NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. FDA Approves Liquidia’s YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease (PH-ILD)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • FDA’s approval of YUTREPIA paves the way for prescribers to add a new treatment option for patients with PAH and PH-ILD
    • YUTREPIA is designed to enhance deep-lung delivery with an easy-to-use device requiring low inspiratory effort
    • Demonstrated tolerability and titratability in the pivotal INSPIRE study
    • Liquidia will host a webcast Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET to provide an update on commercial launch preparations

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, a prostacyclin analog for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) to improve exercise ability. YUTREPIA is the first and only prostacyclin dry-powder formulation enabled by Liquidia’s proprietary PRINT™ technology, which yields uniform, free-flowing particles designed to enhance deep-lung delivery via an easy-to-use, low-effort device requiring less inspiratory effort.

    Dr. Roger Jeffs, Chief Executive Officer of Liquidia, said: “Today, we celebrate for the patients and physicians who will now have access to a potential best-in-class dry-powder form of treprostinil with exceptional portability, tolerability, titratability and durability. Thank you to the clinical investigation team, our steering committee, and the members of the pulmonary hypertension patient communities who helped make this day a reality. With today’s milestone, our commercial team is prepared to launch YUTREPIA and bring meaningful change to the lives of patients in need, and we look forward to speaking with physicians and patients about the unique benefits of YUTREPIA in the days and weeks ahead.”

    The approval of YUTREPIA is based on findings from the Phase 3 INSPIRE trial which evaluated patients who were naïve to treprostinil, as well as those transitioning to YUTREPIA from nebulized treprostinil. YUTREPIA was shown to be safe and well-tolerated regardless of a patient’s previous exposure to treprostinil. Results from the INSPIRE study were published in the Pulmonary Circulation Journal in 2022 and the Vascular Pharmacology Journal in 2021. Please see the “Selected Safety Information” in the section entitled “About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder.”

    Dr. Nicholas Hill, Chief Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Division, Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and Principal Investigator on the Phase 3 INSPIRE study, said: “I am so pleased that patients with PAH and PH-ILD now have this newly introduced option for inhaled treprostinil. Having treated patients for more than six years in Liquidia’s INSPIRE and extension studies, I am confident in the safety, tolerability and dosing that YUTREPIA offers. The low-effort inhalation device used to deliver YUTREPIA may make it easier to start and maintain patients on treatment, especially those with limited inspiratory flows or lung capacity.”

    Matt Granato, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, said: “PAH and PH-ILD impact more than 105,000 patients in the U.S. alone. These patient communities and the physicians who serve them need therapies that can lead to the improvement of quality of life. We are always glad to see industry research leading to development of drugs that expand options for the patient community.”   

    As previously disclosed, United Therapeutics Corporation (UTHR) filed a complaint on May 9, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Case No. 1:25-cv-00368) against Liquidia alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,357,782 (the ‘782 patent) and seeks to enjoin Liquidia from commercializing YUTREPIA to treat PAH and PH-ILD.   UTHR has filed a motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block Liquidia from commercially launching YUTREPIA. Oral argument on the motion was held on May 20, 2025. The motion remains pending with the Court.

    Webcast Information
    Liquidia will provide an update on YUTREPIA commercial launch preparations via a live webcast on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. Access to the webcast will be available on the “Investors” page of Liquidia’s website at https://liquidia.com/investors/events-and-presentations. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

    About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
    Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic, progressive disease caused by narrowing, thickening or stiffening of the pulmonary arteries that can lead to right heart failure and eventually death. Currently, an estimated 45,000 patients are diagnosed and treated in the United States. There is currently no cure for PAH, so the goals of existing treatments are to alleviate symptoms, maintain or improve functional class, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life.

    About Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease (PH-ILD)
    Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a diverse collection of up to 200 different pulmonary diseases, including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, connective tissue disease-related ILD, and chronic pulmonary fibrosis with emphysema (CPFE) among others. Any level of PH in ILD patients is associated with poor 3-year survival. A current estimate of PH-ILD prevalence in the United States is greater than 60,000 patients, though population size in many of these underlying ILD diseases is not yet known due to factors including underdiagnosis and lack of approved treatments until March 2021, when inhaled treprostinil was first approved for this indication.

    About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder
    YUTREPIA is an inhaled dry-powder formulation of treprostinil delivered through a convenient, low-effort, palm-sized device. YUTREPIA was designed using Liquidia’s PRINT® technology, which enables the development of drug particles that are precise and uniform in size, shape and composition, and that are engineered for enhanced deposition in the lung following oral inhalation. Liquidia has completed the INSPIRE trial (NCT03399604), or Investigation of the Safety and Pharmacology of Dry Powder Inhalation of Treprostinil, an open-label, multi-center phase 3 clinical study of YUTREPIA in patients diagnosed with PAH who are naïve to inhaled treprostinil or who are transitioning from Tyvaso® (nebulized treprostinil). YUTREPIA is currently being studied in the ASCENT trial (NCT06129240), or An Open-Label ProSpective MultiCENTer Study to Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of Dry Powder Inhaled Treprostinil in PH, with the objective of informing YUTREPIA’s dosing and tolerability profile in patients with PH-ILD. YUTREPIA was previously referred to as LIQ861 in investigational studies.

    INDICATION
    YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder is a prostacyclin analog indicated for the treatment of:

    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability. Studies establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with NYHA Functional Class III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (56%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (33%).
    • Pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD; WHO Group 3) to improve exercise ability. The study establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with etiologies of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) (45%) inclusive of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) (25%), and WHO Group 3 connective tissue disease (22%).

    SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION: WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    • Treprostinil is a pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. In patients with low systemic arterial pressure, treatment with Treprostinil may produce symptomatic hypotension.
    • Treprostinil inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding.
    • Co-administration of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 enzyme inhibitor (e.g., gemfibrozil) may increase exposure (both Cmax and AUC) to treprostinil. Co-administration of a CYP2C8 enzyme inducer (e.g., rifampin) may decrease exposure to treprostinil. Increased exposure is likely to increase adverse events associated with treprostinil administration, whereas decreased exposure is likely to reduce clinical effectiveness.
    • Like other inhaled prostaglandins, YUTREPIA may cause acute bronchospasm. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other bronchial hyperreactivity, are at increased risk for bronchospasm. Ensure that such patients are treated optimally for reactive airway disease prior to and during treatment.
    • Most common adverse reactions with YUTREPIA (≥10%) are cough, headache, throat irritation and dizziness.

    Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder are available at YUTREPIA.com.  

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, a drug that has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PHILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    Tyvaso® is a registered trademark of United Therapeutics Corporation.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our strategic and financial initiatives, our business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, clinical studies and other clinical work (including the funding therefor; anticipated patient enrollment, safety data, study data, trial outcomes, timing or associated costs); regulatory applications and related submission contents and timelines; our ability to successfully commercialize our products, including YUTREPIA, for which we obtain FDA or other regulatory authority approval; the acceptance by the market of our products, including YUTREPIA, and their potential pricing and/or reimbursement by third-party payors, if approved (in the case of our product candidates) and whether such acceptance is sufficient to support continued commercialization or development of our products; the successful development or commercialization of our products, including YUTREPIA; our revenue from product sales and whether or not we may become profitable in the near term, or at all; future competitive or other market factors that may adversely affect the commercial potential for YUTREPIA; and our ability to execute on our strategic or financial initiatives, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Despite the approval of YUTREPIA by the FDA, it is possible that commercialization of YUTREPIA may be blocked or delayed in connection with legal proceedings that have been initiated or that may in the future be initiated, or we may be required to pay damages, including royalties, in connection with our commercial launch, as a result of these legal proceedings. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks discussed in our filings with the SEC, as well as a number of uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and our industry has inherent risks. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that these goals will be achieved, and we undertake no duty to update our goals or to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    919.328.4350
    jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Sentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison and a $500,000 fine for his role in a multiyear conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    Daniel L. Israel, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), and employees from those companies, to rig bids in each other’s favor. Israel is one of seven individuals that have been charged as part of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry. Three companies also have been charged as part of the investigation, which to date has resulted in over $8.2 million in criminal fines.

    “Economic crime — like bid rigging — is no less harmful than violent crime,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Both inflict deep, lasting harm on our communities and disenfranchise those who believe in the American dream. As the defendant admitted, he conspired to eliminate competition to further enrich himself and his accomplices. The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure that individuals who cheat and deprive the public of the benefits of competition are incarcerated.”

    “This sentencing marks an important milestone in holding accountable those responsible for this flagrant bid rigging scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Midwestern Region. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who undermine fair competition and violate federal antitrust laws.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts. Israel participated in the conspiracy from March 2013 through November 2018.

    Israel’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Al’s Asphalt. Al’s Asphalt and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in January and October 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy. ASI was sentenced in August 2024 to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office, DOT-OIG, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s central government has allocated 30 million yuan to help with the disaster in Guizhou Province.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Friday allocated 30 million yuan (about 4.17 million U.S. dollars) in disaster relief aid for landslide-hit Guizhou Province in southwest China.

    The Chinese Ministry of Finance clarified that the central government’s allocations will be used to support search and rescue operations, relocate affected residents, eliminate risks and identify hidden dangers of secondary disasters in order to minimize casualties and minimize damage.

    As previously reported, a landslide hit Gowa Township in Dafang County, administratively subordinate to Bijie City, Guizhou Province on May 22, trapping 19 people under the rubble.

    The Ministry of Finance has ordered local authorities to ensure the timely distribution of allocated funds to affected areas, strengthen supervision over their management, and ensure that these funds are effectively used to protect people’s lives and property. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Pittman, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee

    Some ‘kidfluencers’ have huge followings on social media, but the spotlight isn’t always a friendly place. ilkercelik/E+ via Getty images

    Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

    How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid? – Anushka, age 9, St. Augustine, Florida

    First, consider what kind of fame you want. Some kids, such as Blue Ivy Carter or Suri Cruise, are known for having famous parents – in their cases, singer Beyoncé and actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. That’s something you can’t really control.

    Maybe you want to be a star athlete, like basketball player Caitlin Clark or skateboarder Sky Brown. If you’re good at a sport, practicing a lot will make you even better, and you might get famous.

    Or maybe you want to be a famous musician. Singer LeAnn Rimes won her first Grammy Award at age 14. Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube when he was 12. If you work hard at playing an instrument or singing, you increase your chances of getting noticed.

    Skateboarder Sky Brown won her first Olympic medal, a bronze, at age 13 in 2020.

    A newer way to become famous is to be a social media influencer – a person who gets paid, either with money or with stuff, to help sell things on social media. A 2023 survey of 1,000 Gen Zers – people in their early teens to mid-20s – found that 57% wanted to become influencers.

    I study social media and teach a social media class at the University of Tennessee. I also have a side gig as an influencer. My posts have gone viral and been seen hundreds of millions of times all around the world. I post silly and serious things about my life on Instagram and TikTok.

    Here are some things to know about fame at a young age.

    There wasn’t always a youth culture

    Before modern times, people didn’t pay much attention to children in the way that we do now. There were a few exceptions, such as composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who played music as a child for kings and queens in the 1700s, but they were rare.

    Things changed a lot as the U.S. population boomed after World War II. Businesses realized that young people were a big market, and a new, youth-focused culture developed. Movies, TV shows and songs were increasingly made for young people, featuring young people.

    Opening credits for seasons 3-4 of “The Partridge Family,” a TV situation comedy about a family that forms a pop music band. The show ran from 1970-1974 and turned David Cassidy, who played the oldest son, into a teen idol.

    Now, thanks to social media and the internet, kids can get famous without being star athletes or actors. If you can make videos, sing songs, tell jokes or share art from your phone or computer and people like what you post, they might share it with others. Some kids become famous just by being really good at explaining things or showing their everyday lives.

    For example, Anastasia Radzinskaya, an 11-year-old Russian American girl who shares content about children’s songs and games, has 1.5 million followers on Instagram. Ethan Gamer, a video game influencer, started appearing on YouTube in 2013 at age 7.

    Pros and cons

    Being a famous kid can offer a lot of benefits. You might get to appear on TV or in movies, wear cool clothes, or hang out with famous athletes or celebrities. You might also get to make money that you could use to support your family, pay for a high-quality education or fund causes that you care about, such as protecting nature or feeding hungry people.

    But there also are downsides. Famous kids often have to work a lot and don’t have much time to hang out with friends. Also, people may say hurtful things about you on social media, which is something you can’t control.

    Being famous can pressure people to act or dress in certain ways. Handling attention and criticism from strangers can be stressful for any young person, and fame makes the challenge much harder.

    Should you try to be an influencer?

    For me, influencing can be fun and creative. It’s cool to make a video and know that lots of people around the world are enjoying it.

    Another plus is that the skills you need to be an influencer – communicating clearly, producing digital content and helping other people find cool new products – can be valuable as you grow up, no matter what job you have.

    However, most influencers don’t make enough money to do it full time – they do it as a side gig while working a real job. If you are a kid, school should be your full-time job.

    You also should expect to get rejected a lot before you start developing an audience. This can make you emotionally strong in the long run, but it still hurts when you share your work and no one seems to notice. Most influencers put in years of effort to learn the skills that help make them successful.

    You’re likely to get negative responses that can hurt your feelings. You will need your parents’ help to manage online feedback and know how to react to all kinds of responses, positive and negative.

    It’s definitely possible for kids to be famous today, but that doesn’t mean that every kid should try. What’s important is to do things that you enjoy, even if the whole world isn’t watching.

    Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

    And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

    Matthew Pittman’s influencer posts focus on his college teaching and family life. He occasionally receives products or payments in return for promoting toys, teaching tools and family games.

    – ref. How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid? – https://theconversation.com/how-does-a-person-become-famous-when-theyre-just-a-kid-255820

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bryan Keogh, Managing Editor

    Graduates of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government celebrate during commencement exercises in Cambridge, Mass. AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

    A federal judge in Boston on May 23, 2025, temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that would have revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students.

    The directive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and resulting lawsuit from Harvard have escalated the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution.

    It’s also the latest step in a White House campaign to ramp up vetting and screening of foreign nationals, including students.

    Homeland Security officials accused Harvard of creating a hostile campus climate by accommodating “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist agitators.” The accusation stems from the university’s alleged support for certain political groups and their activities on campus.

    In early April, the Trump administration terminated the immigration statuses of thousands of international students listed in a government database, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The database includes country of citizenship, which U.S. school they attend and what they study.

    Barring Harvard from enrolling international students could have significant implications for the campus’s climate and the local economy. International students account for 27% of the university’s enrollment.

    Here are four stories from The Conversation’s archive about the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard and the economic impact of international students.

    1. A target on Harvard

    This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted the university.

    The White House has threatened to end the university’s tax-exempt status, and some media outlets have reported that the Internal Revenue Service is taking steps in that direction.

    But it is illegal to revoke an entity’s tax-emempt status “on a whim,” according to Philip Hackney, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, and Brian Mittendorf, an accounting professor at Ohio State University.

    “Before the IRS can do that, tax law requires that it first audit that charity,” they wrote. “And it’s illegal for U.S. presidents or other officials to force the IRS to conduct an audit or stop one that’s already begun.”

    Several U.S. senators, all Democrats, have urged the IRS inspector general to see whether the IRS has begun auditing Harvard or any nonprofits in response to the administration’s requests or whether Trump has violated any laws with his pressure campaign.

    Hackney and Mittendorf wrote that the Trump administration’s moves are part of a larger push to exert control over Harvard, including its efforts to increase its diversity and its response to claims of discrimination on campus.



    Read more:
    Can Trump strip Harvard of its charitable status? Scholars of nonprofit law and accounting describe the obstacles in his way

    .“

    University of Michigan students on campus on April 3, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
    Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

    2. International students help keep ‘America First’

    The U.S. has long been the global leader in attracting international students. But competition for these students is increasing as other countries vie to attract the scholars.

    In a recent story for The Conversation, David L. Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, wrote that stepped-up screening and vetting of students could make the U.S. a less attractive study destination.

    Di Maria wrote that such efforts could hamper the Trump administration’s ability to achieve its “America First” priorities related to the economy, science and technology, and national security.

    Trump administration officials have emphasized the importance of recruiting top global talent. And Trump has said that international students who graduate from U.S. colleges should be awarded a green card with their degree.

    Research shows that international students launch successful startups at a rate that is eight to nine times higher than their U.S.-born peers. Roughly 25% of billion-dollar companies in the U.S. were founded by former international students, Di Maria noted.



    Read more:
    Deporting international students risks making the US a less attractive destination, putting its economic engine at risk

    3. A boost to local economies

    Indeed, international students have a tremendous economic impact on local communities.

    If these global scholars stay home or go elsewhere, that’s bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States, wrote Barnet Sherman, a professor of multinational finance and trade at Boston University.

    With the money they spend on tuition, food, housing and other other items, international students pump money into the local economy, but there are additional benefits.

    On average, a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created, Sherman wrote.

    In Greater Boston, where Harvard is located, there are about 63,000 international students who contribute to the economy. The gains are huge – about US$3 billion.



    Read more:
    International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?

    4. Rising number of international students

    The rising number of foreign students studying in the U.S. has long led to concerns about U.S. students being displaced by international peers.

    The unease is often fueled by the assumption that financial interests are driving the trend, Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University and Bernhard Streitwieser of George Washington University wrote in a 2015 story for The Conversation.

    A common claim, they wrote, is the flawed assumption that “cash-strapped public universities” aggressively recruit more affluent students from abroad who can afford to pay rising tuition costs. The pair wrote that, historically, shifting demographics on college campuses result from social and economic changes.

    In today’s context, Miller-Idriss and Streitwieser maintain that the argument that colleges prioritize international students fails to account for the global role of U.S. universities, which help support national security, foster international development projects and accelerate the pace of globalization.



    Read more:
    Foreign students not a threat, but an advantage

    This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

    – ref. Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact – https://theconversation.com/harvard-fights-to-keep-enrolling-international-students-4-essential-reads-about-their-broader-impact-257506

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity of U.S Health Care System

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act to bolster the health care and public health sectors’ cybersecurity. This bipartisan bill would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate on improving cybersecurity and make resources available to non-federal entities relating to cyber threat indicators and appropriate defense measures. It would also create a special liaison to HHS from CISA to support cybersecurity for health care and public health sector entities.
    “For years, America’s health care system has faced devastating cyberattacks that have exposed patients’ data, jeopardized access to care, and hurt local and rural medical facilities across Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to increase coordination to prevent cybersecurity attacks and make more resources available to hospitals and health care entities to improve their cybersecurity. I’ll keep working with both parties to strengthen our cybersecurity and protect Nevadans from cybercriminals.”
    “In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.”
    Since she joined the Senate, Senator Rosen has been working across party lines to improve our nation’s cybersecurity. Last month, she sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. expressing her deep concerns and demanding answers regarding the elimination of critical information technology and cybersecurity personnel and leadership at HHS. Last year, Senator Rosen announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented her bipartisan law to strengthen the cybersecurity of veterans’ personal information and data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Support Merit Staff and Protect SNAP Program Integrity

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Legislation Would Invest in the Workers Who Work to Ensure SNAP is Run Efficiently;
    Reintroduction Comes as Congressional Republicans Work to Cut SNAP Benefits and Other Nutrition Programs for Millions of Americans
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Specialty Crops, announced the reintroduction of the SNAP Administrator Retention Act, legislation that would support merit staff and protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide states with federal resources to ensure state agencies can retain their experienced merit staff and help fill open SNAP administrator positions, allowing the program to operate at peak efficiency. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
    As Congressional Republicans continue to push for $290 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, Senator Luján is working to protect and improve SNAP by investing in the merit staff who work to ensure the program is run efficiently. Specifically, the SNAP Administrator Retention Act gives states the ability to receive 100 percent of the administrative personnel costs associated with hiring and retaining the merit staff who carry out the SNAP program and aligns the wages of SNAP administrators with the federal wage standards.
    “In New Mexico and across the country, the merit staff who administer SNAP help families access critical nutrition benefits and keep food on the table, all while ensuring the program operates efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Luján. “As Congressional Republicans work to rip away nutrition assistance from our nation’s most vulnerable, my SNAP Administrator Retention Act works to support the dedicated merit staff that help families access to nutrition support they rely on and make sure SNAP is administered effectively. I’m committed to defending and improving SNAP and look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.”
    “Every month, SNAP helps millions of struggling families put food on the table, and well over 90 percent of participating households include children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “But chronic underinvestment in the program’s workforce causes staffing shortages and unacceptable delays that too often leave eligible families without food assistance for days or even weeks. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Jahana Hayes, will help states invest in hiring, training, and retaining staff. It will also help them better respond to families’ needs and ensure SNAP remains a powerful bulwark against hunger in our communities.”  
    “The effective administration of SNAP is critical to addressing our nation’s hunger crisis and preserving the program’s integrity,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center. “The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide state agencies with the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain skilled merit staff, which will help streamline administrative processes, reduce delays, and strengthen access to this essential program. It’s a win-win for families and for states.”
    In New Mexico and across the country, SNAP is a lifeline for Americans facing hunger and poverty. In New Mexico, nearly 20 percent of the state’s population depends on SNAP to feed themselves and their families. Across the country, nearly 40 percent of SNAP recipients are children. Merit staff play an essential role in determining SNAP eligibility, walking recipients through the application process, and ensuring that applications are processed as quickly as possible.
    The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), and NAACP.
    In Congress, Senator Luján has long fought to protect and improve SNAP. Last week, Senator Luján hosted a press call on Republicans’ efforts to gut SNAP. Additionally, Senator Luján has led legislation to protect local grocers from transaction fees that would make it harder for them to accept SNAP benefits and has fought toprotect access to SNAP in the Farm Bill.
    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Support Students Walking or Biking to School

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (May 23, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) on Wednesday introduced the bipartisan Safe Routes Improvement Act to enhance program accessibility for communities in North Dakota and nationwide. Specifically, the bill requires state departments of transportation (DOT) to designate an SRTS program coordinator, which will serve as a point of contact for local governments, school districts, and others looking to navigate the SRTS Program and receive funds for projects in their communities.
    The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, established nearly two decades ago, was created to make it safer and easier for students who walk or bike to school. In addition to providing safety education to children and caregivers, it also funds infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have SRTS programs which serve millions of students across the nation.
    “Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school, whether they’re walking, biking, or riding the bus,” said Markey. “By ensuring every state has a Safe Routes to School coordinator, we’re helping communities design safer streets and healthier futures. I’m proud to partner with Senator Cramer to introduce this legislation and put children’s safety first.”
    “As someone who walks to work every morning when I’m in Washington, I know how essential safe routes are for the kids who walk or bike to school,” said Cramer. “Over the last 20 years, the Safe Routes to School program has been instrumental in helping support infrastructure improvements to keep our kids safe. This legislation is a smart solution to make it easier for school districts and rural communities to access Safe Routes funding.”
    “Every child should be able to bike, walk, or roll to school safely,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this legislation from Senators Cramer and Markey which would direct state departments of transportation to designate a Safe Routes to School Coordinator. By helping school districts and local governments navigate the grants process, share best practices, and track successes, Safe Routes to School Coordinators are a crucial resource in our shared goal to improve traffic safety for kids.”
    “As the national leader of the Safe Routes to School movement, Safe Routes Partnership applauds Senator Cramer for his continued leadership in strengthening a program that helps students get to and from school safely and reliably,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of the Safe Routes Partnership. “Safe Routes to School is an evidence-based, cost-effective, bipartisan initiative that supports rural, suburban, and urban communities in meeting the daily transportation needs of families. By ensuring every state has a dedicated Safe Routes to School coordinator, this legislation will expand the program’s reach and ensure more communities can benefit from safer, more connected school travel options.”  
    The bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Safeguard Genetic Data Privacy After 23andMe Bankruptcy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today introduced the Don’t Sell My DNA Act, which would safeguard customers’ sensitive genetic information when an entity that maintains their data files for bankruptcy:
    “Advances in DNA testing have allowed Americans to have unprecedented access to important insights about their genetics, but these companies must have a plan to protect this data in the event of bankruptcy,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By updating the bankruptcy code, this legislation would safeguard Americans’ sensitive genetic information to ensure it cannot be weaponized against them or made public without their knowledge and consent.”
    “For too long companies have profited off of Americans’ data while consumers have been left in the dark, which is especially concerning in light of reports that 23andMe plans to sell customer genetic data assets to a large pharmaceutical company,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bill will put new protections in place to safeguard Americans’ privacy while giving consumers greater control over how their sensitive health data is shared.”
    “Consumers should feel confident that any personal information shared with a public company isn’t up for grabs when that company files for bankruptcy,” said Sen. Grassley. “This bill would fill gaps in current law to help safeguard consumers’ genetic information and ensure Americans’ DNA isn’t treated like any other financial asset.”
    Background:
    Recently, data privacy concerns have been raised when companies who maintain data on users’ DNA and genetic profiling file for bankruptcy. Under current law, the Bankruptcy Code provides protections for personally identifiable information in bankruptcy court proceedings to prevent the possibility of identity theft, harm, or other unlawful injury from occurring. The current definition of personally identifiable information includes an individual’s name, address, email, phone number, social security number, credit card number, and other information that could be used for identification purposes. However, the definition is outdated and does not include reference to genetic information, meaning this information is vulnerable. This legislation would solve this problem by updating the definition of “personally identifiable information” in the bankruptcy code to include genetic information.
    The Don’t Sell My DNA Act strengthens consumer privacy protections by:
    Modernizing the definition of “personally identifiable information” in the Bankruptcy Code to include genetic information;
    Having consumers affirmatively consent to the use, sale, or lease of their genetic information after the bankruptcy case commences;
    Requiring companies to provide prior written notice of the use, sale or lease of their genetic information during bankruptcy;
    And requiring the trustee or debtor in possession to delete any genetic information not subject to a sale or lease.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin on What’s Next for President Trump’s Big, Beautiful, Bill on Fox Business

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI: Senator Mullin on What’s Next for President Trump’s Big, Beautiful, Bill on Fox Business

    Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox Business’ “Kudlow” to discuss President Trump’s Big, Beautiful, Bill being sent over to the Senate and where the process stands now. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
    On Senate input in the Big, Beautiful, Bill:
    “As you know, Larry, we’ve been talking about the reconciliation literally since the November election, and everybody’s had their opportunity to have input. Ron Johnson has had his opportunity to have input, Lindsey Graham, I’ve had my input. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, even John Thune, everybody has had their opportunity to have input in this bill. And we’re going to continue the one bill, one Big, Beautiful, Bill. President Trump has made the play call. He said, this is what he wants. We’ve debated it, the House has now passed it, they’ve given it to us.”
    On the framework of the Big, Beautiful, Bill:  
    “Why would we tear down the frame that the House has already built? Why don’t we take it? If we’ve got to repaint the interior walls, that’s fine, but at the end of the day, we’re going to vote on reconciliation that the American people want. And it may not be a perfect bill, but we’ve negotiated it, we’ve talked about it, we’ve had conferences on it, we’ve talked about it in our committees.”
    On every Senator having two choices:
    “When it goes to the floor, every member is going to have two choices, and that’s it… You’re going to either vote for the bill and say, I’m going to move forward with what the American people want and move into the Trump era policies, or I’m going to say… we’re going to stay put… we’d rather stay with Biden era policies, because that’s your choices. That’s it, A or B. And we can’t allow perfection to get in the way of good, because this is a better bill than what we’re currently working with.” 
    On the Byrd Rule and restrictions the Senate must comply with:
    “The American people are getting impatient too. We’ve already got constituents who want us to pass this thing tomorrow. What people have to understand is our two chambers operate completely different. So, we have to deal with the Byrd Rule over here, what I call the bird bath. It’s got to come over here, it’s got to get scrubbed.”
    “We’ve got almost 1,100 pages that we have to go through, line by line. And here’s why that’s important. Because if we were to bring this bill to the floor as it is, and the parliamentarian rules that it doesn’t fit underneath the Byrd rule. It can’t fit underneath reconciliation. Reconciliation was reconciled in 1990 which basically said, we can do reconciliation with a slim majority as long as it fits within the Byrd Rule, which is taxes and government spending. And we can do it with a simple majority of 51.”
    “If it doesn’t fit inside the Byrd Rule, we have to go through the appropriation process, which says we’ve got to have 60. So, we have to go through it before we can get started. And I think if President Trump really leans in this, which I’ll be talking to him tomorrow at the White House about it, I think if he really leans in on it, we can maybe do it before July 4th. But July 4th is a tough target if the Senate doesn’t work fast but Larry, I think we can get it done for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Durbin Lead Call for Inspector General to Investigate Emil Bove’s Abuse of Prosecutorial Power at DOJ’s Civil Rights Division 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) referred Emil Bove III to the Office of Inspector General. Senators asked Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate Mr. Bove’s potential abuse of prosecutorial authority within the Civil Rights Division. 
    Public reporting indicates that Mr. Bove used intimidation tactics to stymie protected rights of students, including freedom of speech and freedom of association. Mr. Bove reportedly instructed career prosecutors in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate those students. After career prosecutors raised concerns about whether such actions violated the Constitution, Mr. Bove reportedly demanded prosecutors file for search warrants for the list. A magistrate judge twice rejected this request, finding the investigation initiated at Mr. Bove’s direction lacked probable cause. He then, purportedly, ordered FBI agents to intimidate protestors by putting on their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx formation.  
    “If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda,” the Senators write. “This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.” 
    The letter, led by Senator Welch and Ranking Member Durbin, was signed Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). 
    Read the letter here and below:  
    Dear Inspector General Horowitz:  
    We write to express our concern about grave allegations that Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III violated the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Justice Manual, flouted his ethical responsibilities, abused the powers of his office, and exceeded the constitutional limitations on prosecutorial power by initiating pretextual criminal investigations against students at Columbia University and premising investigative steps on protected constitutional activity.  
    According to public reporting, Mr. Bove sought to have career prosecutors in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division obtain a membership list of a student group at Columbia and investigate its members. Prosecutors resisted this request due to the Justice Manual’s prohibition on initiating criminal investigations based on protected constitutional activity, such as freedom of association. These career prosecutors then learned Mr. Bove allegedly sought this list to share with immigration agents, creating a fear that the investigation was a pretextual effort to intimidate students engaged in First Amendment expression with threats of detention and deportation. Separately, Mr. Bove reportedly attempted to employ a different intimidation tactic, instructing Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on the Joint Terrorism Task Force to don their raid jackets and stand in a phalanx near protestors on Columbia’s campus. 
    Subsequently, Mr. Bove ordered prosecutors to obtain a search warrant for the nonpublic data associated with the student group’s Instagram account, based on the premise that the account was used to make a threat—despite the assessment of career prosecutors that the identified statement did not meet the legal definition of a threat. No prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York signed the warrant application, despite the action being brought in their jurisdiction, reportedly due to the same concerns shared by the career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division. 
    Ultimately, Mr. Bove’s requested warrant application was rejected twice, once on initial review and again on reconsideration, by a federal magistrate judge for failing to establish probable cause. The nature of the second rejection appears to indicate further abuses because the magistrate judge imposed a special condition: if DOJ seeks to refile this search warrant application before another federal judge, they must include a transcript of the sealed discussions of these initial efforts. If these reports are accurate, Mr. Bove has abused his prosecutorial and supervisory authority to retaliate against protected First Amendment activity for the purpose of furthering President Trump’s political agenda.  
    This matter must be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). While we acknowledge that DOJ views attorney misconduct as the province of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), OPR is apparently not available to pursue this matter. Since the constructive removal of Jeffrey Ragsdale as Director and Chief Counsel, OPR has no publicly-known leadership, and our understanding is that the office has been shuttered completely. OIG is thus the only available avenue for oversight of attorney professional misconduct.  
    Moreover, concurrent jurisdiction exists between OIG and OPR, particularly where misconduct creates waste, fraud, and abuse. The alleged abuse of power and unethical behavior in question involves the type of misconduct that extends beyond an attorney’s professional responsibilities and falls under the jurisdiction of OIG. In this extraordinary circumstance, we urge you to exercise existing concurrent jurisdiction to investigate all alleged misconduct. 
    Sincerely,  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Names Leadership Team, Reorganizes Criminal Division

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced today the appointment of a new executive leadership team to guide the District of New Mexico’s mission, along with a restructuring of the Albuquerque office’s Criminal Division to best advance the Administration’s priorities.

    Mr. Ellison named Kimberly Brawley as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Divisions. Ms. Brawley joined the office in 2007 and has worked across all sections of the Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018, she supervised the General Crimes Section, which handled violent crimes, firearms offenses, narcotics, and immigration cases.   Since 2018 she has prosecuted white collar, national security, and civil rights cases.  Ms. Brawley earned her B.A. with honors from New Mexico State University and graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.  Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she clerked for the office and practiced civil defense litigation in the private sector.

    Christopher McNair will serve as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. McNair joined the office 2018 and has primarily handled firearms, violent crime, and immigration offenses. Mr. McNair graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law and earned his B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

    Roberto Ortega has been appointed as Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Ortega has over 35 years of legal experience, including 25 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases and now focuses on defending the United States in civil litigation. Mr. Ortega holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He is also an active community leader, having served on several local boards, including the UNM Alumni Association and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. He and his wife, Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega, have four children.

    Niki Tapia-Brito will lead the Albuquerque Office’s Criminal Division as Chief. Ms. Tapia-Brito joined the office in 2011, after serving for 10 years as a prosecutor in the 7th and 2nd Judicial District Attorneys’ Offices.  Throughout her career with the office, Ms. Tapia-Brito has prosecuted federal cases in the Indian Crimes, Violent Crimes, Civil Rights and Public Integrity sections.  Ms. Tapia-Brito earned her B.A. from Stanford University and a JD at University of New Mexico School of Law.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Richard Williams will serve as Chief of the Criminal Division. He joined the office in 2001 as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2002. From July 2008 to July 2022, Mr. Williams served in supervisory roles, including Deputy Branch Chief and Section Supervisor. Throughout his career with the office, he has led numerous criminal investigations and prosecutions involving immigration, firearms, narcotics, money laundering, murder and other violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and various federal violations. He has also argued multiple appeals before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, securing two successful topside appeals. In recognition of his appellate work, Mr. Williams received the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2010. Before joining the office, he practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Williams earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and his B.A. cum laude from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Paige Messec will continue to serve as the Chief of the Appellate Division, which she has headed since 2018. Ms. Messec joined the office in 2008 and served in the Immigration, General Crimes, and White Collar sections of the Criminal Division before moving to the Appellate Division in 2015. She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Georgetown University and law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School. Before joining the office, she clerked for Judge Harris L Hartz on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Jeremy Peña has been appointed as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Albuquerque Criminal Division. Mr. Peña joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011, starting in the General Crimes Section and moving to the White Collar Section that same year. In 2014, he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for the trial conviction of Sheriff Thomas Rodella.  He has prosecuted some of the Office’s most complex cases, including Ayudando Guardians and the recent trial conviction of Solomon Peña.  Mr. Peña graduated from Pomona College and the University of Chicago Law School.  He was an Assistant District Attorney for five years before becoming an AUSA.

    In the Las Cruces Branch Office, Terri Abernathy will continue to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Criminal Division, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, Ms. Abernathy is responsible for coordinating the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Las Cruces Office. She has been with the office since 2000 and serves as the District’s Border Security Coordinator. Over her 25-year career, Ms. Abernathy has prosecuted complex narcotics cases and more than a thousand immigration cases. Before joining the office, she clerked for Circuit Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and is a graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri.

    In addition to his executive leadership team, Mr. Ellison announced a restructured Criminal Division in the Albuquerque Office, now organized into four sections:

    • Narcotics and Organized Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Ramirez and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lou Mattei.
    • White Collar Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Federici.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Hurtado and Deputy Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.
    • Indian Country Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McGinley.

    The Las Cruces Branch Office is organized into two sections:

    • Organized and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Stahl.
    • Violent and General Crimes: Led by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Armijo.

    Public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. With this new leadership team in place, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to vigorously enforcing the law, protecting our communities, and upholding the rights of all New Mexicans. The office will continue to collaborate closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to address violent crime, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen border security. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, MS – A Texas man pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Adrian Hill, 44, of Dallas, Texas unlawfully acquired and used more than $210,600 in SNAP benefits from approximately August 2022 through November 2023. Hill admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger.

    Hill pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.

    The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Deported Mexican National Indicted For Illegally Possessing Firearm After Shots Fired From Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Hilario Diaz-Velazquez (32, Mexico) with illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Diaz-Velazquez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

    According to court records, on March 30, 2025, the Palmetto Police Department responded to a call for service regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto. An officer from the Palmetto Police Department witnessed gunshots from a vehicle, and officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants. The occupants were arrested on state charges and two firearms were seized from the vehicle. One of the occupants was identified as Diaz-Velazquez. A review of Diaz-Velazquez’s immigration history showed that he was previously deported from the United States on November 26, 2012.

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

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Files Forfeiture Action to Recover $6.7 Million in Stolen Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) filed a civil forfeiture action to recover more than $6.7 million in funds alleged to be proceeds of a financial fraud scheme.

    “Civil forfeiture is a powerful and important tool in cases like this, and it allows the government to move quickly to seize the stolen funds, seek legal ownership of them, and then promptly return them to the victims,” said Katie de Villiers, Chief of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division for the District of Oregon. “This was only possible here because the crime was reported to law enforcement. The most important takeaway for the public is that if you find yourself the victim of a similar scam, do not delay in contacting law enforcement.”

    As alleged in the forfeiture complaint, in February 2025, the City of Portland was targeted by a business impersonation scheme. The scammer, posing as an employee of a company contracted by the city, gained access to a payment system and changed the contractor’s bank account information to an account provided by the scammer. In March 2025, the City of Portland notified law enforcement that a payment intended for the contractor had been diverted to an unauthorized bank account.

    On April 16, 2025, the USAO and FBI sought and obtained a federal seizure warrant. The same day, the FBI executed the warrant and seized $6,748,680 of fraudulently-obtained funds. The FBI was able to swiftly seize proceeds of the crime, which were still located in the unauthorized account.

    Federal law enforcement uses civil forfeiture to recover proceeds of a crime and attempt to return those proceeds to victims quickly. This is especially important in online-related scams where scammers are often overseas and unable to be identified, hindering a criminal prosecution and forfeiture.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and Portland Police Bureau. The civil forfeiture action is being handled by Julia E. Jarrett and Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    The accusations in the complaint, and the description of the complaint, constitute only allegations that certain property is subject to forfeiture. The United States must prove, by a standard of preponderance of the evidence, that the property is subject to forfeiture.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Signs Four Executive Orders on Nuclear Energy: A Huge Day For the Nuclear Industry

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    HUGE Day for the Nuclear Industry

    Secretary Burgum : “This is going to turn the clock back on over 50 years of overregulation of an industry… A series of four Executive Orders – each of these helps attack separate issues that have held back this industry.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkk5XOIoc4A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Signs Executive Orders to Usher in a Nuclear Renaissance, Restore Gold Standard Science

    Source: The White House

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, as he signs several key executive orders, President Trump is taking decisive action to strengthen scientific discovery in America, rebuild public trust in science, and accelerate advanced nuclear technologies.

    Under President Trump’s leadership, America will usher in a nuclear energy renaissance. After decades of stagnation and shuttered reactors, President Trump is providing a path forward for nuclear innovation. Today’s executive orders allow for reactor design testing at DOE labs, clear the way for construction on federal lands to protect national and economic security, and remove regulatory barriers by requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue timely licensing decisions.

    “Over the last 30 years, we stopped building nuclear reactors in America – that ends now. Today’s executive orders are the most significant nuclear regulatory reform actions taken in decades. We are restoring a strong American nuclear industrial base, rebuilding a secure and sovereign domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, and leading the world towards a future fueled by American nuclear energy. These actions are critical to American energy independence and continued dominance in AI and other emerging technologies,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Director Michael Kratsios.

    “For too long, America’s nuclear energy industry has been stymied by red tape and outdated government policies, but thanks to President Trump, the American nuclear renaissance is finally here,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. “With the emergence of AI and President Trump’s pro-American manufacturing policies at work, American civil nuclear energy is being unleashed at the perfect time. Nuclear has the potential to be America’s greatest source of energy addition. It works whether the wind is blowing, or the sun is shining, is possible anywhere and at different scales. President Trump’s executive orders today unshackle our civil nuclear energy industry and ensure it can meet this critical moment.”

    “President Trump’s executive orders expand America’s Energy Dominance agenda. As energy demand continues to surge, expanding our existing nuclear fleet and investing in advanced nuclear technologies ensures we have reliable energy to power our homes, fuel for President Trump’s manufacturing revolution, and a stronger electric grid,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

    The President also signed an executive order implementing Gold Standard Science to rebuild public trust in the national science enterprise. The EO defines Gold Standard Science and requires federal research agencies to conform their existing programs and activities to these fundamentals. In addition to federal agencies, the Trump Administration is issuing a call to excellence for all American researchers and academic institutions to go back to the basics by restoring Gold Standard Science.

    Gold Standard Science is just that—science that meets the Gold Standard. It’s reproducible, transparent, falsifiable, subject to unbiased peer review, clear about errors and uncertainties, skeptical of assumptions, collaborative, interdisciplinary, accepting of negative results, and free from conflicts of interests.

    “President Trump is making Gold Standard Science the cornerstone of the federal science enterprise and rebuilding public trust in science. With this executive order, we are recommitting ourselves to scientific best practices and empowering America’s researchers to achieve groundbreaking discoveries. Gold Standard Science starts in the policies and programs of our great federal research institutions, and continues with partnership across academia, industry, and philanthropy,” said Director Kratsios.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • US to impose sanctions on Sudan after finding government used chemical weapons

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States said on Thursday it would impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that its government used chemical weapons in 2024 during the army’s conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a charge the army denied.

    Measures against Sudan will include limits on U.S. exports and U.S. government lines of credit and will take effect around June 6, after Congress was notified on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

    “The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC,” Bruce said, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty banning the use of such weapons.

    In a statement, Sudan rejected the move, and described the allegations as false.

    “This interference, which lacks any moral or legal basis, deprives Washington of what is left of its credibility and closes the door to any influence in Sudan,” government spokesperson Khalid al-Eisir said on Friday.

    The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between the army and the RSF, unleashing waves of ethnic violence, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and plunging several areas into famine. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and about 13 million displaced.

    Washington in January imposed sanctions on army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.

    The U.S. has also determined members of the RSF and allied militias committed genocide and imposed sanctions on some of the group’s leadership, including RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

    The New York Times reported in January, citing four senior U.S. officials, that the Sudanese army had used chemical weapons at least twice during the conflict, deploying the weapons in remote areas of the country.

    Two officials briefed on the matter said the chemical weapons appeared to use chlorine gas, which can cause lasting damage to human tissue, the New York Times reported at the time.

    Bruce’s statement said the U.S. had formally determined on April 24 under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 that the government of Sudan used chemical weapons last year, but did not specify what weapons were used, precisely when or where.

    “The United States remains fully committed to hold to account those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation,” Bruce said.

    “The intention here is to distract from the recent campaign in Congress against the UAE,” a Sudanese diplomatic source said.

    The source said the U.S. could have gone to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate the claims and neglected to do so.

    Sudan’s government is aligned with the army.

    It cut diplomatic relations with the UAE this month, saying the Gulf power was aiding the RSF with supplies of advanced weaponry in the devastating conflict that broke out following disagreements over the integration of the two forces.

    The UAE has denied the allegations and says it supports humanitarian and peace efforts.

    U.S. congressional Democrats sought last Thursday to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates over its alleged involvement in the war.

    Sudan said this week that the United Arab Emirates was responsible for an attack on Port Sudan this month, accusing the Gulf state for the first time of direct military intervention in the war.

    The UAE denied the allegations in a statement and said it condemned the attack.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi to chair 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting on May 24, focusing on ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on May 24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emphasizing the theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047.” The meeting aims to unite states and Union Territories as “Team India” to drive India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047, with a focus on state-led development as the cornerstone of national progress.

    The meeting will deliberate on strategies to realize the vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat, encouraging states to craft bold, inclusive, and long-term vision documents aligned with national priorities while reflecting local realities. States are urged to leverage their unique geographic and demographic strengths, set time-bound targets, and prioritize human development, economic growth, sustainability, technology, and governance reforms. The adoption of data-driven processes, supported by Project Monitoring Units, ICT-enabled infrastructure, and Monitoring & Evaluation Cells, will ensure accountability and enable mid-course corrections for outcome-based transformation.

    A key agenda of the meeting is to build consensus on development challenges and foster collaboration between the Centre, states, and Union Territories to position states as the building blocks of a developed India. Discussions will also focus on promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skilling, and creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide. The meeting will build on the outcomes of the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, held from December 13-15, 2024, which outlined key recommendations under the theme “Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend.” The conference highlighted six critical areas: creating enabling ecosystems for manufacturing and services in Tier 2 and 3 cities, supporting MSMEs and informal employment in rural and urban areas, and tapping opportunities in the green economy, including renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.

    The 10th Governing Council Meeting will see participation from Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of states and Union Territories, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman, Members, and CEO. .

  • India pushes for removal of export controls among BRICS nations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has urged the removal of export controls among BRICS member nations during the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held on May 21 in Brasilia under Brazil’s presidency. The meeting, centered around the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” served as a platform for India to advocate for enhanced intra-bloc trade cooperation and mutual support.

    Looking ahead to its upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026, India praised Brazil’s pragmatic and consensus-driven approach in navigating key trade challenges and promoting constructive dialogue among member countries.

    Representing India at the meeting, Economic Adviser in the Department of Commerce, Yashvir Singh emphasized the need to eliminate restrictive trade measures that disrupt critical supply chains.

    A significant outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of a Joint Declaration accompanied by three annexures: the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, the BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding, and the BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework. These key documents reflect BRICS’ shared commitment to an equitable, inclusive, and rules-based global trade architecture. The declaration also warned against the misuse of climate-related trade measures, cautioning that such actions should not become tools of unjustified discrimination or disguised trade restrictions.

    Delivering a speech on behalf of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, India extended appreciation to Brazil for steering the deliberations effectively and welcomed Indonesia’s upcoming induction into BRICS in 2025. India reiterated its call for a fair, transparent, and decentralised trade system that serves the developmental needs of the Global South.

    India used the opportunity to raise the long-pending issue of WTO reform. It stressed the urgent need for a permanent solution to the matter of public stockholding (PSH) for food security and promoted its “30 for 30” proposal — a blueprint for introducing 30 practical reforms ahead of the WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025. India also reaffirmed that sustainable development must remain a foundational pillar of international trade governance, rooted deeply in the country’s cultural ethos.

    Singh also highlighted the importance of ensuring the concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) to developing countries, with adequate financial support. He spotlighted India’s global initiative, Mission LiFE, which advocates for mindful consumption, sustainable living, and circular economy practices as part of a fair climate responsibility model.

    The meeting also acknowledged the critical role of digital transformation in global economic development. India reaffirmed its leadership in inclusive digital governance through initiatives such as Digital India and IndiaAI. It also reiterated its commitment to international collaboration in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. India underscored the need to continue working through multilateral forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the G20. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding officially recognised DPI as a fundamental driver of digital economic transformation.

  • From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: Experts call PM Modi’s maritime shift ‘strategic and visionary’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

     In a defining moment for India’s maritime diplomacy, the country unveiled its expanded oceanic strategy under the banner of the ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative. This move marked a significant evolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s original SAGAR doctrine. The new initiative demonstrates a shift from the regional focus on the Indian Ocean to a comprehensive global maritime approach.

    The strategy was the centrepiece of a high-level dialogue held in the capital, bringing together top defence experts, diplomats, and scholars for a conference titled “The Mahasagar Initiative in the Current Security Context”, organised by the Chintan Research Foundation.

    Delivering the keynote address, Admiral R.K. Dhowan (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, highlighted India’s growing maritime prowess:

    “The Indian Navy is fully capable of deterring threats, asserting control across ocean spaces, and defending the nation’s interests through operational manoeuvre, sea denial, and sea control. Our readiness also covers coastal defence and asymmetric warfare scenarios.”

    Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation, reflected on the journey from SAGAR to Mahasagar:

    “‘SAGAR’—Security and Growth for All in the Region—was rooted in the belief that economic development cannot be achieved without peace and stability. It initially targeted the Indian Ocean Region but laid the groundwork for a broader global approach.”

    Over the past decade, India has steadily expanded its maritime partnerships and blue economy engagement. Former Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia stressed SAGAR’s impact in strengthening regional ties and developmental outreach:

    “SAGAR has driven India’s efforts to build regional partnerships and boost maritime development, especially in the blue economy.”

    Now, India’s sights are set on a more ambitious global maritime framework. Prof. Chintamani Mahapatra, Founder and Chairperson of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, highlighted the shift:

    “MAHASAGAR goes beyond SAGAR—it seeks shared prosperity and security across all oceans. PM Modi envisions a world where every country with maritime borders benefits equally from peace, trade, and sustainability.”

    Jayant Misra, Executive Committee Member of MP-IDSA, elaborated on the expanded scope of Mahasagar: “The scope of MAHASAGAR is wider. It now includes collective security, regional coordination, and enhanced global maritime partnerships.”

    Stressing the diplomatic symbolism, Ruchita Beri, Senior Fellow at VIF, pointed out the strategic location of the initiative’s announcement:

    “Announcing the Mahasagar initiative from Mauritius underscored the country’s strategic importance and symbolic partnership in India’s maritime outreach.”

    Prof. Gulshan Sachdeva, Coordinator at DAKSHIN-RIS, offered a broader perspective:

    “While SAGAR was focused on the Indian Ocean, MAHASAGAR includes other oceanic regions and the broader Global South. It positions India as a first responder and a key economic and strategic partner.”

    As oceanic challenges and geopolitical rivalries intensify, the Mahasagar Initiative signals a bold new era in India’s foreign policy. It redefines India’s maritime role—not just as a regional power, but as a global advocate for maritime security, economic inclusion, and sustainable ocean governance.

    With MAHASAGAR, India is positioning itself as a strategic leader offering a forward-looking model for international maritime cooperation in the 21st century.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Jewish Caucus on Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum of Israeli Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC—The Congressional Jewish Caucus issued the below statement in response to the shooting that took place at the Capital Jewish Museum killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, employees of the Israel Embassy. The Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and Brad Schneider (IL-10). Members include Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Greg Landsman (OH-1), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Mike Levin (CA-49), Kim Schrier (WA-8), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Seth Magaziner (RI-2), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Laura Friedman (CA-30), and Eugene Vindman (VA-7). 

    “The Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus are shocked and horrified by the brutal murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, employees of the Israeli embassy gunned down by an antisemitic assailant in front of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. The young couple planned to be engaged soon in Israel.

    “Yaron and Sarah were leaving the American Jewish Committee’s Young Diplomats Reception, hosted by the AJC’s Young Professional Board, when they were killed. Their murders, in the midst of Jewish American Heritage Month, is an outrage. While the investigation is ongoing, we must be clear: the targeting of any Jewish gathering is antisemitism and the violence perpetrated on Wednesday night was a hate crime and an act of terrorism.

    “The members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity to the families of the victims, their friends and colleagues at the Israeli Embassy, and everyone else traumatized by this savage attack in the Capital of the United States at a site cherished by the Jewish community.

    “We must not accept or normalize antisemitic hate — history teaches us that antisemitic words lead to antisemitic violence. We will redouble our efforts to oppose antisemitism, hate crimes, and violence in response to this horror, and, now more than ever, we urge our friends and colleagues to do the same.

    “May the memories of this beautiful young couple be forever a blessing to their families and friends.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on DOE Metallurgical Coal Announcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright announced on Thursday, May 22, that coal used in steelmaking is now designated as a critical material. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “I am excited by this announcement from the Department of Energy.

    “Metallurgical coal is a lifeblood for coal and steel communities across the country, including Virginia’s Ninth District.

    “By designating metallurgical coal as a critical material, the Trump Administration advances the mineral’s status as an important contributor to America’s economy, energy and manufacturing sectors and military preparedness.”

    BACKGROUND

    Rep. Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus.

    In the 118th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

    The 119th Congress is Rep. Griffith’s first term as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee Chair.

    In April of 2025, Rep. Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry.

    The designation of metallurgical coal as a “critical material” as any element falls in line with President Trump’s Executive Order “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Energy.”

    The Energy Act of 2020 defines a “critical material” as any element, substance or material that the Secretary of Energy determines (i) has a high risk of supply chain disruption; and (ii) serves an essential function in one or more energy technologies, including technologies that produce, transmit, store and conserve energy.

    According to the Virginia Department of Energy, approximately 80% of coal mined in Virginia constitutes metallurgical coal, almost all of which is from Virginia’s Ninth District.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting Veterans and our Communities Veteran Service Club Support Program Intake now Open

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 23, 2025

    Today, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross was joined by representatives from Royal Canadian Legion/Sask Command to see first-hand the improvements at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 2 that were funded through the Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program.

    “Our government is proud to invest $1.5 million annually in organizations that support our veterans in Saskatchewan,” Ross said. “These veterans service clubs enrich our communities and work tirelessly on behalf of veterans who have faithfully served our province and country.”

    Introduced in 2019-20, the program provides grants up to $30,000 to organizations such as Legion branches, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) units, and more. The grant is used to support facility upgrades, operations, events, and other activities to advance the work and help strengthen the long-term sustainability of veteran service organizations across the province.  

    In 2024-25, grants were provided to 81 Legion branches, ANAVETS units, and other veterans organizations across the province, including two facilities in Prince Albert.

    The 2025-26 application intake will close on June 1.

    Last year, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #2, in Prince Albert, received $30,000 to help replace a leaky roof. In previous years, the Branch also received funding to repair sidewalks, renovate bathrooms, replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and two windows, paint the building exterior, install outdoor lighting and upgrade their parking lot.  

    “Thank you to the Government of Saskatchewan for their leadership in continuing to recognize the work that the Royal Canadian Legion branches do in each community for our Veterans and their families,” Royal Canadian Legion Branch #2 President Rick Hodgson said.

    The program is delivered collaboratively by the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command, the Saskatchewan ANAVETS and the Government of Saskatchewan.

    More information about the program, guidelines, applications and eligibility are available through the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command at 306-525-8739 or admin@sasklegion.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Retail Trade Growth Continues Upward Trend in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 23, 2025

    Province Ranks Second in Canada for Retail Trade Growth

    Saskatchewan’s retail sector continues to show strong performance, with a 8.2 per cent year-over-year increase in retail trade sales from March 2024 to March 2025 (seasonally adjusted). This places Saskatchewan second in the nation.

    “These statistics speak to the stability of Saskatchewan’s economy and the strength of our business community,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Every new purchase made here helps drive opportunity by supporting jobs, encouraging investment and reinforcing confidence in our province’s business friendly environment.”

    The total value of Saskatchewan’s retail trade reached 2.2 billion in March 2025.

    The Monthly Retail Trade Survey compiles data on sales, including e-commerce sales, and the amount of retail locations by province, territory and selected census metropolitan areas from a sample of retailers.

    Retail sales is a measure of total receipts at stores, or establishments, that sell goods and services to final consumers.

    Statistics Canada’s latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion in 2024, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint CBSA and OPP investigation leads to arrest and charges for drug importation and trafficking

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 23, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    A 47-year-old was arrested and is facing drug related charges after a joint investigation involving the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the CBSA conducted a secondary inspection of a package from Italy arriving at the Ottawa International Airport. Testing determined the contents was heroin.

    The CBSA requested assistance from the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU).

    On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the joint investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant by CSCU members, as well as members of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and CBSA, at a residence on Red Castle Ride, in the Manotick area of Ottawa. One person was arrested the scene.

    Harvinder Singh Malhi of Ottawa has been charged under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act with:

    • Import Schedule 1 substance
    • Possession a of Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking

    The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on June 24, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Families in Prince George will benefit from new child care spaces

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Families in Prince George will now have access to a new child care centre with 73 licensed spaces.

    “I’m so proud of this partnership. This new child care centre will give Prince George families greater access to high-quality, inclusive, culturally rooted care where children can learn, grow, and thrive by staying connected to their language, traditions and heritage,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “It will be a welcoming space for families, Elders and educators to come together, strengthen community ties and support a strong future for the children of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the community as a whole.”

    The Province partnered with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to create new child care spaces through an investment of more than $6.1 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This new child care centre includes 24 spaces for infant-toddlers and 49 spaces for children 30 months to school age.

    “We are truly blessed to be opening a daycare that lifts our name up, on our traditional territory at the entrance to the park that carries our history, culture and ancestors,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “Thank you to the Province for recognizing the need in our community for a daycare that supports families who work shift work. It is through strong partnerships and friendships like this that we are able to officially open the Lheidli Littles’ Lodge.”

    The new child care centre will follow the Lheidli T’enneh calendar and focus on language and culture. Children will learn through activities such as storytelling, songs and dance, blessings and prayers, Elder involvement and land-based learning.

    “Our vision is to build a thriving, connected community where children walk proudly in their identities, grounded in love and rooted in the teachings of the land,” said Tandi Purych, general manager, Lheidli Littles’ Lodge. “We are not just providing care – we are offering a foundation, a beginning, a lodge of belonging. It is more than a daycare – it is a place of renewal, learning and cultural connection.”

    Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s space-creation programs have helped fund more than 40,900 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. and 24,900 of those are now open. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on. Under the ChildCareBC plan, the Province is also partnering with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples to build culturally relevant child care that meets their unique needs.

    Learn More:

    For information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

    For information about the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

    For information on how to connect to services and help save money, visit the BC Benefits Connector: https://gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA to Participate in Joint Assessments of Damage to Public Infrastructure and Debris Removal Costs for St. Louis City and St. Louis and Scott Counties

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 23, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to participate in joint assessments of damage to public buildings and infrastructure as well as the cost of debris removal in St. Louis City and St. Louis and Scott counties as a result of the May 16 severe storms and tornadoes.

    “The joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams that reviewed the damage to homes and personal property this week worked extremely efficiently to document the destruction that we are confident will lead to a federal Major Disaster Declaration to assist individuals and families,” Governor Kehoe said. “Now, we will be jointly cataloguing the same type of evidence to support a potential request to FEMA for necessary funding to rebuild and restore the infrastructure our citizens rely on.”    

    Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials in each community. Beginning Wednesday, May 28, six teams will survey and verify damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested from FEMA. Public Assistance to local governments and qualifying nonprofits helps with the cost of debris removal; the repair of damaged roads, public buildings and other public infrastructure; and the reimbursement of emergency response costs.

    SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Steven Zalewski

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Steven Zalewski, who was declared dead on October 9, 2023 after a motor vehicle incident involving a member of the Dewitt Police Department (DPD) in Dewitt, Onondaga County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of DPD reports, interviews, and body-worn camera footage, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the involved DPD officer caused Mr. Zalewski’s death or committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges are not warranted in this case.

    On the evening of October 9, a DPD officer was driving in a marked police car while responding to a residence in Dewitt. The officer was driving on Bridge Street, a multi-lane roadway with four southbound lanes and four northbound lanes separated by a concrete median, with a speed limit of 40 MPH. The officer was traveling southbound in the lane closest to the median at 28 MPH when he drove over Mr. Zalewski, who was lying on the ground. Mr. Zalewski was pronounced dead at the scene.

    In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person caused a death when they failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. In this case, the investigation could not determine whether Mr. Zalewski had already been struck by another vehicle, or in fact had already died, when the officer’s car ran over him. In addition, there is no evidence that the officer was speeding, driving while distracted, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. The body-worn camera shows that the officer was not using his phone or any equipment in the police car. While toxicology testing showed that the officer was on a prescription medication, there is no evidence that it affected his ability to operate his patrol vehicle.

    In this case, the evidence does not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s conduct was a gross deviation of the standard that would have been observed by a reasonable person in the same circumstances, or that the officer consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death. Therefore, OSI concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

    Determining the possibility of alcohol impairment is an essential component of investigating vehicular crashes. In this case, the officer was never administered a Portable Breath Test (PBT) and was not asked to provide a blood sample for two and a half hours after the incident. While there is no evidence that the officer driving the car was impaired by drugs or alcohol, OSI recommends that all patrol officers and supervisors be trained in the administration of PBTs and field sobriety tests so that any on-duty or off-duty police officer, or any civilian, involved in a motor vehicle collision can be tested as close to the time of the collision as practicable to ensure the most accurate results. OSI also recommends that when a motor vehicle collision results in serious physical injury or the death of another person, police agencies should ask the involved officer to voluntarily consent to toxicology testing.

    MIL OSI USA News –