NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hoyle Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    May 28, 2025

    For Immediate Release: May 28, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  Today, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced Teakki Rain Legg from Florence as Oregon’s Fourth District’s winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Winners have their artwork featured in the U.S. Capitol for one year and receive a round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C. for themselves and a guardian to be recognized at an annual awards ceremony when the art is displayed.

    “Teakki Legg’s artistry and attention to detail stood out with his entry into this year’s competition, Shining Light, which depicts the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast,” Rep. Hoyle said. “His work will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, representing the best of our district. Beyond his artwork, Teakki is a model student giving back to his community, serving on the board of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance and teaching art classes. I also want to commend his teachers, Lauren Suveges of Siuslaw High School and John Leasure at the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, for nurturing Teakki’s talents and pushing him to enter this competition. I look forward to meeting Teakki and his parents, Roanne and Brandt, and welcoming them to our office in Washington, D.C.”

    ‘Shining Light’ by Teakki Rain Legg

    A Word from the Artist

    My name is Teakki Legg and I’m a 16 year-old artist raised in Oregon. My piece, Shining Light, was heavily inspired by the Oregon coast where I live, which is populated by many lighthouses, such as Heceta Head and Yaquina. The lighthouse is a metaphor to illuminate possibilities and connection in the world, which sometimes can feel dark, but there’s always a light to go toward. As an artist, I simply can’t help but be inspired by the beauty of Oregon, in particular the coast. 

    I mainly work in watercolor and ink, but my painting was done in oil, a relatively new medium I’ve been experimenting with. I’ve had a great oil teacher, John Leasure, as well as my wonderful High School art teacher, Lauren Suveges, who also encouraged me to enter the Congressional art competition. Oil allows me to be more expressive with my colors and strokes, due to the fact that oil paint is so much thicker. 

    I’m so excited for the opportunity to go to Washington DC to see my painting hanging in the Capitol.  Thank you!

    Teakki Rain Legg

    Teakki Rain Legg, 16, was born in the art colony of Taos, New Mexico into a creative family filled with artists and writers. Home-schooled since birth, Teakki completed his first commissioned work at age 13. 

    Teakki’s work has won him multiple recognitions, including an Artist’s Choice Award. At age 15, Teakki began serving on the board of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA). In his spare time, he teaches classes in watercolor, and pen and ink. 

    Some of his favorite artists include M. C. Escher, Rob Gonsalves, Bob Ross, Mark Kistler, and his grandfather, Martin Goldman. He enjoys and is inspired by comics, such as Calvin and Hobbes, and plans to pursue a career as an artist.

    You can see more of Teakki’s work here.

    The Congressional Art Competition

    The Congressional Art Competition is a bipartisan initiative to incentivize arts education for high school students across America. Every district that chooses to participate selects one winner annually. More information can be found on Rep. Hoyle’s website. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Our relationship, our connect, our empathy is truly special: Jaishankar on India-Africa ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday described the relationship between India and Africa as “truly special,” highlighting shared values, historical ties, and mutual development goals at the Africa Day 2025 celebrations in New Delhi.

    Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, “Our relationship, our connect, our empathy is truly special. Many of you would be aware of the deeply held view in this country that our independence would not be complete until Africa secured hers. Today that logic extends to development, to prosperity, and to progress as well. When we speak of food, health, and energy security, it is not just a concern about our national prospects. It is equally about the challenges that Africa faces and the solutions that could emerge from international partnerships.”

    Jaishankar expressed India’s commitment to development of Africa by keeping India’s market open, sharing experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa’s development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations.

    During his address, the external affairs minister recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and criticized the vaccine apartheid and travel restrictions that disproportionately affected Africa. He underscored the urgent need for stronger global partnerships to address shared challenges in food, health, and energy security.

    On the Global South, the EAM said India and Africa are its pillars, asserting that those who question its relevance do not understand it. He also noted Africa’s growing transformation and affirmed India’s support during its G20 presidency for granting full membership to the African Union.

    The foreign minister reiterated India’s call for greater African representation in global institutions, including the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus.

    India has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa to 46 missions and has trained over 37,000 Africans under the ITEC and ICCR scholarship programs. Initiatives such as IIT Zanzibar and various IT and training centers reflect India’s commitment to education and capacity-building.

    Jaishankar also underlined support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stating India’s approach is inclusive and demand-driven—focused on local capacity building and self-sustaining ecosystems.

    He highlighted India’s USD 700 million grant assistance to African nations, including health equipment, ambulances, Jaipur Foot prosthetics, and food grains, demonstrating India’s enduring partnership in times of need.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police incident Royston Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating an incident at Royston Park.

    At 2.45am Thursday 29 May police saw an incident occurring between a man and a woman on Payneham Road Royston Park.

    As a result, police attempted to arrest the man who was restrained.

    During his arrest he became unresponsive.

    SA Ambulance attended the scene, and the man was taken to hospital where he remains.

    Major Crime and Ethical and Professional Standards detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    The investigation is in the early stages and is ongoing.

    More information will be released later this morning.

    Any members of the public who witnessed or have footage of this incident are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 723, Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 723 would require the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to process and review mortgage packages involving property located on tribal land held in trust by deadlines specified in the bill. The bill also would establish a position within BIA to serve as an intermediary between the bureau and tribes, tribal members, and lenders.

    In addition, the bill would require BIA to provide federal agencies and Indian tribes with access to relevant land documents from the Trust Asset and Accounting Management System. Finally, S. 723 would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to the Congress about the digitization of documents related to mortgages on tribal land.

    Using information from the Department of the Interior, CBO expects the agency would need three employees at an average annual cost of $125,000 per employee in 2025. On that basis, and accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates it would cost BIA $2 million over the 2025‑2030 period to implement those requirements. Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that the cost to GAO to complete the report would not be significant. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

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

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1047, Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1047 would clarify that small businesses with associates who are convicted of falsely receiving financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for programs related to COVID-19 are ineligible for future financial assistance. Under current law, those people are already ineligible for future funding from the SBA.

    The SBA currently requires applicants for loans and grants to disclose whether they are being investigated for or have been convicted of defrauding a federal agency. In addition, the agency uses federal databases to identify applicants previously convicted of fraud and provides lenders with pre-approval screening to detect fraud before financial assistance is awarded.

    Because the SBA already reviews applications to verify that applicants who have falsely received assistance do not receive additional federal assistance, CBO estimates that implementing S. 1047 would have insignificant costs. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

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

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 642, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 642 would authorize the appropriation of $34 million in fiscal year 2026 for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as compensation for the loss of land under the Swamp Land Act of 1850 and the Canal Land Act of 1852. The funds could be used by the tribe for any lawful purpose, including governmental services, economic development, natural resources protection, and land acquisition for purposes other than gaming. For this estimate, CBO assumes that the Congress will appropriate the specified amount in fiscal year 2026.

    S. 642 contains intergovernmental mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). The cost of the mandates would not exceed the annual threshold established in that act ($103 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would extinguish claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community against owners of the Reservation Swamp Lands and the Reservation Canal Lands. Eliminating an existing right of action is a mandate because the right to seek redress and recover damages beyond what is provided in the bill would be lost. Based on information from the tribe, CBO expects it is unlikely that the tribe would pursue such claims. Therefore, CBO estimates that the cost, if any, of the mandate would be small.

    The bill would prohibit gambling on tribal land obtained by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community with funds from the settlement awarded under the bill. Because gaming on such land is currently allowed under federal law, the proposed ban would be a mandate. However, because the tribe has no plan to use settlement funds to obtain land for gaming purposes, the cost of the mandate would be small.

    The bill contains no private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Julia Aman (for federal costs) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Protect Scientific Research and Education Programs 

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a coalition of 15 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop its illegal attempts to cut critical National Science Foundation (NSF) programs and funding that help maintain the United States’ position as a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). On April 18, NSF began terminating projects focused on increasing the participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM fields. On May 2, NSF announced that it would also cap “indirect costs” of research projects like laboratory space, equipment, and facility services at 15 percent. This arbitrary limit on indirect costs would slash millions of dollars for groundbreaking scientific research across the country, jeopardizing national security, the economy, and public health. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order blocking the implementation of NSF’s new directives to eliminate programs addressing diversity in STEM and cut vital funding for research across the country.

    “Every time we go online, scan a barcode at checkout, or get an MRI, we use technology made possible by the National Science Foundation,” said Attorney General James. “This administration’s attacks on basic science and essential efforts to ensure diversity in STEM will weaken our economy and our national security. Putting politics over science will only set our country back, and I will continue to fight to protect critical scientific research and education.”

    Since its creation in 1950, NSF has been an independent federal agency crucial to maintaining the United States’ dominance in STEM. From developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to creating innovative solutions to environmental and energy challenges, NSF-funded research at American universities is vital to addressing the nation’s biggest challenges and maintaining the country’s competitive edge.

    NSF also has a Congressionally-mandated focus on improving diversity in STEM fields. Congress has instructed in law that a “core strategy” of NSF’s work must be to increase the participation of people who have historically been left out of STEM occupations. This policy has been a success. As Attorney General James and the coalition note, between 1995 and 2017, the number of women in science and engineering occupations, or with science or engineering degrees, has doubled. During that same time, people of color went from 15 percent to 35 percent of science and engineering job or degree holders.

    As a result of NSF’s April 18 directive to terminate programs seeking to increase diversity in STEM, dozens of projects have been canceled. In New York, these include 18 programs funded with $11 million in NSF funds within the City University of New York (CUNY) that specifically seek to promote participation in STEM fields by women, minorities, and people with disabilities. All of those programs have had their funding canceled.

    Attorney General James and the coalition also assert in the lawsuit that NSF’s directive to cap indirect costs at 15 percent would devastate scientific research at universities throughout the country. Twenty-three campuses across the State University of New York (SUNY) system participate in NSF-funded research and received over $104 million in NSF funding in fiscal year 2024. These funds supported cutting-edge research, including microelectronics research at the University at Buffalo, world-leading atmospheric science and climate research at the University at Albany, and the NSF Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine led by Binghamton University, which aims to establish a hub for new battery technology to decrease dependence on technology from China.

    As Attorney General James and the coalition argue, NSF’s new cap would mean essential research and infrastructure would be cut, leading to critical projects being abandoned, staff laid off, and research essential to national security, public health, and economic stability ending. In fiscal year 2025, SUNY expects to receive $24.6 million for indirect costs. A 15 percent cap on indirect costs would slash $18 million in critical research funding for the SUNY system. The administration’s unlawful attempts to cap indirect costs at 15 percent for National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Energy (DOE) grants have already been stopped by courts, in part due to a lawsuit brought by Attorney General James and 21 other attorneys general.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that NSF’s directives violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution by unlawfully changing NSF policy and ignoring Congress’s intent for how NSF should function. The lawsuit seeks a court order ruling NSF’s new policies are illegal and blocking them from being implemented.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OEM Now Accepting SPIRE IV Grant Applications

    Source: US State of Oregon

    alem, OR—The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has announced that the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant is open for applications—providing critical emergency preparedness equipment to local governments and other eligible recipients.

    All application packages must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025. Applicants should ensure they review materials well in advance, as letters of support from partnering agencies are required.

    Applicants in previous years have used the grant to purchase things like generators, sand bagging machines and search and rescue vehicles. This equipment can then be used by the local jurisdiction or lent to other jurisdictions during disaster response.

    Applicants can visit the OEM SPIRE webpage to access:

    • The SPIRE Application Form
    • SPIRE Guidance and Application Instructions, including the Equipment List
    • Anticipated Equipment Specifications
    • SPIRE Evaluation Criteria
    • Application form for review team members

    Funding for SPIRE grants is made available through bond sales by the state. Applications will be evaluated within regional, Tribal, and urban search and rescue (USAR) categories to ensure fair distribution of equipment. This process is designed to address capability gaps identified through the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA)/State Preparedness Report (SPR), ensuring representation from all disciplines and regions in decision-making and guaranteeing that awarded equipment has the greatest impact.

    “The SPIRE Grant plays a critical role in strengthening emergency preparedness across our state,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. “By equipping local governments and response teams with the tools they need, we’re ensuring Oregon communities can respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. We encourage eligible applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their emergency response capabilities.”

    Our webpage also includes:

    • A map of current SPIRE-funded equipment, including items awarded but not yet arrived
    • Annual reporting forms and instructions for current SPIRE equipment holders (reports were due Oct. 15, 2024)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Department of State to Begin Risk-Limiting Audit of 2025 Primary Election

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 29, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Department of State to Begin Risk-Limiting Audit of 2025 Primary Election

    Department of State officials and staff will begin the statewide risk-limiting audit (RLA) of Pennsylvania’s 2025 primary election. Department staff will roll 10-sided dice to generate a 20-digit “seed number,” which will be used to randomly determine which batches of ballots from the May 20 primary election will be audited over the next several days.

    WHO:
    Jonathan Marks, Deputy Secretary for Elections and Commissions
    Department of State staff members

    WHEN:
    TOMORROW, Thursday, May 29 at 2 P.M.

    PUBLIC LIVESTREAM:
    The livestream will be available at https://pacast.com/live/dos. A PACast with audio, video, and a press release will be available after the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CUMBERLAND COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Launch 8th Annual Great American Getaway Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 29, 2025 – Carlisle, PA

    ADVISORY – CUMBERLAND COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Launch 8th Annual Great American Getaway Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger at Destiny Dairy Bar for the launch of the 2025 Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail and the start of June as dairy month.

    The event will highlight the Pennsylvania dairy and tourism industries connecting farm families and ice cream lovers and the partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred® program, DCED’s Tourism Office, and the Center for Dairy Excellence. The 2025 ice cream trail will take visitors all across Pennsylvania with 51 creameries included in this year’s ice cream trail.

    Pennsylvania has six culinary trails for families to explore and support local farms while making sweet family memories. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposes an increase of $13 million to the historic Agricultural Innovation Grant program to help farms across Pennsylvania compete and succeed.

    WHO:
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger
    Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger
    Destiny Dairy Bar Owner and Stover Farms Herd Manager Amy Brickner

    WHEN:
    Thursday, May 29 at 11 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Destiny Dairy Bar, 60 Horners Road, Carlisle, PA 17015

    RSVP:
    Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Firearm Possession Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for Six Years Following Domestic Calls to Law Enforcement

    Source: US FBI

    OKLAHOMA CITY – AARON JOELRAYEL TURNER, 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On February 25, 2025, Turner was charged by Superseding Information with three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, in 2024, Turner had three separate interactions with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD). During the first incident on June 19, 2024, OCPD officers responded to a home on reports of a domestic dispute. Once at the home, the victim told police Turner gained entry into her residence despite a recent emergency VPO issued against Turner, and that Turner had struck her in the face before leaving the house. OCPD located and arrested Turner shortly after and discovered a firearm in his pocket. The second encounter with OCPD took place on August 23, 2024, after OCPD officers encountered Turner again at the same residence and seized two more pistols possessed by Turner.

    The third encounter with OCPD took place on October 23, 2024, after officers responded to another home on a welfare check. The calling party advised OCPD that Turner was in the home with a firearm, and that Turner had been having domestic issues with the calling party’s granddaughter. OCPD officers received consent to search the home, and seized two firearms and several live rounds of ammunition possessed by Turner.

    On February 25, 2025, Turner pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information and admitted he possessed a firearm on the three instances noted above, despite his previous felony convictions.

    On May 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Turner to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted Turner’s history of illegal firearm possession as well as his extensive criminal history. Public record reflects that Turner has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in case numbers CF-2020-1985 and CF-2017-5873.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

    Source: United Nations – English

    he Secretary-General extends his warm congratulations to the people of West Africa on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
     
    The Secretary-General notes that, over the past five decades, ECOWAS has played a vital role in advancing economic cooperation, regional integration, and peace and stability in this rich and vibrant region. From free movement of people and trade liberalization to regional infrastructure projects, conflict resolution, and contributions to peacekeeping, ECOWAS has made remarkable strides towards achieving its vision of an integrated Community of peoples in a peaceful and prosperous region.
     
    The Secretary-General recognizes the strong institutional partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS, as exemplified by several joint initiatives in the region, including through the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the broader United Nations system.   
     
    He encourages continued cooperation to preserve hard-won regional gains and mobilize international support to address the challenges and needs of the region.
     
    The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to ECOWAS, including in support to regional efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ECOWAS Vision 2050 of an “ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All”.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: DOT Awards $9.2 Million to North Dakota Department of Transportation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    BEULAH, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded two grants totaling $9,201,975 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. The ER Program supplements state and local resources to help pay for substantial expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions. The awards will go toward the following repairs following extreme weather events in North Dakota:
    $8,946,150 to address the severe flooding in Eastern North Dakota which occurred on April 12, 2022. The flooding resulted in widespread damage to culverts and roadway erosion on state and county roadways.
    $255,825 to address damages from an overland and riverine flooding event on April 10, 2023. The flooding led to a landslide, damage of culverts, and erosion of state and county roadways.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Talon Metals Celebrate Advanced Nickel, Copper Minerals Processing Facility in Beulah

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    Project to advance American mineral production
    BEULAH, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Talon Metals leadership to celebrate securing a former Westmoreland Mining site where the company will develop its Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF). This facility is slated to be the world’s most advanced nickel and copper minerals processing facility.
    The BMPF will process nickel and copper, utilizing nickel ore from a Talon mine in Minnesota and the fly ash byproduct of Mercer County coal-fired power stations. The nickel concentrate processed at the Beulah facility will be used in cathodes for EV batteries, and the fly ash will help chemically neutralize and harden the tailings. The nickel concentrate and other byproducts, including cobalt and iron, from the Beulah facility will be used by Tesla for its EV batteries.
    Cramer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) and Armed Services Committees, delivered remarks at the signing ceremony today in Beulah. 
    “You could not over exaggerate the significance of today, or the significance of what’s about to happen at the Westmoreland site,” said Cramer. “Its contribution to economic opportunity will be significant to national security, global security, and domestic supply chain development. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.”

    In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded nearly $115 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Talon Metals for the construction of this facility, and Talon will provide a recipient cost share of nearly $320 million. This project includes workforce training in Mercer County and will offer employment opportunities to nearby communities and tribal members. The U.S. Department of Defense also awarded Talon over $20 million in Defense Production Act funding to increase exploration and development of domestic nickel. 
    Cramer is a longtime advocate for domestic critical minerals production, stressing the superiority of American labor and environmental standards and the importance of strategically decoupling supply chains from adversaries like China. He co-led a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) to express their concerns regarding a potential critical mineral free trade agreement with Indonesia for the procurement of nickel. In 2022, Cramer also wrote a letter of support on behalf of Talon’s application to then-DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Tours CAMC, Hubbard Hospice House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Charleston, W.Va. focused on health care. 
    First, Senator Capito toured the Charleston Area Medical Center’s (CAMC) updated intensive care unit (ICU). During the visit, Senator Capito also met with CAMC leadership to discuss the updated ICU and the health system’s continued impact on the state. 
    “CAMC and Vandalia Health System provide tremendous care to West Virginians. I was excited to tour the updated ICU today to see how CAMC continues to provide premiere care to our neighbors in the greatest need,” Senator Capito said. 
    Later, Senator Capito visited the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, W.Va. to see the impact of the nearly complete renovation project she helped support through the Congressionally Directed Spending process. Hubbard Hospice House is a 24-bed inpatient hospice facility that is the first standalone hospice facility in the state of West Virginia.
    “The Hubbard Hospice House has long been a place of peace, dignity, and comfort for West Virginians during some of life’s most difficult moments,” Senator Capito said. “I was proud to advocate for this funding because preserving this facility means preserving a sanctuary for patients and their loved ones. As this vital wing reopens, it ensures families in the Kanawha Valley continue to have access to compassionate, community-based end-of-life care in a setting that feels like home.”
    “This isn’t just a building. It’s a place of peace, a sanctuary for families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Thanks to Senator Capito, our generous donors, and community partners, we’re building on a legacy of care that will last another 20 years—and beyond,” HospiceCare CEO Chris Rawlings said.
    Photos from today’s visits are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Charleston Area Medical Center’s (CAMC) intensive care unit (ICU) in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito meets with Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) leadership to discuss the updated intensive care unit (ICU) in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visits Hubbard Hospice House to see their nearly complete renovation project in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: $59 million boost to ensure completion of Taranaki Base Hospital Redevelopment

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown today announced an additional $59 million in funding for the Taranaki Base Hospital Redevelopment, ensuring Stage Two is completed by the end of 2025.

    “This redevelopment is a critical investment in modernising healthcare for the people of Taranaki,” Mr Brown says.

    “The additional $59.2 million is required to meet cost pressures that have emerged since 2022 – ensuring we can complete Stage Two of the project on schedule and deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that can meet the region’s needs now and into the future.”

    The funding will support the delivery of the new East Wing Building – a six-storey, 20,000-square-metre facility due to open by the end of 2025.

    “This building will house many of Taranaki Base Hospital’s core acute and specialist services, including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, maternity, neonatal, and radiology services.

    “It will increase the number of patient spaces to 151 – an additional 55 to current capacity – and provide a total of 34 laboratory workstations. It has also been designed with future expansion in mind.

    “The East Wing Building will also include a modern acute assessment unit, a primary birthing unit, an Integrated Operations Centre, a rooftop helipad, and a tūpapaku viewing room – a reflection of a more culturally responsive and patient-focused model of care.

    Mr Brown said the redevelopment would help meet the growing and changing needs of the Taranaki region.

    “This is about delivering smarter, more efficient healthcare. It’s about ensuring the system can meet the needs of a growing and ageing population, while also supporting the workforce with modern, integrated facilities.

    “We are making the long-overdue investments needed to strengthen our hospitals and ensure the health system delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders.”

    “Modern infrastructure helps reduce wait times, improve care, and ensure patients get the high-quality treatment they expect and deserve.

    “The completion of the East Wing Building will be a significant milestone for healthcare in the region and a key part of our Government’s broader commitment to a stronger, more resilient public health system.”

    “We are focused on delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealand needs – with clear outcomes for patients and communities,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Demands Immediate Action from Hospitals Failing to Meet Quality and Financial Oversight Standards in Pediatric Gender Procedures

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    CMS Demands Immediate Action from Hospitals Failing to Meet Quality and Financial Oversight Standards in Pediatric Gender Procedures

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today sent a letter to select hospitals performing pediatric sex trait modification procedures outlining urgent concerns with both the quality standards adherence and profits related to these harmful procedures

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Launches Oversight Initiative on Hospitals Performing Experimental Sex Trait Modification Procedures

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    CMS Launches Oversight Initiative on Hospitals Performing Experimental Sex Trait Modification Procedures

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today sent a letter to select hospitals performing pediatric sex trait modification procedures outlining urgent concerns with both the quality standards adherence and profits related to these harmful procedures

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 344

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 344
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    320 PM CDT Wed May 28 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Louisiana
    Southern Mississippi

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 320 PM
    until 900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible

    SUMMARY…At least an isolated downburst/damaging wind threat will
    exist through late afternoon and early evening across the region
    within a very moist and unstable air mass.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
    statute miles north and south of a line from 40 miles south
    southwest of Natchez MS to 50 miles east southeast of Pine Belt MS.
    For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch
    outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 341…WW 342…WW 343…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 55 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector
    20025.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 344 SEVERE TSTM LA MS 282020Z – 290200Z
    AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    40SSW HEZ/NATCHEZ MS/ – 50ESE PIB/PINE BELT MS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM N/S /39NNW BTR – 29NNW SJI/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 20025.

    LAT…LON 32039156 32138855 30258855 30149156

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 344 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low ( 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A California man pleaded guilty today to sexual exploitation of children and distribution and receipt of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Monico Erich Gastelo, 43, of Fresno, sexually exploited children using different methods. For example, in January 2019, Gastelo created a social media account where he claimed to be an 18-year-old boy. Gastelo then used the account to converse with at least one minor and request sexually explicit content from them.

    “Today’s plea should serve as a reminder of the Justice Department’s commitment to securing justice for victims of online child sexual exploitation,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I am grateful for the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who harm children.”

    “Not only did this defendant revictimize abused children depicted in the images, but attempted to victimize actual children within his orbit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of child sexual predators.”

    “Today’s guilty plea represents our agents’ and analysts’ continued focus on targeting predators who exploit children online,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco. “Through collaboration with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police Department and the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, we will make every effort to identify, locate, and arrest these criminals to help prevent the harm that they cause to our children. We appreciate the prosecutorial work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in furtherance of this investigation.”

    Between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 23, 2020, Gastelo communicated with other individuals who were sexually attracted to children on Wickr, Snapchat, and Telegram. He sent and received multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on these platforms. Forensic review of Gastelo’s phones showed that he had over 1,500 images and videos of suspected CSAM.

    Gastelo’s conduct escalated in May of 2020. A minor victim reported to law enforcement that he had been sexually exploited online and that an individual, who was later identified to be Gastelo, had added him on Snapchat. Gastelo sent over a dozen images of his penis to the minor victim and insisted that the minor victim send back CSAM of himself.

    Gastelo pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8, 2025 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison up to 30 years in prison on the sexual exploitation count and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison up to 20 years in prison on the distribution and receipt count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Fresno County Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison for Online Car Sales Scam That Defrauded Hundreds of Victims Out of More Than $10 Million

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Leo Shimizu, 39, of San Francisco, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 64 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $10.6 million in restitution for leading a nationwide money laundering conspiracy involving the proceeds of fraudulent online vehicle sales.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio previously prosecuted four other co-conspirators in this scheme, including a Columbus man who helped lead the conspiracy.

    According to court documents, the online car sales scam cheated at least 850 victims around the country out of more than $10.6 million total. Co-conspirators were part of a network that attracted online customers through fraudulent postings for vehicle sales.

    Shimizu, who is also known as “Lil Droppy,” posted and directed other individuals to post listings on websites like Craigslist and Cars.com for vehicles they were alleging to sell. In truth, the co-conspirators did not have the vehicles they claimed they were selling. 

    Shimizu and others communicated with victims through email and phone, posing as employees of eBay, and used third parties to open bank accounts in the names of shell corporations that appeared to be affiliated with eBay. They instructed victims to wire funds to various third-party bank accounts they set up. They claimed to be affiliated with eBay’s Buyer Protection Program, when in fact, no such relationship existed.

    Shimizu pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiring to commit money laundering.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Norris recognized the assistance of United States Secret Service in Toledo, Ohio and Miami, Florida; the FBI’s Baltimore field office; United States Postal Inspection Service in Detroit; New York State Police; the Canton, Ohio, Butler Village, Ohio, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Bloomfield Township, Michigan, Marlboro Township, New Jersey and Janesville, Wisconsin police departments; and the Walworth County, Wisconsin and Clarke County, Alabama sheriff’s offices.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Exploitation Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man pleaded guilty today to sexual exploitation of children and distribution and receipt of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Monico Erich Gastelo, 43, of Fresno, sexually exploited children using different methods. For example, in January 2019, Gastelo created a social media account where he claimed to be an 18-year-old boy. Gastelo then used the account to converse with at least one minor and request sexually explicit content from them.

    “Today’s plea should serve as a reminder of the Justice Department’s commitment to securing justice for victims of online child sexual exploitation,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I am grateful for the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who harm children.”

    “Not only did this defendant revictimize abused children depicted in the images, but attempted to victimize actual children within his orbit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of child sexual predators.”

    “Today’s guilty plea represents our agents’ and analysts’ continued focus on targeting predators who exploit children online,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco. “Through collaboration with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police Department and the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, we will make every effort to identify, locate, and arrest these criminals to help prevent the harm that they cause to our children. We appreciate the prosecutorial work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in furtherance of this investigation.”

    Between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 23, 2020, Gastelo communicated with other individuals who were sexually attracted to children on Wickr, Snapchat, and Telegram. He sent and received multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on these platforms. Forensic review of Gastelo’s phones showed that he had over 1,500 images and videos of suspected CSAM.

    Gastelo’s conduct escalated in May of 2020. A minor victim reported to law enforcement that he had been sexually exploited online and that an individual, who was later identified to be Gastelo, had added him on Snapchat. Gastelo sent over a dozen images of his penis to the minor victim and insisted that the minor victim send back CSAM of himself.

    Gastelo pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8, 2025 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison up to 30 years in prison on the sexual exploitation count and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison up to 20 years in prison on the distribution and receipt count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Fresno County Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • PM GatiShakti: 94th Network Planning Group meeting reviews key metro and aviation projects

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The 94th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) was held on Wednesday to assess five major infrastructure proposals aimed at strengthening India’s multimodal connectivity and regional development. The proposals, spanning both Metro Rail and Civil Aviation sectors, were evaluated for their alignment with the core principles of PM GatiShakti, including last-mile connectivity, intermodal integration, and enhanced logistics efficiency.

    The meeting, chaired by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reviewed four Metro Rail projects submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and one Greenfield Airport project proposed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

    The first project involves a 2.16 km underground extension of the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor to Indira Gandhi Domestic Terminal-1. It includes the development of a new metro station at IGD T-1 and aims to improve airport connectivity for key residential areas such as Tughlakabad, Khanpur, Saket, Mehrauli, and Vasant Kunj, while also benefiting commuters from Faridabad via the Tughlakabad interchange.

    The second proposal is a 9.913 km fully underground extension of the Magenta Line from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha. This corridor will link major landmarks like Central Vista, India Gate, Pragati Maidan, the War Memorial, and Delhi High Court. A proposed station at India Gate is intended to offer safe and convenient public transport access while promoting clean and sustainable mobility.

    Another project reviewed is a 9 km elevated extension of the Golden Line from Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj. It passes through areas including Ali Village, Ali Vihar, and Madanpur Khadar, with a vital interchange planned at Kalindi Kunj connecting the Violet and Magenta lines. This initiative is expected to improve airport access and strengthen connectivity between Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi.

    A 17.435 km metro corridor linking Noida Sector-51 to Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida was also discussed. Spanning 7.263 km in Noida and 10.172 km in Greater Noida, the corridor is designed to serve the growing commuter needs of the expanding Greater Noida West township, enhancing urban transit efficiency.

    In the civil aviation sector, a Greenfield Airport has been proposed near Bundi, Kota in Rajasthan. Spread over 400 acres, the airport will be equipped to handle A321-200 type aircraft and feature a modern terminal with the capacity to process 500 arrivals and 500 departures during peak hours. The planned infrastructure includes a runway, apron, taxiways, ATC tower, fire station, and associated facilities. The project aims to support the economic development of the region, boost tourism and trade, and provide better travel access for the large number of students and families visiting Kota, a national hub for competitive exam preparation.

    All the evaluated projects are strategically aimed at enhancing transit systems, reducing congestion, and facilitating regional integration.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Scott, Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Protect LNG Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in reintroducing the Protect LNG Act. The legislation ensures that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarifies the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandates that courts grant expedited decisions in relevant cases.

    “The Protect LNG Act is about bringing certainty back to American energy. Radical activists are using the courts to block or delay key energy projects that have already been approved—ultimately threatening jobs, driving up costs, and undermining our national security,” said Senator Scott. “For South Carolina, this legislation ensures stronger protections for our growing role in energy exports, stability in our port economy, and a clear signal to our allies that America will deliver. I’m proud to support legislation that doesn’t just keep the lights on, but keeps our country strong, competitive, and in control of its future.”

    “American energy has the ability to metaphorically and literally power the world, and Texas is the lead exporter of U.S. LNG. Those achievements have been under attack by fringe environmental groups, who use and are enabled by politicized courts. This legislation counters such attacks, and I’m proud to lead the fight to protect energy producers, the jobs they create in Texas, and America’s energy leadership. The Senate should expeditiously take it up and pass it,” said Senator Cruz.

    “Oil and natural gas production employs hundreds of thousands of hardworking Texans and is a critical part of the Texas economy, as well as our nation’s energy sector as a whole,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this bill alongside Sen. Cruz to help protect energy projects across our country from lawsuits that far-left climate activists file in an attempt to hamstring American energy.”

    “The United States has an abundance of LNG, which is essential for establishing American energy dominance and safeguarding our national security. The Protect LNG Act would prevent energy production from being politicized or undermined by far-left environmental groups. I am committed to defending energy job creators and preserving American energy independence,” said Senator Wicker.

    Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    BACKGROUND

    This bill would:

    • Ensures that a federal court cannot vacate previously authorized permits for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.
    • Specifies that circuit court jurisdiction for litigation against LNG facilities shall be determined by the location of the facility, not the headquarters location of the federal agency that issued the permits.  
    • Sets a 90-day clock for lawsuits challenging a federal permit for an LNG facility and requires expedited review of lawsuits against LNG facilities.

    The full text of the Protect LNG Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with Guests from Pacific Island States

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    XIAMEN, May 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held separate meetings with foreign guests who arrived in China to attend the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province.

    During the meeting with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kiribati Taneti Maamau, Wang Yi conveyed to him sincere greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati more than five years ago, bilateral ties have developed rapidly, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have yielded significant results. He said China highly values Kiribati’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to work with Kiribati to further develop bilateral ties.

    T. Maamau, for his part, pointed out that Kiribati firmly adheres to the one-China policy and hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as cultural and humanitarian exchanges, medicine and health care, infrastructure, sister city exchanges, the maritime economy and climate change.

    At a meeting with Niuean Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi, Wang Yi noted that China-Niue relations have become a model of equality and common development for countries of different sizes. He called on both countries to strengthen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, green development and climate change.

    D. Tagelagi said that Niue values its relations with China and the close friendship between the peoples of the two countries, and supports the three major global initiatives proposed by China, as well as the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road.

    Niue stands ready to continue to contribute to the development of the South Pacific region in the spirit of mutual respect, added D. Tagelagi.

    During a meeting with Crown Prince and Foreign Minister of Tonga Tupoutoa Ulukalala, Wang Yi conveyed cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to King Tupou VI of Tonga.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China firmly supports Tonga in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, values Tonga’s commitment to the one-China principle, and hopes to work with Tonga to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

    Tupoutoa Ulukalala noted that Tonga has always firmly adhered to the one-China policy and is willing to expand exchanges of ideas with China and promote practical cooperation in areas such as health and education. Tonga highly appreciates the concrete measures taken by China to help Pacific island countries address climate change, he stressed.

    During a meeting with Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Shanel Agowaka, Wang Yi said that China is willing to work with the Solomon Islands to uphold multilateralism, defend the basic norms of international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

    China supports the Solomon Islands in hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting this year, Wang continued, expressing hope that the two countries will seize the opportunity and jointly promote development.

    P.Sh. Agovaka said the Solomon Islands firmly opposes “Taiwan independence” and supports the Chinese government’s efforts to achieve national reunification.

    The Solomon Islands looks forward to strengthening practical cooperation with China in areas such as education, law enforcement, medicine and health care, and cultural heritage protection, P.Sh. Agovaka said.

    At a meeting with Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana, Wang Yi said China has always attached great importance to relations with the Cook Islands and supports the country in safeguarding national sovereignty and independently choosing a development path that suits its national conditions.

    According to the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China is ready to work with the Cook Islands to adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and create a fair, reasonable, cooperative and mutually beneficial system of global climate governance.

    T. Elikana assured that the Cook Islands will strictly adhere to the one-China principle, adding that the meeting of the foreign ministers of China and the Pacific island countries opened up an opportunity for deepening cooperation between the two sides and strengthening the unity of the island countries. The Cook Islands expresses its firm support for this, he stressed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: B. Netanyahu says Hamas leader in Gaza M. Sinwar killed in Israeli airstrike

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, May 28 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed that Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip and the brother of late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed in an Israeli air strike earlier this month.

    Speaking in parliament, B. Netanyahu said that Israel was at a “dramatic turning point” in the war against Hamas and that the military had “liquidated Mohammed Sinwar.”

    He added that Israel’s recent operations have focused on eliminating Hamas’ governing structures in Gaza.

    There has been no confirmation of M. Sinwar’s death from Hamas or independent sources.

    Netanyahu’s statement was the first official confirmation of Sinwar’s killing since a joint operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security service on May 13 hit a bunker beneath Gaza’s European Hospital in Khan Yunis. According to health authorities in the Palestinian enclave, the airstrike killed 26 people, but Sinwar’s fate remained unclear.

    Mohammed Sinwar, 49, was a senior Hamas political and military figure who took over the movement’s operations and those of its militant wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in the Gaza Strip in October 2024 following the death of his brother.

    B. Netanyahu also gave an update on the hostages held in the enclave, saying Israeli intelligence said 20 were still alive and 38 were believed to be dead.

    Israeli attacks have killed at least 54,084 people in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, according to health authorities. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hamas says it has reached agreement with US envoy on framework for Gaza ceasefire

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GAZA, May 28 (Xinhua) — The Palestinian movement Hamas issued an official statement announcing that it had reached an agreement with U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff on a general framework for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

    According to a Hamas statement, the deal calls for the release of 10 Israeli hostages and the handover of several bodies of the dead in exchange for the release of an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, under guarantees from mediators.

    Hamas stressed that it was waiting for a final response to the framework, adding that it was “making significant efforts to stop the brutal war in the Gaza Strip.”

    As the movement noted, the agreement “will ensure a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian enclave, the supply of humanitarian aid and the establishment of a professional committee that will take over the management of the Strip’s affairs immediately after the agreement is announced.”

    A Hamas spokesman, who asked to remain anonymous, said on May 26 that Hamas had agreed to Witkoff’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

    Meanwhile, according to the American news site Axios, S. Witkoff himself denied the fact that Hamas approved his proposal for a truce and the release of hostages in the enclave.

    Israel has not yet announced its official position on the American proposal, but Israeli media reports, citing officials in the country, that the Jewish state rejects the plan and does not intend to agree to it. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge planning study online open house available May 28 to June 17

    Source: Washington State News 2

    CARBONADO – People can now provide input on the future of State Route 165 at the Carbon River in Pierce County in an online open house.

    The Washington State Department of Transportation published an online open house today, Wednesday, May 28 that focuses on data-driven recommendations that address safety concerns and long-term transportation needs for SR 165 across the Carbon River Valley.

    The online open house accompanies two in-person open house events scheduled in June. The same information will be available both in-person and online. The open house events are part of a WSDOT SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge planning study.

    SR 165 Carbon River- Fairfax Bridge Planning Study online open house

    When:  Wednesday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 17

    Where:  engage.wsdot.wa.gov/sr-165-fairfax-bridge/

    Details:  The online open house gives people the opportunity to view proposed recommendations and provide comments through June 17. 

    Free internet access

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit the Department of Commerce website.

    Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house:

    • Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave., Buckley, WA 98321
    • Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S., Orting, WA 98360

    SR 165 Carbon River- Fairfax Bridge Planning Study in-person open houses

    When:  4 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 2

    Where:  Carbonado School, 301 O’Ferrell Drive, Carbonado, WA 98323 

    When:  5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 11

    Where:  Wilkeson Elementary School, 640 Railroad Ave., Wilkeson, WA 98396  

    Details:  There is no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the events. Project team members will be available to answer questions about the study and the options presented.

    Background

    WSDOT permanently closed the bridge on April 22. Recent inspections of the 103-year-old bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports across the bridge. Since 2009, the bridge operated under vehicle weight restrictions. The structural challenges the bridge faced were brought on by years of deferred preservation due to lack of funding. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Urges Congress to Lower Costs for North Carolinians at NC State Emerging Issues Forum

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Urges Congress to Lower Costs for North Carolinians at NC State Emerging Issues Forum

    Governor Stein Urges Congress to Lower Costs for North Carolinians at NC State Emerging Issues Forum
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein spoke at the Emerging Issues Forum at NC State to outline his energy priorities and urge Congress to lower costs for consumers by protecting clean energy projects in North Carolina.  

    “North Carolina is a leader in the clean energy economy, and we are home to more than 20,000 clean energy jobs and $24 billion in clean energy investments,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state is well-positioned to continue that success, and I urge Congress to protect the clean energy investments that have contributed to our state’s prosperity.”

    Governor Stein is committed to supporting and developing North Carolina’s growing clean energy sector. Last month, the Governor joined Boviet Solar at the grand opening of its new solar module manufacturing facility in Greenville, which has already created nearly 400 jobs with more on the way. As part of his second recovery budget announcement last week, Governor Stein proposed $239 million to strengthen critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, including investing in projects to safeguard against future disasters. 

    Congress’ proposed repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act could cost North Carolina tens of thousands of jobs by 2030, along with billions in clean energy investments spurred by clean energy and manufacturing tax credits. Repealing the credits could also raise electricity costs for North Carolina families by $200 per year. Governor Stein is urging North Carolina’s congressional delegation to lower costs for North Carolina families by preserving the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits.  

    May 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Alabama Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation and Child Sexual Exploitation

    Source: US State of California

    A former Killen, Alabama, Police Department (KPD) officer was sentenced today in the Northern District of Alabama to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman while on duty and for receiving sexually explicit photos of a minor.

    According to documents filed in connection with this case, on Nov. 12, 2023, KPD Officer Jarrod Gailen Webster violated the civil rights of a woman after initiating a traffic stop on the woman’s vehicle. Webster asked the woman to step out of her vehicle and asked her what she wanted to do to “get out of this.” When the woman told Webster that she was not going to do anything for him, Webster handcuffed the woman and sexually assaulted her.

    Further, between June 2016 and October 2018, Webster communicated with a minor by phone, and he asked the minor to produce and send him sexually explicit images. The minor victim sent multiple photos to Webster at his request, at least one of which constituted child sexual abuse material.

    Webster pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of sexual exploitation of children on March 4, 2025.

    “Jarrod Webster forcibly assaulted a woman after a traffic stop, and exploited a minor to receive sexually explicit images,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This was a gross abuse of his authority as a police officer and a betrayal of the public trust. I am proud of our DOJ Civil Rights team for holding him accountable.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message that such criminal conduct will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “I commend the dedication of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to ensure that Webster was held accountable for his actions.”

    “Law enforcement officers are entrusted with significant responsibility and are therefore held to a higher standard,” said Special Agent in Charge David R. Fitzgibbons of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “Today’s sentencing clearly demonstrates there are serious consequences when someone tarnishes the badge by breaking the law. Jerrod Webster brought shame to the badge by committing the horrific crimes of sexually assaulting a woman in his care and receiving sexually explicit images of a minor. His sentencing confirms that the FBI has zero tolerance for officials who prey on the citizens they are sworn to protect.”

    The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –