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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: Mithril Silver & Gold Announces $10 Million Brokered Private Placement of Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

    MELBOURNE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (“Mithril” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ventum Financial Corp. as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the “Agents”), in connection with a private placement of 27,778,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of C$0.36 per Share (the “Offering Price“) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,000,080 (the “Offering”), excluding any additional proceeds raised from the exercise of the Agents’ Option (defined below).

    The Company will grant the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), which will allow the Agents to offer up to an additional 15% of the Offering, on the same terms as the Shares. The Agents’ Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the Closing Date of the Offering.

    The Shares (including any Shares issued pursuant to the Agents’ Option) will be offered on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws, in all provinces of Canada, and will be made utilising the Company’s available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A.

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to accelerate exploration and drilling activity at the Company’s Copalquin district project in Durango State, Mexico, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on July 29, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

    In consideration for services provided by the Agents, the Company has agreed to pay a fee of 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering plus any applicable taxes in cash to the Agents. The Company has also agreed to issue to the Agents that number of compensation options equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares issued by the Company under the Offering, each exercisable into one Share at the Offering Price, with an expiry date of two (2) years from the Closing Date. The same commission shall be paid to the Agents in connection with any Shares issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of the Agents’ Option.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    All currency references herein are to Canadian dollar unless otherwise stated.

    About Mithril Silver and Gold

    Mithril Silver and Gold Limited is an Australian and Canadian listed precious metals exploration company, focused on its Copalquin district project, in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend.

    The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits.

    Additional information about Mithril and its mineral projects can be viewed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at (www.sedarplus.ca) and its website at www.mithrilsilvergold.com.

    The information in this announcement relating to mineral resources has been reported by the Company in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code) previously (refer to the Company’s ASX announcement dated 7 July 2025) which is available to view on the Company’s website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information as at the date of this announcement that materially affects the information included in the previous market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Company’s previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    For further information, please contact:
    John Skeet
    Managing Director and CEO
    Email: jskeet@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Tel: +61 435 766 809
    Corporate Communications
    Nicole@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Liz@mithrilsilvergold.com

    Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, information or statements with respect to the Offering, including statements with respect to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated closing date thereof; the expected receipt of regulatory and other approvals relating to the Offering; participants in the Offering; the expected proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds therefrom; the future exploration plans of the Company, timing of future exploration, anticipated results of exploration and potential mineralization of the Company’s mineral projects. Such forward looking information or statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “plans”, “suggests”, “targets” or “prospects” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “will” be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of precious and base metals, accident, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mithril Silver & Gold Announces $10 Million Brokered Private Placement of Common Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

    MELBOURNE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mithril Silver and Gold Limited (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (“Mithril” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ventum Financial Corp. as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the “Agents”), in connection with a private placement of 27,778,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of C$0.36 per Share (the “Offering Price“) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,000,080 (the “Offering”), excluding any additional proceeds raised from the exercise of the Agents’ Option (defined below).

    The Company will grant the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), which will allow the Agents to offer up to an additional 15% of the Offering, on the same terms as the Shares. The Agents’ Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the Closing Date of the Offering.

    The Shares (including any Shares issued pursuant to the Agents’ Option) will be offered on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws, in all provinces of Canada, and will be made utilising the Company’s available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A.

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to accelerate exploration and drilling activity at the Company’s Copalquin district project in Durango State, Mexico, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on July 29, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

    In consideration for services provided by the Agents, the Company has agreed to pay a fee of 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering plus any applicable taxes in cash to the Agents. The Company has also agreed to issue to the Agents that number of compensation options equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares issued by the Company under the Offering, each exercisable into one Share at the Offering Price, with an expiry date of two (2) years from the Closing Date. The same commission shall be paid to the Agents in connection with any Shares issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of the Agents’ Option.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    All currency references herein are to Canadian dollar unless otherwise stated.

    About Mithril Silver and Gold

    Mithril Silver and Gold Limited is an Australian and Canadian listed precious metals exploration company, focused on its Copalquin district project, in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend.

    The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits.

    Additional information about Mithril and its mineral projects can be viewed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at (www.sedarplus.ca) and its website at www.mithrilsilvergold.com.

    The information in this announcement relating to mineral resources has been reported by the Company in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code) previously (refer to the Company’s ASX announcement dated 7 July 2025) which is available to view on the Company’s website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information as at the date of this announcement that materially affects the information included in the previous market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Company’s previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    For further information, please contact:
    John Skeet
    Managing Director and CEO
    Email: jskeet@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Tel: +61 435 766 809
    Corporate Communications
    Nicole@mithrilsilvergold.com
    Liz@mithrilsilvergold.com

    Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

    Certain information contained in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, information or statements with respect to the Offering, including statements with respect to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated closing date thereof; the expected receipt of regulatory and other approvals relating to the Offering; participants in the Offering; the expected proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds therefrom; the future exploration plans of the Company, timing of future exploration, anticipated results of exploration and potential mineralization of the Company’s mineral projects. Such forward looking information or statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “plans”, “suggests”, “targets” or “prospects” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “will” be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, the actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of precious and base metals, accident, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, and delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Sentenced for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Co-Defendants Also Sentenced; Woman Pleads Guilty in Related Case for Unlawfully Selling Chimpanzees to Antle

    Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — who was featured in a popular Netflix documentary — was sentenced today to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and launder more than $500,000 for what he believed to be an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States across the Mexico border. Antle was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine, serve three years of supervised release, and forfeit three chimpanzees and more than $197,000 to the government.

    Two of Antle’s co-defendants were recently sentenced for their separate involvement in either the Lacey Act or money laundering conspiracy. A defendant in a related case recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle.

    “Today’s sentence holds Doc Antle and his co-defendants accountable for activity they knew was unlawful and unethical,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “They illegally purchased and sold newborn endangered wildlife even as they laundered more than $500,000 in smuggling money — all while promoting themselves as conservationists.”

    “Doc Antle portrayed himself as a conservationist. But in reality, he was a key player in the illegal chimpanzee trade, and he laundered more than half a million dollars through a complex web of deceit,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in bringing the defendant to justice for both of these federal crimes.”

    “These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We remain firmly committed to investigating and holding accountable individuals whose illegal actions threaten our financial systems and put protected species at risk.”

    “This case underscores the grave criminal threat posed by wildlife traffickers who not only exploit vulnerable species for profit but also use sophisticated money laundering tactics to conceal their crimes,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Our special agents uncovered a complex network of illicit activity involving the trafficking of endangered animals — including baby chimpanzees and cheetahs — falsified documentation, and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported nonprofit organizations. These traffickers operated under the false pretense of conservation, betraying both the law and public trust. We remain unwavering in our commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice.”

    The wildlife conspiracy outlined various schemes Antle used to hide his illegal trafficking in endangered species, including requiring payments to be “donations” funneled through his non-profit, The Rare Species Fund; conducting transactions in bulk cash to hide their true nature; and creating false paperwork to hide the illegality of his wildlife transactions. The animals trafficked included baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions, and tigers, all of which are protected under both the Endangered Species Act and international treaties. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the wildlife conspiracy, Jason Clay, was recently sentenced to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and to pay a $4,000 fine into the Lacey Act Reward Fund. In 2019, Clay illegally sold a juvenile chimpanzee to Antle in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a juvenile gibbon. 

    As for the money laundering conspiracy, Antle and a co-defendant laundered more than $500,000 in cash between February and April 2022 that were represented to be proceeds from an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Evidence presented to the court showed that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by writing checks for what appeared to be construction-related services for Myrtle Beach Safari, which he owned and operated, and which was featured in the Netflix documentary. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre for-profit zoo that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the money laundering conspiracy, Andrew Sawyer, was recently sentenced to serve two years of probation including eight months of home detention. He also forfeited nearly $185,000 to the government and a chimpanzee.

    In a different Lacey Act violation case connected to Antle, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson pleaded guilty last month to illegally selling a chimpanzee to Antle in 2022 for $200,000. The Kolwyck family owns and manages the private Sunshine Zoological Preserve LLC in north Florida. The facility is believed to be the only one in the United States breeding chimpanzees for private or non-scientific purposes.

    The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case.

    Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Results on August 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Flywire Corporation (Flywire) (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company, announced that its second quarter financial results will be released after market close on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Flywire will host a conference call to discuss its second-quarter financial results at 5:00 pm ET the same day. Hosting the call will be Mike Massaro, CEO, Rob Orgel, President and COO, and Cosmin Pitigoi, CFO.

    The conference call will be webcast live from Flywire’s investor relations website at https://ir.flywire.com/. A replay will be available on the investor relations website following the call.

    About Flywire
    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform, and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare, and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,600 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations:
    Masha Kahn
    ir@Flywire.com 

    Media:
    Sarah King
    media@flywire.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Swell, a Leading Mexican Credit Provider, Retains ‘BBB-‘ Rating and Stable Outlook from Rating Agency HR Ratings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Swell, a leading Mexican credit provider, has received a BBB- with a Stable Outlook credit rating from firm HR Ratings.

    It closed with a 35.3% capitalization ratio at year-end 2024, a clear indicator of the firm’s sustained financial resilience. 

    “This new rating conveys a validation that the Strategic Plan we announced in 2024, coupled with prudent risk management and our financial discipline, is leading to successful results,” explained Ethel Mora, who took over as the company’s CEO in 2023.

    “The fact that HR Ratings have reaffirmed our favorable rating shows how ready we are to grow in the near future,” she added.

    With over 20 headstrong and around two hundred active clients, Swell currently manages a total loan portfolio valued at approximately 245 million Mexican pesos (13,14 million USD) as of June 2025.

    In 2024, the company’s pre-tax earnings remained stable, closing at 10.8 million pesos compared to 10.6 million pesos in the previous year. 

    The credit rating, bylined by analysts Oscar Herrera, Ana Landgrave, Angel García, and Roberto Soto, explains Swell’s strong credit position and its ability to consistently generate shareholder profit and add value to the market.

    In its report, the rating agency also noted some deterioration in Swell’s loan portfolio quality, with overdue loans of 45.9 million pesos, resulting in a delinquency rate of 19.1 percent at the end of 2024. 

    Long-term delinquencies (over ninety days) remained essentially unchanged year-over-year at 33.9 million pesos.

    Net profit declined to 5.6 million pesos due to higher tax expenses related to non-deductible provisions, which became irrecoverable, resulting in an average ROA of 1.7 percent.

    Swell was founded in 2010 and specializes in lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While most of its loans are focused on machinery and transportation equipment, auto leasing for cars and commercial vehicles, the company also provides financing for working capital, capital expenditures, asset acquisitions, and investment projects.

    Swell operates under the supervision of Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission and the National Commission for the Protection of Users of Financial Services.

    Forward-Looking Statement:
    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Swell (SWELL FINANZAS EN MOVIMIENTO SAPI DE CV SOFOM ENR) and its credit ratings assigned by HR Ratings. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” the future tense, and similar terms. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including changes in market conditions, credit performance, regulatory impacts, and other financial uncertainties. This information does not constitute an offer or solicitation to investors in the United States or any jurisdiction where such an offer would be unlawful. The statements reflect current beliefs and forecasts as of the date of this release. Swell assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements due to new information, future events, or other circumstances.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d157d03-dd32-4f0d-bf50-a6a96a95a313

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution celebrating LSU baseball’s national championship

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers’ National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I championship—the Tigers’ eighth national title and second in three years.
    “The LSU Tigers proved once again that they are NCAA baseball’s gold standard, delivering an undefeated run in Omaha and bringing yet another national title home to Louisiana. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution recognizing their hard work and congratulating Coach Jay Johnson and this impressive team on a job well done,” said Kennedy.
    “It’s hard to have a better year for baseball in Louisiana than this. A huge congratulations to the LSU Tigers on fighting their way to another national championship up in Omaha,” said Cassidy, an LSU alumnus. 
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution celebrating LSU Shreveport baseball’s championship, perfect season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSU Shreveport) Pilots’ perfect season, 59-0 win streak and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship win.
    “The LSU Shreveport Pilots are what ‘cool’ looks like. This baseball team capped off an undefeated season and the longest win streak in college baseball history with an NAIA championship. That’s an achievement that deserves Senate recognition. Geaux Pilots!” said Kennedy.
    “The 2025 LSU Shreveport Pilots made history by doing something no other collegiate baseball team has ever done: going a perfect 59-0. These young men and their coaches earned every win and made all of Louisiana proud. Geaux Pilots!” said Cassidy. 
    “We are incredibly proud of our Pilots Baseball Team members. The word, ‘lose’ is simply not in their vocabulary. No college baseball team has ever before gone an entire season without a single loss and I suspect none ever will again. These student athletes have thus secured for themselves a place in college sports history,” said Robert T. Smith, Chancellor of LSU Shreveport.
    “We are extremely honored and excited to receive this recognition! We had an incredible year, which was the result of all the incredible people involved. This has been a very rewarding time for our University, the city of Shreveport and our program. The players are extremely deserving of the praise they have been given and they are more than deserving of it! We want to thank everyone involved and we look forward to continuing the success!” said Brad Neffendorf, head coach of the LSU Shreveport Pilots baseball program.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  ICYMI: Senator Scott Talks Gig Worker Benefits and Bipartisanship on Squawk Box 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Joe Kernen on Squawk Box to discuss a recently introduced legislation package concerning gig workers in America.
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.
    On Creating a Positive Environment for Gig Workers…
    “What we need as a country is exactly the opposite of what the Democrats want in California. We want an environment that is conducive to increase our labor participation by giving workers the kind of environment that allows them to choose who they work for, when they work, and how they’re going to be compensated. If we can get there by relaxing the test on the common law with the NLRA, we find ourselves in a position where we can attract more people back to the workforce. And as you know, Joe, with the benefits for businesses and the big beautiful bill, plus deregulation and an environment that attracts more workers back to the workforce, we can have this economy humming.”
    On the Needs of Independent Contractors…
    “What we want to do as a nation is give people options and choice. Optionality is incredibly important for the 21st century worker. They don’t always want to be an employee. Sometimes they’re better off being a contractor, so they’re working for three or four different companies at the same time. That kind of flexibility allows for folks to meet their needs at home and at work– And frankly, from an educational perspective as well.”
    On Bipartisanship in the Senate…
    “We continue to work for, look for partners where there’s common ground that makes common sense. If we find that here, and I think we can, we can move it forward. It will not be from California, it won’t be from New York, and it won’t be from Illinois. But there are folks from other states that may work with us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 Internships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the fall of 2025. Applications will be accepted through the end of the summer. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.  
    Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.
    South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.
    Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Markey on Trump’s Tariff War, Civil Rights, and Climate on Dan Koh’s People’s Cabinet Podcast

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Watch: Senator Markey on “The People’s Cabinet”

    Washington (July 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Top Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke with Dan Koh for his podcast “The People’s Cabinet,” discussing his fight to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs, how what Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk’s case shown a spotlight on the threats to due process in the Trump era, and Donald Trump’s attacks on the Green New Deal, clean energy, and the environment. Below are excerpts from their conversation.

    Threats to Small Businesses

    “I’m listening to small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country, and uniformly they are terrified by Trump’s tariff regime. A larger business might be able to ride out the uncertainty of the tariffs for a year, but for a small business – they live week to week, or month to month, and they can’t have that kind of cloud over them indefinitely. The most vulnerable businesses in America are small businesses, which is why I have a bill that would exempt small businesses from the tariffs. These tariffs could be an extinction event for small businesses, and they are the ones who are paying the price.”

    Threats to Due Process

    “Rumeysa [Ozturk] was picked up off the streets right just a couple of miles from my house in Malden, in Somerville, and I knew it was part of a much larger story in our country. Rumeysa Ozturk had not been charged with a crime. People realized that what happened to her could happen to them in the Trump era – that there could be a curtailment of their fifth amendment due process rights and first amendment right to free speech. Trump was weaponizing his government to go after people who he considered to be threats to the country without any evidence.”

    Green New Deal

    “To a very large extent, the Green New Deal changed the whole discussion in the Democratic party about the issues we should be focusing upon, and to a certain extent, it’s all going to be on the table in 2026. I’m very confident that our vision of talking about a cleaner environment but also housing, education, breaking up monopolies, and making sure there are opportunities for everyone regardless of income and regardless of race is going to be a very powerful and winning message in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again and put us where we need to be.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined SiriusXM’s Patriot’s David Webb on The David Webb Show to unpack the enormous border security wins in President Trump’s historic ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) in the wake of recent violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Mullin also spoke about the importance of modernizing the air traffic control industry.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how the Democratic Party is fueling the attacks on our ICE agents:

    “What’s really damning here is that the people who call on violence on the ICE agents have been absolutely silent about that. That’s the Democrat leaders. I mean, they have been the ones that stirred this fire. They’re the ones that have [stoked] the flames, and I would say, led to this…

    “The Democrat Party has still said nothing about it. But are we surprised? Because this lawless activity is what they received in their own hometowns, which most these people are not from that, they’re from a blue state, from a blue city. When you start looking at their backgrounds, these are the leaders that have actually [stoked] these flames, that brought these people into this rage, that thinking that this is okay.”

    On how the OBBB restores America’s sovereignty at the southern border:

    “Keep in mind that the Biden administration, over the last four years, gutted the ICE agents, gutted the retention centers, they gutted the Border Patrol, and they handcuffed, I would say not literally, but dang near, anybody from being able to enforce border law and border security, meaning that the people that were crossing, 89% of the individuals crossing illegally was detained and released into the United States on parole, which means they was never actually in the hearing, which they should have been, in less than 24 hours. And so the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ restored that. We put $46 billion to finish the wall…

    “God forbid something happens in three and a half years, and God forbid we get a Democrat back in the White House, they can’t stop this. This wall is going to be completed, and honestly probably be completed before President Trump leaves office, and then we put just over $4 billion for new agents, up to 10,000 ICE agents and those agencies related to ICE, because ICE isn’t the only one going in and arresting illegals. We also use local law enforcement, and we want to reimburse local law enforcement that’s willing to work with us.”

    On the importance of $12.5 billion in OBBB to modernize our air traffic control industry:

    “Air and Space has become our second largest industry in our state. But also, what a lot of people don’t realize is, in Oklahoma City, we train all the air traffic controllers across the United States. We have a huge facility there. And one thing you’d be surprised when you go into these towers, they’re using technology from the 80s, literally from the 80s, instead of using a true GPS system that we all have in our vehicles…

    “With the $12 billion, we’ll be able to start going into these towers systematically and upgrading the systems to technology that every other aviation system in the world is using…

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again, and put us where we need to be. And luckily, we have an actual Transportation Secretary that knows what they’re doing, not, you know, Pete Buttigieg.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to highlight support in Canadian research and innovation 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 8, 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will announce support for researchers and projects nationwide. A media availability will follow the announcement.

    Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

    Time: 8:30 am (PT)

    Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

    Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor Urges Justice Department to Reinstate Prosecutor in Major Florida Fraud Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.

    “These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”

    Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”

    Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”

    The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.

    Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity

    The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:

    • In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
    • In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
    • The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.

    Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:

    • Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
    • Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
    • Obstruction of congressional proceedings
    • Destruction and theft of government property
    • Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed

    As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.

    I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court Intervenes to Allow Trump’s Unlawful Reorganization of the Federal Government to Continue as Case Proceeds

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Court Uses Shadow Docket to Lift Lower Court’s Pause of Unconstitutional Overhaul of Vital Departments and Agencies

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.

    The coalition bringing the case, which includes labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.

    The coalition released the following statement in response to the court’s decision:

    “Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution. While we are disappointed in this decision, we will continue to fight on behalf of the communities we represent and argue this case to protect critical public services that we rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

    The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and three SEIU Locals (521, 1000, 1021); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.

    Statements from plaintiffs and counsel in the case are here.

    AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.

    Read the complaint here and the Supreme Court ruling here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Tourism Announces Partnership with Tigirlily Gold

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    North Dakota Tourism is proud to announce a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold, uniting the power of storytelling, music, and North Dakota spirit. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will debut Thursday, with a live performance at ND Country Fest on July 10, and an official release later this year.

    Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.

    “It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”

    The partnership includes appearances at North Dakota promotional events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, which took place in February, social media and branded content, a North Dakota photo shoot, and music and assets to be used in North Dakota promotional efforts. Additionally, they will be sharing stories about their experiences growing up in North Dakota and highlighting fun things to see and do in the state during interviews.

    “We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”

    The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined national and state leaders in Washington, D.C. for the national rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Security Action Plan – a new initiative focused on protecting America’s rural farms, food suppliers and ag interests.

    Addressing the crowd outside the USDA Whitten Building, Gov. Pillen highlighted his unique perspective as the first governor from Nebraska in 100 years to make his living from agriculture. Since entering office, Gov. Pillen has issued two executive orders and introduced several bills aimed at protecting the state’s property, infrastructure and other assets from the threat of foreign adversaries. He signed LB644 into law just last month – a comprehensive piece of legislation that among other things, bars companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from receiving Nebraska tax credits.

    At today’s event, speakers touched on the variety of emerging threats from China and other nations including land ownership near military installations, intellectual property theft, and bioterrorism. The seven-point plan unveiled today by the USDA was developed in response to the purchase of significant amounts of American farmland by people and companies connected to the CCP.  

    “Farm security equals food security, which equals national security,” said Gov. Pillen. “Thanks to these actions taken by President Trump and his team, we can further protect the backbone of Nebraska’s economy from foreign adversaries like China.”

    Additional speakers at today’s event, hosted by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, included Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Counselor Peter Navarro, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson.

    Gov. Pillen joined governors Lee, Huckabee Sanders and other speakers in complimenting the collective and coordinated effort by those in President Trump’s cabinet to provide solutions for better protecting rural farms – now and for future generations. 

    “It’s important that we continue to have the courage and the wisdom to never back down and to stand up and protect our land and protect our families. In agriculture, we risk everything we have every single day to put food on grocery store shelves,” said Gov. Pillen.

    The multi-agency plan contains seven action items, some of which are touched on in a letter to Sec. Rollins, signed by Gov. Pillen and other members of the America First Governors’ Council. In it, the group affirms its support of the Farm Security Action Plan saying:

    “Across the country, Chinese investors now control hundreds of thousands of acres of U.S. agricultural land, posing risks not just to local economies but to our food supply, water access, and national security. This is a coordinated, strategic effort by the CCP to weaken America from within and use our land as a Trojan horse. Washington’s past failures allowed this threat to metastasize. The previous administration was too compromised and entangled with CCP interests to act decisively. As a result, the American people paid the price. That era is over.”

    Signatories on the letter, in addition to Gov. Pillen, include Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana; Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee; Gov. Brad Little, Idaho; Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Gov. Larry Rhoden, South Dakota; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas; Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma; and former governors Phil Bryant, Mississippi; Bobby Jindal, Louisiana; and Rick Perry, Texas.

    A copy of the letter is included below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Kortnei N. Smith as County Court Judge for 11th Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Kortnei N. Smith as County Court Judge 

    for 11th Judicial District

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Kortnei N. Smith of North Platte as county court judge in the 11th Judicial District. That district includes Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties.

    Since 2016, Smith has been a deputy county attorney in the Lincoln County Attorney’s office where she has handled both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, juvenile cases and mental health board hearings. Before that, she was an associate attorney in the firm of Waite, McWha and Heng in North Platte.

    Smith fills the vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Edward D. Steenburg.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi holds ‘fruitful talks’ with Brazilian President Lula in Brasilia, discusses wide range of subjects

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, during which both leaders discussed ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade.

    “Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about the India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

    “Clean energy, sustainable development and overcoming climate change were also prominent topics of discussion. Other areas where we will work even more closely include defence, security, AI and agriculture. India-Brazil cooperation in space, semiconductors and DPI will benefit our people,” PM Modi added.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

    Source: US State of California

    The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

    “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”

    “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”

    “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.

    To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reed and Coons Release Joint Statement on Cancellation of Ukrainian Weapons Shipments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement following reports that the Pentagon had cancelled already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine: 
    “The Pentagon’s reported cancellation of already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine risks the lives of the brave Ukrainian men and women on the front lines of freedom and rewards President Putin and his Russian forces. This assistance – including vital air defense interceptors and artillery munitions – was provided by Congress and designated to be delivered months ago. Ukraine continues to enjoy strong, bipartisan support across Congress, and we call on Secretary Hegseth to immediately restart the steady supply of these munitions.
    “This is the latest and most dramatic blow to our support for Ukraine. It comes at a perilous time, just after Russia conducted the biggest missile strike of the three-year war on civilian targets in densely populated Ukrainian cities, and on the heels of North Korea’s announcement that it would send tens of thousands more troops to aid in Russia’s brutal invasion.
    “Putin continues to be the foremost obstacle to peace. Unable to meet his goals on the battlefield, he has long hoped he could simply outlast the West. If Secretary Hegseth does not reverse this damaging step, we risk proving Putin right. President Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. In contrast, Putin has rejected this deal time and again.
    “Despite that stark reality, the administration has decided not to enforce our existing sanctions against Russia, declined to join our European allies in levying additional sanctions, and now we are walking away from supplying Ukraine with American weapons they need to defend their sovereignty, and protect their hospitals, churches, schools, and apartments from relentless Russian attacks.  This is not theoretical for the Ukrainians. They are not preparing stocks for some potential future fight. Their fight is now, their people are in the crosshairs.
    “We agree with the president’s stated objective of bringing about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. President Trump has a critical opportunity to actually achieve peace through strength: to improve Ukraine’s leverage and force Putin to negotiate. The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine. The world is watching. Our adversaries are watching.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Forced Retreat on Deeper VA Layoffs Highlights Power of Advocacy & Military Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – After the Trump Administration abandoned plans to cull a total of 83,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by the end of this year and will instead reduce its workforce by 30,000 VA workers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA), which oversees VA funding, issued the following statement:
    “The Trump Administration’s forced retreat on more mass layoffs at the VA is a reprieve for veterans and their families.  The Trump Administration’s initial arbitrary workforce cuts have already harmed veterans and their families.  Trump and DOGE were downsizing simply for downsizing’s sake – not because they carefully studied appropriate staffing levels.  Their careless cuts diminished essential services and increased wait times.  Further cuts would have been an abject disaster and halting them is significant.  This about face is a direct result of strong advocacy from veterans, their families, and everyone who cares about keeping our promise to those who serve.  Now we need to reverse the loss of 30,000 VA employees, restore staffing levels, and get the VA running at full capacity again so it can deliver for those who faithfully served.”
    As of June 1, 2025 the VA’s workforce was made up of 467,000 employees, a reduction of nearly 17,000 positions from the 484,000 VA employees on January 1, 2025. There are approximately 15.8 million veterans in the U.S.
    Today, the Trump Administration announced it is on pace to reduce VA staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of this fiscal year.
    “We’ve got to ensure our veterans get the care and benefits they need.  The arbitrary mass-layoffs have already had a negative impact on customer service for veterans and we’ve got to ensure the VA does a better job going forward and is accountable to those they serve,” said Reed.
    The VA provides medical care and education, disability, funerary, financial, and other health benefits earned by veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
    In March, Senator Reed spoke out against the Trump Administration’s proposal to cut over 80,000 workers from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cassidy Outlines Plan to Save Social Security in Op-Ed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post outlining his “Big Idea” to save Social Security by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—dedicated to protecting the program for all current and future Social Security beneficiaries. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in penning the op-ed.
    “There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment,” wrote the senators.
    Read the full op-ed here or below.
    Our Bipartisan Plan Could Rescue Social Security
    If Congress doesn’t act, the Social Security Trust Fund will be insolvent as soon as 2033, and millions of Americans who have been paying into the program will see a significant portion of their promised benefits cut. That’s why we’re working on a bipartisan proposal for a new investment fund that would infuse much-needed money into Social Security, while ensuring no one on Social Security or nearing retirement sees any change to the benefits whatsoever.
    Social Security is currently funded through payroll taxes, which are not keeping pace with the amount needed to sustain the program. For now, the Social Security Trust Fund — which is invested exclusively in U.S. government bonds yielding low returns — is helping to fill the gap, but it can’t for long. The most recent Social Security Trustees Reportshowed that payroll tax revenue will fall more than $25 trillion short of owed benefits over the next 75 years, in today’s dollars, if the trust fund becomes insolvent. We propose creating an additional investment fund — in parallel to the trust fund, not replacing it — that would be invested in stocks, bonds and other investments that generate a higher rate of return, helping keep the program from running dry.
    We estimate that it would take a $1.5 trillion up-front investment into the fund to get it going, and we propose giving the fund 75 years to grow. The Treasury would temporarily shoulder the burden of providing benefits to Social Security beneficiaries — but when the new fund’s 75 years are up, it would pay the Treasury back and supplement payroll taxes to help fill the future gap.
    The result? The consistent delivery of Social Security benefits for generations of Americans, and a reduction to the United States’ long-term indebtedness by up to 20 percent.A substantial majority of Americans are concerned about the challenges facing Social Security. We understand if they also question whether politicians could use the proceeds of the new fund we propose for other objectives.That risk can be effectively managed by putting in place guardrails modeled after those used by the Thrift Savings Plan, including a fiduciary duty to seek a maximal return on investments and deterrence measures to address concerns that a future Congress might want to raid the fund. As for transparency, the new fund should be subject to annual audits published online.
    We know a program like this could work because it already has. In 2001, Congress created the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust — a diversified investment fund designed to ensure retirement benefit payouts for railroad workers. The trust has remained firmly in the black, with returns even exceeding expectations at some points and with payments consistently remaining reliable and on schedule. Our proposal is also consistent with virtually every other pension plan — state and private — currently operating in our country, and it matches the strategy most nations use to fund their retirement programs.
    There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University

    Stellalevi / Getty Images

    Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.

    In addition, about 280,000 scientists and engineers have been affected by US federal workforce cuts. Billions of dollars in further cuts have been proposed to US hospitals, universities and research institutions.

    The US has long been the global destination for science. But perhaps no longer. The rest of the world, including Australia, is looking to lure scientists from the US.

    And many of those scientists are looking to move. In March, a Nature survey suggested more than 75% of US researchers were considering leaving the country.

    What moves are under way to capitalise on this American brain drain? Where does Australia sit – and, importantly, are we doing enough?

    What are other countries doing?

    In May, the European Commission announced a two-year, €500 million package to woo scientists and researchers called Choose Europe. The announcement of the package highlighted how “academic and scientific freedom is increasingly under threat”, and offers researchers higher allowances, longer contracts and reduced regulatory barriers to innovation.

    Canada also has active efforts. The Toronto-based University Hospital Network, for example, aims to raise C$30 million to attract and recruit clinician scientists and medical talent.

    China, too, is actively seeking US scientists with dedicated recruitment programs and large salaries. This is accelerating the existing trend of Chinese-born scientists leaving the US.

    Programs such as the EU’s and Canada’s ostensibly aim to attract and recruit top talent from “around the world”. Given the timing, however, it’s no secret which country’s scientists they have their eyes on.

    What about Australia?

    In Australia, the scientific community is understandably concerned about events in the US and their impact on Australian research. The US is Australia’s largest research partner, with a conservatively estimated A$386 million in funding for Australian research organisations coming from the US government.

    At the same time, the US cuts represent an opportunity for Australia as for other countries. The Australian Academy of Science recently launched its Global Talent Attraction Program to take advantage of “a rare opportunity to strengthen our nation by attracting world-leading researchers to our shores”. The program will offer relocation packages for selected researchers, together with research funding, access to Australian infrastructure and family relocation support.

    As well as attracting US talent, it may also be an opportunity to reverse the brain drain and bring back talented Australians who may have moved to the US for what were once better career prospects.

    The global picture

    Attracting, recruiting and retaining US researchers and innovators at all levels is the right thing for Australia to pursue right now. But broader international relationships are also worth some effort, including with countries in our region such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as well as in Europe.

    These can be facilitated through existing initiatives such as the strategic arm of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund. Backed by the Australian government and delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (where I am the CEO) and the Australian Academy of Science, the fund brings together innovators and research initiatives in priority partner countries and Australia. Areas of interest include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and hydrogen production.

    With the US pulling out of international collaborations, there is a chance for Australia to establish itself as a science and technology hub within our region.

    Australia has much to offer the world. We can provide insights into the behaviour and management of bushfires, floods and droughts. We bring a sophisticated understanding of extreme weather modelling, and are a global gateway to exceptional oceans and atmospheric research.

    We have huge clout in renewable energy and battery technologies. Australian-invented solar panels represent the majority of household solar around the world and Australian batteries technology is among the best.

    Australian researchers, policymakers and citizens are right to be concerned by what’s happening in the US. But we don’t need to wait anxiously. We have an extremely rare opportunity to foster talent in Australia on our terms.

    Kylie Walker is CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and previously worked for the Australian Academy of Science (2011–2016).

    – ref. American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists – https://theconversation.com/american-science-is-in-crisis-its-a-great-opportunity-for-australia-to-snap-up-top-scientists-260593

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council 2653 Sanctions Committee Adds 2 Entries to Its Sanctions List

    Source: United Nations 4

    On 8 July 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) approved the addition of the entries specified below to its Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the measures imposed by the Security Council and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

    B. Entities and other groups

    HTe.001 Name: GRAN GRIF
    Name (original script): na
    A.k.a: a) Gran Grif de Savien b) Savien gang c) Baz Gran Grif F.k.a.: na Address: Haiti Listed on: 08 Jul. 2025 Other information: Luckson Elan (HTi.007) is the leader of the Gran Grif gang.  INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link:  https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals.

    HTe.002 Name: VIV ANSANM  
    Name (original script): na
    A.k.a: a) Living Together b) G-9 c) G9 Family and Allies d) G9 Fanmi e Alye e) The Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies f) Fòs Revolisyonè G9 an Fanmi e Alye g) G-Pèp h) G-People F.k.a.: na Address: Haiti Listed on: 08 Jul. 2025 Other information: Jimmy Chérizier (HTi.001) is the leader of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.  INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals.

    Press releases concerning changes to the Committee’s Sanctions List may be found in the “Press Releases” section on the Committee’s website at the following URL:   https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/2653/press-releases.

    The updated version of the Committee’s Sanctions List, available in HTML, PDF and XML format, may be found at the following URL:  https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/2653/materials.

    The United Nations Security Council Consolidated List is also updated following all changes made to the Committee’s Sanctions List and is accessible at the following URL:  https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG’s Office wins $8.2M in penalties and consumer restitution in trial against repeat scammer

    Source: Washington State News

    Michigan defendants mailed nearly 600,000 deceptive solicitations for workplace posters to Washington businesses

    SEATTLE — A Michigan-based scammer that has been deceiving businesses for years was ordered to pay more than $8.2 million in penalties and consumer restitution following a lawsuit brought by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

    Following trial against Labor Law Poster Service and two of its principals, King County Superior Court Judge Maureen McKee imposed a $7.4 million penalty and awarded $850,000 in consumer restitution, plus interest, to the Attorney General’s Office. The court also ordered the defendants to pay the state’s attorney fees.

    For almost a decade, the company has illegally targeted tens of thousands of Washington small businesses by mass mailing deceptive solicitations. These mailings deceived business owners into purchasing workplace posters they were not obligated to buy. The letters mimicked legitimate government communications. Before trial, the court had already determined that each of the company’s nearly 600,000 solicitations were deceptive, and violated the Consumer Protection Act, and that co-owner Joseph Fata was personally liable for the unlawful conduct.

    The trial before Judge McKee focused on three issues: the personal liability of co-owner Justin Fata, the defendants’ violations of a 2016 injunction prohibiting them from engaging in the same deceptive conduct, and the amount of penalties and consumer restitution defendants would have to pay.

    Focusing primarily on the bad faith of these repeat offenders, Judge McKee imposed a $12 penalty for each of the nearly 600,000 mailers sent to Washington business owners—amounting to $7.1 million. The Court also awarded $850,000 in restitution for those small business owners who responded to the deceptive solicitations and purchased workplace posters—along with 12% in prejudgment interest. 

    The court also found the defendants violated a 2016 court order prohibiting them from sending deceptive solicitations in two ways: First by engaging in the prohibited conduct, and second by failing to distribute the 2016 order to the company’s employees.

    For years, the Fatas have treated adverse legal actions as the cost of doing business. This lawsuit represents the third time the state has taken enforcement action against the Fatas’ operations, first in 2008 and again in 2016. The 2016 action resulted in an order requiring defendants to pay $1.2 million in civil penalties, restitution, and attorneys’ fees.

    Assistant Attorneys General Zorba Leslie, Kelsey Burazin and Michael Bradley, Paralegals Mary Barber, Ashley Totten, KC Winfield, Anne Wallig, and Vick Walker all handled the case for Washington.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Illinois Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

    Source: US State of California

    Today, the Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Illinois State Board of Elections, regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to make reasonable efforts to remove the names of ineligible voters and to make their voter registration list available for public inspection.  The requirement for states to make a “reasonable effort” to clean their voter rolls means that the program should be effective in achieving the goals set out by Congress, and nothing less.

    “It is critical to remove ineligible voters from the registration rolls so that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under the NVRA, states have the responsibility to conduct a robust program of list maintenance. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements to ensure compliance.”

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Sentenced for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

    Source: US State of California

    Co-Defendants Also Sentenced; Woman Pleads Guilty in Related Case for Unlawfully Selling Chimpanzees to Antle

    Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — who was featured in a popular Netflix documentary — was sentenced today to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and launder more than $500,000 for what he believed to be an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States across the Mexico border. Antle was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine, serve three years of supervised release, and forfeit three chimpanzees and more than $197,000 to the government.

    Two of Antle’s co-defendants were recently sentenced for their separate involvement in either the Lacey Act or money laundering conspiracy. A defendant in a related case recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle.

    “Today’s sentence holds Doc Antle and his co-defendants accountable for activity they knew was unlawful and unethical,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “They illegally purchased and sold newborn endangered wildlife even as they laundered more than $500,000 in smuggling money — all while promoting themselves as conservationists.”

    “Doc Antle portrayed himself as a conservationist. But in reality, he was a key player in the illegal chimpanzee trade, and he laundered more than half a million dollars through a complex web of deceit,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in bringing the defendant to justice for both of these federal crimes.”

    “These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We remain firmly committed to investigating and holding accountable individuals whose illegal actions threaten our financial systems and put protected species at risk.”

    “This case underscores the grave criminal threat posed by wildlife traffickers who not only exploit vulnerable species for profit but also use sophisticated money laundering tactics to conceal their crimes,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Our special agents uncovered a complex network of illicit activity involving the trafficking of endangered animals — including baby chimpanzees and cheetahs — falsified documentation, and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported nonprofit organizations. These traffickers operated under the false pretense of conservation, betraying both the law and public trust. We remain unwavering in our commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice.”

    The wildlife conspiracy outlined various schemes Antle used to hide his illegal trafficking in endangered species, including requiring payments to be “donations” funneled through his non-profit, The Rare Species Fund; conducting transactions in bulk cash to hide their true nature; and creating false paperwork to hide the illegality of his wildlife transactions. The animals trafficked included baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions, and tigers, all of which are protected under both the Endangered Species Act and international treaties. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the wildlife conspiracy, Jason Clay, was recently sentenced to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and to pay a $4,000 fine into the Lacey Act Reward Fund. In 2019, Clay illegally sold a juvenile chimpanzee to Antle in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a juvenile gibbon. 

    As for the money laundering conspiracy, Antle and a co-defendant laundered more than $500,000 in cash between February and April 2022 that were represented to be proceeds from an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Evidence presented to the court showed that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by writing checks for what appeared to be construction-related services for Myrtle Beach Safari, which he owned and operated, and which was featured in the Netflix documentary. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre for-profit zoo that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the money laundering conspiracy, Andrew Sawyer, was recently sentenced to serve two years of probation including eight months of home detention. He also forfeited nearly $185,000 to the government and a chimpanzee.

    In a different Lacey Act violation case connected to Antle, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson pleaded guilty last month to illegally selling a chimpanzee to Antle in 2022 for $200,000. The Kolwyck family owns and manages the private Sunshine Zoological Preserve LLC in north Florida. The facility is believed to be the only one in the United States breeding chimpanzees for private or non-scientific purposes.

    The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case.

    Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor cites Orlando aerospace facility for safety, health failures after fire injures workers

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ORLANDO, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited an Orlando target-missile manufacturer for exposing workers to fire, burn, and inhalation hazards, after a December 2024 fire at its facility, hospitalizing two employees and injuring others. 

    Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that two employees of Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc. were severely burned, and another sustained injuries from burns and smoke inhalation while they worked on a missile component. OSHA also determined that the employer exposed other workers to burn and inhalation hazards from incorrectly stored and handled explosives and from failing to classify the physical hazards of a highly reactive chemical.

    Aerojet Rocketdyne was cited with one willful and six serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $262,451.

    The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

    Learn more about OSHA. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of the UWWTD and pending analysis of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme – E-002662/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002662/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susana Solís Pérez (PPE), Oliver Schenk (PPE), Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE), Elena Nevado del Campo (PPE)

    The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which has raised concerns about the proportionality of the cost allocation among sectors. Poland has challenged the directive before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), specifically contesting the application of the EPR to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Most recently, the European water resilience strategy, published on 3 June 2025, announced an updated analysis of the costs and sectoral impacts of the EPR scheme. Nevertheless, national implementation of the UWWTD is already under way in some Member States, even though this updated analysis has not yet been carried out.

    In this context:

    • 1.When exactly does the Commission plan to carry out the updated cost and impact analysis referred to in the water resilience strategy?
    • 2.What specific aspects will be examined – will the analysis take into account the relative contribution of different sectors to micropollution, the economic impact on SMEs, and the implications for research and innovation?
    • 3.In the light of ongoing national implementation and the legal challenge currently before the CJEU, will the Commission recommend that Member States postpone national implementation of the EPR scheme until the updated analysis is completed and its findings properly considered?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand speaks with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 8, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi in Tokyo to deepen Canada’s bilateral relations with a trusted partner.

    The ministers discussed the advantages of the Security of Information Agreement that they signed today – an important milestone in the strategic partnership between Canada and Japan. The ministers agreed to continue building on the strong bilateral relationship and to deepen defence and security collaboration between the two countries. They also discussed ways to advance shared security and prosperity interests under the Canada-Japan Action Plan. 

    The ministers agreed that future bilateral cooperation on national and economic security, including energy, will be important. They also focussed on the importance of international institutions, rule of law and multilateralism that underpin Canada and Japan’s shared interest in a free and open Indo Pacific region. Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific and to working with Japan as a strategic partner in the region.

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    MIL OSI Canada News –