NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Religious Freedom Must Not Be Taken for Granted

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What have you learned about the FBI’s bias towards American Catholics?

    A: From my top spot on the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m pushing to get answers from the FBI about its efforts during the Biden administration to tie certain Americans of Catholic faith to violent extremist views. New information I recently released showed the anti-Catholic Richmond memo was widely distributed to more than 1,000 FBI employees across the country during the Biden administration. What’s more, the newly released records showed the targeting of Catholics based on biased sources included more than just a single memo. Records reveal the FBI produced many written products containing anti-Catholic terminology that hinged on information from the radical far-left Southern Poverty Law Center. This contradicts former FBI Director Christopher Wray’s misleading testimony to my questioning about these operations that have undermined the public trust in our institutions of government. I’m working to get to the bottom of the Richmond memo, including the FBI’s efforts to skirt congressional oversight. The American people deserve answers to help restore confidence that federal law enforcement agencies administer justice without fear or favor. Targeting Americans based on their religious faith crosses a constitutional guardrail enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

    Q: Is religious freedom in America at risk?

    A: For more than two centuries, the First Amendment protects freedom of religion. Specifically, the Establishment Clause prevents the government from establishing a state religion; and the Free Exercise Clause protects the right to practice religion freely. Unfortunately, the recent murders outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. and the attack on the Jewish community in Boulder aren’t isolated incidents. They expose a grave and present danger for people of religious faith, particularly antisemitic extremism. Since the brutal attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, antisemitism is on the rise in the United States and around the world. During his first month back in the White House, President Trump signed an executive order to combat antisemitism. The Department of Justice formed a task force in February and zeroed in on incidents taking place on college campuses. I convened a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in March to strongly rebuke the stunning acts of antisemitism happening on campuses and elsewhere. During his first administration, President Trump made religious freedom a top foreign policy to stand against religious intolerance, persecution and violence around the world. Closer to home, President Trump last month created the Religious Liberty Commission to foster appreciation for our founding principles of religious freedom, identify emerging threats and protect the free exercise of religion. The president appointed advisory board members  representing  religious, legal and lay leaders to produce a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America and its impact on society leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. The commission also will discuss Supreme Court rulings on religious liberty and delve into the meaning of separation of church and state.

    Written public comments may be submitted in advance of its first meeting prior to June 15. Send comments to RLC@usdoj.gov, or by postal mail to U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Associate Attorney General, 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 5706, Washington, D.C. 20530.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Grassley Report Shows Biden DOJ Sent Taxpayer-Funded Grants to Soros-Backed, Soft-on-Crime NGOs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released a Majority staff report exposing the disastrous consequences of the Biden Department of Justice’s (DOJ) grants to two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – the Soros-backed Vera Institute of Justice and Impact Justice, which houses the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Resource Center.

    The Trump administration has since terminated these grants to ensure DOJ awards align with the administration’s stated priorities: “support[ing] law enforcement operations, combat[ing] violent crime, protect[ing] American children, support[ing] American victims of trafficking and sexual assault, and enhanc[ing] coordination among law enforcement.” Ninety-three percent of DOJ’s recently terminated grants only impacted NGOs.

    “The Biden-Harris administration awarded millions of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars to advance left-leaning agendas that ultimately put lives at risk. The American people overwhelmingly rejected these soft-on-crime, defund-the-police policies in the last election because they undermined the safety and security of their communities. Organizations like the Vera Institute and Impact Justice that promote radical ideology have no business collecting another dime from the federal treasury. Americans are safer without their influence in the criminal justice system,” Grassley said.

    Read the Grassley staff report HERE.

    Background:

    Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Vera Institute was awarded millions of taxpayer dollars to prop up left-wing District Attorneys, who would then partner with the Vera Institute to implement Soros-backed progressive policies. These policies included prioritizing violent criminals over victims and declining to fully prosecute felony charges – including assault, kidnapping, rape and murder.

    Impact Justice & the PREA Resource Center was awarded $7.45 million by the Biden-Harris administration to help combat sexual abuse in prisons and ensure the integrity of the PREA audit process.  However, the PREA auditors routinely failed to uncover pervasive sexual abuse. Further, PREA Resource Center training materials endangered women by encouraging the housing of transgender inmates in female prisons. This was done without due regard for inmate safety and in ways inconsistent with federal regulation.

    Key Findings of the Report’s Analysis on the Vera Institute:

    The Vera Institute used taxpayer funds to gain unprecedented access to progressive prosecutor offices. Below are several examples that illustrate the Vera Institute’s influence over federal prosecutors across the county.

    • In New York, New York County DA Alvin Bragg partnered with the Vera Institute and declined to prosecute certain misdemeanor felonies, actively worked to downgrade felony charges to misdemeanors and refused to detain criminals before their trials. Meanwhile, Bragg attempted to prosecute President Donald Trump for federal campaign finance violations.
      • In 2025, there were over 48,000 individuals arrested for misdemeanors in New York County, but only 3,000 of them were detained.
    • In Georgia, Athens DA Deborah Gonzalez partnered with the Vera Institute and pledged to protect illegal immigrant defendants and release criminals on bonds that do not require the posting of money.
      • During the Gonzalez’s tenure, the Gonzalez negotiated a lenient plea deal for a sexual predator and serial rapist who preyed on women and children. Gonzalez later refused to pursue the death penalty for the murderer of Laken Riley.
    • In Wisconsin, Milwaukee DA John Chisholm partnered with the Vera Institute to implement several progressive, soft-on-crime policies and reportedly told the Milwaukee Sentinel-Journal, “Is there going to be an individual I divert, or I put into a treatment program, who’s going to go out and kill somebody? You bet.”
      • In 2020, the Milwaukee DA’s office released a criminal twice before he ultimately drove an SUV through a Christmas Parade, killing six and injuring 62 others.
    • In Missouri, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner partnered with the Vera Institute and pledged to “expand diversion programs, decline to prosecute low level cases and decrease the number of people held on cash bail.”
      • Under the guidance of the Vera Institute, the Gardner dismissed more than 9,000 criminal cases and refused to prosecute 90 percent of reported crime, including cop killers and a child murderer.
    • In Massachusetts, Suffolk County DA Rachel Rollins partnered with the Vera Institute and instructed prosecutors to decline prosecution of 15 different crimes, as well as create a screening unit tasked with decreasing the number of arraigned cases.
    • In Virginia, Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano partnered with the Vera Institute and repeatedly released violent illegal immigrants back on the streets.
      • The Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney’s office repeatedly released an illegal immigrant who had a record of 29 run-ins with law enforcement and a documented history of sexual assault and indecent exposure. The illegal immigrant raped a woman in October 2024 upon release.

    -30- 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Investigates ‘Prohibited Access’ Files at FBI, Demands Accountability for Document Destruction and Obstruction in Mueller Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is following up on recent revelations in a declassified Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) analysis he released exposing the FBI for placing certain Crossfire Hurricane files under “Prohibited Access” status, potentially preventing most FBI agents, Congress and the Inspector General from accessing some FBI records.

    Grassley is demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel search for and produce all records related to Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Biden family that may currently be under “Prohibited” or “Restricted” Access.

    “As I’m sure you are aware, the impact of parking records in a way that impedes, or in some cases prevents, responsive records from being produced to Congress pursuant to a valid request and during the course of court litigation, whether criminal or civil, is wide-ranging and potentially catastrophic to constitutional requirements,” Grassley wrote to Bondi and Patel. “Indeed, if the FBI has failed to take steps in the past to access records in ‘Restricted’ or ‘Prohibited’ status, the FBI has not fully responded to many years of my oversight requests.” 

    Grassley is also seeking records relating to current and former Department of Justice (DOJ)/FBI officials who may have committed serious misconduct by mishandling and destroying federal records, particularly related to Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation into the now-discredited Trump-Russia hoax.

    According to Freedom of Information Act disclosures, former Mueller team member Andrew Weissman deleted all of the data on his government phone multiple times over the course of the Meuller investigation.

    Additionally, whistleblowers allege the following of Special Agent (SA) Walter Giardina, who played a significant role in the investigation and prosecution of Trump advisor Peter Navarro, as well as Arctic Frost, Crossfire Hurricane, Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation, and the Dan Scavino, Roger Stone and Hillary Clinton cases:   

    • SA Giardina was an initial recipient of the Steele Dossier and falsely said that the report was corroborated as true.
    • SA Giardina stated openly his animosity toward President Trump and made known his personal motivation to investigate Trump.
    • SA Giardina electronically wiped the laptop he was assigned while working for Special Counsel Mueller outside of established protocol for record preservation, raising the possibility that he destroyed government records. The destruction of the laptop was reported to the DOJ Office of Inspector General.   
    • SA Giardina instructed agents to use false Emolument Clause predication on President Trump to “dig around.” 
    • SA Giardina was a case agent assigned to the Crimson River case, later changed to Red Maasari. This case was leaked, by whom it is not known, to the Washington Post in August 2024, roughly 90 days before the presidential election, in an attempt to falsely discredit President Trump.

    Read Grassley’s full letter to Bondi and Patel HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Eid al-Adha: Associate Minister Yaseen

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Today, Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities. The PROTECT Act would expand Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug trafficking. It would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals.  

    “The opioid epidemic has devastated Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “Tribes in my district have continually told me about the unique challenges their courts and law enforcement face to stop drug trafficking on Tribal land. This bill would give Tribes the tools they need to protect tribal sovereignty, save lives and keep Tribes and communities across Northwest Washington safe,” said Larsen.  

    Read the bill text HERE.  

    Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-Wash.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill.  

    Statements of Support:  

    “The opioid and fentanyl epidemic is harming all citizens in Washington State. Our reservations are no different. Our Tribal lands are being targeted by organized crime because of the jurisdictional complexities and other vulnerabilities. The PROTECT Act of 2025 restores Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians for drug trafficking within our reservation boundaries, helping protect not only the residents on our reservation, but all Washingtonians,” said Teri Gobin, Chairwoman, Tulalip Tribes. 

    “The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians supports the PROTECT Act of 2025, a bill that strengthens tribal criminal justice systems to help combat the opioid-fentanyl epidemic that is devastating our tribal communities. We urge Congress to move swiftly on this bill,” said Leonard Forsman, President, ATNI. 

    “For the past few years, Tribes have been urging Congress to move forward with legislative fixes that recognize our sovereignty and restore jurisdiction over non-tribal predatory drug dealers who are causing great harm at Lummi Nation. We thank everyone who has played a part in making this happen,” said Anthony Hillaire, Chairman, Lummi Nation. 

    “This legislation is important for three key reasons. First, this bill will enhance our ability to investigate crimes, which in turn will help ensure the safety of our community. This bill will allow our Tribal law enforcement to utilize the prompt review by a Swinomish Court judge of a request for a search warrant of social media platforms that will be honored by the platforms, and as a result we can quickly tackle incoming drugs and other illegal activity. Second, this bill helps restore the inherent sovereignty of Tribes by recognizing Tribal criminal jurisdiction over offenses involving drugs and firearms. Restoring Tribal criminal jurisdiction over these offenses will allow for swift and certain repercussions for those who are violating the criminal drug and firearms laws of the Tribe. Third and finally, the ability to utilize the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program (BOP) provides access to a potentially useful resource for Tribes,” said Steve Edwards, Chairman, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. 

    “The Colville Tribes’ law enforcement agency has long been hampered by the omission in federal law that does not allow our tribal courts to compel social media companies to turn over information necessary for our officers to investigate crimes. The PROTECT Act would provide tribal courts this authority and, in the process, allow investigations to proceed faster and more efficiently,” said Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. 

    “Any additional tools that Congress can provide us to keep our community safe is a welcome change. The amendments in this bill will assist tribes in fighting the fentanyl epidemic, which will help Indian Country and surrounding communities. We are all safer if we can reduce the effects of drug crimes and related violence that is taking out our youth in unprecedented numbers,” said Dustin Klatush, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. 

    Larsen Is Focused on Combating Opioid Crisis in Northwest Washington 

    Rep. Larsen is focused on supporting local efforts to combat the opioid crisis and save lives. Last Congress, he introduced a districtwide opioid report outlining a comprehensive framework to combat the crisis. He built on this report by introducing four pieces of legislation: 

    • The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, which would codify, strengthen, and expand pilot grant funding for community partnerships that promote employment for those recovering from substance use, help workers transition to occupations that support those affected by substance use, and provide supportive services to program participants, such as substance use treatment, peer support services, and mentorship opportunities. 

    • The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which would expand access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhance the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic. 

    Larsen plans to reintroduce all of his opioid-related bills to provide communities with the resources they need to regain the momentum to combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Woman seriously hurt in hit-and-run incident

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are working to locate the driver of a red ute involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a woman seriously injured in Rotorua last night.

    The crash happened about 9pm, near the intersection of Haupapa Street and Tuanekai Street.

    After striking the victim, the vehicle drove east on Haupapa Street towards Fenton Street, Detective Sergeant Philip Wilkinson said.

    The vehicle involved was still being sought by Police.

    “This incident easily could have been fatal, and it’s important we hear from anyone who saw it happen, and anyone who witnessed an interaction between a woman and the driver of a red ute immediately prior.

    “We are reviewing CCTV from the area, but if you have any information or cell phone footage, please contact us as soon as possible.”

    If you have information that may assist, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250605/9241.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five Highs Gang Members Convicted by Jury of RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted five Minnesota men today for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and in gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, defendants Tyreese Giles, 24, Josiah Taylor, 31, Trevaun Robinson, 29, William Banks, 35, and Gregory Brown, 35, all of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise. As part of their Highs membership, the defendants were expected to retaliate against their rivals, the Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue. These two gangs had been in a gang war that spanned years and alleged members of the Lows gang have been separately charged with federal crimes, including racketeering charges.

    “This is the second successful trial against members and associates of the Highs gang in this case in the last three weeks,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case and these trials show the Department’s relentless determination to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power and control narcotics territory. We will continue to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for victims and their loved ones in communities around the country.”

    “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence. I want to thank the coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who joined together to bring down this violent criminal street gang. I also want to thank the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for lending their expertise and partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on our RICO cases.”

    “This case is a powerful example of how we use federal racketeering laws to take down violent gangs at the center of community violence,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “These individuals relied on firearms, retaliation, and drug trafficking to fuel chaos and assert fear and dominance over their neighborhoods. ATF special agents worked closely with our partners to map the gang’s structure and document their vicious acts of violence, to bring the full weight of the law against its members. We will continue to use every tool available to protect the public and hold violent offenders accountable.”

    “The verdict today reflects the United States Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) dedication to building great partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as state and county law enforcement, to bring violent criminals in our communities to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steve Hodge of USPIS.

    “As financial investigators, IRS Criminal Investigation brings a unique skill set to dismantling violent criminal enterprises,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their illicit funds. By following the money, we developed critical financial evidence on significant fentanyl suppliers. As an agency on the RICO task force to combat violent crime, IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to make a noticeable impact in our community. These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis and maintaining the marked decrease in violence in our community.”

    As proven at trial, the gang war escalated when, on Sept. 9, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed at a barbershop in Minneapolis. About two hours later, suspecting that the Lows were responsible for the killing, defendant Giles traveled to Pennwood Market in Lows territory. Once there, Giles, who was dressed in black and wearing a mask covering his face, shot and killed a Lows member. He fired the fatal shot into the victim’s back before he attempted to flee from the scene.

    Evidence at trial tied defendant Robinson to two shootings — one into a crowd of individuals in downtown Minneapolis on July 7, 2019, and another in the parking lot of Merwin Liquors, a Highs hangout, on April 2, 2022.

    Defendants Taylor and Banks trafficked drugs, including fentanyl, on behalf of the Highs. Evidence proved that Brown was a high-level narcotics supplier for the Highs and coordinated trips to and from Arizona for Highs members to obtain tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to sell on the streets of Minneapolis. Each defendant was arrested in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and one possessed a firearm in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.

    The jury convicted defendants Giles, Robinson, Banks, And Brown of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy. Defendants Taylor and Banks were also convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The jury convicted Taylor of the separate crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the second of several trials in this case, which charged over 40 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Nine defendants are awaiting trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun and Carla Baumel of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than hour.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also know as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved.

    As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder.

    Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts.  Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided.

    “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.”

    “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.”

    The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than hour.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also know as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved.

    As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder.

    Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts.  Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided.

    “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.”

    “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.”

    The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Medical Transportation in Mountainous Regions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Medical Transportation in Mountainous Regions

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the bipartisan Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites (PEAKS) Act to bolster emergency medical transportation services in mountainous areas. The PEAKS Act would help Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) in mountainous areas receive fair compensation for ambulatory services by modifying distance requirements for these hospitals to receive reimbursements. California has 37 total CAHs, of which two thirds are currently operating at a loss.

    CAHs, designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, are smaller rural hospitals that are located more than a 35-mile drive — or a 15-mile drive in mountainous terrain — from any other hospital or CAH; are in an area with only secondary roads available; or otherwise are designated by their state as a “necessary provider.” Currently, CAHs in mountainous areas are not reimbursed for providing ambulatory services under the enhanced Medicare payment model if they do not meet the 35-mile distance requirement. The PEAKS Act would expand reimbursements for these services if a CAH in mountainous terrain or in an area with only secondary roads is the only provider within 15 miles.

    “Far too often, people in mountainous regions struggle to receive timely, affordable emergency care when they need it most,” said Senator Padilla. “California’s 37 Critical Access Hospitals help fill critical coverage gaps by providing emergency medical services in these rural areas, yet with two thirds of them operating in the red, we need to act quickly to prevent more ambulance service closures. Our bipartisan PEAKS Act would make commonsense updates to help Critical Access Hospitals in mountainous areas get Medicare reimbursements for the emergency care they provide.”

    “As residents of the Mountain State, we are proud of our beautiful peaks, however, we are also aware of the transportation challenges—especially for ambulances—that exist due to our mountainous topography. I’m proud to introduce the PEAKS Act to address this challenge and ensure even our most rural residents can depend on ambulance services, as well as ensure our critical access hospitals are able to provide the best care possible,” said Senator Capito.

    The PEAKS Act would also make certain that CAHs would not lose their designation if any new hospital is built within 15 miles.

    The PEAKS Act is supported by the West Virginia Hospital Association, California Hospital Association, Arkansas Hospital Association, Hospital Association of Oregon, Utah Hospital Association, and Wyoming Hospital Association.

    Senator Padilla has long been a leader in the fight to make health care more equitable, affordable, and accessible in the United States. Earlier this year, Padilla introduced the bipartisan Health Accelerating Consumers’ Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling (ACCESS) Act to improve digital health services by allowing patients to easily search for and book health care appointments online while protecting personal health information. Padilla also recently introduced the EASE Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase access to specialty care for rural and underserved Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients. Last year, Padilla introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2024 to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities as well as women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the United States.

    Additionally, Padilla introduced the Equal Health Care for All Act, bicameral legislation that would make equal access to medical care a protected civil right to help address the racial inequities and structural failures in America’s health care system. He also recently joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and over 100 lawmakers in reintroducing the Medicare for All Act, historic legislation that would guarantee health care as a fundamental human right to all people in the United States regardless of income or background.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, Huffman Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Unlawful Approval of Mining in Mojave National Preserve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, Huffman Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Unlawful Approval of Mining in Mojave National Preserve

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate ENR Committee, and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, expressed serious concern over the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) unlawful approval of mining activities by Dateline Resources inside the Mojave National Preserve and demanded they rescind their approval. In their letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the lawmakers also called on Interior to comply with federal mining law, conduct a full mineral validity exam, reaffirm the National Park Service’s (NPS) authority over mining operations in the Preserve, and explain their legal rationale for permitting Dateline Resources mining activity.

    “We write with serious concern regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent press release announcing BLM’s ‘approval’ of mining activity by Dateline Resources within Mojave National Preserve,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action appears to violate federal law, disregards National Park Service (NPS) authority, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial development in lands that Congress has designated as worthy of inclusion in the National Park System.”

    Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 through the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), which transferred the land from BLM to NPS, helping support rare plant species and vital wildlife corridors. The law clearly states that any mining within the Preserve must comply with the Mining in the Parks Act, meaning companies with preexisting claims must conduct a mineral validity exam and obtain an NPS-approved plan of operations before any surface-disturbing activity can occur.

    Despite these requirements, BLM recently approved rare earth mineral exploration by Dateline Resources, an Australian company, based on a 1985 BLM plan of operations that predates the Preserve’s creation and only covers the extraction of gold. Dateline recently announced plans to begin exploratory drilling, despite lacking a valid NPS-approved plan or proof of the existence of a valuable mineral deposit, as the Mining in the Parks Act requires.

    “Congress set aside these lands and entrusted them to the NPS for permanent protection, not as a zone for future industrial exploitation,” continued the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers also criticized Secretary Burgum for backtracking on his commitments to safeguard America’s national parks.

    “This is not only illegal, but it directly contradicts a commitment you made during your confirmation hearing to ‘protect every inch of our national parks.’ Approving a foreign-owned company’s speculative mining project inside a national park in this way is clearly inconsistent with that promise and threatens future speculative actions across other national parks,” added the lawmakers.

    Local leaders expressed their strong support for Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, and Huffman’s effort to protect the Mojave National Preserve from this unlawful mining activity.

    “We applaud Senator Padilla and congressional leaders for defending our beloved Mojave National Preserve from unchecked destruction by the Trump administration,” said Chance Wilcox, California Desert Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “In promoting speculative, damaging mining in our National Park System, the administration is pushing aside not only the legal protections afforded to this biodiverse landscape, but also the American people who love their parks. The administration’s misguided effort gives an Australian company a free pass to mining in one of America’s largest national park sites while saddling taxpayers with the clean-up costs.”

    “I spent my entire career in the National Park Service and was Superintendent of Mojave National Preserve for over a decade,” said Mary Martin, Retired National Park Service Official. “Speculative mining should have no place in our country’s most spectacular places – our national parks. It is infuriating that the Trump administration is urging an Australian mining company to drill and bulldoze this national park. This is nothing short of illegal and a betrayal of all Americans who own these national parks.”

    “The Clark mountain range is one of California’s most botanically important areas, estimated to harbor the second-highest density of rare plants of any of the state’s mountain ranges,” said Jim Andre, Director of UC Riverside’s Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. “The eastern Mojave Desert is also a global hotspot for new species discovery, where 15% of the vascular plant species have yet to be discovered. Will we know what we’ve lost if we bulldoze this area? They’re not just prized luxury items, they’re actually a functional part of the ecosystem that are supposed to be protected for the benefit of all Americans.”

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum,

    We write with serious concern regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent press release announcing BLM’s “approval” of mining activity by Dateline Resources within Mojave National Preserve. This action appears to violate federal law, disregards National Park Service (NPS) authority, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial development in lands that Congress has designated as worthy of inclusion in the National Park System.

    Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 via the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), elevating this cherished landscape to a National Park because of its outstanding ecological and cultural values, including in the Clark Mountain region, which supports rare plant species and critical wildlife corridors. Congress set aside these lands and entrusted them to the NPS for permanent protection, not as a zone for future industrial exploitation.

    The CDPA clearly states that any mining within the Mojave Preserve must comply with the Mining in the Parks Act, which requires a mineral validity examination and an NPS-approved plan of operations. However, it appears that BLM is attempting to circumvent this law and instead authorize Dateline’s project based on a 1985 plan originally approved by BLM for different minerals, under different ownership, and issued before the Preserve existed.

    To date, no mineral examination has been completed to validate Dateline Resource’s claims. Meanwhile, the NPS has repeatedly objected to Dateline’s unauthorized activities on lands within the Mojave National Preserve, including road grading and vegetation clearing, and requested over $200,000 in damages. Still, BLM appears to have acted unilaterally, greenlighting the company’s efforts to evade the law and ignore NPS oversight and review. In May, Dateline announced plans to begin exploratory drilling, despite lacking a valid NPS-approved plan of operations or proof of a valuable mineral deposit, as required by the Mining in the Parks Act. The original 1985 plan was for gold extraction, but Dateline is now touting rare earth elements – a major pivot that lacks any new environmental review or mineral validity determination.

    This is not only illegal, but it directly contradicts a commitment you made during your confirmation hearing to “protect every inch of our national parks.” Approving a foreign-owned company’s speculative mining project inside a national park in this way is clearly inconsistent with that promise and threatens future speculative actions across other national parks.

    Therefore, we urge you to:

    • Revoke BLM’s reliance on the outdated 1985 plan;
    • Affirm NPS’s jurisdiction and require compliance with the Mining in the Parks Act;
    • Conduct a full mineral validity exam; and
    • Provide, by June 20, 2025, the Department’s legal rationale for this decision, a copy of the 1985 plan of operations, and a clear statement on whether the Department supports industrial mining within national parks.

    We strongly urge you to reverse this decision and uphold the integrity of the Mojave National Preserve and the National Park System.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces the AFIDA Improvements Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure (AFIDA) Improvements Act. The bill will codify legislative oversightrecommendations to update the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. The AFIDA Improvements Act will equip the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat foreign adversaries’ ownership of American agricultural land. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Britt (R-AL) are original co-sponsors of this legislation in the Senate. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) is leading companion legislation in the House.

    “Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska and of America,” said Ricketts. ”American farmland should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not foreign adversaries. Food security is national security.”

    “Over the past several decades, China has been buying up American farmland in an attempt to infiltrate our agriculture supply chains. Food security is national security, and we cannot give the CCP a foothold. Thankfully, President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins are working to make American Farmland American Again. I’m proud to join this legislation with Senator Ricketts to update our reporting requirements for foreign purchases of our farmland for the first time in nearly 50 years. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will always support our great farmers and work to protect them from bad actors like China,” said Sen. Tuberville.

    “We come together on this legislation to address the national security concerns stemming from the growing purchases of farmland by the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Bacon. “Having actual processes in place will strengthen the security of our nation in the event nefarious foreign agents, such as the CCP, try to purchase agricultural lands within our nation. These lands must be protected as they are essential to feeding our country and other parts of the world, feeding livestock, fueling vehicles, and other uses.”

    “Foreign entities purchasing American farmland opens the door to serious national security threats from countries like China that aim to undermine the United States, and we’ve already seen nefarious attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to acquire farmland near U.S. military bases in Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would enhance existing measures by strengthening enforcement and promoting data sharing so that we can more easily identify foreign adversaries purchasing U.S. farmland with malicious intent.”

    The AFIDA Improvements Act:

    • Will codify recommendations published in January 2024 by the legislative branch’s oversight entity after it conducted a study of AFIDA.
      • In this report, it was found that the USDA’s AFIDA process has been ill-equipped to combat the foreign ownership of American agricultural land by foreign adversaries;
    • Will increase information sharing between the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and USDA;
    • Will require updates to the AFIDA handbook and establish a deadline by which USDA must set up an online AFIDA system; and
    • Will require AFIDA reporting for foreign persons holding more than one percent interest in American agricultural land. 

    The text of the bill is available here.

    This bill was initially covered in Fox News.

    BACKGROUND:

    Under AFIDA, foreign entities are required to disclose the transactions of American agricultural land to the USDA. 

    According to USDA, foreign investors own over 40 million acres of agricultural land across the United States. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, Chinese ownership of American agricultural land increased from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New digital service will help lower home-energy bills

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is giving people a free digital tool to help make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce heating bills.

    The BC Home Energy Planner makes it simple for people to save energy and reduce their environmental footprint at the same time.

    “Many British Columbians, especially those in older homes, may be needlessly wasting energy without even realizing it,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “People want their homes to be more energy-efficient and comfortable, and reduce heating bills. The Home Energy Planner is a free and easy-to-use way to do it.”

    The Home Energy Planner provides information about each home’s energy use by identifying issues, such as old windows or poor insulation, that may be causing heating bills to be higher than they should be. The tool also provides retrofit recommendations and connects people with program offers and registered contractors.

    The planner uses public data and information to assess how well a home uses energy. Homeowners will learn about:

    • the home’s energy score (measured in gigajoules per year);
    • what kinds of home-energy upgrades will have the biggest impact;
    • how home-energy upgrades can help prepare people for extreme weather events; and
    • resources to help upgrade the home.

    The planner is available to homeowners and renters. It can be used with single-family homes, as well as most townhouses, duplexes/triplexes, rowhouses and manufactured homes. It does not support condominiums, apartments or other multi-unit residential building types.

    Quotes:

    Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness –

    “Extreme-heat events are becoming more frequent and are expected to become more severe because of climate change. The Home Energy Planner can help people make choices that protect those they care about, such as installing a heat pump, which can efficiently cool your home during the hottest days of summer, while reducing your monthly energy bill.”

    Maggie Baynham, sustainability project manager, District of Saanich –

    “As a pilot community, Saanich has had an opportunity to test the Home Energy Planner and see it as a valuable tool for helping our residents understand how to save money on their energy bills, prepare their homes for climate impacts, such as extreme heat, while also making a meaningful contribution to climate action.”

    Trevor Koot, CEO, BC Real Estate Association –

    “The BC Home Energy Planner is an important step in providing homeowners with more information and tools to better understand their home’s energy-efficiency. By recognizing the impacts of building structure and systems on the home’s operational cost, carbon emissions, comfort and air quality, homeowners can be guided to their best options for future energy-retrofit projects.”

    Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro –

    “The BC Home Energy Planner helps homeowners and renters improve efficiency and reduce costs. By identifying problem areas and offering solutions, it empowers British Columbians to make smarter energy choices.”

    Learn More:

    To use the BC Home Energy Planner, visit: https://bchomeenergyplanner.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand to travel to United Kingdom and France

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be in London, United Kingdom, and Paris, France, from June 6 to 7, 2025, for bilateral visits.

    In London, Minister Anand will meet with David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. They will discuss ways to reinforce the close Canada-United Kingdom relationship, including by strengthening security and defence collaboration and expanding economic cooperation.

    There, Minister Anand will also meet with Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to discuss strengthening the Commonwealth through strategic reforms and focusing on its key strengths, such as advancing democracy and human rights. Minister Anand will also attend a meeting of G7 heads of mission and a round-table discussion with business leaders on defence and economic growth.

    Minister Anand will then travel to Paris, where she will meet with Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. They will discuss Canada and France’s continued collaboration on shared priorities, including defence and security, the promotion of democratic values, the two countries’ consecutive G7 presidencies and the promotion of the French language.

    Throughout the trip, Minister Anand will reiterate Canada’s commitment to growing its already close ties with the United Kingdom and France as key transatlantic allies and reliable trading partners.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal house fire, Waitara

    Source: New Zealand Police

    To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Debra Gower:

    One person has been located deceased following a house fire in Browne Street, Waitara this morning.

    Emergency services were alerted to the fire at 7.30am.

    The person found deceased is believed to have been the only occupant of the house at the time of the fire.

    Enquiries are under way to determine the cause of the fire and at this stage there is no further information available.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Milestone for Favarh’s Project SEARCH at UConn Health

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A specialized training program at UConn Health is now responsible for helping more than 60 adults overcome barriers to independent employment since 2016.

    Favarh’s Project SEARCH, which works with employers to provide structured work experiences for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, has graduated its 10th cohort at UConn Health, which is the first employer in Connecticut to serve as a host site.

    The milestone bridge ceremony at UConn Health Wednesday celebrated the accomplishment of the five interns who completed a 10-month program that included daily hands-on work experiences in a variety of departments and settings. One of them, Ryan Cook, drew cheers (and some tears of happiness) when he announced from the podium, “We are proud to share that we are all employed.”

    Graduates of Favarh’s Project SEARCH at UConn Health from years past celebrate with the Class of 2025 as the training program celebrates its 10th cohort at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    Cook, from Terryville, already is working at the Walgreens in Thomaston, as a cashier. He spent part of his internship as a cashier in the cafeteria in UConn Health’s main building, as well as in the pharmacy and the linen department.

    “We were not sure where our path would take us before Project SEARCH, but now we are profoundly grateful for being able to experience such amazing internships and met so many wonderful people along the way,” Cook said before accepting his certificate.

    Scott Masson, of Canton, interned in the mailroom, UConn Center on Aging, and central receiving, and is employed as a utility worker at Naples Pizza and the neighboring Fork and Fire Restaurant in Farmington.

    “We are glad to have all of you in our corners,” Masson told the audience, which included mentors, department representatives, and Project SEARCH graduates from previous years, in addition to family members. “You encourage us at every step of our employment journey. We could not ask for better leaders to have assisted us. It has been a life-changing experience. Our self-confidence as never been higher.”

    The ceremony also included a video about Favarh’s Project SEARCH at UConn Health, featuring this year’s interns:

    [embedded content]

    Meghan Dyer, from Bristol, interned in dental finance, the psoriasis center, and dental telecommunications. Reflecting on the bridge ceremony, she says, “It was definitely emotional. There’s a lot of people that I just don’t know, but it’s nice to see almost like the history of this program walking the halls, because I’m part of it now. I can say that I’m a graduating member of Project SEARCH’s 10 years.”

    Meghan Dyer is newly employed at UConn Health in dental telecommunications following completing of an internship with Favarh’s Project SEARCH at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    Dyer had interviewed for a paid position in dental telecom. She described a call she had while on duty there about two weeks before graduating.

    “It’s almost like a sitcom,” she says. “Completely mundane day, the out of the blue, the phone that never takes inbound calls magically gets an inbound call, and it’s Pamela Rucker from HR, telling me I got the job… It was like a pipe dream – I wasn’t expecting it to happen, would have loved it to happen. I wanted to be in the medical field.”

    The bridge ceremony included an open forum, where attendees spoke about their connection to the program. George Moses is the operations manager for housekeeping and linens, both areas where interns have been rotating through from the program’s start.

    “It’s been amazing,” Moses said. “They have taught our staff some great skills too, how to communicate and communicate with each other very well. It’s just been a pleasure.”

    Then he addressed Logan Haynes, who interned in custodial, housekeeping, and central receiving:

    Logan Haynes is among five young adults who completed a 10-month internship with Favarh’s Project SEARCH at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    “And Logan, you are an amazing young man!”

    Haynes, from Canton, is employed as a dishwasher at Beanz & Co., a coffee shop in Avon.

    Beanz & Co. also hired Chloe Roberts, who interned in the kitchen, the dermatology clinic, and the psoriasis center.

    “It was a bit scary for a couple weeks, and then the staff was really nice and kind and it helped me get through my experience and job skills,” Roberts says. “I used to be shy, talking to the patients, but now my confidence went up a little bit.”

    Over its 10 years at UConn Health, 98% of Favarh’s Project SEARCH interns have found successful independent employment, working a minimum of 16 hours a week in a nonseasonal position with market wages. The National Project SEARCH placement rate is 72%.

    “I think the mentors here at UConn really understand the program and the purpose, and that is a big part of why we’re so successful,” says Sandy Finnimore, Favarh’s competitive employment coordinator. “The mentors understand that this is not just something to fill the interns’ day, it’s going to change their life. They have to be held accountable and teach them their skills, or they’re not going to be successful, and the mentors understand that. We’ve been very lucky, because all of our mentors have been amazing.”

    Finnimore has been involved in the program at UConn Health since Day 1.

    “[Ten years ago] I wouldn’t be able to fathom that this many people would have come into my life and I would have been a part of teaching them,” she says. “It’s just unbelievable.”

    For Favarh assistant manager Keegan Riley, this was the first cohort she worked with at UConn Health.

    Sandy Finnimore of Favarh directs Ryan Cook toward a camara at the bridge ceremony for Project SEARCH at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    “They did so well,” Riley says. “They came in so nervous and excited and driven. I mean, they didn’t’ stop, they just kept trying, kept trying, kept trying. Any feedback we gave them, anything that the mentor said they need to work on, we told them, and they applied it. They were hungry for that position and that job.”

    After the ceremony, Cook reflected on his biggest takeaway from his Project SEARCH experience.

    “Learning about who I wanted to become and changing my life around,” Cook says.

    The 11th cohort, which starts at UConn Health in August, has eight interns.

    Favarh is based in Canton and is a chapter of the Arc, a worldwide organization that supports people with disabilities. In partnership with UConn Health Human Resources and the Connecticut Departments of Developmental Services and Rehabilitative Services, Favarh brought Project SEARCH to UConn Health in 2015.

    Learn more about Project SEARCH at UConn Health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Launches Investigation into Rhode Island for Race-Based Employment Preferences in Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

    Source: US State of California

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the State of Rhode Island (“Rhode Island”) concerning potential race-based discrimination in state employment practices.

    The state of Rhode Island mandates state agencies set hiring targets that are effectively race-based employment quotas.[1] These statutorily mandated goals pressure state agencies to engage in discriminatory, and potentially unlawful, hiring practices. The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section opened the investigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, national origin, and other protected characteristics.

    “The state of Rhode Island’s official hiring policy embraces racial discrimination, something the Supreme Court has long held to be unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Discrimination in the name of ‘diversity’ is not only fundamentally unjust, but it also violates federal law. The Civil Rights Division will investigate Rhode Island’s discriminatory policy and take appropriate action if warranted.”

    You can view the notice letter here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Manteca Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $1.4 Million from Former Employer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Justin Alexander Payne, 50, of Manteca, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. 

    According to court documents, from December 2017 to September 2023, Payne worked as an IT Director for a family-owned, independent fuel supplier, distributor, and retailer company in Modesto. As part of his scheme, Payne used his company-issued credit card to make unauthorized purchases of gift cards from multiple retailers. To convert the gift cards to cash, Payne sold the gift cards to online businesses that specialize in purchasing unwanted gift cards for less than the value of the cards. The online businesses conducted no less than 3,700 transactions in gift card purchases from Payne, which included subsequent payouts to Payne.

    Payne also used the company’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases of personal items, including, but not limited to, adult clothing, children’s clothing, golf and other sports equipment and home improvement products. In furtherance of the scheme, Payne concealed his unauthorized purchases from the family-owned company by altering receipts and falsifying expense reports to make it appear as if the purchases were for legitimate IT equipment for the company. During his employment, Payne embezzled more than $1.4 million dollars from the company.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

    Payne is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on October 16, 2025. Payne faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New York Offering a Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction of Man Wanted for Conspiracy to Murder

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Joel Myrie. Myrie, who is also known by the alias “Pookie,” is wanted for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that occurred on June 19, 2022, in the Canarsie area of Brooklyn, New York. It is alleged that Myrie—a member of the No Love City (NLC), a Brooklyn-based subset of the violent Gangster Disciples (GD) street gang—and others attempted to murder a rival gang member by firing two firearms into a crowded neighborhood street. As a result of this attempted murder, a 28-year-old victim was shot and injured.

    Myrie was indicted on charges of conspiracy to murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering; assault in aid of racketeering; and possessing, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, New York, and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on August 29, 2024.

    On September 10, 2024, as part of his efforts to evade arrest, Myrie was seen wearing a dress and long-haired wig. It is unknown if Myrie has maintained his altered appearance.

    If you have any information concerning Myrie, please contact your local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can report a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Smith statement on Trump Administration travel ban

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rep. Smith (D – Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s newly announced travel ban on 12 countries that goes into effect next Monday.
     
    “The United States must be a place that welcomes and embraces travelers and immigrants from all religions, ethnicities, and nationalities. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has repeatedly targeted specific nations to reduce travel and migration into the United States, going back to his first days in office when he announced a ‘Muslim Ban.’

    “I am deeply concerned by the announcement of Trump’s Travel Ban 2.0, banning access to the United States from foreign nationals of 12 countries. The Trump Administration’s travel ban will not strengthen our national security. Instead, it is likely to divide families and cause arbitrary red tape to people trying to enter the country for lawful reasons.

    “I am supportive of legislation that would impose limitations on a President’s authority to suspend or restrict foreign nationals from entering the U.S. and prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions. We must stand against this divisive, prejudiced travel ban, and I will continue to seek ways to fight back.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Statement on Trump Administration Punishing Democratic Ran Cities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after House Republicans passed a politically motivated bill that would relocate Small Business Administration offices out of Denver and other Democratic-ran cities.

    “For years, we have heard Donald Trump whine about political prosecution and targeting political opponents. Today, House Republicans are weaponizing the federal government against Democratic-led cities to cut vital access to the Small Business Administration from the countless entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout our region. This is blatant political punishment because the only reason they are forcing this bill through is because House Republicans disagree with Denver’s policies.

    “This bill is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars, and it will only further the confusion and chaos small business owners are experiencing thanks to Trump’s reckless economic agenda.”

    The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2931 by a vote of 211-199.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: SH1, Kaikōura

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1 is closed at Peketā, Kaikoura, following a crash involving a truck and pedestrian.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Inland Kaikōura Road and Rakanui Road, about 9.20am.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road is expected to be closed for some time. The closure affects both north and south-bound traffic.

    Traffic management is being arranged, however motorists should use Inland Kaikōura Road/Leader Road East via Mt Lyford.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Court orders halt to AmeriCorps funding cuts after AGs sue

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown and 23 other attorneys general today won a court order that blocks the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. 

    On April 29, Brown joined a coalition of 23 other attorneys general—joined by the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania—in challenging the administration’s plans to eliminate nearly 90% of AmeriCorps’ workforce, abruptly cancel its contracts, and close $400 million worth of AmeriCorps-supported programs.

    The coalition sought a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the closure of programs in plaintiff states. Today the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted the preliminary injunction, restoring all programs that had been terminated in plaintiff states, and ordering the reinstatement of over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members. 

    “Thanks to the states’ action, AmeriCorps volunteers in Washington can continue to serve food banks in Chelan and Douglas counties; help communities build climate resilience and prepare for disasters in rural areas; tutor children in places like the Tri-Cities and mentor at-risk youth in places like Tacoma and Seatac; and rehabilitate low-income housing, support veterans, and so much more statewide,” Brown said. “We’ll continue this fight until the Trump administration finally respects the rule of law and the value of community service.”

    Brown and the coalition successfully argued that the Trump administration’s attacks on AmeriCorps are illegal. By closing $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs without explanation, the Trump administration harmed States that administer those programs as well as K–12 students, vulnerable seniors, and others who depend upon their services.   

    A federal judge found that the Trump administration’s actions were unlawful, because Congress explicitly required that the agency provide advance notice and an opportunity to comment on an any major changes to AmeriCorps services. 

    Today’s order restores $12 million in unspent funds vital to AmeriCorps programs in Washington. The court’s decision preliminarily stops the Trump administration from terminating them while the litigation continues. 

    Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. 

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    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Highs Gang Members Convicted by Jury of RICO Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted five Minnesota men today for their involvement in the Highs — a violent Minneapolis street gang — and in gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, defendants Tyreese Giles, 24, Josiah Taylor, 31, Trevaun Robinson, 29, William Banks, 35, and Gregory Brown, 35, all of Minneapolis, were members of various “cliques,” or subsets, of the Highs — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs committed murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies on behalf of the enterprise. As part of their Highs membership, the defendants were expected to retaliate against their rivals, the Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue. These two gangs had been in a gang war that spanned years and alleged members of the Lows gang have been separately charged with federal crimes, including racketeering charges.

    “This is the second successful trial against members and associates of the Highs gang in this case in the last three weeks,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case and these trials show the Department’s relentless determination to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power and control narcotics territory. We will continue to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for victims and their loved ones in communities around the country.”

    “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence. I want to thank the coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who joined together to bring down this violent criminal street gang. I also want to thank the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section for lending their expertise and partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on our RICO cases.”

    “This case is a powerful example of how we use federal racketeering laws to take down violent gangs at the center of community violence,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “These individuals relied on firearms, retaliation, and drug trafficking to fuel chaos and assert fear and dominance over their neighborhoods. ATF special agents worked closely with our partners to map the gang’s structure and document their vicious acts of violence, to bring the full weight of the law against its members. We will continue to use every tool available to protect the public and hold violent offenders accountable.”

    “The verdict today reflects the United States Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) dedication to building great partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as state and county law enforcement, to bring violent criminals in our communities to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Steve Hodge of USPIS.

    “As financial investigators, IRS Criminal Investigation brings a unique skill set to dismantling violent criminal enterprises,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their illicit funds. By following the money, we developed critical financial evidence on significant fentanyl suppliers. As an agency on the RICO task force to combat violent crime, IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners to make a noticeable impact in our community. These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis and maintaining the marked decrease in violence in our community.”

    As proven at trial, the gang war escalated when, on Sept. 9, 2021, a prominent Highs member was shot and killed at a barbershop in Minneapolis. About two hours later, suspecting that the Lows were responsible for the killing, defendant Giles traveled to Pennwood Market in Lows territory. Once there, Giles, who was dressed in black and wearing a mask covering his face, shot and killed a Lows member. He fired the fatal shot into the victim’s back before he attempted to flee from the scene.

    Evidence at trial tied defendant Robinson to two shootings — one into a crowd of individuals in downtown Minneapolis on July 7, 2019, and another in the parking lot of Merwin Liquors, a Highs hangout, on April 2, 2022.

    Defendants Taylor and Banks trafficked drugs, including fentanyl, on behalf of the Highs. Evidence proved that Brown was a high-level narcotics supplier for the Highs and coordinated trips to and from Arizona for Highs members to obtain tens of thousands of fentanyl pills to sell on the streets of Minneapolis. Each defendant was arrested in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and one possessed a firearm in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.

    The jury convicted defendants Giles, Robinson, Banks, And Brown of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy. Defendants Taylor and Banks were also convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy. The jury convicted Taylor of the separate crime of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    This is the second of several trials in this case, which charged over 40 defendants with RICO conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, and other charges related to their activities as members and associates of the Highs gang. Nine defendants are awaiting trial.

    The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun and Carla Baumel of the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Protecting our Borders from Foreign Terrorists

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    President Trump has signed a new directive restricting the entry of foreign nationals from specific countries to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats. — Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott

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    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2EkzSO-1dg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Enhancing Joint Interoperability

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

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    @usarmy paratroopers attached to the @82ndAirborneDiv1 conduct combined force-on-force combat training alongside U.K partners as part of Swift Response 25 in Setermoen, Norway.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WSJ Editorial Highlights Tillis Bill to End Predatory Litigation Funding Practices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, The Wall Street Journal published an editorial supporting the Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act, legislation introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) which would impose a new tax on profits earned by third-party entities that finance civil litigation and curb predatory practices in the litigation funding industry.
    Read the full op-ed here or below. 
    Ending a Tax Break for LawsuitsWSJJune 4, 2025
    Why are foreign investment funds that finance predatory lawsuits against U.S. companies allowed to dodge taxes on their legal payouts? Good question, and now North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern are seeking to close this anti-growth loophole.
    Third-party litigation financing has exploded in recent years as private investment funds chase high returns goosed by America’s tort-friendly legal system. Investors give law firms money to recruit plaintiffs and file often meritless lawsuits against companies in return for a share of the eventual settlement or judgment. 
    Annual returns average about 25% thanks to jackpot jury verdicts, which also create an incentive for businesses to settle claims early to avoid costly, drawn-out litigation. In 2023, 39 investors had committed some $15.2 billion in capital to U.S. commercial litigation, according to the litigation finance advisory firm Westfleet Advisors. 
    Investment funds such as Fortress Investment Group have financed major mass torts, including Roundup fertilizer claims against Bayer AG and talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson. Fortress, which is majority owned by an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, has also harassed Apple and Intel with dubious patent lawsuits. 
    Third-party financing arrangements with law firms are typically not required to be disclosed, so foreign investors could be funding lawsuits with the goal of harming U.S. businesses that may be competitors. Bloomberg Law last year detailed how Russian oligarchs had dodged sanctions by funding lawsuits in the U.S. 
    Here’s the kicker: Foreign investors in U.S. litigation don’t have to pay tax on lawsuit proceeds because the tax code exempts foreigners from paying U.S. capital-gains tax, and their legal payouts are treated as capital gains. American litigation funders pay tax at the capital gains rate (23.8%), while the actual plaintiffs in lawsuits pay at the ordinary income rate.
    The preferential tax treatment for funders, especially foreigners, is an incentive to plow money into lawsuits rather than business investment that creates jobs, boosts productivity and improves living standards. Lawsuits do the opposite. Costs of defending against litigation get passed along to workers, consumers and shareholders. 
    Enter Messrs. Tillis and Hern, who are seeking to add a provision to the current tax bill that would require U.S. and foreign litigation funders to pay tax on their earnings at the ordinary income rate (typically 37%), plus a 3.8% surcharge. This could discourage excessive litigation, which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says costs U.S. households some $4,200 each in 2022.
    Will Hild of the right-leaning outfit Consumers’ Research recently tweeted that the Tillis-Hern provision would “rob everyday Americans of a fundamental tool in fighting back” against “large, woke corporations.” This is a giant red herring. The provision wouldn’t ban third-party funding lawsuits. It would merely eliminate a tax break for them.
    Excessive litigation is a tax on everyday Americans, which is why Republican Governors like Georgia’s Brian Kemp and Florida’s Ron DeSantis have championed tort reform. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt last week signed legislation that will ban lawsuit funding from entities controlled by foreign adversaries and cap non-economic damages in personal injury suits at $500,000. 
    The plaintiffs lobby has the Senate votes to block national tort reform with a 60-vote filibuster. But Republicans only need 51 votes in their reconciliation bill to ensure that the tax code doesn’t give the Abu Dhabi wealth fund a tax break for funding lawsuits that harm America. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Sorensen Confronts Army Secretary on Job Cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal During House Armed Services Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Sorensen to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll: “We Can’t Afford for Expertise to be Lost [at the Rock Island Arsenal], […] Where We Have Always Bolstered Our Munition Production”

    Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) confronted U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll about the proposed job cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Congressman Sorensen expressed concerns that cuts at the Arsenal would damage our nation’s military readiness and demanded answers from Secretary Driscoll on the impact cuts would have on our national security.

    “I’m proud to stand up in Washington D.C. for the hardworking men and women at the Rock Island Arsenal who help to protect our national security and ensure our military’s readiness across the globe,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I took my concerns about job cuts at the Arsenal straight to the Army Secretary so we can get a clear picture of the impact this will have on my neighbors. Any decisions about the future of the Arsenal needs to be transparently discussed and well thought out because the work there is too important for our country.”

    During the hearing, Secretary Driscoll also acknowledged to Congressman Sorensen that the Rock Island Arsenal is the “gem in the assets and the tools that we have.” 

    You can watch the full exchange with Secretary Driscoll HERE.

    As a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Sorensen has leveraged his position to strongly advocate for the Rock Island Arsenal. He led a bipartisan effort with Senators Chuck Grassley, Dick Durbin, and Tammy Duckworth to ensure the Department of Defense would not be jeopardizing our country’s military readiness with large job cuts. Earlier this year, he introduced the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which would ensure the Rock Island Arsenal can remain competitive, create good-paying jobs, and sustain the regional economy. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Statement Condemns Trump’s New Travel Ban

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s renewed travel ban targeting a dozen countries, including Haiti, and imposing partial restrictions on others such as Venezuela and Cuba.

    “This renewed travel ban is baseless and harmful. There is no data or evidence to justify that Haitians are a threat to national security. It does not make us safer—it only spreads fear, isolates communities, and contradicts the principles our nation was built on.

    “They are hardworking, resilient, and deeply committed to the American dream. Like so many immigrant communities, they contribute to the strength, economy, and vibrancy of South Florida and this country.

    “This ban will hurt everyone. Families will be torn apart. American businesses will suffer. Our economy in South Floridawill feel the impact.

    “I remain committed to defending the diverse communities of South Florida and will keep fighting to ensure the United States remains a beacon of hope for those seeking a better future.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Elon Musk Confirms Rep. Dan Goldman’s Suspicion – Pam Bondi Is Hiding the Epstein Files to Protect Donald Trump

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Last Month, Goldman Sent Letter of Inquiry to Justice Department Demanding Unredacted Release of Files Containing Trump’s Name and Explanation of Stonewalling 

     

    Read the Letter Here 

     

    Watch Rep. Goldman’s Interview Here 

     

    Goldman: “I write to express my grave concern about what appears to be a concerted effort by you to delay and even prevent the release of the Jeffrey Epstein Files in their entirety – potentially at the direction of the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.” 

    There you have it – Elon Musk just confirmed Rep. Dan Goldman’s suspicion that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice were stonewalling the promised release of the Epstein Files and had agents working around the clock to redact instances of President Donald Trump’s name.  

    “I write to express my grave concern about what appears to be a concerted effort by you to delay and even prevent the release of the Jeffrey Epstein Files in their entirety – potentially at the direction of the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” Congressman Goldman wrote in May 2025. 

    Following the broadly ridiculed release of The Epstein Files: Part 1 on February 27, 2025, AG Bondi demanded that the FBI deliver the complete Epstein Files within 24 hours to DOJ, as well as a comprehensive report from FBI Director Patel within 14 days. It has now been 74 days since Bondi issued those directives, yet the Department has not released the report despite months-old reporting that the FBI Field Office in New York has delayed other investigations to review and redact information for public release. The Congressman questioned if this delay may be related to President Trump’s long-running relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. 

    “The convergence of your unexplained delay in releasing the Epstein Files, the reporting nearly two months ago that numerous FBI agents were working overtime to redact the materials, President Trump’s well-documented affiliation with Epstein, and his view that the Department of Justice is his personal law firm raises serious questions about whether President Trump has intervened to prevent the public release of the Epstein Files in order to hide his own embarrassing and potentially criminal conduct,” Congressman Goldman continued. 

    Attorney General Bondi’s oath of office requires her to represent the United States’ interest without fear or favor, not protect the President’s embarrassing or even criminal behavior from being made public. Congressman Goldman requested that Attorney General Bondi inform Congress of whether the White House or Donald Trump himself has sought to intervene in the case in any way, as well as to provide a detailed timeline for the release of the Epstein Files. 

    “I look forward to your response to this matter of intense public interest. Both Congress and the American people are eager for you to follow through on your promise of transparency about the Epstein Files,” the Congressman concluded. 

    Read the full letter here or below: 

    Dear Attorney General Bondi, 

    I write to express my grave concern about what appears to be a concerted effort by you to delay and even prevent the release of the Jeffrey Epstein Files in their entirety – potentially at the direction of the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.  

    On February 27, 2025, to much fanfare, the Department of Justice under your leadership released a trove of already-public documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein 

    case titled The Epstein Files: Phase 1. This document dump, which was redacted ostensibly to “protect victims,” was sold to the American people as a fulfillment of President Trump’s promise of government transparency. It was rightly met, however, with widespread ridicule from across the political spectrum as a ham-handed attempt to gaslight the American people. 

    Shortly after the underwhelming ‘Phase 1’ release, you sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel attempting to pin blame on the FBI’s New York field office for the missing material. In that letter, also dated February 27, 2025, you demanded that the FBI deliver, within 24 hours, “the full and complete Epstein files…including all records, documents, audio and video recordings, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his clients, regardless of how such information was obtained.” You went on to clearly state that, “[t]here will be no withholdings or limitations to my or your access.” You further demanded a “comprehensive report” from the FBI Director “within 14 days.” Director Patel subsequently indicated his intent to comply with your request in a post on X: “There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned.” 

    It is now 74 days past the issuance of both your 24-hour demand and 14-day deadline for a comprehensive report, yet you have provided no additional materials nor an explanation for the delay. Reporting from March 21, 2025, indicates that the FBI field office in New York, presumably at your direction, delayed other investigations in order to work around the clock to review and redact information contained in the Epstein Files for release.3 Although you stated on May 8, 2025, that “[t]here are thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn,” which would require redaction to protect the victims’ identities, it simply cannot take this long for dozens of agents working around the clock to make the necessary redactions. 

    Further, extensive reporting has revealed that President Donald Trump had a lengthy and close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, including being named in Jeffrey Epstein’s flight logs as having flown on Epstein’s private jet at least seven times between 1993 and 1997. In 2002, President Trump was quoted as saying, “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy… He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”5 Moreover, Epstein’s personal address book, leaked in 2009 by an Epstein employee, contained 14 phone numbers for President Trump, his wife, Melania, and members of his staff. 

    The convergence of your unexplained delay in releasing the Epstein Files, the reporting nearly two months ago that numerous FBI agents were working overtime to redact the materials, President Trump’s well documented affiliation with Epstein, and his view that the Department of Justice is his personal law firm raises serious questions about whether President Trump has intervened to prevent the public release of the Epstein Files in order to hide his own embarrassing and potentially criminal conduct. 

    As a former 10-year DOJ prosecutor, I remind you that, as Attorney General, your oath of office requires you to represent the United States’ interest without fear or favor, not President Trump’s personal interest. That obligation to the American people requires the immediate release in their entirety of the Epstein Files in your possession, subject to appropriate redactions related to victims and minors. To be clear, there is no proper basis to redact the name, identify, or likeness of President Trump. 

    If you have been directed to redact instances of President Trump’s name or likeness that are included in the Epstein Files, then your oath of office and your commitment to transparency requires you to inform the American people of that directive. As part of Congress’ oversight authority provided by the Constitution of the United States, I request that you respond, in writing, to the following questions no later than June 2, 2025: 

    1. Are you or the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in possession of all of the Epstein Files in the FBI’s custody and control? 

    2. Have the necessary redactions of victims’ identities and likenesses been completed? If not, why not?  

    3. Has the name, identity or likeness of President Donald Trump been redacted? If so, why?  

    4. Have you, OAG, or any other member of the DOJ been contacted by President Trump, anyone working in the White House, or another agent of President Trump’s about the Epstein Files?  

      1. If so, did they request that you or your staff prevent the release of the Epstein Files? 

      2. Did they request that you redact the name, identity or likeness of President Trump from the Epstein Files prepared to be released publicly pursuant to your previous promise?  

    5. If not, why haven’t you released the Epstein Files as you promised to do in February?  

    6. If you do still intend to release the Epstein Files, please provide a detailed timeline of your plan to do so. 

    I look forward to your response to this matter of intense public interest. Both Congress and the American people are eager for you to follow through on your promise of transparency about the Epstein Files. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –