NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Smith Statement on the Situation in the Middle East

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement:

    “I support Israel in their efforts to defend themselves against the threat from Iran. Iran’s stated foreign policy has been the destruction of Israel since the Iranian Islamic Republic was formed over 45 years ago. No other country in the world in modern history has faced a regional neighbor bent on destroying it over such a long period of time. Iran has backed terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis all of which also have the overt objective of eliminating the nation of Israel. Given this reality, Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon poses an existential threat to Israel, and Iran’s recent significant increase in their uranium enrichment and pursuit of a nuclear capability left Israel with no good options.

    “The United States and others should continue to pursue a diplomatic solution to ending the conflict between Israel and Iran, but that solution will require Iran to end their nuclear program and other assurances that Iran will stop their efforts to destroy Israel.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Smith statement on Trump’s Withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    SEATTLE, WA. –  Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced a withdrawal from the historic agreement between the federal government and the Six Sovereigns – the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, Washington State, and Oregon State – regarding the Columbia-Snake River system. 

    “President Trump has taken a crude axe to environmental conservation, modernized infrastructure, salmon recovery, and clean energy generation by abandoning the historic Resilient Columbia River Basin Agreement.  

    “This agreement paused decades of litigation and charted a desperately needed path forward for the Columbia River Basin. The Trump Administration’s reckless decision today sets the Pacific Northwest back tremendously and undermines our relationship with Tribal nations.  

    “Now, we must find a new path forward that ensures a future for the salmon, expands our reliable clean energy grid, and protects the irreplaceable environment of the Pacific Northwest.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Smith statement on Recissions Package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement following the passage of the recissions package through the U.S. House of Representatives.
     
    “I am adamantly opposed to the recissions packaged offered on the House floor yesterday, which would codify President Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful cuts to funding for USAID and public broadcasting, among other important programs.

    “This is part of an effort from the Trump Administration to clean the record on their unlawful cuts to vital programs and agencies which provide essential, often life-saving, services for Americans and individuals across the globe. We need to reinvest in these vital programs instead of kneecapping them.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Calls Special Election for Alabama House District 63

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed a proclamation to set special election dates for Alabama House District 63. This seat was previously held by Rep. Cynthia Lee Almond, who Governor Ivey recently appointed as the president of the Public Service Commission. The governor swore in Almond this morning.

    Governor Ivey set the special primary election for Tuesday, September 30, 2025; the special primary runoff, if necessary, for Tuesday, October 28, 2025; and the special general election for Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

    “Representative Cynthia Almond has served the people of House District 63 with integrity and purpose, and while her presence in the Legislature will be missed, I know her leadership will continue to shine as she steps into this vital statewide role,” said Governor Ivey. “Although Representative Almond leaves big shoes to fill, I am confident that House District 63 will continue to showcase strong leadership and representation in Alabama. I encourage everyone in the district to make their vote count.”

    The deadline for qualifying with major political parties will be Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

    House District 63 includes portions of Tuscaloosa County.

    The proclamation and writ of election are attached.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Every State Has Joined $7.4 Billion Settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement in principle with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family for their instrumental role in creating the opioid crisis. Attorney General James secured the settlement in principle in January, which will end the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and ability to sell opioids in the United States, and will deliver funding directly to communities across the country over the next 15 years to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs. New York will receive up to $250 million for opioid abatement efforts throughout the state.

    “I am proud to have helped secure the support of every state and territory in the country for this plan to hold the Sackler family accountable,” Attorney General James. “For decades, the Sacklers put profits over people, and played a leading role in fueling the epidemic of opioid addictions and overdoses. While no amount of money can fully heal the destruction they caused, these funds will save lives and help our communities fight back against the opioid crisis. I will continue to work to deliver justice for all those affected by opioid addiction.”

    Purdue, under the Sacklers’ leadership, invented, manufactured, and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling waves of addiction and overdose deaths across the country. Communities throughout New York have been hit particularly hard. While opioid overdose deaths have declined, more than 5,000 New Yorkers died from an opioid overdose in 2023. 

    Communities across the country will directly receive settlement funds over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. If approved, the settlement will deliver funds to the participating states, local governments, affected individuals, and other parties who have previously sued the Sacklers or Purdue. The Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and Purdue will pay roughly $900 million in the first payment, expected in early 2026 pending settlement approval. Subsequent payments will be $500 million after one year, an additional $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years. New York will receive up to $250 million total.

    Like prior opioid settlements, this settlement requires resolution of legal claims by state and local governments. The local government sign-on process for this settlement will be contingent on bankruptcy court approval.

    With the addition of up to $250 million from this settlement, Attorney General James has secured New York state more than $3 billion from opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic. These include Mylan, Indivior, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their roles in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James, co-led with a bipartisan coalition of states in securing settlements with consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the marketing firm Publicis Health for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. 

    Joining Attorney General James in this settlement in principle are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    This matter was handled for New York by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy, Senior Advisor and Special Counsel M. Umair Khan, Special Counsel David Nachman, Special Counsel Andrew Amer, Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant to the First Deputy Gina Bull, Special Counsel for Complex Litigation Colleen Faherty, with the support of all of the Executive Division, along with Senior Advisor to the Criminal Division Gary Fishman, former Special Counsel Eric Haren, Civil Recoveries Section Chief Martin Mooney, Assistant Attorney General Noah Popp of the Consumer Frauds Bureau, Assistant Attorney General Robert Rock of Civil Recoveries, Assistant Attorneys General Jennifer Simcovitch and Eve Wooden of the Health Care Bureau, and the indispensable contributions of the Research and Analytics Department, including the work of the Director of Research and Analytics Victoria Khan, Data Scientists Ken Morales and Blake Rubey, and Paige Podolny, Kristin Petrella, Hewson Chen, and Darlene Eng of the Practice Technologies Group, and Legal Support Analyst Labiba Hasan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: El Fiscal General James Obtiene $250,000 de MoneyGram Por Violar las Leyes de Protección al Consumidor

    Source: US State of New York

    UEVA YORK – La Fiscal General de Nueva York, Letitia James, obtuvo hoy $250,000 de la compañia MoneyGram International, Inc. y MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. (MoneyGram) por incumplir las leyes de protección al consumidor y poner en riesgo las transferencias de dinero de sus clientes. MoneyGram es un proveedor internacional de transferencias de dinero que atiende anualmente a cientos de miles de clients en los Estados Unidos. En abril de 2022, la Fiscal General James y la Oficina para la Protección Financiera del Consumidor (CFPB en inglés) demandaron a MoneyGram por no transferir fondos a tiempo ni realizar reembolsos oportunos, y por ignorar sus requisitos legales de investigar errores con rapidez y precisión. Después de que la CFPB decidiera finalizar su participación en la demanda, la Fiscal General James logró un acuerdo con MoneyGram, exigiendo el pago de una multa de $250,000 y el cumplimiento de todas las leyes de protección al consumidor pertinentes.

    “Neoyorquinos que desean enviar dinero a sus seres queridos en el extranjero deben poder confiar en que las empresas que manejan el dinero que tanto les ha costado ganar operan con honestidad”, declaró la Fiscal General James. “MoneyGram incumplió la ley durante años, “MoneyGram no cumplió con la ley durante muchos años, a veces ignorando a sus clientes sobre el destino de su dinero. Mi oficina frenó la conducta ilegal de MoneyGram y seguirá protegiendo a quienes dependen de MoneyGram para el sustento de sus familias”.

    MoneyGram es una empresa de servicios financieros no bancarios que permite a los consumidores enviar dinero, conocido como remesas, desde los Estados Unidos a más de 200 países y territorios. La empresa cuenta con 440,000 sucursales en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo, y también opera a través de plataformas digitales. Cientos de miles de neoyorquinos utilizan MoneyGram cada año para millones de transacciones.

    La Oficina de la Fiscal General (OAG en inglés) y el CFPB demandaron a MoneyGram en abril de 2022, alegando que MoneyGram violó las leyes estatales y federales destinadas a proteger a sus clientes. Durante años, MoneyGram no puso los fondos a disposición de sus clientes a tiempo, no resolvió errores con rapidez ni les proporcionó información precisa, lo cual es violacion de la ley.

    El acuerdo con el OAG garantiza que MoneyGram no eluda la responsabilidad por sus acciones ilegales que afectan a los neoyorquinos, a pesar de la decisión de la CFPB de retirarse de la demanda. El acuerdo exige que MoneyGram cumpla con las leyes de protección al consumidor transfiriendo fondos y procesando los reembolsos a tiempo. También exige que MoneyGram garantice la precisión de la información a los consumidores e investigue los errores de manera oportuna. Además, MoneyGram está prohibido proporcionar a los remitentes de dinero información inexacta a los remitentes de dinero, y alegar a los consumidores que la compañía no es responsable de los errores. Además de cumplir con la ley, MoneyGram debe pagar una multa de $250,000.

    Este caso fue manejado por los Asistente Fiscales Generales Laura C. Dismore y Christopher McCall, y el ex Fiscal General Adjunto Jason Meizlish, de la Oficina de Protección contra el Fraude al Consumidor. La Oficina de Protección Contra el Fraude al Consumidor está dirigida por la Jefa de la Oficina, Jane Azia, y la Subjefa de la Oficina, Laura Levine, y forma parte de la División de Justicia Económica, dirigida por el Fiscal General Adjunto Principal, Chris D’Angelo, y la Primera Fiscal General Adjunta, Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures $250,000 from MoneyGram for Violating Consumer Protection Laws

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $250,000 from MoneyGram International, Inc., and MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., (MoneyGram) for failing to follow consumer protection laws and jeopardizing their customers’ money transfers. MoneyGram is an international money transfer provider that serves hundreds of thousands of customers in the United States every year. In April 2022, Attorney General James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued MoneyGram for failing to either transfer funds on time or provide timely refunds, and for ignoring its legal requirements to swiftly and accurately investigate errors. After CFPB chose to end its participation in the lawsuit, Attorney General James secured a settlement with MoneyGram requiring it to pay a $250,000 penalty and follow all relevant consumer protection laws.

    “New Yorkers who want to send funds to their loved ones abroad should be able to trust that the companies handling their hard-earned money are operating honestly,” said Attorney General James. “MoneyGram failed to follow the law for years, sometimes leaving its customers in the dark about where their money went. My office stopped MoneyGram’s illegal behavior and will continue to protect those who rely on MoneyGram to support their families.” 

    MoneyGram is a non-bank financial services company that enables consumers to send money, known as remittances, from the United States to more than 200 countries and territories. The company has 440,000 locations in the U.S. and worldwide, and also operates through a digital platform. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use MoneyGram every year for millions of transactions.

    The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and CFPB sued MoneyGram in April 2022, alleging that MoneyGram violated state and federal laws meant to protect its customers. For years, MoneyGram failed to make funds available to its customers on time, quickly resolve errors, or provide accurate information to its customers, in violation of the law.

    The settlement with OAG ensures that MoneyGram does not escape accountability for its illegal actions impacting New Yorkers, despite CFPB’s decision to withdraw from the lawsuit. The settlement requires MoneyGram to comply with consumer protection laws by transferring funds and processing refunds on time. It also requires MoneyGram to ensure that disclosures to consumers are accurate and to investigate errors in a timely fashion. In addition, MoneyGram is prohibited from providing money senders with inaccurate disclosures and telling consumers that they are not liable for errors. In addition to complying with the law, MoneyGram must pay a penalty of $250,000.

    This case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Laura C. Dismore and Christopher McCall and former Assistant Attorney General Jason Meizlish of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Jane Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Levine and is part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kaltura and APTN Bring Indigenous Voices to Screens Across Canada with Streaming Service APTN lumi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Cloud, today announced that it has partnered with Canadian television network APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) to power APTN lumi, a streaming service that delivers content to Indigenous communities across Canada and the globe. 

    APTN is dedicated to sharing Indigenous perspectives, stories, and cultures through original news, documentaries, dramas, and educational content created by and for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. With the launch of APTN lumi, the network aims to expand its digital footprint and promote understanding, foster dialogue, and amplify Indigenous voices across Canada. 

    Leveraging Kaltura’s end-to-end OTT video platform, APTN lumi offers the largest curated collection of Indigenous stories and Indigenous-language content in one destination. The service is available across web and mobile, making it easy for viewers to discover and engage with Indigenous voices wherever they are. 

    APTN selected Kaltura for its deep expertise in powering OTT platforms for public broadcasters and mission-driven media organizations. Kaltura’s solution includes a robust content management system, multi-platform distribution, monetization capabilities, AI-driven personalization, and fully branded white-label applications for mobile, tablet, web, and Smart TVs. The launch of the new APTN lumi platform includes full integration with APTN’s CMS, VOD support in multiple Indigenous languages, and infrastructure for subscription purchases. 

    “For over 25 years, APTN’s mission has been to share Indigenous perspectives, stories and cultures through content created by and for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities,” said John Bauer, Director of Digital Media and IT at APTN. “We’re thrilled to partner with Kaltura to expand our reach and bring these voices to a broader audience.” 

    “It’s incredibly fulfilling to work with visionary partners like APTN and help bring their mission to life through our technology,” said Natan Israeli, Chief Customer Officer at Kaltura. “We’re proud to support the distribution of Indigenous stories and Indigenous-language content, making them accessible to viewers across Canada.” 

      

    About Kaltura 

    Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; and entertainment and monetization. For more information, visit  www.corp.kaltura.com 
     

    About APTN 
    APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the network has become a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad. A respected charitable broadcaster, APTN shares authentic stories to Canadian households through basic channel packages via two distinct HD channels: APTN (English and French language programming) and APTN Languages (Indigenous language programming). APTN proudly features over 80% Canadian content and inspires audiences via multiple platforms, including its Indigenous-focused streaming service, APTN lumi. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Burgum Discuss Need for Oil, Gas, Coal & Critical Mineral Production to Support U.S. Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum efforts to advance U.S. energy dominance, including:

    • Unlocking the potential of taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves.
    • Increasing critical mineral production on federal lands.
      • Hoeven pointed to the development of Talon Metals’ minerals processing facility, which is being developed in North Dakota and will support a secure, fully-domestic supply chain for battery production.

    Hoeven stressed the importance of such activities in supporting local economies, while generating revenues for the federal government to help fund priorities and reduce the debt and deficit. Accordingly, Hoeven has been working with Burgum to provide regulatory relief and roll back burdensome rules at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

    “Taxpayer-owned lands and minerals are a real strategic and economic asset to our nation, but only if we have a regulatory process in place that actually allows the multiple uses that Congress has mandated for these acres, including energy production,” said Hoeven. “Doing so is not only important to local economies, but is essential to our efforts to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. We’re going to get there by providing regulatory relief and certainty for our energy and critical mineral producers, and that’s exactly what I’m working to accomplish with Secretary Burgum.”

    Providing Regulatory Relief

                In particular, Hoeven is working to rescind two Biden-era regulations at the BLM that threaten to severely limit access to vast areas of minerals and energy resources – the Public Lands Rule and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The Public Lands Rule would overhaul the management of more than 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands and establish “conservation leases” to lock away federal lands and minerals. At the same time, the RMP for North Dakota would close off leasing to 45 percent of potential federal oil and gas acreage and nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage in the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Burgum Discuss Need for Oil, Gas, Coal & Critical Mineral Production to Support U.S. Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum efforts to advance U.S. energy dominance, including:

    • Unlocking the potential of taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves.
    • Increasing critical mineral production on federal lands.
      • Hoeven pointed to the development of Talon Metals’ minerals processing facility, which is being developed in North Dakota and will support a secure, fully-domestic supply chain for battery production.

    Hoeven stressed the importance of such activities in supporting local economies, while generating revenues for the federal government to help fund priorities and reduce the debt and deficit. Accordingly, Hoeven has been working with Burgum to provide regulatory relief and roll back burdensome rules at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

    “Taxpayer-owned lands and minerals are a real strategic and economic asset to our nation, but only if we have a regulatory process in place that actually allows the multiple uses that Congress has mandated for these acres, including energy production,” said Hoeven. “Doing so is not only important to local economies, but is essential to our efforts to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. We’re going to get there by providing regulatory relief and certainty for our energy and critical mineral producers, and that’s exactly what I’m working to accomplish with Secretary Burgum.”

    Providing Regulatory Relief

                In particular, Hoeven is working to rescind two Biden-era regulations at the BLM that threaten to severely limit access to vast areas of minerals and energy resources – the Public Lands Rule and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The Public Lands Rule would overhaul the management of more than 245 million acres of taxpayer-owned lands and establish “conservation leases” to lock away federal lands and minerals. At the same time, the RMP for North Dakota would close off leasing to 45 percent of potential federal oil and gas acreage and nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage in the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working with Interior Secretary, USFS Chief to Improve Grazing Access on Federal Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week outlined priorities to improve access to federal lands for grazers in discussions with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz. During hearings of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee, respectively, Hoeven:

    • Outlined the need to streamline the process for issuing grazing permits.
    • Discussed efforts to update the Little Missouri National Grassland Travel Management Plan.
      • Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to work with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and local grazing associations during this process.
      • The senator stressed the importance of ensuring the plan works for grazers, who need reliable access to federal lands for their operations.
      • To this end, Hoeven also urged Schultz to work with him on making section line rights-of-way available so ranchers can access their cattle in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
    • Encouraged Schultz to continue working with him on better managing pests in the national grasslands, including prairie dogs and noxious weeds.
      • Hoeven highlighted his previous work with USFS Deputy Chief Chris French on efforts to address noxious weeds on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and urged Schultz to maintain these efforts.

    “We’ve had a tremendous partnership with USFS Deputy Chief French who has worked with us to address our priorities for the national grasslands, like noxious weed control. This week’s hearings were an opportunity to keep these initiatives moving forward, ensure these federal acres are properly managed and improve access for grazing,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, Chief Schultz has committed to consult with our grazers and Ag Commissioner Goehring as the Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grassland is updated. That’s a critical part of our work to make sure we have rancher-friendly policies in place that strengthen access to the vast federal acreage in North Dakota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working with Interior Secretary, USFS Chief to Improve Grazing Access on Federal Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week outlined priorities to improve access to federal lands for grazers in discussions with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz. During hearings of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee, respectively, Hoeven:

    • Outlined the need to streamline the process for issuing grazing permits.
    • Discussed efforts to update the Little Missouri National Grassland Travel Management Plan.
      • Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to work with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and local grazing associations during this process.
      • The senator stressed the importance of ensuring the plan works for grazers, who need reliable access to federal lands for their operations.
      • To this end, Hoeven also urged Schultz to work with him on making section line rights-of-way available so ranchers can access their cattle in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
    • Encouraged Schultz to continue working with him on better managing pests in the national grasslands, including prairie dogs and noxious weeds.
      • Hoeven highlighted his previous work with USFS Deputy Chief Chris French on efforts to address noxious weeds on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and urged Schultz to maintain these efforts.

    “We’ve had a tremendous partnership with USFS Deputy Chief French who has worked with us to address our priorities for the national grasslands, like noxious weed control. This week’s hearings were an opportunity to keep these initiatives moving forward, ensure these federal acres are properly managed and improve access for grazing,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, Chief Schultz has committed to consult with our grazers and Ag Commissioner Goehring as the Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grassland is updated. That’s a critical part of our work to make sure we have rancher-friendly policies in place that strengthen access to the vast federal acreage in North Dakota.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Padilla, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) abd U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. 

    The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.

    Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.

    “We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote the Senators. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”

    The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.

    “For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    “We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”

    In addition to Senator Duckworth, Durbin and Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.

    For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

    We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Padilla, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) abd U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members to American cities. 

    The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.

    Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.

    “We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote the Senators. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”

    The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.

    “For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    “We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”

    In addition to Senator Duckworth, Durbin and Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

    We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.

    For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

    We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”

    We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth: “Trump’s Birthday Parade Is Nothing More Than an Ego Boost for a Known Draft Dodger”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 13, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement ahead of Donald Trump further politicizing our military by diverting $25 to $45 million of Army resources in order to throw himself a birthday parade:

    “Donald Trump’s birthday parade has nothing to do with celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday—it’s to stroke his own ego and make taxpayers foot the bill.

    “If he truly cared about celebrating the Army and our Soldiers, Trump could spend the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars he’s spending on this autocratic show of bravado toward long-term investments in our servicemembers that would actually help military families struggling to make ends meet—like covering the costs of child care, reimbursing tuition or expanding food assistance so they can put food on the table. If you asked any servicemember to list a thousand things they need, I bet an extravagant military parade to celebrate a known draft dodger’s birthday wouldn’t make the cut.

    “Whether it’s this obscene misuse of our military, deploying our servicemembers against their fellow Americans in California or the violent attempt to silence Senator Alex Padilla, our nation is witnessing the very democracy our troops swore an oath to defend look more and more like an authoritarian regime with each passing day. Republicans must grow a spine and stand up for our servicemembers and our Constitution—before it’s too late.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

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

    SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement between the Federal Government, Tribes and the states of Washington and Oregon for the management and restoration of the Columbia River Basin:

    “This Executive Order represents the careless discarding of many years of work on the Columbia-Snake River system between the Federal Government, Pacific Northwest Tribes, and the states of Oregon and Washington to address energy, irrigation, environmental, and recreation challenges. Salmon play an essential role in our ecosystem, our community, Tribal culture, and our economy. Breaking up this historic agreement will harm salmon protection efforts — also impacting efforts to recover endangered Southern Resident killer whale populations, jeopardize energy stability and production, and fly in the face of our commitments to our Tribal Nations. 

    “This agreement had been a major accomplishment for the Northwest, and Trump’s moves to pull the Departments of Energy, the Interior, and Commerce out of binding agreements come after months of inaction to fulfill the commitments made in the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. Instead of supporting federal agencies’ implementation of the agreement, the Trump administration gutted federal funding for programs like Columbia River Fish Mitigation, forced out career federal employees at agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and undermined the use of science within the federal government.

    “My office has been in close communication with many stakeholders impacted by and involved in the health of and operations on the Columbia-Snake River system. We must continue to work in partnership with conservationists to support regional sovereigns and use all available tools to prevent salmon extinction, rebuild salmon populations to healthy abundance, and create a more resilient energy future.”

    Issues: Environment

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrest leads to indictment for Dominican alien who apparently illegally re-entered the US

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON – A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration enforcement operation led to the indictment of an unlawfully present Dominican alien residing in Brockton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts indicted Edwin Antonio Sanchez-Lara, 34, on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

    “Edwin Antonio Sanchez-Lara has allegedly displayed a blatant disregard for American immigration laws,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He has already been deported once and apparently returned to live illegally in Brockton. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal aliens from out New England communities.”

    ICE removed Sanchez-Lara from the United States to the Dominican Republic in August 2019. Apparently, sometime after his removal, the defendant unlawfully reentered the United States. Officers with ICE Boston encountered him May 11.

    If convicted, Sanchez-Lara faces a prison sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. ICE intends to remove Sanchez-Lara from the United States upon the completion of his sentence.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Iran-Israel conflict escalates into fourth day with rising civilian toll

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on Monday, marking its fourth day of relentless military exchanges, with both nations escalating their campaigns as civilian casualties mount. What began as Israeli preemptive strikes on Friday has spiraled into a sustained barrage of missiles and airstrikes, showing no immediate signs of de-escalation.

    According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 224 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed since the conflict erupted, with many deaths attributed to Israeli airstrikes targeting military and infrastructure sites. In Israel, the death toll has reached over 20, with more than 300 injured as the conflict reaches unprecedented intensity.

    On Sunday night and into Monday, Iranian forces launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, killing at least eight Israelis and injuring dozens. Israel retaliated with extensive airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and energy facilities, including targets in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Israeli Air Force had achieved “complete operational freedom” over Iranian airspace, striking key command centers, such as those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported significant tactical gains, stating they had destroyed approximately 120 of Iran’s missile launchers—about one-third of its stockpile—over the four-day conflict. On Monday morning, Israeli forces intercepted weapons shipments, including trucks carrying surface-to-air missile launchers headed toward Tehran. On Sunday evening, Israeli jets destroyed over 20 surface-to-surface missiles before they could be launched, with around 50 aircraft striking 100 military targets in Isfahan, central Iran.

    Both nations’ leaders have adopted increasingly defiant stances. Israel’s Defense Minister warned that Tehran’s population would “pay the price” for continued attacks, while Iran’s president called for national unity against what he described as Israel’s “genocidal aggression.”

    The international community has expressed growing alarm over the conflict’s potential to destabilize West Asia. The G7 summit in Canada has prioritized the crisis, with leaders warning of the risk of a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts, however, have stalled, as Iran refuses to negotiate under active attack. Russia has offered to mediate, but neither side has shown willingness to accept third-party intervention.

    Nuclear concerns have further complicated the situation. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Rafael Grossi confirmed no damage to Iran’s Fordow fuel enrichment plant or the Khondab heavy water reactor site, despite Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. However, Iranian parliamentarians are reportedly drafting legislation that could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a move that would significantly heighten global tensions.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Monday, June 16, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    Kananaskis, Alberta

    9:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    10:00 a.m The Prime Minister will welcome G7 leaders to Kananaskis, Alberta.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

    10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 Working Session I on the global economic outlook.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    12:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 working lunch on economic growth, security, and resilience.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    2:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    2:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 Working Session III on making communities safe.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

    4:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    4:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    5:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a G7 family photo.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

    6:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the G7 working dinner on making the world secure.

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Texas Firm to Pay Over $100 Million to Customers Defrauded in Cattle Fraud Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a final judgment and consent order imposing a permanent injunction and equitable remedies against Agridime LLC, a Texas firm now in receivership. 
     
    The consent order requires Agridime to pay $102,936,904 in restitution and permanently enjoins Agridime from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, and permanently bans Agridime from registering with the CFTC and from solicitating and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. 
     
    The consent order further states the restitution obligation shall be satisfied by the collection efforts and resulting distributions by the receiver appointed in the parallel SEC action to defrauded customers. [SEC v. Agridime LLC, et al., 4:23-cv-01224-P (N.D. Tex. Dec. 11, 2023)].
     
    The CFTC also announced the court entered a final judgment by default against Agridime’s co-founders, Joshua Link and Jed Wood. The default judgment orders Link to pay disgorgement of $815,327.92 and Wood to pay disgorgement of $1,472,127.92. These disgorgement amounts represent gains received, respectively, by Link and Wood in connection with the violations alleged in the CFTC’s May 2024 complaint. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The default judgment further states that Link and Wood shall make payments of their disgorgement obligations, and any post-judgment interest payments, to the receiver for distribution to defrauded customers. The default judgment also permanently enjoins Link and Wood from further violating the CEA and CFTC regulations, as charged, and imposes trading and registration bans.
     
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
     
    Case Background
    The consent order and default judgment stem from a CFTC complaint filed against the defendants Agridime, Link, and Wood in May 2024.  [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by soliciting, accepting, and using customer funds to pay other customers in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, rather than for the purposes Agridime said the funds would be used, in connection with contracts of sale of a commodity in interstate commerce (i.e., the customer’s purchase of cattle). 
     
    According to the complaint, Agridime represented that customers’ funds would be used only for the purchase, raising, and feeding of the purchased cattle. Instead, because Agridime did not buy the number of cattle required to fulfill its obligations under the livestock contracts, Agridime had to use  recently collected customers’ funds to pay the guaranteed profits of earlier customers. In addition, as further alleged in the complaint, customers’ funds were also used to pay millions in undisclosed commissions to Agridime personnel, including Link and Wood.  Link’s and Wood’s disgorgement obligations are based on the gains they received in connection with their fraud, including undisclosed commissions.
     
    The Division of Enforcement thanks the Fort Worth Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division, for their assistance in this matter. 
     
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Janine Gargiulo, Nicole Buseman, Judith M. Slowly, Trevor Kokal, Lenel Hickson, Jr., Manal M. Sultan, Charles D. Marvine, and former employee David W. MacGregor.
     
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisories
     
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection advisories and articles, including information about forex, precious metals, and romance scams. Visit CFTC.gov to read more about these highly prevalent frauds.
     
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC.
     
    Customers and other individuals can report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Texas Firm to Pay Over $100 Million to Customers Defrauded in Cattle Fraud Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a final judgment and consent order imposing a permanent injunction and equitable remedies against Agridime LLC, a Texas firm now in receivership. 
     
    The consent order requires Agridime to pay $102,936,904 in restitution and permanently enjoins Agridime from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, and permanently bans Agridime from registering with the CFTC and from solicitating and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. 
     
    The consent order further states the restitution obligation shall be satisfied by the collection efforts and resulting distributions by the receiver appointed in the parallel SEC action to defrauded customers. [SEC v. Agridime LLC, et al., 4:23-cv-01224-P (N.D. Tex. Dec. 11, 2023)].
     
    The CFTC also announced the court entered a final judgment by default against Agridime’s co-founders, Joshua Link and Jed Wood. The default judgment orders Link to pay disgorgement of $815,327.92 and Wood to pay disgorgement of $1,472,127.92. These disgorgement amounts represent gains received, respectively, by Link and Wood in connection with the violations alleged in the CFTC’s May 2024 complaint. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The default judgment further states that Link and Wood shall make payments of their disgorgement obligations, and any post-judgment interest payments, to the receiver for distribution to defrauded customers. The default judgment also permanently enjoins Link and Wood from further violating the CEA and CFTC regulations, as charged, and imposes trading and registration bans.
     
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
     
    Case Background
    The consent order and default judgment stem from a CFTC complaint filed against the defendants Agridime, Link, and Wood in May 2024.  [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by soliciting, accepting, and using customer funds to pay other customers in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, rather than for the purposes Agridime said the funds would be used, in connection with contracts of sale of a commodity in interstate commerce (i.e., the customer’s purchase of cattle). 
     
    According to the complaint, Agridime represented that customers’ funds would be used only for the purchase, raising, and feeding of the purchased cattle. Instead, because Agridime did not buy the number of cattle required to fulfill its obligations under the livestock contracts, Agridime had to use  recently collected customers’ funds to pay the guaranteed profits of earlier customers. In addition, as further alleged in the complaint, customers’ funds were also used to pay millions in undisclosed commissions to Agridime personnel, including Link and Wood.  Link’s and Wood’s disgorgement obligations are based on the gains they received in connection with their fraud, including undisclosed commissions.
     
    The Division of Enforcement thanks the Fort Worth Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division, for their assistance in this matter. 
     
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Janine Gargiulo, Nicole Buseman, Judith M. Slowly, Trevor Kokal, Lenel Hickson, Jr., Manal M. Sultan, Charles D. Marvine, and former employee David W. MacGregor.
     
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisories
     
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection advisories and articles, including information about forex, precious metals, and romance scams. Visit CFTC.gov to read more about these highly prevalent frauds.
     
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC.
     
    Customers and other individuals can report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio cream

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

    A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

    A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/pistachiocream-06-25/index.html

    Key Points:

    • Four people in two states have gotten sick with the same strain of Salmonella that has been linked to pistachio cream. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
    • Do not eat, sell, or serve Emek-brand pistachio cream with a use-by date of October 19, 2026.
    • Emek-brand pistachio cream is a shelf-stable nut butter cream sold online for wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide.
    • FDA is working to determine if this lot is in distribution or if other lots or products are affected.

    What You Should Do:

    • Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe Salmonella symptoms after eating pistachio cream.

    What Businesses Should Do:

    • Do not sell, serve, or distribute Emek-brand pistachio cream with the production code and date below:
    • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the pistachio cream.
    • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning recommendations when cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

    About Salmonella:

    • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
    • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
    • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
    • Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

    If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

    If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

    ###
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio cream

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

    A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

    A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/pistachiocream-06-25/index.html

    Key Points:

    • Four people in two states have gotten sick with the same strain of Salmonella that has been linked to pistachio cream. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
    • Do not eat, sell, or serve Emek-brand pistachio cream with a use-by date of October 19, 2026.
    • Emek-brand pistachio cream is a shelf-stable nut butter cream sold online for wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide.
    • FDA is working to determine if this lot is in distribution or if other lots or products are affected.

    What You Should Do:

    • Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe Salmonella symptoms after eating pistachio cream.

    What Businesses Should Do:

    • Do not sell, serve, or distribute Emek-brand pistachio cream with the production code and date below:
    • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the pistachio cream.
    • Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning recommendations when cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

    About Salmonella:

    • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
    • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
    • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
    • Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

    If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

    If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

    ###
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

    Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2174, Paycheck Protection Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2174 would prohibit federal agencies and the Postal Service from deducting federal labor union dues, fees, or political contributions from employee paychecks.Under current law, most federal unions collect dues through payroll deductions made in agreement with the federal employer.

    CBO expects that to implement those changes, agencies would need to update their payroll systems. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    Enacting H.R. 2174 could affect direct spending by some agencies that are allowed to use fees, receipts from the sale of goods, and other collections to cover operating costs. CBO estimates that any net changes in direct spending by those agencies would be negligible because most of them can adjust amounts collected to reflect changes in operating costs.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Emma Uebelhor. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2174, Paycheck Protection Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2174 would prohibit federal agencies and the Postal Service from deducting federal labor union dues, fees, or political contributions from employee paychecks.Under current law, most federal unions collect dues through payroll deductions made in agreement with the federal employer.

    CBO expects that to implement those changes, agencies would need to update their payroll systems. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    Enacting H.R. 2174 could affect direct spending by some agencies that are allowed to use fees, receipts from the sale of goods, and other collections to cover operating costs. CBO estimates that any net changes in direct spending by those agencies would be negligible because most of them can adjust amounts collected to reflect changes in operating costs.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Emma Uebelhor. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency proclamation that will facilitate activation of the Nebraska National Guard and deployment of additional state law enforcement resources in advance of planned protests across the United States, including in Nebraska this weekend. The protests have been promoted in the aftermath of recent operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proclamation is a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.

    Under the Governor’s declared state of emergency, members of the Guard may be activated to assist local law enforcement should any demonstrations escalate, threatening people or property.  Nebraska National Guard members and Nebraska State troopers will be prepared to assist in any civil disturbance, and in particular, to secure the College World Series (CWS) and its surrounding areas. Under normal conditions, National Guard activation can take 12 to 24 hours. This proclamation shortens that time to ensure troop resources are available and standing by, as needed.

    “Free speech will be respected and protected in Nebraska, but the lawlessness, chaos, and rioting seen in other cities in past weeks will not be tolerated here,” said Gov. Pillen. “I have taken the necessary steps to ensure we have the state resources necessary to promptly respond to disorder. Any person who poses a threat to life, health, or property will be arrested. Nebraskans across the state, as well as the thousands of visitors to Omaha for the College World Series, can rest assured that the State of Nebraska and our local partners have taken the appropriate steps to ensure security and order.”

    A copy of the Governor’s proclamation is included below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    MEDIA . Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

    LINCON, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the statement below, regarding the observance of Flag Day.

    “I encourage all Nebraskans to proudly display their American flags in accordance with President Trumps’s proclamation marking June 14 as Flag Day.

    The U.S. flag is the most recognizable symbol of freedom, strength and unity across the globe.  It is a reminder of the hard-fought battles that were waged and won, permitting us to live under its banner.   On this day, we should look upon the Stars and Stripes with reverence for all that it represents.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo

    Source: US FBI

    Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced today the arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo (Vergara). Vergara was charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of Children), 2252A(a)(2), 2252(a)(5)(B) (Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography Including Images of Prepubescent Minors), for events which took place in Puerto Rico between the years 2023 and 2025. Three minor victims were identified.

    “This case represents the worst evil, yet strikes at the very heart of the FBI mission: rescuing children and disrupting predators, thanks to our relentless investigators and unshakable federal prosecutors. I’m proud of the men and women of the FBI San Juan Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, our partners at the Police of Puerto Rico and the United States Attorney’s Office—who moved swiftly and with precision to protect little kids from further harm,” said SAC Kowalski. “A warning to those targeting America’s youth—you cannot hide from us. The FBI has a very particular set of skills and capabilities—refined since 1908—and we will use every single one of them to hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

    This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

    Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The FBI reminds the public that anyone with information on this case or who believes they have been a victim of this subject should contact the FBI San Juan Field Office immediately by calling 787-987-6500 or submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    The public is reminded that a Federal Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo

    Source: US FBI

    Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Devin J. Kowalski, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Field Office, announced today the arrest of Alexis Vergara-Longo (Vergara). Vergara was charged under a Federal Criminal Complaint with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of Children), 2252A(a)(2), 2252(a)(5)(B) (Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography Including Images of Prepubescent Minors), for events which took place in Puerto Rico between the years 2023 and 2025. Three minor victims were identified.

    “This case represents the worst evil, yet strikes at the very heart of the FBI mission: rescuing children and disrupting predators, thanks to our relentless investigators and unshakable federal prosecutors. I’m proud of the men and women of the FBI San Juan Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, our partners at the Police of Puerto Rico and the United States Attorney’s Office—who moved swiftly and with precision to protect little kids from further harm,” said SAC Kowalski. “A warning to those targeting America’s youth—you cannot hide from us. The FBI has a very particular set of skills and capabilities—refined since 1908—and we will use every single one of them to hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

    This case is being investigated by the FBI San Juan Field Office and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

    Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The FBI reminds the public that anyone with information on this case or who believes they have been a victim of this subject should contact the FBI San Juan Field Office immediately by calling 787-987-6500 or submit tips through the FBI’s Internet complaint portal at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    The public is reminded that a Federal Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty by a court of law. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Participation by the NATO Secretary General in the meeting of G7 Leaders

    Source: NATO

    On 17 June 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will attend the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Mark Joseph Carney.

    MIL Security OSI –