortage, emphasizing the urgent need to address nursing deficits to achieve universal health coverage. The Assembly’s decision marks a critical step forward in advancing health workforce priorities and ensuring health systems are equipped to meet current and future demands. 

    Related document:

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    Member States commit to urgently address social connection  

    A historic resolution adopted by the World Health Assembly today recognized the crucial role that social connection plays in health and well-being for people of all ages. The Assembly agreed that social connection, which is characterized as the ways people relate to and interact with others, needs to be addressed as a public health priority, based on growing evidence linking it to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of early death. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of rapid technological shifts and long-term social trends. 

    Social connection, an important determinant of health, is linked to other social, economic and environmental determinants, and its cumulative effects help shape people’s health across the life course. A lack of social connection is often associated with cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions, including depression, dementia and other types of cognitive decline. These impacts are felt not only by individuals but also by communities and societies.  

    Quality social connection, on the other hand, can prevent and reduce social isolation and loneliness, enhancing physical and mental health, extending lifespans, and supporting healthy behaviours. The Resolution – the first in the history of the WHA – urges Member States to develop and implement evidence-based policies, programmes and strategies to raise awareness and promote positive social connection for mental and physical health. WHO also announced a new campaign “Knot Alone” to promote social connection for better health. 

    The resolution also requests the Director-General to: 

    • integrate social connection into WHO’s public health agenda;
    • provide technical assistance and capacity building support to Member States; and
    • report on the outcomes of the WHO Commission on Social Connection and the implementation of the Resolution at the World Health Assembly in 2027, with further progress reports due in 2029 and 2031. 

    Related document:

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    Sustain polio eradication through stronger health systems 

    Member States reaffirmed support for a polio-free world, commending progress in stopping a wild poliovirus outbreak in several countries in Africa and addressing remaining challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They welcomed advances in ending variant outbreaks, including success in Madagascar, while noting persistent risks in regions such as Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Yemen. Emphasis was placed on vaccine trust, gender equity, and humanitarian access, exemplified by successful campaigns in Gaza. Members stressed the urgency of sustaining eradication through strong health systems, containment, and strategic transition of polio assets. They backed the extended strategy to 2029, calling for innovative, diversified funding and continued political and financial commitment. 

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    Report on smallpox eradication: destruction of variola virus stocks 

    Although smallpox was eradicated in 1980, the virus is held in two locations under WHO supervision to enable research, one being in the Russian Federation and the other in the United States of America. Delegates noted the report, recalling the importance of achieving smallpox eradication, and their commitment to the responsible destruction of variola virus, while recognizing the importance of ongoing essential research with transparency and international oversight.  

    The report also laid out progress made in responding to mpox outbreaks in Africa and around the world (mpox is currently a public health emergency of international concern), and for which the outcomes of variola virus research have been crucial. Delegates stressed the need to ensure equitable access to diagnostics and treatments for all Member States, as access to these measures remain challenging in low and middle-income countries.  

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    Enhancement of laboratory biosafety 

    Delegates noted a report on efforts towards enhancement of laboratory biosafety. Laboratories require stringent measures to safely contain high-consequence and other impact microbiological agents and toxins. Delegates highlighted the importance of laboratory safety to safeguarding public health and welcomed the publication of the 4th edition of the WHO’s Laboratory Biosafety Manual and the release of a risk assessment mobile tool among others. While considerable achievements were made across the world, delegates recognized that challenges remain in regulatory oversight, funding gaps and engineering support. 

    Related documents:

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-23T17:50:17.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/who-governance/world-health-assembly/wha78—2025-(19-27-may)/world-health-assembly-committee-b-2025.jpg?sfvrsn=b168d0ab_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-23T17:50:17.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/23-05-2025-seventy-eighth-world-health-assembly—daily-update–23-may-2025″,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Requests $40 Million in FY2026 Community Project Funding Priorities for Georgia’s 13th District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees, announced a list of fifteen Community Project Funding priorities in the 13th Congressional District for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations cycle.

    Each Fiscal Year, Members of Congress can request Federal funding from the House Committee on Appropriations for up to fifteen community projects in their home districts. As part of that process, Congressman David Scott solicited requests through stakeholder meetings and member level engagement and submitted the list of projects outlined below. These Federal dollars provide vital resources to improve transportation and water infrastructure, enhance public safety, and help veterans access lifesaving health care.

    “In every vote I cast and every bill I fight for, my focus is simple: delivering results for the people I represent in the 13th District,” said Congressman David Scott. The nearly $40 million in Federal funding I have requested are going directly back into our neighborhoods—to repair roads, modernize schools, expand access to clean water, and create good-paying jobs. These priorities represent crucial investments in infrastructure and services that will strengthen our communities and bolster local economies for Georgians. I look forward to working closely with officials from across the district on each request to ensure we address the needs of the hard-working families we serve.”

    Congressman Scott’s project include:

    Project Name: City of Jonesboro Pedestrian Improvements Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro would use this funding to make pedestrian improvement in high-traffic areas, including the installment of sidewalks, adding pedestrian crosswalks, installment of ADA accessibility features, lighting, and turnup/turndown walls as required to tie with existing grades.

    Project Name: Rockdale Veterans Transportation Assistance Project
    Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veteran Transportation Program, which assists honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with trips to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and the VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

    Project Name: Newton County Sheriff Department Equipment Project
    Explanation of Request: The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would use this funding to purchase ten FAP-30 FBI-certified LES fingerprint sensors that would be used for mobile applications such as roadside stops, crime scene investigations, and serving warrants. Together, this equipment would give the law enforcement agency the capability to fingerprint offenders and victims efficiently and quickly.

    Project Name: Henry County Panola Road Resurfacing Project

    Explanation of Request: Henry County would use this funding to resurface 3.5 miles of Panola Road from Fairview Road to State Route 155. Panola Road serves as a critical east-west connection in northern Henry County, providing access to commercial areas, the City of Stockbridge, and the nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    Project Name: Gwinnett County Walton Court Booster Station
    Explanation of Request: The Gwinnett County Board of Supervisors would use this funding to upgrade the booster station facility, including installing a standby power source and updating the existing electrical system. This project with ensure that Gwinnett County residents will have adequate access to drinking water.

    Project Name: Newton County Salem Road Utility Relocation Project
    Explanation of Request: The Newton County Water and Sewage Authority would use this funding to relocate 15,640 feet of critical water main, 75 valves, 26 fire hydrants, and 1,050 feet of 10-inch sewer piping to accommodate proposed improvements to State Route 162 in Newton County.

    Project Name: Clayton County Police Department Precinct Anti-Crime Taskforce Project
    Explanation of Request: The Clayton County Police Department would use this funding to purchase and outfit fifteen police cruisers which will conduct gang enforcement operations, surveillance, and offender apprehension. The police cruisers would be outfitted with lighting and siren systems as well as hardware kits that support the Police Department’s in-car cameras.

    Project Name: Lawrenceville Police Department Equipment and Technology Update Project
    Explanation of Request: The Lawrenceville Police Department would use the funding to purchase four standard police cruisers which would conduct high-visibility enforcement, first-aid kits, trauma bags, mechanical breaching kits, a hydraulic breaching kit, a reusable training breach door, 16’ telescopic ladders, public safety camera trailers,  Bluetooth communication equipment, safety barriers, ballistic shields, gas masks, and tactical camera kits.

    Project Name: City of Conyers Technology and Equipment for Strategic Preparedness Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Conyers Police Department would use this funding to purchase a mobile command vehicle and LTE-enabled portable radios to improve officer preparedness during large-scale incidents, high-threat situations, hostage rescue, and disaster response while enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians.

    Project Name: MARTA Securing Rail and Bus Facilities Project
    Explanation of Request: MARTA would use this funding to install anti-climb, anti-cut fencing around at bus yards and rail yard facilities to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous and dangerous areas.

    Project Name: Rockdale River Trail Connector Project
    Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to connect two disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail. Connection these two portions of the trail would provide greater access to centers of business, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

    Project Name: Oxford Haygood Avenue Water Main Replacement Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Oxford would use this funding to disconnect the existing iron water main, install a new resilient water main, and reconnect water services lines to ensure residents of the City of Oxford have necessary access to drinking water.

    Project Name: Jonesboro Enhancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety Project
    Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro Police Department would use this funding to purchase one portable message board trailer, three portable LED light tower trailers, one speed detection trailer, thirty stop sticks, four rapid ID devices, four alcohol detection services, eight police cruisers, ten laptops, thirty body cameras, and twenty-six in-car cameras. This equipment will improve officer reporting, access to real-time information, and public communication during public emergencies.

    Project Name: Alcovy Road Transmission Main Replacement Project
    Explanation of Request: Newton County would use this funding to install 4,200 linear feet of 36-inch water main to replace the existing transmission lines. This project would ensure potable water for nearly all residents of Newton County.

    Project Name: Gwinnett County Harvest Gwinnett Mobile Kitchen Project
    Explanation of Request: Gwinnett County would use this funding to purchase a 16-foot box truck with a lift for its “Live Healthy Gwinnett” initiative. The box truck with allow the county to more easily transport its mobile kitchens across cities and rural areas in the county.

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    MIL OSI USA News –