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Category: DJF

  • US gives India priority as key South Asia defence partner: Pete Hegseth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The US gives India priority as its “key defence partner in South Asia”, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has affirmed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to Pentagon spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine.

    “When he spoke to Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, Hegseth emphasised the priority the US places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia,” Devine said.

    He pointed out that both leaders reviewed the considerable progress the two countries have made toward achieving the defence goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and agreed to sign the next ten-year US-India Defence Framework when they meet later this year.

    “They also discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries,” he added.

    After the call, Rajnath Singh posted on X that they had an excellent discussion to review ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen the India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building.

    He conveyed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by the US to India in its fight against terrorism, and said he was looking forward to meeting Hegseth at an early date.

    Rajnath Singh spoke to Hegseth before the US official met with visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at the Pentagon.

    After that meeting, the Pentagon said EAM Jaishankar and Hegseth discussed participation in the next INDUS-X Summit, where the two nations will continue to build on US-India defence industrial cooperation and produce new innovations in technology and manufacturing.

    The defence framework also figured in their talks.

    The Pentagon said Hegseth told Jaishankar that the US and India are mutually aware of the security concerns in the region, and that both nations have the ability to counter those threats together.

    Defence cooperation between India and the US is one of the most consequential pillars of the bilateral relationship, said EAM Jaishankar.

    The defence framework comes under the US-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, which was agreed to by President Trump and PM Modi at their Washington meeting in February and covers cooperation in a wide range of areas, from defence and security to trade and space.

    PM Modi and Trump announced plans for new procurements and co-production arrangements for Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker armoured vehicles, as well as the acquisition of six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, according to the Pentagon.

    India has already integrated various US weapons systems into its military, including the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8I Poseidon aircraft, as well as the CH-47F Chinook, MH-60R Sea Hawk, and AH-64E Apache helicopters.

    It also utilises Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B Sky Guardians, it said.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada launches measures to support those affected by 2025 wildfires

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 2, 2025—Ottawa—As Canada’s climate continues to warm faster than the global average, extreme weather conditions will become more frequent and severe. This will contribute to increased drought and wildfire risks, which threaten the health, safety and economic stability of people and communities in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting those affected across the country.

    Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced special measures to help people and communities affected by wildfires.

    Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose passports, citizenship certificates, permanent resident cards or other Canadian travel documents were lost, damaged or made inaccessible by the wildfires can apply for free replacements. If they already paid to replace documents because of the wildfires (on or after April 1, 2025), they can request a refund.

    Temporary residents, including international students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors, who were directly affected by the wildfires can replace their status documents and apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or to renew their work or study permit free of charge. The requirement for temporary residents to apply for the restoration of their status within 90 days of losing their status will also be waived for those impacted by wildfires.

    Additionally, as of June 11, 2025, application and biometric fees are being waived for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to help fight wildfires.

    These measures are in effect until November 30, 2025, providing time for people to secure necessary documents and focus on recovery and safety.

    Learn more about who is eligible, how to apply and what replacement documents are covered under the 2025 special measures for wildfires.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leading with Resilience Personally and Professionally

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Cassandra Keola of Avon grew up in Bristol, and always wanted to work for the State of Connecticut. Ten years in, she still loves working for the state’s only public academic medical center, UConn Health. She absolutely loves UConn, its sports, and her son attends UConn too.

    “I am so proud of where I live and work. I bleed blue!” Keola says, who is the epitome of resilience, and she even helps teach and spread resiliency across UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, and Connecticut every chance she gets.

    As an Administrative Program Coordinator in the School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine, Keola wears many hats.

    She supports the Chair of the Department Dr. Francesco Celi and also the Department’s fleet of 300 doctors and 36 administrative members with clerical review support, but she is dedicated to the major undertaking of coordinating the intense 4th Year Critical Care Clerkship four-week rotations in the ICU setting for all UConn medical students.

    Cassandra Keola with fourth-year medical students in the Clinical Simulation Lab beginning their 4th Year Critical Care Clerkship four-week rotations. She coordinates this training for all UConn medical students (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

    These medical student rotations occur not only at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, but also in the ICUs of Waterbury Hospital, Hartford Hospital, St. Francis, and Connecticut Children’s.

    “These soon to be doctors have great mentorship in the critical care clerkship by attending physicians, residents, fellows, and nurses too,” she says. “The rotation in the ICU is a very eye-opening experience for our medical students in the deep end of critical care medicine for the first time applying everything they have learned so far in medical school, including the vital importance of teamwork. The rotation is challenging and unpredictable. Many medical students may see their first very-ill patient code. We make sure we have a strong support system in place for them.”

    For this ICU rotation, Keola says medical students also learn didactically in the clinical simulation lab and the classroom too, and the overall experience especially teaches them resilience to overcome the challenges they may face in patient care.

    In addition, Keola organizes the monthly Morbidity and Mortality conferences for the Department of Medicine’s various Divisions that ensure high-quality care is always maintained, supports the administrative meetings, and chairs the Dept. of Medicine Administrative DEI committee.

    Personal Resilience

    In addition to helping medical students be resilient, Keola has overcome a lot personally too.

    “I’ve had to be a patient in the UConn Emergency Department – and I am an oncology patient,” she says. “I recommend UConn Health’s care to everyone I meet, and remind them that we are not just a school but a whole hospital too.”

    UConn’s Cassandra Keola (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

    Keola happily shares, “Thanks to UConn Health I am cured for 10 years now!” Keola even facilitated UConn Health’s young breast cancer support group before and during COVID-19. “It was great to encourage other women, and also learn from them.”

    Also, Keola says, “I’m a triple threat!” She says growing up as a female, and Afro-Indigenous in Connecticut’s Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe (American Indian and Black), it has not been an easy road for her and others with her backgrounds.  “Historically, it’s been difficult. But no matter what, we are still standing after being through a lot.”

    Her resolve as a result?

    “In what I do, and what I’ve done, I have always wanted to have perseverance and resilience,” she says. “I have always wanted to stick up for others or those who were ever bullied. So, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a form of advocacy, not for me, but a way for helping other people persevere. I remind everyone that while we are all different, we can all co-exist at work and outside of work. It is our differences that make us so uniquely wonderful.”

    UConn medical school’s Cassandra Keola celebrating with fourth-year medical students the exciting start of their clinical rotation in the ICU setting (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

    Keola loves the diversity of the workforce at UConn Health that she first witnessed when working initially in Employee Health at the beginning of her UConn career. “I got to meet a lot of people working in occupational health and have seen our diversity first-hand. UConn Health is a state hospital, and we really are here for everyone.”

    She also loves another special thing about working at UConn.

    “You can come to UConn and do a good job, and move yourself forward in your career. There is equity here! Everyone gets a fair chance and is treated the same across the board whether you are a UConn Health patient, a faculty member, a staffer, or a student.”

    Keola’s passion for advocacy and equity also shines in her ongoing volunteer work.

    She is a Council Member for UConn’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, John Dempsey Hospital’s Diversity Council, and her Department of Medicine’s DEI Committee. She also lends her time to participate in the ongoing ODI Coffee Break discussions.

    Keola: whose Algonquin name means: Small Bear Warrior; is also a proud, persevering, enrolled, Board Member of The Golden Hill Paugussett Tribal Nation in Connecticut.  She’s been working as a Board Member for the past two years on UConn and UConn Health’s Tribal Education Initiative. Its many collaborative projects focus on student success, curriculum, indigenous teachings, storytelling, and even patient care by the UConn Pepper Center of the UConn Center on Aging helping with the resilience and healthy aging of members of Connecticut’s 5 recognized Native American tribes. The UConn Tribal Education Initiative’s agreement is the first of its kind on the East Coast between Tribal Nations and a university.

    “It’s historical! I can’t wait for it to come to fruition!” Keola concludes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Healthcare fraud and abuse depletes taxpayer funds, corrodes public health and safety, and undermines the integrity of the federal healthcare system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have a long history of partnering to use one of the government’s most effective and successful tools — the False Claims Act (FCA) — to combat healthcare fraud. This Administration is fully committed to supporting such work. HHS and DOJ’s Civil Division are strengthening their ongoing collaboration to advance priority enforcement areas through the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group.

    Membership in the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group will include leadership from the HHS Office of General Counsel, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Program Integrity, the Office of Counsel to the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and DOJ’s Civil Division, with designees representing U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The group will be jointly led by the HHS General Counsel, Chief Counsel to HHS-OIG, and the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Commercial Litigation Branch.

    As part of the Working Group’s coordination work:

    • HHS shall make referrals to DOJ of potential violations of the FCA that reflect Working Group priorities. In addition to priority FCA matters previously announced by the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division,[1] the Working Group is announcing the following priority enforcement areas:
      • Medicare Advantage
      • Drug, device or biologics pricing, including arrangements for discounts, rebates, service fees, and formulary placement and price reporting
      • Barriers to patient access to care, including violations of network adequacy requirements
      • Kickbacks related to drugs, medical devices, durable medical equipment, and other products paid for by federal healthcare programs
      • Materially defective medical devices that impact patient safety
      • Manipulation of Electronic Health Records systems to drive inappropriate utilization of Medicare covered products and services
    • The Working Group shall maximize cross-agency collaboration to expedite ongoing investigations in these priority areas and identify new leads, including by leveraging HHS resources through enhanced data mining and assessment of HHS and HHS-OIG report findings.
    • The Working Group shall discuss considerations bearing on whether HHS should implement a payment suspension pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405.370 et seq. or whether DOJ shall move to dismiss a qui tam complaint under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(A), consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.111.

    The DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group encourages whistleblowers to identify and report violations of the federal False Claims Act involving priority enforcement areas.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).  Similarly, the Working Group encourages healthcare companies to identify and report such violations consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.112.  

    Note: Read a PDF version of the release here

    [1] Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division Enforcement Priorities (June 11, 2025), available at www.justice.gov/civil/media/1404046/dl?inline.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Healthcare fraud and abuse depletes taxpayer funds, corrodes public health and safety, and undermines the integrity of the federal healthcare system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have a long history of partnering to use one of the government’s most effective and successful tools — the False Claims Act (FCA) — to combat healthcare fraud. This Administration is fully committed to supporting such work. HHS and DOJ’s Civil Division are strengthening their ongoing collaboration to advance priority enforcement areas through the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group.

    Membership in the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group will include leadership from the HHS Office of General Counsel, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Program Integrity, the Office of Counsel to the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and DOJ’s Civil Division, with designees representing U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The group will be jointly led by the HHS General Counsel, Chief Counsel to HHS-OIG, and the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Commercial Litigation Branch.

    As part of the Working Group’s coordination work:

    • HHS shall make referrals to DOJ of potential violations of the FCA that reflect Working Group priorities. In addition to priority FCA matters previously announced by the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division,[1] the Working Group is announcing the following priority enforcement areas:
      • Medicare Advantage
      • Drug, device or biologics pricing, including arrangements for discounts, rebates, service fees, and formulary placement and price reporting
      • Barriers to patient access to care, including violations of network adequacy requirements
      • Kickbacks related to drugs, medical devices, durable medical equipment, and other products paid for by federal healthcare programs
      • Materially defective medical devices that impact patient safety
      • Manipulation of Electronic Health Records systems to drive inappropriate utilization of Medicare covered products and services
    • The Working Group shall maximize cross-agency collaboration to expedite ongoing investigations in these priority areas and identify new leads, including by leveraging HHS resources through enhanced data mining and assessment of HHS and HHS-OIG report findings.
    • The Working Group shall discuss considerations bearing on whether HHS should implement a payment suspension pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405.370 et seq. or whether DOJ shall move to dismiss a qui tam complaint under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(A), consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.111.

    The DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group encourages whistleblowers to identify and report violations of the federal False Claims Act involving priority enforcement areas.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).  Similarly, the Working Group encourages healthcare companies to identify and report such violations consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.112.  

    Note: Read a PDF version of the release here

    [1] Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division Enforcement Priorities (June 11, 2025), available at www.justice.gov/civil/media/1404046/dl?inline.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Open for Business: Gabon Launches Deepwater Exploration Drive

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    The newly appointed Minister of Oil and Gas of Gabon HE Sosthène NGUEMA is shifting its focus to deepwater oil and gas exploration under efforts to bring new projects online and mitigate Central and West African production decline. With 72% of the country’s deepwater acreage unexplored and only 28% developed to date, the country has set plans in motion to revise existing petroleum laws to offer fresh incentives that encourage deepwater exploration and investment.

    As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends the aggressive investment strategy being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum. In recent months, we have seen an assertive Gabonese Government, through its NOC Gabon Oil, play a stronger role in the ownership, and commercialization of legacy assets with takeovers such as that of Carlyle owned Assala. Now, the shift to deepwater exploration offers new investment prospects for foreign operators. The AEC believes that ongoing regulatory reforms, a focus on deepwater investments and greater collaboration with international oil companies (IOC) will transform Gabon’s oil and gas industry, supporting greater production and the development of a new hub for refined product distribution in Central Africa. We believe that Gabon has a potential to produce close to 1 million barrels of oil per day.

    With over two billion barrels of proven oil reserves and significant gas potential, Gabon has set a goal of holding production above 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) for the short to midterm The shift to deepwater exploration stands to play an instrumental part in supporting this goal by unlocking new discoveries across the country’s offshore basins mid to long term. Regulatory reform represents a cornerstone of the country’s exploration strategy, with potential improvements to petroleum legislation set to strengthen the competitiveness of investing in Gabon’s deepwater blocks. In 2019, the country introduced its Hydrocarbons Code. The new government seeks to go even further, recognizing the presence of stiff competition from other offshore destinations globally. The code featured amendments to production sharing contracts (PSC), state profitability and tax, therefore providing a quicker path to profitability for foreign operators. Looking ahead, further revisions of this code stand to support new investment, encouraging deepwater exploration and new forays by global operators.  

    Major players are already active in Gabon, with ongoing developments underscoring the potential available across Gabon’s offshore blocks. Exploration and production company BW Energy, for example, signed PSCs for exploration blocks Niosi Marin and Guduma Marin in 2024, covering an eight-year exploration period with a two-year extension option. BW Energy and its partner on the block VAALCO Energy have committed to drilling one well as well as carrying out a 3D seismic acquisition campaign. BW Energy also has stakes in the Dussafu license, which features 14 producing wells tied back to a FPSO through a 20km pipeline. Partners on the license include the state-owned Gabon Oil Company (GOC) and Panoro Energy. Independent oil and gas company Perenco spud the Hylia South West discovery in Gabon in early 2024, revealing substantial oil-bearing columns in the Ntchengue Ocean reservoir. Chinese oil firm CNOOC launched wildcat drilling on Blocks BC-9 and BCD-10 in early-2023 on the back of 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable resource potential, with future discoveries set to double Gabonese oil production while de-risking deepwater exploration. Despite these developments, much of Gabon’s deepwater potential remains underexplored, highlighting a strategic opportunity for both active and potential players.

    Increased hydrocarbon production in tandem with future deepwater discoveries are expected to support Gabon’s broader goals of creating a regional petroleum hub in Gabon. Strategically positioned on the West coast of Central Africa, Gabon is making strides towards enhancing oil and gas refining, storage and distribution capacity. Major infrastructure projects signal the country’s intention to become a petroleum hub. Notably, Perenco is advancing the development of the Cap Lopez LNG terminal in Gabon, targeting first production by 2026. Situated at the existing Cap Lopez oil terminal, the $2 billion project will introduce a FLNG vessel designed to monetize offshore gas reserves and reduce flaring. The FLNG vessel will feature a production capacity of 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG, supported by a storage capacity of 137,000 cubic meters. The project complements the Batanga LPG facility, which came online in December 2023 with a target production capacity of 15,000 tons of LPG annually. Beyond LNG and LPG, Gabon is working towards enhancing refining capacity with plans to expand its sole operating refinery – SOGARA – from 1.2 million tons to 1.5 million tons of crude. This expansion would enable the country to achieve self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products by 2030.

    The minister and his team have also prioritized the increase of storage capacity for refined products in the country from currently 60 days to 90 days of consumption in an effort to strengthen energy security and make shortages an element of the past.

    “Deepwater exploration and production stands to transform Gabon’s economy, with potential discoveries supporting the development of a new petroleum hub in Central Africa. Through its aggressive investment campaign, commitment to regulatory reform and engagement with IOCs, the Ministry of Petroleum is strengthening the competitiveness of doing business in Gabon,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President at the AEC.

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Rising star: Meet Dylan, our youngest security researcher

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Rising star: Meet Dylan, our youngest security researcher

    At just 13 years old, Dylan became the youngest security researcher to collaborate with the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). His journey into cybersecurity is inspiring—rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a deep desire to make a difference.

    Early beginnings: From scratch to security

    Dylan’s fascination with technology began early. Like many kids, he started with Scratch—a visual programming language for making simple games and animations. But for Dylan, Scratch was more than a toy; it was the start of a much bigger journey. He quickly moved on to HTML and other languages, and by 5th grade, he was analyzing source code behind educational platforms. One experiment—unlocking games before completing the lessons—landed him in a bit of trouble but also sparked a growing interest in how systems work.

    That curiosity only deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic. When his school disabled student access to create Teams meetings, Dylan found a workaround using Outlook. It wasn’t about bypassing rules—it was about helping classmates stay connected in a time of isolation. It was a glimpse of the problem-solver he was becoming.

    Dylan’s first vulnerability

    When his school later disabled student-created Teams chats, Dylan didn’t give up—he got creative. What began as a quest to restore communication options became his introduction to security research. After 9 months of self-teaching, exploration, and trial and error, he discovered a vulnerability that let him take over any Teams group. That breakthrough marked his entry into the world of responsible disclosure—and kicked off his relationship with MSRC.

    Soon after, Dylan submitted his first official vulnerability report to Microsoft. In response, the Bug Bounty team updated its program terms to allow participation from researchers as young as 13. Since then, Dylan has worked closely with MSRC, demonstrating technical insight and professionalism well beyond his age.

    Collaborating with MSRC

    Dylan’s communication skills are as impressive as his technical ones. He’s known for respectfully pushing back when he disagrees with MSRC’s initial assessments—always aiming to understand their perspective and articulate his own clearly. This thoughtful approach has earned him respect and helped drive meaningful results.

    One notable example: Dylan submitted a vulnerability in the Authenticator Broker service that was initially considered out of scope. Through clear, constructive dialogue, he helped MSRC understand its broader implications. The result? Not only was the issue acknowledged, but the bounty program also expanded its scope to include it for future submissions—a testament to Dylan’s impact.

    Challenges and triumphs

    Despite his achievements, Dylan’s path hasn’t been easy. He’s faced misunderstood reports and setbacks, but credits his family—especially his mother, father, stepparents, and grandparents—for helping him stay grounded, patient, and professional.

    His journey hasn’t just been technical. During the pandemic, Dylan also lost his voice due to a health issue and underwent two surgeries to recover it. The experience only strengthened his resolve and resilience.

    What’s next for Dylan?

    Now a junior in high school, Dylan balances schoolwork with extracurriculars like Science Olympiad, math competitions, swimming, biking, and cello. He filed 20 vulnerability reports last summer alone—up from just six total beforehand.

    He’s been named to MSRC’s Most Valuable Researcher list for both 2022 and 2024. In April 2025, Dylan competed at Microsoft’s Zero Day Quest—a premier onsite hacking event in Redmond, Washington—and took home 3rd place, an incredible achievement that placed him among the top researchers globally.

    Despite a busy academic schedule, Dylan continues to see security research as a rewarding hobby. He’s passionate about learning, exploring new vulnerabilities, and giving back to the community. Long-term, he’s open to a range of possibilities, including continued work in cybersecurity, science, or civics.

    Dylan also dreams of attending security conferences as soon as he’s old enough, eager to meet fellow researchers and learn from the best. For other young researchers, his story is proof that age is no barrier—what matters most is creativity, persistence, and a willingness to learn.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to provide remarks at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 2, 2025 – Saguenay, Quebec

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will be delivering remarks at the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie Saguenay-Le Fjord.

    Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025

    Time:  9:30 a.m. (ET)

    Location: Saguenay, Quebec
     
    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: ICE, law enforcement partners’ investigation results in life sentences for human smuggling leader and coordinator on anniversary of deadly trailer conspiracy

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN ANTONIO — Two convicted human smugglers were sentenced June 27 for their prominent roles in the 2022 mass casualty human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of various federal and state law enforcement agencies in South Texas.

    U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia sentenced Felipe Orduna-Torres to life in prison and a $250,000 fine, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega to 83 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Both defendants were found guilty by a federal jury in March for three counts related to the transportation of aliens within the United States resulting in death, causing serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy. Following the jury’s verdict at the trial, Garcia set the sentencing date, noting that it would be three years to the day from when the 53 migrants perished as a result of the defendants’ smuggling scheme.

    “These criminals will spend the rest of their lives in prison because of their cruel choice to profit off of human suffering,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s sentences are a powerful message to human smugglers everywhere: We will not rest until you are behind bars.”

    “Three years to the day after these two smugglers and their co-conspirators left dozens of men, women and children locked in a sweltering tractor-trailer to die in the Texas summer heat, they learned that they will spend the rest of their lives locked away in a federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons. “We recognize the justice handed down by Judge Garcia and thank our law enforcement partners for their great work that led to today’s outcome. At the same time, we reinforce the message that these criminal organizations will not place the lives of the desperate and vulnerable above their own financial enrichment. My office remains focused on prosecuting smugglers and their networks and ultimately eradicating transnational criminal organizations.”

    “Today’s sentences are the result of a far-reaching investigation and a tireless commitment by HSI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle the deadliest human smuggling operation in U.S. history,” ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This case serves as a stark reminder: Human smuggling is not a service — it is a deadly criminal enterprise. HSI will pursue smugglers relentlessly, wherever they operate. No one who participates in the smuggling of human beings will escape the reach of justice.”

    According to court documents, Orduna-Torres, also known as Cholo, Chuequito/Chuekito and Negro, 30, was a leader and organizer, and Gonzales-Ortega, also known as El Don and Don Gon, 55, was a coordinator in the human smuggling organization that illegally brought adults and children from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico into the United States between December 2021 and June 2022.

    Orduna-Torres and Gonzales-Ortega worked in concert to transport and facilitate the transportation of the migrants, sharing routes, guides, stash houses, trucks, trailers and transporters to consolidate costs, minimize risks and maximize profit. The human smuggling organization maintained a variety of tractors and trailers for their smuggling operations, some of which were stored at a private parking lot in San Antonio.

    In the days leading up to June 27, 2022, Orduna-Torres and others exchanged the names of illegal aliens who would be smuggled in an upcoming tractor-trailer load. Gonzales-Ortega traveled to Laredo to meet the tractor-trailer, where at least 64 undocumented individuals, including eight children and one pregnant woman, were loaded for smuggling.

    Some of the defendants, including Orduna-Torres, were aware that the trailer’s refrigerator unit was malfunctioning and not blowing any cool air to the migrants inside. When members of the organization met the tractor-trailer at the end of its approximately three-hour journey to San Antonio, they opened the doors to find 48 of the aliens were either already dead or dying, including the pregnant woman. Sixteen of the aliens were transported to hospitals — five of whom died.

    In addition to their sentences described above, the court also ordered Orduna-Torres to pay a $96,000 judgment and ordered the forfeiture of the following assets: One 2008 Volvo semi-tractor; one 1995 Phoenix trailer; one 2015 Cadillac Escalade; one 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty Truck; and $59,445.50.

    Five other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty for their involvement in the smuggling event. Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, also known as Rrili and Rilay, 32, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 6; Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 39, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13; Christian Martinez, 31, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20; and Homero Zamorano Jr., 48, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4. Juan Francisco D’Luna Bilbao, 51, is indicted separately and is also scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4.

    In a related case, Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, allegedly worked with the HSO to smuggle aliens into the United States on the same fatal journey orchestrated by Orduna-Torres and his co-conspirators. He made his initial appearance in San Antonio on March 17, seven months after he was arrested in Guatemala, and is currently scheduled for a jury trial Sept. 29.

    HSI investigated the case with the FBI and the ATF. It has received tremendous support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Border Patrol; ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; the San Antonio Police Department; the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office; the San Antonio Fire Department; the Marshall Police Department; and the Palestine Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears and Ray Gattinella for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Incredible Prizes to Be Won With Donation to Guide Dogs — Enter the Grand Raffle Now!

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Don’t miss your chance to win an awesome prize with your donation to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines!

    Enter the Grand Raffle, part of the 2025 Kourpias K-9 Classic, hosted by TCU/IAM, benefiting Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines. 

    Your donation helps provide life-changing service dogs and gives you a chance to win incredible prizes, including:

    • $800 Callaway Gift Card
    • Four Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks Tickets + Parking Pass (Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025)
    • MGM Getaway
    • Disney World Park & Trip Getaway
    • Apple MacBook Air

    Raffle Tickets:
     1 for $20
    3 for $50

    Donate and enter here!

    Winners will be drawn at the Kourpias Banquet on Saturday, July 12. You do not need to be present to win.

    Every dollar counts. Your support makes a real impact, and you might just walk away with an incredible prize!

    Please share this with your friends, family, and networks. Every entry helps the cause!

    The post Incredible Prizes to Be Won With Donation to Guide Dogs — Enter the Grand Raffle Now! appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Healthcare fraud and abuse depletes taxpayer funds, corrodes public health and safety, and undermines the integrity of the federal healthcare system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have a long history of partnering to use one of the government’s most effective and successful tools — the False Claims Act (FCA) — to combat healthcare fraud. This Administration is fully committed to supporting such work. HHS and DOJ’s Civil Division are strengthening their ongoing collaboration to advance priority enforcement areas through the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group.

    Membership in the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group will include leadership from the HHS Office of General Counsel, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Program Integrity, the Office of Counsel to the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and DOJ’s Civil Division, with designees representing U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The group will be jointly led by the HHS General Counsel, Chief Counsel to HHS-OIG, and the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Commercial Litigation Branch.

    As part of the Working Group’s coordination work:

    • HHS shall make referrals to DOJ of potential violations of the FCA that reflect Working Group priorities. In addition to priority FCA matters previously announced by the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Division,[1] the Working Group is announcing the following priority enforcement areas:
      • Medicare Advantage
      • Drug, device or biologics pricing, including arrangements for discounts, rebates, service fees, and formulary placement and price reporting
      • Barriers to patient access to care, including violations of network adequacy requirements
      • Kickbacks related to drugs, medical devices, durable medical equipment, and other products paid for by federal healthcare programs
      • Materially defective medical devices that impact patient safety
      • Manipulation of Electronic Health Records systems to drive inappropriate utilization of Medicare covered products and services
    • The Working Group shall maximize cross-agency collaboration to expedite ongoing investigations in these priority areas and identify new leads, including by leveraging HHS resources through enhanced data mining and assessment of HHS and HHS-OIG report findings.
    • The Working Group shall discuss considerations bearing on whether HHS should implement a payment suspension pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405.370 et seq. or whether DOJ shall move to dismiss a qui tam complaint under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(A), consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.111.

    The DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group encourages whistleblowers to identify and report violations of the federal False Claims Act involving priority enforcement areas.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).  Similarly, the Working Group encourages healthcare companies to identify and report such violations consistent with Justice Manual Section 4-4.112.  

    Note: Read a PDF version of the release here

    [1] Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division Enforcement Priorities (June 11, 2025), available at www.justice.gov/civil/media/1404046/dl?inline.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: California Has Preserved Its Ability to Respond to AI, Keep Consumers Safe

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement today after the Senate rejected a proposed 10-year ban on states enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems which was included in budget reconciliation bill. In the last few months, California has sent letters (here and here) to Congressional leaders strongly opposing the ban arguing the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology demands the flexibility and responsiveness that states can provide and urging lawmakers to remove the provision. 

    “Lawmakers across the aisle have recognized that states must retain the ability to protect their residents and respond to emerging and rapidly evolving AI technology,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The promise of AI raises exciting and important possibilities. California’s continued advancements, in AI and beyond, are something to be proud of, embrace, and encourage. But, like any emerging technology, there are risks to adoption without responsible, appropriate, and thoughtful oversight. California is proud to have vigorously opposed the ban and remains committed to ensuring the rights of our residents are respected.” 

    In January, Attorney General Bonta issued two legal advisories, reminding consumers of their rights, and advising businesses and healthcare entities who develop, sell, or use AI about their obligations under California law. Although AI technology is developing quickly, entities must comply with existing California laws, as well as new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025. The first legal advisory advises consumers and entities about their rights and obligations under the state’s consumer protection, civil rights, competition, and data privacy laws; the second advisory provides guidance specific to healthcare entities about their obligations under California law. The legal advisories can be found here, and here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Record-Setting National Health Care Fraud Takedown

    Source: US FBI

    Largest Justice Department Health Care Fraud Takedown in History Results in 324 Defendants, Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud

    LAS VEGAS – Today, United States Attorney Sigal Chattah announced criminal charges against two defendants in the District of Nevada in connection with the Justice Department’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss. The Takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across the country and represents an unprecedented effort to combat health care fraud schemes that exploit patients and taxpayers.

    “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

    “As alleged, the defendants – a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner – applied medically unnecessary allografts and received millions in illegal kickbacks from the fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health care benefit programs,” said United States Attorney Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Together with the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, we will pursue and hold criminals accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes.”

    According to court documents, the following individuals were charged in the District of Nevada:

    • Paulino Gonzalez, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive kickbacks for participating in a $94 million scheme to order, recommend, and apply amniotic wound allografts in return for illegal kickbacks. As alleged in the information, Gonzalez, a registered nurse, received approximately $7,391,584 in illegal kickbacks from an allograft distributor in exchange for recommending the purchasing and ordering of certain allografts billed to Medicare. A wound care company paid Gonzalez to apply allografts, some of which were medically unnecessary, to Medicare beneficiaries. Between October 2021 and April 2024, the wound care company billed Medicare over $94 million for allografts applied by Gonzalez and others. Medicare paid over $54 million based on those false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Monica Cooper of the Texas Strike Force and Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the District of Nevada.
    • Mary Huntly, 67, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks for participating in a scheme to receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for purchasing and ordering amniotic wound allografts billed to Medicare. As alleged in the information, Huntly, a nurse practitioner, applied medically unnecessary allografts to Medicare beneficiaries that were procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes. From September 2022 through April 2024, Huntly’s wound care company fraudulently billed Medicare approximately $14,333,550, and Medicare paid approximately $9,105,563 based on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Monica Cooper of the Texas Strike Force and Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the District of Nevada.

    Demonstrating the significant return on investment that results from health care fraud enforcement efforts, the government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts. As part of the whole-of-government approach to combating health care fraud announced today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced that it successfully prevented over $4 billion from being paid in response to false and fraudulent claims and that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers in the months leading up to the Takedown. Civil charges against 20 defendants for $14.2 million in alleged fraud, as well as civil settlements with 106 defendants totaling $34.3 million, were also announced as part of the Takedown.

    Today’s Takedown was led and coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and its core partners from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The cases were investigated by agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. The cases are being prosecuted by Health Care Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, 50 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, and 12 State Attorneys General Offices.

    “As part of making healthcare accessible and affordable to all Americans, HHS will aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the pervasive health care fraud that bedeviled this agency under the former administration and drove up costs,” said Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services.

    “The Criminal Division is intensely committed to rooting out health care fraud schemes and prosecuting the criminals who perpetrate them because these schemes: (1) often result in physical patient harm through medically unnecessary treatments or failure to provide the correct treatments; (2) contribute to our nationwide opioid epidemic and exacerbate controlled substance addiction; and (3) do all of that while stealing money hardworking Americans contribute to pay for the care of their elders and other vulnerable citizens,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices stand united with our law enforcement partners in this fight, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the integrity of our health care programs for the American people.”

    “The scale of today’s Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.”

    “Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain. With more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date. Together, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those accountable who steal from the American people and undermine our health care systems.”

    “Today’s unprecedented enforcement action demonstrates that CMS and our federal partners are united in our mission to protect the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid by crushing waste, fraud, and abuse,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Every dollar we prevent from going to fraudsters is a dollar that stays in the system to serve legitimate beneficiaries. Through advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and swift administrative action, CMS is leading the fight to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the trust Americans place in these vital programs. We’re not waiting for fraud to happen—we’re stopping it before it starts.”

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Forces. Prior to the charges announced as part of today’s nationwide Takedown and since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which operates in 27 districts, charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers more than $27 billion.

    The following materials related to today’s announcement are available on the Health Care Fraud Unit’s website through these links:

    •  Graphics and Resources

    •  Case Descriptions

    •  Court Documents

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

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prior Sex Offender Going to Prison for More Than 38 Years for Raping a 14-Year-Old

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelvin Hunt, 48, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography following a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 465 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in March 1995, Hunt was convicted in Monroe County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison. On February 2, 2024, he entered the home of a 14-year-old minor victim in Rochester, and forcibly raped her. Hunt then took the minor victim’s cell phone and took sexually explicit photos of her. After producing the pornographic images, Hunt forced the minor victim to another location, where he forcibly raped her again. On February 4, 2024, law enforcement located Hunt, took him into custody, and executed a search warrant on the hotel room he was staying in. Investigators seized a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and approximately 71 grams of heroin.

    The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Rochester Area Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Burns, 45, of Irondequoit, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on November 5, 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at the Burns’ residence in Irondequoit, because of a child pornography file he uploaded to Bing Image. During the search, electronic devices were seized, including a computer. More than 450 images of child pornography were found on the computer. Some of the images depicted violence against children and the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of South Dakota Seizes 230 Illegally Possessed Firearms in 2024

    Source: US FBI

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that over the course of 2024, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies seized 230 firearms that were possessed in violation of federal law. In the same year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota charged approximately 112 defendants with illegally owning, possessing, using, or obtaining one or more such firearms.

    “By seizing firearms from individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms, law enforcement agencies prevented countless violent and drug-related crimes from occurring in communities across South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful for the strong law enforcement partnerships in South Dakota, which allow us to combine federal, state, and tribal resources to target some of the most dangerous individuals in our state and remove illegal firearms from our streets.”

    Efforts to seize illegal firearms are the result of close cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota State Highway Patrol, and numerous sheriff’s offices and police departments across the state, including Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

    Examples of the types of firearms-related cases resolved by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2024 include the following:

    • United States v. Bryan Louis Archambeau—In the evening of November 2, 2023, Archambeau went to the 49’er Marathon C-Store in Sioux Falls wearing a medical mask. He entered the store and took two cases of Twisted Tea and exited the store without paying for the items. When confronted about the theft, Archambeau lifted his shirt, brandished a pistol, and then left the scene. Then, in the evening of November 3, 2023, Archambeau went to the Freedom Valu Center in Sioux Falls. He placed two-12 packs of Twisted Tea on the counter and pulled out a pistol from his waistband. He pointed it at the clerk, racked the slide of the pistol, and demanded money. Archambeau then left the scene. Archambeau was later convicted of Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. He was sentenced to nearly 11 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Sioux Falls Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb.
       
    • United States v. Charles Colhoff—On November 4, 2023, Colhoff was involved in a shooting in Rapid City where he and another individual exchanged gunfire following an argument. Colhoff was uninjured but the other individual sustained two gunshot wounds and required surgery. Officers processing the scene located three 9mm cartridge casings related to the shooting. Colhoff was located by law enforcement on November 11, 2023, and found to be in possession of a Browning 9mm semi-automatic pistol believed to be the same pistol Colhoff used in the shooting. Ballistics testing was conducted, which confirmed the three 9mm casings recovered at the shooting scene were fired from the pistol recovered from Colhoff. Colhoff knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms based on a prior federal felony offense, which also involved a firearm. Colhoff was sentenced to nine years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the ATF, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
       
    • United States v. Jerel Running Bear—On the evening of November 8, 2023, Running Bear and two other individuals, including a 21-year-old female victim, went to Wounded Knee to obtain fentanyl pills from a drug source. When the source did not show up, Running Bear, who was under the influence of controlled substances, grabbed a rifle from the trunk of the vehicle and shot the female who was seated in the backseat. The other female took off running and alerted law enforcement. Running Bear then picked up Fast Horse, his girlfriend at the time. Running Bear removed the victim from the vehicle and left her on the side of the road, while Fast Horse watched. The next day, the two fled to Nebraska after being spotted by law enforcement. Fast Horse threw out items from the vehicle, including controlled substances. The two were eventually apprehended. After Running Bear was placed into custody, Fast Horse did not tell law enforcement about watching Running Bear dispose of the victim’s body on the side of the road. Running Bear was convicted of Second Degree Murder and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. He was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
       
    • United States v. Justin James Schneider—On June 20, 2023, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office received credible information that Schneider had discharged a revolver earlier that day and was armed and dangerous. The Corson County Sheriff requested and received assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services to detain and arrest Schneider. A BIA officer found Schneider in Bullhead, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. When the officer attempted to arrest him, Schneider fled in his pickup to a nearby pasture and engaged in an armed stand-off with Corson County deputies and BIA police officers. Schneider eventually got back into his pickup and fled to the Bullhead Community Center, striking a police squad car en route. Schneider then exited his pickup, brandishing a revolver, gesturing wildly towards nearby civilians and disregarding repeated police commands to drop his gun. As Schneider moved quickly towards unarmed children, a police officer shot him to protect the public. Schneider was taken into custody without further incident. Schneider was convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Simple Assault on a Federal Officer. He was sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
       
    • United States v. Antoine Ray Thomas, et al.—Thomas was part of a large methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution organization operating in South Dakota, which was obtaining drugs from Mexico. The conspiracy involved fifty pounds of methamphetamine, hundreds of pills containing fentanyl, and several firearms and ammunition. Thomas was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute over 500 grams of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Ebert-Webb  and Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • States, UTs hold talks on strengthening higher education’s role in knowledge economy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the run-up to the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, the Department of Higher Education on Wednesday organised a national workshop with states and Union Territories on the theme ‘Higher Education: Knowledge Economy’.

    The day-long session, held at the Pragyan Auditorium of the AICTE in New Delhi, brought together senior officials and experts to discuss how higher education can help build a skilled and future-ready workforce for Viksit Bharat.

    The workshop, held in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), is part of a series of preparatory meetings ahead of the Chief Secretaries’ Conference, which will be held later this year under the broader theme ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’. A concept note outlining the sub-theme had been shared with all states and UTs in advance to align local perspectives with national goals.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, said states and UTs have a vital role in shaping India’s education sector and driving the country’s development. “If states improve, Bharat improves,” he said, urging states to make better use of existing schemes, adapt policies to local needs, and involve communities beyond state capitals. He described the concept note as a starting point for states to design transformative changes.

    Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE, called for modernising agricultural education by adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and behavioural sciences. He also highlighted the need for collaboration between agricultural universities, IITs and other institutions to help students tackle challenges in the agriculture value chain.

    Former UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar spoke about the National Education Policy 2020 and its aim to break down rigid academic barriers and promote interdisciplinary learning. He said the focus should be on nurturing curiosity and adaptability among students and pointed to frameworks such as the National Credit Framework and National Higher Education Qualification Framework as tools for driving innovation.

    AICTE Chairman Prof T G Sitharam stressed the need for India to move from a service-based economy to a product-driven one by integrating robotics, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into technical education. He mentioned initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon, the AICTE Internship Portal and the E-Kumbh Portal, which provides free textbooks in various Indian languages.

    States also shared their experiences and local plans. Officials from Maharashtra spoke about developing EduCity in Navi Mumbai and setting up offshore campuses to make the state a global education hub. Universities discussed including Indian Knowledge Systems in mainstream curricula to preserve traditional knowledge alongside modern learning.

    Some states highlighted the need to address brain drain by encouraging Indian scholars abroad to return and contribute to domestic institutions through research collaborations and sabbaticals. Others underlined the need to close faculty gaps and improve infrastructure so that state public universities can match the standards of national institutions. Karnataka officials showcased initiatives such as Nipuna Karnataka and digital learning tools to equip students with industry-ready skills.

    States and UTs have been asked to gather inputs from officers, including those working at the grassroots level, and submit detailed feedback notes by August 20, 2025. State-specific reports are expected by August 31. These submissions will help prepare the background material for the Chief Secretaries’ Conference and guide future discussions on strengthening higher education as a key part of India’s knowledge economy.

  • States, UTs hold talks on strengthening higher education’s role in knowledge economy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the run-up to the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, the Department of Higher Education on Wednesday organised a national workshop with states and Union Territories on the theme ‘Higher Education: Knowledge Economy’.

    The day-long session, held at the Pragyan Auditorium of the AICTE in New Delhi, brought together senior officials and experts to discuss how higher education can help build a skilled and future-ready workforce for Viksit Bharat.

    The workshop, held in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), is part of a series of preparatory meetings ahead of the Chief Secretaries’ Conference, which will be held later this year under the broader theme ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’. A concept note outlining the sub-theme had been shared with all states and UTs in advance to align local perspectives with national goals.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, said states and UTs have a vital role in shaping India’s education sector and driving the country’s development. “If states improve, Bharat improves,” he said, urging states to make better use of existing schemes, adapt policies to local needs, and involve communities beyond state capitals. He described the concept note as a starting point for states to design transformative changes.

    Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE, called for modernising agricultural education by adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and behavioural sciences. He also highlighted the need for collaboration between agricultural universities, IITs and other institutions to help students tackle challenges in the agriculture value chain.

    Former UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar spoke about the National Education Policy 2020 and its aim to break down rigid academic barriers and promote interdisciplinary learning. He said the focus should be on nurturing curiosity and adaptability among students and pointed to frameworks such as the National Credit Framework and National Higher Education Qualification Framework as tools for driving innovation.

    AICTE Chairman Prof T G Sitharam stressed the need for India to move from a service-based economy to a product-driven one by integrating robotics, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into technical education. He mentioned initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon, the AICTE Internship Portal and the E-Kumbh Portal, which provides free textbooks in various Indian languages.

    States also shared their experiences and local plans. Officials from Maharashtra spoke about developing EduCity in Navi Mumbai and setting up offshore campuses to make the state a global education hub. Universities discussed including Indian Knowledge Systems in mainstream curricula to preserve traditional knowledge alongside modern learning.

    Some states highlighted the need to address brain drain by encouraging Indian scholars abroad to return and contribute to domestic institutions through research collaborations and sabbaticals. Others underlined the need to close faculty gaps and improve infrastructure so that state public universities can match the standards of national institutions. Karnataka officials showcased initiatives such as Nipuna Karnataka and digital learning tools to equip students with industry-ready skills.

    States and UTs have been asked to gather inputs from officers, including those working at the grassroots level, and submit detailed feedback notes by August 20, 2025. State-specific reports are expected by August 31. These submissions will help prepare the background material for the Chief Secretaries’ Conference and guide future discussions on strengthening higher education as a key part of India’s knowledge economy.

  • Shivraj Singh Chouhan to visit J&K for key meetings, convocation and rural engagements

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit Jammu and Kashmir on July 3 and 4. The visit is aimed at reinforcing the Centre’s initiatives in agriculture, natural farming, and rural development in the Union Territory. It will also focus on enhancing academic partnerships and engaging directly with farming communities and rural stakeholders

    On July 3, Chouhan will hold a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.  The focus will be on assessing the progress of central schemes and strategies for expanding sustainable farming practices in the region.

    In the afternoon, the Minister will attend a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Key topics on the agenda include the promotion of natural farming methods and the implementation of the National Oilseeds Mission, both critical to the government’s long-term goals for agricultural sustainability and self-reliance.

    Later in the evening, a courtesy meeting will be hosted in  Chouhan’s honour by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.

    On July 4, the Union Minister will serve as the chief guest at the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K). The event will take place at the university’s Shalimar Convention Centre. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor, will also attend.

    During the ceremony, degrees will be awarded to 5,250 students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and PhD scholars. The convocation will also honour 150 gold medalists and 445 students receiving merit certificates for outstanding academic performance.

    Following the convocation, Chouhan will visit saffron and apple orchards at the SKUAST-K campus, where he will interact with horticulture scientists and local farmers to understand region-specific challenges and innovations. Later, in Khonmoh village, the Minister will meet with ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women who have become symbols of empowerment and rural economic success under various self-help and livelihood initiatives.

     

  • Shivraj Singh Chouhan to visit J&K for key meetings, convocation and rural engagements

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit Jammu and Kashmir on July 3 and 4. The visit is aimed at reinforcing the Centre’s initiatives in agriculture, natural farming, and rural development in the Union Territory. It will also focus on enhancing academic partnerships and engaging directly with farming communities and rural stakeholders

    On July 3, Chouhan will hold a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.  The focus will be on assessing the progress of central schemes and strategies for expanding sustainable farming practices in the region.

    In the afternoon, the Minister will attend a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Key topics on the agenda include the promotion of natural farming methods and the implementation of the National Oilseeds Mission, both critical to the government’s long-term goals for agricultural sustainability and self-reliance.

    Later in the evening, a courtesy meeting will be hosted in  Chouhan’s honour by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.

    On July 4, the Union Minister will serve as the chief guest at the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K). The event will take place at the university’s Shalimar Convention Centre. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor, will also attend.

    During the ceremony, degrees will be awarded to 5,250 students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and PhD scholars. The convocation will also honour 150 gold medalists and 445 students receiving merit certificates for outstanding academic performance.

    Following the convocation, Chouhan will visit saffron and apple orchards at the SKUAST-K campus, where he will interact with horticulture scientists and local farmers to understand region-specific challenges and innovations. Later, in Khonmoh village, the Minister will meet with ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women who have become symbols of empowerment and rural economic success under various self-help and livelihood initiatives.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine must stay at the forefront of the international agenda: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Ukraine must stay at the forefront of the international agenda: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says amid global crises, including war in Iran, the UK urges continued focus on Ukraine.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This unwavering support is rooted in the defence of sovereignty, international law, and the multilateral system. As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression with resilience and determination, recent developments underscore both the urgency of sustained assistance and the growing strain on Russia’s military and economic apparatus.

    On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to hold the line, and in several areas, it is pushing it back. In Sumy Oblast, Russian attempts to establish a buffer zone were reversed by Ukrainian forces in late June. On 30 June, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the liberation of Andriyivka and advances near Oleksiivka, halting Russia’s northern offensive. Across Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, Russian offensives remain stalled or inconclusive. Ukrainian counterattacks have blunted their momentum. Russia’s increasing reliance on small, dispersed assault groups, observed between 22-30 June, reflects not tactical ingenuity but strategic desperation. On 27 June, Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces struck the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, destroying two Su-34 fullback fighter jets and damaging two more.

    While Russia may emphasise incremental battlefield gains, these claims frequently lack independent verification. What is verifiable reality is that Russia’s economy is buckling under the weight of its own aggression. Oil and gas revenues are falling, inflation is surging, and the rouble continues to depreciate. President Putin himself has admitted the economy is ‘overheating.’ Sanctions are biting hard, damaging Russia’s industrial base, widening the gap between military demand and production capacity, and forcing the Kremlin to rely on a dwindling National Wealth Fund to plug a ballooning deficit. Arms exports have collapsed, and production of advanced systems like the Su-57 fighter jet has been suspended due to parts shortages. This has driven Russia to search for sources elsewhere – China remains the decisive enabler of Russia’s war, and Iran has provided drones and ballistic missiles. In addition, over half of the artillery shells used by Russia since 2024 have come from North Korea. A telling sign of Moscow’s increasing dependence on foreign support.

    So how does Russia respond? President Putin has escalated his campaign of terror from the skies. On June 29, Russian forces launched the largest air assault since the start of the full-scale invasion, firing over 500 aerial weapons in a single night. While most were intercepted, the attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. President Zelenskyy rightly condemned these strikes as further proof that Russia is not seeking peace, but destruction.

    Finally, the Russian delegation will no doubt highlight recent NATO defence announcements as provocative. To clarify, again, in response to Russia’s increasing aggression across the Euro-Atlantic area, its illegal actions in Ukraine and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, the United Kingdom is reinforcing its own defence and deterrence posture. Our procurement of F-35A aircraft and participation in NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission represent the most significant enhancement of our nuclear readiness in a generation. This is a strategic move to ensure NATO’s credibility and preparedness to respond to an increasingly volatile security environment.

    Madame Chair, while the world faces multiple crises, from instability in the Middle East to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we must not lose sight of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion is not just a conflict against Ukraine; it is a direct assault on the principles that underpin global peace and security. Let us be clear: Russia’s aggression will not succeed. Its economy is faltering, its military is overstretched, and its international isolation is deepening. Ukraine, by contrast, stands strong, resilient, united, and supported by a global coalition of democracies. The United Kingdom reaffirms its enduring commitment to Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bergman: SBA Disaster Loan Centers Remain Open

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

    Rep. Jack Bergman reminds constituents that SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are still open in Emmet and Cheboygan Counties.

    Homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations affected by the ice storm in Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle Counties may apply for a low-interest disaster loan for their uncompensated physical damages.

    Small businesses and non-profits with economic losses from the disaster may also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital.

    Learn more and apply online at www.sba.gov/disaster. Call 800-659-2955 for more information.

    SBA has set up temporary Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) with customer service representatives to answer questions and help individuals with the loan application process.

    Please take advantage of one-on-one help tailored to your situation while it is available. You can use ANY center. You DO NOT have to use the center in your county.

    Center Locations:

    Cheboygan County DLOC

    Indian River Chamber of Commerce
    3435 S. Straits Highway Indian River, MI 49749
    Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Closed: Sundays and Friday, July 4
    Permanently closing: Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m.

    Emmet County DLOC
     Little Traverse Township
    8288 S. Pleasantview Rd. Harbor Springs, MI 49740
    Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Closed: Sunday and Friday, July 4
    Permanently closing: Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: College Financial Aid for More New York Veterans

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of New York State’s Veterans Tuition Awards Program, which will enable more veterans to access critical financial aid for college. Under this historic expansion, all veterans who served at least four years on active-duty now qualify for full-tuition awards. Previously, only veterans who served in combat or a specific combat theater were eligible to receive the Veterans Tuition Awards.

    “Every person who has stepped up to serve as a member of our armed forces has taken an oath to defend our nation and our values. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be fulfilled, and we have an obligation to support them as they return to civilian life,” Governor Hochul said. “The enhanced Veterans Tuition Awards taking effect today will help those who’ve served our country gain access to educational and professional opportunities as they begin the next journey of their lives. We are grateful for their service and New York will always support those who protect our state and country.”

    The expanded Veterans Tuition Awards Program is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to create opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members who serve our nation. The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides eligible veterans with up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition at approved colleges and vocational training programs across New York State.

    Program Highlights Include:

    • Broadened Eligibility: Veterans with a minimum of four years of active-duty service or those who served in combat and were honorably discharged can now qualify.
    • Flexibility for Full- and Part-Time Studies: Veterans pursuing either full- or part-time education can now benefit, providing greater flexibility.
    • Coordinated Benefits: Veterans can maximize federal financial aid and GI Bill benefits and state support, as awards are not reduced by Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants.
    • Year-Round Applications: Applications accepted year-round, offering greater flexibility for veterans planning their education.

    For more information or to apply, visit the VTA website.

    Additional Opportunities for Veterans and Their Families:

    New York’s commitment to veterans and military families extends further with robust educational and financial support programs, including:

    Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “At HESC, we’re proud to help deliver on Governor Hochul’s commitment to New York’s veterans through the historic expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award Program. By removing financial barriers to higher education, we honor the vital service of those who have worn our nation’s uniform and the tremendous sacrifices made by their families. This expansion ensures that thousands more veterans can access the aid they’ve earned and build the futures they deserve here in New York.”

    New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “This transformative step affirms what we have always known: every Veteran’s service matters. By broadening access to tuition support, New York is creating new pathways for Veterans to thrive in higher education, in the workforce, and in their communities. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to all who have served.”

    State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is proud to provide exceptional higher education opportunities for veterans and all those who have answered the call to serve our nation. Expanding veteran enrollment and success is part of SUNY’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and through Governor Hochul and the State Legislature’s expansion of Veterans Tuition Awards, we look forward to helping more New Yorkers transition back to civilian life and earn degrees that will help them continue to serve as leaders of their community and achieve upward mobility.”

    The State University of New York Board of Trustees said, “Veterans and military families play an instrumental role in making our cities, state, and nation a better place, and we are honored to have them as part of our SUNY community. SUNY is proud to facilitate Governor Hochul’s expanded Veterans Tuition Awards to eligible students and ensure they have the resources needed to thrive in New York State.”

    City University of New York Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez said, “CUNY works diligently to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our 3,000 students who are service members or veterans, brave individuals who truly represent the diversity of New York. Governor Hochul’s expansion of Veterans Tuition Awards will help more veterans join CUNY, where we offer specialized support to help transitioning service members, veterans, and their families access resources, adjust to civilian life, and pursue a successful future.”

    State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “As our veterans and servicemembers return to civilian life, it is imperative that our state provides them with every opportunity to succeed in their future educational, professional, and personal journeys. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in expanding the Veterans Tuition Awards Program because those who served our nation deserve support as they pursue higher education. I look forward to continuing to work on ways to expand this and other educational and professional benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, in order to ensure that New York State is the best place for them and their families to call home.”

    Assemblymember Steve Stern said, “As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I applaud Governor Hochul’s initiative to expand affordable education opportunities to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. The Veterans Tuition Awards Program will allow both combat vets and those who have served four years in service without time in combat access to SUNY colleges and vocational training tuition-free, in coordination with GI bill benefits. Additionally, both full and part time students will be eligible, an important benefit for veterans who must balance school, work and family obligations. Our veterans deserve more than our thanks, they deserve meaningful support that will help them gain the skills they need in a changing workplace.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Repairs bring daytime alternating traffic on SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Tuesday, July 15

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Extra travel time needed between Jefferson and Kitsap counties

    SHINE – Travelers between Jefferson and Kitsap counties across Hood Canal should prepare for longer delays Tuesday, July 15. The State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge will be reduced down to single lane, one-way alternating traffic for repairs to a hydraulic component for the bridge.

    From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, Washington State Department of Transportation bridge crews will close one lane across the bridge to create a work zone for a large crane. The crane is needed to replace a 6,000-pound hydraulic cylinder on the west span of the bridge.

    Alternating one-way vehicle traffic will be in place while crews remove the existing hydraulic cylinder and install a new one.

    This work must be done during the day for safety and efficiency. High winds have the potential to cancel the work.

    WSDOT needs help from travelers

    During the closure travelers are encouraged to:

    • Add extra travel time to help prevent delays.
    • Consider postponing discretionary trips.
    • Travel before or after scheduled work hours.
    • Refrain from blocking driveways on SR 3 and SR 104 in Kitsap and Jefferson counties.

    The day after work is completed, Wednesday, July 16, travelers can expect several draw span closures to vehicle traffic. Each closure is scheduled to be 30 minutes or less and allows crews to flush the hydraulic system.

    Why is this work needed

    The hydraulic cylinder, also called a ram, is a vertical piece of equipment used to lift and lower the driving surface of the bridge when it opens for boat traffic. During a recent inspection, crews discovered a hydraulic leak in one of the 12 rams on the west side of the bridge. Engineers determined it was caused by saltwater corrosion on the ram. Hydraulic leaks, left unaddressed, will cause the hydraulic lift to fail, risking damage to the bridge.

    Since the discovery of the leak, the bridge has been restricted to 300-foot openings for boat traffic. The bridge is designed to open to 600 feet, which is needed for some commercial and military marine openings, and also during storm season to relieve pressure on the bridge.

    Background

    This is the first ram replacement on the west span since they were installed in 2009 as part of a bridge replacement and retrofit project.

    The 7,867-foot-long Hood Canal Bridge is one of the longest floating bridges in the world, and the only one that spans across saltwater. The bridge requires constant maintenance due to the harsh marine environment.

    Long established maritime laws require the Hood Canal Bridge and other movable bridges like it to open for marine traffic.

    Real time travel information in available on the Hood Canal Bridge webpage, the WSDOT app and the online travel map. Travelers can also sign up to receive email alerts for advanced notice about work on the Hood Canal Bridge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Urges North Carolina Congressional Delegation to Oppose Reconciliation Bill

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Urges North Carolina Congressional Delegation to Oppose Reconciliation Bill

    Governor Stein Urges North Carolina Congressional Delegation to Oppose Reconciliation Bill
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein urged North Carolina’s US House delegation to vote against the Senate budget reconciliation bill. 

    “This legislation is being rushed through at a time when many North Carolinians, who are worried about feeding their families, being able to continue seeing their doctor, or keeping their jobs,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This reconciliation bill would undo decades of bipartisan progress and harm the health, well-being, and economic security of people, families, and communities in our state. I urge you to oppose the bill.”  

    Under the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill, an estimated 520,000 North Carolinians could lose their health insurance due to proposed changes to Medicaid, Marketplace health plans, and if the Marketplace subsidies expire at the end of 2025. The number of uninsured North Carolinians could increase further without action at the federal and state level to protect the more than 670,000 people enrolled in Medicaid expansion.

    SNAP faces equally serious threats. Under the Senate proposal, North Carolina is expected to owe as much as $420 million annually to keep SNAP funded. If the state cannot pay that share, it would be forced to end the program completely – leaving 1.4 million North Carolinians – including 600,000 children – without food assistance. Moreover, this proposal would jeopardize the well-being of both farmers and rural grocery stores, which depend on SNAP for their bottom line.

    North Carolina’s leadership in the clean energy economy means that the Senate proposal would stunt the state’s economic progress. More than 100,000 North Carolinians are currently employed in the clean energy sector, but the loss of clean energy and manufacturing tax credits could cost up to 45,000 jobs. The removal of tax credits for wind and solar energy will make electricity in North Carolina as much as 18 percent more expensive, increasing the average family’s electricity bill by $275 each year.

    Read Governor Stein’s letter here.

    Jul 2, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Did gas prices go up by 65 cents at the pump? No.

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 2, 2025

    SACRAMENTO — Republicans spent the last 6 months fearmongering that gasoline prices would “increase by 65 cents on July 1.” Did that happen?

    The answer: No

    In fact, in California, gasoline prices at the pump (on average) are cheaper than yesterday, cheaper than it was on Monday (June 30), cheaper than a week ago, cheaper than a month ago, and cheaper than a year ago (source: AAA)

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 2, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is delivering on its promises – significant investments in public safety help ensure safety in communities statewide with lower crime rates in 2024. Sacramento, California – As the House of Representatives prepares to vote on…

    Jul 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: After weeks of pressure from Governor Newsom, President Trump finally allowed California’s wildfire crews to return to the frontlines — but nearly 5,000 soldiers, including California National Guard members, remain sidelined in Los Angeles,…

    Jul 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: California has invested billions of dollars to fight fires and treated millions of acres to reduce wildfire risk, while the Trump administration continues to cut resources and neglect its responsibility to manage the 57% of the state’s…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni pays official visit to His Holiness Leo XIV

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, paid an official visit to His Holiness Leo XIV today. President Meloni was received in audience by the Holy Father in the private library of the Apostolic Palace. At the end of the meeting, President Meloni gifted the Pope a 17th century view of the Church of Santi Domenico e Sisto and of the ancient Dominican monastery that is home to the Angelicum, the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, where Leo XIV completed a significant part of his education.

    The Italian delegation also included the Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, and Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano.

    President Meloni went on to meet with the Secretary of State of His Holiness, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher. During the meeting, in the context of the excellent relations between Italy and the Holy See, both international and bilateral matters were addressed.

    President Meloni reaffirmed her appreciation of the Apostolic See’s commitment to peace in Ukraine, in Gaza and in all crisis areas. She also focused on the importance of religious freedom and the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East that have suffered the consequences of the area’s crises and instability.
    Lastly, there was shared acknowledgement of the excellent collaboration with Catholic religious organisations for cooperation in Africa, as part of the Mattei Plan.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Infrastructure Announcement in Whitehorse

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Whitehorse, Yukon, July 2, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Yukon, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Minister John Streicker, on behalf of Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon.  

    Date:
    Thursday, July 3, 2025

    Time:
    10:00 a.m. [YT]

    Location:
    Whitehorse South Fuel Break
    Located south of Whitehorse on Mt Sima Road, 100m north of the ski hill

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Shatters Nationwide Border Records, Once Again Delivering the Most Secure Border in American History 

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Under President Trump, June Preliminary Numbers Show Encounters and Apprehensions at Record Lows

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the lowest nationwide encounters and apprehensions in history—shattering record lows set earlier this year under the Trump Administration.   

    In June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had the lowest number of nationwide encounters in CBP history at 25,243. This is 12% lower than the previous record set by President Trump in February 2025. That is 89% lower than the monthly average for years 2021-2024.  

    • Nationwide U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) apprehensions were at 8,039, breaking the previous record from March 2025. This is a dramatic decrease from last June when there 11,414 apprehensions made in just the first 3 days of the month.
    • Along the Southwest Border, USBP apprehensions dropped to 6,070, a 15% decline from March 2025. Last year, in just the first two days of June, Border Patrol had more than 7,000 Southwest Border apprehensions.
    • Notably, on June 28, Border Patrol recorded only 137 apprehensions across the entire Southwest Border—the lowest single-day total in a quarter of a century.
    • Gotaways fell 90% compared to June 2024. And for the second month in a row, USBP reported zero releases—reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to ending catch-and-release policies.

    “The numbers don’tlie—under President Trump’s leadership, DHS and CBP have shattered records and delivered the most secure border in American history. The world is hearing our message:the border is closed to law breakers,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Under President Trump, our Border Patrol agents are empowered to do their job once again, secure our border and protect the American people.”  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of GOP Budget Vote, Pettersen Highlights CO Families Who Could Lose Health Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) highlighted stories from Coloradans who would be directly impacted by the Republican plan to gut Medicaid. The proposal – which passed the Senate and is expected to be voted on in the House – would strip care from 11.8 million Americans while adding $3.3 trillion to the national deficit. 

    “We’re talking about real people who will be devastated by Republicans’ billionaire-first budget – seniors like Debby, who needs Medicaid for care after having a stroke seven years ago; like Athena, who was able to recover and return to work after getting mental health treatment; and like Margy, who needs 24/7 care for advanced MS,” said Pettersen. “The ramifications of this disastrous bill cannot be understated – hospitals and nursing homes shuttered, kids turned away from the doctor’s office, people with disabilities left to fend for themselves, and emergency rooms completely flooded. I’m not just a no on this legislation, I’m a hell no. Colorado families deserve so much better.”

    Pettersen shared the stories of Coloradans who would be harmed by the GOP proposal:

    Debby from Salida: After having a stroke seven years ago, Debby relies on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because she is unable to work. Thanks to Medicaid, Debby can see the doctor she needs to and never has to worry about how she will put food on the table. Health care is already out of reach for too many people but without Medicaid, seniors like Debby will go bankrupt trying to afford the care they need. 

    Debby from Salida 

    Evan and Margy from Lakewood: Margy has advanced-stage MS and needs 24/7 care. Medicaid has been the only way their family has managed to stay afloat. Without it, they’d be pushed past the brink.

    Evan and Margy from Lakewood

    Athena from Denver: After struggling with her mental health and losing the ability to work, Athena used Medicaid to access critical treatment and rebuild her life. Today, she’s back in the workforce and helping others do the same.

     

    Athena from Denver 

    Sunny from Wheat Ridge: After losing everything in a house fire, Sunny turned to Medicaid and SNAP to support her family. Medicaid ensured her husband could receive epilepsy treatment and her son got care through Colorado’s autism waiver program.

     

    Sunny from Wheat Ridge

    More than 111,000 people in Colorado’s 7th District rely on Medicaid, including over 41,000 children. Nationally, Medicaid covers 40% of all births. Pettersen is pushing back against the GOP plan and calling for stronger support for the families who need it most.

    An updated fact-sheet on the Republican reconciliation bill can be found HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –