NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Employee Retention Credit Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and money laundering, for his role in a scheme to claim refunds based on false COVID-19 employment tax credits.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Ryan Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits. Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses he and co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, the false returns claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

    Glidewell is set to be sentenced on Nov. 12. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for money laundering, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Farm Security is National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Senator Marshall Joins Vince Coglianese to Talk About the Trump Administration’s Action Plan to Ban U.S. Farmland Purchases by China
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Vince Coglianese on The VINCE Show to discuss the importance of protecting American farmland from hostile foreign nations, Joe Biden’s doctor being subpoenaed before the House Oversight Committee, and how the Senate will go after leftist institutional programs via the recissions package.
    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    On China buying American farmland and the threat it poses:
    “… Farm security, food security, is national security – we take it for granted. China, their nationals, their people, have purchased only about 300,000 acres of land. It’s not the land, but it’s the location that matters. They have land right next to Whiteman Air Force Base. That’s where our B-2 bombers took off from for their mission to Iran. Back home, Fort Riley, Kansas, is near and dear to my heart – they have land close to that. So, it looks like they strategically purchased land next to military bases. So that in and of itself, they can keep track of what’s coming and going, what new drones do we have, all sorts of things, as you can imagine. So, it’s a national security issue.
    “But beyond that, let’s talk about the other pieces of national security when it comes to agriculture. It’s the food supply chain, so foreign nationals hold about 1/4 of the protein processing in America, pork processing, and beef processing, to be particular. They’re constantly stealing our intellectual property. We have Chinese nationals in our laboratories, at our universities, so they are a constant threat. The one that really scares me is bioterrorism. You know, the next COVID virus, the next thing that they make in a lab in China, you couldn’t imagine that you’d ever have a hot air balloon floating across America… that could be dropping some type of viral particles that would kill all the cattle in America. So that’s the big concern.”
    On the Biden Administration’s failure to act:
    “Let’s talk about why the Biden administration just ignored this. I begged them to make the Secretary of Agriculture part of CFIUS. That’s the committee that assesses foreign investments in the United States from a national security standpoint. Yesterday, President Trump made Secretary Rollins part of CFIUS so she can evaluate each one of these purchases on a case-by-case basis. You know who’s really purchasing the land, right? Is it some proxy, or are they really connected to a country of concern as well?
    “It is absolutely common sense. We brought this to the Biden Administration as we saw this acceleration of these land purchases. The President has the ability to appoint her, Congress can codify it, and we do have legislation that would codify that appointment, make it permanently legal, so that if, heaven forbid, we have another Joe Biden in office, that he wouldn’t take the Secretary of Agriculture off that off that post.”
    On how China has used the land they have purchased:
    “I don’t have any insider information, except to say obviously they’re spying on us. It’s an easy spy spot. But I think what’s more important is what the Trump Administration is going to do here. Basically, they’re going to have an executive order that says China, country of origin, cannot buy any further agricultural land in the United States, period. And they’re going to start a program to start taking land back from them. And you know, Governor Huckabee Sanders, down in Arkansas, has already done that. So, states can do things as well. The state laws, the state governors, can move a little bit more quickly on this. So, I would encourage them to get behind this situation as well. So, I think that the Trump administration is moving again, moving agriculture up to a level of national security.”
    On Secretary Rollins’ statements around ‘No Amnesty’:
    “No amnesty. Period, full stop, end of paragraph, end of sentence, no amnesty. The President made that very clear, and Secretary Rollins reiterated that five times yesterday. Republicans in the Senate are not in favor of amnesty.
    “But two points I’d like to make, though. Number one, we could not have ever even had this discussion until the border was secure. It’s amazing, the border is secure again, The One Big, Beautiful Bill is going to build 2000 miles of barrier, and it’s going to fund that border security for the next four years. Usually, we have to fight every year with the Democratic senators on funding that. But we’re going to double the number of ICE removal agents. I think what we heard Secretary Rollins say yesterday is that they’re going to continue to prioritize the 400,000 violent illegal criminals in this country. And that’s why, I think that’s why you saw DHS Secretary Noem there, and you know, all the different secretaries, the Attorney General, were there saying, look, this is all the above problem that we’re trying to solve. We want to make our farmland secure, and we want to make your family safer as well.
    On Joe Biden’s physician testifying about the former President’s mental decline:
    “You know, I’m a physician as well. I practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 25 years, and maybe I can share a couple analogies from there. Look, this doctor has a legal obligation to come and testify, just like if I had a legal obligation. Let’s say again, I’m an obstetrician. I see a patient in the morning, and she goes out and kills somebody that night. And I’m subpoenaed to the court to come and testify – they would ask me questions. What was her mental status? I’d be obligated to talk about that. Did she say anything that she was interested in killing somebody or herself? I would testify to that.
    “Now, if they ask me if she ever had herpes, has she ever had an STD, has she ever had a miscarriage, I would say, look, that’s patient doctor privilege. It has nothing to do with this case, right? But in this situation, this doctor has every obligation to come talk about the, you know, national security issues regarding the neurogenerative decline of one Joe Biden and how there was an abuse of power with the auto-pen. So, I think that’s fair game, that the law trumps his ethical obligation.
    On the obligation to know who was really in charge during the Biden-Harris Administration:
    “I want my good friend Jamie Comer to go through with this trial. I’m just telling us not to overplay our hand. We cannot stop talking about all the great victories under President Trump, that we’re doing as well. We cannot make this the focus of the Republican Party, but absolutely this doctor absolutely has an obligation to talk about the neurodegenerative decline of one Joe Biden… this is an impact on national security. I think that Congressman Comer is well within his constitutional rights to come in and say, did this President put us at some type of national security threat level? Who was really planned this Afghanistan evacuation debacle? Are there any types of notes? I want to see the notes as the auto pin signed all these pardons. Is there a discussion, you know, with the President that records some of those as well? That would be minimal that I would want to see. So, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, full speed ahead. But we got a great story to tell beyond just Joe Biden’s decline.”
    On the legislation to cut funding to PBS and NPR:
    “I think it’ll come to the floor next week, but I’m embarrassed to tell you that there’s people, Senate Republicans, that are having heartburn about it. Look to your point, $37 trillion of national debt, a trillion dollars a year on interest, and the Senate doesn’t have the kahones to cut $9 billion of total waste, fraud, and abuse. When I sat down with Elon Musk the first time, I gave him a list of the top 10 things that Doge should do, USAID was the top of it, and I put beside it, ‘burn it to the ground.’ Based upon my experiences traveling, seeing what USAID was doing, I knew that there was a lot of fraud and abuse going on with it.
    “And this is also going to defund National Public Radio, Television as well. Look, Kansans back home are tired of their taxpayer money being spent on basically one propaganda unit for the left, right. So, but, but it’s we’ve got some heartburn going on here. Hopefully, we can get it through.”
    On why it’s time to cut funding to USAID, NPR, and PBS:“For over 20 years, we have spent billions of dollars treating people for AIDS in Africa. And I’m so glad we got to do it, but do we need to keep spending a billion dollars a year on that? When does Africa take care of their own problems? When are they going to realize what’s causing AIDS, that there’s ways to prevent it, other than taking a medicine that costs tens of thousands of dollars a month as well. So that’s one piece, the humanitarian part of it as well.
    “And look, there are some moderates within the Republican Party that think National Public Radio should be funded by the government. I disagree. And with today’s media opportunities. I don’t see why the federal government needs to be subsidizing anybody out there in the media, let alone someone who’s so biased as NPR is.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON REP. ILHAN OMAR

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton holds Change of Command Ceremony in Panama City

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/09/2025 06:00 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    07/09/2025 05:36 PM EDT

    The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) held a change of command ceremony Wednesday in Panama City, as Capt. John B. McWhite relieved Capt. Justin M. Carter as commanding officer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Sounds Alarm Over RFK Jr. Postponing U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Meeting, Threat to Coverage of Preventive Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Former ACIP Member from WA State Raise Alarm Over Purge of Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

    ICYMI: Murray Calls for Kennedy to Reinstate Fired ACIP Members or Delay Meeting Until New Members Appropriately Vetted

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray, a senior member and former chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the postponement of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) meeting that was scheduled to take place tomorrow. USPSTF is an independent advisory panel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The USPSTF is made up of 16 unpaid, volunteer members serving four-year terms. USPSTF is supported by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) staff, but that agency has lost roughly half of their support staff due to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s mass firings across HHS.

    The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc. on June 27th ruled that USPSTF members are “inferior officers” consistent with the Appointments Clause to the Constitution, therefore affirming their authority to determine coverage of preventive services. The Affordable Care Act Democrats passed gave USPSTF recommendations the force of law for the first time—ensuring that mammograms, colonoscopies, and screenings for depression, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and other recommended preventive care would be covered by insurance at no cost to patients.

    “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is essential to ensuring cancer screenings and other lifesaving preventive services are covered by insurance at no cost to patients—and the abrupt postponement of tomorrow’s task force meeting should set off alarm bells for everyone worried about what our conspiracy-promoting Health Secretary is up to next. I’m concerned Secretary Kennedy may be taking the first steps to dismantle the Preventive Services Task Force and attack its mission and commitment to scientific evidence, just like he has done at the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee and across our nation’s public health agencies.

    “The Preventive Services Task Force is made up of independent national experts in preventive medicine and primary care—they are volunteers who serve the public interest. In no world should experts be replaced with unqualified anti-science cronies of RFK Jr. who will make preventive health care more expensive and harder to get over baseless conspiracy theories or debunked disinformation.

    “I implore every one of my colleagues who believes Americans should be able to get lifesaving preventive care without worrying about cost to speak out now, and to my Republican colleagues: pick up the phone and tell Secretary Kennedy to keep his hands off preventive care.”

    Senator Murray forcefully opposed RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS and has been a leading voice in the Senate pushing back against his systematic dismantling of our nation’s premiere public health agency, from the unprecedented mass firing of qualified HHS employees and the closure of critical regional offices, to Secretary Kennedy’s purge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Last month, Senator Murray called on Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the fired ACIP members and held a press call with Washington state-based Dr. Helen Chu, one of the 17 ACIP members abruptly fired by Secretary Kennedy without cause.

    Senator Murray has sent countless oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades—and lift up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Texas Private Nonprofits Affected by July Storms and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding beginning July 2.

    The disaster declaration covers the Texas County of Kerr.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low as 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

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

    The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 4, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 6, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos Select Quick Custom Intelligence Enterprise Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos are thrilled to announce their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCI’s cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behavior, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering personalized guest experiences like never before. This bold move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.

    This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, where the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and world-class service will create an unmatched environment for entertainment and hospitality in the region.

    Morgan Fritzinger, Director of Marketing for the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos, shared her excitement about this partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is truly a game-changer for our host and marketing departments, and we’re confident it will not only optimize our operations but also enhance the quality of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we’re poised to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Minnesota market. This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, expressed his satisfaction with this newly established partnership, stating, “We place immense value on partnerships that are built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to innovation. Our collaboration with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos exemplifies this kind of relationship. From the very beginning, we have been deeply impressed by the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos team’s dedication, their passion for excellence, and their relentless focus on delivering extraordinary guest experiences. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved together and even more excited for the future. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks in the Minnesota market, and I am confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the gaming and hospitality industry.”

    ABOUT Black Bear Casino and Fond Du Luth Casinos
    Black Bear Casino Resort, located in Carlton, Minnesota, and Fond-du-Luth Casino, situated in the heart of downtown Duluth near Lake Superior’s vibrant tourist district, are premier gaming and entertainment destinations owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Together, these properties offer a dynamic blend of gaming, dining, lodging, and live entertainment, while honoring the cultural heritage and economic strength of the Fond du Lac Band. Committed to excellence in guest service and community impact, both casinos serve as proud tributes to the resilience and vision of the Ojibwe people. For more information, visit www.blackbearcasinoresort.com or call (218) 878-BEAR (2327) or www.fondduluthcasino.com and (218) 720-5100.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Goldman, Raskin Lead Judiciary Democrats in Demanding AG Bondi Release Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Report on Trump’s Mishandling of Classified Documents, Epstein Files

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    AG Bondi’s Politicized DOJ Has Refused to Release Documents Containing Damaging Information on the President 

     

    Read the Letter Here 

    Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led Committee Democrats in an oversight letter demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi release the entirety of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Donald Trump’s refusal to return classified documents after he left office, along with any evidence in the Epstein files mentioning Trump, that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have withheld from the public. 

    “Five months ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the pending case against Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, depriving the American public of an opportunity to hear the evidence of how they conspired with Donald Trump to help him stash hundreds of highly classified records at his Mar-a-Lago Club, defy subpoenas, obstruct law enforcement, hide evidence, and lie about his continuing retention of these records. Since then, you have continued to conceal the evidence against Donald Trump and his co-conspirators by refusing to release the report of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into this matter. You have done so even as House Judiciary Committee Republicans continue to make baseless claims of bias and misconduct on the part of Special Counsel Smith and compel testimony from members of his team—all without a shred of evidence. Your conduct is particularly worrisome as it appears to be part of a pattern of using the DOJ to cover up evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump, including information allegedly contained in the Epstein files. We write today to demand that you release the Smith report immediately, as well as any evidence mentioning or referencing Donald Trump in the Epstein files,” the Members wrote. 

    Volume I of the Special Counsel’s report was released publicly by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January, but DOJ did not release Volume II at that time due to a pending case against Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. The case was dismissed in February after Trump’s DOJ moved to drop it, but Attorney General Bondi has sought to indefinitely block the disclosure of the remainer of the report. 

    While refusing to release the full report, DOJ is cooperating with House Republicans’ continued probe of Special Counsel Smith’s investigation and prosecution of President Trump in a desperate and failed effort to find evidence of bias or misconduct. DOJ has acquiesced to Chairman Jim Jordan’s requests for testimony of line-level prosecutors in Special Counsel Smith’s office, without objections or restrictions—a position at odds with the Department’s longstanding policy to protect line prosecutors and prosecutorial deliberations. 

    The Trump Administration has consistently hidden from the public materials and information that may be damaging to Trump. Earlier this month, former senior administration official Elon Musk posted on X that President Trump “is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” 

    In February, DOJ and the FBI came under intense public criticism for releasing a “first phase” of the Epstein files that consisted largely of information that was already public. Despite reportedly ordering hundreds of agents to work marathon sessions in order to prepare more batches of records for public release, Attorney General Bondi has not released additional records. Just this week, the FBI stated that it has determined “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”   

    “The American people deserve uncensored answers and authentic transparency from this Administration and a full understanding of Mr. Trump’s actions. We call on you to stop protecting your boss and former client, release the Smith report in full without redactions immediately, and publicly release all documents in the Epstein files that mention or reference Donald Trump,” the Members concluded. 

    Today’s letter follows a months-long push by House Judiciary Democrats for the full public release of Special Counsel Smith’s report. In February, Congressman Goldman and Ranking Member Raskin led Democrats in a letter to Attorney General Bondi urging her to release Volume Two of Special Counsel Smith’s report. In January, Congressman Goldman and Ranking Member Raskin led House Judiciary Democrats in sending a letter to then-Attorney General Garland, urging him to take all necessary steps to ensure the reports’ release. 
    Read the letter here or below. 

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    Five months ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the pending case against Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, depriving the American public of an opportunity to hear the evidence of how they conspired with Donald Trump to help him stash hundreds of highly classified records at his Mar-a-Lago Club, defy subpoenas, obstruct law enforcement, hide evidence, and lie about his continuing retention of these records. Since then, you have continued to conceal the evidence against Donald Trump and his co-conspirators by refusing to release the report of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into this matter. You have done so even as House Judiciary Committee Republicans continue to make baseless claims of bias and misconduct on the part of Special Counsel Smith and compel testimony from members of his team—all without a shred of evidence. Your conduct is particularly worrisome as it appears to be part of a pattern of using the DOJ to cover up evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump, including information allegedly contained in the Epstein files. We write today to demand that you release the Smith report immediately, as well as any evidence mentioning or referencing Donald Trump in the Epstein files.

    Attorney General Merrick Garland publicly released Volume I of Mr. Smith’s report in January, consistent with DOJ regulations, longstanding precedent, and the orders of both Judge Aileen Cannon and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. At that time, the DOJ did not publicly release Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s report—regarding his investigation into Mr. Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago Club after his first term in office—to avoid any prejudice to President Trump’s co-defendants, Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, while the criminal case against them was still ongoing. The DOJ has since dropped the case against Mr. Nauta and Mr. De Oliveira, and their case was dismissed on February 11, 2025. Yet, according to DOJ’s court filing in March 2025, you have sought to indefinitely block the disclosure of the remainder of the report.

    This position is plainly impossible to reconcile with the Department’s regulations and longstanding practice of publicly releasing reports by special counsels. Your predecessor Attorney General Garland released, in full and without any redactions, three special counsel reports written during his tenure: Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Joe Biden’s possession of classified documents, Special Counsel David Weiss’ report on Hunter Biden’s tax and gun offenses, and V olume One of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Trump’s efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 presidential election. Attorney General Garland also released Special Counsel John Durham’s report on the origins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation of links between Russian officials and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

    Your approach is also at odds with your decision to cooperate with House Republicans’ continued probe of Special Counsel Smith’s investigation and prosecution of President Trump in their failed effort to find any evidence of bias or misconduct. Thus far, Chairman Jordan has taken the deposition of Jay Bratt, Counselor to Special Counsel Smith, who asserted his Fifth Amendment privilege due to reasonable concerns that he was being targeted by the Trump Administration for doing his duty as a prosecutor. Committee Republicans have also requested and obtained the testimony of two additional former line-level prosecutors in Special Counsel Smith’s office, which Chairman Jordan baselessly accused of having “orchestrated a partisan and politically motivated prosecution of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants.” Your DOJ has acquiesced to these requests without objections or restrictions, taking a highly unusual position at odds with decades of longstanding DOJ policy to protect line prosecutors and prosecutorial deliberations.

     It is particularly instructive that you have apparently decided to allow prosecutors to testify about their years long investigation of President Trump, even as you refuse to release the fruit of that investigation, forcing the prosecutors to defend themselves essentially with hands tied behind their backs. DOJ officials have also repeatedly sought to disparage and discredit Special Counsel Smith’s investigation. Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove —in his confirmation hearing for his nomination by President Trump to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals attacked Mr. Smith’s office as weaponized and falsely claimed that members of Mr. Smith’s team “act[ed] based on their political beliefs as opposed to the law.” Just as revealing, Chairman Jordan has refused to join our calls for the release of the full Smith report— presumably a key piece of evidence in his investigation—although he professed in his March 17, 2025, letter to you to “share your commitment to restoring accountability and transparency to the Department.”

     This Administration has repeatedly claimed that President Trump is “the most transparent and accessible president in American history.” So far, your DOJ has not only failed to live up to this promise, but you have also consistently hidden from the American public materials and information that may be damaging to President Trump. Earlier last month, Elon Musk, the former senior advisor to President Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, posted on his social media website, X, that President Trump “is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” His tweet, which has since been deleted, was clearly referring to records related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, in the possession of the FBI and DOJ.

    At his confirmation hearing, Director Patel vowed to release the Epstein files, stating that he would “make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”17 In February 2025, you came under intense public criticism after releasing the “first phase” of roughly 200 pages of the Epstein files that consisted largely of information that was already public. Subsequently, you reportedly ordered hundreds of FBI agents, many of whom were usually focusing on national security matters, to review the Epstein files. Agents that were assigned for this review reportedly “clocked more than 100 hours of work over the most recent two-week pay period, including a marathon session last weekend, during which they slept on desks while waiting for new batches of Epstein records to process.” In April, you claimed the FBI was reviewing “tens of thousands of videos” of Mr. Epstein “with children or child porn.” Despite this immense effort, no additional Epstein records have been released, and just this week, the FBI stated that it has determined “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.” This raises the question of whether the White House has moved to prevent the declassification and public release of the full Epstein files because they implicate President Trump, and whether these massive redaction efforts and the withholding of the files were intended to shield your boss from embarrassing revelations within those files.

    It is not a coincidence that President Trump installed his personal legal team to top positions at the DOJ, appointing you, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove who all served as his defense counsel at one time or another—to the three most senior positions at DOJ, and Stanley Woodward, defense counsel for Mr. Trump’s co-defendant Waltine Nauta in the classified documents case, as the Associate Attorney General, another top position at the DOJ. By doing so, DOJ has all but turned into President Trump’s personal law firm, ensuring that damaging information about him would remain hidden from public view. The American people deserve uncensored answers and authentic transparency from this Administration and a full understanding of Mr. Trump’s actions. We call on you to stop protecting your boss and former client, release the Smith report in full without redactions immediately, and publicly release all documents in the Epstein files that mention or reference Donald Trump. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cityland: Congressman Goldman Outlines Solutions to Lack of Public Trust in Government

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    New York, NY – In June, Congressman Dan Goldman delivered the keynote speech at the New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast, titled: “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” In his keynote, Goldman outlined the damage being done by rampant public corruption to public confidence in government and the social contract. Goldman then outlined a pathway forward that ranged from changes in broader civic culture to specific legislative items. 

    Read coverage of the keynote from CityLand here and below, read Goldman’s remarks as prepared here, and watch Goldman’s full speech here. 
    CityLand: Congressman Goldman Outlines Solutions to Lack of Public Trust in Government 

    By Ili Pecullan 

    July 8, 2025 

    According to Congressman Dan Goldman, a second-term Democrat representing New York’s 10th Congressional District, the fundamental principles of American democracy are being tested like never before. But even as he identifies abuses of power by President Donald Trump and the self-inflicted fraying of checks and balances thanks to decisions by Republicans who have the majority in both houses of Congress and decisions by the conservative-led Supreme Court, Goldman also sees bipartisan problems that shake public trust in government. And he is calling for action to reverse worsening trends while planning to rewrite the public corruption rulebook. 

    On June 17, Goldman appeared at New York Law School, where he was the featured speaker for the school’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast hosted by its Center for New York City and State Law. Goldman’s speech, which was followed by a brief audience Q&A, was titled, “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” 

    Goldman is a former federal prosecutor as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and served as the lead counsel in the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, which revolved around his efforts to leverage aid to Ukraine for his personal political purposes. His district includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, and was newly drawn in the post-Census redistricting process earlier this decade. 

    In his talk, Goldman outlined many ways in which he sees Trump abusing his power and not being held to account by Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court, but also several other examples of both Democrats and Republicans betraying the public trust. He provided a series of recommendations for legislative action Congress could take to prevent corruption across the three branches of the federal government and down through other levels as well, and explained how he is working to advance solutions. 

    Goldman cited, for example, Trump accepting a luxury jet from the royal family of Qatar without the consent of Congress and selling VIP White House tours to the top buyers of his cryptocurrency to advance his own financial interests. According to Goldman, Trump’s actions in this term and his prior one are both cause and effect of the public’s growing assumption that all politicians are corrupt, the broader loss of trust in government, Republicans’ failure to hold their own accountable, and both parties’ failure to fix the system. 

    “When those in power use their position to enrich themselves, to favor their allies, or to punish their enemies, that social contract begins to dissolve, and that broken trust is in my view what has paved the way for the resurrection of the current president of the White House,” Goldman said. 

    During his speech, Goldman expressed shock and dismay over ways in which the Legislature and Supreme Court have reduced their own power to allow Trump to have more. He also referenced recent corruption cases involving Democrats, like former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted on public corruption charges, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on public corruption charges that were then dismissed at the Trump administration’s behest in a widely criticized deal. 

    Among Goldman’s suggested solutions to the practices that have put U.S. democracy in a precarious state are changes in broader civic culture to specific legislative items. He stressed the need for a “renewed commitment to ethical government from candidates,” including holding themselves and members of their own party to a higher standard. For example, members of Congress should not buy individual stocks and should provide full transparency into their campaign finances, helping voters see that politicians are in office to advance the interests of their constituents, not their own personal gain. These actions, which Congress should work to make required by law, he said, would increase public trust in elected officials and provide new checks on their behavior. He referenced putting his own vast investment portfolio into a blind trust upon taking office in 2023. 

    “We can no longer trust that our elected officials, especially our president, will view the plain language of the Constitution as binding,” Goldman said, pointing to the need for new laws. Congress must pass legislation to clearly codify elements of the Constitution that prevent corruption, such as the Hatch Act and the Emoluments Clause, he said. Additionally, Goldman said, “I believe we must draft legislation to codify the independence of the Department of Justice from personal influence by the President.” 

    Goldman also said he is in the process of rewriting federal public corruption laws, in order to ensure that all politicians have a “clear and uniform understanding of what is and is not official corruption.” Not only is there a lack of clarity in the current public corruption laws, he said, but the Supreme Court has also narrowed the reach of federal corruption laws through several rulings. These changes, which he indicated he will propose in the near future, would not only help restore more balance of power in the federal government, he said, but show voters that they can better trust candidates, elected officials, and government. 

    Goldman closed his speech by also addressing the important role that voters play in preventing government corruption and holding politicians accountable.  “We can, we must, we will do better,” he said. “History is watching us.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Introduces Legislation to Bolster Anti-Gun Trafficking Efforts

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘ATF DATA Act’ Requires ATF to Publish Comprehensive Data on Recovered Illicit Firearms to Inform Anti-Trafficking Strategies 

     

    93% of Guns Used in NYC Crimes are From Out of State 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

     
     

    Washington D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the ‘ATF DATA Act’ which would require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Agency to publish an annual report detailing illegal firearm recoveries and a variety of aggregated trace data to better inform anti-gun trafficking strategies by law enforcement. A companion bill was introduced by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the Senate.  

    “To effectively tackle America’s escalating gun violence epidemic, we must first understand the full scope and extent of illegal gun trafficking,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “The ‘ATF DATA Act’ is a vital step towards increasing public transparency by requiring law enforcement to publish comprehensive data on gun seizures and related arrests. This information will help identify communities facing heightened gun trafficking, how these weapons are used, and where they’re being purchased. Answering these questions is crucial for developing effective gun violence prevention and intervention strategies, and for ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most.” 

    By collecting the make, model, caliber, and serial number of these firearms through a system known as eTrace, the National Tracing Center (NTC) can establish the chain of custody of the firearm from their importer or manufacturer to their last known purchaser and the licensed firearms dealer (FFL) where the weapon was sold. The data in the annual report would include:  

    • Data related to characteristics of FFLs to which crime guns were traced in the preceding year. 

    • Data on the types of firearms being recovered, including the most common manufacturers, models, finishes and/or colors, and barrel lengths of traced firearms, and data on privately made firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns. 

    • Data on how firearms are being purchased and diverted to the illegal market, including data on multiple sales and lost or stolen firearms.  

    • Geographical data on recovered crime guns, both domestic and international, including their sources, their recoveries, and the recovering agencies, disaggregated data from the areas in the country with the highest homicide rates and the highest total homicides, as well as trace data from the law enforcement agencies that request the most traces. 

    As a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congressman Goldman has been a leading advocate in the fight against gun violence.   

    This month, Congressman Goldman jointly introduced the  ‘Firearm Destruction Licensure Act,’ alongside Senator Schiff (CA). This legislation would close a gun loophole that is allowing firearms designated for destruction to be sold back into American communities and potentially into the hands of bad actors.  
    This week, Congressman Goldman and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the ‘Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act,’ which would address flaws in the background check process and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals that courts determine pose a risk of harm to others. Senator Booker introduced the companion bill in the Senate. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

    Smart bins and automated trucks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: General Assembly Adopts Decision on Themes of Interactive Dialogues for 2026 United Nations Water Conference

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The General Assembly in a decision adopted by consensus today made public the themes of the six interactive dialogues for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

    Defined “without any particular order of priority”, the themes include:  the human rights to water and sanitation; the promotion of integrated and sustainable water resource management; the “source-to-sea” approach; transboundary and international cooperation; water in multilateral processes; and investment in water.

    The adopted text (A/79/L.101) was introduced by the United Arab Emirates, co-hosting the conference with Senegal, which will take place from 2 to 4 December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.

    Reservations from United States and Argentina

    The representative of the United States expressed regret that the proposed themes include “red lines” for the United States Administration, particularly the first theme regarding the human right to water and sanitation.  These rights refer to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which the United States is not party to and, consequently, are not recognized by United States courts, the delegation argued.

    The United States also distanced itself from the third theme due to its reference to climate.  “We prefer to refer to specific environmental threats, such as wastewater or sea-level rise,” the delegation said, suggesting that the word “environment” alone would sufficiently guide the dialogue.  Similarly, it rejected the term “inclusive” used in the fourth theme, arguing that it prioritizes certain specific groups.  The delegation also reiterated that, for the United States, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “promote a governance agenda incompatible with United States sovereignty and that infringes upon the rights and interests of Americans”.  For these reasons, it dissociated itself from themes 1, 3, 4 and 5, and called on Member States to focus on “concrete and pragmatic” goals.

    The representative of Argentina also dissociated itself from all references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Furthermore, regarding the theme on water treatment, it stressed that the right to water and sanitation is “a human right that each State must guarantee to individuals under its jurisdiction, not to other States”.  It also opposed the use of non-agreed concepts such as “water diplomacy” and “water governance”, which it said contradict its national position.

    Türkiye Fears Politicization of Cooperation Theme

    The delegate of Türkiye expressed disappointment that, unlike the other five themes, the one on cooperation had not been re-evaluated.  While agreeing that water can foster cooperation rather than conflict, it voiced concern over the potential politicization of water-related issues during the 2026 Conference.  Despite the reservations, Türkiye’s delegate said it trusted the co-hosts to handle the theme in a way that ensures a “balanced and impartial” outcome.

    According to the Turkish delegation, the dialogues at the conference should consider the presentation made by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, which outlines the challenges developing countries face in achieving SDG 6 on water and sanitation.  “Rather than creating ambitious and unrealistic goals, each thematic discussion should focus on the needs of developing countries, particularly in terms of financing, technology and capacity-building,” the delegation said, welcoming the fact that the sixth theme addresses these “priority” issues.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Next stage of engagement begins on Heritage Conservation Act improvements

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province, in partnership with First Nations, is moving to the third stage of consultation and engagement on improving the Heritage Conservation Act, which was last substantively updated 30 years ago, in 1996.

    Project background

    For many years, people and organizations that interact with the act – First Nations, industry, landowners, professional archeologists, heritage organizations and more – have raised challenges with the act and its administration.

    These include a lack of awareness of the presence of heritage on properties, lack of clarity regarding First Nations’ role in the management of their cultural heritage, unintended impacts to protected heritage sites, and project delays.

    A number of recent improvements have been made under the current act to address challenges raised, including revisions to existing processes and policies that have reduced the act’s permitting timelines for residential projects by 24% since January 2024 and will see reduction in turnaround times across all sectors; as well as improving resources for landowners navigating rebuilding after disasters. Some administrative amendments were also made to the act in 2019.

    However, it has been broadly recognized that substantive amendments to the act and the regulations it enables are necessary to address key deficiencies in the current state of protection, management and conservation of heritage in B.C., including:

    • lack of awareness of the presence of protected heritage sites that leads to preventable impacts, permitting delays and project uncertainty;
    • the administration of multiple act permits, each averaging 300 days for review and processing with the need for permits often discovered mid-project, that leads to costly work stoppages and unanticipated delays; and
    • significant changes in the recognition and interpretation of First Nations rights, authority and jurisdiction since the act was last substantively updated in 1996 and the passage of the Declaration Act.

    In 2021, the minister of forests was mandated to partner with First Nations through the joint working group on First Nations Heritage Conservation to engage broadly with First Nations and stakeholders to improve the act.

    Mandating process

    The minister was given a mandate for two project phases with broad engagement, prior to returning to cabinet for a mandate to conduct a third phase of engagement to refine potential legislative and regulatory changes and, ultimately, develop updates to the legislation. Phase 1 engagement was undertaken in 2022–23, with feedback from 108 First Nations and 188 stakeholder organizations. Engagement included 12 audience-specific sessions to understand specific needs of archeology and heritage professionals, the land and resource development sector, the construction and real estate industry, and local and federal government agencies, seven First Nations sessions, written submissions and an online survey.

    Phase 2 engagement was undertaken in 2023, with feedback from 43 First Nations and 184 organizations. Engagement included stakeholder and First Nations sessions.

    A mandate has now been given to undertake Phase 3 engagement between July and early October 2025 with First Nations, stakeholder organizations with interest in the act, and the general public.

    Following Phase 3 engagement, legislative amendments will be developed in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and with feedback from stakeholders, with a goal to table updated legislation in spring 2026.

    What we heard

    Feedback received to date can be distilled into four core needs:

    1. Speed up permitting decisions, prevent unanticipated and unnecessary delays, and reduce costs for project work under the act.
    2. Help people and communities rebuild quicker after disasters, such as wildfires and floods.
    3. Protect heritage more effectively, reducing the risk of accidental damage to sacred or historic sites.
    4. Strengthen the role of First Nations in decision-making about their own heritage and ancestors, consistent with the Declaration Act. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Issues Advisory on Referrals for Potential Criminal Enforcement

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC Issues Advisory on Referrals for Potential Criminal Enforcement | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9094-25
    Skip to main content

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Enforcement today issued an advisory to provide guidance describing its plan to address criminally liable regulatory offenses in accordance with Executive Order 14294, Fighting Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations.
    The advisory announces the framework to be followed when DOE, as the CFTC division responsible for making referrals to the Department of Justice, considers whether to refer potential violations of criminal regulatory offenses to DOJ. 
    The advisory also includes a set of factors DOE staff should consider when determining whether to refer alleged violations of criminal regulatory offenses to DOJ. Those factors include: 

    The harm or risk of harm, financial or otherwise, caused by the potential offense.
    The potential gain to the alleged defendant that could result from the offense.
    Whether the alleged defendant held specialized knowledge, expertise, or was licensed in an industry related to the rule or regulation at issue.  
    Evidence, if any is available, of the alleged defendant’s general awareness of the unlawfulness of his conduct as well as his knowledge or lack thereof of the regulation at issue.
    Whether the alleged defendant is a recidivist or has otherwise engaged in a pattern of misconduct.
    Whether DOJ’s involvement will provide additional meaningful protection to participants in the derivatives markets.

    The advisory is issued in accordance with section 7 of the Executive Order in lieu of the requirement for publication in the Federal Register. Currently, there is no majority vote of the Commission to authorize Federal Register publication.

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) applauded the Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw its proposed rule of phasing out the use of 14(c) certificates, an action that would have jeopardized meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and threatened the future of Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) nationwide. 

    On December 3, 2024, the Department of Labor announced its intent to phase out 14(c) certificates, a move that posed a devastating blow to individuals and families who rely on these certificates for functional employment. In response, Congressman Grothman introduced the Continuing Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act, standing up for the thousands of Americans whose jobs were at risk.  

    “I am grateful for the strong leadership shown by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and her Department of Labor in reversing this devastating rule,” said Grothman. “This decision protects the right of individuals with disabilities to choose the employment opportunity that best fits their needs. The pride and purpose that comes from their work is inspiring and deserves our full support. 

    “I was proud to lead the charge against this proposal with my legislation and remain committed to preserving and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After years of reckless, misguided policies under the Biden Administration, I am glad that we are finally restoring certainty in choice and dignity to some of the most hardworking individuals in our nation.” 

    Click HERE to view the Department of Labor’s official notice. 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Leads Effort To Codify President Trump’s America First Energy Agenda Into Law

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds Leads Effort To Codify President Trump’s America First Energy Agenda Into Law

    Washington, June 4, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced legislation to codify President Trump’s four, May 23, 2025, executive orders regarding the production and national security implications of domestic nuclear energy.

    H.R. 3667 – “The Strengthening American Nuclear Energy (SANE) Act” is the 15th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds during the 119th Congress and specifically codifies following executive orders: (1) Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security; (2) Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (3) Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy; and (4) Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.

    “In November, the American people granted us an unprecedented mandate to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda,” said Congressman Donalds (R-FL). “Now more than ever, it’s up to Congress to hold up our end of the bargain. Energy security is national security and it’s imperative that our nation re-asserts our dominance in the nuclear space.”

    Background:

    Statements in Support of the Executive Orders:

    • “This is a huge day for the nuclear industry. Mark this day on your calendar,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum at the signing of the executive orders. “This is going to turn the clock back on over 50 years of overregulation of an industry. American greatness has always come from innovation and we were very innovative. We led post-WWII in all things nuclear, but then, we’ve been stagnated. We choked it with overregulation. Today, Will is going to walk us through a series of four executive orders, each of these help attack separate issues that have held back this industry…but also a big change.”
    • “Energy security is national security. If we don’t have reliable energy for our basing, for our troops, whether forward-deployed or domestically, we’re vulnerable,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the signing of the executive orders. “So by having small modular nuclear capabilities, which are rapidly being fielded, that we can use on our bases here and around the world, we’re creating an environment where if things happen elsewhere, the military can be relied-upon…Also, we’re including artificial intelligence in everything we do. If we don’t, we’re not fast enough, we’re not keeping up with adversaries. You need the energy to fuel it, nuclear is a huge part of that, modular or otherwise. So, we’re going to have the lights-on, and AI operating when others do not, faster than everybody else because of nuclear capabilities, so this is a big game change for us as well.”

    More:

    • Read legislative text of H.R. 3667 HERE.
    • See Congress.gov bill profile of H.R. 3667 HERE.
    • Watch explanation of first executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of second executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of third executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of fourth executive order HERE.
    • Watch Sec. Burgum’s remarks at signing ceremony HERE.
    • Watch Sec. Hegseth’s remarks at signing ceremony HERE.
    • See of H.R. 3667 social media summary graphics BELOW:


    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Recognized for Championing Seniors’ Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—The 60 Plus American Association of Senior Citizens, a leading national advocate for older Americans, honored U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) with the prestigious Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of senior citizens in Northeast Florida and across the nation. 

    “I’m honored to receive the Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award. In Washington, I’m working every day to ensure our incredible Northeast Florida seniors receive the care, support, and respect they’ve earned,” said Congressman Bean. “That means defending Medicare and Social Security, strengthening retirement security, and fighting for policies that protect seniors’ dignity and peace of mind. They’ve given so much to the Free State of Florida—and I owe it to them to deliver.”

    BACKGROUND

    The Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award celebrates lawmakers who champion policies that safeguard Social Security and Medicare, fight inflation, reduce the tax burden on seniors, and expand access to quality health care and retirement security.

    As part of his continued advocacy, Congressman Bean proudly voted to advance a $6,000 tax deduction included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at improving the financial stability for older Americans. This provision represents a key step in helping seniors keep more of their hard-earned money and live with dignity in their retirement years.

    Congressman Bean was presented the award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., by 60 Plus Founder and Chairman Jim Martin and President Saul Anuzis. 

    ###

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AS SENATE GOP MOVES TO RIP AWAY FUNDING FOR UPSTATE NY PUBLIC TV & RADIO, SCHUMER DEMANDS CONGRESS BLOCK TRUMP’S CLAW BACKS THAT WOULD HURT RURAL AREAS, EDUCATION, & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN EVERY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says The GOP Plan To Gut Funding Would Eliminate $45+ Million From Over A Dozen NY Public TV & Radio Stations That Provide Critical Services Like Emergency Weather Alerts, Educational Content For Children, Essential Coverage Of Rural Areas, That Otherwise Wouldn’t Exist & More

    Senate Republicans Are Preparing For A Vote On Trump’s Request To Claw Back Funding For The Corporation For Public Broadcasting– And Without It Locally-Owned PBS TV & NPR Stations In Every Region Of The State Could Face Major Cuts To Community Programs & Layoffs

    Schumer: We Must Protect NY’s Public TV & Radio

    As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.

    Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.

    “Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate. PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost. But right now, the GOP’s devastating proposal to claw back federal funding for our public TV and radio stations could devastate these vital services ripping away millions leading to layoffs and cuts to beloved programs,” said Senator Schumer. “Like so many New Yorkers. my daughters grew up watching Sesame Street. I know the tremendous value public media provides. Rescinding this funding would take away the programming people love and isolate Upstate NY’s rural communities, jeopardizing their access to information they rely on every day. I will be leading the fight to save public media in the Senate and we need all New Yorkers and Americans to make their voices heard to protect this essential public service.”

    Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more. These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.

    Below is a list of recipients in Upstate NY that received funding from CPB, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law with much of this funding making up a major percentage of these stations’ budgets:

    City-Region

    Recipient

    Amount

    Binghamton-Southern Tier

    WSKG

    $1,317,231

    Western NY

    Buffalo Toronto Public Media

    $2,014,441

    Albany

    WAMC

    $422,724

    Oswego

    WRVO

    $166,192

    Watertown

    WPBS

    $1,283,561

    North Country

    North Country Public Radio

    $396,951

    Geneva

    WEOS

    $109,401

    Jeffersonville

    Radio Catskill

    $289,350

    Plattsburgh

    Mountain Lake PBS

    $922,826

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    WXXI

    $1,913,857

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WAER

    $154,962

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WCNY

    $1,267,218

    Troy

    WMHT

    $1,597,703

    Schumer broke down how these cuts will hurt every corner of Upstate NY:

    • In the Southern Tier, WSKG (NPR) receives approximately $1.3 million, more than a fifth of its total budget, from the CPB to cover its predominantly-rural 21-county region. WSKG’s services include beloved free educational programs that include student writing challenges, creative events for students, lesson plans and interactive classroom resources for NY teachers, and more.
    • In the North Country, North Country Public Radio (NPR) would lose approximately $315,000 each year, approximately 12% of its annual budget. This funding enables NCPR to cover news across the North Country. For many rural areas in the North Country, NCPR is the only local news outlet, which is especially important for receiving local updates and timely weather alerts. Mountain Lake PBS also receives nearly $1 million, making up about 35% of its annual budget. Mountain Lake PBS provides local news including life-saving emergency alerts to the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley that might not otherwise have local coverage and says cuts of this magnitude would threaten its existence.
    • In the Capital Region, WAMC (NPR) receives approximately $500,000 in support from CPB. The station is headquartered in Albany with 29 towers covering a region that reaches the North Country, Hudson Valley, and Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. WAMC offers coverage every day of the year and reaches many rural areas that don’t otherwise have reliable internet coverage. WAMC also collaborates with 12 other public radio stations across the state to share resources and reporting to ensure local journalism is reaching as many people as possible.
    • In Western New York, WBFO (NPR) and BTPM, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (NPR) would lose approximately 15% of its annual budget. WBFO and BTPM stream educational shows for kids on topics including science and civics and offers how-to programming on cooking, home improvement, and more.
    • In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, WXXI (PBS) would lose approximately $2 million, roughly 16% of its total annual budget of $12.9 million. WXXI is one of the few remaining local news sources in the region and offers free local programs for civic engagement. Other local stations including WEOS in Geneva and WXXY in Houghton rely on WXXI-produced content to deliver local news to rural areas.
    • In Central New York, WCNY (PBS) receives over $1 million annually from CPB. Originally known as “The Education Station,” WCNY offers renowned educational services including Enterprise America, a hands-on learning center for middle and high school students to learn about entrepreneurship. WRVO (NPR) receives approximately $165,000 which accounts for approximately 8% of its annual operating budget. WRVO said it depends on federal grant funding to pay salaries for WRVO, including local journalists.
    • In the Hudson Valley, Radio Catskill could lose $170,000, nearly 25% of its annual budget if these cuts go through. Local organizations, events, and businesses in the Catskills community relies on Radio Catskill for emergency alerts, local news, and cultural programming.

    In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending. This generated $122 million in direct labor income and added nearly $750 million to the state’s GDP. The public broadcasting sector also contributed an estimated $177.1 million in tax revenue, including $33 million in state taxes and nearly $116 million in federal taxes.

    The CPB distributes nearly 70 percent of its funding directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations – many of which are NPR or PBS affiliates – with the remaining going to shared infrastructure and services that benefit all public TV and radio stations. According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.

    Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB. Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS, or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.

    Schumer and Senate Democrats will hold the Senate floor tonight to highlight why this bill would be devastating for New York and all of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Working together to promote 4R practices to farmers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Provincial Fire Ban Issued for Area Between Provincial Forest and Churchill River

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 9, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a fire ban effective at 8 a.m. on July 10, 2025, due to high fire activity and extreme fire risk. The ban encompasses the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. 

    The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary. The ban does not include ATV/UTV restrictions at this time.

    “The extreme heat we have been experiencing means there is a need for everyone to take precautions and use extreme caution outdoors,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “Please be cautious if you are using ATVs/UTVs and report a fire if you see one.” 

    The SPSA encourages municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to continue to determine if fire bans are needed in their areas to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.

    A list of fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.

    The SPSA has recently brought in assets from Quebec to assist with wildfire efforts. The two Quebec CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel are currently assigned to the DITCH, PISEW, DORE and MUSKEG fires.

    As of 11:00 a.m., there are 65 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, seven are categorized as contained, 13 are not contained, 29 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values.

    Four communities remain under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval and Kinoosao. 

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

    Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

    People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assisting Flood Recovery Efforts in Texas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that four New York State Police staff and three canines will deploy to Kerr County, Texas to support search efforts following devastating floods. This assistance was primarily deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by the U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC’s Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

    “Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Texas, and we are sending our prayers as they continue to heal and recover from this devastating flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County as they continue their search efforts.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Disaster recovery requires an immense amount of resources and we are grateful to be able to answer the call to help when needed. New York is always prepared to support our neighbors in moments of need, and our thoughts are with the people of Texas.”

    New York State Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police is proud to support the people of Texas during this difficult time. Our Troopers and canines are trained for exactly these types of missions, and we are honored to assist in the search and recovery efforts. Whether here at home or across the country, we stand ready to help when called.”

    New York State has a history of deploying resources to neighbors in need. In 2024, More than 200 emergency management staff members from numerous State agencies responded to calls for help in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October and November. Team members included staff from the National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Agriculture and Markets, Office of Information Technology Services, New York City and Ulster and Montgomery counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Multistate Coalition File Motion to Block Trump Administration’s Unlawful Discontinuation of School Mental Health Grant Funding

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday, as part of a multistate coalition, filed a motion for preliminary injunction to block the U.S. Department of Education from unlawfully discontinuing grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs, including roughly $200 million awarded to local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities in California. The motion for preliminary injunction seeks to block the Trump Administration from implementing their non-continuation decision, and ensure grant funding continues to flow to grantees who received discontinuation letters irrespective of the performance and success of their projects.

    “The Trump Administration’s Department of Education should be focused on supporting the success and education of our students, but instead they are using flimsy and unlawful excuses to rip funding from projects that support the mental health and well-being of our students,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The loss of this funding would cause immense harm to California students, especially in our low-income and rural communities. That’s why we are back in court, fighting to ensure that our students have access to mental health programs that work. We’re asking the court to block the Trump Administration’s illegal actions while litigation continues.” 

    BACKGROUND: 

    On June 30, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 16 states in suing the Trump Administration’s Department of Education over their unlawful decision to discontinue grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs. If allowed to stand, starting this fall, many states’ elementary and secondary schools will lose mental health services critical to students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. The Department had awarded this funding to the nation’s high-need, low-income, and rural schools pursuant to its Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington seeks injunctive and declaratory relief to safeguard this critical funding, which fosters safe and supportive learning environments, and supports the well-being of our students. 

    Despite the success of these mental health programs, on or about April 29, 2025, the Department sent boilerplate notices to grantees, including state education agencies, local education agencies, and institutes of higher education, claiming that their grants conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities and would not be continued. The notices claimed the Department intends to reallocate funds based on new priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education,” providing little to no insight into the basis for the discontinuance, while destroying projects years in the making. However, in the press, the Trump Administration admitted that it targeted Plaintiff States’ grants for their perceived diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which the States argue is not a legal basis for discontinuation. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s decision to discontinue funding through a vague boilerplate notice, without any mention of grantees’ performance, violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is an unconstitutional violation of the Spending Clause and Separation of Powers. 

    A copy of the motion for preliminary injunction is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank, today announced that its second quarter 2025 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 5:00 p.m. ET on the same day to discuss the financial results.

    Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.spfi.bank/news-events/events.

    A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed through the News & Events tab of the Company’s website as well as by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13754259. The replay will be available until July 30, 2025.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Contact: Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      investors@city.bank
      (866) 771-3347
       
    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank, today announced that its second quarter 2025 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 5:00 p.m. ET on the same day to discuss the financial results.

    Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.spfi.bank/news-events/events.

    A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed through the News & Events tab of the Company’s website as well as by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13754259. The replay will be available until July 30, 2025.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Contact: Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      investors@city.bank
      (866) 771-3347
       
    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: APA Corporation Provides Second-Quarter 2025 Supplemental Information and Schedules Results Conference Call for August 7 at 10 a.m. Central Time

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) today provided supplemental information regarding certain second-quarter 2025 financial and operational results. This information is intended only to provide additional information regarding current estimates management believes will affect results for the second-quarter 2025. It is provided to assist investors, analysts and others in formulating their own estimates, and is not intended to be a comprehensive presentation of all factors that will affect second-quarter 2025 results. Actual results and the impact of factors identified here may vary depending on the impact of other factors not identified here and are subject to finalization of the financial reporting process for second-quarter 2025.

    Estimated Average Realized Prices – 2Q25
      Oil (bbl) NGL (bbl) Natural Gas (Mcf)
    United States $64.85 $19.80 $1.00
    International $66.20 $41.60 $4.00
    Egypt tax barrels: 32 – 33 MBoe/d
    Dry hole costs (before tax): $30 – $35 million
    Net gain on oil and gas purchases and sales (before tax)*: $158 million

    *Includes the impact of realized gain/loss from commodity derivatives

    Production update

    APA curtailed approximately 10 MMcf/d of U.S. natural gas production and 750 barrels per day of U.S. natural gas liquids production in the second quarter in response to weak or negative Waha hub prices.

    Asset sale update

    In May, APA announced an agreement to divest assets in New Mexico. The sales package closed in June, resulting in an approximate 1.8 MBoe/d (33% oil), reduction to APA’s second quarter U.S. production. APA’s previous full-year 2025 U.S. production guidance issued in May contemplated approximately 13.0 MBoe/d (50% oil) from the sold New Mexico assets in the second half of 2025. Total net proceeds from the asset sale, after certain customary closing adjustments and transaction costs, were approximately $575 million.

    Weighted-average shares outstanding

    The estimated weighted-average basic common shares for the second quarter is 361 million.

    Second-quarter 2025 earnings call

    APA will host a conference call to discuss its second-quarter 2025 results at 10 a.m. Central time, Thursday, August 7. The conference call will be webcast from APA’s website at www.apacorp.com and investor.apacorp.com. Following the conference call, a replay will be available for one year on the “Investors” page of the company’s website.

    About APA

    APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goals,” “guidance,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possibly,” “potential,” “projects,” “prospects,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar references to future periods, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans, expectations, and objectives for operations, including statements about our capital plans, drilling plans, production expectations, asset sales, and monetizations. While forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depend on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance, and financial condition to differ materially from our expectations. See “Risk Factors” in APA’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risk factors that affect our business. Any forward-looking statement made in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. APA and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future development or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Contacts

    Investor: (281) 302-2286
    Media: (713) 296-7276
    Website: www.apacorp.com

    APA-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $5 million to the Company before underwriting discounts and commissions. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    All of the Ordinary Shares are offered by the Company. The Offering closed on July 9, 2025 and the Ordinary Shares commenced trading on Nasdaq Capital Market on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.” The Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 187,500 additional Ordinary Shares within 45 days of the effective date of the Company’s registration statement in relation to the Offering.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted as the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, 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.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s 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 such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for total gross proceeds of $5 million to the Company before underwriting discounts and commissions. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    All of the Ordinary Shares are offered by the Company. The Offering closed on July 9, 2025 and the Ordinary Shares commenced trading on Nasdaq Capital Market on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.” The Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 187,500 additional Ordinary Shares within 45 days of the effective date of the Company’s registration statement in relation to the Offering.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted as the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, 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.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s 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 such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –