NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middletown Man Who Pretended to be Teenage Boy Online Pleads Guilty to Coercing, Exploiting Minor Girls

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – A Middletown man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to 11 counts of federal child exploitation crimes. The plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 26 years in prison.  

    William Scott Elam, 53, connected with girls between the ages of 10 and 16 on various online chatting apps. He pretended to be a 14-year-old male and coerced or attempted to coerce the minor victims into creating nude images and videos that involved sexual conduct.

    For approximately four years, Elam began online relationships with numerous minor females in at least seven states. Law enforcement officers have identified at least 10 victims to date. He admitted to coercing victims into masturbating on live video calls with him.

    He manipulated at least one victim into complying by threatening to harm himself if she did not do as he asked. He instructed another victim to self-harm via cutting on live video after learning the victim had a history of self-harm.

    Elam coerced victims into sending him live sexual material by threatening to leak naked images he obtained of them.

    The defendant was arrested in October 2023. He pleaded guilty today to 10 counts of coercion and enticement and one count of sexual exploitation of children.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered on July 14 before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chihuahua, Mexico, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Chihuahua, Mexico, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on July 11, 2025.

    Ubaldo Balderrama-Marquez, 59, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Balderrama-Marquez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2006. He pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025.

    The conviction arose from a conspiracy to distribute cocaine operating out of Denver, Colorado. Balderrama-Marquez, along with his brothers Jose Balderrama-Marquez, Miguel Balderrama-Marquez, and Rafael Balderrama-Marquez, sold large quantities of cocaine and marijuana to Ken Walking Eagle, John Ladeaux, and others for further distribution in South Dakota and in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

    This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, which is comprised of agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and officers with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

    Balderrama-Marquez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New England arrests El Salvadorian national, a registered sex offender convicted of possession of child pornography

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 16, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesChild Exploitation

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations New England has administratively arrested El Salvadorian national Victor Vasquez Cordova, a Level 1 registered sex offender with a past conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material.

    ICE HSI personnel, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Cordova, 54, on July 10 at his residence in Everett, Massachusetts, for immigration violations.

    Cordova entered the United States on Dec. 18, 1983, as a lawful permanent resident.

    He was convicted on March 31, 2022, of possession of child pornography. Cordova was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

    He will be held in ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 520

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 520
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    550 PM EDT Wed Jul 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northern Indiana
    Southwest Lower Michigan
    Lake Michigan

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon from 550 PM until Midnight
    EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms currently affecting northeast Illinois will
    track eastward across the watch area through the early evening.
    Locally damaging wind gusts are the primary concern.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 40
    statute miles east and west of a line from 60 miles south of South
    Bend IN to 35 miles north northwest of Kalamazoo MI. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 517…WW 518…WW 519…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 55 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    25025.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW0
    WW 520 SEVERE TSTM IN MI LM 162150Z – 170400Z
    AXIS..40 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    60S SBN/SOUTH BEND IN/ – 35NNW AZO/KALAMAZOO MI/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 35NM E/W /38ENE BVT – 15WSW GRR/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25025.

    LAT…LON 40838709 42698660 42698503 40838555

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU0.

    Watch 520 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Applauds More Counties in TX-11 Added to Major Disaster Declaration for Support from FEMA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    SAN ANGELO, TX — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), alongside local leaders, applauded the decision to add more counties across Texas’s 11th Congressional District to President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration to receive varying levels of support from FEMA. Within the 11th District, the list currently includes Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and Menard Counties for Public Assistance, and San Saba and Tom Green Counties for Public and Individual Assistance.

    “Texas has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past week from the devastating floods that swept through Central and West Texas on July 4th,” said Rep. Pfluger. “Several counties in my district were hit especially hard. Thanks to Governor Abbott’s advocacy and the President’s Major Disaster Declaration, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, and Tom Green counties are all eligible for vital FEMA assistance. My team and I have worked closely with local leaders and officials to ensure accurate damage assessments, and we will continue working to secure the resources these counties, and others, need.”

    “I would like to express my thanks to everyone, including Federal, State, and in particular our county emergency management and response teams, who assisted in the disaster response from the recent flood incidents and related damages in Kimble County. I am thankful that our county has been added to President Trump’s Disaster Declaration to ensure we receive the support necessary to rebuild and provide the necessary resources to the county and individuals in a timely manner. I have been blown away by, and very thankful for, how the community has come together in such difficult times, and I remain hopeful that we will recover from this disaster as quickly as is practical,” said Kimble County Judge Hal Rose.

    “Llano County is grateful for Congressman August Pfluger’s leadership and dedicated assistance in response to the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country that occurred during the July 4th holiday. In the face of an unprecedented natural disaster, Congressman Pfluger demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our residents. His prompt coordination with state and federal agencies, advocacy for emergency resources, and visible presence in affected areas were instrumental in accelerating critical response efforts and facilitating the deployment of relief measures. Through his actions, Congressman Pfluger and his staff exemplified the highest standards of public service, ensuring that Llano County’s needs were heard and addressed during a time of urgent crisis. We are immensely grateful for his partnership and resolute service to our community during this time of adversity,” said Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham.

    “Mason County is grateful for the concern and support provided at the state and federal levels in response to the July 4th flooding event. To be added to the major Disaster Declaration is huge, as destruction of this magnitude challenges a small county budget and resources. Having the commitment of our state and federal leaders is crucial to the long-term recovery of destroyed infrastructure. Mason County is blessed to be in the 11th District of Texas under the leadership of Congressman Pfluger,” said Mason County Judge Sheree Hardin.

    “McCulloch County has been truly humbled by the response from our Local, State, and Federal entities as we deal with the July 4th flood-related damages. A traumatic event such as this is overwhelming, and the outpouring of support from President Trump and Congressman August Pfluger eases our citizens’ burdens and allows our local governments the ability to make necessary repairs and plan for future improvements to emergency responses,” said McCulloch County Judge Frank Trull.  

    “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped submit the damage caused by the July 4th flood that enabled our inclusion in the disaster declaration for Public Assistance. Without this support, Menard County would have been set back years as we try to repair the damaged roads and public buildings. We are especially grateful to our regional partners with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the local leaders of the Menard Mission Team and the Beautification of Menard, and the volunteers and neighbors who have lent a helping hand or encouraging word through this trying time. We sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Pfluger and his staff as we work to document the damage inflicted on the citizens of Menard County, and are optimistic that our efforts will highlight the need for our community to be escalated into the proclamation for Individual Assistance as well,” said Menard County Judge Brandon Corbin.

    ICYMI: Last week, Congressman Pfluger announced the addition of San Saba and Tom Green counties to the Major Disaster Declaration alongside local leaders. You can read the announcement and their statements HERE.

    If you have been impacted by the floods, please visit the FEMA website to request support: www.DisasterAssistance.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Speaks on the House Floor to Honor the Lives Lost in the July 4th Floods and Share His Personal Story

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Read his remarks as delivered below:

    I thank my colleague, and I want to say that he’s done a great job of representing in a very tough time. It’s easy to lead when times are good, but when times are tough, you see character, and Mr. Roy has done a very nice job, an extraordinary job, of leading in a very challenging situation.

    It’s with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor all of the lives that were lost during this devastating, tragic series of floods that swept through Central and West Texas last week, and to recognize the bravery and the selflessness of the heroes who stepped up when they were needed most.And I’ll start by honoring the memory of the 11 lives that were lost from my district: Officer Bailey Martin, Bobby Martin, Amanda Martin and Jayda Floyd from Odessa; Shellie Crossland, Cody Crossland, Joel Ramos, Kyndall Ramos, and Tasha Ramos from Midland; Tanya Burwick from Blackwell, who worked in San Angelo for many years, and Steve Edwards from San Angelo. These lives were lost far too soon. These were selfless individuals, leaders, officers in the police force, and people that we will miss dearly. We’re going to continue to pray for the many more lives that have been lost, and for the families that are still searching for them, hoping and praying for a miracle.

    You know, I sent my young girls to Camp Mystic for a couple of reasons. Number one, because for young women, this was a place where they didn’t have access to the digital world. They had access to relationships. They were taught about faith. They were placed in cabins with other young girls, where they learned how to develop friendships. They learned things like horseback riding and archery, swimming, and camp craft. And my girls are fourth-generation campers at Camp Mystic. I learned about this when I was a kid and went to many closing ceremonies as a young child, watching my sister and her friends, and now I have had the opportunity to watch my own girls, for the last 10 years, attend this camp. I want to say that my wife, Camille, and I are eternally grateful that we are reunited with my two daughters, who were present at the camp during this tragedy. And while we rejoice their safety, and I will be forever grateful to God for sparing their lives, we are mourning and deeply grieving with the many families who are having to say goodbye to their loved ones, to their daughters, up and down the river, campers who were there for the Fourth of July to celebrate our nation’s independence, to celebrate being with families. It’s just unimaginable the grief, and it’s unimaginable the heartbreak, especially those young kids and those young girls, specifically at Camp Mystic.

    I want to honor Dick Eastland, who is the owner of Camp Mystic, a man that I’ve known my entire life. A man who gave his life trying to save campers at Camp Mystic. The Eastland family, for years, has poured their lives into young women, building these young women and these young ladies to be women of faith, to be women of character, to be citizens of this great nation, to raise families in a way that you see the character and the strength of their faith. And you know, Dick Eastland and the entire Eastland family are like many other families throughout this country that run camps, whether it be Boy Scout camps, Girl Scout camps, YMCA camps, summer camps, church camps, it doesn’t matter. But these camps are important for our nation in a way that sometimes parents can’t always do. These camps represent a place where these kids can come and they can learn how to be better citizens, how to be better friends, how to be better community members. And they’re important. Camp Mystic was important.

    The image that I’ll never forget in my mind as I walked through the camp just two days after this tragedy, is where my young daughter stood getting away from the flood that was rising very rapidly. And where she had her head bowed, praying for safety, and as they were singing songs, knowing that there was a really tragic event unfolding in front of them, praying for their friends and for their safety. My middle daughter said that this was a family. Everybody knew everybody. And this family is deeply grieving right now. I hope that this serves as a wake-up call to our nation; that it serves as a wake-up call for us to congratulate and celebrate the countless heroes, some of whom gave their lives, and we will never know their stories, and to celebrate the fact that we live in a country where we can freely worship, where we can stand firm on our faith.

    Camp Mystic was a place, like other places throughout this country, that taught these young, innocent souls. That taught them to lean on their faith. That taught them to lean on their friends and their relationships and their families. That taught them the core values of what this great country affords. And I hope that this serves as a wake-up call for all of us to get back to that foundation that we can take a lesson from this tragedy, and we can build on it in a way that we do good, that we honor the memory of almost 130 people now, and rising, that tragically lost their lives, that we won’t ever forget. This green ribbon here serves as a reminder today. Again, I want to thank my friend Chip Roy for representing during this hard time and for calling this hour to recognize that memory. And I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/11/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn, White House Economic Council Director Highlight One Big Beautiful Bill’s Historic Victories on ‘Unmuted with Marsha’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett breaking down the economic benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill for Tennesseans and all Americans.
    Senator Blackburn and Kevin Hassett discussed how the One Big Beautiful Bill, now the law of the land, will boost take-home pay for families by $10,000, cut taxes on overtime and tips, provide a $6,000 bonus deduction to millions of low- and middle- income seniors, save Tennesseans thousands in taxes, and bolster America’s border security.

    Click here to watch this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’

    “I was talking with a small business owner yesterday morning, and after the 2017 cuts, they had hired two people so their business could grow, and they had been tapping the pencil on the paper, waiting to see if we were going to get this done because they wanted to keep those two employees and wanted to hire two more… People in Tennessee are so excited that the bill is now signed into law, and they’re so pleased to know that those tax cuts from 2017 are going to be made permanent,” said Senator Blackburn.

    “I was really impressed at how effective you were at driving the bill forward. I’d say that the way to think about this bill is that it’s going to give us… a whole bunch of new stuff that’s explicitly targeted at blue collar workers and middle-class workers. The people who need the help the most. And so, for example, there are about 90 million hourly workers in the US, and now, if they work overtime, then there’ll be no tax or extra tax on the overtime. Our own Council of Economic Advisers has estimated that this bill will increase the take-home pay for the typical family by about 10 to $13,000 and that’s really, really going to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Director Hassett.
    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/16/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Details Wasteful Government Spending, Highlighting Need for Senate to Pass Rescissions Package

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor detailing the need for the U.S. Senate to pass the $9 billion rescissions package to eliminate wasteful government spending.

    Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor. 
    REMARKS AS PREPARED
    America’s Current Fiscal Path Is Unsustainable, and President Trump Has a Mandate to Rein in Wasteful Spending
    Mister President, when I talk to Tennesseans, one of the biggest concerns they have for our nation’s future is our national debt.
    After four years of reckless, far-left spending under the Biden administration, it now sits at $37 trillion.
    That’s $108,000 for every American citizen.
    Today, we are spending more on interest payments on the debt than what we spend to fund our entire military. 
    Tennesseans and the American people know that this path is unsustainable.
    That’s why they returned President Trump to the Oval Office with a mandate to rein in wasteful spending.
    And that’s exactly what he has done.
    Congress Must Permanently Eliminate Wasteful Spending
    Since Inauguration Day, this administration has identified more than $190 billion in potential savings across the federal government—on everything from unused office space to far-left DEI programming.
    This is a victory for the American people.
    But while President Trump can stop these funds from going out the door, it is Congress’s responsibility to claw them back and make these savings permanent.
    Otherwise, a future Democrat President could open the floodgates of wasteful spending once again.
    That’s why Republicans are moving forward with a rescissions package this week that will save American taxpayers $9 billion.
    With our national debt at unsustainable levels, we must be careful stewards of taxpayer dollars. That means eliminating obvious waste that serves no benefit for the American people.
    Rescissions Package Will Eliminate Reckless Spending on Biased Public Media
    That’s exactly what this bill accomplishes, and this is only the beginning of the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate reckless spending.
    It eliminates $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
    This is the organization that funds NPR and PBS—which have pushed left-wing ideology on the taxpayers’ dime for years.
    NPR’s CEO, Katherine Maher, has called President Trump a “fascist” and “deranged racist.”
    Ahead of the 2020 election, her outlet refused to cover the revelations about Hunter Biden’s laptop and overseas business deals—which turned out to be entirely true.
    As NPR’s leadership put it at the time: “We don’t want to waste the listeners’ and readers’ time on stories that are just pure distractions.”
    Rescissions Package Will Cut Billions in Foreign Spending That Undermines American Values
    The rescissions package also cuts billions in foreign spending that does absolutely nothing to promote American values and interests abroad:
    $4 million for “sedentary migrants” in Colombia;
    $3 million for an Iraqi version of Sesame Street;
    $1 million for voter ID efforts in Haiti;
    $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda;
    $6 million for “Net Zero Cities” in Mexico;
    $2.1 million for “climate resilience” in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
    And on and on.
    At the same time, the package eliminates $1 billion in funding for international organizations that work against American interests, including:
    $135 million for the corrupt World Health Organization, which covered for Communist China throughout the COVID pandemic;
    And $8 million for the UN Human Rights Council, which supports dictators and repressive regimes while demonizing our ally, Israel.
    Americans Support Fiscal Responsibility 
    All in all, these savings are just common sense.
    The American people support these cuts. They want fiscal responsibility. They want a future where their children and grandchildren do not have to bear the burden of crippling debt. And this rescissions package is an incredible first step in taking on this problem. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Haiti funding cuts bite, civilian suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus deaths in custody alert

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Ongoing violence is compounding the country’s food crisis, disrupting local food production in critical areas such as the commune of Kenscoff and the Artibonite department, often considered the breadbaskets of Haiti.

    While the UN and its partners are responding “wherever and whenever possible,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said this Wednesday that humanitarians have only been able to reach 38 per cent of the population they aim to support.

    Multiple roadblocks

    “This is due to ongoing violence and insecurity, severe underfunding of the response, and the obvious access challenges,” he said.

    Over halfway through the year, Haiti is the least-funded of the many humanitarian appeals that the UN coordinates – despite shortfalls for food security in the country being at extreme levels – with just over two per cent of the $425 million needed this year received to date.

    Myanmar: Intensifying conflict impedes humanitarian aid

    Almost four months after Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, the UN is deeply concerned over the plight of civilians caught up in the country’s devastating and continuing conflict between the military regime and opposition armed groups.

    As fighting intensifies, civilians are particularly vulnerable, with increasing attacks on infrastructure.

    According to reports, an air strike hit a monastery in Sagan Township in Sagaing Region on 11 July, killing 22 people and injuring at least 50 others. The monastery had been providing shelter to displaced people who had fled nearby villages.

    A displacement camp in North Shan State was also reportedly hit by an airstrike over the weekend.

    ‘Broader pattern’

    “These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks affecting people across Myanmar,” said Mr. Dujarric, with frequent reports of people being killed, injured or displaced by violence.

    Such insecurity also impacts the ability of humanitarian teams to reach people in need: with one in three people now facing acute hunger, and the current monsoon season having caused flooding, “the UN urgently calls on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.

    Belarus: Rights experts urge probe into deaths in custody of opposition activists

    Top independent human rights experts called on Belarus on Wednesday to launch urgent investigations into the deaths of several people jailed for political dissent.

    The experts – who are known as Special Rapporteurs – highlighted the case of 61-year-old businessman Valiantsin Shtermer. He died in May 2025 while serving his sentence in a so-called “Correctional Colony” in Šklou.

    Mr. Shtermer had been jailed for making critical remarks about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite his serious medical condition, he was allegedly denied adequate care in prison.

    Fifty-year-old opposition activist Vitold Ashurak meanwhile, also died shortly after being placed in an isolation in the same prison.

    According to the Special Rapporteurs, Mr. Ashurak was a member of the Belarusian National Front who was jailed for violating public order during protests related to the disputed 2020 presidential elections.

    We must not ignore these deaths

    “These deaths must not be ignored,” said the experts, who added that there were strong grounds to believe that they resulted from abuse or neglect linked to the exercise of fundamental rights.

    “It is of the utmost importance to thoroughly investigate the alleged instances of ill-treatment and neglect that resulted in the deaths of Shtermer, Ashurak, Puškin and other persons designated as political prisoners by human rights defenders,” the Human Rights Council appointed experts underscored.

    “There are strong reasons to believe that these individuals lost their lives in retaliation for exercising their civil and political rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

    The independent experts voiced concern that some opposition figures had been stigmatised and labelled as “extremists” or even “terrorists”.

    Special Rapporteurs report regularly to the Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: UN chief urges de-escalation as Sweida violence escalates, Israel strikes Damascus

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    News reports estimate that the sectarian violence in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, south of the capital, has killed more than 200.

    Israel explained its attacks in the heart of the capital and on pro-government forces in Sweida as a defensive move in support of the Druze community, which has a significant presence within Israel and in the Israeli-occupied Golan.  

    The strikes on the defence ministry in Damascus also hit an area near the presidential palace, according to news reports and Syrian authorities.

    Pledging to protect the Druze minority but also following up on its threat to attack any Syrian military operations taking place south of the capital, Israel said it would intensify strikes if government forces did not withdraw from the region, according to news reports.

    Syrians ‘robbed’ of opportunity for peace

    “The Secretary-General is alarmed by the continued escalation of violence in Sweida” and “unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday.  

    It was the second day in a row that the UN chief has intervened to highlight the increasing civilian toll and “reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace.”  

    Mr. Guterres further condemned Israel’s “escalatory airstrikes” on Sweida, Daraa and central Damascus, together with “reports of the IDF’s redeployment of forces in the Golan,” the highly-contested mountainous region along the border of the two countries. 

    The UN also called on Israel to cease any violations of Syria’s sovereignty and respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. 

    The UN chief also reiterated the need to support “a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.”

    Extending his condolences to the people of Syria, the Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate de-escalation of violence measures to facilitate humanitarian access.  

    Civilians in peril

    Mr. Dujarric said UN humanitarians were warning that “the deadly hostilities continue to put civilians at risk, with ongoing reports of significant displacement and damage to critical infrastructure, including water, electricity and telecommunications networks,” Mr. Dujarric said.  

    Access to Sweida and the impacted areas remains severely constrained due to insecurity and road closures, and civilians are unable to reach shelters.  

    The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, said that the UN and its humanitarian partners plan to assess the needs and provide essential assistance in Sweida as soon as conditions allow.

    Mr. Dujarric underscored that medical services in Sweida and the neighbouring Daraa Governorate are overstretched and hospitals are almost at capacity.  

    While the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched emergency medical supplies to Daraa, deliveries to Sweida have yet to get through due to the fighting. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur Joins McCollum In Leading 45 Bicameral Colleagues In Letter Opposing Cuts To The Corporation For Public Broadcasting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Lawmakers emphasize importance of emergency broadcasting funding to keep Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies

    Washington, DC — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), joined Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) in leading a letter alongside 45  bicameral Congressional colleagues to President Trump urging him to reconsider his decision to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The CPB supports America’s children with educational programming and ensures that emergency broadcasting keeps Americans safe amid natural disasters and emergencies. The proposed rescission to the CPB will force small stations around the country to close, leaving significant gaps in coverage for Americans who rely on these vital services for noncommercial, high-quality, localized content and telecommunications. 

    The letter comes amid Congressional Republicans’ attempt to pass President Trump’s proposal to rescind $10 Billion in federal funding that Congress approved four months ago on a bipartisan basis. Despite bipartisan opposition to the bill, the US Senate voted to move forward to debating and amending the legislation on Wednesday by the slimmest possible margin following a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President JD Vance. 

    “We write to express our deep concern regarding the $1.1 Billion claw back of funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) included in the proposed recissions you sent to Congress on May 28, 2025,” said the lawmakers in their letter to the White House. “The package was passed through the House of Representatives on June 12, over the objections of all Democratic and four Republican Members. The cuts to CPB in the recission package undermine the public media that Americans rely on for unfettered access to information, educational programming for kids, cultural programming, and nationwide emergency alerting.

    “Public media has received bipartisan support for the past 50 years because Congress has continuously recognized that access to public media is in the public’s best interest. The Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Amber Alerts and plays a critical role in keeping Americans informed and safe during emergencies. As key local news providers, public radio stations leverage their reporting resources to offer live news and information on disasters and other emergencies, providing real-time information on where local audiences can access resources and safe locations.

    “As our nation experiences increased instances of severe weather and climate shocks, this service is more important than ever. In Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) delivers programming and services across the state, and in some areas is the only local source for news and updates during an emergency. When the power goes out, and cell networks or the internet go down, MPR is the most reliable form of communication in an emergency and provides essential backstopping for all other emergency alerting services and activities across the public media system. This is true across all 50 states, and losing this important service in the middle of hurricane, flood, and tornado season will prove devastating nationwide.

    “Of the $1.1 Billion included in the rescission proposal, 70% of these funds will be pulled out of local stations that are independently owned and operated in our communities. For many smaller stations in rural communities across the country, these cuts will prove utterly devastating, because they provide local, state, and regional news that is no longer provided through other outlets. These small stations will not survive, resulting in news deserts for these communities and putting thousands of American lives at risk.

    “We ask your administration to withdraw this rescission proposal and protect the vital services that CPB provides. If the rescissions go ahead as planned, we will be requesting a report to Congress as to how your administration plans to fill the void left behind, particularly in the areas of emergency alerting and local news reporting.”

    The letter is co-signed by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and 44 Democratic Representatives: Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ami Bera (CA-06), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), William Keating (MA-09), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), James McGovern (MA-02), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Richard Neal (MA-01), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Adam Smith (WA-09), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    Click here to read the letter. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Call for public information on Auckland marine mammal cases

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  17 July 2025

    Eva Obushenkova, an Investigator with DOC’s National Compliance Team, says the first incident occurred between 11:20 am and 12 pm on May 21, and involves a recreational boat skipper seen steering his vessel through a pod of bottlenose dolphins.

    “One witness has seen the vessel launched at Waiake Beach on Auckland’s North Shore,” Eva says.

    “They reported seeing the boat head straight toward the dolphins, which were clearly visible, and get very close to them.

    “Our witness has also stated the boatie later changed direction and began following the pod, steering his vessel among the dolphins and eventually stopping the engine to take photographs.”

    Under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations, vessels cannot travel through a pod of dolphins.

    Eva says the boat involved in the incident is a Haynes Hunter named Plaisir.

    “We’d like to talk to the owner or skipper of Plaisir, and encourage them to come forward,” she says.

    Anyone who saw the incident, or can share information on the vessel, can contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case number 9189. Any information offered by members of the public is kept confidential by DOC.

    In a separate incident at Muriwai in Auckland in early June, members of the public discovered two dead kekeno/NZ fur seals with their heads removed on the beach. The discovery was reported to DOC.

    DOC science staff who’ve seen the images say the decapitations are the result of human actions, and not predation by another species.

    Anyone with information on the decapitation of the dead seals at Muriwai – whether it’s eye-witness reports of incidents, or other potentially valuable evidence – is asked to contact 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case 9390.

    Although DOC staff acknowledge the seals were discovered dead on the beach, there is still no justification for removing the animals’ heads. The Marine Mammals Protection Act clearly states it is illegal to take any part of a marine mammal.

    “It’s not acceptable for people to tamper with protected wildlife, and it’s illegal to remove a protected species’ head,” Eva says.

    DOC protects and nurtures more than a third of New Zealand’s landscape, marine areas, and thousands of endangered species – a role guided by several key laws like the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, and National Parks Act. These legal frameworks ensure our unique biodiversity is properly safeguarded.

    When people or organisations don’t follow the rules, it further threatens our special places and native wildlife. DOC takes these responsibilities very seriously and has a range of enforcement tools to hold rule-breakers to account.

    However, DOC can’t be everywhere, so public eyes and ears make a real difference. DOC staff continually urge the public to help protect nature by reporting unlawful activity through 0800 DOC HOT.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Updates to Deposit Takers Act implementation timeline and standards – Reserve Bank

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    17 July 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has today published an updated implementation timeline for incoming changes to the prudential regulatory regime for deposit takers.

    The Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA) modernises the regulatory framework to help ensure the safety and soundness of deposit takers and support a stable financial system that New Zealanders can trust. 

    DTA standards will be issued by 31 May 2027 and come into effect on 1 December 2028.  

    “The standards bring to life the prudential requirements deposit takers will need to meet to be licensed under the DTA,” Director Prudential Policy Jess Rowe says.  

    Public consultation on the proposed standards took place across 2024 and 2025.  

    “We’re grateful for the insightful feedback received from submitters, and we’re now hard at work preparing the exposure drafts of the standards,” Ms Rowe says.  

    Exposure draft consultation will take place in three tranches, starting in October 2025.

    Licensing of existing deposit takers will occur over an 18-month window, running from 1 June 2027 to 30 November 2028, ahead of the standards coming into effect on 1 December of that year. The change means all banks and non-bank deposit takers will be licensed under a single, coherent regulatory regime. In late 2025, we hope to communicate information about our approach to licensing existing deposit takers under the DTA.

    Changes to the DTA implementation timeline were necessary to allow time for a review of key capital settings, announced on 31 March 2025. DTA standards were previously planned to come into effect in July 2028.

    DTA timeline – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e1c35a6635&e=f3c68946f8

    2025 Review of key capital settings: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f4705877ae&e=f3c68946f8

    Response to submissions on the non-core standards

    In 2024, we received 25 submissions to public consultation on DTA non-core standards.  

    In response to feedback, we have made changes to further support a proportionate approach, reduce the impact of compliance on deposit takers, and enhance potential competition in the market. Changes resulting from consultation include removing prescriptive detail and making requirements more flexible in certain areas.

    Our overall assessment remains that we are striking a good balance between our primary financial stability mandate and our purposes and principles, including proportionality and competition.

    Deposit Takers Non-Core Standards – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=88eeb490a1&e=f3c68946f8

    A summary of submissions on the Crisis Management Issues Paper has also been published.

    Crisis management under the Deposit Takers Act 2023 – Issues Paper – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=aaa9de9963&e=f3c68946f8
     

    Terminology explained

    Core standards

    These are the standards that we will use as the criteria to determine the eligibility of existing banks and NBDTs for relicensing under the DTA.  

    Non-core standards

    These are the other standards that all deposit takers will need to comply with when the DTA standards regime starts but will not be used for relicensing existing deposit takers.

    Deposit takers will need to comply with all standards when they come into force in 2028.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mawson emperor penguin census

    Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

    A lucky handful of Mawson expeditioners visited the Taylor Glacier emperor penguin colony in July, to collect photos for the annual population census.
    No more than 12 people get to visit the colony each year, due to its ‘Antarctic Specially Protected Area’ (ASPA) status.
    Population counts have been ongoing since 1957, and averaged about 2500 birds between 2002 and 2023.
    This season, Mawson station’s Senior Field Training Officer, Lee Warner, and five other expeditioners, made the 90 km journey across the sea ice, to Colbeck Hut.

    Mr Warner said the party had to stop regularly to measure sea-ice thickness, which must be at least 60 cm thick for safe passage by Hägglunds.
    “Every change in appearance of the ice is generally a reason to test and assess the sea ice,” Mr Warner said.
    “Sea-ice conditions and ice thickness are influenced by glaciers, islands, snow depth, rafted ice and hidden anomalies like kelp beds, tide cracks and open water leads.  
    “We measure ice quality and thickness every hundred metres, or every few kilometres, depending on whether there are anomalies or not.”
    Once at the hut a team of four made the three kilometre trip to a vantage point above the colony where a number of automated cameras have been installed.
    The cameras take photos of the colony every day throughout the year to show when the penguins arrive and leave.
    “Pathfinding through waist deep powder snow to find the cameras to download the imagery captured over the last six to eight months is very satisfying. It’s a great team effort,” Mr Warner said.
    The team also took the all-important census photos – a series of 30 photos looking down and across the colony, which are stitched together into a panorama (see banner above). Scientists can then count the number of penguins.
    Senior Comms Tech Officer, Danny Novkovski, said the census photos and automated camera images were processed back at Mawson station and uploaded to the Head Office server for seabird expert, Dr Barbara Wienecke, to access them and conduct the census work.
    Dr Wienecke said Taylor Glacier is one of only two known sites where emperor penguins breed entirely on land, rather than land-fast sea ice (sea ice attached to land).
    The long-term monitoring project aims to assess the response of the penguins to environmental change and human activities, and ensure ASPA management plans continue to safeguard the animals.
    This content was last updated 3 minutes ago on 17 July 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation

    Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that he would not appeal the trial court’s ruling in litigation involving Senate Bill 382’s changes to the structure of the State Highway Patrol. Governor Stein released the following statement about his decision:  

    “I brought this lawsuit to ensure that our public safety leaders are accountable to the people of North Carolina, as required by our state’s Constitution. Making a Commander of the State Highway Patrol unremovable for any reason would threaten public safety, and I am relieved the Court did not endorse such a result. I continue to have confidence in Colonel Freddy Johnson’s ability to lead the State Highway Patrol effectively, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to keep people safe.”

    Governor Stein challenged Senate Bill 382 because the bill was ambiguous about whether it sought to overturn the Governor’s constitutional authority to remove the Commander of the State Highway Patrol in appropriate circumstances, at least until 2030. The bill could have been interpreted to prevent the Governor from removing the Commander under any circumstance, including if the Commander refused to perform his duties, abused his office, or was convicted of serious crimes.

    Last month, a three-judge panel held that Senate Bill 382 was not clearly unconstitutional. Though he disagrees with certain aspects of that decision, the Governor understands it to recognize his constitutional authority to remove a Commander and thus does not believe an appeal is necessary at this time. 

    Jul 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    FBI Most Wanted Suspect for attack on ICE agents arrested after joint investigation with ICE and law enforcement partners

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement as the week-long manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song--a fugitive wanted in connection with the July 4 ambush on federal officers at the Prairieland Detention Center–ended Monday with his arrest by FBI agents in Dallas, Texas. Song had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list since a Blue Alert was issued following his alleged role in the organized, armed attack. 

    Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, joined a violent group of at least 10 individuals in opening fire on officers at the federal facility just after 10:30 p.m. on Independence Day. He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. His capture brings the total number of arrests in the attack to 14. 

    “On Independence Day, as Americans were celebrating our freedoms, a group of violent extremists attempted to assassinate federal officers protecting us from violent criminals,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Song’s arrest sends a clear message: under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you lay a hand on an ICE agent, you will NOT walk free. We will not forget, and we will not rest until every attacker is in custody.” 

    The Prairieland Detention Center, which housed more than 1,000 illegal aliens on the night of the attack, includes detainees with convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, and terrorism. Nearly 50 known members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational gangs were among the detainees, in addition to 13 Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs). 

    This is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting DHS personnel. Last week, ICE officers conducting enforcement operations in San Francisco were assaulted by violent protestors. In June, rioters stormed an ICE field office in Portland. ICE agents are now facing an 830% increase in assaults against them. 

    DHS and its law enforcement partners continue working around the clock to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in the July 4 ambush or other coordinated attacks against federal officers. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Zero-Fee Bitcoin Cloud Mining for All Users—Empowering Global Access to Passive Crypto Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boston, Massachusetts, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin maintains momentum above $118,000 and decentralized finance sees increasing institutional support, BAY Miner is once again transforming the landscape of crypto participation. Today, the company officially launched its Zero-Fee Mining Program, a game-changing initiative allowing users worldwide to mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without incurring any service fees—ensuring users retain 100% of their crypto earnings.

    This move further solidifies BAY Miner’s position as a global leader in accessible and sustainable cloud mining. Built on AI-powered optimization and green energy infrastructure, BAY Miner enables users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their smartphones, with no hardware, no maintenance, and now—no fees.

    BAY Miner Redefines the Crypto Mining Model with Fee-Free, Mobile-First Cloud Mining

    Zero Commission on Mining Rewards
    With the Zero-Fee Mining Program, BAY Miner removes all platform charges on mining earnings. Users receive the full value of their mined assets without deductions.

    AI-Optimized Hash Rate Allocation
    Smart algorithms manage and distribute computing power in real-time, optimizing mining efficiency for BTC, ETH, and XRP across dynamic market conditions.

    Fully Mobile, Hardware-Free Mining
    No mining rigs, servers, or cooling systems are needed. Users simply manage their accounts and track earnings from the BAY Miner mobile app.

    Eco-Conscious Infrastructure
    BAY Miner’s operations are backed by renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner crypto mining ecosystem.

    Daily Payouts with Real-Time Visibility
    Mining earnings are settled automatically every 24 hours. Users can view live income data through the platform’s real-time dashboard.

    Accessible to All Experience Levels
    The system is designed for both first-time users and seasoned crypto miners. No technical background is required.

    How to Start Zero-Fee Bitcoin Mining with BAY Miner

    Download the BAY Miner App
    Visit https://www.bayminer.com or download the app from the official platform.

    Register Using Your Email
    No identity verification or KYC documents required—just a simple email-based registration process.

    Activate Your Free Cloud Mining Contract
    Every new user receives a free starter contract upon signup, allowing instant mining with no upfront cost.

    Mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP—No Equipment Needed
    Your smartphone becomes your gateway to passive crypto earnings—no hardware or configuration required.

    Track and Receive Earnings Automatically
    Mining payouts are processed daily. Earnings are visible in real-time via the income dashboard.

    Withdraw or Reinvest When Ready
    Once your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw to your preferred crypto wallet or reinvest in mining upgrades.

    USD-Pegged Contracts Provide Price Stability

    To protect users from crypto price volatility, BAY Miner pegs all cloud mining contracts to the U.S. dollar. Users can fund accounts with major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Tether (USDT – ERC20 & TRC20), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Solana (SOL).

    All crypto deposits are automatically converted to USD at the current exchange rate and locked in to preserve the mining contract’s value. Upon withdrawal, users can convert back to their preferred cryptocurrency.

    BAY Miner’s Continued Rise as a Global Cloud Mining Leader

    Amid rising economic uncertainty and a growing demand for digital income, BAY Miner provides a safe, scalable, and sustainable avenue for passive earnings.

    • 10+ Million Users Worldwide
    Adopted across more than 180 countries and territories

    • Green Energy Infrastructure
    Aligned with ESG goals and carbon-conscious mining standards

    • Daily, Automated Payouts
    BTC, ETH, or XRP deposited directly every 24 hours

    • No Hardware Required—Fully Mobile Mining
    Accessible from any smartphone with no technical setup

    • Free Entry and Flexible Upgrades
    Free initial contracts and optional tiered upgrades to grow returns

    • Secure and Transparent Operations
    Live dashboards and institutional-grade backend infrastructure

    With its no-fee model, renewable mining backbone, and mobile-first accessibility, BAY Miner continues to break down barriers to crypto participation. The company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital asset mining in 2025 and beyond.

    Start Earning with Fee-Free Cloud Mining

    Users from all backgrounds can now start earning crypto daily without fees or hardware. Setup takes just minutes.

    Website: https://www.bayminer.com/
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    Download App: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Zero-Fee Bitcoin Cloud Mining for All Users—Empowering Global Access to Passive Crypto Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boston, Massachusetts, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin maintains momentum above $118,000 and decentralized finance sees increasing institutional support, BAY Miner is once again transforming the landscape of crypto participation. Today, the company officially launched its Zero-Fee Mining Program, a game-changing initiative allowing users worldwide to mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without incurring any service fees—ensuring users retain 100% of their crypto earnings.

    This move further solidifies BAY Miner’s position as a global leader in accessible and sustainable cloud mining. Built on AI-powered optimization and green energy infrastructure, BAY Miner enables users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their smartphones, with no hardware, no maintenance, and now—no fees.

    BAY Miner Redefines the Crypto Mining Model with Fee-Free, Mobile-First Cloud Mining

    Zero Commission on Mining Rewards
    With the Zero-Fee Mining Program, BAY Miner removes all platform charges on mining earnings. Users receive the full value of their mined assets without deductions.

    AI-Optimized Hash Rate Allocation
    Smart algorithms manage and distribute computing power in real-time, optimizing mining efficiency for BTC, ETH, and XRP across dynamic market conditions.

    Fully Mobile, Hardware-Free Mining
    No mining rigs, servers, or cooling systems are needed. Users simply manage their accounts and track earnings from the BAY Miner mobile app.

    Eco-Conscious Infrastructure
    BAY Miner’s operations are backed by renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner crypto mining ecosystem.

    Daily Payouts with Real-Time Visibility
    Mining earnings are settled automatically every 24 hours. Users can view live income data through the platform’s real-time dashboard.

    Accessible to All Experience Levels
    The system is designed for both first-time users and seasoned crypto miners. No technical background is required.

    How to Start Zero-Fee Bitcoin Mining with BAY Miner

    Download the BAY Miner App
    Visit https://www.bayminer.com or download the app from the official platform.

    Register Using Your Email
    No identity verification or KYC documents required—just a simple email-based registration process.

    Activate Your Free Cloud Mining Contract
    Every new user receives a free starter contract upon signup, allowing instant mining with no upfront cost.

    Mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP—No Equipment Needed
    Your smartphone becomes your gateway to passive crypto earnings—no hardware or configuration required.

    Track and Receive Earnings Automatically
    Mining payouts are processed daily. Earnings are visible in real-time via the income dashboard.

    Withdraw or Reinvest When Ready
    Once your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw to your preferred crypto wallet or reinvest in mining upgrades.

    USD-Pegged Contracts Provide Price Stability

    To protect users from crypto price volatility, BAY Miner pegs all cloud mining contracts to the U.S. dollar. Users can fund accounts with major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Tether (USDT – ERC20 & TRC20), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Solana (SOL).

    All crypto deposits are automatically converted to USD at the current exchange rate and locked in to preserve the mining contract’s value. Upon withdrawal, users can convert back to their preferred cryptocurrency.

    BAY Miner’s Continued Rise as a Global Cloud Mining Leader

    Amid rising economic uncertainty and a growing demand for digital income, BAY Miner provides a safe, scalable, and sustainable avenue for passive earnings.

    • 10+ Million Users Worldwide
    Adopted across more than 180 countries and territories

    • Green Energy Infrastructure
    Aligned with ESG goals and carbon-conscious mining standards

    • Daily, Automated Payouts
    BTC, ETH, or XRP deposited directly every 24 hours

    • No Hardware Required—Fully Mobile Mining
    Accessible from any smartphone with no technical setup

    • Free Entry and Flexible Upgrades
    Free initial contracts and optional tiered upgrades to grow returns

    • Secure and Transparent Operations
    Live dashboards and institutional-grade backend infrastructure

    With its no-fee model, renewable mining backbone, and mobile-first accessibility, BAY Miner continues to break down barriers to crypto participation. The company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital asset mining in 2025 and beyond.

    Start Earning with Fee-Free Cloud Mining

    Users from all backgrounds can now start earning crypto daily without fees or hardware. Setup takes just minutes.

    Website: https://www.bayminer.com/
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    Download App: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Honors McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, Dr. James C. Lee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    De La Cruz Honors McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, Dr. James C. Lee

    WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025

    Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) honored McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia and the life of Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin on the House floor. 

    Officer Ismael Garcia was injured during the attack on the Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen. Remarks as prepared are below, or watch the full speech here.

    “I rise today to honor the brave service of McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia during the horrific attack on the McAllen Border Patrol facility last week.

    When an active shooter opened fire, Officer Garcia did not hesitate to jump into action. He willingly put himself in harm’s way, to protect his brothers and sisters in blue and green.

    In the face of danger, he displayed valor, sacrifice, and selflessness.

    When I visited him in recovery, he expressed pride in taking the bullet to protect others.

    Officer Garcia served our nation for four years in the Marine Corps, earning the Combat Action Ribbon for his bravery. For nearly a decade since, he has continued to answer the call of duty as a McAllen Police Department officer.

    We wish him a speedy recovery. May God bless Officer Garcia, our law enforcement, first responders, and border patrol.”

    Additionally, De La Cruz honored the life and legacy of Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin. Remarks as prepared are below, or watch the full speech here.

    “I rise today to recognize Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin for his lifetime of service and dedication to the well-being of his fellow Texans.

    Originally born in Houston, Dr. Lee made Seguin his home in the late 70s. For nearly three decades, he cared for patients of all ages and served as a founding member, treasurer, and finance chair of the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation. He served on the medical center’s governing board as Chairman and on the MHMR board, helping those with disabilities and mental health needs access support.

    Beloved by both patients and staff, Dr. Lee’s presence will be dearly missed, but his work to help community members access their health care will live on. Outside of his work in the medical field, he was a devout Catholic, President of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, and 30-year member of the Rotary Club of Seguin.

    Dr. Lee’s legacy is remembered by his wife, Janice, his four daughters, Crystal, Cynthia, Catherine, Carol, and 10 grandchildren.

    Thank you and I yield back.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Votes ‘No’ on FY26 Intelligence Authorization Act for Removing Critical Oversight of Intelligence Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 16, 2025

    U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced that he voted against the 2026 Intelligence Authorization Act, which removed essential oversight of government intelligence and surveillance programs and passed the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday evening. 

    “It’s legislative malpractice to reduce the Senate’s oversight of the federal intelligence agencies while Donald Trump and his cronies are ignoring both laws and constitutional protections for Americans rights on a daily basis,” Wyden said. “Eliminating the requirement that the general counsels of the Office of Director of National Intelligence and CIA be Senate confirmed means the people who make secret law will no longer be vetted or held accountable. The bill also excludes congressional oversight of Intelligence Community firings that was in last year’s bill, despite the Trump administration’s politicized purges. These represent a serious setback for oversight. I also have serious concerns about classified matters that are either in the classified annex, or that the annex fails to address.”

    Wyden did secure several important provisions in the bill, including whistleblower protections, a reporting requirement on the collection of commercial data, the declassification of any information on foreign governments’ actions to help their nationals flee justice in the United States, a prohibition on intelligence agencies contracting with companies that collect or sell location data associated with intelligence facilities and annual reporting on FBI national security investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 16th, 2025 BREAKING: Heinrich’s Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, has been signed into law. Heinrich introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in January with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Heinrich announced passage of his bill in the U.S. Senate in March and the U.S. House of Representatives in June.

    This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

    “I’m very pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is now law. This bill will help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and keep our communities safe, and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases,” said Heinrich, the bill’s lead Democratic sponsor. “I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources to get deadly fentanyl out of our communities and save lives.”

    The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

    “Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

    “Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

    “The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

    Background:

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

    Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the United States’ illicit drug market via U.S. citizens. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

    In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on March 15, 2025, with a measure that would have expired on September 30, 2025.

    Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act will finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

    Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

    A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places controls and penalties on FRS that have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

    Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

    Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

    Expanded Scientific and Medical Research:

    More closely aligning the research and registration process for Schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill will establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:

    • Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
    • Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added Schedule I substances.
    • Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.

    The text of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Colleagues Advocate for Critical Education Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    07.16.25

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined her colleagues in a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, asking him to faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, and release the funds.

    The legislation included funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literary Education State Grants (including Integrated English Language and Civics Education State Grants).

    “The decision to withhold this funding is directly contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the Senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.”

    The letter was also signed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and M. Michael Rounds (R-SD).

    The full text of the letter can be found here, or below.

    Dear Director Vought,

    We write to ask you to faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year, including the education formula funds that states anticipated receiving on July I, 2025.

    The Continuing Resolution contained funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants). Withholding these funds will harm students, families, and local economies.

    The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states. This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.

    We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs.

    However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds. These funds go to support programs that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies.

    These funds also go to support adult learners. These students are often adults seeking second chances for a myriad of reasons, for example, caregiving responsibilities or financial challenges.

    These are adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education. We should be making educational opportunities easier for these students, not harder.

    We welcome the opportunity to work with you and Secretary McMahon to ensure that all federal education funding goes towards programs that help states and school districts provide students an excellent education. We want to see students in our states and across the country thrive, whether they are adult learners, students who speak English as a second language, or students who need after-school care so that their parents can work. We believe you share the same goal.

    We encourage you to reverse your decision and release this Congressionally-approved funding to states.

    Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to your prompt reply.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Armenia will continue efforts to join SCO

    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

    Yerevan, July 16 (Xinhua) — Armenia is set to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference in Yerevan on Wednesday.

    The head of the Armenian government emphasized that this intention fits in well with the logic of a balanced and equitable foreign policy of Armenia, which must be implemented in practice.

    “We will continue to work in this direction. By the way, we have observer status in this organization. That is, we did not decide from scratch that we should become its member. This is also due to substantive and structural changes in the organization, since the possibility of canceling the observer and associate member statuses is being discussed. Of course, this is not the only and main reason, but this is another circumstance,” N. Pashinyan explained.

    Earlier, the Armenian Foreign Ministry announced its decision to apply for membership in the SCO. Armenia is a partner country of the SCO. –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 United Nations: Killing of Civilians in Gaza Waiting in Line for Humanitarian Aid Must End, Relief Chief Tells Security Council, Urging Return to UN-Led Delivery Mechanism

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As civilians lining up for humanitarian aid in Gaza are being killed, speakers in the Security Council today urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid operations in the Strip, called for a return to United Nations-led delivery mechanisms, and stressed the urgent need for both the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

    “Gaza’s soaring humanitarian needs must be met without drawing people into a firing line,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.  He recalled General Assembly resolution 46/182, adopted in 1991, which laid the groundwork for modern international humanitarian assistance by establishing a framework and guiding principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence — for the UN’s role in coordinating humanitarian efforts during emergencies. 

    Israel, as the occupying Power, is obligated to ensure that people have food and medical supplies, he said, adding:  “But that is not happening.  Instead, civilians are exposed to death and injury, forcible displacement, stripped of dignity.”  He went on to urge Council members to consider whether Israel’s rules of engagement incorporate all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, in all circumstances.  This means verifying targets, giving effective advance warnings, carefully choosing tactics and weapons, and canceling or suspending an attack if it would cause disproportionate civilian harm, he said.

    Number of Aid Trucks Currently Allowed into Gaza ‘Drop in the Ocean’ 

    Between 19 May and 14 July, only 1,633 trucks — or 62 per cent of the roughly 2,600 submitted to the Israeli authorities and 74 per cent of those approved for entry — reached the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.  “To be clear, this is a drop in the ocean of needs, compared to the average of 630 truckloads, that entered daily” during an earlier ceasefire, he said. The ceasefire proved what’s possible.  It’s time to return to those levels without delay.

    Turning to recent remarks by Israel’s Defence Minister about moving Palestinians into a “humanitarian city”, he said the proposal to forcibly displace Palestinians to a designated zone near Rafah is “not humanitarian”, underscoring the need to protect civilians wherever they are, release all hostages held by Hamas, allow humanitarian aid at scale and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.  “You owe that to Israeli and Palestinian civilians, to the last hopes of a sustainable peace, and to the UN Charter,” he said, calling for a ceasefire.

    Today’s meeting was called by Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, following abhorrent reports of human suffering in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including killings at aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a non-UN mechanism established with support from Israel and the United States.  Between 27 May and 7 July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded the killings of 798 Palestinian civilians — including children — desperate to find food, at or near distribution sites and humanitarian convoys.

    International Community Failing Gaza’s Children

    “Among the survivors was Donia, a mother seeking a lifeline for her family after months of desperation and hunger,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  Donia’s 1-year-old son, Mohammed, was killed in the attack after speaking his first words just hours earlier.  The mother was lying critically injured in a hospital bed, clutching her son’s tiny shoe. “No parent should experience such a horrific tragedy,” she said.

    “The simple truth is that we are failing Gaza’s children,” she said, noting that child malnutrition in Gaza has surged 180 per cent since February, with nearly 6,000 cases in June.  Most households lack safe water, fueling disease outbreaks — waterborne illnesses now make up 44 per cent of medical consultations.  Hospitals are overwhelmed, short on medicine and fuel, and emergency care is collapsing.  At least 12,500 patients, including many children, need urgent medical evacuation, but few are being accepted abroad.  “History will judge this failure harshly,” she warned, adding:  “And the children will judge it too.” 

    She implored that UNICEF and its humanitarian partners be allowed to do their jobs.  “We have proven that essentials like medicine, vaccines, water, food, and nutrition for babies can reach those in need, wherever they are, when we have appropriate access,” she said, calling for an urgent return to the functioning UN-led aid pipeline with safe and sustained humanitarian access through all available crossings.

    […]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thursday, July 17, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    National Capital Region, Canada

    8:45 a.m. The Prime Minister will convene the First Nations Major Projects Summit to engage with First Nations rights holders on the Building Canada Act, and deliver opening remarks.

    Notes for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Meng Introduce Housing is a Human Right Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led lawmakers today in introducing the Housing is a Human Right Act, transformative legislation to authorize more than $300 billion for housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness across America. This urgent proposal would invest more than $200 billion in necessary affordable housing and support services and provide $27 billion a year for homelessness services, $100 million a year for community-driven alternatives to criminalization of those experiencing homelessness, and make targeted investments in communities at disproportionate risk of homelessness. 

    “Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Jayapal. “At a moment when Trump and Republicans just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from poor and working people to billionaires, while slashing food assistance and health care for millions of Americans, it is more urgent than ever to pass this legislation to invest in our most vulnerable communities. As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing.  Housing is a human right – and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

    “Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes, and simply providing a roof is not always enough. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”

    According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 18 percent from 2023. Additionally, as costs have skyrocketed and the minimum wage has stagnated, there are no longer any American cities where a minimum-wage earner can afford the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

    This is particularly true in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the country in 2024. In 2024, on any given night in King County, there were an estimated 16,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a whopping 26 percent higher than the 2022 estimate.

    A lack of housing often leads to penalization, both civil and criminal, depending on local laws. It also makes it difficult to seek or hold a job, obtain assistance with accessing resources, find safe housing, and receive regular care for health needs. In fact, the harsh conditions of unsheltered homelessness lead to a mortality rate that is at least four times higher than that of the general public. 

    Vulnerable groups already targeted by this administration are also disproportionately likely to experience homelessness — including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, former foster youth, and formerly incarcerated people. While Black communities make up 13 percent of the general population, they comprise 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness and half of all homeless families. And up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+, while only making up 9.5 percent of the general population.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act will address this crisis by:

    • Investing up to $100 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $100 billion for Continuum of Care (COC) grants.
    • Creating a new grant program to invest in humane infrastructure; providing municipalities with $6 billion a year through a flexible program that will allow them to address their most urgent housing needs to keep people in stable housing and support those experiencing homelessness. 
    • Incentivizing local investments in humane, evidence-based models to support people experiencing homelessness, including alternatives to criminalization and penalization.
    • Providing $10 billion for FEMA emergency food and shelter grants while improving grants to better represent high rates of homelessness and income inequality.
    • Authorizing $100 million in grants to public libraries to provide assistance and tailored supports to persons experiencing homelessness.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is endorsed by A Way Home America; Bellwether Housing; Downtown Emergency Service Center; Homestead Community Land Trust; Lavender Rights Project; Low Income Housing Institute; Minority Veterans of America; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; RESULTS; Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness; The Southern Poverty Law Center; and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

    Issues: Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons’ statement on Benjamin Hanil Song’s arrest

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 16, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

    “I want to congratulate and thank our partners at the FBI for bringing in Benjamin Hanil Song, the man who conspired with more than a dozen other criminals to kill ICE officials,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “This wannabe-killer is now off the streets. It’s horrifying that dangerous rhetoric, often spread by elected officials, has brought us to this point, but let this be an example to other people planning on terrorizing federal law enforcement officers: If you attack the brave men and women protecting this nation from dangerous criminal aliens, we will arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Indicted for Investment Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Involving Elderly Victims

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, NJ. – A New Jersey man was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges for a scheme to defraud elderly and other victims by misappropriating funds that the victims were told would be invested on their behalf or otherwise used for their benefit, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Antonio Petrosino, a/k/a Anthony Petrosino, 60, of Union City, New Jersey, was arraigned on July 9, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler.  Petrosino was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025, with five counts of wire fraud (Counts One through Five) and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (Count Six).  Petrosino was previously charged by complaint in January 2025 with one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    From in or around January 2016 through in or around November 2024, Petrosino fraudulently induced the victims to transfer investment funds, mortgage payments, and other money to Petrosino.  As part of the scheme to defraud, Petrosino held himself out to be a financial services professional to his victims and falsely led them to believe that he would invest the victims’ money in brokerage accounts and other investment products or otherwise use it for their benefit.  To perpetuate his fraud, Petrosino provided one elderly victim with falsified investment statements that purported to show that she had hundreds of thousands of dollars deposited in various investment accounts in her name.  Petrosino also made various statements to victims assuring them that their money had been invested or used as promised.

    In reality, Petrosino failed to invest the victims’ funds or otherwise use victim monies for the victims’ benefit as promised.  Instead, Petrosino misappropriated the money to pay for his personal expenses, including gambling, credit card payments, and rent on his luxury apartment unit.  When confronted by victims about the status of the money they sent to Petrosino, Petrosino provided the victims and their family members false reassurances about the status of the victims’ funds to cover up his fraud.  In total, Petrosino stole more than approximately $1 million from the victims. 

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  All counts carry a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; special agents of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker; and the Wyckoff Police Department, under the direction of Chief David V. Murphy, with the investigation leading to Petrosino’s indictment. 

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel: Michael Thomas, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –