NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $358,413 TRIO Grant to Mountain Empire Community College

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has awarded Mountain Empire Community College, based in Wise County, Virginia, a $358,413 TRIO grant. The funding supports opportunities for academic development and successful completion of college. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Southwest Virginia communities benefit from education opportunities at local community colleges.

    “This TRIO grant for $358,413 helps Mountain Empire Community College support students in their educational pursuits at the institution.”

    BACKGROUND

    Federal TRIO Programs are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    This grant is provided through the TRIO Student Support Services grant program. According to the ED website, funds from these grants are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education.

    In 2024, Congressman Griffith met with TRIO students in DC, some of whom came from Virginia’s Ninth District.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $466,274 TRIO Grant to Wytheville Community College

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has awarded Wytheville Community College, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $466,274 TRIO grant. The funding supports opportunities for academic development and successful completion of college. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Southwest Virginia communities benefit from education opportunities at local community colleges.

    “This TRIO grant for $466,274 helps Wytheville Community College support students in their educational pursuits at the institution.”

    BACKGROUND

    Federal TRIO Programs are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    This grant is provided through the TRIO Student Support Services grant program. According to the ED website, funds from these grants are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education.

    In 2024, Congressman Griffith met with TRIO students from Virginia’s Ninth District.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 582, Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 582 would authorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide transportation for specified purposes for government astronauts after they return to Earth until they are medically cleared to operate a motor vehicle. Using information from NASA, CBO estimates that implementing S. 582 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

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

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Monitoring stations detect small magnitude earthquakes at Mount Rainier

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Mount Rainier as seen from Paradise Ridge, Washington.

    As of 1:00 PM PT on July 8, 2025 – an earthquake swarm, consisting of hundreds of very small earthquakes have occurred since approximately 1:30 AM PDT this morning. An earthquake swarm is a cluster of earthquakes occurring in the same area in rapid succession. Currently, there is no indication that the level of earthquake activity is cause for concern, and the alert level and color code for Mount Rainier remain at GREEN / NORMAL.

    The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network is in the process of looking at each earthquake and identifying its location, depth and size, if possible. This process is called locating. Some earthquakes are too small to locate. You can follow along in that process and watch the data on their website https://pnsn.org/volcanoes/mount-rainier. This swarm consists of hundreds of very small earthquakes with the largest so far being a magnitude 1.6 at 04:52 AM PDT (11:52 UTC), ranging from depths of 1 to 4 miles (2-6 km) below the summit.  Earthquakes are too small to be felt at the surface and will likely continue for several days.  There would be no damage caused by such small events.

    Typically, earthquakes at this volcano are located at a rate of about 9 earthquakes per month. Swarms typically occur 1-2 times per year, but are usually much smaller in terms of number of events. Earthquakes are one of several parameters we monitor to indicate what a volcano is doing. Right now, this swarm is still within what we consider normal background levels of activity at Mount Rainier. Past swarms have been attributed to circulation of fluids interacting with preexisting faults.

    Seismicity beneath Mount Rainier, Washington, showing earthquakes during 2020-2025 in blue, and those that occurred as part of an earthquake swarm on July 8, 2025, in orange.

    The last large swarm at Mount Rainier in 2009 had a maximum magnitude of M2.3 and lasted three days. The 2009 swarm had over 1000 earthquakes, of which the PNSN officially located 120 earthquakes.

    To receive updates, you can sign up for USGS volcano notifications here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650M Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging two men for their alleged roles in operating and promoting OmegaPro, an international investment scheme that defrauded victim investors of over $650 million.

    According to court documents, Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, was a founder, strategic consultant, and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, led OmegaPro’s operations in Latin America and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico.

    “As alleged, the defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting these bad actors and pursuing justice for their many victims. Thanks to the dedicated work of our multiagency and international law enforcement partners, we are leading efforts to combat these complex and insidious digital asset investor scams.”  

    “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants operated a global fraud scheme through OmegaPro that deceived investors with false promises of extraordinary returns, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of victim funds,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to dismantling international financial schemes that target U.S. victims — including here in Puerto Rico — and to recovering illicit proceeds through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.”

    “The FBI will not stand by while the American public is defrauded,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Through coordination with our partners, these individuals will have to defend their actions in a court of law.”

    “This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,” said Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin – stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency. These weren’t just scams; they were precision-engineered betrayals. Our job is to stand up for those who’ve been exploited and continue our cross-agency collaboration until those responsible are brought to justice.”

    “This case highlights the critical role international partnerships play in dismantling transnational financial fraud schemes that exploit global markets and victimize unsuspecting investors,” said International Operations Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains committed to working with our partners worldwide to disrupt criminal networks that weaponize emerging technologies to conceal illicit profits and defraud the public.”

    Sims and co-conspirators established OmegaPro in or about January 2019, and Reynoso joined a few months later, in or about April 2019. As alleged, the defendants and others operated and promoted OmegaPro as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme for investors to purchase “investment packages,” which the defendants and others falsely promised would generate 300% returns over 16 months through foreign exchange (forex) trading by elite traders. Investors were instructed to purchase these investment packages using virtual currency.

    According to court documents, Sims allegedly misled victims by vouching for OmegaPro’s trading performance and the skills of the hired traders and by falsely advertising the safety of investment in OmegaPro. Reynoso allegedly falsely and misleadingly represented that OmegaPro was operating pursuant to a legitimate license and, at other times, that OmegaPro was not subject to any country’s legal rules. The indictment alleges that Sims and Reynoso, together with co-conspirators, hosted lavish OmegaPro promotional events and trainings all over the world including, for example, projecting the OmegaPro logo onto the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at an event in Dubai. The objective of these promotional events allegedly was to convince existing and prospective investors that OmegaPro was a legitimate enterprise that offered a path to wealth and a luxurious lifestyle.

    Further, Sims, Reynoso, and their co-conspirators used social media to display their expensive vacations and cars, as well as their designer clothes and watches. The indictment alleges that through the defendants’ and others’ misrepresentations, OmegaPro raised over $650 million in virtual currency from thousands of investors. After OmegaPro announced that it had suffered a network hack, Reynoso and others told victims in or about January 2023 that their investments were secure and that OmegaPro was transferring their investments to another platform called Broker Group. Despite these representations, victims were unable to withdraw money from either their OmegaPro accounts or their accounts at Broker Group, resulting in millions in victim losses.

    The more than $650 million in funds raised from victims allegedly was first sent to virtual currency wallet addresses controlled by OmegaPro executives and then allegedly transferred to OmegaPro insiders and high-ranking promoters to disperse the funds and obscure their origins. As alleged, Sims and Reynoso both profited millions from this scheme.

    Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, HSI Bangkok, HSI Bogota, HSI Frankfurt, HSI Istanbul, HSI London, HSI Miami, HSI New Delhi, HSI The Hague, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), an alliance between the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the U.K., and IRS-CI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried for the District of Puerto Rico and on detail to the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.

    If you believe you were potentially victimized by OmegaPro or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit the FBI’s Victim Witness website at forms.fbi.gov/victims/omegaprovictims or contact OmegaProVictims@fbi.gov.

    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 USA: California Bay Area CEO Sentenced for Employment Tax Crimes

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A California man was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a decade-long scheme to avoid paying over employment taxes to the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: John Comeau, of Santa Clara, was the CEO of Vivid Inc., a company that provided metal coating services to industrial customers in California and elsewhere. Vivid Inc. employed as many as 40 employees at any given time.

    Comeau was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees and then paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.

    From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2019, Vivid Inc. paid its employee a total of over $8.8 million in wages. During this period, Comeau collected and withheld taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees but did not pay over all the taxes owed to the IRS. He also caused false quarterly employment tax returns to be filed with the IRS, underreporting Vivid’s wages by more than $5 million.

    To conceal his scheme, Comeau caused accurate tax forms to be issued to certain employees. These tax forms reported higher wages than the amounts Vivid had reported to the IRS. Comeau also issued tax forms, such as Wage and Tax Statement, Form W-2, to other Vivid employees that underreported their wages. When an employer underreports wages paid to their employees, it may negatively impact those employees’ Social Security benefits, as those forms are used by the Social Security Administration to compute benefits owed to an employee. 

    Instead of paying his taxes, Comeau used some of the funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle that included a $3 million home and luxury cars.

    In total, Comeau caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $1.1 million.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts for the Northern District of California ordered Comeau to serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,153,948 in restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilham Hosseini for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Bay Area CEO Sentenced for Employment Tax Crimes

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a decade-long scheme to avoid paying over employment taxes to the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: John Comeau, of Santa Clara, was the CEO of Vivid Inc., a company that provided metal coating services to industrial customers in California and elsewhere. Vivid Inc. employed as many as 40 employees at any given time.

    Comeau was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees and then paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.

    From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2019, Vivid Inc. paid its employee a total of over $8.8 million in wages. During this period, Comeau collected and withheld taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees but did not pay over all the taxes owed to the IRS. He also caused false quarterly employment tax returns to be filed with the IRS, underreporting Vivid’s wages by more than $5 million.

    To conceal his scheme, Comeau caused accurate tax forms to be issued to certain employees. These tax forms reported higher wages than the amounts Vivid had reported to the IRS. Comeau also issued tax forms, such as Wage and Tax Statement, Form W-2, to other Vivid employees that underreported their wages. When an employer underreports wages paid to their employees, it may negatively impact those employees’ Social Security benefits, as those forms are used by the Social Security Administration to compute benefits owed to an employee. 

    Instead of paying his taxes, Comeau used some of the funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle that included a $3 million home and luxury cars.

    In total, Comeau caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $1.1 million.

    In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts for the Northern District of California ordered Comeau to serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,153,948 in restitution to the IRS.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilham Hosseini for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest made in Chingford murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following a large police operation in Kent.

    The 22-year-old was arrested at the Port of Dover this evening (Tuesday, 8 July) on suspicion of the murder of Tyler Hayward in Waltham Forest.

    An investigation was launched after we were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.

    Met officers responded with paramedics and a 26-year-old man was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

    In a statement, Tyler’s family said: “We are struggling with the tragic loss of Tyler, a beautiful soul with the kindest of heart’s. A much loved son, grandson and brother, that will be missed immensely. We would appreciate privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with our loss.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tyler’s family and our specially trained officers continue to support them at this difficult time.

    “Since Sunday we have been making extensive enquiries and this resulted in searches being carried out at the Port of Dover today.

    “I’d like to thank Kent Police and other agencies for their support as we carried out these checks, as well as members of the public who were disrupted while this vital work took place.”

    We continue to appeal for information about the incident. Any witnesses who haven’t yet spoken to officers are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7174/06Jul.

    Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Illinois Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Today, the Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Illinois State Board of Elections, regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to make reasonable efforts to remove the names of ineligible voters and to make their voter registration list available for public inspection.  The requirement for states to make a “reasonable effort” to clean their voter rolls means that the program should be effective in achieving the goals set out by Congress, and nothing less.

    “It is critical to remove ineligible voters from the registration rolls so that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under the NVRA, states have the responsibility to conduct a robust program of list maintenance. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements to ensure compliance.”

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Sentenced for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Co-Defendants Also Sentenced; Woman Pleads Guilty in Related Case for Unlawfully Selling Chimpanzees to Antle

    Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — who was featured in a popular Netflix documentary — was sentenced today to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and launder more than $500,000 for what he believed to be an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States across the Mexico border. Antle was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine, serve three years of supervised release, and forfeit three chimpanzees and more than $197,000 to the government.

    Two of Antle’s co-defendants were recently sentenced for their separate involvement in either the Lacey Act or money laundering conspiracy. A defendant in a related case recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle.

    “Today’s sentence holds Doc Antle and his co-defendants accountable for activity they knew was unlawful and unethical,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “They illegally purchased and sold newborn endangered wildlife even as they laundered more than $500,000 in smuggling money — all while promoting themselves as conservationists.”

    “Doc Antle portrayed himself as a conservationist. But in reality, he was a key player in the illegal chimpanzee trade, and he laundered more than half a million dollars through a complex web of deceit,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in bringing the defendant to justice for both of these federal crimes.”

    “These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We remain firmly committed to investigating and holding accountable individuals whose illegal actions threaten our financial systems and put protected species at risk.”

    “This case underscores the grave criminal threat posed by wildlife traffickers who not only exploit vulnerable species for profit but also use sophisticated money laundering tactics to conceal their crimes,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Our special agents uncovered a complex network of illicit activity involving the trafficking of endangered animals — including baby chimpanzees and cheetahs — falsified documentation, and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported nonprofit organizations. These traffickers operated under the false pretense of conservation, betraying both the law and public trust. We remain unwavering in our commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice.”

    The wildlife conspiracy outlined various schemes Antle used to hide his illegal trafficking in endangered species, including requiring payments to be “donations” funneled through his non-profit, The Rare Species Fund; conducting transactions in bulk cash to hide their true nature; and creating false paperwork to hide the illegality of his wildlife transactions. The animals trafficked included baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions, and tigers, all of which are protected under both the Endangered Species Act and international treaties. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the wildlife conspiracy, Jason Clay, was recently sentenced to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and to pay a $4,000 fine into the Lacey Act Reward Fund. In 2019, Clay illegally sold a juvenile chimpanzee to Antle in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a juvenile gibbon. 

    As for the money laundering conspiracy, Antle and a co-defendant laundered more than $500,000 in cash between February and April 2022 that were represented to be proceeds from an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Evidence presented to the court showed that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by writing checks for what appeared to be construction-related services for Myrtle Beach Safari, which he owned and operated, and which was featured in the Netflix documentary. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre for-profit zoo that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the money laundering conspiracy, Andrew Sawyer, was recently sentenced to serve two years of probation including eight months of home detention. He also forfeited nearly $185,000 to the government and a chimpanzee.

    In a different Lacey Act violation case connected to Antle, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson pleaded guilty last month to illegally selling a chimpanzee to Antle in 2022 for $200,000. The Kolwyck family owns and manages the private Sunshine Zoological Preserve LLC in north Florida. The facility is believed to be the only one in the United States breeding chimpanzees for private or non-scientific purposes.

    The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case.

    Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution celebrating LSU baseball’s national championship

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers’ National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I championship—the Tigers’ eighth national title and second in three years.
    “The LSU Tigers proved once again that they are NCAA baseball’s gold standard, delivering an undefeated run in Omaha and bringing yet another national title home to Louisiana. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution recognizing their hard work and congratulating Coach Jay Johnson and this impressive team on a job well done,” said Kennedy.
    “It’s hard to have a better year for baseball in Louisiana than this. A huge congratulations to the LSU Tigers on fighting their way to another national championship up in Omaha,” said Cassidy, an LSU alumnus. 
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution celebrating LSU Shreveport baseball’s championship, perfect season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today introduced a resolution celebrating the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSU Shreveport) Pilots’ perfect season, 59-0 win streak and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship win.
    “The LSU Shreveport Pilots are what ‘cool’ looks like. This baseball team capped off an undefeated season and the longest win streak in college baseball history with an NAIA championship. That’s an achievement that deserves Senate recognition. Geaux Pilots!” said Kennedy.
    “The 2025 LSU Shreveport Pilots made history by doing something no other collegiate baseball team has ever done: going a perfect 59-0. These young men and their coaches earned every win and made all of Louisiana proud. Geaux Pilots!” said Cassidy. 
    “We are incredibly proud of our Pilots Baseball Team members. The word, ‘lose’ is simply not in their vocabulary. No college baseball team has ever before gone an entire season without a single loss and I suspect none ever will again. These student athletes have thus secured for themselves a place in college sports history,” said Robert T. Smith, Chancellor of LSU Shreveport.
    “We are extremely honored and excited to receive this recognition! We had an incredible year, which was the result of all the incredible people involved. This has been a very rewarding time for our University, the city of Shreveport and our program. The players are extremely deserving of the praise they have been given and they are more than deserving of it! We want to thank everyone involved and we look forward to continuing the success!” said Brad Neffendorf, head coach of the LSU Shreveport Pilots baseball program.
    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  ICYMI: Senator Scott Talks Gig Worker Benefits and Bipartisanship on Squawk Box 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Joe Kernen on Squawk Box to discuss a recently introduced legislation package concerning gig workers in America.
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch the full interview.
    On Creating a Positive Environment for Gig Workers…
    “What we need as a country is exactly the opposite of what the Democrats want in California. We want an environment that is conducive to increase our labor participation by giving workers the kind of environment that allows them to choose who they work for, when they work, and how they’re going to be compensated. If we can get there by relaxing the test on the common law with the NLRA, we find ourselves in a position where we can attract more people back to the workforce. And as you know, Joe, with the benefits for businesses and the big beautiful bill, plus deregulation and an environment that attracts more workers back to the workforce, we can have this economy humming.”
    On the Needs of Independent Contractors…
    “What we want to do as a nation is give people options and choice. Optionality is incredibly important for the 21st century worker. They don’t always want to be an employee. Sometimes they’re better off being a contractor, so they’re working for three or four different companies at the same time. That kind of flexibility allows for folks to meet their needs at home and at work– And frankly, from an educational perspective as well.”
    On Bipartisanship in the Senate…
    “We continue to work for, look for partners where there’s common ground that makes common sense. If we find that here, and I think we can, we can move it forward. It will not be from California, it won’t be from New York, and it won’t be from Illinois. But there are folks from other states that may work with us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 Internships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the fall of 2025. Applications will be accepted through the end of the summer. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.  
    Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.
    South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.
    Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leaders of Uzbekistan and Russia discussed issues of further expansion of trade and economic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Tashkent, July 8 (Xinhua) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation, the press service of the Uzbek leader reported on Tuesday.

    “On July 8, a telephone conversation took place between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,” the statement said.

    During the conversation, topical issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of agreements at the highest level, primarily in the trade and economic sphere.

    “The importance of continuing coordinated work and practical interdepartmental cooperation in order to increase trade turnover indicators, promote industrial cooperation projects in priority sectors of the economy, expand productive contacts at the regional level, and intensive cultural, humanitarian and educational exchange was noted,” the press service said.

    The parties emphasized the need for careful preparation and ensuring the effectiveness of the 2nd meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia scheduled for autumn.

    The leaders of the two states also exchanged views on the international agenda and discussed the schedule of upcoming events. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Typhoon Danas hits East China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HANGZHOU, July 8 (Xinhua) — Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon this year, made landfall for the second time in Dongtou District of Wenzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday evening, local authorities confirmed.

    According to the Zhejiang Provincial Meteorological Station, the center of the typhoon made landfall at 21:25 local time, with wind gusts of up to 23 m/s and a minimum pressure of 990 hectopascals at the center.

    On the night of July 6-7, Danas made its first landfall in Taiwan’s Chiayi County. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Markey on Trump’s Tariff War, Civil Rights, and Climate on Dan Koh’s People’s Cabinet Podcast

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Watch: Senator Markey on “The People’s Cabinet”

    Washington (July 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Top Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke with Dan Koh for his podcast “The People’s Cabinet,” discussing his fight to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs, how what Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk’s case shown a spotlight on the threats to due process in the Trump era, and Donald Trump’s attacks on the Green New Deal, clean energy, and the environment. Below are excerpts from their conversation.

    Threats to Small Businesses

    “I’m listening to small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country, and uniformly they are terrified by Trump’s tariff regime. A larger business might be able to ride out the uncertainty of the tariffs for a year, but for a small business – they live week to week, or month to month, and they can’t have that kind of cloud over them indefinitely. The most vulnerable businesses in America are small businesses, which is why I have a bill that would exempt small businesses from the tariffs. These tariffs could be an extinction event for small businesses, and they are the ones who are paying the price.”

    Threats to Due Process

    “Rumeysa [Ozturk] was picked up off the streets right just a couple of miles from my house in Malden, in Somerville, and I knew it was part of a much larger story in our country. Rumeysa Ozturk had not been charged with a crime. People realized that what happened to her could happen to them in the Trump era – that there could be a curtailment of their fifth amendment due process rights and first amendment right to free speech. Trump was weaponizing his government to go after people who he considered to be threats to the country without any evidence.”

    Green New Deal

    “To a very large extent, the Green New Deal changed the whole discussion in the Democratic party about the issues we should be focusing upon, and to a certain extent, it’s all going to be on the table in 2026. I’m very confident that our vision of talking about a cleaner environment but also housing, education, breaking up monopolies, and making sure there are opportunities for everyone regardless of income and regardless of race is going to be a very powerful and winning message in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Highlights Historic Border Security and Air Traffic Control Modernization in ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again and put us where we need to be.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined SiriusXM’s Patriot’s David Webb on The David Webb Show to unpack the enormous border security wins in President Trump’s historic ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) in the wake of recent violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Senator Mullin also spoke about the importance of modernizing the air traffic control industry.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how the Democratic Party is fueling the attacks on our ICE agents:

    “What’s really damning here is that the people who call on violence on the ICE agents have been absolutely silent about that. That’s the Democrat leaders. I mean, they have been the ones that stirred this fire. They’re the ones that have [stoked] the flames, and I would say, led to this…

    “The Democrat Party has still said nothing about it. But are we surprised? Because this lawless activity is what they received in their own hometowns, which most these people are not from that, they’re from a blue state, from a blue city. When you start looking at their backgrounds, these are the leaders that have actually [stoked] these flames, that brought these people into this rage, that thinking that this is okay.”

    On how the OBBB restores America’s sovereignty at the southern border:

    “Keep in mind that the Biden administration, over the last four years, gutted the ICE agents, gutted the retention centers, they gutted the Border Patrol, and they handcuffed, I would say not literally, but dang near, anybody from being able to enforce border law and border security, meaning that the people that were crossing, 89% of the individuals crossing illegally was detained and released into the United States on parole, which means they was never actually in the hearing, which they should have been, in less than 24 hours. And so the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ restored that. We put $46 billion to finish the wall…

    “God forbid something happens in three and a half years, and God forbid we get a Democrat back in the White House, they can’t stop this. This wall is going to be completed, and honestly probably be completed before President Trump leaves office, and then we put just over $4 billion for new agents, up to 10,000 ICE agents and those agencies related to ICE, because ICE isn’t the only one going in and arresting illegals. We also use local law enforcement, and we want to reimburse local law enforcement that’s willing to work with us.”

    On the importance of $12.5 billion in OBBB to modernize our air traffic control industry:

    “Air and Space has become our second largest industry in our state. But also, what a lot of people don’t realize is, in Oklahoma City, we train all the air traffic controllers across the United States. We have a huge facility there. And one thing you’d be surprised when you go into these towers, they’re using technology from the 80s, literally from the 80s, instead of using a true GPS system that we all have in our vehicles…

    “With the $12 billion, we’ll be able to start going into these towers systematically and upgrading the systems to technology that every other aviation system in the world is using…

    “This will put us in in the driver’s seat again, and put us where we need to be. And luckily, we have an actual Transportation Secretary that knows what they’re doing, not, you know, Pete Buttigieg.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to highlight support in Canadian research and innovation 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 8, 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will announce support for researchers and projects nationwide. A media availability will follow the announcement.

    Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

    Time: 8:30 am (PT)

    Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

    Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor Urges Justice Department to Reinstate Prosecutor in Major Florida Fraud Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.

    “These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”

    Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”

    Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”

    The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.

    Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity

    The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:

    • In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
    • In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
    • The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.

    Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:

    • Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
    • Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
    • Obstruction of congressional proceedings
    • Destruction and theft of government property
    • Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed

    As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.

    I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court Intervenes to Allow Trump’s Unlawful Reorganization of the Federal Government to Continue as Case Proceeds

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Court Uses Shadow Docket to Lift Lower Court’s Pause of Unconstitutional Overhaul of Vital Departments and Agencies

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.

    The coalition bringing the case, which includes labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.

    The coalition released the following statement in response to the court’s decision:

    “Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution. While we are disappointed in this decision, we will continue to fight on behalf of the communities we represent and argue this case to protect critical public services that we rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

    The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and three SEIU Locals (521, 1000, 1021); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.

    Statements from plaintiffs and counsel in the case are here.

    AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.

    Read the complaint here and the Supreme Court ruling here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Tourism Announces Partnership with Tigirlily Gold

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    North Dakota Tourism is proud to announce a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold, uniting the power of storytelling, music, and North Dakota spirit. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will debut Thursday, with a live performance at ND Country Fest on July 10, and an official release later this year.

    Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.

    “It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”

    The partnership includes appearances at North Dakota promotional events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, which took place in February, social media and branded content, a North Dakota photo shoot, and music and assets to be used in North Dakota promotional efforts. Additionally, they will be sharing stories about their experiences growing up in North Dakota and highlighting fun things to see and do in the state during interviews.

    “We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”

    The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Speaks at National Rollout of USDA Farm Security Action Plan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined national and state leaders in Washington, D.C. for the national rollout of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Security Action Plan – a new initiative focused on protecting America’s rural farms, food suppliers and ag interests.

    Addressing the crowd outside the USDA Whitten Building, Gov. Pillen highlighted his unique perspective as the first governor from Nebraska in 100 years to make his living from agriculture. Since entering office, Gov. Pillen has issued two executive orders and introduced several bills aimed at protecting the state’s property, infrastructure and other assets from the threat of foreign adversaries. He signed LB644 into law just last month – a comprehensive piece of legislation that among other things, bars companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from receiving Nebraska tax credits.

    At today’s event, speakers touched on the variety of emerging threats from China and other nations including land ownership near military installations, intellectual property theft, and bioterrorism. The seven-point plan unveiled today by the USDA was developed in response to the purchase of significant amounts of American farmland by people and companies connected to the CCP.  

    “Farm security equals food security, which equals national security,” said Gov. Pillen. “Thanks to these actions taken by President Trump and his team, we can further protect the backbone of Nebraska’s economy from foreign adversaries like China.”

    Additional speakers at today’s event, hosted by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, included Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Counselor Peter Navarro, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson.

    Gov. Pillen joined governors Lee, Huckabee Sanders and other speakers in complimenting the collective and coordinated effort by those in President Trump’s cabinet to provide solutions for better protecting rural farms – now and for future generations. 

    “It’s important that we continue to have the courage and the wisdom to never back down and to stand up and protect our land and protect our families. In agriculture, we risk everything we have every single day to put food on grocery store shelves,” said Gov. Pillen.

    The multi-agency plan contains seven action items, some of which are touched on in a letter to Sec. Rollins, signed by Gov. Pillen and other members of the America First Governors’ Council. In it, the group affirms its support of the Farm Security Action Plan saying:

    “Across the country, Chinese investors now control hundreds of thousands of acres of U.S. agricultural land, posing risks not just to local economies but to our food supply, water access, and national security. This is a coordinated, strategic effort by the CCP to weaken America from within and use our land as a Trojan horse. Washington’s past failures allowed this threat to metastasize. The previous administration was too compromised and entangled with CCP interests to act decisively. As a result, the American people paid the price. That era is over.”

    Signatories on the letter, in addition to Gov. Pillen, include Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana; Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee; Gov. Brad Little, Idaho; Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Gov. Larry Rhoden, South Dakota; Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Arkansas; Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma; and former governors Phil Bryant, Mississippi; Bobby Jindal, Louisiana; and Rick Perry, Texas.

    A copy of the letter is included below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Kortnei N. Smith as County Court Judge for 11th Judicial District

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Kortnei N. Smith as County Court Judge 

    for 11th Judicial District

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Kortnei N. Smith of North Platte as county court judge in the 11th Judicial District. That district includes Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties.

    Since 2016, Smith has been a deputy county attorney in the Lincoln County Attorney’s office where she has handled both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, juvenile cases and mental health board hearings. Before that, she was an associate attorney in the firm of Waite, McWha and Heng in North Platte.

    Smith fills the vacancy resulting from the retirement of Judge Edward D. Steenburg.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Trump criticizes Putin after approving more weapons for Ukraine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine and was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the growing death toll in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

    Trump, who pledged as a presidential candidate to end the war within a day, has not been able to follow through on that promise and efforts by his administration to broker peace have come up short.

    Trump directed his ire at Putin on Tuesday during a meeting with cabinet officials at the White House.

    “I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now,” Trump said, noting that Russian and Ukrainian soldiers were dying in the thousands.

    “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin. … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” Trump said.

    Trump said he was considering whether to support a bill in the Senate that would impose steep sanctions on Russia over the war.

    “I’m looking at it very strongly,” he said.

    The bill, whose lead sponsors are Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, would also punish other countries that trade with Moscow, imposing 500% tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

    Trump said on Monday that the United Stateswould send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help it defend itself against Russian advances. On Tuesday he said he had approved such a move.

    “We’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that,” he said.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he ordered an expansion of contacts with the United States to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.

    A decision by the Pentagon to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv last week that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia’s intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

    Trump, who was seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was asked on Tuesday who had ordered that pause.

    “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” Trump responded.

    -Reuters

  • PM Modi holds ‘fruitful talks’ with Brazilian President Lula in Brasilia, discusses wide range of subjects

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, during which both leaders discussed ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade.

    “Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about the India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

    “Clean energy, sustainable development and overcoming climate change were also prominent topics of discussion. Other areas where we will work even more closely include defence, security, AI and agriculture. India-Brazil cooperation in space, semiconductors and DPI will benefit our people,” PM Modi added.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

    Source: US State of California

    The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

    “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”

    “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”

    “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.

    To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Program Incentivizes Individuals to Report Postal-Related Antitrust Crimes that Undermine the Competitive Process or Market Competition Across Industries

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

    “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.”

    “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.”

    “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition.

    To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards. Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reed and Coons Release Joint Statement on Cancellation of Ukrainian Weapons Shipments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Ranking Senate Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement following reports that the Pentagon had cancelled already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine: 
    “The Pentagon’s reported cancellation of already-promised weapons shipments to Ukraine risks the lives of the brave Ukrainian men and women on the front lines of freedom and rewards President Putin and his Russian forces. This assistance – including vital air defense interceptors and artillery munitions – was provided by Congress and designated to be delivered months ago. Ukraine continues to enjoy strong, bipartisan support across Congress, and we call on Secretary Hegseth to immediately restart the steady supply of these munitions.
    “This is the latest and most dramatic blow to our support for Ukraine. It comes at a perilous time, just after Russia conducted the biggest missile strike of the three-year war on civilian targets in densely populated Ukrainian cities, and on the heels of North Korea’s announcement that it would send tens of thousands more troops to aid in Russia’s brutal invasion.
    “Putin continues to be the foremost obstacle to peace. Unable to meet his goals on the battlefield, he has long hoped he could simply outlast the West. If Secretary Hegseth does not reverse this damaging step, we risk proving Putin right. President Zelenskyy has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. In contrast, Putin has rejected this deal time and again.
    “Despite that stark reality, the administration has decided not to enforce our existing sanctions against Russia, declined to join our European allies in levying additional sanctions, and now we are walking away from supplying Ukraine with American weapons they need to defend their sovereignty, and protect their hospitals, churches, schools, and apartments from relentless Russian attacks.  This is not theoretical for the Ukrainians. They are not preparing stocks for some potential future fight. Their fight is now, their people are in the crosshairs.
    “We agree with the president’s stated objective of bringing about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. President Trump has a critical opportunity to actually achieve peace through strength: to improve Ukraine’s leverage and force Putin to negotiate. The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine. The world is watching. Our adversaries are watching.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Forced Retreat on Deeper VA Layoffs Highlights Power of Advocacy & Military Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – After the Trump Administration abandoned plans to cull a total of 83,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by the end of this year and will instead reduce its workforce by 30,000 VA workers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA), which oversees VA funding, issued the following statement:
    “The Trump Administration’s forced retreat on more mass layoffs at the VA is a reprieve for veterans and their families.  The Trump Administration’s initial arbitrary workforce cuts have already harmed veterans and their families.  Trump and DOGE were downsizing simply for downsizing’s sake – not because they carefully studied appropriate staffing levels.  Their careless cuts diminished essential services and increased wait times.  Further cuts would have been an abject disaster and halting them is significant.  This about face is a direct result of strong advocacy from veterans, their families, and everyone who cares about keeping our promise to those who serve.  Now we need to reverse the loss of 30,000 VA employees, restore staffing levels, and get the VA running at full capacity again so it can deliver for those who faithfully served.”
    As of June 1, 2025 the VA’s workforce was made up of 467,000 employees, a reduction of nearly 17,000 positions from the 484,000 VA employees on January 1, 2025. There are approximately 15.8 million veterans in the U.S.
    Today, the Trump Administration announced it is on pace to reduce VA staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of this fiscal year.
    “We’ve got to ensure our veterans get the care and benefits they need.  The arbitrary mass-layoffs have already had a negative impact on customer service for veterans and we’ve got to ensure the VA does a better job going forward and is accountable to those they serve,” said Reed.
    The VA provides medical care and education, disability, funerary, financial, and other health benefits earned by veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
    In March, Senator Reed spoke out against the Trump Administration’s proposal to cut over 80,000 workers from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    MIL OSI USA News –