NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Winter break for the 42 Traverse

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 July 2025

    The 42 Traverse, or T42, is a popular multi-use track and off-roading destination in the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area in the Central North Island. The area provides habitat for iconic species including kiwi and whio.

    Department of Conservation Team Lead Tongariro Michael Christie says the winter closure to four-wheel drives protects the track and provides safe access for critical conservation work – including protecting threatened species.

    “Winter off-roading causes heavy track damage, affecting our work and impacting the track experience for other users.

    “It’s also a safety issue – large vehicles can increase the risk of slips from sodden soils.”

    To protect the 42 Traverse, four-wheel drive vehicles are not permitted on the track between May 1 and November 30. These restrictions are outlined in the Tongariro/Taupō Conservation Management Strategy (CMS).

    “To be clear, we have to focus our efforts and funding where it matters most, and we cannot afford to continue fixing a road purely so a few can tear it up again,” says Michael.

    “If you wreck it, it will likely become inaccessible to everyone.”

    The 42 Traverse extends through native forest, offers superb views back to Tongariro National Park, and is enjoyed by people doing a range of other activities including tramping, hunting, and mountain biking.

    The 42 Traverse will reopen to four-wheel drive vehicles from December 1.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Breno Nunes, Associate professor in Sustainable Operations Management, Aston University

    Since early January 2025, residents of Birmingham in the UK have been caught in the dispute between the city council and the Unite union over pay, terms and conditions for waste and recycling collectors. The latest attempt at talks broke down in acrimony.

    At one point during the crisis, there were 17 tonnes of uncollected rubbish in Birmingham. Businesses and residents face public health and safety risks including pest infestations and the spread of disease and fire hazards.

    These have tainted the reputation of the city and hurt its chances of hosting events and attracting visitors. The news of cat-sized rats in Birmingham has made headlines from the US to Australia.



    Read more:
    Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health

    Workers’ pay is being negotiated between the union and the council in Birmingham. However, this is a fairly dangerous job and, with an ageing population, it may become more difficult to hire new workers. We argue that a more fair approach would be to use technology to help transition workers (including through training) towards better paid and safer positions.

    This would be an opportunity to build more sustainable waste management in the UK’s second largest city and beyond. Advances in robotics and AI are making automated refuse collection a reality, for example. Some cities in the US, Canada and parts of Europe already use robotics-enabled equipment in their refuse collection systems.

    A shortage of skilled personnel threatens the transition towards a greener economy. People have to be at the centre of the solution. In this case, skilled workers are needed to keep different types of waste separate and so improve recycling rates.

    The recovery value can be high for certain products such as electronics, automotive parts, as well as materials like plastic and metal. This is still difficult for machines to do.

    Smart bins and automated trucks

    Birmingham city council has already proposed improvements to waste collection. Based on publicly available information, it aims at increasing the number of rubbish trucks, reducing the number of collection days and retraining refuse collectors. But it has yet to take full advantage of existing advanced technologies.

    The plan, for instance, proposes improving communication with residents about collection day via text messages. While welcome, this is rather basic. It was only during the pandemic that all recycling centres started using online booking systems. Prior to that, endless queues were common – wasting time and increasing emissions with traffic jams.

    We argue that a whole-systems approach is needed to make the most of the opportunities new technology affords. Automated side loader trucks and smart bins are already used in various cities – the latter use sensors to monitor waste volumes and predict when collection is needed. The council could analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each technology in different areas of the city.

    Side loader trucks, which can lift up large bins and empty them, automate a dangerous process and are already considered a mature technology, used in cities across the US, Canada and Sweden. These trucks are difficult to drive in narrow streets. But, where appropriate, their benefits include increased productivity, reduced collection costs and greater worker safety.

    Sensors embedded in the vehicle, including from cameras, can provide data on the distribution of waste in different areas. This helps to produce a waste map. AI algorithms can analyse the data and provide customised collection schedules that optimise the use of trucks in the collection fleet. The algorithms can learn and be continuously revised to improve the service.

    In busy areas of the city, information from smart bins can prevent rubbish accumulating. Advanced machine learning techniques can then be employed to further optimise the collection schedule by detecting, for instance, anomalies such as a sudden increase in some types of waste. Such systems can provide more adaptable solutions and increase the productivity of officers.

    Recent improvements in imaging techniques and chemical analysis can help to identify different waste materials and allow automatic sorting, and the identification of hazardous waste.

    Other technological solutions, such as the use of smart underground large storage containers as communal bins allow for less frequent collections, but they may require significant changes to both infrastructure and trucks. These already exist in parts of Spain.

    Pneumatic waste collection systems have been tested in Wembley, a suburb in northwest London. In this system, waste is sucked through underground pipes by a fan system at speeds approaching 50mph to a central point, where it is stored in airtight containers until further treatment takes place. More than 30 countries adopt this system.

    Educating the public is vital too. Reducing waste in the first place is a good way to save money and would reduce pressure on waste collection systems.

    As far as Birmingham goes, overlooking advanced technologies won’t make the council’s task of satisfying residents and waste collection teams any easier. We think a lot of people would be happier to see more robotics trucks and smart bins than more rats in the streets.

    Breno Nunes receives funding from InnovateUK for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project on sustainable manufacturing strategy.

    Roberto Castro Alamino does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem – https://theconversation.com/from-robotic-trucks-to-smart-bins-how-technology-is-helping-cities-sort-their-waste-problem-260023

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN warns of deepening health crisis in Gaza amid mass casualty incidents

    Source: United Nations 2

    Across the Gaza Strip, as people desperately search for food, mass casualty incidents are reported almost daily, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters at his regular briefing in New York.

    Hospitals, already under immense strain, are struggling to cope and lack of essential supplies – including fuel and medicines – is placing even greater pressure on overstretched teams.

    The war has also had a devastating impact on health workers. According to Gazan health authorities, more than 1,500 medical staff have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.

    Medical supplies arrive – but much more is needed

    The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 11 trucks carrying medical aid, including surgical supplies, assistive devices, orthopaedic instruments and other essential medical items, had entered the Strip on Tuesday.

    These supplies are set to be distributed to various health facilities across Gaza.

    “The health needs remain immense. Much more medical supplies are needed. We urgently call for the unimpeded entry of fuel, food, and health aid at scale into Gaza through all possible routes,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO General-Director, said in a post on social media.

    Mr. Dujarric echoed that message, calling for the opening of all crossings and corridors “to ensure the consistent, frequent and large-scale distribution of aid to people in need, wherever they are.”

    Disease risk rising

    Against the backdrop of access challenges, the spectre of deadly disease outbreaks is also rising.

    In northern Gaza, 10 water wells have stopped functioning due to lack of fuel, and another 25 are operating only partially and could soon shut down.

    “Shorter pumping hours, reduced water production and limited solid waste collection provide fertile ground for diseases to spread – especially among vulnerable people including children, older people and pregnant women,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    No hygiene items have entered Gaza since early March 2025, he noted, added that the ongoing shortage of cleaning and sanitation supplies is severely affecting health and impeding an effective medical response.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation results in Georgia woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Georgia woman was sentenced for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley.

    Mirna Luna, 38, was sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. to a 46-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of trafficking of firearms. Luna pleaded guilty April 1.

    “Firearms trafficking poses a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and our commitment to preventing illegal weapons from reaching the hands of criminals and foreign terrorist organizations. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle such smuggling operations.”

    According to court documents, Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros Port of Entry into Mexico. Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.

    She will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hickson, Lecturer in Economics and Director, Business Taught Masters Programme, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    Defence spending is like insurance – you have to pay for it but you hope you never have to use it. And the higher the risk you face, the higher your premium will be.

    New Zealand has now committed to paying those higher defence insurance premiums. The government’s 2025 Defence Capability Plan, released in April, includes NZ$9 billion in extra funding over the next four years. That’s a sizable increase on a current annual budget of just under $5 billion.

    New Zealand is not alone, of course. Driven by geopolitical tensions and US President Donald Trump’s demand that other countries spend a higher proportion of their GDP on defence, global military spending rose for the tenth year in a row to US$2,718 billion in 2024, with huge increases in Europe and the Middle East.

    How much “insurance” a country should buy in the form of defence spending will vary. Too little, and it cannot respond when it needs to; too much, and resources are needlessly wasted. For New Zealand, it is a matter of finding the right balance.

    Economically, however, defence spending is more complicated than simply buying weapons and recruiting more personnel. There can be benefits beyond basic security considerations.

    One involves what economists call “technology spillovers”. Past innovations developed for military use – such as jet engines, GPS and the internet – often found important civilian applications.

    The challenge is to design defence investments to deliberately build skills and technologies with wider economic benefit: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity or clean tech. New Zealand’s defence plan includes this kind of spending, including
    between $100 million and 300 million on cybersecurity.

    On the other hand, promises of new jobs from large projects are often overstated, with New Zealand’s best known example being the “Think Big” policy of the 1970s. Rather, there can be job substitution as people move from civilian roles into military ones.

    Guns and butter

    In the end, of course, increased defence spending must be funded – through higher taxes, more debt or reduced spending on other items. Higher GDP growth would make the expenditure more affordable, but even then we face the same tradeoffs. It’s not possible to have lower taxes and debt as well as higher government spending.

    Most of the expenditure set out in the defence plan will be on equipment. But any increase in the output of the defence industry will likely crowd out other consumer and investment goods.

    While clearly an extreme example, one only has to look at how defence spending rose during WWII. The increase in military output came at the expense of other goods, leading to shortages and rationing.

    New Zealand doesn’t face that scale of change, but there is still likely to be some shift in production from “butter to guns”. We might also see a shift in how businesses spend their research and development money, towards military and away from civilian applications.

    New Zealand does not have a large defence industry and will need to import much of the new equipment. This implies a need for higher exports to pay for those imports, meaning fewer goods for New Zealanders to consume.

    Costs and benefits

    Most countries are understandably reluctant to cut spending on health, education and other things voters care about in order to boost defence. Hence, governments can be tempted to label new expenditures as “defence” when it could otherwise be classified as “updated infrastructure”.

    Spending on dual-purpose capital works is likely to increase, therefore, with projects earmarked for defence more likely to be funded. The New Zealand defence plan already allows for housing, airfield and port facilities that can all have multiple uses.

    There are also ethical considerations. Many consumers prefer not to invest in the arms trade, but components used in weapons manufacture often have non-military uses as well.

    Similarly, many consumer items, such as phones, vehicles and food, can be purchased by the military but clearly have non-military uses. We may see more of the output of companies that also produce non-military items directed into defence.

    All of this can make it difficult to classify a company as a defence contractor, and may be challenging for large investors (such as superannuation funds) with ethical investment policies. At the same time, the cost of not investing in defence firms might also rise as demand for their products or services increases and they become better investments.

    Like people in general, countries prefer lower insurance premiums. But when risks increase, so too does the price of insurance. Voters will disagree on how much should be spent on defence, but that is largely a political question.

    What economics teaches us, however, is that if you want to reduce your insurance premium, then reduce your risk. And that is something easier said than done.

    Stephen Hickson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums? – https://theconversation.com/defence-spending-is-like-insurance-how-will-nz-pay-the-higher-premiums-260399

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Whitiora

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Willoughby Street and Mill Street yesterday afternoon.

    Police were called to crash involving a car and dirtbike at around 3:25pm.

    Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died.

    Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries.

    The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, Otara Road, Opotiki

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Otara Road, Opotiki, is closed following a serious crash.

    At around 7:50am emergency services received reports of the single vehicle crash.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    Updates will be provided proactively.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Paving project set to start mid-July in Coles Corner area of US 2 near Leavenworth

    Source: Washington State News 2

    LEAVENWORTH – A stretch of US 2 that is a gateway to popular tourist destinations east of Stevens Pass will be repaved starting on Monday, July 14.

    The project will stretch from milepost 78, west of the junction of US 2/State Route 207 Coles Corner, to milepost 89 near Chiwaukum Creek trailhead, west of Leavenworth. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will resurface the highway’s driving lanes to prevent further deterioration of the pavement. Crews also will perform bridgework near Nason Creek at milepost 81.

    Travelers will encounter single-lane closures and flagger-controlled traffic with a pilot vehicle during working hours.

    Work will occur from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14. It will switch to nighttime hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning Tuesday, July 15, to avoid interfering with a slope-stabilization project on four stretches of US 2 between mileposts 60 and 98 scheduled to begin the same day.

    The paving project is expected to finish in mid-October.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Meth, Repeat Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Curtis Hill, III, 36, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on three different occasions, Hill sold methamphetamine to confidential sources. On one of these occasions, Hill was in possession of firearms. In a separate incident, following these drug buys, Hill ran from officers following traffic stop, where he tossed methamphetamine during the chase. These drugs were ultimately recovered by law enforcement and a firearm was found in his vehicle.

    At the time of these offenses, Hill was on federal supervised release. Hill has previous convictions for assault and battery, common law robbery, assault battery of a high and aggravated nature, and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hill to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Lydon further sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment for violation of his supervised release, which is to run concurrent with his 15-year sentence.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the West Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 9th, 2025 N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system. 

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) in Douglas County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20.
    Beginning Monday, July 14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Myrtle Creek and Drain to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The centers’ hours of operation are as follows:

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Myrtle Creek Community Center
    425 NW Second Ave.
    Myrtle Creek, OR  97457
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 14
    Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m.,
    Tuesday, July 15

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Drain Civic Center Meeting Room
    205 West A Ave.
    Drain, OR  97435
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16
    Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:00 p.m.,
    Thursday, July 17

    The following DLOC locations are open on the days and times as shown below:

    COOS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Myrtle Point City Hall
    Conference Room
    424 Fifth St.
    Myrtle Point, OR  97458
    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 10
    Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Permanently closes at 4:30 p.m.,
    Friday, July 11

    DOUGLAS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Roseburg Public Safety Center
    Third Floor – Salmon Conference Room 303
    700 SE Douglas Ave.
    Roseburg, OR  97470
    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus man sentenced to life in prison for drug, firearm, sex trafficking crimes

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant used violence & drug withdrawals to sex traffic women, caused overdose death

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – David Price, 56, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life plus a consecutive 65 years in prison for his role in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and other narcotics. The defendant purposefully provided a narcotics mix to cause the overdose death of an adult female because she was talking to the police about his drug trafficking. Price also sex-trafficked victims through drug withdrawals and violence.

    A federal jury found Price guilty on all counts following a trial in January and February before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.

    As part of this case, which charged 25 total defendants, the government seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle.

    A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

    A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

    Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes.

    According to court documents and trial testimony, Price was part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.

    Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.

    In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female. The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her because she was talking to the police about his drug business.

    The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Investigation showed that various women would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue and have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.

    Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion of three adult females. The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts. One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained. A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which is now part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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).

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster assistance is now available to eligible survivors in Kerr County affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began July 2, 2025

    Under Individual Assistance, FEMA and the State may be able to provide several types of financial and direct assistance to individuals and families

    Assistance may include funding for residents and non-residents in Kerr County who sustained damage

    For example, non-residents may include out-of-state survivors who may have been visiting or staying in Kerr County at the time of the disaster

     Survivors may be eligible for:Other Needs Assistance (ONA)Medical/Dental: Money to help cover expenses related to disaster-caused injuries or illnesses

    This funding can also be used to help replace medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment or prescribed medicine damaged or lost due to disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Transportation: Money to repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle to use

    (Also available to non-residents)Funeral Expenses: Money for eligible disaster-caused funeral expenses such as cost of transfer of remains, casket or urn, funeral services, death certificates, burial plot, cremation, interment, cost of reinterment if disinterment is caused by the disaster, and/or occurs in a family cemetery on private property

    (Also available to non-residents)Displacement: Money for housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster

    Serious Needs Assistance: Money for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, medicine and other serious disaster-related needs

    Note: This is not a reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food

    It is intended for emergency needs only

    Childcare: Money for childcare expenses or an increase in childcare expenses caused by a disaster

     Personal Property: Money to repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, clothing, and essential tools such as a personal or family computer damaged in the disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Miscellaneous Items: Money to help pay for specific items that were purchased or rented after the disaster to help you recover

    For example, a chainsaw to help clear fallen trees that prevent safe access to your home

    Moving and Storage: Money for moving and storing personal property from your home to prevent additional damage, usually while making repairs to your home or moving to a new place due to the disaster

    How To Apply for Disaster AssistanceTo request assistance, survivors must first apply with FEMA

     The fastest way is by going online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Central Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     Non-residents will need to include the address or damage location in Kerr County on their application, but their mailing address can be their current home address

     FEMA and the State work with every household on a case-by-case basis

    For ONA-related questions, please contact State’s ONA Helpline at 1-800-582-5233

     Learn more about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program at fema

    gov/assistance/individual

    For the latest information about Texas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 16:03

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Alert 25-5 – Hose Recoil Strikes Banksman

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Alert 25-5 – Hose Recoil Strikes Banksman

    On a MODU a hydraulic reel mounted 4’’ potable water bulk hose at the starboard bulk loading station was in the process of being changed out as per its routine maintenance schedule. This involved picking up one end of the hose with the crane while simultaneously hydraulically paying out the hose from the reel prior to coiling it on the main deck for subsequent backload. During this process the hose parted from within the 4” ferrule near the lifting point. The hose recoiled back toward the bulk loading station and struck the Banksman…

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Sets a Global Trend in Urban Transport.

    At a press conference held on July 7, Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, gave comprehensive answers to key questions about the development of urban transport.

    Major Metro Upgrades:

    – The share of upgraded rolling stock in the Moscow Metro has reached 77%.

    – So far this year, 144 Moskva-2024 cars have been delivered, with another 128 expected by the end of the year.

    – In 2026–2027, the fleet will be expanded with more than 700 new Moskva-2026 cars.

    – By 2030, the share of new trains will exceed 90%.

    Industrial Growth and Innovation:

    – Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific center in Russia, home to over 4,500 enterprises.

    – Over the past five years, clothing production has increased 58.3 times, machinery and equipment production 7.5 times, and electronics and optics production 5.4 times.

    – The industrial production index for January–May 2025 rose by 6% compared to last year.

    Autonomous Technologies and Safety:

    – In 2025, Russia’s first passenger-carrying autonomous tram will start operating; by 2035, the entire tram fleet will be autonomous.

    – The metro is implementing the “Sfera” video analytics system, which has already helped locate 17,000 criminals and 2,000 missing people, including children.

    Regular River Transport:

    – In just two years of operation, Moscow’s regular river routes have made the city a global leader: no other metropolis has a comparable electric water transport system.

    – More than 2 million passengers have used river transport, far exceeding the city’s expectations.

    – The capital already operates three routes and 29 electric vessels; by 2030, the fleet will grow to 60 vessels and four new routes will be added.

    – The recently launched “Novospasskiy — ZIL” route has already completed about 15,000 trips.

    A New Future for the Monorail — Park in the Sky:

    – Over 71% of Muscovites supported the creation of Russia’s first year-round park on the former monorail line.

    – The new 40,000 sq. m park will connect five districts and become a new city landmark with running tracks, alleys, cafes, and relaxation zones.

    – Some monorail cars will be preserved as historical monuments, and staff will receive new jobs in the metro.

    Major Infrastructure Projects:

    – In 2026, reconstruction of Yaroslavsky Railway Station will begin, lasting 2.5 years, expanding passenger areas and integrating the station into the city’s transport system.

    – In New Moscow, the country’s first cluster for the production of battery cells for electric transport is being built, which will cover almost all the needs of the Central Federal District.

    Micromobility Development:

    – Around 350 slow zones for e-scooters are in operation in Moscow, where speed is limited to 5–15 km/h.

    – In just 3.5 months, users made over 32 million e-scooter trips; the number of serious accidents fell by 25% thanks to comprehensive safety measures.

    – Mandatory verification through Mos ID was introduced, allowing the blocking of 32,000 underage accounts.

    – During the season, 39,000 fines were issued and 46,000 violators’ accounts were blocked.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow sets the global trend in urban transport.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    During a press conference held on July 7, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov gave detailed answers to key questions regarding the development of urban transport.

    Large-scale metro update:

    The share of updated rolling stock in the Moscow metro has reached 77% This year, 144 Moskva-2024 cars were delivered, and another 128 are expected by the end of the year In 2026–2027, the fleet will be replenished with more than 700 new Moskva-2026 cars By 2030, the share of new trains will exceed 90%

    Industrial growth and innovation:

    Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific center of Russia, where more than 4.5 thousand enterprises operate. Over five years, clothing production has grown by 58.3 times, machinery and equipment – by 7.5 times, electronics and optics – by 5.4 times. The industrial production index for January-May 2025 increased by 6% compared to last year.

    Unmanned technologies and safety:

    In 2025, the first driverless tram with passengers in Russia will start operating; by 2035, the entire tram fleet will be driverless. The Sfera video analytics system is being introduced in the metro, which has already helped find 17,000 criminals and 2,000 missing people, including children.

    Regular river transport:

    In two years of regular river routes, Moscow has become a world leader: no other megacity has an analog of such an electric transport system. During its operation, more than 2 million passengers have used river transport, which has significantly exceeded the city’s expectations. Three routes and 29 electric vessels are already operating in the capital, and by 2030 the fleet will increase to 60 vessels and four more new routes will appear. The recently opened Novospassky-ZIL route has already made about 15 thousand trips.

    The new future of the monorail – a park at altitude:

    More than 71% of Muscovites supported the creation of the first year-round park in Russia on the site of a monorail. The new park with an area of 40 thousand square meters will connect five districts and will become a new city landmark with running tracks, alleys, cafes and recreation areas. Some of the monorail cars will be preserved as a historical monument, and employees will receive new jobs in the metro.

    Major infrastructure projects:

    In 2026, the reconstruction of Yaroslavsky Station will begin, designed for 2.5 years, with an increase in passenger space and integration into the city’s transport system. The first cluster in Russia for the production of batteries for electric transport is being built in New Moscow, which will cover almost all the needs of the Central Federal District.

    Development of micromobility:

    There are about 350 “slow zones” for electric scooters in Moscow, where the speed is limited to 5-15 km/h. In 3.5 months, users have made more than 32 million trips on electric scooters, while the number of serious accidents has decreased by 25% due to comprehensive safety measures. Mandatory verification via Mos ID has been introduced, which has allowed 32 thousand accounts of minors to be blocked. During the season, 39 thousand fines were issued and 46 thousand accounts of violators were blocked.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Ministry of Economic Development and the leadership of the Omsk region discussed the development of the territory of the SEZ “Avangard”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Svyatoslav Sorokin held a meeting on the development of the territory of the special economic zone (SEZ) “Avangard” during a working visit to Omsk Oblast.

    To date, 11 residents have registered in the SEZ, who have already invested 5.7 billion rubles and created 108 jobs.

    The plans for the development of the SEZ include the placement of new investment projects. The key project will be the construction of a tire plant of JSC Avangard (part of the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company, UMMC). The total investment in the project will amount to 41.5 billion rubles. The start of production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. The enterprise will produce up to 10.5 thousand extra-large tires per year – for quarry equipment, dump trucks and heavy machines operating in the mining industry. Each such tire is designed for a load of over 20 tons. The products are oriented, among other things, to the needs of Kuzbass and the Far East. About half of the volume will be consumed within UMMC’s own contour, which ensures guaranteed demand.

    It was noted at the meeting that in order to continue working to attract investment to the SEZ territory, it is necessary to carry out measures to develop water supply and sanitation networks, the estimated cost of which is 3.044 billion rubles. The possibility of financing was announced by Svyatoslav Sorokin through the mechanism of providing the region with a treasury infrastructure loan. Following the meeting, the Government of Omsk Region sent a corresponding application to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

    “Development of the territory of the SEZ “Avangard” opens up opportunities for the placement of new high-tech production facilities. The company’s tire plant project is a large-scale investment initiative with an import-substituting effect and a significant contribution to the regional budget. Such projects form a new industrial profile of the Omsk Region,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Svyatoslav Sorokin.

    SEZ “Avangard” was created in December 2020 on the territory of Omsk. The total area is 165 hectares, of which 116 are intended for the placement of residents, 73% have already been leased or owned.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev: Development of checkpoints across the state border is a systemic task, the implementation of which is envisaged by the national project “Efficient Transport System”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Vitaly Savelyev at a meeting on the development of checkpoints across the state border.

    At a meeting on the development of checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, the results of the movement of goods and freight vehicles on the main sections of the border were summed up.

    The positive dynamics of freight vehicle traffic through automobile checkpoints is sustainable. Thus, the number of freight vehicles that passed through automobile checkpoints located on priority sections of the state border has increased by almost 70% over the past seven years and reached more than 6.5 million units in 2024.

    At checkpoints on the Russian-Chinese section of the state border, the growth was almost 130% (from 229 thousand to 523 thousand units). In turn, the volume of transported goods increased by 34% and reached 46 million tons by the end of 2024.

    High dynamics are also maintained in the movement of freight vehicles at checkpoints on the Russian-Mongolian section: 65% of the 2018 level, an increase from 34 thousand units in 2018 to 56 thousand units in 2024.

    High rates are also observed on the Russian-Azerbaijani, Russian-Kazakh, and Russian-Georgian sections of the state border.

    As part of the implementation of the order of the President of Russia to reduce the inspection time of freight vehicles to 10 minutes, the implementation of a pilot project at the Tagirkent-Kazmalyar automobile checkpoint on the Russian-Azerbaijani border continues. Thanks to the elimination of paperwork, the introduction of an intelligent checkpoint system and equipping the site with modern portal inspection and screening systems, the inspection time in test mode was just over 9 minutes.

    By 2030, the implemented solutions will be scaled up to 55 priority checkpoints.

    In implementing the plans of the “road map” for the introduction of smart checkpoints, the Russian Government is working closely with state control bodies: the Border Service of the FSB of Russia, the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Rosselkhoznadzor, and Rospotrebnadzor.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Danish Presidency Priorities on 15 July – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    Danish Council Presidency © European Union (2025)

    IMCO Members are preparing for an exchange of views with Ministers Morten Bødskov (Industry, Business and Financial Affairs) and Caroline Stage Olsen (Digital Affairs) to explore how the Presidency’s priorities align with the IMCO agenda. The discussion will center on the Presidency’s plans to strengthen the Single Market, particularly by reducing barriers to cross-border services, simplifying regulatory frameworks with a focus on SMEs.

    Members will also seek clarity on the Presidency’s approach to key legislative files, including reforms to the Customs Union, consumer protection and fair practices in the digital and green economy, follow-up to major digital initiatives such as the AI Act and the EU Data Strategy and new circularity requirements for vehicle design. The Presidency’s views on improving the resilience of the Customs Union to e-commerce challenges–especially strengthening controls over imports and ensuring compliance with EU standards–as well as the modernisation of cross-border digital tools, will also feature prominently in the exchange.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT Testing Paddles on I-195 East to Help Merging Traffic

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Starting, Friday night July 11, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will install traffic paddles along a section of I-195 East in Providence as part of a pilot to help traffic merge more efficiently. They will be located along a 500-foot section at the beginning of the highway, where drivers coming from I-95 North and South merge.

    The paddles, also called flexible delineators, will be installed in the center of the highway, allowing traffic in the two lanes from I-95 North and the two lanes from I-95 South to change lanes when vehicles are parallel to each other, which is more efficient.

    RIDOT will be monitoring the travel times after the paddles are installed to detect any changes in travel time and determine if any adjustments are needed, and if they will remain in place.

    Similar traffic paddles are in use and have been effective throughout the state.

    RIDOT continues to analyze options with the goal of reducing travel time and improving safety for these movements during the time the temporary traffic pattern is in place for the rebuild of the westbound Washington Bridge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  
    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
    Dear President Trump,  
    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 
    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 
    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  
    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 
    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: China’s interest in the next Dalai Lama is also about control of Tibet’s water supply

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Harper, Lecturer in International Relations, University of East London

    As the 14th Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday with thousands of Tibetan Buddhists, there’s already tension over how the next spiritual leader will be selected. Controversially, the Chinese government has suggested it wants more power over who is chosen.

    Traditionally, Tibetan leaders and aides seek a young boy who is seen as the chosen reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It is possible that after they do this, this time Beijing will try to appoint a rival figure.

    However, the current Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, insists that the process of succession will be led by the Swiss-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, which manages his affairs. He said no one else had authority “to interfere in this matter” and that statement is being seen as a strong signal to China.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Throughout the 20th century, Tibetans struggled to create an independent state, as their homeland was fought over by Russia, the UK and China. In 1951, Tibetan leaders signed a treaty with China allowing a Chinese military presence on their land.

    China established the Tibetan Autonomous Region in 1965, in name this means that Tibet is an autonomous region within China, but in effect it is tightly controlled. Tibet has a government in exile, based in India, that still wants Tibet to become an independent state.

    This is a continuing source of tension between the two countries. India also claims part of Tibet as its own territory.

    Beijing sees having more power over the selection of the Dalai Lama as an opportunity to stamp more authority on Tibet. Tibet’s strategic position and its resources are extremely valuable to China, and play a part in Beijing’s wider plans for regional dominance, and in its aim of pushing back against India, its powerful rival in south Asia.

    The Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday as many Tibetans living in China fear talking about independence.

    Tibet provides China with a naturally defensive border with the rest of southern Asia, with its mountainous terrain providing a buffer against India. The brief Sino-Indian war of 1962 when the two countries battled for control of the region, still has implications for India and China today, where they continue to dispute border lands.

    As with many powerful nations, China has always been concerned about threats, or rival power bases, within its neighbourhood. This is similar to how the US has used the Monroe Doctrine to ensure its dominance over Latin America, and how Russia seeks to maintain its influence over former Soviet states.

    Beijing views western criticism of its control of Tibet as interference in its sphere of influence.



    Read more:
    India and Pakistan tension escalates with suspension of historic water treaty

    Another source of contention is that Beijing traditionally views boundaries such as the McMahon line defining the China-India border as lacking legitimacy, a border drawn up when China was at its weakest in the 19th century. Known in China as the “century of humiliation”, this was characterised by a series of unequal treaties, which saw the loss of territory to stronger European powers.

    This continues to a source of political tensions in China’s border regions including Tibet. This is a controversial part of China’s historical memory and continues to influence its ongoing relationship with the west.

    Demand for natural resources

    Tibet’s importance to Beijing also comes from its vast water resources. Access to more water is seen as increasingly important for China’s wider push towards self-sufficiency which has become imperative in the face of climate change. This also provides China with a significant geopolitical tool.

    For instance, the Mekong River rises in Tibet and flows through China and along the borders of Myanamar and Laos and onward into Thailand and Cambodia. It is the third longest river in Asia, and is crucial for many of the economies of south-east Asia. It is estimated to sustain 60 million people.

    China’s attempts to control water supplies, particularly through the building of huge dams in Tibet, has added to regional tensions. Around 50% of the flow to the Mekong was cut off for part of 2021, after a Chinese mega dam was built. This caused a lot of resentment from other countries which depended on the water.

    Moves by other nations to control access to regional water supplies in recent years show how water is now becoming a negotiating tool. India attempted to cut off Pakistan’s water supply in 2025 as part of the conflict between the two. Control of Tibet allows China to pursue a similar strategy, which grants Beijing leverage in its dealings with New Delhi, and other governments.


    Shutterstock.

    Another natural resource is also a vital part of China’s planning. Tibet’s significant lithium deposits are crucial for Chinese supply chains, particularly for their use in the electric vehicle industry. Beijing is attempting to reduce its reliance on western firms and supplies, in the face of the present trade tensions between the US and China, and Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods.

    Tibet’s value to China is a reflection of wider changes in a world where water is increasingly playing an important role in geopolitics. With its valuable natural resources, China’s desire to control Tibet is not likely to decrease.

    Tom Harper does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China’s interest in the next Dalai Lama is also about control of Tibet’s water supply – https://theconversation.com/chinas-interest-in-the-next-dalai-lama-is-also-about-control-of-tibets-water-supply-255843

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US media “fueling” rhetoric about China’s “theft of intellectual property” — Chinese ambassador to Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, July 9 /Xinhua/ — In recent days, some American politicians and media outlets have once again “heated up” the hackneyed rhetoric about “intellectual property theft” and “forced technology transfer” by China. These accusations not only represent a malicious distortion of Sino-American trade and economic relations, but have also become an ideological tool for the United States to promote trade protectionism, according to an article by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui published in the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper.

    “The thesis of ‘China’s theft of intellectual property’, which is being inflated by the American side, is essentially a manifestation of arrogance and prejudice, namely the theory of ‘racial superiority in technology,’” the ambassador writes. “The United States considers itself exceptional and technologically superior to the rest of the world, looks down on everyone and claims that China is allegedly incapable of independent breakthroughs in key technologies, and, ignoring the facts, fabricates accusations. It is noteworthy that such American technology giants as Apple, Google and Amazon, clearly stated during hearings in the US Congress that there is no evidence of China stealing technology from American companies.”

    According to the ambassador, China’s technological progress is “a breakthrough through the blockade as a result of hard work in independent development.” In terms of investment in research and development (R&D), China confidently ranks second in the world. China is one of the world leaders in such areas as 5G, high-speed rail, renewable energy and unmanned aerial vehicles. The country is making a successful transition from the largest importer of intellectual property to its creator and largest exporter.

    “China has become the first country in the world to have more than 4 million patents in force domestically, with high-quality patents accounting for 41.5 percent. In 2024, the number of international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) exceeded 70,000, ranking China first in the world for the sixth consecutive year,” Zhang Hanhui wrote.

    As he points out, the thesis spread by the American side about the alleged “unfair protection of intellectual property” in China actually aims to incite discord and hinder the influx of foreign investment into the Chinese market. In recent years, China has been continuously improving its legal system in the field of intellectual property. There are 30 arbitration courts for intellectual property, 115 national centers for the protection of intellectual property and rapid response centers operating throughout the country. Foreign companies have already effectively “put forward a vote of confidence” through their practical actions.

    The Chinese diplomat cites the following data: in 2024, Apple’s R&D investment in China increased by 22 percent, Pfizer established three research centers in Shanghai, Wuhan and Beijing. Medtronic opened its first digital health innovation base in China. “The accelerated establishment of research centers in China by foreign companies demonstrates the effectiveness of efforts in the field of intellectual property protection,” Zhang Hanhui emphasizes.

    The claims about “forced technology transfer” are a substitution of concepts, the article points out. The American side is trying to present the fact of mutually beneficial cooperation between Chinese and foreign companies as “forced technology transfer.”

    “It must be clearly emphasized: ‘forced technology transfer’ not only does not comply with Chinese law, but also directly contradicts the country’s basic state policy of openness to the outside world,” the Chinese ambassador writes.

    According to him, China has been steadily promoting opening up to the outside world at a high level: the negative list for foreign investment has been significantly shortened, restrictions in the manufacturing sector have been completely abolished, and restrictions on foreign capital participation have been continuously relaxed. These measures have greatly expanded the freedom and choice for foreign companies to invest in China.

    “Meanwhile, the US is forcing three major South Korean battery manufacturers that invest in the US to disclose key technologies, forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok and hand over its operating algorithms — these are true examples of forced technology transfer and outright robbery,” notes Zhang Hanhui –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Technip Energies Advances Mozambique Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNGs) Development, Begins Production in Senegal and Mauritania

    Source: APO

    French engineering and technology company Technip Energies is expanding its presence across Africa’s energy sector, advancing key projects and supporting the continent’s energy transition. The company is set to advance the development of a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel for the $7.2 billion Eni-led Coral Norte project in Mozambique in the short-term period. Following an April 2025 approval by the Mozambican government, Eni will adopt Technip Energies’ FLNG unit with a capacity to produce 3.55 million metric tons of LNG per annum. The project is anticipated to achieve first production by the second half of 2028.

    As part of its commitment to African energy development, Technip Energies is participating as a gold sponsor at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies, taking place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town. Under the theme Invest in African Energy: Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion, the event brings together African stakeholders and global investors to explore opportunities and drive collaboration across the sector.

    Technip Energies is also providing front-end engineering design (FEED) services for ExxonMobil’s 10 million tons per annum Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique under a contract secured in September 2024.

    In June 2025, the company achieved commercial operations for the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel deployed at the bp-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project offshore Mauritania and Senegal. Built in China, the FPSO is equipped with eight processing and production modules and measures 270 meters in length, 54 meters in width, and 31.5 meters in depth. It is designed to accommodate 140 personnel and process up to 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, enabling the production of 2.3 million tons of LNG annually during Phase 1.

    Technip Energies remains committed to local content development and sustainable growth in African energy markets. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Namibia’s national oil company, NAMCOR, during AEW: Invest in African Energies 2024 to collaborate on LNG, carbon-free energy, decarbonization, and skills and technology transfer. A separate MoU with the Republic of Congo aims to strengthen the country’s capacities in LNG, zero-carbon energy solutions, and broader energy transition efforts

    Beyond hydrocarbons, the company is also supporting the growth of Africa’s mining value chain through the delivery of a FEED contract for an alumina refinery in Guinea-Conakry. The facility will process the country’s vast bauxite reserves into alumina for electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage technologies.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies will connect Technip Energies with African energy and global stakeholders for deal signing and to discuss and optimize opportunities within the continent’s extractive sector.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government and East Gwillimbury partner to help residents walk a new path

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    East Gwillimbury, Ontario, July 9, 2025 — East Gwillimbury will expand its active transportation network thanks to a joint investment of $7.6 million with the federal government and York Region.

    The project will build 1.5 kilometres of new multi-use path along Yonge Street in the downtown core. Work will include installing wayfinding signage and beautifying the streetscape with plantings, benches and seating walls. By establishing an accessible link between the Nokiidaa Trail and the Doane Road Pedestrian Bridge, this project will provide a vibrant streetscape enhancement through the core of Holland Landing, while extending York Region’s Lake-to-Lake trail network.

    Walking, cycling, rolling and other methods of active transportation are healthy, convenient, affordable and sustainable ways for residents to get around. Once complete, this project will help make getting around East Gwillimbury easier and more enjoyable. It will help encourage more people to get out of their cars and onto the trails, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced To Prison For Armed Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Solamon Flores-Garcia, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for carjacking and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Rhett Bolen of the Monroe Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, on October 24, 2023, Flores-Garcia, a previously deported alien that was residing illegally in Monroe, N.C., went to a neighbor’s home. When the neighbor answered the door, Flores-Garcia pointed a red handgun at the neighbor and demanded her wallet and car keys. Flores-Garcia then drove the victim’s car to La Chiquita Mexican store, where he robbed that establishment. During the robbery, Flores-Garcia pointed a red firearm at the head of the clerk before taking money from the store and fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle. Flores-Garcia was arrested shortly thereafter.

    Flores-Garcia remains in custody pending transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The FBI and CMPD investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced To Prison For Armed Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Solamon Flores-Garcia, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for carjacking and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Rhett Bolen of the Monroe Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, on October 24, 2023, Flores-Garcia, a previously deported alien that was residing illegally in Monroe, N.C., went to a neighbor’s home. When the neighbor answered the door, Flores-Garcia pointed a red handgun at the neighbor and demanded her wallet and car keys. Flores-Garcia then drove the victim’s car to La Chiquita Mexican store, where he robbed that establishment. During the robbery, Flores-Garcia pointed a red firearm at the head of the clerk before taking money from the store and fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle. Flores-Garcia was arrested shortly thereafter.

    Flores-Garcia remains in custody pending transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    The FBI and CMPD investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OKALOOSA COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Malcolm Jamal Norvilus, 39, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was sentenced on July 1, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    According to court records, on July 25, 2024, law enforcement officers in Okaloosa County, Florida were attempting to locate a vehicle that had been reported stolen.  When they located the vehicle, the driver, Norvilus, fled from deputies at a high rate of speed and crashed into a pole.  Norvilus was subsequently apprehended after attempting to flee on foot, and officers located more than 80 grams of methamphetamine concealed in Norvilus’ pant leg, as well as a bag of other narcotics.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners, our communities will be safer and healthier with this individual locked up and no longer able to peddle poison on our streets.  My office will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with these officers in the fight to Take Back America from drug traffickers and violent offenders who have victimized our communities for far too long.”

    “Getting methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs off our streets is a top priority. These combined efforts by local and federal partners are tied to successful results like this one,” said Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff. “Protecting the public requires dealers be held accountable and we are proud to be a part of this case.”

    “Methamphetamine poses a great risk to our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA remains dedicated in its fight against this dangerous, illicit substance and working with our partners in law enforcement to rid our neighborhoods of these dealers.”

    The case involved a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –