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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Exploring Critical Minerals and Volcanic Processes in Aleutian Rocks

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The human-occupied vehicle Alvin grabs a piece of altered volcanic rock from a mound on the seafloor in the Aleutian Arc. Courtesy of Amanda Demopoulos, USGS; NOAA Ocean Exploration, ONR, NOPP, BOEM, NOAA IOCM, USGS, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

    One of the motivations of this expedition along the Aleutian Arc is centered on collecting and characterizing submarine volcanic and seafloor rocks to support two complementary objectives: improving assessments of volcanic hazards and identifying environments favorable for critical mineral formation. This region, marked by a tectonic complexity of volcanic arcs offers valuable insight into both eruptive history and the potential of hydrothermal systems. 

    Map of the Aleutian Arc showing active volcanoes along the arc and back arc. The arc and associated islands are prospective for hydrothermal mineral formation. Source: Gartman et al. (2022). 
    USGS Research Geologist Maria Figueroa holds two two splits from a mustone recovered from the seafloor during the Aleutian expedition. Image courtesy of The Aleutian Arc: Integrated Exploration of Biodiversity at Priority Benthic Habitats (USGS/BOEM/NOAA/ONR). Photographer: Art Howard. 

    Some of the recovered samples so far include basalts, altered volcanic rocks, volcaniclastics rocks and mudstones. These volcanic samples are essential for reconstructing eruption histories, evaluating seafloor geohazards, and constraining the timing of volcanic activity in this subduction-dominated arc. Many of the basalts display textures consistent with submarine eruption, including glassy rims and radial jointing. Some exhibit alteration features such as clay replacement and oxidation halos, which may reflect interaction with hydrothermal fluids. However, further analysis is required to confirm the extent and origin of these alterations.

    In parallel, the Global Seabed Mineral Resources team—namely Maria Figueroa and Katlin Adamczyk—from the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) is actively surveying for hydrothermal vents. These vents are key targets as they form where metal-rich hydrothermal fluids meet colder seawater, precipitating sulfide-rich minerals as they cool. Hydrothermal vents can be important sources of metals such as zinc, copper, gold, cobalt, and antimony, many of which are identified as critical minerals by the USGS and the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

    By combining geological, geochemical, and geophysical observations, this expedition contributes to the broader USGS, BOEM, and NOAA missions to improve national understanding of domestic critical mineral resources, particularly in underexplored areas of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Ongoing work will further refine the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of recovered samples and guide continued hydrothermal prospecting throughout the cruise.

    Outlined in black is the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States and affiliated islands, which when combined are larger in area than the entire land area.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: King “Gravely Concerned” by Possible Weapons Pause in Delivering Military Aid to Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement in response to reports that the White House may be pausing congressionally-directed weapons shipments to Ukraine:
    “I am gravely concerned by the potential “pause” in the supply of crucial weapons necessary for the defense of the Ukrainian people. To slow or stop the delivery of promised weaponry (which reportedly were already in Poland on their way to Kiev) is a serious policy and humanitarian mistake.
    “These systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial attacks of exactly the type that Russia has escalated recently against civilian targets in Ukraine. Cutting off the delivery of this desperately needed shield puts civilian lives at greater risk and sends a dangerous signal to Moscow.
    “The only thing that will bring Putin to the table, as the President desires, is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a continuing show of force in the face of intensifying Russian aggression. This decision undermines both of these objectives, significantly weakening the President’s hand in brokering peace.
    “Stopping Putin in Ukraine is critical to the preservation of Ukraine as a sovereign nation and the protection of her brave people, but it is in our interest as well by deterring further Russian aggression elsewhere in Eastern Europe which would lead to a much wider conflict. After all, America is sending our superior and sophisticated arsenal; Ukraine is sending its fathers, sons and brothers to the front – in defense of democratic values.
    “This regrettable decision should be reversed and repudiated at once—for Ukraine, for the United States, and for the world.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Senate Passage of Trump’s Disastrous Megabill, Shaheen Holds Roundtable Discussions on Health Care, Energy Impacts on Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Peterborough, NH) – Following Senate passage of the Republican-led reconciliation budget bill, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) held roundtables in Keene and Peterborough to highlight the disastrous effects the megabill would have on health care access and energy costs across the Granite State. Photos from both of today’s events can be found here.
    In Keene, Shaheen continued her “Medicaid Impact Tour” with a visit to Monadnock Family Services for a roundtable discussion with local caregivers, patients, advocates and providers about the impact of Republican-backed cuts to Medicaid. Under the Senate-passed version of the budget bill, 17 million Americans would lose health care coverage including more than 46,000 Granite Staters.
    “The Republican-backed bill that passed the Senate is the largest cut to health care in American history. It’s going to take health coverage away from tens of thousands of Granite Staters who rely on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act and raise health care costs all to give billionaires a few extra bucks every year,” said Senator Shaheen. “I continued my ‘Medicaid Impact Tour’ at Monadnock Family Services in order to keep calling attention to the real consequences this bill will have for older adults, children, veterans, people living with disabilities and working families across the state.”
    The roundtable was the latest stop on Shaheen’s “Medicaid Impact Tour”—a series of discussions across the Granite State to underscore the harm cuts to Medicaid and the ACA in the Republican-led reconciliation budget bill will have on New Hampshire.
    Later, at the Peterborough Town Library, Shaheen led a discussion with town officials, advocates and regional businesses on how the Republican megabill will hurt New Hampshire’s growing clean energy economy.
    “For the many Granite State families who are worried about energy costs, the ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’ only promises more pain. To give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, Republicans are cutting highly effective tax credits that help people save money on their utility bills by making home energy efficiency updates,” said Senator Shaheen. “I heard from businesses and town leaders about so many successful energy projects that are already delivering cost savings for taxpayers. Now, future projects are on the chopping block, and good paying jobs will be lost because of this bill.”
    Shaheen leads legislative action in the U.S. Senate to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives. During the Senate “Vote-A-Rama” process, Shaheen forced a vote on her amendment to preserve four longstanding, bipartisan, consumer energy efficiency and clean energy tax credits that lower energy costs for families, make housing more affordable, protect American jobs and help give businesses the certainty they need to thrive. All but two Senate Republicans—Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)—voted to block Shaheen’s amendment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Detecting Hydrothermal Vents and Collecting Environmental DNA: Investigating the Water Column in the Aleutian Arc

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Exploring the deep ocean along the Aleutian Arc requires a suite of advanced tools to investigate the intricate connections between marine ecosystems and their dynamic environment. One of the most valuable instruments aboard any deep-sea exploration cruise is the CTD, which stands for Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth. This essential oceanographic tool provides detailed information on the physical and chemical structure of the water column—from detecting hydrothermal vents to collecting environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic material that organisms have shed into the surrounding water.

    A USGS scientist prepares the Niskin bottles on the CTD before deployment. Image courtesy of The Aleutian Arc: Integrated Exploration of Biodiversity at Priority Benthic Habitats (USGS/BOEM/NOAA/ONR). Photographer: Art Howard. 

    Deep-sea benthic communities found along the Aleutian Arc are sensitive to subtle environmental gradients. A CTD profile helps pinpoint areas where these communities might thrive by revealing thermoclines; oxygen minimum zone; and variations in salinity, turbidity, and chemical composition. In regions where hydrothermal activity is suspected, CTD profiles often reveal sharp temperature spikes, plumes of turbidity caused by mineral precipitates, and elevated concentrations of metals or other chemical tracers.

    Each CTD is equipped with an array of sensors and a rosette of Niskin bottles, which collect discrete water samples at targeted depths. On this expedition, these samples are analyzed for geochemical signatures and used in eDNA analyses, enabling researchers to detect “who is there,” including cryptic species that are difficult to find. This integration of physical, chemical, and biological data help establish connections between water column properties and the distribution of deep-sea life.

    Water collected by Niskin bottles can be analyzed for environmental DNA studies, which helps USGS researchers detect genetic material left behind by organisms in the surrounding water. Image courtesy of The Aleutian Arc: Integrated Exploration of Biodiversity at Priority Benthic Habitats (USGS/BOEM/NOAA/ONR). Photographer: Art Howard. 

    Combined with data collected during Alvin submersible dives and seafloor mapping, CTD data are crucial in guiding site selection for biological sampling and in interpreting the conditions shaping habitats along the Aleutian Arc. This integrated approach supports both scientific discovery and the informed stewardship of deep-sea habitats and resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Supreme Court to Hear Idaho’s Case Protecting Women’s Sports

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom US Supreme Court to Hear Idaho’s Case Protecting Women’s Sports

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today that the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Idaho’s case to protect women’s sports from biological males. The Court will review Little v. Hecox, where Attorney General Labrador is defending Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act after the Ninth Circuit blocked enforcement of the law.

    “Idaho’s women and girls deserve an equal playing field,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I am thrilled the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear our case. For too long, activists have worked to sideline women and girls in their own sports. Men and women are biologically different, and we hope the Court will allow states to end this injustice and ensure men no longer create a dangerous, unfair environment for women to showcase their incredible talent and pursue the equal opportunities they deserve.”

    The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case comes after Attorney General Labrador urged the Court to take action in a supplemental brief filed last week. Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, enacted in 2020 as the first law of its kind in the nation, protects female student-athletes by ensuring biological males cannot compete in women’s sports categories.

    The Ninth Circuit previously stopped Idaho’s common-sense law from going into effect. The case represents a critical opportunity for the Court to clarify that states have the authority to protect women’s athletics and ensure fair competition based on biological reality.

    Alliance Defending Freedom assisted both Idaho and West Virginia in defending the two laws. The Supreme Court will also hear a related case from West Virginia involving similar protections for women’s sports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Take Necessary Precautions Against Ticks and Mosquitoes

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers and visitors about the importance of protecting themselves against tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses while enjoying time outdoors to celebrate the holiday weekend. Warmer temperatures and changing climate conditions have contributed to a steady rise in tick populations across New York and an increased risk of tick bites — even in areas and seasons where risk was once considered low. Reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have continued to climb in recent years.

    “New York’s parks, mountains, lakes and beaches are the perfect places to spend the holiday weekend, so make the most of your time outdoors by protecting yourself from ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry,” Governor Hochul said. “Remember to use protective clothing and repellent to help keep you, your family and pets safe and healthy.”

    Tick and mosquito populations can vary with weather conditions, habitat and other environmental factors including elevation. For example, warmer temperatures and rainfall can create more mosquito breeding habitats and faster development time, leading to higher mosquito populations.

    Ticks are active throughout the spring, summer and fall. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the State. Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with more than 19,000 cases reported in 2023 alone, the highest in recent history.

    Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by blacklegged (deer) ticks (both nymphs and adults) and is spread when an infected tick bites a person and remains attached for 36 hours or more. Bites from the nymphal life stage of this tick lead to most cases of Lyme disease, because the tick is so small — the size of a poppy seed — and is often not detected within that 36hour window. Nymphal blacklegged ticks are active right now across the State. Lyme disease can affect people of any age. The most common symptom is an expanding rash resembling a bull’s eye or solid patch that appears near the site of a bite. Flu-like symptoms such as fever or chills and muscle aches, headache, or fatigue may also occur within 30 days of infection. If these symptoms develop, it’s important to seek treatment from a health care provider immediately.

    Tick bites can also transmit other diseases. Since 2015, the Department of Health has reported an average of 600 babesiosis infections and an average of 1,300 anaplasmosis infections across New York each year, as well as cases of more rare diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Powassan virus disease. All of these diseases can vary in severity, and without treatment, they can cause serious illness and even death. Avoiding tick bites and prompt removal of attached ticks are important, as transmission of these diseases can occur more quickly than Lyme disease. Powassan virus can be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick bite.

    Mosquito-borne diseases are also a potential threat to New Yorkers. Cases of West Nile virus infection occur each year with an average of 55 cases reported each year from 2020-2023. Last year, two human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis were reported (the first human cases reported in NYS since 2015). Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes can affect people of any age and may not lead to any symptoms but can also result in mild to severe illness and rarely, can result in death.

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “When spending time outside, it’s important to take precautions to protect against diseases that can be transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes. New Yorkers should remember that it only takes one bite from a tick or a mosquito to potentially cause illness. Stay healthy and keep pests away this fourth of July weekend by following simple methods to avoid being bitten.”

    New Yorkers and holiday visitors should continue to take measures to protect themselves, their children, and their pets against all tick and mosquito-borne diseases that are present in New York State.

    While hiking, working or spending time outdoors, follow these simple steps to help prevent tick bites:

    • Wear light-colored long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes.
    • Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
    • Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush them away before they attach.
    • Perform a full body check multiple times during the day, as well as at the end of the day, to ensure that no ticks are attached.
    • Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
    • Shower soon after coming indoors.
    • Remember to check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors and talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce ticks on your pet.
    • Consider using EPA-registered repellents labelled as effective against ticks containing 40 percent DEET, 20 percent picaridin or IR3535, and follow label instructions. If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
    • Consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills and repels ticks. While it should not be applied directly to skin, permethrin-treated clothing provides protection through multiple washings.

    If you find an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it right away. Avoid risky removal strategies such as detergent or burning, as these could increase your risk of infection. See the Department of Health’s website for a video on proper tick removal technique.

    For mosquitoes:

    • Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside at sunrise, sunset, and early in the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
    • Use EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin and follow label instructions. If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
    • Consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills and repels mosquitoes. While it should not be applied directly to skin, permethrin-treated clothing provides protection through multiple washings.
    • Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

    The Department of Health and its partners routinely collect and analyze tens of thousands of ticks from across New York State each year to better understand the tick population, tick behavior, and regional trends in diseases carried by ticks. Current and retrospective tick collection and testing results are publicly available on the Department’s Health Data NY website. A map showing your risk of encountering an infected blacklegged tick by New York geographic region can be found here.

    For more information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/.

    For information about how to reduce mosquitoes around your property and mosquito-borne diseases, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/mosquitoes/.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Arrested for Assaulting a Federal Officer

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Dominican national was arrested today on criminal charges for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.

    According to court documents, Bernis Díaz-de la Cruz (Díaz), 20, was arrested and charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a) – Obstructing and Resisting a Federal Officer – and 111(b) – Assault of a Federal Officer through the use of a dangerous weapon, for events which took place in Puerto Rico on June 25, 2025.

    United States Border Patrol Agents were on duty when they encountered the subject who was engaged in suspected illegal activity inside a vehicle. Upon being confronted by the Border Patrol Agents, and instead of following commands, Díaz rapidly accelerated the vehicle toward one of the Border Patrol Agents who was in his official law enforcement uniform and standing in front of the vehicle. The Border Patrol Agent acted rapidly and moved to avoid being hit by the vehicle driven by Díaz. Díaz’s erratic driving ultimately resulted in a collision with another law enforcement vehicle which was in the vicinity of the incident.

    Díaz is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and does not have legal status authorizing him to be present in the United States.

    “The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for those criminals who assault federal or local law enforcement officers,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will prosecute those who assault the brave women and men who serve and protect our communities to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Assaulting a federal agent is a grave offense that risks the safety of those who serve and protect our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Juan Field Office. “When someone chooses violence instead of compliance, they endanger lives—including their own. These agents exercised extraordinary restraint and professionalism in the face of a dangerous and deliberate threat. But let this serve as a warning: any assault against federal law enforcement will be investigated with every single resource the FBI has it its portfolio and we will not rest until justice is fully served.”

    “Thanks to the vigilance our agents and coordination with our federal partners, the defendant will now face justice under federal law, reinforcing that violations of U.S. sovereignty will not go unchecked,” stated Reggie Johnson, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector. “Assaults on any federal agent will not be tolerated. Those who choose to commit such acts will be held fully accountable under the law. Violence against law enforcement is an attack on the rule of law and public safety—and it will be met with swift and decisive justice.”

    If convicted, Díaz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI and the United States Border Patrol Ramey Sector are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney César Rivera-Díaz is prosecuting the case.

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

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Federal Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Machinegun

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Jeffrey Omar Delgado-López with possession of a machinegun and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is in charge of the investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski.

    According to the Government’s allegations, on June 1, 2025, Delgado-López possessed a Glock pistol model 19 loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition and an additional 42 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as a convicted felon.

    The indictment also alleges that Delgado-López possessed a machinegun, specifically a Glock pistol model 19 modified to fire automatically more than one shot without manually reloading by a single function of the trigger.

    “Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and the Justice Department and, as this case shows, we are steadfast in our commitment to prosecute those who violate federal firearms laws,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

    “Jeffrey Omar Delgado-López was under federal supervised release, and he chose to break the law again–arming himself illegally in the streets of Mayagüez. This is unacceptable,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Crushing violent crimes also means preventing them. We will not allow armed felons to operate in our communities.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos J. Romo-Aledo and Alberto R. Lopez Rocafort, Chief of the Gang Section, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three More Sentenced in Wide-Ranging Scheme to Monopolize International Transit Industry

    Source: US FBI

    McALLEN, Texas – Three Texas residents have been sentenced in connection with a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    They and others controlled the transmigrate industry through fear, monopolization and extortion of competitors and laundered proceeds from the conspiracies. 

    Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez, 50, McAllen, and Mireya Miranda, 59, San Antonio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services and conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante market. Hernandez also admitted to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion and received 37 months, while Miranda was ordered to serve 10 months on home detention. Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez, 47, Brownsville, was sentenced to 31 months in prison after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy through which extortion proceeds were laundered.

    Hernandez and Miranda must also pay a $75,000 fine, while Fernandez was ordered to pay $50,000. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

    “Price fixing is an attempt to distort the market in favor of the fixer and to the detriment of basically everyone else. Although such market manipulation is bad enough, it is even worse when brought about through threats and violence,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will work tirelessly to prosecute such criminal syndicates and to ensure markets along the Texas-Mexico border remain free, fair, and open.”

    “The danger and the harm to the American people by the use of violence and extortion to fix prices and monopolize the market for an essential service in the Texas border region cannot be understated,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s sentences demonstrate the Antitrust Division’s commitment to pursuing incarceration for both white-collar and violent criminals who seek to exploit America’s free markets.”

    “The FBI remains committed to combatting the use of threats, violence and corrupt business practices such as price-fixing that harm honest business owners and undermine fair competition,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will leverage each other’s expertise and capabilities to dismantle every facet of transnational criminal organizations.”

    “These sentencings reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding economic integrity at our nation’s borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio. “By dismantling an enterprise that thrived on extortion and price fixing, we are ensuring that honest businesses can compete on a level playing field. This case exemplifies how corruption in niche industries can have far-reaching effects, and HSI will continue to pursue those who abuse the system for profit.”

    Transmigrantes transport used vehicles and goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. Only a few U.S. border crossings, including the Los Indios Bridge, allow transmigrantes to enter Mexico.

    Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that help clients complete customs paperwork to export vehicles into Mexico. Co-conspirators fixed prices for forwarding services and created a centralized entity, known as the “pool,” to collect and divide revenue among conspirators. They used the pool to eliminate competition and raise prices.

    Some also conspired to force forwarding agencies to pay money to the pool and to pay other extortion fees including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry as well as a fine for operating in the market outside of rules. The conspirators perpetrated acts of intimidation, coercion and violence in furtherance of the antitrust and extortion conspiracies.

    To date, five others have been convicted, four of whom have already been sentenced in the case, including the leader – Carlos Martinez, 39, McAllen, who received an 11-year prison term.

    Three others – Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, ICE-HSI and FBI conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorneys Anne Veldhuis, Brittany E. McClure and Michael G. Lepage and Senior Litigation Counsel John Davis of the Antitrust Division and VCRS Trial Attorney Christina Taylor. 

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oxfam reaction to Brazil, Mexico and Colombia’s launch of a care investment initiative

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam has joined the new care initiative launched today by the governments of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia and others, at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville. The coalition will push for increased investment in care, with the goal of reducing inequalities. Oxfam Mexico Executive Director Alexandra Haas said: 

    “This initiative seeks to close the gap that for centuries has been disadvantaging women around the world. Women take on 76% of unpaid care work globally and are the most affected by cuts to public services. This unequal distribution of care is rooted in the gendered division of labor and in the colonial power imbalances between Global North and South, and in an economic structure that puts the interests of the super-rich at the expense of everyone else.  

    “This agenda is not advancing at the speed we’d like, because it requires funding. But if governments don’t invest, care work will fall once more on the shoulders of women, particularly low-income and racialised women. It’s time for states to take on responsibility through the provision of high-quality, sufficient and well-funded public services.  

    “We’re concerned about the role of the private sector in the provision of universal public services. Let’s be cautious. Progress will come from collaboration between governments, institutions and civil society. Services like healthcare are a human right and a public good, not a commodity. We hope the role of the private sector is through their paying their fair share of taxes, that can be used to fund and sustain public services.  

    “Seville is just a starting point, not the destination. This initiative can pave a route for more global coalitions that put care and the fight against inequalities at the center, from the FFD to COP30 and G20.”  

    Oxfam’s media briefing note, “From Private Profit to Public Power: Financing Development, Not Oligarchy” can be downloaded here. 

    The CareSPA initiative is led by UN Women together with Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, with the support of the Global Care Alliance and the backing of Spain, Uruguay, Nepal, Canada, Norway and Germany. Institutional partners include the ILO (International Labour Organization), CAF (Development Bank of Latin America), ECLAC, UNDP, UNFPA and IDRC, together with civil society organisations such as GIESCR, Coordinadora de Organizaciones para el Desarrollo and Equimundo.  

    The Platform will discuss in the coming months the potential implementation of a set of specific actions to drive systemic change. Among them:  

     - Promoting gender-responsive budgeting and strengthening public financing capacity for care systems.  

    – Improving the generation and use of care-related data to inform evidence-based policy-making and investment planning.  

    – Scale up care services and systems through a sustainable and equity-driven approach, promoting shared gender and social responsibility.  

    – Foster international cooperation, capacity development and knowledge sharing to support the transformation of care systems.  

    The statistic on 76% of care work comes from a 2024 WHO report. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oxfam reaction: Financing for Development Conference in Seville

    Source: Oxfam –

    In response to the conclusion of the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Spain, FFD Global Policy Lead Hernan Saenz said: 

    “Seville was a key moment in an ongoing journey to fight inequality, achieve gender justice and reform the international debt architecture under the UN. The conference showed that considerable challenges remain to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. But it also paved the way for governments to build more coalitions to tax the super-rich and finance care, and put equality, democracy and sustainability at the core of their efforts. In a context of geopolitical uncertainty, multilateralism is the way ahead.” 

    “Despite the lacklustre ambition of the Compromiso de Sevilla where rich countries shirked their responsibility to act on the debt crisis and continued to embrace the private finance first approach to development, this conference also showed what international cooperation can achieve when there is political will for it. Our new research found that the new wealth of the top 1% surged by over 33.9$ trillion since 2015. This is enough to end annual poverty 22 times over, yet over three billion people still live in countries that spend more on debt repayments than on education or health. Therefore, we welcome the new alliance to tax the super-rich launched by Spain and Brazil, with the support of South Africa and Chile. 

    “We also welcome the new care financing initiative by Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. These coalitions provide much needed political ambition and have the potential to deliver vital funding towards the Sustainable Development Goals and fight extreme inequality, which disproportionately impacts women and girls.  

    “We are very concerned by the limitations placed on civil society over the course of the conference to do what we came here to do: tell truth to power. Civil society organizations are the backbone of democracy. The UN was built to defend human rights – if it cedes to the global trend of shrinking civic space, it will undermine its legitimacy.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Votes to Secure Huge Wins for Wyoming in One Big Beautiful Bill 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    July 1, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after voting to advance President Trump’s historic One Big Beautiful Bill that shores up our southern border, makes tax cuts for hardworking Wyoming families permanent, and prioritizes Wyoming’s energy sector. 

    “Every weekend in Wyoming, constituents come up to me to share their priorities for Washington,” said Lummis. “They’re clear about what they expect: no tax increases, a secure border, elimination of waste and fraud in programs like Medicaid and SNAP, an end to Biden’s green energy scams, and most importantly, restoring America’s fiscal strength. While this bill certainly isn’t perfect, it’s a major step in the right direction that further unlocks Wyoming energy and delivers significant wins for working families across Wyoming. Congratulations, President Trump, we are one step closer to passing these reforms into law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Touts Major Senate Western Caucus Victories In One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, today celebrated the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, highlighting numerous provisions that she and other Senate Western Caucus members championed that will benefit Wyoming and western states.

    “The Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill represents a tremendous victory for the west,” said Lummis. “As Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, I’m proud that our members’ relentless efforts secured critical wins that will further unleash American energy, strengthen rural economies, simplify coal leases, foster healthy forests, enhance wildfire prevention, increase on and offshore oil and gas production, and bring practical approaches back to federal land oversight. President Trump understands that a strong America starts with a strong American West – I’m looking forward to seeing him sign this bill into law.” 

    Background: 

    • In January, Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) about the critical importance of addressing western priorities in any potential upcoming budget reconciliation legislation, along with a list of member priorities to include in the bill.
    • The Senate Western Caucus is composed of 29 Senators west of the Mississippi committed to upholding the fundamental western principles of self-reliance, local decision-making, love of the land and the pioneer spirit.  

    Senate Western Caucus Wins:

    Energy and Natural Resources

    • Expands onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing with mandatory minimum lease sales and extends drilling permit validity from 3 to 4 years.
    • Mandates six lease sales over ten years in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.
    • Increases revenue sharing from offshore drilling for Gulf of America states. 
    • Enhances revenue sharing from Cook Inlet oil and gas leases for Alaska. 

    Land Management and Conservation

    • Strengthens wildfire management and prevention capabilities through expanded timber sales on public lands.
    • Introduces optional expedited environmental review process under NEPA, allowing project sponsors to pay fees for faster timelines (one year for Environmental Impact Statements, six months for Environmental Assessments).

    Agricultural Support

    • Provides reimbursement programs for livestock losses due to predator attacks.
    • Expands producer access to the livestock forage disaster assistance program. 
    • Establishes supplemental agricultural trade promotion initiatives. 

    Tax Relief for Family Operations

    • Extends and enhances estate tax exemptions with higher thresholds and permanent provisions to facilitate intergenerational transfer of family ranches.
    • Allows full expensing of certain business property, enabling ranchers to immediately deduct equipment and infrastructure investments.
    • Provides special depreciation allowances for qualified production property, offering larger and accelerated deductions for ranch growth and resilience investments.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Secures Win for Wyoming Gun Owners in One Big Beautiful Bill, Lifting Silencer & Short Barrel Rifle Taxes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    July 2, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) successfully secured the inclusion of a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminating taxes under the National Firearms Act for gun owners.

    “I’m pleased that my legislation to remove the Depression-era $200 tax on suppressors, as well as short-barreled rifles and shotguns, was included in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Lummis. “This will allow more law-abiding Wyoming gun owners to protect their hearing while exercising their Constitutional rights. I will never stop fighting to cut taxes and ensure all Americans can fully enjoy their Second Amendment rights.”

    Background:

    • This provision eliminates the $200 Federal tax on the transfer of suppressors, short barreled rifles and short barreled shotguns under the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5811).
    • Senator Lummis introduced the Historical Firearms and Lawful Purpose Act in 2024, and is also a longtime sponsor of both the Hearing Protection Act and the SHORT Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Unveils Digital Asset Tax Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced comprehensive digital asset tax legislation that secures key victories for the digital asset industry and creates a level playing field for digital asset users across the country.

    “In order to maintain our competitive edge, we must change our tax code to embrace our digital economy, not burden digital asset users,” said Lummis. “This groundbreaking legislation is fully paid-for, cuts through the bureaucratic red tape and establishes common-sense rules that reflect how digital technologies function in the real world. We cannot allow our archaic tax policies to stifle American innovation, and my legislation ensures Americans can participate in the digital economy without inadvertent tax violations.”

    Senator Lummis said, “I welcome public comments on this legislation as we seek to get this package to the President’s desk.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Senator Lummis’ legislation addresses major digital asset taxation issues, including small transaction practicality (a $300 de minimis rule), ending the double taxation of digital asset miners and stakers, parity with other financial assets (digital asset lending, wash sales, mark-to-market tax treatment) and providing that charitable contributions do not require an appraisal. The legislation is estimated by the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation to generate approximately $600 million in net revenue during the 2025-2034 budget window.

    De Minimis Gain from Sale or Exchange of Digital Assets

    Similar to foreign exchange, it creates a new Section 139J providing a de minimis exclusion for digital asset gains or losses unless the sale or exchange is for:

    • Cash or cash equivalents (including payment stablecoins)
    • Property used in active trade or business
    • Property held for income production

    Limitations:

    • $300 threshold for both transaction value and total gain with $5,000 yearly total cap
    • Aggregation rule for related transactions
    • Inflation adjustment beginning 2026

    This provision recognizes the impracticality of tracking every small digital asset transaction, such as buying coffee with Bitcoin, which creates enormous compliance burdens for ordinary users. The $300 threshold strikes a reasonable balance between tax compliance and practical usability of digital assets as a medium of exchange.

    Tax Treatment of Digital Asset Lending Agreements

    Expands Section 1058 securities lending rules to include digital assets:

    • Digital asset lending agreements are generally not taxable events
    • Appropriate basis adjustments required
    • Income recognition rules for lenders
    • Includes fixed-term transfers in ordinary course of business

    This prevents the absurd result where temporarily lending digital assets would trigger immediate tax consequences, which would discourage legitimate lending markets and create artificial barriers to capital efficiency. The provision ensures digital assets receive the same sensible treatment as securities lending, which has operated successfully for decades without creating tax compliance nightmares.

    Loss from Wash Sales of Digital Assets

    Revises Section 1091 to cover “specified assets” (both securities and digital assets):

    • 30-day wash sale rule applies to digital assets
    •  Covers options, forward contracts, futures, and derivatives
    • Exceptions for dealers and business/hedging transactions
    • Basis adjustment rules for disallowed losses

    This closes an unfair loophole where digital asset investors could engage in tax-loss harvesting strategies unavailable to traditional securities investors, creating an artificial advantage that distorts investment decisions. The provision ensures tax neutrality between asset classes while maintaining appropriate exceptions for legitimate business activities.

    Mark-to-Market Election

    Creates new Section 475(g) allowing dealers and traders in digital assets to elect mark-to-market treatment:

    • Dealers: mandatory application like securities dealers
    • Traders: optional election like securities traders
    • Limited to actively traded digital assets

    This provides digital asset dealers and traders with the same tax treatment available to their securities and commodities counterparts, eliminating arbitrary discrimination based on asset type. The election allows for more accurate income recognition that matches the economic reality of trading businesses while maintaining consistency with existing tax policy.

    Digital Asset Mining and Staking

    Adds new Section 451(l) deferring income recognition:

    • Mining and staking income not recognized until sale/disposition of produced assets
    • Treated as ordinary income when recognized

    This aligns the taxation of mining and staking rewards with the actual realization of economic benefit, rather than forcing recognition based on volatile and often uncertain fair market values at the time of receipt. The approach prevents cash flow problems where taxpayers owe taxes on assets they haven’t sold and may not be able to liquidate easily.

    Charitable Contributions and Qualified Appraisals

    Exempts actively traded digital assets from qualified appraisal requirements for charitable

    contributions.

    This removes an unnecessary bureaucratic barrier that has discouraged charitable giving of digital assets, even though these assets often have readily determinable fair market values through active trading. The provision encourages philanthropy while recognizing that actively traded digital assets should be treated similarly to publicly traded securities for valuation purposes.

    Click here for full bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Neguse, Raskin Lead 170+ Members of Congress in Amicus Brief, Arguing Trump Cannot Dismantle Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 03, 2025

    The lawmakers argue that only Congress has authority to create, restructure, and abolish federal departments and agencies by constitutional mandate and through a long-established legal precedent. 

    The Department of Education is statutorily mandated and cannot be unilaterally abolished by the President.

    Text of Brief (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), House Assistant Majority Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) and Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Conn.), led 174 of their colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in NAACP v. US, arguing to the United States District Court District of Maryland that President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) violate separation of powers and lack constitutional authority.

    On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps” to abolish ED. This came after the Trump Administration carried out a series of actions dismantling the Department, including mass firings of ED employees, the termination of contracts for congressionally authorized programs and activities, and the removal of crucial protections for student loan borrowers, while announcing plans to reorganize key ED functions into different departments.

    On March 24, 2025, a coalition of plaintiffs, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Maryland Council 3, and others, filed a lawsuit to halt the Trump Administration’s illegal efforts to dismantle ED. The lawsuit argues that dismantling a Congressionally created federal agency requires Congressional approval. 

    The lawmakers wrote: “Since the Department was created, presidents have taken different views of the Department and the role the federal government should play in education policy, but none has attempted what President Trump is attempting here: to unilaterally shutter the department… In short, the ‘President’s power, if any, to issue an order’ abolishing the Education Department ‘must stem either from an act of Congress or from the Constitution itself.’ Here, President Trump’s effort to unilaterally dismantle the Education Department defies the express will of Congress. Defendants lack the power to do what only Congress can do—restructure the federal government by shuttering a government department.”

    In addition to Leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Warren, the brief was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The brief was signed by Speaker Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Representatives Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-Va.), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Or.), Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salus O. Carbajal (D-Calif.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.), Ed Case (D-Haw.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Yvette Clark (D-N.Y.), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.), James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-N.J.), J.Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Tex.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Madeline Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette, (D-Colo.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Or.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Tex.), Sarah Elfreth (D-M.d.), Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Shomari Figures (D-Ala.), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Tex.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Tex.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Pablo José Hernández (D-Puerto Rico), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Steny H. Hoyer (D-M.d.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn F. Ivey (D-M.d.), Jonathan L.Jackson (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), Julie Johnson (D-Tex.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif), William Keating (D-Mass.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), Timothy M. Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), John B. Larson (D-Colo.), George Latimer (D-N.Y.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Teresa Leger Fernández (N.M.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Sam T. Liccardo (D-Calif.), Ted W. Lieu (D-Calif.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), John W. Mannion (D-N.Y.), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), April McClain Delaney (D-M.d.), Jennifer L. McClellan (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Robert J. Menendez (D-N.J.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Joseph D. Morelle (D-N.Y.), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Frank J. Mrvan (D-Ind.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Scott H. Peters (D-Calif.), Brittany Petterson (D-Colo.), Chellie Pingree (D-Me.), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia C.Ramirez (D-Ill.), Emily Randall (D-Wash.), Deborah K. Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-Or.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Eric Sorenson (D-Ill.), Melanie A  Stansbury (D-N.M.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Bennie G.Thompson (D-Miss.), Mike Thompson (D-Cal.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Derek T. Tran (D-Calif.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Maxine Walters (D-Calif.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Frederica S.Wilson (D-Fla.).

    Senator Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education:

    • On June 10, 2025, Senator Warren met with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and delivered over 1,000 letters to McMahon that the senator had received from people in all 50 states who were worried about the Secretary’s efforts to dismantle ED.
    • On June 9, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pushing the Acting Inspector General of ED to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office revealing that DOGE may have gained access to two FSA internal systems, in addition to sensitive borrower data.
    • On May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid.
    • On May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding to the Office of Federal Student Aid.
    • On May 14, 2025, Senator Warren led a Senate forum entitled “Stealing the American Dream: How Trump and Republicans Are Raising Education Costs for Families,” highlighting the consequences of Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education (ED) and President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for working- and middle-class students and borrowers.
    • On May 13, 2025, Senator Warren agreed to meet with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and promised to bring questions and stories from Americans across the country to highlight how the Trump administration’s attacks on education are hurting American families.
    • On May 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the consequences of President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education for American families in a Senate forum.
    • On April 24, 2025, Senator Warren launched a new investigation into the harms of President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Education, seeking information on the impact of the Trump administration’s actions from the members of twelve leading organizations representing schools, parents, teachers, students, borrowers, and researchers.
    • On April 10, 2025, following a request led by Senator Warren, the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    • On April 2, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence chatbots.
    • On April 2, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America.
    • On March 27, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a letter to Acting Department of Education Inspector General (IG) René Rocque requesting that the IG conduct an investigation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    • On March 20, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders led a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the capacity of Federal Student Aid to handle student aid complaints.
    • On February 24, 2025, in a response to Senator Warren, Secretary McMahon gave her first public admission that she “wholeheartedly” agreed with Trump’s plans to abolish the Department of Education.
    • On February 11, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim sent Linda McMahon, Secretary-Designate for the U.S. Department of Education, a 12-page letter with 65 questions on McMahon’s policy views in advance of her nomination hearing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Frost, Jayapal Introduce Legislation to Decriminalize Homelessness, The Housing Not Handcuffs Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) have introduced legislation on the one-year anniversary of the disastrous City of Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court decision, which allows cities to criminalize homelessness. The Housing Not Handcuffs Act aims to prohibit the criminalization of homeless persons on public lands when there is nowhere else to go. 

    “Since the Grants Pass decision, cities across the country have passed over 200 bills to criminalize homelessness, including in my own district. These policies don’t solve homelessness instead they dehumanize our unhoused, saddle them with criminal records, and make it even harder for them to find stable housing. It’s a vicious cycle that the Housing Not Handcuffs Act seeks to end,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost. “At a time when the cost of living is at an all-time high and Trump’s Big Ugly Bill will only help the rich get richer and the working poor get poorer— we’re fighting to make sure everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, not handcuffs.”

    “Every single person in the richest country in the world should be able to have a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep, it’s that simple,” said Rep. Jayapal. “There is nowhere in this country where you can pay rent on a minimum wage salary. By criminalizing aspects of homelessness, cities and states across this country are only creating greater barriers for people to access housing — something that is already far too scarce. Fining people who already can’t afford to live makes no sense and will only result in longer-term homelessness.”

    In 2024, homelessness increased by 18 percent nationwide, with a record high of 771,480 people experiencing homelessness. At the same time, there is a nationwide shortage of 200,000 shelter beds and a shortage of 7.1 million affordable and available rental homes. 

    Since the Grants Pass ruling, over 260 anti-homeless laws have been passed by cities and states. Criminalizing homelessness creates greater barriers to accessing housing. Typically, these punishments come with fines, which create further financial strain on people who can already not afford the basics, and may create a criminal record, making it more difficult to get a job or apply for housing. 

    The Housing Not Handcuffs Act will ensure that people who are homeless cannot be criminally or civilly punished for:

    • Living on federal lands unless safe, decent, accessible shelter is available;

    • Asking for or sharing food, water, money, or other donations in public places;

    • Praying, meditating, or practicing religion in public spaces;

    • Occupying a lawfully parked motor vehicle;

    • Storing their possessions and enjoying privacy in their personal property to the same degree as property in a private dwelling.

    The legislation is sponsored by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Jr (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

    It is also endorsed by A Way Home America; American Civil Liberties Union; Catalyst Montana; Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO); Equal Justice Under Law ; Fines & Fees Justice Center; Fund for Empowerment; Funders Together to End Homelessness; Health Students Taking Action Together (H-STAT); Homeless Action Center; Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky; Homeless Rights Advocacy Project; Hygiene4All; Invisible People; Justice in Aging; Juvenile Law Center; Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice; Law Enforcement Action Partnership; Legal Action Center; Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency; Miriam’s Kitchen; Mountain State Justice, Inc.; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Harm Reduction Coalition; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition; National Homelessness Law Center, National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; National Network to End Domestic Violence; National Vehicle Residency Collective ; One Love World ; Open Table Nashville ; People’s Action; Prison Policy Initiative; RESULTS Educational Fund; Sexual Violence Law Center; Southern Poverty Law Center; Street Books; Street Democracy; University of Miami School of Law Human Rights Clinic; VOCAL-TX; Voice of the Experienced; Voters Organized to Educate; Western Regional Advocacy Project.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – The online missiology course in Spanish promoted by the Pontifical Mission Societies begins in October

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 3 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – In the context of the Jubilee Year and the Jubilee of the Missionary World, scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2025, the Pontifical Missionary Union, in collaboration with the National Directions of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Spain and Costa Rica, is promoting and organizing a 100% online missiological refresher course in Spanish.The course will run from October 2025 to June 2026, with a total of 25 sessions divided into three blocks. Each session will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and will be held on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. in Spain (1:00 p.m. in Costa Rica).The first block, scheduled from October 28 to December 16, 2025, will address the foundations of missiology, as well as the biblical and theological aspects of the Lord’s missionary mandate. The second block, from February 10 to April 14, 2026, will be dedicated to the study of the history of evangelization and current issues related to the Church’s missionary approach. Finally, the third block, which will take place from April 21 to June 30, 2026, will focus on missionary pastoral care and spirituality, structures and tools of an ecclesial nature used in mission territories, and Marian spirituality, with an emphasis on the Virgin Mary as Queen of the Missions.The subjects taught include: fundamental, biblical, historical, and exegetical missiology; mission on the different continents; contemporary missiology; emerging challenges in the field of missiology; missiological and ecumenical pastoral care; Missionary spirituality and contemporary missionary catechesis.At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of participation issued by the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union.For more information and registration details, please visit the following link: https://omp.es/curso-de-actualizacion-en-misionologia/ (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 3/7/2025)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company Fined $120,000 for Serious Worker Injury

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 3, 2025

    On June 17, 2025, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

    The company was charged with contravening section 11-13 (1) of the regulations (being an employer or contractor, where a worker may be endangered by the swinging movement of a load or a part of a unit of powered mobile equipment, did require or permit a worker to remain within range of the swinging load or part, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

    As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $85,714.29, along with a surcharge of $34,285.71, for a total amount of $120,000.

    The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 9, 2022, near Allan, Saskatchewan when a worker was struck by a metal crane rail that was being dragged along the ground by a telehandler. 

    The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company Fined $120,000 for Serious Worker Injury

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 3, 2025

    On June 17, 2025, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

    The company was charged with contravening section 11-13 (1) of the regulations (being an employer or contractor, where a worker may be endangered by the swinging movement of a load or a part of a unit of powered mobile equipment, did require or permit a worker to remain within range of the swinging load or part, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

    As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $85,714.29, along with a surcharge of $34,285.71, for a total amount of $120,000.

    The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 9, 2022, near Allan, Saskatchewan when a worker was struck by a metal crane rail that was being dragged along the ground by a telehandler. 

    The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company Fined $120,000 for Serious Worker Injury

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 3, 2025

    On June 17, 2025, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

    The company was charged with contravening section 11-13 (1) of the regulations (being an employer or contractor, where a worker may be endangered by the swinging movement of a load or a part of a unit of powered mobile equipment, did require or permit a worker to remain within range of the swinging load or part, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

    As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $85,714.29, along with a surcharge of $34,285.71, for a total amount of $120,000.

    The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 9, 2022, near Allan, Saskatchewan when a worker was struck by a metal crane rail that was being dragged along the ground by a telehandler. 

    The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Statement on the Passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    Neal Statement on the Passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

    Washington, D.C., July 2, 2025

    Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement on the passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a Granby-native, graduate of Pope Francis Preparatory School, and student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    “I was heartbroken to hear of the tragic shooting that took the life of Granby-native Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. A rising senior at UMass Amherst, Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, pursuing his passion for public service. As a lecturer at UMass, I know firsthand the caliber of students who walk through those doors. Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement.

    “Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing as a child. As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Statement on the Passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    Neal Statement on the Passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

    Washington, D.C., July 2, 2025

    Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement on the passing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a Granby-native, graduate of Pope Francis Preparatory School, and student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    “I was heartbroken to hear of the tragic shooting that took the life of Granby-native Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. A rising senior at UMass Amherst, Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, pursuing his passion for public service. As a lecturer at UMass, I know firsthand the caliber of students who walk through those doors. Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement.

    “Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing as a child. As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: At 4 AM, Neal Leads Floor Debate with a Reality Check for the GOP

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    (As delivered)

    WATCH HERE

    Thank you. Mr. Speaker. I yield myself two minutes. So we might have visited a lot of places, tonight or this morning,  I should say, why don’t we visit reality? 

    Here’s the reality because we’re going to talk about facts for the next 15 minutes on our side. One thing you can understand very clearly the Republicans in the House surrendered to the Republican to the Senate and once again when the going got tough both institutions surrendered to the president. 

    This bill became worse along the way when it was already a pretty bad product. 

    In terms of expertise, Republicans said let’s reject what the Congressional Budget Office says. Let’s reject what the Joint Committee on Taxation might have to say and of course, when the going gets tough, let’s blame the Federal Reserve Board because of interest rates. 

    Under this bill, here’s a fact, Mr. Speaker, if you made a million dollars last year you’re gonna make a plus of $96,000 in the next tax filing season. That’s a fact, but here’s the real fact in the scam that’s being presented to the American people with this legislation. If you made under $50,000 last year, you’re gonna get 68 cents a day in terms of your tax relief. The Senate was too generous. They were at 73 percent. So, the House wanted to go back to on the Republican side, 68 cents. 

    Here’s the real kicker for a party that has preached fiscal rectitude that I’ve listened to it all my years here. All my years here, voting for the balanced budget amendment, taking up all of these pursuits in terms of fiscal rectitude, they’re borrowing $5 trillion additional dollars to pay for a tax cut for the wealthiest amongst us. $5 trillion is being added to the debt. 

    I call attention to that because they’re taking away health insurance from poor people, hospitals are going to suffer, Medicare is going to be cut, the Child Tax Credit will leave out the poorest, and seniors are threatened with much of the necessities of everyday life. SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA are all about to be gutted in the name of a tax cut for the wealthiest amongst us.”

    WATCH HERE

    “I can’t wait with the Republican Party to meet that waitress who’s making $32 ,000 a year and tell her in this tax bill the Republican Party just gave her 68 cents more a day ’cause that’s the reality of what this tax bill is about. 

    But we can also say in the next breath, if you made a million dollars last year, you’re gonna get $96,000. This is a fact -free argument. 

    They’re making this argument out that the person at the bottom is gonna do well in contrast to the person at the top. There’s simply no factual basis to that. 

    And by the way, the party of fiscal rectitude, they’re borrowing $5 trillion to pay for a tax cut for the wealthiest amongst us.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Impact for CT AHEC and its Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars from UConn Health

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    “I was amazed to see just how large of an organization AHEC really is,” said Max Marks, UConn School of Dental Medicine student and Urban Service Track/AHEC (UST/AHEC) scholar alum. Marks was one of four UST/AHEC alumni who attended the recent biennial AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) conference in Lexington, Kentucky. The theme of the conference was Racing Toward Health Workforce Solutions. “I could see that all the people at the conference shared a common goal of improving health in their communities, in addition to training the health care providers of tomorrow.”

    The National AHEC Organization (NAO) represents a network of more than 300 AHEC program offices and centers that serve over 85% of United States counties. Connecticut’s AHEC office is located at UConn Health in Farmington. AHEC’s mission is to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of health care professionals.

    Director of the Connecticut AHEC, Petra Clark-Dufner traveled with the UST/AHEC scholar alums from UConn’s medical and dental school to the national AHEC conference (CT AHEC Photo).

    The two-year Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars (UST/AHEC) program is one of the key initiatives of the UConn Health-based AHEC program. UST/AHEC scholars include students from UConn Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Social Work and Quinnipiac University’s Physician Assistant program.

    UConn medical student and UST/AHEC scholar alum, Julia Levin, also attended the conference and appreciates the opportunities extended to her as part of UST/AHEC.  “UST/AHEC prepares future health care professionals to practice medicine beyond the confines of textbooks and lecture halls—by connecting them with their communities and equipping them with the skills, perspective, and compassion needed to become truly effective, empathetic clinicians,” said Levin.

    The director of the Connecticut AHEC, Petra Clark-Dufner, says that “through the Urban Service Track, AHEC Scholars learn with, from and about each other.  In addition to expanding their clinical/patient care toolkit, Scholars learn and apply leadership and communication skills.”

    Student panel at the national AHEC conference (Photo Credit: Abell Media).

    The two UConn UST/AHEC alum that were on stage at the conference were medical student Renee Taylor and dental medicine student Evan Perlroth. They participated in the conference’s student plenary panel entitled “In full stride: Students leading workforce transformation.” Perlroth said that “attending my first national conference and speaking on a panel during a plenary session was a unique experience. It was empowering to share my perspective as an AHEC scholar in front of leaders and other professionals nationally.”

    Barbara O’Neill, UConn School of Nursing UST/AHEC coordinator, adds that the NAO student panel is just one of many examples of how the UST/AHEC program provides a platform for interprofessional collaborative practice and educates students and professionals nationally. “It is important to be reminded that every member of the health care team is valuable, including the health professions student in training,” says O’Neill.

    Perlroth sums up the benefits of the program well. “UST/AHEC has opened my eyes to a whole different side of health care that I was unaware of previously.  Without it, I would not be the health care student and future clinician I am today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Peru hold sixth iteration of bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism in London

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK and Peru hold sixth iteration of bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism in London

    The Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean and Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations in London on 3 July.

    The Rt. Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean welcomed Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Felix Denegri to London on 3 July, where the two Ministers co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations.

    A historic relationship rooted in shared values dating back over 200 years, the UK and Peru reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their modern partnership.

    Successes celebrated since the last meeting include the successful ratification of the UK’s CPTPP accession; the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement; and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Change. The two countries celebrated the  culmination of the 200-year anniversary of Peru-UK relations in 2023 and numerous high-level visits both ways.

    1. On security and defence, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and willingness to jointly tackle global insecurity. The UK and Peru agreed to drive collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding on Security cooperation, addressing transnational drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, corruption and environmental crime.

    2. On growth, the parties celebrated the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment, supported by a growing framework of trade and government-to-government agreements (G2Gs). Peru acknowledged the UK’s valuable contribution to Peru’s infrastructure on health, education and flood defences. This includes the UK’s position as the largest foreign direct investor in mining in Peru. The UK also presented its recently launched Industrial Strategy and the two sides discussed collaboration on Peru’s clean energy transition, including unlocking green hydrogen potential.

    3. The parties highlighted their joint efforts to address climate change, protect the Amazon Rainforest, promote green investment and tackle environmental crime. They celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate and Biodiversity and discussed Peru’s leadership as a key partner in Latin America ahead of COP30. The UK offered to continue supporting Peru in developing a National Bioeconomy Strategy by 2026.

    4. Lastly, the UK and Peru stressed the value of shared cultural experiences as a foundation to the bilateral relationship. They celebrated the promotion of English Language learning through the British Council and academic excellence through the UK’s Chevening scholarships programme. The parties will soon drive this further through the signing of two Memorandum’s of Understanding to collaborate on quality higher education in Peru delivered by the British Council.

    Speaking after the Consultations, Baroness Chapman said:

    The UK and Peru share a warm and historic friendship – over 200 years strong,  grounded in our values, mutual respect and common ambitions.

    Today we are working closer than ever for shared growth and prosperity. The UK is already Peru’s largest foreign investor and I had a fantastic discussion with Ambassador Denegri today on how we can build on this, from trade, to climate and security.

    Vice minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Félix Denegri said:

    We had very fruitful discussions with Baroness Chapman, in which we ratified our commitment to continuously expand and strengthen our bilateral agenda, based on our shared principles, values and interests.

    I am greatly satisfied with the level of bilateral engagement between Peru and the UK, shown in reciprocal ministerial, vice-ministerial and high authorities visits in the last two years. We both highlighted the continuity of our Political Consultations Mechanism, being this the sixth since its establishment in 2018.

    We look forward to welcome Baroness Chapman for our next round of Consultations, in Peru.

    The UK and Peru will continue to strengthen bilateral ties across security, growth, climate and education, invigorated through their new agreements and MOUs. The parties agreed to reconvene in Peru in 2026.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AI projects to help Nova Scotia companies innovate and boost productivity

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Halifax, Nova Scotia · July 3, 2025 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, will announce significant support to help three businesses harness the power of AI and seize new growth opportunities. 

    The announcement will be made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

    A representative of Bluedrop Training & Simulation will also speak to the positive impact AI adoption has had on their business.

    Date: July 4, 2025  

    Time: 11 a.m.         

    Location:
    Oberland Agriscience Inc.  
    71 Grassy Lake Drive
    Halifax, Nova Scotia
    B3S 0E8

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Oklahoma of the Aug. 5 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring May 19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Atoka, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Pushmataha.

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

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

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 5.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSO highlights increased demand for union Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Our great country was built on the backs of our highly skilled union workers, union skill, union pride and union craftsmanship.

    Captain Edward Bartlett, CEO and Founder, Bartlett Maritime Corporation

    Ron Traxler, Executive Director of the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers, shares results from NACBE’s annual safety index.

       View Photo Gallery (6 photos)

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSO highlights increased demand for union Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Our great country was built on the backs of our highly skilled union workers, union skill, union pride and union craftsmanship.

    Captain Edward Bartlett, CEO and Founder, Bartlett Maritime Corporation

    Ron Traxler, Executive Director of the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers, shares results from NACBE’s annual safety index.

       View Photo Gallery (6 photos)

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 4, 2025
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