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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces 48 new projects to film in California thanks to the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 23, 2025

    What you need to know: Thanks to California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, 48 projects — including 43 independent features — will be made in California, projected to generate $664 million in economic activity and employ over 6,500 cast and crew across the Golden State.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom today continued his work in protecting film production jobs in Los Angeles and across the state with a new round of 48 projects approved for the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Governor Newsom recently proposed to double down on this vital program, by expanding the tax credit from $330 million to $750 million to help boost this iconic industry and production in California.

    “California didn’t earn its role as the heart of the entertainment world by accident — it was built over generations by skilled workers and creative talent pushing boundaries. Today’s awards help ensure this legacy continues, keeping cameras rolling here at home, supporting thousands of crew members behind the scenes and boosting local economies that depend on a strong film and television industry.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    This diverse slate of feature films — ranging from major studio productions to independent film — is expected to generate $664 million in total spending throughout the state, including $485 in qualified expenditures and more than $302 million in wages for California workers.

    These projects, which include 43 independent films, are collectively expected to hire 6,515 cast and crew members, as well 32,000 background performers (measured in days worked), across 1,346 total California filming days.

    More than half of the films will be shot in the Los Angeles area, helping to sustain the birthplace of this iconic industry and supporting the community as it recovers from recent wildfires. Enabling the industry’s reach throughout the state, 22 of the selected projects will conduct significant filming outside the Los Angeles area, contributing 329 out-of-zone filming days and substantial economic benefits in Ventura County (Make A Wish, The Teller, Things We Cannot Touch), San Francisco and the Bay Area (High Priestess of Souls, Our Kind of Cruelty), El Dorado and Placer Counties (Gold Mountain), San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (Superbloom, The Heidi Fleiss Story), Bakersfield in Kern County (Counting by 7s) and coastal communities such as Half Moon Bay and Costa Mesa (Sponsor, Doll).

    Today’s slate of awards marks the ninth allocation in this fiscal year and reinforces California’s continued leadership as a global production hub, even as other states and countries pursue projects with their own incentive offerings.

    “This industry is core to California’s creative economy and keeping production here at home is more important than ever,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. “This round of tax credits shows our commitment to supporting both indie and studio productions while spreading the economic benefits of filming across the state.”

    Highlights from this round of awards

    • Five major studio features, including Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days Sequel” — the latest film produced by Issa Rae — which alone is projected to spend more than $39 million in qualified expenditures.
    • Six independently produced features with budgets over $10 million, such as “Gold Mountain,” “The Teller,” and “They Follow,” all of which plan to film primarily outside of the Los Angeles area.
    • 37 independent projects with budgets of $10 million or less, contributing to the state’s goal of expanding access to underrepresented filmmakers and promoting more inclusive storytelling.

    “Los Angeles was an essential backdrop to ‘One of Them Days’ and we are thrilled that Dreux and Alyssa will embark on another authentic escapade through the city’s streets in the sequel through the support of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit,” said Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures.

    Read more about today’s announcement, including a full list of productions that are part of the Film and Television Tax Credit Program here.

    California is a creative economy powerhouse

    Last fall, Governor Newsom proposed expanding California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation, which would position California as one of the top states for capped film incentive programs.

    As one of the strategic sectors outlined in the recently launched California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the creative economy has deep roots in California’s history and continues to be an engine for innovation, cultural expression, and economic growth.

    • In 2023, California was home to 220,000 creative economy jobs, one in every four creative economy jobs in the U.S.
    • The average salary paid to creative workers in 2023 was $160,000, more than 50% higher than the California average.
    • And while the Los Angeles region leads the way in jobs generated by the creative economy, three other regions — Redwoods, the Bay Area, and the Southern Border — also identified film, TV, and the arts as a regional strategic sector.

    About the Film and TV Tax Credit Program

    The Film and Television Tax Credit Program provides tax credits based on qualified expenditures for eligible productions produced in California.

    Since its launch in 2009 through May 2025, the program has approved 799 projects that have generated nearly $27 billion in economic activity, resulting in less runaway production, new career pathways for below-the-line workers and increased economic opportunity in rural, suburban and urban communities alike. The program further incentivizes projects that film outside the Los Angeles area or relocate to California from out-of-state. The program also requires projects to invest in building career exposure and training opportunities for underrepresented communities.

    Looking ahead, the next television application window is slated for July 7-9, 2025. Film applications will be accepted August 25-27, 2025. Application dates and deadlines are posted on the California Film Commission website.

    Recent news

    Jun 20, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Ninth Circuit rejected Trump’s sweeping claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason and avoid judicial scrutiny, even as it stayed an emergency district court order. This is a critical check on presidential overreach…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONJuly 4 is not the only…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces 48 new projects to film in California thanks to the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 23, 2025

    What you need to know: Thanks to California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, 48 projects — including 43 independent features — will be made in California, projected to generate $664 million in economic activity and employ over 6,500 cast and crew across the Golden State.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom today continued his work in protecting film production jobs in Los Angeles and across the state with a new round of 48 projects approved for the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Governor Newsom recently proposed to double down on this vital program, by expanding the tax credit from $330 million to $750 million to help boost this iconic industry and production in California.

    “California didn’t earn its role as the heart of the entertainment world by accident — it was built over generations by skilled workers and creative talent pushing boundaries. Today’s awards help ensure this legacy continues, keeping cameras rolling here at home, supporting thousands of crew members behind the scenes and boosting local economies that depend on a strong film and television industry.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    This diverse slate of feature films — ranging from major studio productions to independent film — is expected to generate $664 million in total spending throughout the state, including $485 in qualified expenditures and more than $302 million in wages for California workers.

    These projects, which include 43 independent films, are collectively expected to hire 6,515 cast and crew members, as well 32,000 background performers (measured in days worked), across 1,346 total California filming days.

    More than half of the films will be shot in the Los Angeles area, helping to sustain the birthplace of this iconic industry and supporting the community as it recovers from recent wildfires. Enabling the industry’s reach throughout the state, 22 of the selected projects will conduct significant filming outside the Los Angeles area, contributing 329 out-of-zone filming days and substantial economic benefits in Ventura County (Make A Wish, The Teller, Things We Cannot Touch), San Francisco and the Bay Area (High Priestess of Souls, Our Kind of Cruelty), El Dorado and Placer Counties (Gold Mountain), San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (Superbloom, The Heidi Fleiss Story), Bakersfield in Kern County (Counting by 7s) and coastal communities such as Half Moon Bay and Costa Mesa (Sponsor, Doll).

    Today’s slate of awards marks the ninth allocation in this fiscal year and reinforces California’s continued leadership as a global production hub, even as other states and countries pursue projects with their own incentive offerings.

    “This industry is core to California’s creative economy and keeping production here at home is more important than ever,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. “This round of tax credits shows our commitment to supporting both indie and studio productions while spreading the economic benefits of filming across the state.”

    Highlights from this round of awards

    • Five major studio features, including Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days Sequel” — the latest film produced by Issa Rae — which alone is projected to spend more than $39 million in qualified expenditures.
    • Six independently produced features with budgets over $10 million, such as “Gold Mountain,” “The Teller,” and “They Follow,” all of which plan to film primarily outside of the Los Angeles area.
    • 37 independent projects with budgets of $10 million or less, contributing to the state’s goal of expanding access to underrepresented filmmakers and promoting more inclusive storytelling.

    “Los Angeles was an essential backdrop to ‘One of Them Days’ and we are thrilled that Dreux and Alyssa will embark on another authentic escapade through the city’s streets in the sequel through the support of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit,” said Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures.

    Read more about today’s announcement, including a full list of productions that are part of the Film and Television Tax Credit Program here.

    California is a creative economy powerhouse

    Last fall, Governor Newsom proposed expanding California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation, which would position California as one of the top states for capped film incentive programs.

    As one of the strategic sectors outlined in the recently launched California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the creative economy has deep roots in California’s history and continues to be an engine for innovation, cultural expression, and economic growth.

    • In 2023, California was home to 220,000 creative economy jobs, one in every four creative economy jobs in the U.S.
    • The average salary paid to creative workers in 2023 was $160,000, more than 50% higher than the California average.
    • And while the Los Angeles region leads the way in jobs generated by the creative economy, three other regions — Redwoods, the Bay Area, and the Southern Border — also identified film, TV, and the arts as a regional strategic sector.

    About the Film and TV Tax Credit Program

    The Film and Television Tax Credit Program provides tax credits based on qualified expenditures for eligible productions produced in California.

    Since its launch in 2009 through May 2025, the program has approved 799 projects that have generated nearly $27 billion in economic activity, resulting in less runaway production, new career pathways for below-the-line workers and increased economic opportunity in rural, suburban and urban communities alike. The program further incentivizes projects that film outside the Los Angeles area or relocate to California from out-of-state. The program also requires projects to invest in building career exposure and training opportunities for underrepresented communities.

    Looking ahead, the next television application window is slated for July 7-9, 2025. Film applications will be accepted August 25-27, 2025. Application dates and deadlines are posted on the California Film Commission website.

    Recent news

    Jun 20, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Ninth Circuit rejected Trump’s sweeping claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason and avoid judicial scrutiny, even as it stayed an emergency district court order. This is a critical check on presidential overreach…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONJuly 4 is not the only…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces 48 new projects to film in California thanks to the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 23, 2025

    What you need to know: Thanks to California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, 48 projects — including 43 independent features — will be made in California, projected to generate $664 million in economic activity and employ over 6,500 cast and crew across the Golden State.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom today continued his work in protecting film production jobs in Los Angeles and across the state with a new round of 48 projects approved for the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Governor Newsom recently proposed to double down on this vital program, by expanding the tax credit from $330 million to $750 million to help boost this iconic industry and production in California.

    “California didn’t earn its role as the heart of the entertainment world by accident — it was built over generations by skilled workers and creative talent pushing boundaries. Today’s awards help ensure this legacy continues, keeping cameras rolling here at home, supporting thousands of crew members behind the scenes and boosting local economies that depend on a strong film and television industry.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    This diverse slate of feature films — ranging from major studio productions to independent film — is expected to generate $664 million in total spending throughout the state, including $485 in qualified expenditures and more than $302 million in wages for California workers.

    These projects, which include 43 independent films, are collectively expected to hire 6,515 cast and crew members, as well 32,000 background performers (measured in days worked), across 1,346 total California filming days.

    More than half of the films will be shot in the Los Angeles area, helping to sustain the birthplace of this iconic industry and supporting the community as it recovers from recent wildfires. Enabling the industry’s reach throughout the state, 22 of the selected projects will conduct significant filming outside the Los Angeles area, contributing 329 out-of-zone filming days and substantial economic benefits in Ventura County (Make A Wish, The Teller, Things We Cannot Touch), San Francisco and the Bay Area (High Priestess of Souls, Our Kind of Cruelty), El Dorado and Placer Counties (Gold Mountain), San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (Superbloom, The Heidi Fleiss Story), Bakersfield in Kern County (Counting by 7s) and coastal communities such as Half Moon Bay and Costa Mesa (Sponsor, Doll).

    Today’s slate of awards marks the ninth allocation in this fiscal year and reinforces California’s continued leadership as a global production hub, even as other states and countries pursue projects with their own incentive offerings.

    “This industry is core to California’s creative economy and keeping production here at home is more important than ever,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. “This round of tax credits shows our commitment to supporting both indie and studio productions while spreading the economic benefits of filming across the state.”

    Highlights from this round of awards

    • Five major studio features, including Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days Sequel” — the latest film produced by Issa Rae — which alone is projected to spend more than $39 million in qualified expenditures.
    • Six independently produced features with budgets over $10 million, such as “Gold Mountain,” “The Teller,” and “They Follow,” all of which plan to film primarily outside of the Los Angeles area.
    • 37 independent projects with budgets of $10 million or less, contributing to the state’s goal of expanding access to underrepresented filmmakers and promoting more inclusive storytelling.

    “Los Angeles was an essential backdrop to ‘One of Them Days’ and we are thrilled that Dreux and Alyssa will embark on another authentic escapade through the city’s streets in the sequel through the support of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit,” said Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures.

    Read more about today’s announcement, including a full list of productions that are part of the Film and Television Tax Credit Program here.

    California is a creative economy powerhouse

    Last fall, Governor Newsom proposed expanding California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation, which would position California as one of the top states for capped film incentive programs.

    As one of the strategic sectors outlined in the recently launched California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the creative economy has deep roots in California’s history and continues to be an engine for innovation, cultural expression, and economic growth.

    • In 2023, California was home to 220,000 creative economy jobs, one in every four creative economy jobs in the U.S.
    • The average salary paid to creative workers in 2023 was $160,000, more than 50% higher than the California average.
    • And while the Los Angeles region leads the way in jobs generated by the creative economy, three other regions — Redwoods, the Bay Area, and the Southern Border — also identified film, TV, and the arts as a regional strategic sector.

    About the Film and TV Tax Credit Program

    The Film and Television Tax Credit Program provides tax credits based on qualified expenditures for eligible productions produced in California.

    Since its launch in 2009 through May 2025, the program has approved 799 projects that have generated nearly $27 billion in economic activity, resulting in less runaway production, new career pathways for below-the-line workers and increased economic opportunity in rural, suburban and urban communities alike. The program further incentivizes projects that film outside the Los Angeles area or relocate to California from out-of-state. The program also requires projects to invest in building career exposure and training opportunities for underrepresented communities.

    Looking ahead, the next television application window is slated for July 7-9, 2025. Film applications will be accepted August 25-27, 2025. Application dates and deadlines are posted on the California Film Commission website.

    Recent news

    Jun 20, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Ninth Circuit rejected Trump’s sweeping claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason and avoid judicial scrutiny, even as it stayed an emergency district court order. This is a critical check on presidential overreach…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONJuly 4 is not the only…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East And North Africa Subcommittee, Strongly Condemns Indiscriminate Iranian Attack on Civilians

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the targeting of innocent civilians in Israel by the extremist Iranian regime. More than 20 Israeli civilians have lost their lives in recent days due to the Iranian regime’s indiscriminate missile attacks.

    “I am outraged at how Iran has been conducting itself in this conflict – indiscriminately killing Jews and Arabs alike,” said Congressman Lawler. “While Israel has sought to defend itself and eliminate the threat posed by a nuclear Iran, The Ayataollah has shown himself to be a bloodthirsty dictator and his actions back up Iran’s consistent rhetoric that they want to wipe the state of Israel off the face of the earth.”

    “With hypersonic and ballistic missiles raining down on Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and across Israel, and with civilians hiding in shelters for days on end, it’s imperative that the United States stand by our staunch ally, Israel,” concluded Lawler. “I urge President Trump to continue working with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to keep all options on the table for dealing with Iran.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East And North Africa Subcommittee, Strongly Condemns Indiscriminate Iranian Attack on Civilians

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the targeting of innocent civilians in Israel by the extremist Iranian regime. More than 20 Israeli civilians have lost their lives in recent days due to the Iranian regime’s indiscriminate missile attacks.

    “I am outraged at how Iran has been conducting itself in this conflict – indiscriminately killing Jews and Arabs alike,” said Congressman Lawler. “While Israel has sought to defend itself and eliminate the threat posed by a nuclear Iran, The Ayataollah has shown himself to be a bloodthirsty dictator and his actions back up Iran’s consistent rhetoric that they want to wipe the state of Israel off the face of the earth.”

    “With hypersonic and ballistic missiles raining down on Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and across Israel, and with civilians hiding in shelters for days on end, it’s imperative that the United States stand by our staunch ally, Israel,” concluded Lawler. “I urge President Trump to continue working with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to keep all options on the table for dealing with Iran.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler Reacts to Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill Capping SALT at $10,000

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), reacts to the draft release of the Senate version of the Big Beautiful Bill that passed the House on May 22, raising the SALT cap to $40,000 with an income limit. The Senate’s version, released today, would return the SALT Cap to $10,000.

    “I have been clear since Day one: sufficiently lifting the SALT Cap to deliver tax fairness to New Yorkers has been my top priority in Congress,” said Congressman Lawler. “After engaging in good faith negotiations, we were able to increase the cap on SALT from $10,000 to $40,000. That is the deal, and I will not accept a penny less. If the Senate reduces the SALT number, I will vote NO, and the bill will fail in the House.”

    “I, along with my fellow SALT Caucus members, are actively engaging with Senators, House Leadership, and the White House and am confident the deal as previously negotiated will be in the final bill that is signed into law,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Lawler Reacts to Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill Capping SALT at $10,000

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Pearl River, NY – 6/16/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), reacts to the draft release of the Senate version of the Big Beautiful Bill that passed the House on May 22, raising the SALT cap to $40,000 with an income limit. The Senate’s version, released today, would return the SALT Cap to $10,000.

    “I have been clear since Day one: sufficiently lifting the SALT Cap to deliver tax fairness to New Yorkers has been my top priority in Congress,” said Congressman Lawler. “After engaging in good faith negotiations, we were able to increase the cap on SALT from $10,000 to $40,000. That is the deal, and I will not accept a penny less. If the Senate reduces the SALT number, I will vote NO, and the bill will fail in the House.”

    “I, along with my fellow SALT Caucus members, are actively engaging with Senators, House Leadership, and the White House and am confident the deal as previously negotiated will be in the final bill that is signed into law,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stansbury Fights for Expanded Access to Healthcare, More Providers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) fought for expanded access to healthcare in rural and Indigenous communities during an Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing.  

    Her bill, the IHS Provider Expansion Act, was reintroduced earlier in the month, and testimony about the legislation was heard during the subcommittee hearing.  

    Watch video of the hearing.  

    The legislation would establish an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs within the Indian Health Service (IHS). This legislation would expand the existing IHS Residency Program, building from the Shiprock-University of New Mexico (SUNM) Family Medicine Residency which is the first in the nation.  

    “Access to healthcare should not be determined by history or geography,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “The IHS Provider Expansion Act is a vital step towards ensuring that Native and Indigenous communities can access healthcare and grow the number of medical professionals serving Native communities. By investing in medical education within the Indian Health Service, we can help expand healthcare and bridge the gap in healthcare disparities that have persisted for far too long.” 

    Testifying about the importance of the legislation was Dr. Adriann Begay from the Navajo Nation HEAL Initiative. Dr. Begay is Tábaahi (Edge of the Water clan) and born for Bít’ahnii (Folded Arms People clan). Her maternal grandparents are Ta’néészahnii (Badlands People clan) and paternal grandparents are Tl’aashchí’í (Red Cheek People clan).  

    She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona; and received a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Adriann worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years initially at Salt River Clinic under Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 4 years as a primary care provider. Then at Gallup Indian Medical Center as an urgent care physician and administrator for 17 years. 

    Watch video of Dr. Begay’s testimony.  

    More about the bill and its impact:  

    In New Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribal Nations and a population that is nearly 12% Native, access to healthcare services is a pressing issue. Currently, IHS provides services in 37 states to about 2.2 million out of 3.7 million Indigenous people in the country.  

    This bill is projected to directly impact millions of people across the country served by the IHS to improve access to healthcare and medical professionals who understand the unique health challenges faced by Tribal communities.  

    By expanding access through IHS, this bill will also help to address the significant deficit of rural primary healthcare providers across the country. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows rural areas across the country face a significant deficit in primary care providers, with more than 80 million Americans living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).   

    By expanding graduate medical education opportunities through IHS, we can expect an increase in the number of physicians willing to practice in these underserved regions.  

    Key Provisions of the Legislation:  

    • Establishment of the Office: The Secretary of Health makes permanent the Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs to oversee residency and fellowship initiatives within the IHS. 
    • Creating a Pipeline: The Office will facilitate opportunities for future healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and other health-related workers to engage in residency and fellowship programs. 
    • Oversight of Residency Programs: The Office will oversee existing residency and fellowship programs at IHS facilities and support the creation of additional programs aimed at recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. 
    • Coordination with Academic Institutions: The Office will work in collaboration with academic institutions to strengthen educational ties and enhance training opportunities. 
    • Interagency Working Group: An interagency working group, involving various federal agencies, will assist in the implementation and sustainability of the Office, ensuring ongoing support and resources.  
    •  

    Read the bill here.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Joins Bipartisan Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) issued the following statement:

    “The U.S. Constitution is clear: the authority to declare war sits solely with Congress. President Trump may not declare war or engage in offensive military action without the explicit consent of both the United States House of Representatives and Senate.

    Just in case they forgot — a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including myself, has joined a resolution to reaffirm our Congressional authority. Now is the time for diplomacy.”

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Rep. Stansbury Fights for Veterans, VA, Opposes Trump Cuts to Vital Veteran Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) joined New Mexico state lawmakers and community leaders for a veterans town hall to answer questions directly from veterans on issues that impact them in light of the Trump administration’s cuts to the VA, and attacks on our service members by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. 

    The Congresswoman joined New Mexico State Representative Debbie Sariñana (D-Albuquerque), New Mexico State Senator Harold Pope Jr. (D-Albuquerque), and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Frank Smith.

    Rep. Sariñana and Sen. Pope both served in the U.S. Air Force.

    Watch the video here. 

    “The most patriotic thing we can do is to resist,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “The most patriotic thing we can do right now is to speak out. The most patriotic thing we can do is engage in acts of resistance and supporting our communities. And the most patriotic thing we can do is continue to serve our communities, to fight for our communities, and to fight for our democracy because we will win.” 

    Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed cuts aimed at what’s being labeled “wasteful” spending:

    • Over $580 million in contracts and programs have been canceled.
    • Major cuts include $1.8 billion from consulting contracts at the Defense Health Agency, $1.4 billion from cloud IT services, and $500 million from Navy business consulting.
    • Eleven contracts related to DEI, climate change, and COVID-19 were also terminated.
    • A $500 million DARPA help desk contract was cut due to duplication.
    • The Department of Defense is working with DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), which has identified $800 million in additional spending to eliminate.
    • There are plans to in-source IT roles, shifting those duties to civilian staff. 

    The VA started aggressive contract reviews and program cuts: 

    • Effective May 1, the VA ended the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program, which had been the only available mortgage assistance tool for many at-risk veterans. This has increased the risk of foreclosure for thousands of veteran families.
    • VA has canceled 585 contracts worth $1.8 billion, redirecting about $900 million to healthcare and benefits. Most of the canceled contracts were described as non-mission critical, but some provided administrative or support services that may now fall back on already strained internal resources. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Pat Fallon Statement on US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

    “President Trump made the tough, but absolutely correct decision in the best interest of America’s national security to order strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites,” said Rep. Fallon.

    “These highly successful strikes, carried out by B-2 stealth bombers, have shown Iran, and near-pear adversaries such as Russia and China that when the U.S. military is called to act, it will do so with precision and utter lethality to accomplish its objectives. This was not some trivial task to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities—the courage and training of the U.S. Air Force pilots who undertook these missions is exceptional and I thank them for their steadfast commitment to duty and excellence that is core to our military’s ethos.”

    Rep. Fallon continued, “President Trump has made clear for years that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances. This past weekend’s strikes are a profound act of deterrence that signals not only to Iran, but to rogue states and bad actors on the world stage that the U.S. is fully committed to protecting our nation’s interests as well as restoring security for ourselves and our allies and partners.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Statement on U.S. Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of U.S. airstrikes on Iran nuclear sites.

     

    “Today, President Trump acted with strength and clarity to eliminate a grave threat to our nation, our allies, and the world. After Iran refused every diplomatic path and persisted in its dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons, the President was left with no choice but to defend American interests and global security. 

    “We honor and salute the brave men and women of the United States military who executed this critical mission with precision, courage, and professionalism. By destroying Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump demonstrated bold leadership, unshakable resolve, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our homeland and our allies. 

    “This action sends a unmistakable message: the United States will never tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, and we will stand firm and unflinching against aggression and terror. 

    “I stand with the President and our heroic service members as they defend peace and protect the American people.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement From U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez on Strikes to Iranian Nuclear Sites

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement in response to the recent U.S. military escalation in Iran:

    “Congress — not any one president — has the constitutional authority to declare war. Military escalation in Iran puts American troops, our allies, and global stability at great risk. The American people want peace, not another prolonged war.

     

    Acting unilaterally to toss aside years of diplomacy for military action is reckless and dangerous. This kind of unchecked executive action undermines our democratic institutions and sets a perilous precedent. I urge the president to bring us back from the brink of war and pursue a strategy grounded in strength, diplomacy, and lasting peace.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Navy Installations Now Require Visitors to Present Real ID to Gain Unescorted Access

    Source: United States Navy

    Visitors to U.S. Navy installations who do not possess a Department of Defense-issued Common Access Card (CAC) or a military dependent ID must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport to gain unescorted access.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nine years since the UK voted by a narrow margin to leave the EU: we need to begin the process of returning, say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    On the ninth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Ellie Chowns MP, Green Party spokesperson on foreign affairs, said:

    “Today marks nine years since the UK voted to leave the EU, a decision for which the costs have been painfully real for families, businesses and our planet. Over nearly a decade we have seen our economy shrink, exporters lose vital markets, and barriers impede the cultural collaborations we once took for granted. Meanwhile young people face restricted opportunities to live, learn, and work across Europe, and our climate ambitions are weakened by being out of step with our closest neighbours.

    “As Greens, we believe the best way to restore prosperity, protect the environment, and strengthen security is to rebuild the partnership we walked away from. Rejoining the EU would mean frictionless trade for British manufacturers and farmers, renewed freedom of movement for students and young workers, and deeper cooperation on climate, defence, and innovation. Poll after poll shows a majority of Britons recognise that Brexit was a mistake; the question now is when, not if, we begin the process of returning to the fold.

    “On this anniversary, I call on the government to show the courage to initiate talks on what re-entry to the EU would involve—recognising that the world has changed, but our mutual interests remain vital. Britain’s future belongs in Europe: let this day be a reminder that our greatest hope lies in cooperation, not isolation.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party response to Government’s Industrial Strategy

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    Responding to the government’s Industrial Strategy that was published today, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer MP, said:

    “This Industrial Strategy looks like another missed opportunity from the Labour government. The move away from polluting oil and gas towards clean power offers huge wins for communities, for workers and for industry – but that requires government to make a clear plan to urgently phase out fossil fuels, make polluting companies pay to retrain workers, and to harness the skills and innovation this country has in bucket loads.

    “The investment in skills announced in today’s strategy is welcome, and the move towards clean sources of power like wind and solar offers huge opportunities for good-quality jobs in futureproofed industries.

    “But the failure to make a plan for those currently working in high-carbon industries is short-sighted. 3 million workers across the UK will need re-skilling and retraining in order to make the most of the green jobs boom and fossil fuel giants must shoulder the cost of this.

    “We also need to see measures to ensure that all investment in the government’s GB Energy supports jobs and industries here in the UK rather than being lost overseas.

    “We have already seen decades of missed opportunities on this, leaving communities hollowed out and people forced out of work. This government must act fast to turn the corner and put Britain first in the race towards the economy of the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on Trump Administration’s Attempt to Limit Congressional Oversight of ICE Detention

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

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding recently announced guidance by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) limiting access to immigration detention facilities:

    “Today’s announcement is in direct violation of federal law and is just the latest attempt to undercut congressional oversight and dismantle all manner of oversight related to detention facilities – centers that too often have credible reports of inhumane treatment.

    “The idea that the administration is claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Offices, where immigrants are being held for lengthy periods, are not considered a location that is ‘used to detain or otherwise house’ immigrants and therefore not subject to congressional oversight is absurd. It is our responsibility to do oversight of ICE’s enforcement, and these new policies will not stop us.

    “This is nothing but an attempt to hide the truth that President Trump lied to the American people when he promised to arrest and deport only the ‘worst of the worst.’ When I visited a detention facility just last month, the only detained people I was allowed to talk to were a woman who has been in this country for 20 years and was detained less than a week before she was to be married to a U.S. citizen; as well as a legal permanent resident, who has been here 31 years, is a proud member of the Machinists Union, and is married to a U.S. citizen with three U.S. citizen children.”

    Earlier this year, the Trump administration also terminated the DHS Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman crippling internal oversight of the Department.

    Appropriations language states: SEC. 527. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this Act may be used to prevent any of the following persons from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens, or to make any temporary modification at any such facility that in any way alters what is observed by a visiting Member of Congress or such designated employee, compared to what would be observed in the absence of such modification:

    (1) A Member of Congress.

    (2) An employee of the United States House of Representatives or the United States Senate designated by such a Member for the purposes of this section.

    (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility described in subsection (a) for the purpose of conducting oversight. 

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rutherford Statement on U.S. Attacks on Nuclear Sites in Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on U.S. Armed Forces attacks on nuclear sites in Iran: 

    “I am fully behind President Trump and our Armed Forces in the action taken in self-defense, which precludes any need for an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). The President gave Iran every opportunity to make a deal for peace to end this long conflict, but they refused. This is what peace through strength looks like. The world is safer without the threat of a nuclear bomb in the hands of an Iranian regime.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Statement on Trump’s Unauthorized Military Strikes in Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    LOWELL, MA — Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced unauthorized U.S. military strikes in Iran:
    “I am deeply grateful that the American servicemembers who carried out this mission returned safely. Their professionalism, precision, and bravery are unmatched, and we owe them and their families a debt of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our country.”
    “Absolutely no one wants to see the Iranian regime acquire nuclear weapons. That shared goal has guided years of bipartisan diplomatic and strategic engagement to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. President Trump’s decision to launch direct military strikes without congressional approval threatens to undermine those efforts and drag the United States into another costly, endless war in the Middle East.”
    “Acting without the consent of Congress, without a clear strategy, and without the backing of our allies puts American lives at risk and risks further destabilizing an already volatile region. It also flies in the face of the president’s campaign promise to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, end the war in Gaza, and bring home the hostages still held by Hamas.”
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism Strategy Committee meets

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Tourism Strategy Committee, chaired by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, held its fourth meeting today.

     

    During the meeting, representatives from Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and the Development Bureau briefed the committee on matters relating to the sports park, and the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas.

     

    Members praised the sports park, highlighting that it has impressed visitors and boosted the tourism industry. They also put forward suggestions for optimising transportation and catering arrangements during mega events and for strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.

     

    Regarding the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas, committee members remarked that given their location on Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas are well-positioned for redevelopment into a new harbourfront landmark that can integrate leisure, entertainment, dining, retail, and water-friendly elements.

     

    Members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard should be put to use, and commented that the proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. They also recommended that the Government provide space for land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities.

     

    The bureau is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal, and the Government will take into account members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the proposal and finalising the development parameters. The target is to commence relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.

     

    Separately, members exchanged views with Tourism Board representatives regarding the city’s latest tourism performance and statistics.

     

    For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong had more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12% increase year on year. Among these visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10% rise on the same period in 2024. Visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan rose more than 25%. For Australia, growth of 35% was recorded.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Appointment of Grace Jeter to Covington County Circuit Judgeship

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the appointment of Grace Jeter as Covington County Circuit Court Judge.

    “Grace Jeter comes to the bench with a strong background as a prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience,” said Governor Ivey.  “In addition to serving for nearly two decades as an assistant district attorney, her legal career also includes work as a staff attorney in state appellate court. She is well versed in the law and will serve the people of Covington County with distinction.”

    “I am grateful for Governor Ivey’s appointment,” said Jeter. “Having worked for the people of Covington County for 20 years, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue serving them as Circuit Judge.”

    Jeter will succeed former 22nd Judicial Circuit Judge Ben Bowden, who was appointed to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals by Governor Ivey on May 21, 2025.

    Jeter’s legal experience includes 19 years of service as Assistant and Chief Assistant District Attorney in the 22nd Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Andalusia, where she tried more than 100 jury trials; four years’ service as Staff Attorney for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals; and two years as an attorney with Merrell & Bryan, LLC in Andalusia.

    A resident of Red Level, Alabama, Jeter and her husband, Jeff, have two children. She is a 1996 graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, and she received her Juris Doctor in 1999 from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham. Jeter is the first female Circuit Judge to serve in Covington County.

    Jeter’s appointment is effective immediately.

    Jeter’s official photo is attached.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Founder of Lender Service Provider Convicted for Role in Multimillion-Dollar PPP Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A federal jury convicted Stephanie Hockridge, a founder of the lender service provider Blueacorn, on Friday in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money guaranteed by the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hockridge, also known as Stephanie Reis, 42, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, and previously of Arizona, conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent PPP loan applications, including by fabricating documents that falsified income and payroll in order to receive loan funds for which they were not eligible.

    “This defendant exploited a national emergency to personally profit from a taxpayer-funded program intended to support vulnerable individuals and small businesses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction demonstrates the Department’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding the government and wasting taxpayer money.”

    “During a time of crisis in our country, this defendant abused the generosity of the American people by stealing money dedicated to the survival of small businesses to fraudulently enrich herself,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas. “We are proud of the diligent work of our law enforcement partners to hold her accountable and bring her to justice. Make no mistake, our efforts to bring such fraudsters to justice are ongoing.”

    “Hockridge’s conviction demonstrates the FBI’s continued commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded programs from fraud and abuse,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This program was designed to provide critical funds to those struggling during a national crisis, not line the pockets of people seeking to exploit government assistance. The FBI remains committed to pursuing anyone who abuses the public trust for personal gain.”

    “Ms. Hockridge defrauded the federal government of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for her own personal gain and has been brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Western Region. “We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to hold Ms. Hockridge accountable.”

    “Exploiting the Small Business Administration’s pandemic relief programs for personal gain is an egregious theft of taxpayer funds,” said Deputy Inspector General Sheldon Shoemaker of the SBA Office of Inspector General. “SBA OIG will aggressively root out fraud to protect the integrity of SBA’s programs, which are intended to provide vital assistance to the nation’s small businesses. I want to thank the U. S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

    “This verdict is a victory for justice, accountability, and the American public,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “In a time of crisis, the Paycheck Protection Program was created as a lifeline to keep small businesses afloat and families fed. Ms. Hockridge saw it as an opportunity to enrich herself. Driven by greed, she used her business to steal millions of dollars intended for those in need. The women and men of IRS-CI will continue to protect what’s right and stand firmly with the honest business owners who play by the rules.”

    As proven at trial, Hockridge co-founded Blueacorn in April 2020, purportedly to assist small businesses and individuals in obtaining PPP loans. To get larger loans for certain PPP applicants, Hockridge and her co-conspirators fabricated documents, including payroll records, tax documentation, and bank statements. Hockridge and her co-conspirators charged borrowers kickbacks based on a percentage of the funds received.

    As part of the scheme, Hockridge and others offered a personalized service to their clients called “VIPPP” to help potential borrowers complete PPP loan applications. Hockridge recruited co-conspirators to work as VIPPP referral agents and coach borrowers on how to submit false PPP loan applications. To get more kickbacks from borrowers and a higher percentage of lender fees from the SBA, Hockridge and her co-conspirators submitted PPP loan applications that they knew contained materially false information. In total, Hockridge and her coconspirators processed tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent PPP loans. Hockridge was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and acquitted of four counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board-CFPB Office of Inspector General, and SBA OIG investigated the case.

    Acting Assistant Chief Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Carr and Ryan McLaren of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U. S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the enactment of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www. justice. gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/cares-act-fraud

    MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www. justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Mexican Prison Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison

    Source: US FBI

    DEL RIO, Texas – Seven members of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano (PRM) prison gang were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to a combined 137 years in prison for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Victor Hinojosa aka Zuko, 35; Martha Gonzalez Ritchie, 64; Jesus Espinoza, 33; and Francisco Espinoza, 29; Ernesto Magdaleno, 56; Armando Ramirez aka Mando, 36; and Danny Suarez, 41, all from Eagle Pass, trafficked cocaine in and around Eagle Pass and Del Rio daily between March 1, 2019, and June 1, 2021. Hinojosa, identified as a sergeant of the PRM, conspired with others by communicating with them through Facebook messenger or cell phone to discuss cocaine distribution activities. Jesus and Francisco Espinoza, Suarez, and another co-defendant would regularly supply Hinojosa with the cocaine. Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from Hinojosa throughout their investigation.

    All seven defendants were arrested on June 11, 2021. Hinojosa, Jesus Espinoza and Francisco Espinoza each pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Ritchie also pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

    On June 5, Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses sentenced Hinojosa and Ritchie each to 30 years in prison, Jesus Espinoza to 17 ½ years in prison, and Francisco Espinoza to 19 ½ years in prison. The following week, on June 13, Chief Judge Moses sentenced Magdaleno and Ramirez each to 14 years in prison, and Suarez to 12 years.

    “This criminal conspiracy extends way beyond the bounds of narcotics distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “PRM is a violent prison gang that operates on both sides the U.S.-Mexico border. These PRM members who have been convicted and sentenced should reemphasize to other narcoterrorists the level of our resolve when it comes to the eradication of transnational criminal organizations and providing safer border communities.”

    Other co-defendants in this case who continue to await their sentence hearings include Rodolfo Jimenez Jr., Eduardo Gloria, Saul Sanchez-Rosas, Yvonne Rodriguez-Torres, Luis Alberto Torres-Marquez, Paulino Ramirez, Louis Iglesias, Martha Perez, and Randy Crioyos.

    Co-defendant Carlos Eduardo Saldana Jr. was sentenced in August 2023 to 10 years in federal prison; Kevin Ritchie was sentenced in October 2023 to 35 years imprisonment; Clinton Ritchie was sentenced in July 2024 to 19 ½ years in federal prison; and Carlos Daniel Rodriguez-Urrabazo was also sentenced in July 2024 to 7 years in prison.

    The DEA and FBI led the investigation, known as Operation Tequila Sunset. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Eagle Pass Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices from Maverick, Dimmitt and Val Verde counties assisted.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Americans While on Student Visa

    Source: US FBI

    AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national who was living in the U.S. on a student visa was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 63 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, of Navsari, Gujarat, conspired with co-defendant Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya and others to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold from July 2024 through August 2024. The conspiracy used various online phishing methods and impersonated U.S. government officials, while Patel fraudulently received the cash and gold from victims, conveying a portion to co-conspirators and keeping a percentage for his own benefit. To date, the investigation has determined that the conspiracy defrauded at least 25 victims with a total intended loss of at least $2,694,156.

    Patel was arrested by the Granite Shoals Police Department on Aug. 24, 2024, after he retrieved a box represented to contain $130,000 from a victim’s residence. He was transferred into federal custody on Aug. 29 and pleaded guilty on March 18. Patel’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman.

    “This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims’ fears of adverse government action. Today’s sentence demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting the perpetrators of such nefarious schemes and achieving justice for the victims.”

    “The FBI is deeply committed to protecting the American people from the devastating effects of financial fraud. We prioritize and aggressively pursue those who prey on our elderly population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank our colleagues at the Granite Shoals Police Department for their professionalism and dedication to the citizens they serve.”

    Mangukiya pleaded guilty June 16 and awaits his sentence hearing.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairfax Man Sentenced for Attempted Church Shooting

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fairfax man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at a Haymarket church, for carrying a gun during that attempt, and for transmitting threats over the internet. Rui Jiang, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Jiang was previously convicted by a jury in March 2025.

    According to evidence presented at trial, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023, which made clear his intention to kill congregants.  The next morning, police searched for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call. Officers located Jiang at the church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun, two magazines of ammunition, and two knives. He had additional ammunition, knives, and a canister of bear spray in his nearby car. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered copies of a manifesto, signed by Jiang, which read in part, “I am here deny (sic) the love lives blessed by God to these lucky men, by taking out these men… To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do (sic).”

    “The freedom to worship without fear is one of the bedrock principles of our Nation,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Rui Jiang set out to violate that principle by entering a church during a religious service armed with the intent to murder innocent parishioners.  This unspeakable act, only thwarted by brave law enforcement officers and civilians, has no place in our Republic and will always be a priority of my office.”

    “This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly investigate and prosecute attacks on our nation’s houses of worship.”

    “The church shooting that was thwarted because of the vigilance of concerned citizens is a reminder that when communities and law enforcement agencies work together, we can prevent targeted acts of violence,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.

    The FBI investigated the case with substantial assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. The Anne Arundel County Police Department also assisted.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-65.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club Pleads Guilty for Assault Against a Rival Motorcycle Club Member

    Source: US FBI

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

    Jarrid A. Hammer, also known as “Hammer,” 45, of Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

    On July 20, 2023, Hammer and two other members of the Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar & grill in North Kansas City, Mo.  Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground.  Once on the ground, Hammer and the other two Pagan’s began stomping, kicking and punching the victim.  The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted them were wearing steel-toed boots.  Hammer and the two others fled the bar & grill before any law enforcement arrived. The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.

    Under federal statutes, Hammer is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Man Admits Shooting at Police

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – A man on Wednesday admitted shooting at multiple St. Louis County police officers in 2024.

    Dylan Farmer, 21, of Breckenridge Hills, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to four counts of assaulting a law enforcement officer and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

    Farmer admitted that on Feb. 13, 2024, officers of the St. Louis County Police Department Special Response Unit (SRU) were trying to find someone who was wanted in connection with a double homicide. A vehicle associated with that wanted person was parked in the 4500 block of Virginia Avenue in St. Louis. When Farmer unlocked the vehicle and got in, officers converged to detain him. All wore vests marked “Police,” and three of the vehicles were equipped with blue flashing emergency lights. The officers were also designated as task force officers with the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI.

    As three task force officers pulled up in their SUV, Farmer immediately opened fire with a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, damaging the SUV. Officers returned fire. Farmer then ran across the street and between some buildings, where he fired one shot at an officer. He then ran down an alley and fired multiple times at a different officer, who ducked behind a dumpster.

    Farmer then hid on the front porch of a house in the 4500 block of Alaska Avenue. When officers drove down the street and spotted Farmer, he opened fire again, damaging their vehicle, and officers again returned fire. Farmer eventually surrendered after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Officers treated his wounds and summoned an ambulance to take him to the hospital.

    One officer’ was injured when a bullet ricocheted off a vehicle’s window, causing glass to fly into his eye. Another’s ankle was injured when he jumped out of his car and sought cover.

    Farmer admitted firing first at police.

    As part of the plea agreement, both sides have agreed to recommend 22 years in prison at Farmer’s sentencing, which is set for September 23. The firearm charges each carry mandatory minimum 10-year sentences.

    The St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Property Management Company to Pay Compensation and Penalties for Imposing Unlawful Charges on U.S. Military Servicemembers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department resolved an enforcement matter against JWB Real Estate Management for violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it imposed illegal early termination charges on military servicemembers who terminated their leases after receiving military relocation orders.

    JWB Property Management, a property management company based in Jacksonville, Florida, imposed early termination fees on at least six members of the U.S. military after they attempted to terminate their leases in accordance with the SCRA.  

    As a result of the Department’s enforcement, JWB will be required to pay over $39,000 in compensation to the affected servicemembers, as well as a $25,000 civil penalty. The company will also make changes to its policies and training to ensure that it complies with the SCRA in the future.

    “Our military families already shoulder the burden of military-ordered moves and deployments,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will not allow them to be penalized by landlords for answering the call of duty for service.”

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is committed to protecting the rights of all our servicemembers,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens and we will combat all forms of discrimination against them to help ensure that they are able to fulfill their military obligations.”

    The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General outlines expectations ahead of historic Summit

    Source: NATO

    On Monday 23 June [2025] NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, outlined his expectations for the NATO Summit in The Hague. This year’s Summit takes place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June and will bring together heads of state and government from across the Alliance; it will be hosted by the Netherlands for the first time.

    “We meet at a truly historic moment, with significant and growing challenges to our security” Mr Rutte stated. “As the world becomes more dangerous, Allied leaders will take bold decisions to strengthen our collective defence, making NATO a stronger, a fairer and a more lethal Alliance.”

    This week, Allies will approve a major new defence investment plan, raising the benchmark for defence investment to 5% of GDP. This will be agreed together with a concerted effort to ramp up defence industry across NATO, increasing security and creating jobs. There will also be a continued focus on support for Ukraine alongside the pursuit of a just and lasting end to Russia’s war of aggression.

    Mr Rutte made clear that the new defence investment plan will be “decisive” to ensuring effective deterrence. While the details of national capability targets are classified, the Secretary General called for a five-fold increase in air defence capabilities, thousands more tanks and armoured vehicles and millions of rounds of artillery ammunition to help keep NATO’s one billion citizens safe.

    Speaking ahead of the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum on Tuesday 24, Mr Rutte urged Allies to work with industry to expand their defence industrial base warning that “there is not nearly enough supply to meet our increased demand on either side of the Atlantic”. “By investing more and producing more, we build a stronger NATO” he stressed.

    Strengthening partnerships will remain a key focus for the Alliance, with the Summit providing the opportunity to engage with Ukraine, NATO partners in the Indo-Pacific, and the leadership of the European Union.

    Finally, on Ukraine Mr Rutte was unambiguous, “we must continue to make sure Ukraine has what it needs to defend today and deter in the future. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and will persist” he affirmed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA and Romania to Launch Global Nuclear Emergency Response Exercise

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Fire trucks and an emergency response helicopter are positioned to provide support during a national nuclear emergency exercise in Romania in October 2023. (Photo: C. Torres Vidal/IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Romania will launch tomorrow, 24 June, the world’s largest and most complex international nuclear emergency exercise, simulating a severe accident at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    Over two days, more than 75 countries and 10 international organizations will take part in the ConvEx-3 (2025)—a full-scale exercise designed to test global readiness for a nuclear or radiological emergency with cross-border consequences. Participation will occur both on-site in Romania and remotely from other countries.

    As nuclear use expands globally, its success hinges on strong safety standards and constant vigilance, said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This exercise is a clear demonstration of the international community’s commitment to protect people and the environment by working together, across borders and systems, when every minute counts.”

    “Hosting ConvEx-3 is both a responsibility and an opportunity for Romania,” said Cantemir Ciurea-Ercău, President, National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN). “Two decades after we hosted the first ConvEx-3, we are proud to again contribute to strengthening global nuclear emergency preparedness. In today’s interconnected world, effective preparedness must transcend borders—this exercise reflects our shared commitment to safety, cooperation and transparency.”

    Romania, bordering five countries, last hosted such an exercise in 2005. Cernavodă is the country’s only nuclear power plant, situated roughly 160 kilometres east of Bucharest, close to the Black Sea. During the 36-hour exercise, participants will simulate real-time decisions, emergency communications and international coordination under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (Early Notification Convention) and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Assistance Convention). These will include protective actions such as simulated evacuation and iodine distribution, public outreach and communication, medical response coordination, and the management of food and trade restrictions based on radiological assessments.

    The IAEA will activate its Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) and test critical tools like the Unified System for Information Exchange (USIE), a secure platform for designated contact points from IAEA Member States, and the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS) platform. Member States will also activate their national emergency centres, request or offer assistance, share monitoring data, and coordinate cross-border protective actions and messaging to their populations.

    The ConvEx-3 (2025) was developed by SNN Nuclearelectrica and CNCAN, with international coordination by the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE), which includes the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, European Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, INTERPOL and others.

    About Convention Exercises

    Convention Exercises, or ConvEx, are held to test the operational arrangements of the Early Notification Convention and the Assistance Convention.  The goal is to evaluate and further improve the international framework for emergency preparedness and response. ConvEx are prepared at three levels of complexity:

    • ConvEx-1 is designed to test emergency communication links with contact points in Member States that need to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to test the response times of these contact points.
    • ConvEx-2 is designed to test specific parts of the international framework for emergency preparedness and response, for example to rehearse the appropriate use of communication procedures; to practice procedures for international assistance; and to test the arrangements and tools used for assessment and prognosis in a nuclear or radiological emergency.
    • ConvEx-3 is a full-scale exercise designed to evaluate international emergency response arrangements and capabilities for a severe nuclear or radiological emergency over several days, regardless of its cause.

    Photos from the ConvEx-3 will be made available here.

    MIL OSI NGO –