NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Announces New Leadership to Tackle Challenges of Growing Energy Demand

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON—The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced new leadership to tackle the challenge of strengthening and securing the U.S. energy system and ensuring America can lead the global race for AI leadership. To unleash American Energy Dominance, the systems and infrastructure that produce and deliver energy to the American people must be reliable, resilient, and secure. As energy demand continues to grow, the U.S. needs to upgrade both existing energy infrastructure and build new infrastructure – all of which must be done with resilience and security as priorities. 

    To advance these goals, today DOE is announcing that the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will be led by DOE Chief of Staff Alex Fitzsimmons. Carl Coe, who currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at DOE, will assume the role of DOE Chief of Staff.

    “The race for global leadership in AI is the new Manhattan Project, and winning this race depends on our ability to increase access to abundant supplies of reliable, affordable energy and build secure infrastructure,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The Department of Energy is focused on the need to meet growing energy demand while strengthening the resilience and security of U.S. energy infrastructure against all threats and hazards.  

    “Alex has served as a critical leader across the Department in our first 100 days, and his expertise and ability to take on complex problems make him the right person to spearhead this important office. I am grateful for his ongoing leadership within the Department, and I look forward to continuing to work with Carl Coe in his new role as Chief of Staff.”

    As Chief of Staff to the Secretary, Alex Fitzsimmons led the DOE beach-head team on day one and through the first 100 days of the Administration. He has an extensive background in energy technology policy, having served at DOE in the first Trump Administration. Alex has also completed a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech.  

    Carl Coe joined the Department of Energy to lead DOGE efforts in 2025. In this role, he has worked closely with Secretary Wright and 40 key offices in DOE focused on process improvement and cost savings.

    Coe grew up in Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University. He spent 17 years with PTC in various senior roles, including positions in London, Brazil, and Americas. While at PTC, he worked extensively with the Department of Energy and the National Labs focused on product development and lifecycle management. In 2018, Coe acquired Mango Practice Management, and over the next 5 years with Coe serving as CEO, the company grew by over 700%.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakeland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For $370,000 COVID Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Jeanty Cherilus (54, Lakeland) to one year and six months in federal prison for wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $370,000, the proceeds of Cherilus’s criminal conduct. Cherilus pleaded guilty on January 22, 2025.

    According to court documents, Cherilus was an owner of Natransusa Corporation (“NATRANS”), a business that advertised to provide automobile salvage and transportation services. Cherilus, through NATRANS, submitted applications to obtain federal Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) to which Cherilus and NATRANS were not entitled. The loan applications had materially false and fraudulent representations, including an inflated number of employees and average payroll, and certifications that the loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes. Cherilus also included fraudulent supporting documentation to induce the Small Business Administration and an approved lender to fund the loans. After receiving the PPP and EIDL funds, Cherilus used the money for purposes other than what was approved by the terms of the loan and for his own personal enrichment.

    “USAID OIG will continue its aggressive pursuit of accountability for bad actors that exploit and abuse federal assistance programs, domestically or overseas,” said Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Sean Bottary. “As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force, we are proud to partner with the Department of Justice on this and other ongoing cases. As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force, this investigation was conducted by USAID OIG after identifying the fraudulent loan scheme through a USAID-related programming matter.”

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Agency for International Development-Office of Inspector General and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More than 350 New Immigration Cases Filed in the Western District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 352 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from April 25 through May 1.

    Among the new cases, David Ysturiz-Villalobos and Yilber Gabriel Caldera-Espinoza were arrested by the San Antonio Police Department during an April 22 traffic stop. Both were identified as Venezuelan nationals unlawfully present in the United States. Ysturiz-Villalobos was observed in possession of a .40 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine and one chambered round. Caldera-Espinoza later admitted the pistol was his. Ysturiz-Villalobos and Caldera-Espinoza are each charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and, if convicted, face up to 10 years in federal prison.

    Mexican national Rogelio Cruz-Ramirez was federally charged with illegal re-entry in Austin after being encountered at the Hays County Jail, where he was serving a 271-day sentence for possession of a controlled substance. Cruz-Ramirez has three prior removals from the United States and two voluntary returns to Mexico. In 2015 he was convicted of assault causing bodily injury to a family member, adding to an unlawful carry conviction and fraudulent use/possession of identifying information in 2007. Cruz-Ramirez also has three unlawful entry convictions on his record.

    Jesus Soto-Reyes, a Mexican national, was encountered at the Bastrop County Jail, where he was being held for an alleged aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Soto-Reyes has five previous removals from the United States in addition to two voluntary returns.

    Angel Navarro-Miranda, also of Mexico, was encountered at the Travis County Jail, where he was being held for an alleged DWI and collision involving damage. Navarro-Miranda’s criminal record includes four additional DWI charges dating back to August 2000.

    Near Eagle Pass, Honduran national Alicia Lourdes Mendoza-Fuentes was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents on April 23. Mendoza-Fuentes is charged with illegal re-entry, having been deported three times before. Mendoza-Fuentes was convicted May 15, 2024 for a smuggling of persons offense and was subsequently deported to Honduras May 29, 2024.

    USBP agents arrested a Salvadoran national, Daniel Isai Gonzalez-Martinez, near Eagle Pass on April 24. Gonzalez-Martinez also has three prior removals, the most recent being Dec. 13, 2024. Gonzalez-Martinez is a three-time convicted felon with two illegal re-entry convictions and one conviction in 2018 for bringing in and harboring certain aliens.

    Mexican national Jose Torres-Galaviz was arrested by USBP agents near Eagle Pass on April 28. Torres-Galaviz has multiple felony convictions that include resisting law enforcement, auto theft and battery by bodily waste in January 2024, along with possession of cocaine and battery by bodily waste convictions in August 2021. He was recently deported through El Paso on Feb. 22 and now faces an illegal re-entry charge.

    Jose Luis Padron Arredondo, also a Mexican national, was arrested by USBP agents on April 25 for an illegal re-entry offense. Padron Arredondo has been deported four times, the last one being Oct. 17, 2024 through Del Rio. His criminal record includes a felony conviction for illegal re-entry in 2013 and two convictions for improper entry by an alien in 2009 and 2010.

    In El Paso, Eddie Gonzalez Jr., a U.S. citizen, was arrested April 28 and charged with smuggling illegal aliens. USBP agents were responded to reports of three individuals making an illegal entry within five miles of the Tornillo Port of Entry when they noticed a vehicle speed away. Gonzalez Jr. is alleged to have been the driver and fled from USBP agents multiple times at a high rate of speed. A criminal complaint alleges that Gonzalez Jr. eventually exited his vehicle, ran on foot, and boarded a second vehicle driven by a juvenile. Agents were able to pull the second vehicle over and arrest both Gonzalez Jr. and the juvenile. One of the individuals apprehended in the area of the reported illegal entry was also apprehended and allegedly admitted to being a Mexican citizen. The criminal complaint alleges Gonzalez Jr. admitted to entering into an agreement with a smuggler and was expecting to be paid $1,800 for picking up illegal aliens.

    USBP agents at Fort Hancock also arrested Yonni Rios-Ibarra, a Mexican national who allegedly served as a foot guide for two other Mexican nationals entering the U.S. illegally. Agents allegedly observed the three aliens attempting to high in the brush alongside a canal. Rios-Ibarra is charged with bringing in and harboring certain aliens.

    Mexican national Francisco Reyna-Espinosa was transferred to federal custody in Odessa after being convicted April 25 of driving while intoxicated, for which he was sentenced in the 161st Judicial District Court to 10 years of confinement. Reyna-Espinosa was previously convicted in federal court on Jan. 30, 2014, for illegal re-entry after deportation and sentenced to three years of probation. Reyna-Espinoza has two additional DWI convictions on his criminal record.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Statement on FY26 Budget Request Defense Topline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on the outlined President’s budget request:
    “It is peculiar how much time the President’s advisors spend talking about restoring peace through strength, given how apparently unwilling they’ve been to invest accordingly in the national defense or in other critical instruments of national power. In March, the Trump Administration missed a tremendous opportunity to answer their predecessors’ chronic underinvestment in the U.S. military with robust, full-year funding for FY25. Now, it appears the Trump Administration’s FY26 defense budget request will double down on the Biden Administration’s material neglect for the glaring national security threats challenges about which they speak with great alarm.
    “Make no mistake: a one-time influx reconciliation spending is not a substitute for full-year appropriations. It’s a supplement. OMB accounting gimmicks may well convince Administration officials and spokesmen that they’re doing enough to counter the growing, coordinated challenges we face from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and radical terrorists. But they won’t fool Congress. The correct response to the most dangerous threats to U.S. interests in decades is not a fifth straight budget request that proposes a real-dollar cut to the U.S. military.
    “America cannot expect our allies to heed calls for greater annual defense spending if we are unwilling to lead by example. Fortunately, Presidential budget requests are just that: requests. Congress will soon have an opportunity to ensure that American power – and the credibility of our commitments – are appropriately resourced. I hope and expect that my colleagues will join me in placing America’s national security first as we begin the FY26 appropriations process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Small, common, and hidden: Collecting and integrating data on amphibian species abundances and distribution

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Title:  Small, common, and hidden: Collecting and integrating data on amphibian species abundances and distribution

    Speaker:  Evan Grant, Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative, USGS Eastern Ecological Research Center

    Date:  April 25, 2025, at 2:00-2:30 pm Eastern/11:00 -11:30 am Pacific 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 213

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 213
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Indiana
    Eastern Kentucky
    Southweest Ohio
    East Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Lines and clusters of thunderstorms over central Kentucky
    and middle Tennessee will track northeastward across the watch area
    through the afternoon, posing a risk of damaging winds and large
    hail.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Cincinnati OH to 5 miles southeast of Chattanooga TN. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24030.

    …Hart

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 213
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Indiana
    Eastern Kentucky
    Southweest Ohio
    East Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Lines and clusters of thunderstorms over central Kentucky
    and middle Tennessee will track northeastward across the watch area
    through the afternoon, posing a risk of damaging winds and large
    hail.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Cincinnati OH to 5 miles southeast of Chattanooga TN. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 213 SEVERE TSTM IN KY OH TN VA 021800Z – 030100Z
    AXIS..90 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    15NW LUK/CINCINNATI OH/ – 5SE CHA/CHATTANOOGA TN/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 80NM E/W /15NNE CVG – 1NNE GQO/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24030.

    LAT…LON 39248294 34978355 34978673 39248630

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 213 Status Report Messages:

    STATUS REPORT #1 ON WW 213

    VALID 021805Z – 021940Z

    THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.

    ..LYONS..05/02/25

    ATTN…WFO…LMK…ILN…JKL…MRX…

    &&

    STATUS REPORT FOR WS 213

    SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

    INC019-025-043-061-115-123-155-021940-

    IN
    . INDIANA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    CLARK CRAWFORD FLOYD
    HARRISON OHIO PERRY
    SWITZERLAND
    $$

    KYC005-011-013-015-017-021-023-025-027-029-037-041-045-049-051-
    063-065-067-069-073-077-079-081-085-091-093-095-097-103-109-111-
    113-117-121-123-125-129-131-135-137-147-151-153-155-161-163-165-
    167-173-175-179-181-183-185-187-189-191-193-197-199-201-203-205-
    209-211-215-223-229-231-235-237-239-021940-

    KY
    . KENTUCKY COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ANDERSON BATH BELL
    BOONE BOURBON BOYLE
    BRACKEN BREATHITT BRECKINRIDGE
    BULLITT CAMPBELL CARROLL
    CASEY CLARK CLAY
    ELLIOTT ESTILL FAYETTE
    FLEMING FRANKLIN GALLATIN
    GARRARD GRANT GRAYSON
    HANCOCK HARDIN HARLAN
    HARRISON HENRY JACKSON
    JEFFERSON JESSAMINE KENTON
    KNOX LARUE LAUREL
    LEE LESLIE LEWIS
    LINCOLN MCCREARY MADISON
    MAGOFFIN MARION MASON
    MEADE MENIFEE MERCER
    MONTGOMERY MORGAN NELSON
    NICHOLAS OHIO OLDHAM
    OWEN OWSLEY PENDLETON
    PERRY POWELL PULASKI
    ROBERTSON ROCKCASTLE ROWAN
    SCOTT SHELBY SPENCER
    TRIMBLE WASHINGTON WAYNE
    WHITLEY WOLFE WOODFORD
    $$

    OHC001-015-025-061-071-021940-

    OH
    . OHIO COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ADAMS BROWN CLERMONT
    HAMILTON HIGHLAND
    $$

    TNC001-007-009-011-013-025-065-093-105-107-115-121-123-129-139-
    143-145-151-153-173-021940-

    TN
    . TENNESSEE COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ANDERSON BLEDSOE BLOUNT
    BRADLEY CAMPBELL CLAIBORNE
    HAMILTON KNOX LOUDON
    MCMINN MARION MEIGS
    MONROE MORGAN POLK
    RHEA ROANE SCOTT
    SEQUATCHIE UNION
    $$

    VAC105-021940-

    VA
    . VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    LEE
    $$

    THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE
    REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL
    INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES
    CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES.
    $$

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Call Out Trump Admin’s Plan to Undermine Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Executive order opens door for administration to limit free speech, punish public servants and nonprofits who are not aligned with the admin’s policies
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper along with 17 of his Senate colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon raising alarm about the Department of Education’s order that would limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which helps teachers, veterans, and nurses pay off their education debt through their public service.
    “Under the guise of national security, [this order] unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity,” wrote the lawmakers. “Revoking PSLF eligibility for public service workers who serve across communities nationwide is both reckless and harmful.”
    The PSLF program was created by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush to encourage more people to enter public service by providing loan forgiveness after 10 years of working full-time for a federal, state, local, or Tribal government organization or certain nonprofit organizations. Since the program was created, it has provided teachers, nurses, veterans, first responders, and other public servants with needed student loan relief.
    In the letter, the senators called on the Secretary to: 
    Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress
    Prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Dear Secretary McMahon:
    We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Education’s (Department) order to initiate the formal rulemaking process to limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Since March 7, 2025, our dedicated public service workers have faced immense uncertainty and anxiety due to President Trump’s Executive Order #14235 which directed the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Treasury to redefine “public service” to align with the administration’s political agenda. This move contradicts the core tenets of public service and the original intent and purpose of the PSLF program.
    PSLF was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 under President George W. Bush with bipartisan support and provides student loan forgiveness to individuals who work in qualifying public service jobs. The program aims to support those in roles such as government employees, teachers, nurses, active-duty service members, veterans, and non-profit workers by offering them loan forgiveness after they make 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan. PSLF was established to encourage professionals to dedicate their careers to public service, easing their financial burden while contributing to the well-being of our communities. However, navigating the program’s requirements has proven complex, and many borrowers have encountered challenges in applying for or receiving the forgiveness they are due.
    The program has long been plagued with challenges. In 2017, less than one percent of the first cohort was eligible for forgiveness.  Under President Trump’s first term, fewer than 7,000 applicants were approved for forgiveness, less than three percent of total applicants. President Biden took steps to streamline the process, and under his administration, over one million applicants have been approved for forgiveness.  The program has over 2.4 million cumulative PSLF borrowers with eligible employment and open loans.  Under Executive Order #14235, this framework reverses the previous administration’s efforts to administer the PSLF program more effectively after years of unnecessary roadblocks.
    The PSLF program supports local, state, and federal government employees and those at tax-exempt nonprofits under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, certain nonprofits, like labor unions and partisan political groups, do not qualify. This order’s vague and arbitrary restrictions on which organizations qualify for PSLF are deeply troubling. Under the guise of national security, it unfairly targets organizations that serve marginalized communities, such as those advocating for immigrants or protecting vulnerable children, with no evidence of illegal activity. Furthermore, the broad language of the order could lead to political repression and the chilling of free speech, where organizations or individuals deemed “non-conforming” to the administration’s views could be stripped of the very support they rely on to carry out their public service missions. We have already seen what can happen when the President targets organizations for doing the right thing for the country. We are fearful this is yet another tool for President Trump to go after any group or organization that does not show loyalty to his political, partisan agenda.
    At your nomination hearing on February 13, 2025, you testified in front of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee that you would fully implement existing public service loan forgiveness programs because they “have been passed by Congress …  That is the law.”  Your statement reinforced a commitment to upholding the law and supporting individuals who dedicate their careers to public service. It’s time to back up your words, follow the law, and step up as a true champion of the PSLF program.
    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: Ensure that all eligibility criteria are strictly followed under the law passed by Congress. There should be no exceptions or compromises regarding compliance with the established statute. And prioritize processing PSLF applications that are eligible for forgiveness immediately. The severe reduction of employees at the Federal Student Aid office gives us grave concerns that these eligible borrowers will not be processed in a timely manner.  Regardless of the Trump and Elon Musk administration, these borrowers have met the criteria, done the work, and are entitled to the relief they were promised.
    Revoking PSLF eligibility for public service workers who serve across communities nationwide is both reckless and harmful. We urge you to uphold the law, adhere to congressional intent, and protect PSLF from future attacks. We look forward to your response on this critical matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Peruvian National Extradited for Overseeing Call Center That Threatened and Defrauded Spanish-Speaking U.S. Consumers

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A resident of Lima, Peru, accused of operating a large fraud and extortion scheme, was extradited to the United States and made her initial appearance in Miami federal court, the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today.

    Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza (Alcedo), 43, of Lima, Peru, will face federal charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. Alcedo was arrested on March 27, 2023, by Peruvian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request.

    According to the indictment, the defendant managed and operated Peruvian call centers from January 2013 through December 2018. The defendant and her co-conspirators in Peru allegedly used Internet-based telephone calls to contact Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. These call centers falsely told victims they worked on behalf of universities, Hispanic help centers, and government entities and that the victims had been selected to receive financial assistance for English language programs. Many consumers expressed interest in receiving the products. In later calls, Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely claimed the victims were required to pay storage and other fees related to the materials. When victims refused to pay, Alcedo and her co-conspirators pressured and extorted these victims, including by claiming they would be taken to court or even arrested if they failed to make payments.

    “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I thank the Republic of Peru, including the Peruvian National Police, for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States. The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.”

    “The reach of American justice is boundless in pursuing fraudsters who target the elderly and other vulnerable groups,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Transnational criminals who use scams, fear, and intimidation to steal from victims will be held accountable.”

    “Today marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in this investigation, which was made possible by the outstanding collaboration between federal and international partners. We have proven that when we work together, no criminal is beyond our reach,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steven L. Hodges, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division.

    Alcedo is charged in an 18-count federal indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Alcedo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Speare Hodges are prosecuting the case. USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Police, and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition.

    The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.

    For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ms. María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia – Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus.  Following the conclusion of the informal meeting in Cyprus in a broader format, held in Geneva on 17 and 18 March, the Secretary-General has asked Ms. Holguín to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him.  Ms. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.

    Ms. Holguín brings extensive diplomatic experience at the highest levels, including as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia (2010-2018).  She also served as delegate of the President of Colombia at the Peace Process Negotiation in Havana, Cuba (2015-2016), and was a member of the Cabinet for Post-Conflict (2017-2018).  Previous posts in her diplomatic career include the position of Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations, Ambassador to Venezuela and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Ms. Holguín holds a degree in Political Science from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.  She also studied at the Centre d´Études Diplomatiques et Stratégiques and at the Université Paris–Sorbonne in Paris, France.  In addition to Spanish, she speaks English and French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Over $10 Million in SBA Relief Approved to Assist Kentucky State Rebuild After Severe Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $10 million in federal disaster loans to support Kentucky businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by severe storms, straight-Line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring Feb. 14 through Mar. 17, 2025. As of May 2, 2025, the SBA has provided over $2.4 million to businesses/EIDL and over $7.8 million to residents in the wake of this disaster.

    “Surpassing $10 million in disaster loans reflects more than just numbers — it represents small businesses reopening, families returning home and communities rebuilding stronger,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “These loans provide vital support for recovery, and we encourage anyone still in need to apply before the deadline.”

    SBA has extended the physical damage loan applications. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is still available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDLs are available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage and may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not 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 filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24, 2025.

    ###

    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 or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 212

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 212
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1240 PM CDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central Texas

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 1240 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify and become more widespread
    through the afternoon, within a very moist and unstable air mass.
    Supercells capable of very large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps a
    tornado will be possible.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 95
    statute miles north and south of a line from 70 miles west northwest
    of Austin TX to 25 miles south southeast of Lufkin TX. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW 211…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    25030.

    …Hart

    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 212
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1240 PM CDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central Texas

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 1240 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify and become more widespread
    through the afternoon, within a very moist and unstable air mass.
    Supercells capable of very large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps a
    tornado will be possible.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 95
    statute miles north and south of a line from 70 miles west northwest
    of Austin TX to 25 miles south southeast of Lufkin TX. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW 211…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    25030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW2
    WW 212 SEVERE TSTM TX 021740Z – 030100Z
    AXIS..95 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    70WNW AUS/AUSTIN TX/ – 25SSE LFK/LUFKIN TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 85NM N/S /54E JCT – 17SSE LFK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.

    LAT…LON 32069879 32279459 29529459 29319879

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU2.

    Watch 212 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Law Faculty Member and Librarian Receive Promotions

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The Office of the Provost has announced the promotions of one UConn School of Law faculty member and a law librarian. Rachel Timm has been promoted to Clinical Professor of Law. Tanya Johnson has been promoted to Librarian 3.

    “We are extremely proud of these two outstanding colleagues,” Dean Eboni S. Nelson said. “Professor Timm is an excellent educator who helps prepare students for successful and meaningful careers. Tanya Johnson is a skilled librarian and teacher who provides invaluable assistance to our students, faculty, and patrons. We could not be more pleased to see their many contributions recognized.”

    Timm, who joined UConn Law in 2019, teaches legal practice courses, including Interviewing, Counseling and Negotiation, and Research and Writing. She was recently named the winner of this year’s Perry Zirkel ’76 Distinguished Teaching Award. Timm previously worked as a trial attorney for the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section at the Department of Justice. She earned her JD from Creighton University School of Law.

    Johnson provides reference and research services in all areas of the law, co-manages the library’s research assistant pool, and provides general and specialized legal research instruction. She also teaches courses as an adjunct professor, including Advanced Legal Research, Research for Social Justice, and Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession. Johnson earned her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law and her MLIS from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Prior to her library work, Tanya practiced law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

    These promotions come on the recommendation of the Office of the Provost and by vote of the University’s Board of Trustees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s tariffs could hit developing economies – even those not involved in the trade war

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka

    The world has witnessed a resurgence of protectionism since Donald Trump returned to the White House. So-called “reciprocal” tariffs, imposed on all US trading partners at varying degrees based on the tax they charge on American goods, have been one of the hallmark features of Trump’s economic policy. They aim to correct what he perceives as “unfair” trade practices.

    In early April, Trump said many countries had “ripped us off left and right” and declared “now it’s our turn to do the ripping”. His administration swiftly imposed sweeping tariff increases, with some of the highest rates falling on poorer countries like Laos and Lesotho.

    A 90-day suspension was eventually made for most of these tariffs, and Trump has now softened duties on imported cars and car parts. But the danger remains high. No one can be certain that the initial reciprocal tariffs will not be reinstated.

    Developing countries, many of which rely heavily on the export of manufactured goods to the US, will be keeping a keen eye on what happens next.

    We employed the Global Trade Analysis Project model to analyse the possible effects of US tariffs on trade and economic growth. The model captures interactions and feedback among economic agents (households, firms and governments), markets, sectors and regions in the world economy.

    It can be used to forecast the effect of trade reforms on various indicators such as production, welfare, income, prices and trade flows. Based on certain assumptions, the changes are likely to be seen in between two and three years.

    We used simulations to compute the effects of Trump’s tariff regime under two alternative scenarios. In the first, which reflects the global trade situation at the time of writing, baseline tariffs are levied on all countries at 10%. The duties are 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 145% on China. Retaliatory duties by China on US goods are set at 125%.

    In the second, across-the-board reciprocal tariffs are imposed on countries at the levels Trump declared in his initial plan on April 2. This is in addition to the 145% tariff on Chinese goods, 25% on those from Canada and Mexico and a 125% duty by China on imports from the US.

    Winners and losers

    As shown by the graph below, our simulations suggest the US tariff regime will distort export patterns worldwide. The most painful effects will fall on China and the US itself.

    Chinese exports would shrink by 10.8% in the first scenario and 10.9% in the second. The US would suffer an even larger loss of 11.7% and 14.9%, respectively.

    The model suggests that other major US trading partners such as Canada and Mexico would also experience deep export declines of over 5% in both scenarios. Roughly 75% of Canada’s exports head south towards the US.

    Among the developing Asian economies, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines would experience substantial export declines. This is particularly the case in the second scenario, with losses ranging from 2% to 4.4%. These countries are particularly vulnerable to reciprocal tariffs because they rely heavily on exports and are deeply tied to global supply and production chains.

    Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam may benefit in the first scenario due to a possible diversion of trade. These countries, which are known for having some of the lowest labour costs in the world, offer cheap alternatives for goods that US importers would previously have sourced from China.

    But they are expected to lose the majority of these benefits in the second scenario under a full reciprocal tariff regime. The exceptions are Cambodia and Indonesia, which our simulations suggest will retain positive export growth – albeit reduced to 1.6% from 4% for Cambodia and unchanged at 0.7% for Indonesia.

    This may be because Cambodia and Indonesia have slightly more diversified export baskets than countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and trade with more partners. However, these gains are likely to be short lived if global uncertainties continue.

    Major advanced economies such as Japan, the UK and EU will lose exports by a moderate amount. And the Middle East, north Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (excluding Brazil) will see similar declines.

    The second graph presents a concerning picture of how trade disruption could affect GDP, which economists use to measure the size of a country’s economy. The US and China are again set to suffer the steepest GDP losses, of 0.3% in the US and 1.9% in China under the second scenario. This confirms the well-established economic consensus that trade wars are mutually destructive.

    Under the second scenario, most emerging and developing economies would suffer modest GDP declines between 0.3% and 1%. Thailand (1%), Malaysia (0.9%), Brazil (0.9%) and Vietnam (0.9%) are the worst hit countries in this category.

    Like most of the developing countries in Asia, which are not directly involved in the trade war, many countries in Latin America, the Middle East, north Africa and sub-Saharan Africa would still face hits to their GDP. This underscores the global interconnectedness of trade and investment flows.

    The simulations confirm what economists have been asserting for years: trade wars do not have winners. While some countries do benefit in the short term by way of trade diversion, the total losses are high and developing countries are not immune from the damage.

    However, there are strategies developing countries can employ to improve their resilience to global trade disruptions. This includes diversifying their export markets by, for example, establishing stronger trade ties in regional blocs.

    One example is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade agreement between the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Such ties can be strengthened further.

    Developing countries should also use this turbulent period to streamline customs, upgrade port infrastructure and improve logistics. This can reduce costs, enhance competitiveness and help developing economies engage more deeply in international trade.

    No country is exempt from disruptions to global trade. But those with diversified economies, strong regional linkages and resilient trade infrastructure will weather the turbulence more successfully.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How Trump’s tariffs could hit developing economies – even those not involved in the trade war – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-tariffs-could-hit-developing-economies-even-those-not-involved-in-the-trade-war-255435

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Historical films and TV shows are embracing diversity – but real historical voices are still overlooked

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Éadaoin Agnew, Senior lecturer in English literature, Kingston University

    In the Disney+ television series, A Thousand Blows, Malachi Kirby plays Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant in London who is part of an underground boxing ring in the 1880s.

    The character, like many in the show, is based on a real-life figure. However, as historian David Olusoga recently explained in a comment to the Radio Times, Moscow is typical of many people who have come from the Caribbean or Africa in that we only have a fractured biography in the British historical records. We get flashes of information before he disappears.

    In recent years, there have been increasing creative efforts to fill these historical gaps. This suggests there is a willingness, at least in some spheres, to acknowledge the long history of multiculturalism in Britain and to see people of colour in 19th-century histories (see also 2019’s David Copperfield starring Dev Patel and the multicultural cast of Bridgerton).

    These costume dramas build on decades of scholarly work. There are now many excellent historical studies that document the various ways in which the Atlantic slave trade and imperialism produced routes and reasons for travel to Britain.

    Most people who arrived here from the colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries did not have the means to write their own stories, so we glance their lives through incomplete historical records. But, there were also British subjects of colour who were educated in English with a degree of relative privilege and who produced compelling and popular accounts of their experiences in Britain or life in the colonies. They also wrote fascinating fiction and beautiful poetry.

    These narratives directly challenge the general perception that multiculturalism emerged in Britain after the Windrush (Caribbean immigrants who arrived in Britain after the second world war to rebuild the nation) and that 19th-century English literature emerged only from Britain. Yet, there remains an unwillingness to centre these stories and to allow diverse voices to speak for themselves.

    My own work on the AHRC-funded Victorian Diversities Research Network seeks to recuperate and promote these stories.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Historical writers of colour and writers from other marginalised communities are continually excluded from school curricula, literary anthologies and TV adaptations. This is a kind of cultural gate-keeping that reinforces imperialist ideas about literary value.

    One example of this literary exclusion is Mary Seacole (1805-1881). Born in Jamaica to a Creole mother and Scottish father, she is now remembered in Britain for her contributions to nursing during the Crimean War. She is commemorated for her work by a statue at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London and by John Aagard’s wonderful poem Checking Out Me History (2019).

    Even so, there is a notable neglect of her fantastic memoir. Published in 1857, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands is a funny, insightful and interesting account of her fulsome life. It clearly shows an affinity for Britain, while also acknowledging the difficulties she experienced there.

    One of two known photographs of Mary Seacole, taken circa 1873.
    Wiki Commons

    Another example is Ham Mukasa (1870-1956), who penned an account of his travels to England as part of an official African delegation in 1902 titled Uganda’s Katikiro in England. Written in a light and lively manner, his travelogue offers a fascinating picture of London at the turn of the century, as seen from a unique perspective.

    When Mukasa visited the British Museum not long after arriving in the metropolis, he admired the displays of “wonderful things of long ago”. He explains to his readers that these items are stored behind glass so visitors cannot touch them. It’s a fact that becomes particularly pertinent when he comes across several Ugandan artefacts donated to the museum by British travellers:

    We saw different articles from our country; some had been brought by Sir H. H. Johnston, who had given a great many things, and others by other Englishmen … the Rev. R. P. Ashe had given a great many, and others too had given things from our country of Uganda.

    It is a powerful image: the Ugandan men standing in a British institution looking at their own indigenous culture through a glass. The encounter speaks directly to contemporary debates about museum collections and the need for inclusive cultural spaces.

    Both Mukasa and Seacole, as people of colour and colonial subjects, articulate feelings of belonging and unbelonging in the metropolitan centre. They find much to admire in British culture and society while also acknowledging the fact of racial marginalisation.

    As such, they give historical and literary expression to the affects of mobility, migration and multiculturalism. As professor of global literatures Ruvani Ranasinha argues, current debates on citizenship rights, migration policy, what constitutes “Englishness” and multiculturalism were prompted and anticipated by the presence of colonial subjects within Britain over a century ago.

    Ignatius Sancho by Thomas Gainsborough (1768).
    National Gallery of Canada

    In a 2019 paper, he explains that “Britain was always ‘multicultural’ even before multiculturalism was theorised: multicultural in terms of a sense of (un)belonging, a redrawing of culturally and racially defined borders and remapping of British identities”. And so, Ranashina notes, we must do more than simply acknowledge the historical presence of marginalised people and start engaging with diverse cultural contributions.

    This is vital because an inclusive canon more accurately represents the multiple stories that make up English literary history.

    It also makes important critical and cultural contributions to the creation of an inclusive society today. This is acknowledged by actor and writer Paterson Joseph who recently fictionalised the letters of Ignatius Sancho, a writer and composer, who was born on a slave ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean:

    “I was once timid about my place here in the UK, but researching Sancho’s story … has given me a deep sense of belonging, of a shared history with a nation that sometimes ignores, sometimes rejects, my people’s right to an equal role in its storytelling.”

    Éadaoin Agnew receives funding from AHRC for the Victorian Diversities Research Network https://victoriandiversities.co.uk

    – ref. Historical films and TV shows are embracing diversity – but real historical voices are still overlooked – https://theconversation.com/historical-films-and-tv-shows-are-embracing-diversity-but-real-historical-voices-are-still-overlooked-253191

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Great American Outdoors Act, Protect Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner joined Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) in introducing the America the Beautiful Act, legislation that builds on the senators’ landmark Great American Outdoors Act by strengthening and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and addressing the serious maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands.
    “Our Great American Outdoors Act was transformative for America’s national public lands and the many communities whose economies depend on them,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to continue this great work. Investing in our beautiful natural treasures is a not only boosts our tourism economy but preserves these landmarks for generations to come.”
    Specifically, this legislation reauthorizes the LRF through 2033 and increases funding to $2 billion per year to help address the maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands. Currently, the maintenance backlog for each agency is as follows:
    U.S. Park Service: $23.26 billion
    U.S. Forest Service: $8.695 billion
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: $2.65 billion
    U.S. Bureau of Land Management: $5.72 billion
    U.S. Bureau of Indian Education: $804.5 million
    Joining Sens. Warner, Daines, and King in introducing this legislation are Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The senators’ Great American Outdoors Act was one of the largest-ever investments in conservation and public lands in our nation’s history. Signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the bipartisan legislation provided billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands after years of underinvestment led a massive backlog in needed maintenance and repairs to Park Service sites. In Virginia alone, this historic legislation has provided over $470 million for projects at Virginia’s 22 park service units and supported thousands of jobs.
    The America the Beautiful Act is supported by over 40 public lands, conservation and recreation groups.
    “America’s parks are our legacy to uphold — and bold action is essential to fulfill that promise. The National Park Foundation applauds Senators Daines and King for their leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. Since its establishment through the Great American Outdoors Act, this vital program has already delivered billions toward transformative infrastructure projects across our national parks. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, reauthorizing this investment affirms a bold democratic ideal — that every generation deserves to experience our parks as we do today. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these magnificent landscapes and historic sites can continue welcoming visitors for generations to come,” said Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO, National Park Foundation.
    “The National Forest Foundation thanks Sens. Daines, King, Cramer and Warner for their leadership in investing in the future of America’s public lands.  The investments in recreation infrastructure as outlined in the America the Beautiful Act will benefit the economies of local communities and enhance the enjoyment of the millions of visitors who hike, camp, hunt, fish, paddle, and play in our nation’s 193-million acres of National Forests and Grasslands,” said Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, President and CEO, National Forest Foundation.
    “The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is grateful for the leadership of Senators Daines, King, Cramer, and Warner for the America the Beautiful Act. Chronic underinvestment, extreme weather events, and heavy use have left our public lands in a precarious position. The Appalachian Trail relies on more than 5,000 volunteers and dozens of partners to keep it accessible to people and functional for nature. With ATC in its 100th year, the long-term care needs for the A.T. and its connected national parks and forests have never been clearer. This legislation will increase the monetary support, public awareness, and the impact of partners like the ATC in addressing critical deferred—and cyclic—maintenance needs for our public lands. We are proud to strongly endorse this legislation and will work diligently for its enactment,” said Sandra Marra, President and CEO, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
    Full text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Democrats Demand Investigation into Elon Musk’s Alleged Abuse of White House Position for Personal Gain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led a coalition of senior Senate Democrats in sending a letter to President Donald J. Trump demanding an investigation into reports that senior White House advisor Elon Musk has used his government role to improperly advance his personal business interests abroad. The senators cited recent reporting on a disturbing pattern in which Musk allegedly leveraged high-level access to U.S. trade policy to pressure foreign governments – including India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Lesotho – into granting favorable treatment to his satellite internet provider Starlink in apparent exchange for U.S. policy concessions. These allegations, if true, would constitute a serious violation of federal ethics laws and a profound breach of public trust.
    “Public servants must serve Americans, not their own bank accounts,” the senators wrote. “These alleged actions are an egregious breach of public trust, degrade our credibility with allies and partners, and potentially violate U.S. laws.”
    In addition to Warner, the letter was signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Budget Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member, Senate Agriculture Committee; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
    The letter details instances of Musk meeting with foreign leaders – including those from India and Bangladesh – inside the White House complex and the Blair House, shortly before their governments fast-tracked regulatory approvals for Starlink. In one example, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission issued what was described as “the swiftest recommendation” in its history for a Starlink license shortly after officials requested a delay in U.S.-imposed tariffs and met with Musk on White House grounds.
    The senators noted that these developments came amid ongoing U.S. trade negotiations, raising serious questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements. The senators further warned that allowing a special government employee to influence foreign trade decisions to benefit their private ventures represents not only a potential legal violation but a corrosion of America’s international credibility.
    The senators also condemned the misuse of taxpayer-funded government properties for personal business dealings, writing, “The White House and the Blair House are not merely buildings – they are enduring symbols of American democracy and service. To use this public property for personal enrichment is not only a betrayal of the public trust – it also sends a dangerous signal that power is not a solemn responsibility, but an asset to be exploited for personal gain.”
    The lawmakers called on President Trump to launch a full investigation into Musk’s conduct, to publicly disclose the findings, and to provide Congress with a complete account of Musk and his associates’ use of government positions for personal benefit.
    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Concludes Investigation into Death Following RCMP Interaction in Swift Current

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 2, 2025

    On May 5, 2024, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified of an in-custody death that took place following an arrest by members of the Swift Current Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed SIRT to investigate. 

    SIRT has completed its investigation into this matter and the Civilian Executive Director’s public report can now be accessed online. 

    https://publications.saskatchewan.ca:443/api/v1/products/126102/formats/147667/download.

    SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

    For additional information, visit:
    SIRT Investigating Death in Swift Current RCMP Custody | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney to visit Washington, D.C.

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that he will travel to Washington, D.C., United States of America, on May 5, 2025, to meet with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, on May 6. 

    The meeting will focus on both the immediate trade pressures and the broader future economic and security relationship between the two sovereign nations.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru.

    Prime Minister Ishiba congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. Prime Minister Carney underscored the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and Canada’s role as a Pacific nation. The two leaders also discussed deepening trade, defence, and commercial ties.

    They agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta and Kaptur Introduce Resolution Proclaiming May 9th to May 18th National American Birding Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    This week, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH9), introduced a bipartisan resolution proclaiming May 9 through May 18, 2025, as “National American Birding Week.” Birding is a pastime that generates billions in economic benefits annually, but migratory bird populations face many threats to their survival. Annual birding events such as the “Biggest Week in American Birding”, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Oak Harbor, Ohio, leverage government, nonprofit, and private resources to promote conservation of migratory bird populations and economic development through a multifaceted approach that combines research, education, and outreach. Coordinated efforts by Federal, State, and local governments, conservation organizations, and businesses help to promote conservation of migratory birds and economic development through birding.

    “Birdwatching in Ohio is a year-round activity, with a wide variety of birds and over 400 species to spot,” Latta said. “There is a reason Northwest Ohio is dubbed the ‘Warbler Capital of the World,’ and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congresswoman Kaptur, to continue recognizing the art of birdwatching, support local conservation and to encourage more people to get outside enjoy birdwatching during National American Birding Week.”

    “Our bipartisan resolution calls attention to the array of natural and human-caused threats to migratory bird populations, emphasizes contributions birders make to local economies, and applauds the cooperation among governments, conservation organizations, and businesses,” Kaptur said. “I call on my fellow Ohioans to join Congressman Latta and me in supporting the designation of ‘National American Birding Week’ as we celebrate this important event that brings birders from around the world to Northwest Ohio every year. I encourage birders and people from across our nation to attend events including the ‘Biggest Week in American Birding’ to learn about efforts to preserve migratory bird populations.”

    Approximately 3,500,000,000 songbirds, raptors, shore birds, and waterfowl representing over 350 species migrate north through the United States to breeding grounds every spring from wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and the tropics. Populations of many migratory bird species are in decline due to habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, utility infrastructure, and vehicles. An estimated 45,000,000 American birders spend close to $40 Billion annually on birdwatching and birding activities creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in employment income and Federal and State tax revenue.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko, Pressley Demand Investigation Into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian Museums, Brazen Attempt to Whitewash History

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) led 69 of their colleagues on a letter to the Inspector General of the Smithsonian Institution demanding an investigation of the impact of Donald Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely,  the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – attempting to erase histories of marginalized communities.

    Created by Congress in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has a clear mandate to operate as a non-partisan and autonomous museum, education, and research complex, free from political influence. Not only is it home to dozens of museums, libraries, education and research centers, and the National Zoo within Washington, D.C., but the Smithsonian also coordinates with over 200 affiliate organizations in nearly every state – all of which could be impacted by the proposed cuts and erasure of race and culture in the Executive Order.

    “On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14253, which would infringe on the independence of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out its core mission to provide Americans and the world with the tools and information we need to forge our shared future,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Smithsonian Inspector General Nicole Angarella. “The funding cuts and content directives will undoubtedly have a devasting impact on the preservation and integrity of American history and culture.”

    The Trump Administration’s executive order specifically directs the Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits and narratives it considers ‘divisive’ or ‘race-centered’, politicizing the Smithsonian’s foundational purpose and eroding public trust. Both the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act and the National Museum of the American Latino Act were enacted with strong bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment across party lines to explore, document, and interpret the central role of race and cultural identity in American history. Additionally, the funding cuts and content mandates would have a significant trickle-down effect on local museums and cultural organizations across the United States, diminishing the Smithsonian’s ability to provide guidance, professional development, and travel exhibits to smaller museums.

    “Conditioning funding on adherence to prescribed, right-wing ideology jeopardizes the Smithsonian’s legal compliance oversight and its capacity to document American history and culture accurately,” the lawmakers continue. “It is both ironic and self-defeating to demand that the Smithsonian Institution adhere to content mandates banning race, as doing so undermines the very rationale for the creation of these museums.”

    The lawmakers are requesting an inspector general investigation and report on findings including:

    • An audit of the operational and financial implications of the proposed content mandate and funding cuts, including the consequences on the Smithsonian Affiliates;
    • An audit of the expected impact on existing contractual obligations;
    • An analysis of EO 14253’s compliance with statutory requirements established by Congress;
    • Any documentation of deaccessioned artifacts following EO 14253 and plan to prevent the destruction or sale of cultural and historical artifacts; and
    • A recommendation for the Smithsonian Board of Regents on how to adhere to statutory law and the institutions’ public trust responsibilities.

    “Our shared responsibility is to ensure that the Smithsonian remains a source of inspiration and learning for all, free from undue political interference,” the lawmakers wrote.

    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Backs Bipartisan Effort to Protect Minors from AI-Generated Exploitation

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) today issued the following statement after voting to pass S. 146, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, bipartisan legislation focused on stopping the abuse of minors through AI-created explicit online material.

    “As a father raising three daughters in an increasingly digital world, I’m alarmed by the rise of AI-generated explicit content and the exploitation of innocent people online,” said LaLota. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a critical step to hold bad actors accountable and ensure that social media and web platforms aren’t complicit in the spread of digitally forged, graphic images. This bill updates outdated laws and gives victims—especially minors—the tools they need to fight back. I fully support the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and am proud to support its House companion because no one should have their likeness twisted and weaponized against them.”

    To read the full text of the legislation, please click HERE. 

    Background: 

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act strengthens protections for young individuals by targeting the non-consensual spread of digitally forged, explicit images. It builds upon existing laws to safeguard minors’ digital privacy rights, holds social media platforms and web hosts accountable for knowingly enabling AI-generated exploitation, and updates outdated legal frameworks to confront the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and deepfakes.

    Congressman LaLota is cosponsor of the companion legislation, H.R. 633, introduced by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27). Just like its Senate counterpart bearing the same name, the House bill provides robust protections for young individuals from online exploitation and builds upon existing laws to safeguard minors’ digital privacy rights.

    While nearly all states have laws protecting their citizens from unwanted distribution of sexually explicit material, also known as revenge porn, only 20 states have clear laws covering deepfake non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII). Among those states, there is a high degree of variance in classification of crime, penalty, and even criminal prosecution. Victims also struggle to have images depicting them removed from websites in a timely manner, potentially contributing to more spread and retraumatization.

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act is supported by over 100 different organizations and advocacy groups. A full list can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senator Mullin Visits University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab

    US Senate News:

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

    RELEASE: Senator Mullin Visits University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab

    Washington, D.C. – During the April in-state work period, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), visited the University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab (SAML) in Norman. SAML is at the forefront of high-tech manufacturing research and workforce training, serving both federal and industry partners. The lab is expanding through an exciting new collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 
    While touring the lab, Senator Mullin met with OU students, including some employees from Tinker Air Force Base, and learned how they utilize the lab’s resources to design, test, and enhance manufacturing processes.

    “The Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab (SAML) at OU is an incredible asset to the world-class defense industry in Oklahoma,” said Senator Mullin. “I am proud of the work they are doing to spur innovation and produce elite products.”
    “The U.S. military and defense industrial base face constant challenges to speed up critical equipment repairs, reduce costs, and maintain legacy systems to ensure combat mission readiness. SAML is playing a crucial role in meeting these needs while also developing a skilled workforce to support Oklahoma’s growing defense sector,” Gen (ret.) Robin Rand, Executive Director of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute 

    Background:
    SAML was established in 2021 following an initial $1.8 million federal grant to purchase a state-of-the-art direct metal 3D laser printer, enabling the on-site production of metallic (titanium) components used for characterization and analysis that is essential for optimizing advanced manufacturing processes.
    SAML combines education, research and development and industry support for the growth of the manufacturing and defense industries in Oklahoma. 
    OU’s expanded relationship with Oak Ridge National Lab will expand capabilities and establish a cutting-edge additive manufacturing center in Norman, which will collaboratively advance research, training and workforce development in metal additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, machining and data analytics.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Delegation Introduces the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act to Protect Vermont Waterways

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Washington, D.C. — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) this week reintroduced the bicameral Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This bill would protect the ecological, recreational, and economic value of Northern Vermont waterways by commissioning a study to determine whether the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream could be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 
     
    “Keeping Vermont’s rivers healthy is crucial to the success of our outdoor recreation and tourism industries. We’re proud to once again introduce this legislation as a Delegation help protect our State’s natural beauty and boost our economy,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “This bill is an important step forward in preserving and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream for future generations of Vermonters to enjoy.” 
     
    The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Since its creation in 1968, the system has grown to encompass more than 13,400 miles of rivers across the country, including segments of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in Vermont. Depending on their characteristics, rivers may be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. Wild and Scenic rivers are managed to maintain their free-flowing condition, high water quality, and outstanding recreational opportunities, from rafting to fishing. 

    The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act is supported by a broad coalition of local municipalities, cultural and regional organizations, and environmental conservation groups, including American Rivers, the Connecticut River Joint Commission, Connecticut River Conservancy, Essex County Conservation District, Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation, Trout Unlimited (including the David and Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Chapter), Vermont Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition, and the Vermont River Conservancy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MarketWatch: Elizabeth Warren presses Bessent for answers after his remarks at private Wall Street event

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 25, 2025
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, on Friday pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to explain why he gave “inside information” on President Donald Trump’s tariff plans to Wall Street insiders and not the broader public.
    Speaking at a closed-door, invitation-only event hosted by JPMorgan Chase on Tuesday, Bessent said that the tariff standoff between China and the U.S. would soon de-escalate. When reports of his remarks leaked to the press, it caused stocks to rocket higher. Trump then spoke to reporters, essentially confirming Bessent’s remarks.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Greg RobbSource: MarketWatch

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HuffPost: Elizabeth Warren Marks 100 Days Of Trump By Reading Aloud 100 Reports Of His Corruption

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 29, 2025
    Donald Trump is 100 days into his second presidency, and to mark the occasion, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) plans to read into the congressional record what she says are 100 cases of Trump using the presidency to personally benefit himself and his allies.
    “One hundred days, one hundred acts of corruption,” Warren will say in a Tuesday night speech on the Senate floor. HuffPost obtained a copy of her planned remarks.
    “When he ran for office, Trump promised repeatedly that he would lower costs ‘on day 1,’” reads her speech. “But instead of following through on his promise, Trump and his administration have paved the way for the president, his top officials, and his billionaire buddies to personally feed at the trough of government corruption.”
    “So, count with me,” Warren plans to say before launching into a list of 100 things she says Trump has done to enrich himself and punish his perceived political enemies.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Jennifer BenderySource: HuffPost
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boston.com: Warren questions Walgreens sale, warns of potential impact on healthcare access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 29, 2025
    Sen. Elizabeth Warren is demanding answers from Sycamore Partners over its proposed $10 billion acquisition of Walgreens, warning the deal could threaten healthcare access for Massachusetts residents.
    In a letter to the private equity firm Sycamore Partners on Tuesday, Warren listed a series of questions aimed at ensuring there won’t be a repeat of the Steward Health Care debacle and to prevent “pharmacy deserts” in the state. 
    Questions include: 
    Does Sycamore plan to close any additional Walgreens stores in Massachusetts?
    Does Sycamore plan to sell the real estate from any Walgreens stores, including through sale-leaseback transactions?
    Does Sycamore plan on firing any Walgreens employees?
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Beth TreffeisenSource: Boston.com
    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Statement on April Jobs Report

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the April jobs report: 

    “While April saw modest job growth, with 177,000 jobs added last month and the unemployment rate holding around 4.2% – other key indicators reveal just how precarious this moment is for the American economy. This week, we learned that for the first time since the end of the pandemic, the American economy shrank over the past three months. Costs continue to go up, the stock market continues to fall, and Americans’ confidence in their economy continues to erode with no end in sight.

    “Trump has taken a chainsaw to the American economy, just as he has to vital services the American people use every day. His erratic, incoherent flip-flopping on tariffs have made our markets as volatile as his temper. Americans should not have to pay the price for this administration’s incompetence, but they will continue to until Trump puts his economic ‘agenda’ where it belongs: the trash.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 211

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 211
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1210 PM CDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Arkansas
    Central and Northern Louisiana
    Central Mississippi
    East Texas

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 1210 PM until
    700 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will continue to intensify along an axis
    from western Louisiana into central Mississippi through the
    afternoon. A moist and very unstable air mass will promote the risk
    of severe storms capable of damaging wind gusts and large hail. An
    isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60
    statute miles north and south of a line from 75 miles west of Fort
    Polk LA to 25 miles south southeast of Columbus MS. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    25030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW1
    WW 211 SEVERE TSTM AR LA MS TX 021710Z – 030000Z
    AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    75W POE/FORT POLK LA/ – 25SSE CBM/COLUMBUS MS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /16ESE LFK – 16SE IGB/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.

    LAT…LON 31919445 34168828 32438828 30189445

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU1.

    Watch 211 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Revere Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    More than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine seized during the investigation

    BOSTON – A Revere man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds for drug suppliers based in Central and/or South America and possessing over 17 kilograms of various controlled substances.

    Jason Hunter, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of cocaine and other controlled substances; and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025.

    According to court documents, law enforcement received information from a confidential source about large-scale international money laundering organizations that used money brokers in Colombia as liaisons between drug suppliers based in Central and/or South America and their drug customers in the United States. The money brokers arrange contracts with U.S.-based money launderers to conduct pickups of drug proceeds on behalf of the drug suppliers in Latin America. As part of the investigation, law enforcement agents – posing as money launderers – conducted controlled pickups in connection with contracts offered by the money brokers in cities throughout the United States, including Boston.

    Over the course of the investigation, Hunter delivered drug proceeds to undercover investigators on multiple occasions, including on Feb. 28, 2024, when he delivered $140,000 of bulk cash drug proceeds. On April 3, 2024 Hunter was arrested on his way to a money pickup that had been arranged by a broker. At the time of his arrest $100,000 in drug proceeds was seized from Hunter’s possession. A subsequent search of his residence and vehicle resulted in the seizure of over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, thousands of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, additional pills containing oxycodone, as well as over a kilogram of cocaine and multiple kilograms of marijuana.

    The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of substance containing methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of substance containing methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the amount of laundered funds, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.  

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

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –