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Category: DJF

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 14, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    June 14, 2025

    Dear President Trump,

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

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

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

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

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 13, 2025

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

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

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

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

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Secretary of the Navy Addresses Naval War College 2025 Graduates

    Source: United States Navy

    NEWPORT, RI— In his first visit to the professional military education institution, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) summer graduation ceremony onboard Naval Station Newport, June 13.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nabadaynta townhalls expand across Somalia to strengthen community-led security and justice

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Nabadaynta townhalls expand across Somalia to strengthen community-led security and justice

    Following early successes in Kismayo and Baidoa, Nabadaynta Townhalls now expand across Somalia to strengthen community-led security and justice.

    Baidoa townhall

    The UK-funded Nabadaynta Soomaaliya Programme is advancing community-led peacebuilding and justice through the expansion of its innovative “Townhall” meetings across Somalia. These forums enable direct dialogue between local authorities and communities to collaboratively address pressing security and justice concerns.

    Following early successes in Kismayo and Baidoa, the programme has now extended its support to Doolow and Xudur, marking a significant milestone in its mission to foster Somali-led solutions. The inaugural Townhall in Doolow, held on 3 June 2025, brought together over 100 participants including displaced and marginalised groups with officials from the Jubaland State Ministries of Justice and Security, the police, and the Mayor of Doolow.

    This event marked the first Nabadaynta-supported dialogue in Doolow and concluded with a joint resolution to hold regular Townhalls, ensuring sustained engagement on key justice and security priorities.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King said;

    The UK is proud to support initiatives like Nabadaynta that put communities at the heart of justice and peace building

    These local Townhalls give Somalis the space to shape solutions to local security and justice challenges that reflect their lived realities. This is how real, lasting change takes root.

    With this expansion, Townhalls are now active in all four target districts: Doolow and Kismayo in Jubaland, and Xudur and Baidoa in South West State. So far in 2025, three rounds of Townhalls have been held in Kismayo and Baidoa, while Xudur’s first meeting took place in May.

    The Townhalls are designed to promote transparency, build trust, and empower communities to co-develop responses to shared challenges. Each session brings together 50 to 100 participants, including local officials and diverse community members, to identify and address local justice and security issues.

    The Townhalls have already led to tangible outcomes, such as:

    • Establishing patrols in high-risk areas lacking police presence in Baidoa.

    • Tackling mobile phone theft and shutting down a black market for stolen phones in Kismayo.

    • Clarifying justice pathways and developing community-led action plans.

    A participant at the Doolow Townhall said;

    We need to solve issues ourselves before they grow. Justice begins when we listen to each other. That’s how peace takes root.

    Notes for Editors

    About Nabadaynta Soomaaliya

    Nabadaynta Soomaaliya is managed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency. The programme works closely with local governments, justice and security providers, and communities to improve access to justice and security in Somalia. It emphasises people-centred approaches, focusing on social norms, behaviour change, and empowering Somalis to articulate their challenges and co-create solutions.

    The programme is co-funded by the United Kingdom and the European Union, with the UK serving as the major funder.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Early OFTO decommissioning: letter to the ENA OFTO forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Correspondence

    Early OFTO decommissioning: letter to the ENA OFTO forum

    A letter from the Minister for Energy to the Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) industry on early OFTO decommissioning.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Early OFTO decommissioning: letter from Minister for Energy to ENA OFTO forum, 12 June 2025

    PDF, 159 KB, 2 pages

    Details

    This letter has been issued by the Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks MP, to the Chair of the Energy Networks Association (ENA) OFTO forum Roger Morgan. It sets out the approach to the consideration of decommissioning plans for ‘early OFTOs’, specifically those within DESNZ’ remit who applied to Ofgem’s tender rounds 1 to 6.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Issues: Environment

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolf Point Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on Fort Peck Indian Reservation

    Source: US FBI

    GREAT FALLS – A Wolf Point man accused of stabbing another individual on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Andy Kane Follet, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Follet faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for October 22, 2025. Follet was detained pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on January 27, 2024, the defendant, Andy Kane Follet, and several friends, including co-defendants and the victim, John Doe, were in a yard in Wolf Point, Montana, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and the group broke up – Follet and his co-defendants returned to the Follet home. Shortly after they returned to the home, Doe approached the house demanding to get his phone back. Follet and his co-defendants exited the home and confronted Doe in the driveway.

    Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Follet and co-defendants hitting John Doe. The witness described seeing one person hit Doe with a bat, then the other two started hitting Doe as well, with one of them using a hammer. Another witness went outside after hearing a commotion. He saw Follet and his co-defendants approaching Doe while he backed away. The witness described the three then “jumping” Doe.

    One co-defendant hit Doe repeatedly in the head with a hammer. As Doe was trying to get up Follet stabbed Doe in the chest. In an interview with law enforcement, Follet said he thought Doe was wearing enough layers of clothes that he could not be injured by the knife. He also said Doe had cut him with a knife and that if didn’t do anything (after he was stabbed), his whole family would make fun of him. None of the independent witnesses reported Doe having a knife. The only knife found at the scene around Doe’s body was located in Doe’s pocket. A large knife with apparent blood was later located hidden in a hole in a wall of Follet’s home.

    Doe died at the scene before law enforcement could arrive. According to an autopsy, Doe died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest. The stab wound to the chest consisted of a 6-inch penetration that perforated Doe’s sternum, heart, and esophagus.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, Wolf Point Police Department, and State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Ranked Eleventh in Nation for Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    FBI Norfolk Field Office Provides Guidance to Seniors and Caregivers

    NORFOLK—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 Virginia, total losses were $106,575,141 for those 60 years and older in 2024. Virginia ranked eleventh for overall losses, totaling 3,841 complaints in that age group. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.

    “Elder abuse isn’t just a betrayal of trust—it’s a serious crime that shatters the safety and dignity of those who helped build our communities. At FBI Norfolk, we are committed to working side by side with local and state partners to detect, investigate, and bring to justice those who exploit our elderly. We must all remain vigilant—and speak up—because protecting seniors is not just law enforcement’s duty, it’s a moral imperative,” said Dominique Evans, special agent in charge, FBI Norfolk

    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 Europe: EU agencies help take down largest illegal trading platform for drugs

    Source: European Union 2

    The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

    Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

    The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

    Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

    Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

    The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
    • Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Calls on International Community to Continue Mobilizing Resources to Ensure Decent Life for Afghan People

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Geneva, June 16, 2025

    The State of Qatar called on the international community to continue mobilizing financial and technical resources and to fully fund the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to help ensure a dignified life for the Afghan people.

    This came in a statement delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva Juhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi during her participation in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan held as part of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

    Al Suwaidi affirmed the State of Qatar’s continued commitment as an active international partner, highlighting that through its mediation efforts and by hosting the Special Envoys on Afghanistan meetings under the auspices of the UN, the State of Qatar succeeded in enhancing international consensus on many key issues and continued to provide humanitarian and development aid to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Afghan people.

    She highlighted the State of Qatar’s commitment to including human rights issues in its discussions with Afghan parties, particularly in supporting and promoting the participation of Afghan women in the peacebuilding process, ensuring their right to education and equal employment opportunities, as well as protecting the rights of all segments of Afghan society.

    The Afghan people endured decades of conflict, natural disasters, and terrorism, she added, pointing out that Afghanistan is currently facing numerous humanitarian, social, political, security, and economic challenges, which in turn affect efforts to promote and protect human rights.

    The Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office stressed that addressing these challenges requires intensified efforts to rebuild Afghan institutions, ensure continued humanitarian and development assistance for the Afghan people, and maintain dialogue and engagement with all Afghan parties to reach solutions that foster greater stability and growth.

    MIL OSI Africa –

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extremist abortion laws planned for GB

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:-

    “Tomorrow the House of Commons will debate two amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill which would see abortion up to full-term legalised by the removal of the legal provisions which criminalise such.

    “In consequence a woman could self-administer abortion pills and, with risk to her own health, kill her unborn child, and, yet, no longer be breaking the law.

    “At present the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 makes such an offence in respect of a child capable of independent existence outside the womb.

    “Whereas abortion pills are only supposed to be available up to 10 week gestation, there is no way to police this as applicants self-declare the stage of their pregnancy in purchasing the pills online. The Carla Foster case demonstrates how open to abuse the present system is. How much worse will it become if all criminal sanction is removed. This is why I have signed an amendment which would require face-to-face medical consultation before such pills are provided.

    “Abortion up to birth is, to me, a wholly obnoxious and repugnant proposition, yet this is what the proposers of these amendments, Stella Creasy and Tonia Antoniazzi are seeking to advance. I am disappointed that two NI MPs, Clare Hanna and Sorcha Eastwood, are backing the Antoniazzi amendment and Ms Eastwood has also signed the even more extreme Creasy amendment!

    “Of course, it will be remembered that it was Stella Creasy’s amendment to the Executive Formation Bill in 2019 which brought to NI the most extreme abortion laws with which these amendments will now see much of GB share.

    “I will strenuously oppose these amendments, believing the innocent unborn must be given a voice.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s postal and courier sector records significant growth in volume of items processed in first five months of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) — China’s postal and courier sector handled 86.18 billion packages from January to May 2025, up 17.6 percent year on year, data from the State Post Administration showed Monday.

    Express delivery services accounted for 78.77 billion of the total number of shipments, which is 20.1 percent more than in the same period last year.

    Revenue from China’s postal and courier sector also showed strong growth, increasing 8 percent year-on-year to 718.73 billion yuan (about 100.12 billion U.S. dollars) in the first five months.

    The significant increase in package deliveries is a sign of a thriving consumer market. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s retail sales of consumer goods rose 5 percent year-on-year from January to May, compared with a 4.7 percent increase in the first four months of this year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has handed over more than 6,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen to Ukraine — Russian presidential aide

    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

    Moscow, June 16 /Xinhua/ — Russia has fulfilled the agreements reached in Istanbul and handed over to Ukraine 6,060 bodies of the killed servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), said Vladimir Medinsky, aide to the Russian president and head of the Russian delegation at the talks with Ukraine, on Monday.

    “Russia has fulfilled the promises made in Istanbul: a total of 6,060 bodies of fallen officers and soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been handed over to the Ukrainian side,” he wrote on his Telegram channel.

    V. Medinsky also noted that the bodies of 78 dead Russian soldiers were received from the Ukrainian side.

    This information was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. As noted in the military department’s Telegram channel, Russia fulfilled the agreements by implementing a “large-scale humanitarian action.”

    “We are ready at this stage to transfer another 2,239 bodies of deceased Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen to the Ukrainian side,” the Russian Defense Ministry added.

    According to media reports, on June 11, Russia handed over 1,212 bodies of fallen soldiers to Ukraine, and from June 13 to 15, it handed over 1,200 bodies daily to Ukraine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian and Turkish presidents condemn Israel’s operation against Iran in phone call

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 16 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have condemned Israel’s operation against Iran. The leaders agreed that the relevant departments of the two countries will maintain close cooperation to resolve the situation through diplomatic means, according to a report on the telephone conversation between the two leaders posted on the Kremlin website on Monday.

    “The main focus is on the sharply aggravated situation in the Middle East. Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s military action against Iran, undertaken in violation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law,” the statement said.

    “Both sides expressed the most serious concern about the ongoing escalation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict, which has already led to a large number of casualties and is fraught with serious long-term consequences for the entire region. The leaders spoke in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the settlement of contentious issues, including those related to the Iranian nuclear program, exclusively by political and diplomatic means,” the Kremlin website notes.

    The leaders of Russia and Turkey also discussed the situation in Ukraine and exchanged views on current issues on the bilateral agenda, “including the energy sector.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan Opens in Astana

    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

    ASTANA, June 16 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan was held on Monday at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana.

    At the ceremony, which was attended by about 300 guests, speeches were given by the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China Sun Yeli and the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan Erbol Myrzabosynov.

    On the same day, the exhibition “Silk and the Silk Road: from China to Kazakhstan” opened in the museum, which is the main event of the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. Sun Yeli and E. Myrzabosynov cut the ribbon, opening the event.

    The exhibition will run until August 8. Its aim is to showcase the historical heritage and modern development of Silk Road culture, as well as the friendly exchanges and cultural integration between China and countries along the Silk Road. The exhibition is divided into three thematic parts: “Origin of Silk,” “Silk Road,” and “Use of Silk.”

    The opening ceremony of the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan also included various cultural events, fashion shows in the style of traditional Chinese clothing hanfu and events dedicated to intangible cultural heritage. The China Silk Museum and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

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

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    Kananaskis, Alberta

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Closed to media

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

    Note for media:

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

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

    Pomeroy Kananaskis Country Golf Course

    Note for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

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

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

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

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

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

    Key Points:

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

    What You Should Do:

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

    What Businesses Should Do:

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

    About Salmonella:

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

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

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

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

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

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

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention






    Official websites use .gov

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

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

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

    For immediate release: June 16, 2025

    CDC Media Relations

    (404) 639-3286

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

    Key Points:

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

    What You Should Do:

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

    What Businesses Should Do:

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

    About Salmonella:

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

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

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

    Thank you,

    CDC News Media Branch

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

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

    Content Source:

    Office of Communications (OC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

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

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

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

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

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

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

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

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

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

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Issues Emergency Proclamation to Facilitate Activation of National Guard

     

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    MEDIA . Pillen Encourages Observance of Flag Day

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Fort Myers Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Child Sexual Abuse And Firearm Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Samuel Villarreal III (25, North Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Villarreal entered a guilty plea on March 4, 2025.

    According to court documents, from on or about December 29, 2022, through on or about June 29, 2023, Villarreal knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view images of children being sexually abused that he sought out and downloaded from the internet. 

    In December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Villarreal had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A subsequent search warrant for Villarreal’s social media account revealed CSAM.

    On June 29, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Villarreal’s residence in North Fort Myers, Florida, and seized Villarreal’s laptop and cellphones.  Villarreal agreed to speak with agents and admitted that he used his computer to access CSAM on the internet and that he had a folder on his computer where he stored CSAM images. He also admitted that he had also used his cellphone to view CSAM and having used the social media application. 

    During the search of Villarreal’s residence, agents located Villarreal’s unregistered short-barreled rifle, which they seized. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a record check of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records database and found no records of the firearm being registered, as required since the barrel was less than 16 inches. Villarreal admitted that he got the firearm as a rifle and modified it himself by putting a shorter barrel on it. He told agents that he never applied to have it registered with ATF, and that he was aware of the requirement before replacing the barrel with a shorter one.

    The subsequent forensic examination of Villarreal’s cellphones and laptop revealed images of CSAM.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

    This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Fort Myers Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Child Sexual Abuse And Firearm Offenses

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Samuel Villarreal III (25, North Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Villarreal entered a guilty plea on March 4, 2025.

    According to court documents, from on or about December 29, 2022, through on or about June 29, 2023, Villarreal knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view images of children being sexually abused that he sought out and downloaded from the internet. 

    In December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Villarreal had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A subsequent search warrant for Villarreal’s social media account revealed CSAM.

    On June 29, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Villarreal’s residence in North Fort Myers, Florida, and seized Villarreal’s laptop and cellphones.  Villarreal agreed to speak with agents and admitted that he used his computer to access CSAM on the internet and that he had a folder on his computer where he stored CSAM images. He also admitted that he had also used his cellphone to view CSAM and having used the social media application. 

    During the search of Villarreal’s residence, agents located Villarreal’s unregistered short-barreled rifle, which they seized. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a record check of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records database and found no records of the firearm being registered, as required since the barrel was less than 16 inches. Villarreal admitted that he got the firearm as a rifle and modified it himself by putting a shorter barrel on it. He told agents that he never applied to have it registered with ATF, and that he was aware of the requirement before replacing the barrel with a shorter one.

    The subsequent forensic examination of Villarreal’s cellphones and laptop revealed images of CSAM.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

    This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US FBI

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –