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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Hageman Rebrand ESA to Highlight Recovery Over Endless Listings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) today introduced the Endangered Species Recovery Act, legislation that would rename the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to better reflect the law’s original intent.

    “Washington bureaucrats have lost sight of the original mission of the Endangered Species Act,” said Sen. Lummis. “Instead of celebrating recovery success by removing federal intervention, they’ve created a system that keeps species listed indefinitely. The Endangered Species Recovery Act refocuses this law on its original purpose: recovering species and then getting the federal government out of the way. States like Wyoming have proven track records in wildlife management, and when species recover, we should celebrate that success by allowing appropriate local management to resume.”

    “For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has operated under a misleading title and a failed model, with only 3% of listed species ever delisted,” said Rep. Hageman. “This is land control, not conservation. By renaming it the Endangered Species Recovery Act, we are reflecting the law’s true intent, actually recovering species. This change is long overdue. With this legislation, we are putting action and accountability back into environmental policy.”

    The Endangered Species Recovery Act has received support from:

    “The Endangered Species Act is a remarkable law that was created to protect and recover species,” said Angi Bruce, Director of Wyoming Game and Fish. “While this landmark act has primarily focused on species protection over the past 50 years, this revision in the name of the Act is necessary to refocus how we think about listed species and better reflect its original intent. Changing the name sets the stage for emphasizing future work on recovery. With over 1600 species listed, now is the time to focus on actions needed for delisting. Special thanks to Senator Lummis for her leadership on endangered species reform.”

    “The ultimate goal of federally listing a species as endangered or threatened has always been the recovery of that species to a level where the species is no longer imperiled and can thrive without the need of federal protections,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Successfully recovering and delisting species allows limited resources to be focused on the species most in need of attention. State fish and wildlife agencies are dedicated partners in species recovery and management, and we appreciate Senator Lummis’ acknowledgment of the importance of species recovery and raising its prominence by including it in the title of the Endangered Species Recovery Act.”

    “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Lummis for introducing the Endangered Species Recovery Act,” said CSF Senior Vice President Taylor Schmitz. “Despite the Endangered Species Act (ESA) becoming an endless place of entrapment for many listed fish and wildlife species, the intent behind the ESA was and remains to recover species and return the management of the species to state wildlife agencies, who have the primary authority over the majority of fish and wildlife across the country. This legislation reaffirms the intent of the ESA to recover species rather than needlessly keeping them on a list once they have met population recovery goals.”

    “I commend Senator Lummis for her legislation and trying to focus the Endangered Species Act (ESA) more on recovery,” said James L. Cummins, Executive Director, Wildlife Mississippi. “Many in our nation want the ESA to go away.  Others say don’t change one word.  That is like owning an International Scout with two plans: one is sell it and the other is never changing the oil.  Neither of those are helpful at the hunting club unless walking is your goal.  I think we need to keep and use the Scout but fix it when it needs fixing. The ESA should be treated no differently.  The ESA has been effective in preventing some species from becoming extinct; however, it can be significantly improved by creating new recovery efforts.  As long as the status quo of not increasing habitat, therefore not increasing populations, is maintained, the recovery and delisting of many species will not occur.”  

    “Renaming the Endangered Species Act as the Endangered Species Recovery Act is a thoughtful way to refocus national attention on what matters most—recovering imperiled wildlife,” said David Willms, associate vice president, public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This bill emphasizes outcomes over process, reinforcing that the goal isn’t to manage decline, but to return species to healthy, sustainable populations that don’t require the Act’s protections. It’s a commonsense update that aligns the name of the law with its original purpose.” 

    Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) are Senate cosponsors. 

    Read the entire bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Cortez Masto Introduce MAP for Broadband Funding Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Provides fresh oversight over FCC’s Broadband Funding Map, originally created by Fischer, Cortez Masto

    Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Modernization, Accountability, and Planning (MAP) for Broadband Funding Act, to provide oversight of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Funding Map to ensure it is functioning effectively for the public, federal agencies, and broadband providers.

    Fischer and Cortez Masto originally created the Broadband Funding Map as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With oversight needed to ensure federal agencies are utilizing the Map to its full potential, the MAP For Broadway Funding Act will ensure that these agencies are reliably reporting their funding data to the FCC.

    “I have worked diligently for years to close the digital divide for unserved and underserved communities. My work with Senator Cortez Masto was underscored by the Broadband Funding Map, which we created in 2021. While I’m pleased the FCC launched the Map in 2023, it is clear oversight is needed here to ensure all federal agencies are utilizing the Map to its full potential. I won’t relent in my efforts to expand Internet connectivity for those who lack access—this is a critical step in that mission,”     Fischer said. 

    “As we work to expand broadband access across the country, it’s critical that we do with as much transparency, accountability, and coordination as possible. Reliable access to the internet is already so important for people to work and take care of their everyday tasks. Congress must ensure we continue to expand its access efficiently,” Cortez Masto said.

    “Big thanks to Senators Fischer and Cortez Masto for their work in bringing about the MAP for Broadband Funding Act. By improving the accuracy and transparency of the Broadband Funding Map, we can more effectively target federal funding for broadband deployment where it’s truly needed. Plus, requiring federal agencies to report broadband deployment data to the FCC and NTIA will strengthen coordination and accountability across programs,” USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter said. 

    “Senator Fischer should be commended for marshaling the Federal Communications Commission and the Government Accountability Office to ensure that precious federal broadband dollars are spent as efficiently as possible. CostQuest appreciates the Senator’s data-driven approach to ensuring accountability for broadband spending across the government,”CostQuest Associates said.

    Background    :

    The MAP for Broadband Funding Act provides fresh oversight for the FCC’s Broadband Funding Map to ensure the Map is functioning effectively, efficiently, and transparently as possible for the public, federal agencies, and broadband providers alike.

    To meet this goal, the bill:
     

    1. Directs the FCC to conduct a Notice of Inquiry on the Map’s function and data it displays for maximum usability, assessing any necessary updates from a user-experience perspective, and 
    1. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate how well federal agencies are populating the Map in compliance with current law, identifying any gaps in reporting for its optimum functionality. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Lower Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs for Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced a bipartisan bill to reduce prescription drug costs for seniors. The Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act would directly reduce out-of-pocket costs by requiring that coinsurance payments for prescription drugs for seniors on Medicare be determined based on the lower net price of the medication as opposed to the higher list price.
    For example, if a senior has a 50 percent coinsurance and their medication’s list price is $200, they currently pay $100 out-of-pocket at the pharmacy – even if the insurance company only paid $150 for the medication. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that, in this example, the senior ends up only paying $75.
    “For far too long, Nevadans have been forced to pay extremely high prices for prescription drugs, and I believe no one should have to break the bank to pay for life-saving medication,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing a bipartisan bill to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for Nevada seniors and reduce the amount of money they have to pay at the pharmacy counter. I’ll keep working with anyone – Republican, Democrat, or Independent – to bring down costs for families in our state.”
    “Countless seniors in Texas face challenges with high out-of-pocket prescription drug costs,” said Senator Cornyn. “I am proud to support the Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act, which aims to ease this financial burden by lowering costs and improving access to potentially life-saving medications.”
    Senator Rosen has been actively working to lower health care and prescription drug costs for families. She helped pass the bill that gave Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prescription drugs and cap the price of insulin at $35 a month. At the beginning of this year, Senator Rosen announced the start of a cap on prescription drug prices for Nevada seniors that she helped pass. She also announced that more medications now qualify for Medicare price negotiations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Lancement du Mois du patrimoine acadien

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    À partir de la gauche, Kyle MacQuarrie, député d’Inverness; Allister Surette, sénateur; Tim Houston, premier ministre; Colton LeBlanc, ministre des Affaires acadiennes et de la Francophonie; Jules Chiasson, directeur général de la Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse; et Réjean Aucoin, sénateur. (Province de la Nouvelle-Écosse)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Acadian Heritage Month Launch

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    From left, Kyle MacQuarrie, MLA for Inverness; Sen. Allister Surette; Premier Tim Houston; Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie; and Jules Chiasson, Executive Director of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse; and Sen. Réjean Aucoin (Province of Nova Scotia)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Georgiaville Pond

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are recommending people avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally present in bodies of water, but under certain environmental conditions will form harmful algae blooms?(HABs). All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

    Use caution in all areas of Georgiaville Pond as cyanobacteria HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies.?Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. ? Skin contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with cyanobacteria HABs because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.?

    If you or your pet come into contact with a cyanobacteria HAB:

    – Rinse your skin with clean water right away.

    – Shower and wash your clothes when you get home.

    – If your pet was exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur.

    – Call a vet if your pet shows signs of illness like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms within a day.

    – If you feel sick after contact, call a healthcare provider.

    Affected waters might look bright to dark green, with thick algae floating on the surface. It may resemble green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water.

    To report suspected cyanobacteria blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or?DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov?and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit:?www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Free Money” Gang Members Indicted for Committing Murder at Local Shopping Center

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Two alleged members of Free Money, a violent Houston-based street gang, were indicted yesterday in the Southern District of Texas for their alleged roles in the murder of one individual and attempted murder of another during a gang-related ambush.

    According to court documents, Free Money members and associates engage in robbery, home invasions, drug distribution, and murder. The defendants, Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 27, both of Houston, allegedly committed the murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group.

    On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance footage captured the Ardoins following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in a Black Nissan Altima. As alleged in court documents, the driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fire on both individuals.

    Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots and described the distinct sound of a fully automatic weapon, believed to have been modified with a machine gun conversion device commonly referred to as a “switch.” 

    Multiple rounds struck the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Houston Police Department officers responded within minutes and found one victim deceased.

    Terry and Travonte Ardoin are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison or a death sentence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department.

    Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas 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.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Charged For Nationwide Fraud Scheme Targeting Hundreds Of Elderly Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu Are Charged With Participating in a Scheme That Attempted to Steal Over $18 Million From Over 350 Victims

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia; and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch,  announced charges against JINGBIN JIANG and SU JIAN LIU, a/k/a “Fatty,” a/k/a “Ah Pang,” for a scheme to defraud elderly victims across the United States, which attempted to steal over $18 million from over 350 victims and resulted in actual losses of over $5 million to over 70 victims.  JIANG was arrested in Staten Island this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  LIU is still at large.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.

    “As alleged, Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu worked together with others to steal the hard-earned money of some our most vulnerable New Yorkers and others around the country,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Taking advantage of our elderly after they have worked so hard to save and contributed so much to our city and this country is heartless and despicable.  These charges, and the efforts of the FBI and the NYPD, should serve as a warning to fraudsters and cybercriminals: New Yorkers want you held accountable for your crimes, and the women and men of our Office are committed to doing so.”

    “Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu allegedly defrauded elderly victims of more than $5 million by utilizing extortionate tactics to coerce withdrawals of significant cash or purchases of gold,” said FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia.  “This alleged conspiracy wielded fear of bankruptcy and arrest to ensure victims complied with the unlawful requests for money.  The FBI is committed to apprehending any individual who utilizes online platforms to target and exploit vulnerable victims across the country.”

    “These defendants allegedly led a nationwide fraud scheme with the goal of targeting innocent, elderly victims and stealing millions of their hard-earned savings,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “Jingbin Jiang and Su Jian Liu allegedly participated in a plot involving elaborate, fictitious narratives to manipulate elderly victims and trick them into participating in their scheme, which involved attempts to steal over $18 million from 350 people.  I am grateful to the members of the NYPD, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding these alleged predatory fraudsters accountable.”

    According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    Between at least in or about 2023 and in or about July 2025, JIANG and LIU participated with others in a fraudulent scheme that primarily targeted elderly victims located all across the United States, including in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, California, Connecticut, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, and Montana.

    The scheme proceeded in the following manner: First, victims would typically see a pop-up message on their computers indicating that they needed to call a particular phone number controlled by members of the scheme.  The pop-up message would typically claim to come from a technology company, a bank, or the government.  Second, when victims called the phone number, they were told a fictitious narrative that would ultimately lead to a suggestion that the victims withdraw money from their bank account.  For example, some victims were falsely told that their computers had a virus, or that their computers had been hacked into and used to commit serious crimes, like downloading child sexual abuse material.  Others were falsely told that their bank accounts had been compromised and were vulnerable to unauthorized withdrawals.  To avoid arrest or protect their bank accounts from being compromised, victims were instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash from their bank accounts or purchase large quantities of gold.  Some victims were even told that their money would be safely held in the custody of a consumer protection agency like the Federal Trade Commission, and they were sent notices on fake federal government letterhead purporting to bear the signature of a federal government official:

    Third, many victims were told that a courier would be arriving at their home (or other coordinated pick-up location) to retrieve the gold and/or cash.  Victims were often provided with the courier’s name (which was fictitious), a description of the courier’s clothing, and sometimes a password, purportedly to ensure the courier was authorized to pick up the gold and/or cash.  Other victims were told to purchase and transfer cryptocurrency or gift cards, which did not require a courier.  Victims were typically under the impression that this gold and/or cash would then be deposited, on the victims’ behalf, into a new, safe, uncompromised bank account (or with the Federal Trade Commission, as noted above) that they could access without concern in the future.  In reality, these funds were stolen and never returned to the victims.  Some victims engaged in multiple transactions before realizing the fraudulent nature of the scheme.

    JIANG and LIU participated in the scheme by managing and supervising the couriers that traveled to meet the victims to pick up the cash and gold, which was then transported back to New York City.  JIANG and LIU received information about potential victims from other members of the scheme on text-messaging platforms, in messages that typically included the zip codes and the amounts of cash or gold to be collected from each victim. JIANG and LIU could then decide whether to accept the pick-up, and if they did, the other members of the scheme would provide more specific details about the victim and when and where to pick up the cash or gold.  After arranging for couriers to make the pick-ups, JIANG and LIU would provide updates to other members of the scheme about the couriers’ progress.  After the victims provided the criminal proceeds to the couriers, JIANG and LIU arranged for the criminal proceeds to be distributed to other members of the scheme, including by converting cash and gold into cryptocurrency to be easily transmitted to members of the scheme located overseas, including in India and China.  In total, members of the conspiracy have attempted to steal at least approximately $18 million from over 350 victims, and they have successfully stolen at least approximately $5 million from over 70 victims.

    If you or someone you know has been victimized by this scheme, please file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is available at ic3.gov.

    *                *                *

    JIANG, 37, of Staten Island, New York, and LIU, 38 of Edmond, Oklahoma, are both charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

    Mr. Clayton praised the investigative work of the FBI and NYPD’s Joint Organized Crime Task Force.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York State Police and the Bedford Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this case.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan and Angela Zhu are in charge of the prosecution. 

    The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bloods Gang Member Apprehended in Durham in Possession of a Firearm while on Post-Release Supervision Sentenced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENSBORO – A Durham, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).   

    WILLIAM LOVELL HARPER, age 26, was sentenced to a total of 96 months imprisonment plus 3 years of post-release supervision by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge for the MDNC.

    According to court records, on September 4, 2024, officers apprehended HARPER on Hillsborough Road in Durham and recovered a loaded handgun from his person. At the time of his apprehension, HARPER had three active warrants for his arrest, including one stemming from a robbery in Durham on March 2024 and another for violating his post-release supervision. HARPER had been previously convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in Beaufort County in 2017, as well as Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill in Craven County in 2018. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, HARPER was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    In 2023, HARPER admitted that he was a member of the Bloods criminal street gang.

    In April of this year, HARPER was convicted of Robbery of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in Durham County for conduct occurring on March 28, 2024. He received a sentence of 11 to 146 months. 60 months of today’s federal sentence will run consecutively to HARPER’s state sentence.

    HARPER pleaded guilty on April 10, 2025, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

    The case was investigated by the Durham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Durham County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Iverson.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Pistol While on Pretrial Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Andre Jamar Turman, 34, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol while he was on probation and on pretrial release for multiple cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Turman pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to the indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Turman to serve three years of supervised release.

                Joining in the announcement were U.S. Marshal Robert Dixon of D.C. Superior Court, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

                According to court documents, on May 4, 2023, Deputy U.S. Marshals and MPD detectives were searching for Turman due to numerous bench warrants out of D.C. Superior Court as well as an outstanding arrest warrant.

                At about 11:30 a.m., officers spotted and arrested Turman on the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Twining Square Park. A Deputy U.S. Marshal patted down the right front pants pocket and recovered a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol. The firearm was not registered in the District of Columbia. In addition, the firearm previously had been reported as stolen.

                Turman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to more than a year in prison. 

                At the time of his arrest, he was on probation and pretrial release for multiple cases—including release in another firearm case in Maryland.

                This case was investigated by the ATF, MPD, and U.S. Marshals. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shezhad Akhtar and Chrisellen Rebecca Kolb.

    23cr171

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 25, 2020, Seguinot was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for drug distribution and gun possession offenses.  He was released from federal prison in May 2021.  In October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Luis Salaman, also known as “Bebe,” was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven.  The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl.  Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates.  Investigators also learned that Seguinot possessed a firearm during that time.

    Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023.

    On December 19, 2024, a jury found Seguinot and Salaman guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. 

    Seguinot’s criminal history also includes state convictions for drug distribution and weapon possession offenses.

    Seguinot has been detained since January 2, 2025.

    Salaman, who has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022, awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Andover Man Pleads Guilty for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – An Andover man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Dale Howe, age 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2025.

    According to the charging documents and statements made in court, the defendant provided the minor victim with drugs and sexually assaulted the minor victim. The defendant created images of the sexual abuse, which were found during a search of his phone. The defendant distributed at least three of the child sexual abuse images through a social media platform. The defendant was also in possession of more than 3,500 files of unrelated CSAM.

    The charges for Production of Child Pornography provide for a sentence with a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. The charge for Possession of Child Pornography provides for a sentence with a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the Andover Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and the Derry Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and Anna Z. Krasinski are prosecuting the case.

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman to Pay $400,000 to Settle Allegations of Falsifying Diagnoses in connection with an Amherst Compounding Pharmacy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD –Georgina Exposito of Florida, owner of 3rd Party Services of Florida, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE based on fake medical diagnoses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    According to the settlement agreement and the complaint in partial intervention, Exposito and her company altered patients’ medical diagnoses to obtain prior authorizations on behalf of pharmacies, including PerforMix Specialty Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy located in Amherst. This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE.

    “Submitting false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare and TRICARE undermines the integrity of our health care system and diverts critical resources away from patients who need them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Accountability in cases like this helps restore trust in our health care system and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected.”

    “The submission of falsified prior authorization requests undermines an important safeguard against unnecessary Medicare costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “This settlement highlights HHS-OIG’s ongoing commitment to combatting fraud in the taxpayer-funded Medicare program, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

    The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers to file civil lawsuits alleging that false claims have been submitted to the United States. This FCA settlement resolves allegations against Georgina Exposito’s company originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower.  As part of the settlement the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement amount.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The United States’ case against the other defendants named in the complaint in partial intervention continues. 

     This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WACO – A Mississippi man was sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison for distribution of child pornography, involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

    According to court documents, Foster Denzel Harris, aided and abetted by another, knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct in violation of federal statute.

    In 2022, the victim in this case reported to FBI that she had been exploited when she was 16 years old, and living in Killeen, Texas. Between 2016 and 2022, while using KiK social media application on her phone, Harris extorted $21,000 dollars from her, threatening to expose her if she didn’t pay.

    “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit children by distributing child sexual abuse material will be held fully accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aron Tapp. “The pain these victims silently endure is immeasurable, and the FBI will relentlessly pursue anyone who preys on them. We applaud the extraordinary courage of the victim in this case, whose fortitude to come forward enabled us to obtain a measure of justice and put a stop to the continues abuse. If you have information about child exploitation, contact your local FBI office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.”

    This 20-year sentence is the maximum sentence allowed under the statute. Harris was also ordered to pay $31,429.00 in restitution to the victim and placed on lifetime supervised release. This case was investigated by the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Gloff prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Free Money” gang members indicted for committing murder at local shopping center

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – Two alleged members of a violent Houston-based street gang have been charged for their alleged roles in the murder of one individual and attempted murder of another during a gang-related ambush.

    According to court documents, members and associates of the gang known as Free Money engage in robbery, home invasions, drug distribution and murder. Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 27, both of Houston, allegedly committed the murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group.

    On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in a Black Nissan Altima. As alleged in court documents, the driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on both individuals.

    Multiple rounds struck the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased.

    Terry and Travonte Ardoin are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they face up to life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

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

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Discover the potential of agentic AI in higher education

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Discover the potential of agentic AI in higher education

    Discover how Azure AI Foundry in education helps institutions build tailored, scalable AI solutions to drive innovation and digital transformation.

    At Microsoft Build 2025, we unveiled a new wave of agentic innovations that are reshaping how higher education institutions use AI. From intelligent agents to unified data platforms, these advancements empower higher education leaders to confidently accelerate digital transformation. A key part of this evolution is the role of Azure AI Foundry in education, which helps institutions build secure, scalable AI solutions tailored to their academic goals.

    With these advances in AI, institutions now have a powerful new opportunity: to use agents that can automate routine tasks, assist faculty and staff, and provide real-time, contextual insights to support teaching and learning. As more institutions begin their journey to this next frontier, AI agents will support individuals and teams by automating tasks and delivering instant, contextual insights.

    This means that with data-focused AI tools from Microsoft, your institution can:

    • Develop scalable, intelligent agents using Azure AI Foundry, trusted by enterprises and customized for higher education compliance and innovation.
    • Turn data insights into action with AI-powered analytics, addressing challenges in student success, research productivity, and operational agility.

    Accelerate agentic AI with Azure AI Foundry

    Azure AI Foundry Agent Service empowers institutions to securely design, deploy, and scale agents with ease. Enhance your team’s efficiency with agents that simplify academic and operational workflows with robust security and trust features built in. This provides key tools and resources to help you:

    • Create domain-specific agents to automate complex tasks.
    • Use enterprise-grade identity for agents and built-in trustworthy AI.
    • Deploy and scale agents quickly with managed infrastructure.
    Get started with Azure AI Foundry Agent Service

    Create and scale domain-specific agents

    With Azure AI Foundry Agent Service, your team can create domain-specific agents tailored to your unique needs. It helps you design, deploy, and scale agents that are ready for real-world use. This fully managed service handles infrastructure and orchestration. It includes ready-to-use templates, actions, and connectors for more than 1,400 enterprise data sources, including SharePoint, Microsoft Fabric, and third-party systems. For instance, you can design and deploy agents to help onboard new students with personalized guidance and support administrative teams with instant responses to common questions.

    Institutions like Stanford Medicine are already using the healthcare agent orchestrator in Azure AI Foundry alongside Microsoft Copilot Studio. This integration enhances the efficiency of tumor board meetings through customized clinical workflows.

    Secure and manage your agents

    Creating agents is just the beginning—managing them responsibly plays a critical role in their effective use. With Microsoft Entra Agent ID, you can:

    • Gain complete visibility and control over agents’ actions.
    • Assign unique identities for each agent.
    • Share identity management with your team members.
    • Define access controls and permissions for each agent.
    Learn about Microsoft Entra Agent ID

    Trustworthy AI is a foundational commitment for Microsoft and for our customers. We’ve introduced new capabilities to help institutions discover, protect, and govern AI systems from the start.

    On the security side, Azure AI Foundry integrates with Microsoft Defender for Cloud to provide real-time alerts and insights when threats arise. For compliance, out-of-the box integration with governance tools like Credo AI, Saidot, and Microsoft Purview, helps institutions monitor model performance, assess fairness, and track regulatory requirements.

    By using Azure AI Foundry’s built-in tools for safety, security, and governance, institutions can design and deploy AI systems with greater reliability from the start.

    Powering the next AI frontier with Microsoft Fabric

    Strong data is foundational to effective AI. Microsoft Fabric helps unify your data to power analytics and agents—without the burden of managing complex infrastructure. As a SaaS solution, Fabric offers seamless integration of data tools and can reduce the need for manual service connections.

    Try Microsoft Fabric for free

    At its core is Microsoft OneLake, an open and unified data lake that supports any format, from any cloud. This flexibility allows developers to access and analyze all types of data efficiently.

    Fabric also transforms how you manage and interact with data. With natural language capabilities, you can explore insights that drive student success, enhance research, and boost operational agility—empowering everyone to make informed, data-driven decisions.

    Find the right data when you need it

    Education leaders need tools that turn insights into action. That’s why we’re focused on making data more accessible through conversational experiences. With Copilot in Power BI, users can now ask questions in natural language and receive instant insights—no technical training needed to get started. Whether it’s enrollment trends, retention risks, or alumni giving, faculty and staff can explore data directly within Microsoft Teams to streamline their workflow.

    Empower everyone to interact with their data

    With enhanced interaction capabilities in Power BI and Copilot Studio, transforming data into actionable insights can now be faster and more intuitive. You can explore data through natural, conversational experiences, removing complexity, and making analysis more accessible. This shift empowers you and your teams to break down data silos and uncover valuable insights with ease. Power BI chat simplifies the exploration of complex datasets, offering quicker, more confident decision-making.

    Uncover deeper insights with data agents

    Finally, connecting Fabric data agents to Copilot Studio can help uncover deeper insights. These agents expertly analyze complex datasets, uncovering valuable insights from OneLake and driving informed action. By automating tasks like email sending and workflow triggering, they streamline your interactions with enterprise data, enabling confident decision-making.

    Embrace the future of data-driven higher education with Microsoft Azure and Azure AI Foundry. Discover how innovative data agents and AI-powered insights can enhance your approach to learning and operations. Start your journey today and uncover the limitless possibilities that await you.

    Get started with Azure AI Foundry

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid Partisan Attempts to Gerrymander Texas, Warner and Kaine Join Colleagues to Restore the Voting Rights Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined all of their Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to update and reinforce safeguards in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been eroded in recent years by federal court rulings. The legislation would strengthen our democracy by re-establishing preclearance for jurisdictions with a pattern of voting rights violations, protecting minority communities subject to discriminatory voting practices and defending election workers from threats and intimidation. It is named in honor of voting rights champion and former Congressman John Lewis.

    This legislation is especially relevant in Texas where, following historic disapproval of congressional Republicans’ megabill, Texas state lawmakers are attempting to redistrict before the 2026 elections to pick up additional Republican House seats. The move comes in direct response to President Trump’s fears that voters may flip the House in the 2026 midterms.

    “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy and we have a moral obligation to ensure that every American can make their voice heard at the ballot box,” said Sens. Warner and Kaine. “In the years since the Supreme Court gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, we’ve seen a wave of state-level efforts, like the one underway in Texas, designed to disenfranchise voters and rig the rules for partisan gain. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a critical step toward protecting access to the ballot while honoring the legacy of a civil rights hero who dedicated his life to the fight for full participation in our democracy.”

    In the wake of the Supreme Court’s damaging Shelby County decision in 2013 – which gutted the federal government’s ability under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent discriminatory changes to voting laws and procedures – states across the country have unleashed a torrent of voter suppression schemes that have systematically disenfranchised tens of thousands of American voters. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) delivered yet another blow to the Voting Rights Act, by making it significantly harder for plaintiffs to win lawsuits under the landmark law against discriminatory voting laws or procedures.

    The John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act is supported by 178 organizations. Text of the legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Full Committee Mark Up of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks as the committee meets to consider the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations acts.

    Senator Murray’s opening remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “As I have said, these are not the bills I would have written on my own—but they nevertheless represent serious bipartisan work to make some truly critical investments in families and our country’s future.

    “From defense funding that supports our military and keeps our country safe to funding for health care, child care, schools, seniors, medical research, public health, workforce training and safety—and many other programs that keep our communities strong.

    “The priorities laid out in both of these bills are fundamental to our nation’s security and Americans’ livelihoods and health.

    “So I’m glad this Committee was able to deliver and reach a bipartisan compromise to write these bills that deliver essential funds to help people, solve problems, and reject many of the absolutely devastating cuts and much of the chaos that President Trump was pushing for.

    “It remains clear as ever to me that we cannot afford to go down the path Trump and Russ Vought want to push us down. Their vision is one where this Committee becomes less bipartisan and less powerful. Where the president and the OMB director call the shots and some Republicans in Congress spend their time cutting what they are told to cut, even at the expense of their own constituents. Where instead of securing new investments for folks back home through bipartisan agreements, lawmakers have to plead their case to this administration to unlock funds we have already delivered or secure special exceptions for spending cuts. Where biomedical research and education funding gets held up for no reason at all. Where we gut investments in working families while letting Trump’s corruption run rampant.

    “That’s what Trump and Vought want.

    “We can—and we must—reject it.

    “Because, there is no comparison between having a bipartisan process, that gives our constituents a say in how their tax dollars are spent. Or another slush fund CR that forfeits our power and lets Trump rob some states, and pick winners and losers regardless of what our communities actually need or the law says.

    “The bills we are voting on today really show how big of a difference there is here. Anyone who has doubts about that, can just look at the LHHS bill.

    “It rejects Trump’s cuts that would have devastated our work to fight substance use disorders, HIV, and pandemics, eliminate women’s health investments like Title X funding and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and essentially saw the CDC cut in half.

    “It rejects backward proposals from Trump that would hurt our students and workers—like eliminating preschool grants, or slashing PELL, gutting public school funding, or ending Job Corps and AmeriCorps.

    “It rejects efforts to gut agencies that protect the rights of patients, students, and workers.

    “And, I’m especially pleased to note it rejects Trump’s 40% cut to lifesaving medical research—and increases the NIH budget by $400 million so we continue to make progress against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and so much more.

    “To the scientists wondering if there will even be an NIH by the end of this administration: this committee’s resounding message is ‘yes.’

    “Congress has your back—we’re not going to give up the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s, or rare diseases.

    “We support you and we need you to stay here and keep this research going.

    “But I want to be clear—at the end of the day, this isn’t about rejecting Trump, it is about investing in our families.

    “Investing in our schools, in medical research, in workforce training, and community health.

    “In fact, this bill even increases funding for crucial programs with new investments to allow the Social Security Administration to actually help people and undo some of the damage that Trump and DOGE have recklessly caused and increased investments in child care—something I will never stop fighting to make more progress on.

    “Now, one thing this bill does not do, unfortunately, is fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

    “As everyone knows, Republicans rescinded bipartisan funding we provided for CPB in the first ever partisan rescissions package.

    “It is a shameful reality—and now communities across the country will suffer the consequences as over 1,500 stations lose critical funding.

    “I really hope Republicans will join us to restore this funding down the line—and I want you to know I am going to keep pushing to do that. 

    “Before I close, I want to say: I am clear-eyed: the investments we make in these bills today are really only half of the equation.

    “Because the fact of the matter is we have an administration right now that is intent on ignoring Congress, breaking the law, and doing everything it can without any transparency to dismantle programs and agencies that help families.

    “There is no magic bullet that will change that unfortunate reality.

    “Our bills reject devastating cuts—and reject many of this administration’s absurd proposals—like dismantling the Department of Education, like destroying HHS, and more.

    “But I still want to see us to do much more when it comes to demanding accountability, demanding transparency, and demanding the administration actually follow our laws.

    “We all know President Trump cannot dismantle the Department of Education or ship education programs to other agencies. Authorizing laws prevent that. Appropriations laws prevent that. Yet, that has not stopped him from shipping CTE and adult education programs to DOL in violation of our laws.

    “And Secretary McMahon says she wants to do the same for Title I and IDEA. 

    “So I am very glad our LHHS bill takes new steps to ensure she cannot do that, and Title I and IDEA programs students depend on do not get dismantled or moved out of ED.

    “But I’d like this bill to also do the same for every other education program that states administer, to prevent states from having to deal with the chaos of these dismantling efforts, and I’m disappointed there was not bipartisan support to do that. Still, I am going to keep making the case for more accountability and transparency.

    “We need more members across the aisle to not only reject the cuts but to speak up and speak out against what this administration is already doing to defy our laws and hurt the people we represent.

    “Because, as we speak now, Trump and Vought are holding up billions of dollars we have secured on a bipartisan basis. They are on course to impound billions of taxpayer dollars while agencies fail to meet basic requirements of law.

    “Right now, they are illegally hiding apportionments data that would let us know whether funds we passed are being spent as intended and help us strengthen the bills we are in the middle of writing on. It is absurd we have to mark up bills—while being kept in the dark.  And just this week, we learned Russ Vought—through a footnote—paused $15 billion in NIH funding.

    “One footnote, from an unelected bureaucrat—overruling Congress and even NIH, to block $15 billion in funding for things like cancer research.

    “That is not transparency. It is not what Congress intended. And it is not acceptable. 

    “We need our Republican colleagues to join us in insisting that all blocked funding gets out—not just the programs most important to them.

    “So, in sum: these are critical, solid bills we are considering today that deliver vital funds for families and reject many devastating proposals.

    “And of course I would have liked to do even more, and I will not stop discussing how we make that happen with my colleagues, I will be voting yes to advance both of these bills today.

    “And I am glad we are on track to continue making progress on bipartisan bills that reject devastating cuts and invest in our communities and in our global strength.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Secures Over $70.3 Million for Louisiana in Latest FY 2026 Appropriations Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced he secured $70,286,000.00 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the latest Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations bills advanced by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects, included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Interior & Environment bills, fund critical infrastructure improvements across Louisiana.
    “To make Louisiana even better, we must fix outdated sewer systems, congested roadways, and aging infrastructure,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I worked to return our federal tax dollars, supporting communities in 14 different parishes with better roads, better sewer systems, and stronger infrastructure.”
    Since taking office, Cassidy has been one of the most effective U.S. Senators at directing federal dollars home to Louisiana, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee. In FY2024, Roll Call reported Cassidy was one of the top 20 senators in total funding secured for his state—and one of only five in that group who does not sit on the committee. That year, he secured a record $1.3 billion for Louisiana, the highest of any member of the state’s congressional delegation.
    This latest round of $70 million builds on the $49 million Cassidy announced earlier this month, bringing the total secured so far in FY2026 to over $115 million with more expected in the coming weeks.See below for a list of the funding secured by Senator Cassidy.

    Funding Amount
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $8,000,000.00
    Jefferson Parish
    This funding will support the West Bank Rail Alignment Project.

    $7,500,000.00
    City of Lafayette
    This funding will support Johnston Street Safety Mitigation and Enhancements.

    $7,000,000.00
    City of Kenner
    This funding will support stabilization and improvements to the city’s sewer and wastewater treatment plant.

    $6,500,000.00
    Nicholls State University
    This funding will support the Engineering Workforce Development Center in Thibodaux.

    $5,000,000.00
    Tangipahoa Parish
    This funding will support the Airport Road and Highway 3158 Roundabout Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Livingston Parish
    This funding will support the Browns Road Improvement Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    City of Covington
    This funding will support the US 190 Widening Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Baton Rouge
    This funding will support the McKinley Diversion Canal Retrofit Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District
    This funding will support harbor and terminal district improvements.

    $5,000,000.00
    Ascension Parish
    This funding will support the Airline Highway Raising Project.

    $4,500,000.00
    City of Monroe
    This funding will support improvements to the Benoit Community Center.

    $2,000,000.00
    City of St. George
    This funding will support safety improvements along Burbank Drive.

    $1,700,000.00
    Chennault International Airport
    This funding will support their Hangar and Apron Development Project.

    $1,500,000.00
    University of New Orleans
    This funding will support upgrades to the Shea Penland Coastal Research Educational Facility.

    $1,500,000.00
    City of Lake Charles
    This funding will support the North Lake Charles Water Rehabilitation Project.

    $86,000.00
    Kisatchie National Forest
    This funding will support cooperative law enforcement in adjacent parishes (Grant, Vernon, Winn).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Money Laundering, Terror Financing in Art Market

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Art Market Integrity Act to require art dealers and auction houses to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Currently, the art market, a $25 billion industry in the United States and the largest of its kind globally, is one of the last major markets not required to meet these standards, making it vulnerable to exploitation by criminals, terrorist financiers, and other sanctioned individuals.
    “Criminals and terrorists use art sales to fund their crimes,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We have similar rules for jewelry, precious metals, real estate, and more. Let’s do it for art too.”
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), David McCormick (R-PA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) in introducing the legislation. 
    Background
    In recent years, the U.S. Department of the Treasury identified the art market as particularly susceptible to money laundering and sanctions evasion. High-profile cases have spotlighted the urgent need for reform, including the indictment of Hezbollah financier Nazem Ahmad using art as part of his scheme to launder over $160 million. Multiple Kremlin cronies have used art to evade sanctions: Arkady and Boris Rotenberg used $18 million worth of art to get around sanctions, Roman Abramovich transferred almost $1 billion in art to his wife ahead of new sanctions, and last year the DOJ indicted Anastasia Simes for laundering money on behalf of sanctioned Kremlin crony Aleksander Udadov.
    The bill is endorsed by the Antiquities Coalition, Transparency International U.S., the FACT Coalition, FDD Action, the American Jewish Committee, Razom for Ukraine, American Coalition for Ukraine, the Initiative for the Recovery of Venezuelan Assets(INRAV), the National Border Patrol Council, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Long-term repairs set to begin on North Beach rockslide

    A major step toward long-term stabilization of the slope beside Highway 97 between Callan Road and Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is underway, ensuring the reliability of the highway for Okanagan residents and visitors.

    A $23.2-million contract has been awarded to Emil Anderson Construction Inc. to complete the next phase of work. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025 and finish in spring 2027.

    Long-term stabilization work will return the highway to its original four-lane configuration. This includes building a retaining wall and catchment area at the base of the slope, along with a concrete wall next to the highway for added reinforcement. Additional rock anchors will also be installed to secure the slope, followed by repairs to the road’s surface and drainage improvements.

    This work will provide lasting support for the hillside and help prevent rockfall impacts, ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of this key transportation corridor.

    This investment builds on extensive geotechnical work following the rockslide in August 2023, which deposited significant rock and debris onto the highway and forced an immediate closure.

    Between October 2023 and June 2024, crews removed unstable rock through controlled blasting, easing pressure on the slope. By fall 2024, more than 100 rock anchors were installed as part of Phase 1 of stabilization efforts.

    Any impacts to Highway 97 traffic during construction will be communicated via traffic advisories and posted to Drive BC: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    Drivers are asked to use caution through the area, obey posted speed limits and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: One Arrow First Nation and Canada reach farming benefits settlement

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 31, 2025 — One Arrow First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and One Arrow First Nation

    Today, Chief Janine Baldhead of One Arrow First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement resolving the Nation’s Agricultural Benefits claim, also known as a Cows and Plows settlement. 

    Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will pay $124 million in compensation to One Arrow First Nation for failing to fulfill its Treaty 6 obligations to provide the Nation with farming tools, plows, crop seeds, livestock, and other supplies. 

    These agricultural benefits were meant to facilitate One Arrow First Nation’s transition to a strong, self-sustaining community through farming. However, as a result of Canada’s failure to meet its Treaty obligations, the Nation did not have the equipment it needed to support its members. 

    Settling specific claims is an important part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation by rebuilding trust and strengthening its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation in recognition of unkept promises, Canada is taking responsibility and working toward a better future. This work is guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement on Iranian State Threat Activity in Europe and North America

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 31, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The following statement is released by the governments of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States:

    “Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States condemn the growing number of state threats from Iranian intelligence services in our respective territories.

    “We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people in Europe and North America in clear violation of our sovereignty. These Services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organisations to target journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and current and former officials in Europe and North America. This is unacceptable.   

    “We consider these types of attacks, regardless of the target, as violations of our sovereignty. We are committed to working together to prevent these actions from happening and we call on the Iranian authorities to immediately put an end to such illegal activities in our respective territories.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor cuts ribbon on new $25M bridge in Church Rock – Infrastructure upgrade creates safter pedestrian access

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) today marked the opening of a new $24 million bridge on NM 566 near Church Rock that creates safer access for pedestrians with a dedicated walking trail.

    The steel girder bridge spans the BNSF Railway and delivers pedestrian infrastructure that keeps community members off the highway and out of harm’s way. The project includes full bridge replacement, roadway reconstruction, improved lighting, upgraded drainage systems, and a new pedestrian trail that directly serves the Church Rock community.

    The project was completed over 29 months and was funded through a combination of federal and state National Highway Performance Program funds. The project was a collaborative effort between NMDOT District Six, the City of Gallup, and the Navajo Nation.

    “This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting New Mexico families and improving access to every corner of our state,” said Lujan Grisham. “Every bridge we build, every trail we construct, and every safety improvement we make helps ensure no family has to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one in a preventable pedestrian accident.”

    New Mexico’s pedestrian fatality rate consistently ranks among the highest in the nation. By creating safe, dedicated pathways for pedestrians, NMDOT is taking concrete action to protect lives and strengthen communities.

    “By working closely with the Navajo Nation and the City of Gallup, we’ve created safer, more direct access for the Church Rock community,” said NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna. “New Mexico has long faced an urgent need to improve pedestrian safety, and this bridge delivers real solutions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Emergency Ahead of Heavy Rainfall

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today will declare a State of Emergency for several New York counties and urges New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding, as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain today into Friday. Beginning this afternoon, torrential rain is forecast to impact downstate New York, primarily in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions. With the forecast enhanced to moderate risk, flash flooding becomes more likely with significant flooding possible. Flood Watches in Place for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon. Significant rainfall is also expected in the Southern Tier and Capital Regions. Roadway and rail travel will be impacted during the Thursday evening commute, and employers in the affected areas are recommended to release employers early to avoid long delays and ensure safe travel home.

    The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties. The State released non-essential employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties at 1:00 p.m.

    “I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

    A widespread one to three inches of rain is expected with locally higher totals up to five inches possible. Average rainfall rates of a half inch per hour are expected with rates of one to two inches likely. Isolated rates over two inches per hour are possible, most likely Thursday afternoon or evening. Most of the rain will fall in as little as three to six hours from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Up to two inches of rain may impact the Southern Tier, Capital Region, and Upper Mid-Hudson Regions.

    The Thursday evening commute will be impacted with areas of flash flooding possible and minor to moderate water level rises could occur on some waterways. Some roads may become impassable from flooding, most likely around underpasses and roads with little or no drainage. The heaviest rainfall rates may be capable of producing subway flooding and overwhelming NYC sewers. Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.

    Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

    New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM is in enhanced monitoring status and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated the State Fire Operations Center.

    Water rescue teams from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation are staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties.

    State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation

    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,428 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,430 large dump trucks
    • 337 large loaders
    • 92 chippers
    • 87 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 28 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority

    The Thruway Authority has 669 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. VMS and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 337 Large and Small Dump Trucks
    • 63 Loaders
    • 31 Trailers
    • 5 Vac Trucks
    • 14 Excavators
    • 8 Brush Chippers
    • 99 Chainsaws
    • 24 Aerial Trucks
    • 22 Skid Steers
    • 86 Portable Generators
    • 65 Portable Light Units

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

    Department of Public Service

    New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. The utilities will work with the local, county, and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police

    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation

    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    DEC swift water teams are activated and pre-staged in the Hudson Valley.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.

    Customers are encouraged to check mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time. Motorists who use the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.

    Before and During the Storm

    • Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground
    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
    • Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
    • Do not touch downed power lines
    • Keep your phone charged
    • Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

    After Flood Waters Have Receded

    • Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
    • If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
    • Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
    • Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
    • Do not touch downed power lines.

    For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office To Participate In Community Events During National Night Out

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Federal prosecutors and personnel with the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join community organizers, local neighborhoods, and law enforcement partners in the Western District for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

    National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

    During this year’s National Night Out, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attend community events in Charlotte organized by the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition and the Hidden Valley Community Association, to engage with community members, answer questions, and share information about federal public safety initiatives. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be at Stumpton Park in Matthews and the Kenilworth Forest neighborhood in Asheville.

    “Our communities are safer when law enforcement and neighborhoods work together to prevent and address crime,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson.  “That’s the point of National Night Out, and we are proud to join our law enforcement partners and communities across the district on this special night.”

    National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

    Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

    For more information, visit https://natw.org/

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Berkeley County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jackson Latta, 38, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute eutylone.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were responding to a domestic violence call and encountered Latta with a firearm. He is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior convictions for kidnapping, strangulation, brandishing, attempted murder, domestic battery and assault, and unlawful restraint. Latta, during a separate investigation, was also found in possession of eutylone, known as “Boot,” which he intended to unlawfully distribute.

    Latta will serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99.98%

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    In May, only 13 crossings were recorded—June dropped further to just 10

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced migrant crossings at the Darien Gap have dropped 99.98% for the months of May and June 2025 compared to a peak under the Biden Administration in August 2023.  

    Under the Biden Administration, crossings in a single month exceeded 82,000. In May 2025, there were only 13 crossings and the number fell again in June 2025 to just 10. This is a massive decline in illegal migration through one of the key channels normally utilized by would-be illegal aliens to invade our country.  

    “The dangerous Darien Gap trek is notorious for exposing migrants, including children and the most vulnerable, to sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “In Panama’s Darien Gap, migrants are now turning BACK before they even reach our border— only 10 migrants crossed in June. This is more than a 99.98% drop from the Biden high when 82,000 illegal aliens crossed in a single month. The world is hearing our message that America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history.” 

    With the most secure border in American history, DHS is focused on deporting those who break our nation’s laws. If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Presses for Release of Epstein Files

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, President Trump’s former personal defense attorney and current high-ranking DOJ lawyer Todd Blanche was dispatched to conduct a private jailhouse interview with Jeffrey Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who President Trump knew personally. Ms. Maxwell is serving a 20 year federal sentence for her role in the sex trafficking of young women and girls, and President Trump has refused to rule out a presidential pardon for her. During the 2020 campaign, Trump said that he “wishes her well.”

    In an effort to restore public trust and ensure the American public knows what information is in the Epstein files, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and several colleagues on legislation to direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly release all files relating to the investigation of dead sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. There would be common-sense protections against disclosure of information that would compromise the privacy and safety of victims and witnesses. However, information could not be withheld to protect someone’s reputation or for political sensitivities—on both sides of the aisle.

    The Epstein Files Transparency Act would provide full transparency for the American people, accountability for individuals involved with Epstein, and justice for all victims harmed. The bill mandates that within 30 days of its enactment, the U.S. Attorney General must release all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case held by the Department of Justice, including files from the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

    “The rich and powerful cannot use their influence, money, and connections to cover up the abuse of our most vulnerable,” said Senator Merkley. “We have a government of ‘We the People,’ not ‘We the Powerful.’ To restore the public’s trust, the American people deserve the truth about Jeffrey Epstein and those connected to him.”

    “Like his promise to lower prices, President Trump wants to renege on his pledge to release the Epstein files. Once again, he’s failed to deliver. The American people deserve answers, the victims deserve justice, and it’s past time for Congressional Republicans to hold the Executive branch accountable,” said Senator Reed. “Instead of lifting a finger to release the Epstein files, President Trump is doing everything he can to prevent them from coming out. The American people deserve truth and accountability. The records should be transparently released and there should be zero tolerance for abuse of power and sex trafficking of innocent underage victims.”

    The Senate bill compliments the bipartisan House bill (H.Res.581) introduced by Congressmen Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA).

    Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) suspended all House business until September rather than endure a vote on the Massie-Khanna resolution calling for transparent disclosure of the Epstein files.

    In addition to Merkley and Reed, the Epstein Files Transparency Act is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

    Sponsors of the bill are working to ensure the Senate considers it in a timely manner and before the Senate Republicans adjourn the chamber for its August district work period.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newly Declassified Appendix to Durham Report Sheds Additional Light on Clinton Campaign Plan to Falsely Tie Trump to Russia and FBI’s Failure to Investigate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today is making public the formerly Classified Appendix (“Durham annex”) to John Durham’s 2023 Special Counsel report. The Unclassified Report and the Classified Appendix form the entirety of Durham’s Special Counsel Report.

    The Durham annex contains previously classified information exposing a reported Clinton campaign plan to falsely tie President Donald Trump to Russia.

    The annex also goes into further detail on matters discussed in the Unclassified Report, specifically:

    • The FBI’s failure – under the leadership of then-Director James Comey – to investigate intelligence that the Clinton campaign may have created the Russia collusion hoax. Meanwhile the Comey-led FBI used the Steele Dossier – a Clinton campaign creation – to obtain FISA warrants on Carter Page.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Intelligence Community elements declassified the Durham annex at Grassley’s request. In requesting its declassification, which included declassification of information by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA), Grassley argued that “the overriding public interest demands the release of this information, and doing so would benefit public transparency and accountability.”

    “Based on the Durham annex, the Obama FBI failed to adequately review and investigate intelligence reports showing the Clinton campaign may have been ginning up the fake Trump-Russia narrative for Clinton’s political gain, which was ultimately done through the Steele Dossier and other means. These intelligence reports and related records, whether true or false, were buried for years. History will show that the Obama and Biden administration’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies were weaponized against President Trump. This political weaponization has caused critical damage to our institutions and is one of the biggest political scandals and cover-ups in American history. The new Trump administration has a tremendous responsibility to the American people to fix the damage done and do so with maximum speed and transparency,” Grassley said.

    “For years, I’ve fought to assemble and publicize all the facts surrounding Durham’s investigation, Crossfire Hurricane and related matters. The American people shouldn’t be shortchanged or strung out on matters of significant public interest, and that firm belief fuels my tireless oversight. It’s been a refreshing change to see Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel’s increased efforts to bring transparency to a very dark corner of the people’s government. I hope that attitude continues, and you can be sure my oversight work will continue as well, because there’s much work yet to be done,” Grassley concluded.

    Read the Durham annex HERE.

    Key Findings of the Durham Annex:

    The Clinton Campaign Plan

    In 2016, the Obama administration obtained intelligence information from a source contained in two separate memoranda – one memorandum from January 2016 and another from March 2016. The two memoranda “described ‘confidential conversations’ between then-Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and two individuals at the [Soros] Open Society Foundations (i) [Leonard] Benardo and (ii) Jeffrey Goldstein.” (Pgs. 2-3)

    • This memo stated, in part, that “[the Democratic Party’s] opposition is focused on discrediting Trump…. [a]mong other things, the Clinton staff, with support from special services, is preparing scandalous revelations of business relations between Trump and the ‘Russian Mafia’”. (Pg. 4)

    • According to the Durham annex, based on an analysis and translation of the intelligence, FBI analysts believed that, at the time, the “special services” in the March 2016 memorandum could refer “to the FBI and the CIA or more broadly to the intelligence and law enforcement communities” in the United States, or, analysts speculated, it could refer to “Trump dossier author Christopher Steele.” (Pg. 5)

    • When the Obama administration received this intelligence in March 2016, Fusion GPS was preparing open source opposition research regarding purported ties between Trump and Russians. The research was paid for by Clinton’s campaign and the DNC. (Pg. 5).

    • Notably, on April 15, 2020, Grassley released Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) footnotes showing that Russian intelligence was aware of Steele’s anti-Trump research in early July 2016. Further, the FBI had reports in hand in 2017 that the Dossier may have Russian sources and was potentially Russian disinformation.

    On March 31, 2016, FBI personnel, including then-Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, shared the intelligence regarding the potential Clinton Campaign Plan with high-ranking career officials at DOJ. (Pg. 5)

    FBI Receipt of Additional Intelligence Information on the Clinton Campaign Plan

    The Durham annex describes that, in July 2016, the FBI received additional intelligence regarding a possible Clinton Campaign Plan, including documents with purported emails allegedly sent by Leonard Benardo, Senior Vice President of Soros’ Open Society Foundations. The intelligence included data providing specificity on the plan and the attempt to smear then-candidate Donald Trump by falsely linking him to Russia, while apparently counting on the support of the FBI to open up an investigation. (Pgs. 7-11)

    The intelligence the FBI received also included information and analysis from purported Leonard Benardo emails that stated, in part:

    • “During the first stage of the campaign, due to lack of direct evidence, it was decided to disseminate the necessary information through the FBI-affiliated…technical structures… in particular, the Crowdstrike and ThreatConnect companies, from where the information would then be disseminated through leading U.S. publications.” (Pg. 8)

    • “The point is making the Russian play a U.S. domestic issue… In absence of direct evidence, Crowdstrike and ThreatConnect will supply the media, and GRU [Russia’s Main Intelligence Directive] will hopefully carry on to give more facts.” (Pg. 11)

    Assessment of Authenticity of the “Benardo Emails” Intelligence

    • The Durham annex states, “Analysts and officers whom [Durham’s team] interviewed, and who were well-versed in the Sensitive Intelligence collection, stated that their best assessment was that the Bernardo emails were likely authentic.” (Pg. 11)

    Durham’s team conducted investigative work to inform their assessment. Per the Durham annex:

    • Communications the Durham team reviewed provided additional support that the Clinton campaign was engaged in a plan to tie Trump to Russia and that the campaign wanted or expected the Office of the Vice President, the FBI or other parts of the Intelligence Community, such as the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), to aid that effort. (Pgs. 16-17)

    • The Durham annex states, “The Office’s best assessment is that the … emails that purport to be from Benardo were ultimately a composite of several emails that were obtained through Russian intelligence hacking of the U.S.-based Think Tanks, including the Open Society Foundations, the Carnegie Endowment, and others.” (Pg. 17)

    • The Durham annex concludes, “It is a logical deduction [redacted] [Julianne] Smith was, at minimum, playing a role in the Clinton campaign’s efforts to tie Trump to Russia,” and that the communications it reviewed “certainly lends at least some credence that such a plan existed.” (Pg. 17)

    The Obama-Biden Administration’s Response to Intelligence on the Clinton Campaign Plan

    • According to the Durham annex, following the receipt of this intelligence, multiple high-ranking U.S. officials were briefed on the matter, including an August 3, 2016 briefing in the White House by CIA Director John Brennan to President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, FBI Director Comey, among others. As described in Durham’s Unclassified Report, ultimately, the CIA sent the FBI an investigative referral that included the “purported Clinton campaign plan.” (Pg. 18)

    • In 2017, the “CIA prepared a written assessment of the authenticity and veracity of the above-referenced intelligence. The CIA stated that it did not assess that the above [redacted] memoranda, or [redacted] hacked U.S. communications, to be the product of Russian fabrications.” (Pg. 19)

    • The Durham annex notes that “FBI was fully alerted to the possibility that at least some of the information it was receiving about the Trump campaign might have its origin either with the Clinton campaign or its supporters, or alternatively, was the product of Russian disinformation.”

    • The Durham annex concludes, in part, that “[d]espite this awareness, the FBI appears to have dismissed the [intelligence information] as not credible without any investigative steps actually having been taken to either corroborate or disprove the allegations.” (Pgs. 22-24)

    The Threat of Foreign Election Influence and Assessment in FISA Renewal Applications

    As the Unclassified Durham Report noted, “[b]eginning in late 2014… the FBI learned from a well-placed Confidential Human Source that a foreign government (“Foreign Government-2”) was planning to send an individual (“Non-U.S. Person-I”) to contribute to Clinton’s anticipated presidential campaign, as a way to gain influence with Clinton should she win the presidency.”

    The Durham annex notes that “Non-U.S.Person-I” was “directly tasked by the leader of Foreign Government-2” with facilitating this plan, but had indicated plans to travel to the U.S. in late 2014.

    • However, as known from the Unclassified Durham Report, the FISA “application lingered because ‘everyone was super more careful’ and ‘scared with the big name [Clinton]’ involved.”

    • Ultimately, after four months, the FISA authority was authorized following a commitment that Clinton and others targeted by Foreign Government-2 would receive defensive briefings. (Pgs. 23-24)

    The remainder of the Durham annex reinforces that the FBI provided false and misleading information to the FISA court in pursuit of FISA renewals, and at least one Confidential Human Source lied to his handlers.

    The information in the Durham annex, taken together with previously released details in the Unclassified Report, reinforce the FBI’s disparate treatment of Trump versus Clinton. Despite lacking probable cause and relying on false information, the FBI secured a FISA warrant and multiple renewals to surveil Carter Page and did not provide Trump a defensive briefing equivalent to Clinton’s briefings.

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    MIL OSI USA News –