NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK E-petition debate relating to cages and crates for farmed animals – Monday 16 June 2025.

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Petitions Committee has scheduled a debate relating to cages and crates for farmed animals.

    Irene Campbell MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a Minister to respond.

    Read the petition:
    https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/706302

    Find petitions you agree with, and sign them: https://petition.parliament.uk/

    What are petition debates?

    Petition debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

    Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means that MPs will not vote on the issues raised in the petition at the end of the debate.

    The Petitions Committee can only schedule debates on petitions to parliament started on petition.parliament.uk

    Find out more about how petition debates work: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/content/194347/how-petitions-debates-work/

    Stay up-to-date
    Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work: https://www.twitter.com/hocpetitions

    Thumbnail image ©UK Parliament / Jessica Taylor

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29dXKFMozo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Press White House to Resume Processing DACA Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and his colleagues are urging the White House to abide by a court ruling and resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the Senators highlight the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA.

    Sunday, June 15th marks the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. 

    The Senators wrote, “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.”

    “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,” the Senators continued.

    The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, “We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.”

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas.

    In addition to King, the letter is signed by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Senator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients. He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. He previously joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to immediately take up the bipartisan House-passed American Dream and Promise Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). In addition, King led a bipartisan proposal with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would have provided legislative protections for Dreamers.

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:

    Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship,1 and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.2 Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.

    In 2001, the Dream Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children but remained vulnerable to deportation. Since that time, the Dream Act has been introduced in every Congress. It has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan majority votes, but no version has yet to be signed into law.3 In response to bipartisan pressure to protect Dreamers until Congress acted, 4 the Obama Administration implemented DACA through a policy memorandum in 2012.

    Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA. Many DACA recipients report that deferred action—and the accompanying employment authorization —allowed them to apply for their first job or move to a higher-paying position more commensurate with their skills.7 Since its establishment, DACA recipients have contributed an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power, and $40 billion dollars in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. Over 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas. 11 Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver’s licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.

    We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council unveils report to tackle skills gap and boost employment | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has published a report which will be used to develop a plan to support residents access 48,000 new jobs expected to be created across the city over the next 10 years.

    Home to 54,000 businesses and more than 755,000 workers, Westminster plays a vital role in the UK economy. However, the city faces ongoing challenges including youth unemployment, low apprenticeship uptake, and significant skills mismatches among its 211,000 residents. 

    To address these issues, the council worked in partnership with Westminster Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Board to commission Volterra to carry out research and provide an evidence based report on Westminster’s Skills Base. This report provides a roadmap to ensure local talent is equipped to meet future demand in key growth sectors. 

    Key Findings:  

    • Up to 48,000 new roles expected across the borough by 2035
    • Fastest growing sectors will be in professional services, creative industries, construction, and hospitality
    • Unemployment and low skills are highest in parts of northwest Westminster
    • Many new jobs will require higher-level qualifications (Level 3 or 4), but over 26,000 residents currently have only GCSE-level (Level 2) or lower
    • There’s a lack of apprenticeships, adult skills courses and sector-specific training in some areas of the city 

    Recommendations include:  

    • Support low-skilled and unemployed residents into key sectors
    • Improve training by strengthening links between employers and training providers
    • Expand access to childcare, English language classes, and entry-level apprenticeships
    • Launch local programmes to help carers, young people, and inactive residents find work 

    This report will directly inform Westminster’s full Skills Strategy, to be released later this year, and guide investment in training, employer engagement and inclusive economic development.

    The Skills Strategy will build on existing council-led or commissioned programmes, including the North Paddington Opportunities Project, which supports economically inactive residents, Digital Dash, a tech-focused employability initiative for young people; Full Potential, a trailblazer initiative for care-experienced young people as part of the Get Britain Working agenda; and Connect to Work, which supports residents with health conditions or disabilities.

    Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:  
      
     “Whether it’s a young person starting out in their career, a parent returning to work, or someone looking to retrain, we want Westminster to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have access to good jobs. This report gives us the insight we need to bring together employers and communities to help residents gain the relevant skills for the jobs of the future. 

    “A huge thank you to everyone involved on the EESB who have contributed to this work and continue to champion skills and opportunities for people across Westminster.”

     
     Jessie Buscombe, Chair of the EESB, said:  

    “As part of the Fairer Economy Plan, Westminster’s Education, Skills and Employment Board is focused on ensuring residents have access to training programmes that support them into meaningful work. 

    “I’m delighted to see the publication of this independent report which illustrates what more we can do to improve the training offer in Westminster, and I look forward to working with the Board and the Council to take forward this agenda.” 

    Oliver Lantham, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Workforce Skills, said:  
      
     “The Westminster Skills Base report prepared by Volterra gives the board a solid foundation of facts and insights upon which we can make prioritised decisions. 

    “The board’s objective is to help to close current and future skills gaps so that all benefit from an improved local skills system, and this cannot be done without such a fact base.” 

    Find out more on the EESB and the report here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record-breaking turnout as thousands get moving for the Centenary parkrun weekend

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 16th June 2025

    Thousands of people across Stoke-on-Trent came together for a record-breaking parkrun weekend to celebrate the city’s Centenary.

    Over two days – Saturday 14 June and Sunday 15 June – 2,387 people took part in one of four parkrun events, making it the biggest city-wide parkrun celebration the city has ever seen.

    All four events smashed previous attendance records – with 335 people joining a parkrun for the first time. 

    At Trentham Gardens, 1,434 runners took part, making it the second largest parkrun in the country that day.

    Hanley Park welcomed 530 runners, while the junior parkruns saw 243 children in Longton – the second largest junior parkrun nationally that day – and 180 in Burslem Park take part.

    The record-breaking weekend was made possible with the help of 140 volunteers – whose support, friendliness and dedication added to the incredible atmosphere. 

    To mark the city’s 100-year milestone, all runners and volunteers received a special commemorative Centenary medal.

    Liz Tideswell, regional parkrun ambassador for Staffordshire and part of the team at Hanley parkrun, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the teams at Trentham Gardens, Hanley, Longton and Burslem.

    “They all coped incredibly with such large numbers of participants, showing their dedication, enthusiasm and community spirit. It was great to collaborate with the City Council on this – thank you to everyone involved in making it happen and well done to everyone who took part.”

    The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “The Centenary parkruns were a spectacle and a true celebration of what makes Stoke-on-Trent special.

    “It was inspiring to see thousands of people, whether they were doing their first parkrun or their 100th, come together to mark this incredible milestone for our city. The community spirit and positivity across the weekend were amazing and all the participants and volunteers made sure it was one of many highlights on our Centenary programme of events.”

    The Centenary parkruns were part of a year-long programme of events celebrating 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent received city status. To find out more about the events taking place throughout the year go to sot100.org.uk. 

    To learn more about leisure services in Stoke-on-Trent, visit https://activestoke.co.uk/

    To learn more about parkrun and the weekly events you can register to participate or volunteer, visit the website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Come and vote for your favourite community campaign!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Over 150 applications from community groups have been received this year for the TAK£500+ Participatory Budget Fund.

    This project has been growing over the last four years and making real and lasting impact on our residents right across the borough – and this year is shaping up to be even bigger and better!

    Communities from right across every corner of the borough have put forward ideas they think will have a positive impact on their area – and are now in the running to receive up to £1000 to fund their project! And the power is in your hands to decide who receives that funding!

    There are three exciting Market Stall events taking place, where each applicant will showcase their idea and how it can benefit their community. All you (the public) have to do, is come along to an event, have a look at all the different ideas and vote for your favourites!

    These events will be a fun day for all the family to enjoy, with lots of great activities for the children, spot prizes, and teas and coffees on hand while you check out all of the amazing community ideas!

    The events:

    • Saturday 21st June 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Bannville Hotel, Banbridge
    • Saturday 28th June 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Armagh City Hotel
    • Saturday 5th July 2025, 2:00pm-5:00pm: South Lake Leisure Centre

    We hope to see you there!

    Tak£500+ is a Participatory Budgeting initiative organised by the Community Planning Department where local people get to decide how public funds are used to address needs in their area.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Armagh County Show highlights the strength of our Food Heartland

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Gosford Forest Park was buzzing with activity on Saturday 14th June as the Armagh County Show brought together the best of rural life. Organised by the Armagh Show Committee and supported by Council, this year’s event proved once again why the show is a cherished highlight of the agricultural calendar.

    Despite the wet weather, the show was a true celebration of farming, food, family, and fun, and welcomed farmers, producers, makers, and visitors of all ages to experience a full day of competitions, displays, demonstrations, and entertainment.

    From champion livestock and equestrian classes to mouth-watering local produce in the Food Heartland showcase and impressive machinery exhibitions, the show offered something for everyone.

    Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “The Armagh County Show continues to go from strength to strength, and it was a real pleasure to attend this year’s event and meet so many passionate individuals – from livestock exhibitors and food producers to volunteers and families enjoying the day out. Events like this are the heartbeat of our rural communities and play a vital role in sustaining our agricultural traditions while supporting our local economy. Huge congratulations to the organisers for another outstanding show.”

    Among the many highlights was the Food Heartland Showcase, which brought together some of the borough’s finest artisan producers and food businesses. Promoting the best of local food and drink, it proved a major draw for food lovers and those keen to sample and shop local.

    The Council is proud to support the Armagh County Show as part of its wider commitment to promoting the borough as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, recognising and celebrating the vital role the agri-food sector plays in local life and the regional economy.

    To learn more about the Food Heartland and its producers, contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly welcomes Airbus’s sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Paris, France

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, issued a statement congratulating Airbus and LOT Polish Airlines on their sales agreement regarding A220 aircraft.

    “Global trade is more uncertain and the geopolitical landscape is shifting, but Canada is forging ahead to strengthen ties with trusted partners—and strengthening the strategic industries that will anchor our economic security for decades to come.

    “Today’s announcement at the Paris Air Show about the sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines is great news for Canada and its aerospace workers.

    “This represents another in a long list of airlines adding the A220 to its fleet, a clear signal of international confidence in Canadian innovation and industrial strength.

    “The A220 is a made-in-Canada success story: designed and developed here, assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, and supported by a world-class Canadian supply chain and Canadian talent.

    “This is more than an aircraft sale. It’s a testament to the strength of the Canada-Poland and Canada-EU relationship in an increasingly competitive global economy.

    “The order will help create and maintain thousands of high-paying jobs across the country and reinforce global recognition for a Canadian aircraft that’s changing the game.

    “This is what we mean when we say the next era is about building in Canada—with Canada.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CIPO releases its 2023−2024 Annual Report

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Gatineau, Quebec – Canadian Intellectual Property Office

    The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)’s 2023–2024 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament on June 13, 2025. The report highlights CIPO’s achievements during the 2023–2024 fiscal year.

    In 2023–2024, CIPO made notable strides as part of its 2023–2028 Business Strategy, including doubling its trademark examination capacity to meet demand and reduce the backlog of pending applications, and improving intellectual property (IP) education outreach, especially for underrepresented groups. In addition, CIPO has strengthened Canada’s position in the global IP system through international collaborations. CIPO continues to prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring it maintains a skilled and representative workforce.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New 3D Elevation Program Fact Sheet for Connecticut

    Source: US Geological Survey

    High-resolution elevation data are critical to Connecticut’s economy, enabling state and local governments, as well as academic and nongovernmental organizations, to make informed decisions on coastal zone management, flood risk, natural resource conservation, and much more.

    Quality level 2 or better lidar is available across the State as a result of partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey through the 3D Elevation Program. Quality level 1 lidar was also collected statewide in 2023.

    Download the new 3DEP State Fact Sheet to learn about available lidar and the many beneficial uses of the data. You can access the fact sheet through the linked button above and at the USGS publication page. Fact sheets for other states are also available in the 3DEP State Fact Sheet repository. 

    To view and access 3DEP lidar data, please visit the USGS LidarExplorer. To download these and other National Map products, please visit The National Map Downloader.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Deeper Look at Hidden Damage: Nano-CT Imaging Maps Internal Battery Degradation

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL researchers are using state-of-the-art nano-CT imaging to reveal microscopic damage and hidden flaws in lithium-ion battery microstructures. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL

    The minerals that power lithium-ion batteries—including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite—are both highly valuable and difficult to come by.

    As battery storage capacity across the United States continues to grow, constraints on the mining, refining, and processing of key minerals leaves our energy systems vulnerable to the fluctuations of foreign markets. China maintains significant control across the battery supply chain, including 60% to 90% of global mineral processing for lithium, nickel, and cobalt, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Direct recycling of battery cathodes within the United States offers an opportunity to strengthen domestic battery supply chains and extend the lifespan of critical materials. However, traditional battery recycling methods are expensive and energy intensive, breaking down materials to their basic elements and rebuilding batteries from scratch.  

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers are exploring an alternative method in direct recycling, which aims to preserve and refurbish battery components for a more efficient and cost-effective process. Unfortunately, not all direct-recycled batteries are created equal. Microscopic and difficult-to-detect damage within cells builds up over time, weakening the performance of some batteries. High-quality recovered materials ensure that recycled batteries achieve the performance and lifetime expected by consumers.  

    High-Resolution Insights To Improve Recovery

    NREL researchers look to X-ray nanoscale computed tomography (nano-CT) imaging of batteries at the end of their useful life to reveal hidden flaws that impact the quality of materials recovered for recycling. NREL’s state-of-the-art nano-CT scanner can achieve an impressive 50-nanometer spatial resolution—an ability typically reserved for high-energy synchrotron X-ray facilities.

    This advanced imaging tool allows researchers to analyze the internal structure and composition of energy materials in exceptional detail. Because nano-CT is nondestructive, scientists can observe these changes as they happen in real time, offering essential insights into how battery materials change during operation and cycling.

    “This in-house, high-resolution imaging allows us to inspect specific degradation types that exist in end-of-life battery materials,” said NREL’s Donal Finegan, a senior energy storage scientist. “Combined with other microscopy tools and advanced artificial intelligence, nano-CT helps pinpoint barriers facing direct recycling so we can develop techniques to recover and refurbish high-quality materials that maximize battery performance.”

    Tiny Cracks, Big Impacts

    “Early in this project, we found that the end-of-life material showed a similar energy capacity to pristine, unused battery cells, however, the charging rate was severely diminished,” said Melissa Popeil, an NREL energy storage doctoral researcher. “We were surprised to find that the primary damage type limiting battery performance was morphological changes, or particle cracking within the material microstructure.”

    What started as a basic electrochemical performance evaluation quickly expanded to include in-depth characterization of battery cell capacity, composition, morphology, microstructure, and more to determine the extent of degradation. To maintain real-world relevancy, the project looked at commercial battery cells that were cycled under realistic, long-term conditions as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Researchers used nano-CT scanning alongside NREL’s Microstructure Analysis Toolbox (MATBOX) to identify and quantify the types of damage within each cell, isolating different layers to maximize spatial variation.

    As researchers continue to develop new direct recycling processes, they will need to address these severe cracks in the cathode active materials. Fortunately, NREL researchers are up to the challenge.

    “Now that we’ve identified the extent of this cracking, we are evaluating new ways to process the end-of-life material to repair some of that damage,” Popeil said. “By targeting mechanical changes to the material, we can avoid extensive chemical processing in favor of simplified and more efficient recovery methods.”

    This research underscores the importance of advanced characterization techniques, such as nano-CT scanning, when determining a future for spent or discarded lithium-ion batteries. Researchers will next expand the project to include a wider range of battery materials entering the waste stream to optimize recycling processes for different battery chemistries, extending the lifetime and value of critical minerals within the U.S. supply chain.

    Learn more about NREL’s energy storage and  transportation and mobility research. And sign up for NREL’s quarterly transportation and mobility research newsletter to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LIFT Program Opens Applications in Business Loan Funding

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce announces the opening of the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) application process today, June 16. This funding opportunity drives economic growth in our state by fueling innovative North Dakota businesses.  

    The LIFT fund received a $10 million appropriation for the 2025-27 biennium. “We are grateful for the support from the North Dakota 69th Legislative Assembly” said Commerce Economic Development Deputy Director/Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason. “Supporting North Dakota companies that are commercializing intellectual property continues to be a strong component of the state’s economic development.”

    LIFT is an innovation loan fund that supports technology advancement by providing financing for commercialization of intellectual property within the state of North Dakota. The use of the loan funds is available to enhance capacity and to the extent possible, leverage state, federal and private sources of funding.  

    Commerce collaborates with the Bank of North Dakota to manage and administer the loan fund. LIFT loan terms include 0% interest for the first three years of the loan, and 2% interest for the next two years, and an interest rate equal to a standard Bank of North Dakota loan for all subsequent years. The program is open to North Dakota companies working in advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned vehicles and technologies, energy, health care, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and any area specifically identified by the LIFT committee as contributing to the diversification of the state’s economy.  

    Since its launch in 2019, the LIFT committee has awarded $44 million to 71 innovative companies, propelling North Dakota’s economic growth.

    Applications for the LIFT program will be accepted through July 25, 2025. 

    For more information, application guidelines and program details, visit https://belegendary.link/LIFT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans of Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams. The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In California, total losses were $832,710,048 in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly. “I urge every senior and their families to have open conversations about these scams and to scrutinize unsolicited mail, calls, e-mails, and text messages. Criminals are actively and aggressively targeting seniors, preying upon their trust to drain their life savings.” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “If you or someone you care about is a victim, report the crime to law enforcement. There is no shame in seeking help when you have been harmed and your information may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.” Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov. Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    Resources:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Libya’s Alahli Tripoli Crowned 2025 Basketball Africa League Champions

    • First-Time Participant Alahli Tripoli Wins Libya’s First BAL Title 
    • Alahli Tripoli Forward Jean Jacques Boissy Named 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player 
    • Record 141,564 Fans Attended BAL Games This Season 

    Libya’s Alahli Tripoli today defeated Angola’s Petro de Luanda 88-67 to win the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) Championship, which took place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages. Alahli Tripoli, which made its BAL debut this season, is the first team from Libya to win the BAL Championship. A record 141,564 fans attended games over the course of the BAL’s milestone fifth season.

    Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented Alahli Tripoli with the BAL Championship Trophy and Alahli Tripoli forward Jean Jacques Boissy with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player Award. For the first time in BAL history, the 2025 champions received championship rings (https://apo-opa.co/4l9udcZ), following a tradition long associated with global basketball excellence.

    Alahli Tripoli went 9-1 during the Nile Conference group phase in Kigali, Rwanda, and the Playoffs, defeating Cape Verde’s Kriol Star and Rwanda’s APR in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Finals. Alahli Tripoli is the first team in league history to win both its conference and the championship in the same season. APR defeated Egypt’s Al Ittihad 123–90 in the third-place game yesterday, setting a league record for the most points scored in a single game.

    Boissy is also the 2025 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2025 All-BAL First Team and the 2025 All-BAL Defensive Team, recording per game averages of 18.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.9 assists.

    Several former NBA players attended games during the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals, including 2014 NBA champion Boris Diaw (France; ties to Senegal), seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady (U.S.), BAL Ambassadors and NBA Africa investors Luol Deng (South Sudan), Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin) and Joakim Noah (grandfather from Cameroon), 2015 FIBA AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria), former NBA player Hasheem Thabeet (Tanzania) and former NBA player and Olympian Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana).

    The BAL has also announced the Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sportsmanship Award winner, All-BAL First Team, All-BAL Defensive Team, and Ubuntu Award winner. The voting panels varied for each award and comprised fans, coaches, team captains, media, broadcasters, and scouts.

    2025 BAL Coach of the Year

    Alahli Tripoli head coach Abou Chacra Joseph Fouad led his team to a BAL Championship with a 9-1 record during the Nile Conference group phase and the Playoffs.

    2025 Defensive Player of the Year

    APR center Aliou Diarra won The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. Diarra led APR to a 6-4 record during the Nile Conference group phase, and the Playoffs, averaging 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks in 10 games this season. He is the first player in league history to win the award twice, having previously received the honor in 2023 with Stade Malien (Mali). Diarra was also named to the All-BAL First Team.

    2025 BAL Sportsmanship Award

    Petro de Luanda (Angola) guard Souleyman Diabate received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

    2025 All-BAL First Team

    Position

    Player

    Team

    Guard

    Jean Jacques Boissy

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard

    Jaylen Adams

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard / Forward

    Majok Machar Deng

    Al Ittihad (Egypt)

    Forward

    Patrick Gardner Jr.

    Petro de Luanda (Angola)

    Forward / Center

    Aliou Diarra

    APR (Rwanda)

    2025 All-BAL Defensive Team

    Position

    Player

    Team

    Guard

    Jean Jacques Boissy

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard

    Obadiah Noel

    APR (Rwanda)

    Guard / Forward

    Caleb Agada

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Forward

    Teafale Lenard Jr.

    Made by Basketball (MBB; South Africa)

    Forward / Center

    Aliou Diarra

    APR (Rwanda)

    2025 BAL Ubuntu Award

    Kriol Star Basketball (Cape Verde) guard Joel Almeida won the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Award in recognition of his ongoing efforts to use the game of basketball to positively impact the lives of youth in his native Cape Verde. Over the past year, Almeida organized basketball camps and clinics that reached more than 100 aspiring players and coaches, including from underserved communities. Almeida was presented with the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Trophy during an on-court ceremony on Wednesday, June 11.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

    Contact:
    Edwin Eselem
    BAL Communications
    +221 78 615 4287
    EEselem@theBAL.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why Canada’s Strong Borders Act is as troublesome as Donald Trump’s travel bans

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Benjamin Muller, Professor & Program Coordinator in Migration and Border Studies, King’s University College, Western University

    Was it just a coincidence that within days of Canada’s Liberal government announcing Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, Donald Trump’s administration in the United States released its long anticipated travel ban?

    Perhaps. But the timing also highlights the longtime shared border saga between Canada and the U.S. — and should compel Canada to carve its own path.

    Like Trump’s 2017 travel ban, his 2025 directives significantly prevent or limit access to the U.S. for citizens from 12 mostly African and Middle Eastern countries, with more possibly on the horizon. It’s likely to face judicial challenges and may not survive for long.

    In contrast, Bill C-2 could lead to several significant and broad statutory changes that Canadians will contend with for years to come.

    Data privacy concerns

    Days before Trump’s announcement, the Canadian government advanced the controversial Strong Borders Act covering a wide swath of proposed legislative changes, from intensified border security measures to more restrictive immigration and asylum policies.

    Embedded within the proposed legislation, as Canadian law professor Michael Geist and others have pointed out, are significant risks to digital privacy, along with increased executive authority — also known as “warrantless” powers — without judicial or civilian oversight.

    In these respects, the proposed Canadian legislation could be considered more worrisome than Trump’s travel bans.

    In the fog of the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada, the focus is on American tariffs and their economic impact. But little attention is being paid to Canada’s longstanding co-ordination and co-operation with the U.S. in terms of border management.

    Unfortunately, Canada has a history of appeasing the U.S. on the border. The period following 9/11 is worth noting.

    Increased co-ordination post 9/11

    Successive Canada-U.S border agreements have brought about significant institutional change and reform. These include the Smart Border Declaration — signed shortly after 9/11 — and Beyond the Border, inked a decade later between the Barack Obama and Stephen Harper governments.

    These agreements included greater reliance on biometric and surveillance technology, binational information-sharing and accelerated, robust co-ordinated and co-operative border enforcement (specifically the Shiprider program and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team or IBET).

    The early 2000s saw the rise of new institutions such as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), along with significant policy changes that included prolific and more robust American pre-clearance of people and goods, and authorizing CBSA agents to carry firearms (which was once controversial).

    Frequently, these reforms were in response to American pressure or reactionary U.S. policies. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), for example, is an American policy that has compelled travellers to produce passports when crossing the U.S. border for almost 20 years.

    In contrast to the “elbows up” rhetoric of the last several months, Canada hastily made changes to its border policies.

    The narrative of co-operative and collaborative Canada-U.S. border management, however, has not always been as it appeared. Frequently, negotiations and co-operation were difficult, and not without cost to some autonomy in Canada’s border management.

    Asylum seekers

    In the past year, there have been increasing concerns about the impact of potential increases in asylum claims in Canada because of American policies. Those raising concerns often make reference to Roxham Road, the unofficial border crossing that thrived during the last Trump administration due to a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).



    Read more:
    Roxham Road: Asylum seekers won’t just get turned back, they’ll get forced underground — Podcast

    Such gaps in legislation were modestly addressed, including in the proposed Bill C-2, which will require arriving migrants to claim asylum within 14 days of arrival. After that time, claimants will not receive a hearing and be subject to deportation.

    It’s troubling to contemplate deporting asylum seekers amid the ongoing deportation spectacle in the U.S. being carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Trump administration

    Amid renewed American pressures under Trump and a history of border co-operation, it’s not surprising Prime Minister Mark Carney is following his predecessor in trying to appease the U.S. president via Canadian border policy. And because asylum claimants often languish for up to two years in Canada’s immigration and asylum system, it’s clear there are problems.

    But that doesn’t preclude the need to think critically about the sweeping powers proposed in Bill C-2.

    In particular, enhanced executive powers — in many cases by institutions that have no civilian oversight — must be scrutinized.

    Many of these changes are reminiscent of the kind of co-operative — and sometimes coercive — border policies that emerged in the post-9/11 years. It could be argued that Canadians should have expressed “elbows up” responses to American pressures to reimagine our border almost 25 years ago.

    Furthermore, these changes serve as reminder that co-operative and co-ordinated management of our border is increasingly “baked in,” and despite tariff rhetoric, that’s unlikely to change dramatically without significant pushback from Canadians.

    Revisionist history

    It’s worth reflecting on the nostalgic and revisionist accounts of the coercive — not truly co-operative and collaborative — post-9/11 era of border security management, especially in the heat of the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war.

    Canadians should remember they live during a time of deep integration in border management — but Canada can always assert its own interests and marshal its own resources to manage borders and those who cross it.

    In the long Canada-U.S. relationship, coercion has often masqueraded as co-operation. There are far fewer coincidences in border policy than we might think, possibly including the timing of the Strong Border Act. But Canada must always evaluate its policies in terms of whether they serve Canadian, not American, interests.

    Unlike the Trump administration’s travel bans and deportations, Bill C-2 introduces a wide swath of changes Canadians could grapple with for decades.

    Benjamin Muller receives funding from SSHRCC and King’s University College at Western University.

    – ref. Why Canada’s Strong Borders Act is as troublesome as Donald Trump’s travel bans – https://theconversation.com/why-canadas-strong-borders-act-is-as-troublesome-as-donald-trumps-travel-bans-258366

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Householder’s dumped waste leads to £480 fine

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Householder’s dumped waste leads to £480 fine

    A woman from Dorking who gave her waste to an unregistered waste collector who then dumped it in Mole Hill Road, Whitstable, has pleaded guilty to failing in her duty of care to pass her waste onto an authorised waste carrier.

    Jodie Tyson, 29, of Lyons Court, Dorking, appeared via court video link at Margate Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (12 June), and was fined a total of £480.

    The court heard that the waste, which comprised a mix of materials, was dumped in Mole Hill Road in April 2023.

    Canterbury City Council Environmental Crime Officers began an investigation, and evidence was found linking the flytip to Ms Tyson.

    Despite efforts by officers to encourage Ms Tyson to attend an interview she failed to do so and was issued with a fixed penalty notice, which she failed to pay.

    At court, Ms Tyson was fined £200, with a surcharge of £80 and the costs of the council’s prosecution of £200 – a total of £480.

    Anybody arranging to have waste removed from their property should check to make sure they are using an authorised waste carrier and get a receipt from the company they use. Legitimate companies can be found by looking on the Environment Agency website.

    In this case, the council was unable to uncover any information about who dumped Ms Tyson’s rubbish in Whitstable.

    Published: 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get creative for pride month: New art competition launches

    Source: City of Derby

    Young people from across the city can get creative and enter a new art competition for Pride Month 2025. 

    The theme of Pride Month 2025 is ‘Activism and Social Change’ so we’re looking for creative pieces that reflect that theme. It’s a great chance to express your thoughts on making the world a more equal and inclusive place!

    To get involved, entrants need to create a painting, drawing, digital art, poem, photograph, or any other two-dimensional medium and upload it using the submission form on the Lets Talk Derby website.

    The finalists will have their artwork featured in a public exhibition at Derby Market Hall from Monday 1 September to Friday 12 September. The winner, who will be announced on Saturday 13 September at Derby Pride, will receive a £50 Derbion voucher. Their artwork will be framed and displayed in the Council’s House and also exhibited at Derby Pride in September.

    Pride Month is a time to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, promoting kindness, acceptance, and equality for everyone. It helps raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and reminds us of all of the importance of standing up for each other’s rights. Pride Month encourages everyone to be proud of who they are and to create a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Customer Inclusion, said: 

    Pride Month is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and remembering the sacrifices that past generations have made in the journey toward acceptance and equality. Here in Derby, we celebrate the diversity of our people and remain committed to creating a safe and welcoming city for all.

    This art competition is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get creative and will hopefully encourage them to go and learn more. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

    The competition is open to anyone aged 5-18. Anyone entrants under 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian to take part. Before submitting your artwork, please make sure you’ve read our Competition Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest Into the Death of Bernard Quewezance

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

    A public inquest into the death of Bernard Quewezance will be held Monday, July 14 to 18, 2025, at the Royal Hotel, 4025 Albert Street, in Regina.

    The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

    Quewezance, 37, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre on June 2, 2022. EMS was called and staff began life-saving efforts. EMS arrived and took over his care shortly after, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased. 

    Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person’s death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.

    The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

    Coroner Frederick Kovach will preside at the inquest.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: YourHealthNS Expands Diagnostic Imaging Reports

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotians can soon access more diagnostic imaging reports through YourHealthNS.

    Mammogram, MRI, and CT and PET scan reports will start to be available in the app as early as June 30.

    “We continue to advance the ability for Nova Scotians to take a greater role in the healthcare they receive,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “The addition of these reports is part of our continued commitment to empower Nova Scotians to better manage their healthcare.”

    Reports completed from June 16 onward will be available through YourHealthNS 14 days after they are processed. For each type of scan, the report includes the body part examined, the reason for the scan, findings and a comparison with any previous scans. Images will not be available.

    Providing Nova Scotians access to their electronic health records to better manage their healthcare is part of a larger digital health transformation that includes YourHealthNS, virtual care, e-referrals, the Care Coordination Centre, the Oncology Transformation Project and the One Person One Record clinical information system.

    Quick Facts:

    • X-ray and ultrasound reports have been available through YourHealthNS since last year
    • a total of 209,604 CT (computed tomography) scans, 73,148 mammograms (breast X-rays), 40,073 MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging scans) and 3,836 PET (positron emission tomography) scans were performed in Nova Scotia in 2023
    • YourHealthNS has been downloaded nearly 700,000 times since it launched in November 2023

    Additional Resources:

    Information about diagnostic imaging services at Nova Scotia Health: https://www.nshealth.ca/diagnostic-imaging

    News releases about YourHealthNS: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=324

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of Alabama

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

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

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

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

    House District 63 includes portions of Tuscaloosa County.

    The proclamation and writ of election are attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

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

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

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

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

    Providing Regulatory Relief

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

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

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

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

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

    Providing Regulatory Relief

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.13.25

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

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

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

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

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

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –