Category: housing

MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents June Storms and Flooding

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents in Kansas of the Aug. 26, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storms, torrential rain and flooding occurring June 3-7.

The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Butler, Chase, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harvey, Marion, Sedgwick and Sumner.

Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 26.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Harney County Flooding

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents in Oregon of the Aug. 25, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the Harney County flooding occurring March 12-April 15.

The disaster declaration covers the Oregon counties of Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Lake and Malheur as well as the Nevada counties of Humboldt and Washoe.

Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their disaster readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug 25.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents in Oregon of the Aug. 25, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20.

The disaster declaration covers the Oregon counties of Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane.

Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 25.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Swatting Charges

Source: US FBI

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Evan Strauss, 27, of Moneta, Virginia, pled guilty to conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications, and threats to damage or destroy by means of fire and explosives.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, Strauss helped create and operate an online group known as “Purgatory.” The group used multiple online social-media platforms, including Telegram and Instagram, to coordinate and plan swatting and doxxing activities and to announce and brag about swats that they conducted.

“Swatting” is a term used to describe a criminal incident in which an individual contacts emergency services and falsely reports an emergency, often involving an act of violence that reportedly has or will occur at a particular location to elicit an armed law enforcement response to that location. “Doxxing” is a term used to describe the practice of — searching for and publishing on the Internet — personal, private, or identifying information about an individual with malicious intent, such as providing the information for the purpose of facilitating the swatting of the individual.

From December 10, 2023, through January 18, 2024, Strauss and his co-conspirators, including a co-conspirator who resided in Hagerstown, Maryland, and made calls from Maryland, placed swatting calls to police and other emergency response departments. One or more of the conspirators, acting with the intent to threaten, intimidate, and harass individuals and entities, falsely reported emergencies in the form of violent acts at particular locations to cause armed law enforcement responses.

Strauss and his co-conspirators often used shared scripts to plan and coordinate their conduct. They then called police departments using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services to obscure their phone numbers and identities.

As part of the scheme, Strauss called the Newark Delaware Police Department and falsely claimed that he heard a man firing shots in a school hallway. Moments later, the Maryland co-conspirator called the department again, threatening to shoot a specific Newark High School teacher and kill students. As a result of these calls, which occurred in the middle of the school day, authorities placed the school on lockdown as police officers rushed to respond. Later the same day, Strauss and other conspirators bragged about the incident and posted images from the resulting news coverage onto their group’s social media accounts.

Strauss encouraged a Purgatory conspirator to “shut down” an airport. Following Strauss’ urging, the conspirator used a VOIP number to call the Albany Police Department in Albany, New York, stating he was going to the Albany International Airport to “shoot everybody up” and that his “friend” was going to set off bombs in the airport. Police units then rushed to respond to these threats.

Additionally, as part of this scheme, the Maryland co-conspirator called the Houston County Sheriff’s Office in Dothan, Alabama, and threatened to burn down part of a residential trailer park and kill any law enforcement officers who arrived to respond to the threat.

Strauss faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of threatening to damage or destroy by fire or explosive and a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy, cyberstalking, and interstate threats. Co-conspirators Brayden Grace, 19, of Columbus, Ohio, and Owen Jarboe, 19, of Hagerstown, Maryland, pled guilty earlier this year and are awaiting sentencing.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, at 10 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Columbus; Ohio Police Department; Newark, Delaware Police Department; Lenoir City, Tennessee Police Department; Albany, New York Police Department; Albany County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Fairburn City, Georgia Police Department; Bethel Park, Pennsylvania Police Department; Giles County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Blue Springs, Missouri Police Department; Tarboro, North Carolina Police Department; Boston, Massachusetts Police Department; Dodge County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; Houston County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; and the FBI’s Mobile, Richmond, Boston, Charlotte, and Cincinnati Field Offices for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert I. Goldaris and Patricia C. McLane who are prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Omar Introduce Legislation to Repeal Corporate Welfare for Fossil Fuels in Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ End Giveaways That Destroy the Planet

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
BURLINGTON, Vt., July 25 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) reintroduced the End Polluter Welfare Act, legislation to eliminate President Trump’s enormous new handouts to the fossil fuel industry contained in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” along with existing polluter welfare for the fossil fuel industry. First introduced by Sanders in 2012, the bill eliminates more than $190 billion in tax loopholes and federal subsidies for the fossil fuel industry over the next 10 years. That total includes approximately $20 billion in new subsidies for coal, oil drilling, methane emissions, pipelines and other false climate solutions. The bill would also prevent the Trump administration from handing out hundreds of millions of acres of public lands and waters for drilling.
In addition to Sanders and Omar, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with 20 members of the House of Representatives, have cosponsored the bill. More than 170 organizations have endorsed the legislation.
“Donald Trump has sold out the young people of America and future generations,” Sanders said. “Big Oil spent $450 million to elected Donald Trump and Republicans during the last election cycle. In return, the president has directed the full regulatory, legal and financial weight of the federal government toward helping his fossil fuel executive friends get rich at the expense of a healthy and habitable planet for our kids and grandkids. The fossil fuel industry, with the support of Trump, is more concerned about their short-term profits than the wellbeing of the planet. No more polluter welfare for an industry that is making billions every year destroying the planet.”
“We are done letting fossil fuel executives write the rules while our communities pay the price,” Omar said. “For decades, Big Oil has raked in billions in taxpayer handouts while destabilizing our climate. The End Polluter Welfare Act will finally hold polluters accountable and eliminate these harmful subsidies once and for all. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Sanders because our planet can’t wait, and neither can we.”
Just four private fossil fuel corporations — ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron and Shell — have accounted for about 10% of global fossil fuel emissions since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Over the past three decades, these four companies have made more than $2 trillion in profit off the backs of people all around the world have borne the brunt of climate disasters. Last year alone, these companies made $84 billion in profit, and their CEOs made more than $95 million.
As if these obscene profits weren’t enough, the Republican reconciliation bill passed earlier this month by a single vote in the Senate includes enormous new subsidies to the fossil fuel industry:
More than $1.48 billion in tax cuts for metallurgical coal;
More than $14 billion in tax cuts for carbon capture and enhanced oil recovery;
Up to $3 billion in tax cuts for owners of power plants and pipelines that transport carbon and dirty hydrogen;
Up to $447 million in tax cuts that help oil and gas drillers avoid the 15 percent corporate minimum tax;
$1.5 billion in tax cuts for fossil fuel producers who emit methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide;
A “pay-to-play” scheme that will allow polluters to buy environmental reviews; and
Opening up hundreds of millions of acres of our public lands and waters for drilling.
Instead of handing out new taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil, Congress must take on the greed of the tremendously profitable fossil fuel industry by passing the End Polluter Welfare Act, which would:
Eliminate all giveaways, tax preferences and loopholes to the fossil fuel industry;
Prohibit taxpayer-funded fossil fuel research and development;
Update below-market royalty rates for oil and gas production on federal lands;
Recoup royalties from offshore drilling in public waters;
Ensure competitive bidding and leasing practices for coal developments on federal lands; and
End support for international oil, gas and coal projects to help the international community move away from dirty fossil fuels to clean sources of power.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently asked: “If an energy source needs subsidies to stay afloat, how truly reliable, or affordable is it?” The secretary is right: The American people can no longer afford to rely on the most subsidized form of energy in American history. Failure to address the climate crisis by taking on the fossil fuel industry puts the planet and future generations at risk.
Read the bill text here.
Read a summary here.
Read the section-by-section here.
Read a letter of support from endorsing organizations here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 26, 2025
6 MoUs signed, ₹4,850 crore credit announced in PM Modi and President Muizzu bilateral talks

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office in Male on Friday, marking a diplomatic milestone during his visit to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Reflecting on the partnership, the two leaders reviewed progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ that was adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to deepening engagement with Maldives in line with the “Neighbourhood First” and “Vision MAHASAGAR” doctrines.

President Muizzu, in turn, acknowledged India’s consistent support as the “first responder” in times of crisis, and both leaders discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation across infrastructure development, capacity building, health, climate action, and disaster preparedness. They also reviewed maritime security collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave framework.

On the economic front, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of concluding a proposed Free Trade Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to unlock new trade and investment opportunities. He also welcomed recent steps toward digital integration, including agreements for the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay card acceptance, and local currency trade mechanisms, with a view to boosting tourism and digital commerce.

Six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged across key areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, pharmacopoeia, and a concessional Line of Credit. A new Line of Credit, amounting to approximately ₹4,850 crore (about USD 550 million), was announced for infrastructure and other developmental activities in Maldives. An amended agreement on existing lines of credit was also signed, bringing down Maldives’s annual debt repayment by 40%, from USD 51 million to USD 29 million.

The leaders jointly inaugurated a roads and drainage project in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects across various cities. Modi also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles intended for the Maldives National Defence Force and immigration authorities.

In a gesture of medical diplomacy, India gifted two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes (BHISHM) to the Maldives. These mobile health units, equipped with modern medical devices, can support 200 casualties and sustain six personnel for up to 72 hours.

Further underlining shared environmental goals, Modi and Muizzu planted mango saplings, symbolising India’s “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” campaign and the Maldives’ “Pledge of 5 Million Trees” initiative.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Muizzu for his condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and for expressing solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism.

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts a Texas Man of Sexually Assaulting a Female Passenger Onboard a Commercial Airline Flight

Source: US FBI

Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict today against a Texas man after he grabbed and groped a female passenger multiple times without her consent while onboard a late-night flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City.

Robert Sutherland MacLean, aka “Bobby,” 59, of Frisco, Texas, was charged by indictment on April 18, 2023, with abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft of the United States.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2022, while in flight, MacLean made calculated and sexually laced statements to a stranger seated next to him while he sexually assaulted her multiple times in the first-class cabin.

“Mr. MacLean unlawfully and illegally imposed his will upon another person— sexually assaulting her over and over again on that late night flight,” said prosecuting attorney Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, during the trial.

MacLean’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Dale A. Kimball at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and assisted by the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Kennedy and Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Laredo, Texas, Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Smuggling Over 100 Illegal Aliens in Locked Trailer

Source: US FBI

LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old resident of Laredo has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Juan Manuel Aguirre pleaded guilty Feb. 6.

U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Aguirre to serve 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered Aguirre’s history of smuggling aliens on multiple occasions and the danger he posed by transporting them in a sealed, locked, dark and unventilated trailer that required authorities to open with a bolt cutter.

“Human smuggling is an incredibly dangerous enterprise, and it requires the trafficker to care absolutely nothing about the lives and safety of those they transport,” said Ganjei. “Fortunately, there were no deaths in this case, but the underlying facts indicate that several of those transported had difficulty breathing and feared for their life. The Southern District of Texas will make sure that all human smugglers pay a serious price for their callousness.”

On Dec. 2, 2024, law enforcement observed several individuals being loading into a white trailer in a warehouse parking lot. Aguirre was the driver of the truck hauling it. After he departed the location, authorities conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the discovery of 101 aliens locked inside the trailer, 13 of whom were children as young as 13 years old.

Multiple illegal aliens reported they had difficulty breathing and feared for their life due to the conditions in the trailer. They were from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Honduras.

Aguirre will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Laredo, Texas, Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Smuggling Over 100 Illegal Aliens in Locked Trailer

Source: US FBI

LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old resident of Laredo has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Juan Manuel Aguirre pleaded guilty Feb. 6.

U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Aguirre to serve 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered Aguirre’s history of smuggling aliens on multiple occasions and the danger he posed by transporting them in a sealed, locked, dark and unventilated trailer that required authorities to open with a bolt cutter.

“Human smuggling is an incredibly dangerous enterprise, and it requires the trafficker to care absolutely nothing about the lives and safety of those they transport,” said Ganjei. “Fortunately, there were no deaths in this case, but the underlying facts indicate that several of those transported had difficulty breathing and feared for their life. The Southern District of Texas will make sure that all human smugglers pay a serious price for their callousness.”

On Dec. 2, 2024, law enforcement observed several individuals being loading into a white trailer in a warehouse parking lot. Aguirre was the driver of the truck hauling it. After he departed the location, authorities conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the discovery of 101 aliens locked inside the trailer, 13 of whom were children as young as 13 years old.

Multiple illegal aliens reported they had difficulty breathing and feared for their life due to the conditions in the trailer. They were from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and Honduras.

Aguirre will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Mafia and Tango Laredo Gang Members Sentenced to Decades for Prison Assault

Source: US FBI

LAREDO, Texas – Four gang members have been sentenced for their roles in an assault at the Rio Grande Detention Center, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Mexican national Jose Regalado-Solis, 47; and Ruben Salazar, 52, Javier Contreras, 48, and Jesus Guadalupe Ortega, 31, all of Laredo, pleaded guilty Aug. 24, 2024, to conspiracy to commit assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Regalado-Solis also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.

Senior U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Regalado-Solis to serve a total of 144 months in federal prison. Salazar and Contreras each received a 60-month sentence, while Ortega was sentenced to 72 months. At the hearing, the court considered written victim statements as well as in-court testimony from one of the victims. All detailed the extensive injuries and ongoing medical issues resulting from the assault. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ellison noted that he had been on the bench for 26 years called it the “most serious case of prison gang violence I have seen.” He also added that the case justified a maximum sentence, noting the serious nature of the injuries, the unprovoked assault and the gang motivation on the part of the defendants that fueled it.

“Ensuring that criminals refrain from violent conduct while in custody is just as important as ensuring they refrain from violence outside prison walls,” said Ganjei. “Hopefully the defendants in this case are enjoying their time behind bars, because they just earned themselves many more years in the federal pen.”

On Aug. 18, 2023, authorities were processing nine new inmates at the facility.

Ortega approached the newly arrived inmates and asked their gang affiliation. Upon hearing their responses, he ordered them to line up along the back wall of the housing unit. Other inmates then ran back to their bunks and began putting on their shoes. Regalado-Solis obtained a “shank” from his bunk and walked back towards the new inmates. Salazar lined up behind Regalado-Solis, while Javier Contreras stood in a nearby row of bunk beds.

As the lights went off in the unit, Regalado-Solis and others to assault eight of the new inmates who indicated alternative gang affiliations. He kicked, stomped and made stabbing gestures. While Salazar did not join the initial assault, he was later seen striking and kicking the new inmates on the ground. Contreras immediately rushed into the assault and was observed striking and kicking several as well.

Authorities were able to quickly disperse the assault, but not before the eight victims sustained significant injuries, including puncture wounds. Two required emergency transportation to Laredo Medical Center.

One new inmate who did not claim gang membership was unharmed.

All have been and will remain in custody.

The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation with the cooperation of The Geo Group. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Homero Ramirez and Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Nominee for Head of Naval Operations Says He’s “Fully Committed” to Right to Repair, Testifies Contractor Restrictions are “Dangerous” and Hurt Military “Self-Sufficiency”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
July 25, 2025
Admiral Caudle on right to repair: “It is so ridiculous that sailors cannot actually enter a piece of equipment because of a contractual reason, a warranty violation…It is not sustainable, it’s dangerous.”
Admiral Caudle: “There should be nothing on board a ship that a sailor cannot repair…That’s how we make sure we are ready to fight.”
Video of Exchange (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) asked Admiral Daryl L. Caudle, nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, about the importance of the military’s right to repair its own equipment. Senator Warren also raised concerns about the removal of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who was removed without explanation, which led to the nomination of Admiral Caudle to the post.
Admiral Caudle explained that contractor repair restrictions, even in peacetime, are “not sustainable” and “dangerous” because service members do not get the opportunity to familiarize themselves with equipment or learn how it works.
“It is so ridiculous that sailors cannot actually enter a piece of equipment because of a contractual reason, a warranty violation. It goes right to the heart of what we call self-sufficiency,” said Admiral Caudle.
Asked by Senator Warren about the impact of the Navy not having the right to repair its equipment, Admiral Caudle said, “It is dangerous even where we operate now, even in peace…we’re actually acting as a deterrent [to conflict]…So, when a piece of equipment is down and our readiness is not 100 percent and it’s because I can’t repair it, then that’s unacceptable in my mind.”
Admiral Caudle also expressed support for legislation to guarantee the right to repair for all of the services, saying “the idea of what you’re describing I’m fully committed to, Senator.”
“In peace time, [repair restrictions are] expensive and inconvenient. In the middle of a conflict, that actually puts our security at risk…[Right to repair] makes us more resilient, enhances competition, grows the industrial base, helps with the training of our people,” said Senator Warren.
During a hearing of the Armed Services Committee last month, Navy Secretary John Phelan shared his experiences with repair restrictions, saying sailors on the Gerald R. Ford carrier were not allowed to fix ovens or elevators themselves because defense contractors limited repair information.
This month, Senator Warren introduced the bipartisan Warrior Right to Repair Act with Senator Tim Sheehy to guarantee all branches of the military the right to repair their equipment and require contractors to provide any information needed to repair the equipment. Both the House and Senate versions of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act advance the military’s right to repair.
Senator Warren also shared her concerns with the removal of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, which led to the vacancy Admiral Caudle was nominated to fill. Admiral Franchetti was removed by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without explanation.
“[W]e need the best and brightest in this country to serve in the military, and we aren’t going to be able to compete with China or anyone else if women know that their talents and hard work are going to be tossed aside,” said Senator Warren. “Everyone in this room needs to take a hard look at what is happening at the Pentagon right now. Firing good people who do their jobs does not make us safer.”
Transcript: Hearing to consider the nomination of Admiral Daryl L. Caudle, USN for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval OperationsSenate Armed Services CommitteeJuly 24, 2025
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations, Admiral Caudle, on your nomination.
So, for years, defense contractors have slipped fine print into contracts that limit the Department of Defense’s ability to fix its own ships and fighter jets, MRI machines, radar systems. Last month, Secretary Phelan told this committee he saw firsthand that sailors on the Gerald R. Ford carrier couldn’t fix ovens or elevators themselves because they had to wait for contractors to come and do it.
Now, the Government Accountability Office estimated that repair restrictions are costing the Navy billions of dollars – and also costing the Navy opportunities to train sailors to repair their own equipment in the field. In peace time, this is expensive and inconvenient. In the middle of a conflict, that actually puts our security at risk.
So, Admiral Caudle, you have commanded sailors in the Pacific. If their equipment breaks in a warzone, is it a problem if contractors are not able or not willing to come to the front lines to be able to fix it?
Admiral Daryl L. Caudle, nominee for Chief of Naval Operations: Senator Warren, let me say thank you for championing this right to repair initiative. It is so vital. It is so ridiculous that sailors cannot actually enter a piece of equipment because of a contractual reason, a warranty violation. It goes right to the heart of what we call self-sufficiency. So, I don’t like it in peacetime, and I certainly do not want it in war time. It is not sustainable, it’s dangerous. So, I’m 100% committed to understanding and more fully — I guess the language of the right to repair piece, but the idea of what you’re describing I’m fully committed to, Senator.
Senator Warren: That’s right. And you know, I really do want to hit the point as well: that if sailors aren’t getting a chance to repair this equipment in peace time, you can’t just say, “Okay, if war comes, you go ahead and repair it now, because they don’t get the opportunities to learn it and know how all the pieces work. Is that a fair statement?
Admiral Caudle: Senator, it’s 100 percent fair. It ties to how we build our schoolhouses. So the curriculum will change when I have the right to repair equipment that I’m not currently repairing. So it has these second and third order effects as well.
Senator Warren: Well, I really appreciate your enthusiasm for making a change in this area. The Army has said that it will require contractors to provide the technical data and diagnostic tools necessary for the Army to be able to maintain weapon systems itself. It makes us more resilient, enhances competition, grows the industrial base, helps with the training of our people.
I worked with Senator Sheehy and the members of this committee to secure a provision in the NDAA that you just referred to that will provide a right to repair for all of the services, and the House bill now includes similar language. Why are we still talking about this? Well, because the lobbyists for the defense industry are now pushing back. They like being able to get restrictions on your ability to repair because it means that they can not only charge you the initial price to sell you the piece of equipment, but they also can charge pretty much whatever they want if they have a monopoly on this to charge you for all the repairs and maintenance down the line.
So, Admiral Caudle, as a Commander, what difference will it make to the war fighter for the Navy to have broad authority to secure the rights necessary to keep our fighter jets flying and our ships sailing wherever we need to keep Americans safe?
Admiral Caudle: Well, Senator, it’s vital. There should be nothing on board a ship that a sailor cannot repair. That’s to say that simply. That’s how we make sure we are ready to fight. Things break all the time on our ships to keep them going sustained. That’s why this is not just a wartime — we need this equipment — it is dangerous even where we operate now, even in peace. They are not there just sailing
around, we’re actually acting as a deterrent. We’re a vital part of that at the ready. So, when a piece of equipment is down and our readiness is not 100 percent and it’s because I can’t repair it, then that’s unacceptable in my mind.
Senator Warren: Well, I very much appreciate that. Thank you and appreciate your statements here and look forward to working with you on this.
I also want to say, I appreciate the qualifications you bring to this role, but we have to acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your nomination. Admiral Franchetti, the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations was removed by the President without any explanation. That’s not on you. But we need the best and brightest in this country to serve in the military, and we aren’t going to be able to compete with China or anyone else if women know that their talents and hard work are going to be tossed aside.
Everyone in this room needs to take a hard look at what is happening at the Pentagon right now. Firing good people who do their jobs does not make us safer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Essay: “Remembering the Past, Creating the Future” — a photo exhibition in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War as a reflection of the history of friendship between China and Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, July 25 (Xinhua) — A photo exhibition titled “Remembering the Past, Creating the Future” in honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow on Thursday. Sixty-one unique photographs from the archives of the Xinhua News Agency were on display, depicting key events of the war years and the heroic feat of the Chinese people in the war, and also reflecting the contribution of China and the Soviet Union to the victory over fascism and militarism. In addition, visitors were able to see modern photographs telling about the development of Russian-Chinese military and cultural-humanitarian cooperation in recent years.

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui, who visited the photo exhibition, said that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union, as the main theaters of military operations in Asia and Europe in World War II, played a key role in the fight against Japanese militarism and German Nazism and in achieving Victory. “The countries made a great historical contribution. The Chinese and Russian people fought side by side, at the cost of their lives and blood, accomplished a great feat that went down in history, defending human dignity and restoring peace throughout the world,” he noted.

The diplomat stressed that as the main victorious countries in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will firmly uphold the victory in World War II, maintain the post-war international order, resist any attempts to interfere in history, safeguard international justice and fairness, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and work tirelessly to create a better future for mankind.

The guest of honor at the photo exhibition was State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva. She looked at the archival photographs with interest. Her attention was drawn to a black-and-white photo from 1945, which captured the touching moment of farewell of the residents of the city of Luida /now the city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast China/ to Soviet soldiers and officers returning home after the victory.

A. Tsivileva also stopped at a bright color photograph taken 10 years ago on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. It shows the long-awaited meeting of Chinese and Russian veterans. The already very elderly men, dressed in military uniforms, hug each other tightly. There are tears in their eyes. “Such warm photographs, and a very emotional message of sincere joy from the meeting. Thank you for such a wonderful exhibition,” A. Tsivileva said after viewing the exposition.

Andrey Vinogradov, head of the Center for the Study of Modern China at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, called the exhibition very timely in an interview with Xinhua. As a researcher of 20th-century Chinese history, he was interested in looking at the photographs — historical evidence of World War II and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

“China took part in the war longer than any other coalition country, since 1931. For 14 years, China courageously resisted and thus tied down Japanese forces and contributed to the coalition’s victory, which took place in other theaters, in particular, in the Pacific theater, in Southeast Asia. China contributed to the overall victory throughout this time,” he emphasized.

Professor of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation with Countries of Asia and Oceania of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vadim Saltykovskiy believes that today’s unprecedented level of relations between Russia and China is based on the historical experience of interaction that the peoples of the two countries had during the joint fight against fascism. “The basis is still in those 30-40s, when our peoples, our countries really created the basis of our relations,” he noted, adding that preserving historical memory plays an important role in strengthening relations between China and Russia and confronting external challenges.

Roskino employee Ivan Buzko admitted to a Xinhua correspondent that the exhibition is very emotionally charged. “Looking at these photographs, you can feel how hard it was for the Chinese people in those years, you can feel the pain, the trials that they had to overcome. At the same time, the heroism of the Chinese people is reflected here. It also shows how, through the joint efforts of China, the Soviet Union, the allies and all the movements that fought fascism, they managed to defeat the common enemy. The exhibition is breathtaking,” he shared his feelings. According to him, this exhibition is an important element in the formation of intercultural ties between Russia and China through the prism of those great historical events.

The exhibition was prepared by the Xinhua Asia-Europe Bureau, the Xinhua Hubei Bureau, and China Image Group. The co-organizer was Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. The event was held with the support of the Chinese Embassy in the Russian Federation. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Volleyball Coach Sentenced to 33 Years for Using His Position to Sexually Abuse More Than a Dozen Victims

Source: US FBI

MINNEAPOLIS – Dorian Christopher Barrs, 33, was sentenced yesterday to 400 months in prison for production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

“Barrs didn’t just break the law—he shattered the trust placed in him by parents, schools, and the girls he coached and was supposed protect,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “This was a deliberated and calculated abuse of power. And it is part of a broader crisis we are facing in Minnesota. Coaches, state troopers, daycare workers, federal agents, and state senators—case after case of people who hold positions of trust and authority preying on children. It is the ultimate betrayal of power and it demands the full force of federal prosecution. To be clear, while I am tired of seeing these cases, this office will not slow down. If you hold a position of trust or authority and harm a child: we will find you, we will expose you, and you will see federal justice.”

According to court documents, for nearly a decade, Barrs used his position as a volleyball coach to prey on and sexually abuse his players and other victims, as young as 14-years-old.

Barrs coached volleyball for Maple Grove High School and club volleyball programs and also coached players in private lessons. Barrs used social media to groom, sexually exploit, and abuse young, impressionable, and vulnerable girls for his sexual gratification. Often, Barrs used another minor’s identity to “catfish” his unsuspecting victims, wearing them down or removing their defenses. Barrs sent hundreds of messages to his victims, frequently steering conversations to sexualized topics in a short amount of time. Barrs was a master manipulator. His scheme was simple and horrible. He built relationships with his minor victims with one goal in mind: his sexual gratification. His gratification came in both the production and receipt of sexually explicit images and videos, as well as sexual acts with at least five of the minor victims. Unfortunately, as he took advantage of his position as a volleyball coach—and ultimately these girls—Barrs’s scheme was frighteningly successful. To date, the government has identified at least 19 minor victims who Barrs victimized in his scheme, 14 of whom were being coached by Barrs.

U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel sentenced the defendant to 400 months—33 years—of imprisonment followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In handing down her sentenced, Judge Brasel said, “This case represents every parent’s nightmare.” She noted that “The defendant abused a position of trust for both the victims and their families.” Judge Brasel explained, “Sometimes sports are the only lifeline for a child with a bad situation at home, which is ironic because the defendant knows how important sports were in his own life, so it’s even more unfathomable what he did in this case.”

“The 33-year prison sentence in this case serves as a stern warning to those who prey upon and sexually exploit children for their own gratification,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Dorian Barrs, a youth volleyball coach, egregiously abused his position of trust for over a decade, coercing vulnerable young girls into sexual activities. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children within our communities. We take great pride in our collaborative efforts with local authorities throughout this investigation.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victims in this case. In 2024, one victim told her parents what was happening and then contacted law enforcement. This was the first step in unraveling Barrs’s crimes. More victims then came forward, which allowed law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to piece together the scope of this horrifying scheme and bring Barrs to justice. To the survivors: your courage in coming forward is the reason this predator was held accountable. And your strength protected other girls from ever experiencing Barrs’s abuse.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Carver County’s Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Northern Cape a province making strides

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Northern Cape a province “on the move”. following a Presidential engagement between national and provincial leaders in Kimberley on Friday.

The President spoke to the media following the engagement which was held at the province’s Sol Plaatje University.

The President was accompanied by various Minster, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials.

“We were very impressed with the presentation that they gave us and the vision that they have for the Northern Cape, [and] various projects, which they are hoping would turn around the economy of the province — from Boetgooebaa,i which is the port, water projects, roads and a whole number of projects.

“This is the province that’s on the move. And… as you know, when it comes to renewable energy, it is the one province that has attracted more investment,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the province is seen as a future leader of industrialisation and manufacturing.

“We’re looking at setting up an SEZ and making sure that manufacturing does come here which will be underpinned by the natural resources that the province has.

“The [irradiation] in this province are second to none in the world and that is why we’ve been able to attract so many investments to come to this province,” he said.

In a statement, the Presidency explained the key issues discussed at the engagement with the Northern Cape’s executive.

“The meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

“These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure masterplan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

“The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” the statement read.

The engagement with the Northern Cape’s provincial government is the sixth such following meetings with executive councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

According to the Presidency, the sessions have resulted in “strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution”.

“As President Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

“The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordinate more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.

“The meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former East Bay Financial Advisor Charged with Allegedly Operating Long-Running $9.5 Million Ponzi Scheme

Source: US FBI

OAKLAND – A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme.

According to the indictment filed on July 17, 2025, and unsealed today, between 1998 and September 2024, Lickiss, 77, was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States. Lickiss was a registered broker until 2014, when the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority suspended his broker’s license. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024.

The indictment alleges that as part of his scheme, Lickiss falsely represented to investors that he would invest their funds in government bonds and other bonds. To induce his victims to invest their money with him, Lickiss claimed he had exclusive access to fictitious bonds that paid very high rates of returns, including rates in excess of 20 percent. Lickiss described the fictitious bonds as safe, secure, and tax-free, and falsely claimed, among other things, that they could be redeemed at any time.

In order to convince investors that he had invested their funds as promised, Lickiss allegedly gave fraudulent promissory notes that included the terms of the fake bond investments and purported to track investors’ total investment in the fake bonds. Lickiss also occasionally made lulling payments to victim investors, falsely describing the payments as interest that had accrued on the nonexistent bonds, when, in fact, the payments were made with funds Lickiss fraudulently obtained from subsequent victim investors. In addition to making the foregoing misrepresentations, Lickiss allegedly failed to disclose to victim investors that he had been suspended in 2014 from association with any broker-dealer and that he subsequently lost his broker’s license in 2016.

Instead of investing the funds as promised, Lickiss allegedly used victim investors’ funds to pay earlier investors, in the manner of a Ponzi scheme, and for his personal use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and car, mortgage, and personal credit card payments. In all, Lickiss allegedly obtained at least $9.5 million from no fewer than 50 victim investors.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

Lickiss is scheduled to make his initial appearance on July 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins in Courtroom F in San Francisco.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Arash Rezaei and Benjamin J. Wolinsky are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Lickiss Indictment

MIL Security OSI –

July 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results, Declares Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

Net income of $194 million
Affordable Housing Program (AHP) assessments of $21 million
Voluntary community and housing contributions of $43 million
Advances totaled $114.8 billion
Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net totaled $13.2 billion
Letters of credit totaled $17.7 billion
Retained earnings totaled $3.6 billion

Dividend

The Board of Directors approved a second quarter 2025 dividend to be paid at an annualized rate of 9.75% on average activity-based stock and 6.00% on average membership stock, unchanged from the prior quarter. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (the Bank) expects to make dividend payments totaling $145 million on August 12, 2025.

Liquidity Mission

The Bank provides liquidity to its members to support the housing, business, and economic development needs of their communities. Members pledge mortgage loans and other collateral to access the Bank’s core liquidity products of advances, letters of credit, and purchased mortgage loans under the Mortgage Partnership Finance^® Program. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, advance balances averaged $104.0 billion, letters of credit averaged $19.2 billion, purchased mortgage loan balances averaged $12.4 billion, and the Bank held an average of $27.7 billion of short-term assets as a ready source of liquidity for its members.

Affordable Housing and Community Impact

The Bank’s housing and community development programs are central to its mission. The Bank contributes 10% of its net income each year to its AHP, a grant program that supports the creation, preservation, or purchase of affordable housing. This program includes a competitive AHP and two down payment assistance products called Home$tart and the Native American Homeownership Initiative. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank accrued statutory AHP assessments of $21 million and $44 million and voluntarily accrued $5 million and $6 million, to be awarded in 2026 through this program.
In addition to its AHP, the Bank offers its members voluntary programs to further its housing mission. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank recorded a total of $43 million and $55 million in voluntary community and housing contributions, including the voluntary AHP contribution. Through its voluntary programs in 2025, the Bank:

provided $20 million in 0% rate advances to members that originated or purchased mortgage loans from a Habitat for Humanity^® affiliate and recorded $4 million in subsidy expense;
funded $232 million of home mortgages with an interest rate lower than the current market rate under the Mortgage Rate Relief program, which provided $19 million in grants, including $18 million during the second quarter, to those seeking affordable homeownership; and
recorded contributions of $26 million, including $20 million during the second quarter, to its Member Impact Fund to match member donations to local housing and community development organizations.

Financial Results Discussion

Net Income – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank recorded net income of $194 million and $399 million compared to $230 million and $504 million for the same periods in 2024.

Net Interest Income – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank recorded net interest income of $289 million and $537 million, a decrease of $30 million and $131 million when compared to the same periods in 2024. The decrease was due to the yield on interest-earning assets declining at a quicker pace than the cost of interest-bearing liabilities driven primarily by changes in interest rates, which also reduced earnings on invested capital, and a decline in longer-term advances. The decline in net interest income was offset in part by mortgage loan and mortgage-backed security portfolio growth, as well as the call of higher-costing consolidated obligation bonds. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2025, the decline was offset by an increase in market value adjustments on the Bank’s fair value hedge relationships.

Net Interest Spread and Margin – Net interest spread was 0.38 percent and 0.35 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of 0.07 percent and 0.10 percent when compared to the same periods in 2024. Net interest margin was 0.64 percent and 0.61 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of 0.11 percent and 0.13 percent when compared to the same periods in 2024. The declines in net interest spread and margin were driven by the decrease in net interest income discussed above. The Bank’s cost of funds does not include net interest settlements on economic hedges, which are recorded in other income (loss). As a result, net interest spread and margin do not reflect the full impact of the Bank’s funding and hedging strategies and may experience volatility as interest rates change.

Other Income (Loss) – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank recorded other income of $16 million and $57 million, an increase of $25 million and $62 million when compared to the same periods in 2024, primarily due to the net changes in fair value on the Bank’s trading securities, fair value option instruments, and economic derivatives.

Other Expense – For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Bank recorded other expense of $90 million and $151 million, an increase of $35 million and $46 million when compared to the same periods in 2024, primarily driven by an increase in voluntary community and housing contributions.

Assets – The Bank’s total assets increased to $190.0 billion at June 30, 2025, from $165.3 billion at December 31, 2024, driven primarily by an increase in advances and investments. Advances increased $14.9 billion due mainly to an increase in borrowings by large depository institution members and insurance companies. Investments increased $9.3 billion due in part to an increase in short-term investments, mainly federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell, as well as the purchase of agency mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury obligations.

Capital – Total capital increased to $10.2 billion at June 30, 2025, from $9.5 billion at December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase in activity-based capital stock resulting from an increase in advance balances.


Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Financial Highlights (preliminary and unaudited) *Dollars in millions*
Selected Balance Sheet Items	June 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Advances	$	114,845		$	99,951
Investments		61,353			52,032
Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net		13,197			11,896
Total assets		190,022			165,253
Consolidated obligations		176,770			153,251
Capital stock – Class B putable		6,660			5,989
Retained earnings		3,617			3,491
Total capital		10,225			9,451
Total regulatory capital¹		10,311			9,489
Regulatory capital ratio		5.43	%		5.74	%

¹ Total regulatory capital includes capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock, and retained earnings. The regulatory capital ratio is calculated as regulatory capital as a percentage of period end assets.

	For the Three Months Ended						For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
Operating Results		2025			2024			2025			2024
Net interest income	$	289		$	319		$	537		$	668
Provision (reversal) for credit losses on mortgage loans		—			(1	)		—			(2	)
Other income (loss)		16			(9	)		57			(5	)
Other expense		90			55			151			105
Affordable Housing Program assessments		21			26			44			56
Net income	$	194		$	230		$	399		$	504
Performance Ratios
Net interest spread		0.38	%		0.45	%		0.35	%		0.45	%
Net interest margin		0.64			0.75			0.61			0.74
Return on average equity (annualized)		7.86			9.57			8.20			10.47
Return on average assets (annualized)		0.42			0.53			0.45			0.55

The financial results reported in this earnings release for the second quarter of 2025 are preliminary until the Bank announces unaudited financial results in its Second Quarter 2025 Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, expected to be available next month at www.fhlbdm.com and www.sec.gov.

The Bank is a member-owned cooperative whose mission is to be a reliable provider of funding, liquidity, and services for its members so that they can meet the housing, business, and economic development needs of the communities they serve. The Bank is wholly owned by nearly 1,250 members, including commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The Bank serves Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Bank is one of 11 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

Statements contained in this announcement, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions in the Bank’s operations, may be forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as believes, projects, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, could, should, may, and will or their negatives or other variations on these terms. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. A detailed discussion of the more important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ from such forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date they are made, and the Bank undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact: Amber Pringnitz

515.412.2306

apringnitz@fhlbdm.com

The MIL Network –

July 26, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: July 25th, 2025 Heinrich Announces Committee Passage of Over $69 Million for New Mexico
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

Investments Heinrich championed support homeownership & homebuilding, rental & homelessness assistance, Tribal health & education, Southwest Border Regional Commission, & more

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Interior, Environment and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bills. With Committee approval of these bills, Heinrich secured support for over $65 million for New Mexico, including $52 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for 39 local projects between these bills and their House-companions.

“While these Appropriations bills aren’t perfect, they include resources and investments I negotiated for New Mexico that will fund Tribal health care and education, help Tribal law enforcement officers solve and reduce violent crime, and continue funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts for the 2026-2027 school year,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This legislation will help over 11,000 families in New Mexico afford rent, build new housing, and invest in border communities through the Southwest Border Regional Commission. Additionally, the bill protects the Amtrak Southwest Chief train service in New Mexico, restores waterfowl habitat, and builds on my work to clean up abandoned hardrock mines. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will always fight for investments that put New Mexico first.”

Additionally, Heinrich offered an amendment to require the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to hire and maintain a minimum number of Full Time Employees in order to manage wildfire preparedness, suppression, and other mission-critical support, in the FY26 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Heinrich’s amendment would have also required the National Park Service to hire and maintain a minimum number of Full Time Employees for the operation of national park units, including administrative services. Despite Heinrich’s attempt to include the amendment in the Appropriations bill, the amendment was rejected by Republicans on the Committee.

Heinrich is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

Next, the two bills passed out of the Appropriations Committee will be considered by the full United States Senate.

Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Key Points and Highlights

Congressionally Directed Spending

Heinrich successfully included $7.1 million in investments for the following ten local projects in the bill:
- $1,075,000 for the City of Truth or Consequences to replace aged and damaged waterlines.
- $1,000,000 for Zuni Pueblo to make improvements to their drinking water system.
- $1,000,000 for Pueblo of Tesuque to remove Siberian elm trees to restore the Rio Tesuque bosque to its natural vegetation.
- $1,000,000 for the Village of Questa to construct a well house to prevent contamination of their municipal well.
- $1,000,000 for Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority to conduct wastewater system improvements in Carnuel.
- $700,000 for the Mescalero Apache Tribe to restore coniferous forest and promote aspen stand growth along the Rio Ruidoso to prepare for the reintroduction of beavers, a culturally significant species.
- $525,000 for Taos Pueblo to purchase wildfire preparedness equipment.
- $500,000 for Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council for a Caja del Rio Ethnographic Study.
- $150,000 for the Desert Tortoise Council to work on Bolson tortoise recovery efforts.
- $150,000 for the Bureau of Land Management to work with existing partners to replace barbed-wire fences with wildlife-friendly fences on the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $3.39 million for the following three projects:
- $2,090,000 for the City of Rio Rancho to expand their aquifer reinjection system.
- $800,000 for the Enchanted Forest Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association to develop a new water source pump house and appurtenances and to replace distribution lines.
- $500,000 for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs to make water system improvements at the Fort Selden Historic Site.
Heinrich also successfully worked with his colleagues in the N.M. Delegation to include $2.18 million for the following two projects in the House-companion bill:
- $1,092,000 for the Town of Bernalillo will rehabilitate their current wastewater facilities.
- $1,092,000 for the City of Belen to rehabilitate their wastewater treatment plant.
Heinrich also successfully included three amendments into the Manager’s Package. These include:
1. An amendment for a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study comparing the per-patient funding levels for health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Additionally, the study would analyze potential recruitment and retainment strategies utilized by the VA that could be extended to IHS.
2. An amendment ensuring that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is included in reference to the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance.
3. An amendment for a Fish and Wildlife Service report on staffing levels and positions at National Wildlife Refuge System units and complexes.
Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act Implementation: Heinrich successfully included $500,000 to implement the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, a bipartisan law that Heinrich championed and passed in 2022 to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking Tribal cultural patrimony. Representing the first dedicated funding for this program, it would be used to halt the trade of culturally significant items and repatriate stolen pieces to the Tribal communities where they belong. Heinrich first introduced the STOP Act in 2016 after he helped halt the auction of a shield, stolen from the Pueblo of Acoma. Heinrich played a role in the effort to bring the shield home to Acoma by working with Governors Kurt Riley and Brian Vallo to call for its return.

Tribal Programs: Heinrich fought for and successfully included $13,482,000 to the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA). After the administration threatened to withhold IAIA’s funding earlier this year, Heinrich secured the release of FY 2025 funds earlier this month. This bill will ensure continued investment for IAIA through FY26, supporting its mission to advance Indigenous arts, culture, and education for future generations.

Heinrich also successfully included funding to protect several Tribal programs, including $23,750,000 for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, $2,658,289,000 for Indian Health Services (IHS) Hospitals and Health Clinics, and funding for IHS Facilities and Construction. He also protected funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Law Enforcement and included report language to ensure the continuation of the Tribal law enforcement training program in New Mexico.

Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program: Heinrich successfully included continued funding for the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program, after championing the creation of the program in the Infrastructure Law. Hardrock mines and mining features are related to the extraction of metals like copper, gold, silver, and uranium. When not reclaimed, many hardrock mines pose a hazard to public health and the environment. This funding will be used to clean up federal, state, Tribal, and private land and water resources affected by abandoned hardrock mines.

Southwest Ecological Research Institutes: Heinrich fought for and successfully maintained funding for the Southwest Ecological Research Institutes (SWERIs). Last month Heinrich pressed the U.S. Forest Chief on the Administration’s plan entirely to cut funding for the program in FY26. SWERIs offer unique opportunities for dedicated research in forest science and watershed health and represent the future of science in forest management. New Mexico Highlands University houses one center along with Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University. This funding would ensure the continuation of valuable research in southwestern forest and fire management.

Conservation: Heinrich successfully protected funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, which leverages private dollars to restore waterfowl habitat across the country. Senator Heinrich led the reauthorization of this fund last congress. He also protected core wildlife management and science capabilities at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey from the steep cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Key Points and Highlights

Congressionally Directed Spending

Heinrich successfully included $17.1 million in investments for the following 11 local projects in the bill:
- $4,000,000 for Homewise to help moderate-income, first-time homebuyers purchase entry-level homes.
- $2,300,000 for the City of Socorro to replace aged and damaged waterlines.
- $2,073,000 for the City of Raton to upgrade its municipal airport infrastructure.
- $1,500,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of San Juan County to renovate a community center.
- $1,500,000 for DreamTree Project to complete the final phase of renovations to the Navigating Emergency Support Together (NEST) building and purchase land for on-site permanent supportive housing.
- $1,000,000 Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center to expand their facilities to support increased substance use crisis stabilization, treatment, and housing for adolescents and young adults.
- $850,000 for the Albuquerque Housing Authority will invest in necessary upgrades at public housing properties.
- $692,000 for the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area to conduct an affordable housing pilot project.
- $440,000 for Deming Silver Linings to provide emergency temporary housing for unhoused individuals.
- $200,000 for Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to support individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing and wraparound services.
Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $16.3 million for the following nine projects:
- $3,000,000 for Youth Development, Inc. for an early childhood development center.
- $3,000,000 for the Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network and La Cosecha Community Supported Agriculture to create a Food Hub at the Sacred Roots farm site to create economic development opportunity in the local food system, provide education to students and community members, and increase access to healthy foods.
- $2,500,000 for Santa Fe County to develop a Permanent Supportive Housing project designed to meet the urgent needs of the region’s unhoused population.
- $1,800,000 for the Town of Mountainair to rebuild, repave, and upgrade approximately two miles of downtown Mountainair’s roadways.
- $1,600,000 for the City of Raton to conduct an interchange alignment study as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Planning process.
- $1,500,000 for Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation to complete the first phase of construction for an affordable housing project in Vado, New Mexico.
- $1,210,000 for the City of Bloomfield to plan, design, and construct the expansion of East Blanco Boulevard in Bloomfield.
- $1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to construct new single-family homes for low-to-moderate income families on the Housing Authority’s waiting list.
- $700,000 for Cuidando Los Niños of Albuquerque to expand its facility to house early childhood education and family wraparound services.
Heinrich also successfully worked with his colleagues in the N.M. Delegation to include $8.4 million for the following four projects in the House-companion bill:
- $2,900,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to repair housing for senior community members and provide ADA accommodations.
- $2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque Health, Housing and Homelessness Department to improve security and accessibility at the city’s largest homeless shelter.
- $2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque to establish a modular Shelter Stability site for seniors.
- $1,512,000 for Jemez Pueblo to demolish hazardous buildings within the Pueblo.
Rental Assistance: Heinrich successfully secured increased funding for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers) and Project-Based Rental Assistance, despite the administration’s attempts to completely defund both programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps over 11,000 families in New Mexico afford rent. Heinrich also secured language urging HUD to expand resources to train public housing staff on how to use housing choice vouchers to make homeownership an attainable goal for residents of public housing.

Tribal Programs: Heinrich successfully included a $25 million investment for Tribal Transportation Program High Priority Projects, a set-aside that provides funds to Tribes or a governmental subdivision of a Tribe whose annual allocation of funding received under the Tribal Transportation Program is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Tribe. Heinrich secured an increase in funding for Tribal housing programs. Heinrich also secured a legislative proposal that would make certain home loans on Tribal lands easier to keep if homeowners are delinquent on payments.

Southwest Border Regional Commission: Heinrich successfully included a $5 million investment in the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) for transportation infrastructure planning to support supply chain connectivity and economic development in southern New Mexico and along the southern border.

Homelessness Assistance: Heinrich successfully secured an increase in funding for grant programs that address homelessness through emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, rapid re-housing, rental assistance and prevention, and supportive services. Heinrich successfully pushed back against the Trump administration’s attempts to curtail homelessness assistance funding by making grant match requirements overly burdensome for New Mexican service providers.

Homebuilding and Homeownership: Heinrich secured funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), a critical program that helps New Mexicans purchase or rehabilitate homes. The Trump administration also sought to cut all funding for this program. In New Mexico, HOME also provides gap funding for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, which increases the supply of affordable rental units.

Amtrak Southwest Chief: Heinrich secured language that protects existing Amtrak Southwest Chief train service in New Mexico from cuts and closure.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 26, 2025
India proud to be most trusted friend of Maldives: PM Modi

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India takes great pride in being the Maldives’ “most trusted friend,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, reaffirming New Delhi’s deep-rooted partnership with the Indian Ocean nation. Speaking alongside Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu during a joint press statement in Male, PM Modi emphasised the Maldives’ central role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for maritime cooperation.

The remarks came as PM Modi visited the Maldives as the Guest of Honour for the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. Congratulating the people of Maldives on the historic milestone, he thanked President Muizzu for the warm invitation and recalled the long-standing ties between the two nations.

“This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But, the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea,” PM Modi said. He highlighted the release of commemorative stamps featuring traditional boats of both countries as a symbolic reflection of shared heritage and neighbourly ties.

PM Modi underscored India’s unwavering support to the Maldives in times of crisis. “Be it a natural disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood with Maldives as a first responder. From providing essential commodities to supporting economic recovery post-COVID, our relationship is built on friendship first,” he said.

Stressing on mutual trust in the defence and security partnership, PM Modi noted the inauguration of the Maldives Defence Ministry building as a concrete symbol of that trust. A giant portrait of PM Modi displayed on the building marked the occasion.

To bolster economic ties, PM Modi announced a new Line of Credit of USD 565 million to the Maldives. He said both nations are now seeing results from the vision shared in October last year during President Muizzu’s visit to India, including significant progress in infrastructure and housing projects.

He cited key projects such as 4,000 social housing units built with Indian assistance, the Greater Male Connectivity Project, Addu Road Development Project, and the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport as transformative initiatives that would boost connectivity and economic growth across the archipelago.

“With the ferry system soon in place, island connectivity will become faster and easier. We’ll measure distances by ferry time, not GPS coordinates,” PM Modi said.

In the economic sphere, the Prime Minister said efforts are underway to finalise a Bilateral Investment Treaty and to explore a Free Trade Agreement. He added that direct Rupee-Rufiyaa trade through a local currency settlement system will strengthen bilateral trade, while the growing popularity of UPI in Maldives will support tourism and retail sectors.

On regional and global issues, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to maritime security through the Colombo Security Conclave and highlighted climate change as a shared concern. “We will promote renewable energy and share India’s expertise with the Maldives,” he said.

PM Modi’s visit, his third to the Maldives, also marks the first by any head of state or government since President Muizzu took office.

-IANS

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Master classes on phytodesign and lectures on the life cycle of products. RUDN University held the Agropicnic in Gorky Park for the second time

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute held the Agropicnic in Gorky Park for the second time. About 250 guests of the event were able to “touch science with their hands”: conduct experiments with soil, create a composition of succulents and learn from lecturers how potatoes, carrots and cocoa appeared in our country.

“The agropicnic became a real celebration of unity, exchange of experience and inspiration for our institute. We brought together students, teachers, our partners – JSC Rosselkhozbank and X5 Group – and all those who are not indifferent to the development of agricultural science and production. In a friendly atmosphere, we discussed the latest achievements, shared practical knowledge and ideas, received a charge of positive emotions and confidence in the future. I am convinced that such events strengthen the professional community, contribute to the popularization of modern agricultural technologies and create a solid foundation for new achievements,” – Elvira Dovletyarova, Director of the Agrarian and Technological Institute of RUDN.

Moss and the Mysterious Box

Among the guests of Agropicnic were not only students and adults, but also schoolchildren. They took part in creative master classes with great pleasure. For example, the children tried on the role of phytodesigners and, together with experts, created mini-compositions from succulents, moss and natural materials to decorate their home or classroom. At the same time, they learned how to properly care for plants.

The importance of tactile contact and attention when caring for pets was discussed by RUDN University veterinary students. To do this, they played a game with the guests of the Agropicnic, in which they had to identify an object hidden in a mysterious box by touch. Delicacy is important when checking the ears, eyes, fur and skin of pets for diseases and parasitic insects.

Experiments in the Park

Participants of the practical lesson, which was held in the format of a mini-experiment, were able to visit the place of students of the RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute. First, children and adults learned about the soil indicators that scientists evaluate. These are color, structure, humidity, acidity and fertility. After that, everyone tried to independently select a soil sample and conduct simple tests with it. For example, roll a soil ball and describe its structure, determine the pH level using indicator strips.

At the RUDN lecture hall, guests of the Agropicnic were introduced to the life cycle of food products, told about quality control of products at all stages of production and about the history of the appearance of potatoes, beans, carrots and cocoa in our country. In addition, the participants of the event learned a lot about modern technologies that are used in the agricultural sector.

“Before this event, I was unsure about which direction to take my future career. After attending the master classes and learning about real examples of modern agricultural professions, I felt genuine interest and internal motivation. And I discovered an amazing fact: professions in the agricultural sphere today are not only about physical labor, but also about science, technology, caring for the environment and human health. I was inspired by how smart developments can not only make hard work easier, but also really change something for the better for humanity and nature. Now I have definitely decided: I want to do something that is useful, develops new areas of knowledge and promotes harmony between people and the planet,” – Yaroslav, a student at School No. 1570.

A bridge between theory and practice

During the Agropicnic, schoolchildren and applicants also asked questions about studying at RUDN in the areas of “Biotechnology”, “Bioengineering and bioinformatics”, “Landscape architecture”, “Land management and cadastre” and others. In total, the Agrarian and Technological Institute has 25 higher education programs and 5 joint master’s programs with foreign universities.

“Agropicnic is a bridge between theory and practice. Here, professionals, students and schoolchildren can see how science makes agriculture efficient, environmentally friendly and promising. For RSHB, such projects are an investment in the future of the industry and in the people who create it. This is part of our strategy to support agricultural education and popularize professions in the agro-industrial complex,” Lyubov Belesku, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Rosselkhozbank.

The general sponsor of the event is Rosselkhozbank, the project partners are Gorky Park and X5 Group.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Cambodia-Thailand border clashes still going on, as thousands of civilians flee homes

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

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas are still going on, as thousands of Cambodian villagers have been evacuated to safer areas, Cambodian officials said on Friday afternoon.

Cambodian defense ministry’s undersecretary of state and spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the Thai army attacked on seven locations in Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.

“During their attacks on Cambodian territory, the Thai side had used artillery, F-16 fighter jets, tanks, bombs-carrying drones, and cluster bombs,” she said in a press briefing.

Socheata said the Thai side had attacked on Cambodian villages and a school in Oddar Meanchey province, leaving civilians wounded, including the elderly and children, and their properties damaged.

She added that a lot of local residents have fled their homes for safer grounds.

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers broke out on Thursday morning, with both sides accusing each other of opening gunfire first.

Oddar Meanchey deputy governor Met Meas Pheakdey told Xinhua over the telephone that at least one villager was killed and five others were wounded on Thursday when the Thai side fired artillery shells into Oddar Meanchey province.

He said that as of Friday noon, more than 3,400 families living near the border in Oddar Meanchey province have been evacuated to a safe refuge, as 260 schools in the province have been closed.

For Preah Vihear province, about 20,000 villagers have been evacuated to safer areas, local media Khmer Times reported, quoting Preah Vihear Provincial Governor Kim Rithy.

Meanwhile, Cambodian foreign ministry’s secretary of state and spokesperson Chum Sounry said that at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Friday in New York (2:00 a.m. Saturday in Cambodia) to address the border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.

MIL OSI China News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy rejects U.S. groundless accusations over Xinjiang

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

A Chinese envoy on Thursday rejected U.S. accusations over China’s Xinjiang region at a Security Council meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“China firmly opposes and categorically rejects the groundless accusations made by the U.S. representative regarding China’s Xinjiang region,” said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

Currently, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, where people live in peace and contentment. It is in the best period of development ever. The United States has gone to great lengths to hype up the so-called Xinjiang issue in a vain attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs and curb China’s development, only to lay bare their true colors, which are hegemonic and based on double standards, he said.

Over the past six years, over 100 countries, including many Islamic countries, have voiced their support for China’s just position at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. They unequivocally oppose politicizing human rights issues and exploiting human rights as a pretext to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, said Fu.

“This is a message loud and clear that the U.S. scheme to contain China using the so-called Xinjiang issue is very much bankrupt, and its sinister intention to provoke bloc confrontation by discrediting and suppressing China has failed miserably,” he said.

Fu asked: If the United States truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza? Why has the United States ignored the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people?

The United States overlooks its own chronic problems at home, such as gun violence, racial discrimination, and the trampling of its own citizens’ rights and dignity. Yet under the guise of human rights, it wantonly interferes in other countries’ internal affairs and violates the human rights of countless people in developing nations, he said.

“We urge the United States to reflect on its own ills and wrongdoings, change course and put more effort into practical, positive actions for international peace and security,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Popularity of Chinese-made EVs grows in Indonesia

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

Laurensius Ramadhan, a 26-year-old Indonesian employee who commutes daily by car, is now considering switching to electric vehicles (EVs), citing both economic and technological advantages.

Every working day, Ramadhan drives over 50 km round-trip from his home in Bogor, West Java province, to his workplace in Jakarta.

On Thursday, he visited Indonesia’s largest automotive exhibition, the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), held at the ICE BSD in Serpong, Banten province. The annual event runs from July 24 to Aug. 3.

“I was thrilled,” Ramadhan said, excited about the wealth of information he gained on EVs at the expo. He expressed particular interest in electric vehicles made by Chinese automakers.

Prominent Chinese brands participating in the show include BYD, Denza, Wuling, Chery, GAC AION, Geely, GWM, Jaecoo, Jetour, and XPeng.

According to Ramadhan, Chinese EVs stand out for their attractive designs, solid build quality, and, most importantly, affordable pricing. He formed this opinion after driving Chinese EVs owned by his company.

“I have really enjoyed driving the car. It feels so smooth. Now I’m considering buying one,” he told Xinhua.

Ramadhan is especially interested in the BYD M6 and the newly launched Atto 1, known as the Seagull or Dolphin Mini in China. Currently, he owns two internal combustion engine vehicles, but the lower running costs of EVs, due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance needs, are prompting him to consider the switch.

“I believe that choosing EVs will improve one’s efficiency in life,” he said.

Similarly, Husnul Habib, a 45-year-old visitor from Jambi province in Sumatra, came to GIIAS specifically to learn more about EVs, especially those made by BYD. After watching numerous BYD reviews on YouTube, he wanted to experience them in person.

“I’m here to find the answers to why more and more BYD cars are seen in major cities. Then I came to check out their new launch,” he said.

As one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, BYD offers a range of luxury sedans and SUVs in Indonesia. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and competitive pricing continues to attract local buyers. On Wednesday, BYD officially launched its Atto 1 model at the auto show.

A BYD car has long been on Habib’s wish list. However, he is waiting until an official BYD dealership opens in his hometown of Muaro Bungo regency, around six hours from Jambi’s provincial capital.

“I’m not from a major city. For me, it’s best to have a BYD car when a BYD authorized dealer opens there,” he said.

In January, Eagle Zhao, president director of PT BYD Motor Indonesia, announced that the company aims to establish 80 dealerships across the Indonesian archipelago by the end of this year. Currently, BYD outlets operate in major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Pekanbaru, and Pontianak.

For Habib, having a dealership nearby would make it much easier to maintain and repair the vehicle. He also expressed hope that the Indonesian government would ramp up efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide.

According to the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO), national electric car wholesales, measured by factory-to-dealer sales, reached 35,846 units between January and June this year.

During this period, BYD emerged as the EV market leader in Indonesia, with 14,092 units sold, followed by its premium brand Denza with 5,733 units, Wuling with 5,170 units, and Chery with 4,611 units.

The association has set an ambitious EV sales target of 60,000 units by the end of 2025, aiming to accelerate EV adoption.

Kukuh Kumara, secretary general of GAIKINDO, told Xinhua in a previous interview that Chinese firms have played a pivotal role in bringing technology, capital and global market access to Indonesia, particularly in EV batteries and supply chain integration.

“Our ultimate goal is to develop Indonesia’s own auto brands, local factories and indigenous technical capabilities. But at this stage, partnerships with countries experienced in EV development, especially China, are crucial,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Multi-State Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Federal Prison
Source: US FBI

ROME, Ga. – Wilfort Foster, III, 41, of El Monte, California, was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to narcotics and money laundering conspiracy charges. Foster, a convicted felon serving a sentence of probation during a portion of the offense, led an operation that moved hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as significant quantities of fentanyl, from California to the North Georgia area and elsewhere, and then laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.

“Our office partnered with a host of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle a significant, multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering network,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Foster’s 28-year prison sentence should serve as a robust warning to others who might consider trafficking deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine in North Georgia.”

“DEA is committed to going after money laundering networks that move cash made from the sale of illegal drugs in the United States,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “We will continue to follow the money trail while working alongside our partners to hold those accountable who profit from the distribution of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine.”

“This sentencing marks the end of a years-long effort to dismantle a dangerous drug trafficking network that was pushing lethal fentanyl and methamphetamine into our communities,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI remains focused on dismantling these dangerous organizations at every level—from supply to distribution to laundering the proceeds of their crimes.”

“This significant sentence reflects the massive danger that fentanyl and illicit narcotics pose to our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners, Wilfort Foster, III, who led a major drug trafficking ring, will no longer be able to endanger lives with these deadly substances.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges and other information presented in court: Beginning in 2017 and continuing into 2022, Foster and others conspired to transport methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to Cartersville, Georgia and other areas. Foster ran a stash house and illegal gambling operation in his California barbershop, which he used to supply his network with large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine for sale. In one instance, Foster supplied a co-defendant with more than 22 kilograms of methamphetamine that law enforcement subsequently seized.

After Foster’s operation sold drugs, conspirators in Georgia laundered more than $600,000 in cash to Foster by using shell companies and flying with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to California. Foster maintained tight control of his network and once broke a co-defendant’s jaw during a feud over the co-defendant’s drug debt.

During the multi-agency investigation, law enforcement seized significant quantities of narcotics and more than a dozen firearms, including an AR-15. Foster continued his drug and money laundering operation in Georgia despite being on probation in California in a case involving the seizure of over nine kilograms of methamphetamine and two firearms.

Earlier today, United States District Judge William M. Ray II sentenced Foster to serve 28 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Foster was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering on January 6, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.

Another member of Foster’s organization, Steven Ham, 43, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release on November 26, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Additionally, the following defendants have pleaded guilty as part of this case and are awaiting sentencing:
- Clifford Alexander, 39, of Gadsden, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Frank Miller, 47, of Cartersville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
- Kenneth Antoine Scott, 41, of East Point, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Lori Silvers, 46, of Rockmart, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Nia Thomas, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Cartersville Police Department, Cedartown Police Department, Polk County Police Department, Acworth Police Department, Kennesaw Police Department, El Monte (CA) Police Department, Los Angeles (CA) Sheriff’s Department, Rutherford County (TN) Sheriff’s Office, Sevier County (TN) Sheriff’s Office, Kansas City (KS) Police Department, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold, III, Matthew R. LaGrone, and Jeffrey Brown; former Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Beaulieu and Zachary Howard; and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lyons prosecuted 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 (TCOs), 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This effort is part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

MIL Security OSI –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two men prosecuted for dumping waste in village
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Two men prosecuted for dumping waste in village

Muddy tracks led to nearby house where excavation work had taken place. Environment Agency prosecution resulted in fines and costs totalling £6,400.
Farmer discovers dumped waste when looking to graze sheep on land.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted two men for illegally dumping excavation waste at a site in West Haddon, Northamptonshire.

At Leicester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 23 July 2025, Richard Allen, 59, of Capeleira, Obidos, in Portugal, was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £400 to the victims of the offence.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £800.

At a previous hearing, on Wednesday 25 June 2025, David Thomas George Warden, 50, of Welland Avenue, Gartree, Market Harborough, was fined £350 and ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £350.

Both pleaded guilty to knowingly causing and depositing controlled waste between 24 and 30 April 2024, on land off Ryehills Lane, West Haddon, without the necessary environmental permit.

Both also admitted to charges relating to failing to comply with waste transfer regulations.

Farmer discovered dumped waste

The court was told that officers from the Environment Agency were alerted by a farmer who discovered the dumped waste when looking to graze sheep on the land off Ryehills Lane.

The farmer found that the field had been covered in numerous mounds of excavation waste making it unsuitable for grazing.

Due to the wet weather, muddy tyre tracks leading away from the site led officers to a nearby house where excavation work had taken place.

That property was owned by Richard Allen’s daughter and son-in-law who informed officers that Allen had gained planning permission to build a house in the grounds of their property.

Allen informed the investigation that he had employed Warden’s company Sky CFG to carry out the building works. He also alleged he had gained permission, some three years previously, to dump the top soil on the Ryehills’ site.

However, Allen was unable to name the person from whom he had obtained permission.

The owners of the land confirmed there was no such agreement in place for anyone to deposit waste onto their field. In any event, regardless of whether permission had been granted, there was no environmental permit in place at the site to allow waste to be deposited there.

Both Allen and Warden said they had little knowledge of the environmental regulations despite having experience of waste disposal as part of their day-to-day businesses.

The court was told that some remediation work had taken place at the site albeit most of the soil had been spread across the field and that the land was now fit to graze animals.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

This case shows that operators in the waste sector should realise we will not tolerate illegal waste activities.

We will take enforcement action to protect the environment, people and legitimate businesses.

Anyone with suspicions of waste crime can call our incident hotline, 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

Background information

Charges

Richard Allen

Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023, knowingly cause controlled waste namely excavation waste consisting of sand and soil to be deposited on land off Ryehills Lane, West Haddon when there was not in force an environmental permit authorising such a deposit contrary to section 33(1) (a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended.

Between 1 August 2023 and 30 September 2023 failed to comply with the duty of care imposed by section 34(1)(c)(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that, being a person that is a waste broker of controlled waste, namely, a quantity of excavation waste consisting of sand and soil, did fail to take such measures as were reasonable in the circumstances to secure that, on transfer of the waste, that there was such a written description of the waste as to enable other persons to avoid any contravention of section 33 contrary to section 34(1)(c)(ii) and (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990.

David Thomas George Warden

Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023, did deposit controlled waste namely excavation waste consisting of sand and soil in or on land at Ryehills Lane, West Haddon when there was no environmental permit in force authorising such a deposit contrary to section 33 (1) (a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended.

Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023 failed to comply with the duty of care imposed by section 34(1)(c)(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that, being a person that produces controlled waste, namely, a quantity of excavation waste consisting of sand and soil, did fail to take such measures as were reasonable in the circumstances to secure that, on transfer of the waste, that there was such a written description of the waste as to enable other persons to avoid any contravention of section 33 contrary to section 34(1)(c)(ii) and (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990.

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Published 25 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese representative rejects US baseless accusations against Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

UNITED NATIONS, July 25 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Thursday rejected U.S. accusations against China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) at a Security Council meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“China firmly opposes and categorically rejects the groundless accusations made by the US representative regarding China’s Xinjiang region,” the Chinese diplomat said.

At present, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, and people live in peace and contentment. It is the best period of development in its history. The United States has made great efforts to stir up the so-called Xinjiang issue in a vain attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs and curb its development, but in doing so, it has only exposed its true nature of hegemonic ambitions and double standards, Fu Cong noted.

Over the past six years, more than 100 countries, including many Islamic countries, have voiced their support for China’s just position at the general debate of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. They are unequivocally opposed to the politicization of human rights issues and the use of human rights as a pretext for interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, the Chinese envoy said.

“This is a loud and clear signal that the US plan to contain China using the so-called Xinjiang issue has largely failed, and its sinister intention to provoke bloc confrontation by discrediting and suppressing China has failed completely,” he said.

Fu Cong asked, “If the US really cares about Muslim rights, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza? Why does the US ignore the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people?”

The United States, he said, ignores its own chronic problems at home, such as gun violence, racial discrimination, and the violation of the rights and dignity of its own citizens. Under the guise of protecting human rights, Washington unjustifiably interferes in the internal affairs of other countries and violates the rights of countless people in the developing world.

“We call on the United States to examine its own vices and misdeeds, change course, and make greater efforts to take practical, positive action in the interests of international peace and security,” he said. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Six months into Congo’s war, cholera is killing more than four people every day
Source: Oxfam –
Aid cuts and humanitarian deadlock are fuelling a full-blown public health disaster.

In Sake and Minova, 500 people are sharing a single water tap.

Six months since the renewed war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a full-blown public health emergency is accelerating, Oxfam warned today.

Since January, more than 35,000 suspected cholera cases and at least 852 related deaths have been reported – an average of more than four deaths every day and a 62 percent increase compared to 2024.

After M23 fighters seized Goma in January civilians were ordered to return to their villages within 72 hours. More than 3.16 million people have since returned back only to find their homes reduced to rubble, and aid system on the verge of collapse.

Water networks, including storage facilities have been obliterated, leaving families to drink from contaminated streams and stagnant lakes. Basic health services have crumbled, with hospitals out of medicine and sanitation systems in ruins. In some of the hardest-hit areas, like Sake and Minova, 500 people are now sharing a single water tap.

Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s Director in DRC said:

“This is a full-blown public health emergency. Families are returning to ruins—no shelters, no toilets, no clean water. In many areas, latrines have been flooded or stripped for firewood, forcing people to defecate in the open and contaminate the only water available. The air reeks of sewage. Hospitals are out of medicine, and we can’t reach cut-off communities with even the most basic aid.”

In South Kivu’s Uvira region, cholera is surging with 100 new cases being reported each day. Floodwaters from Lake Tanganyika routinely inundate homes and latrines overflow into the lake, even as families are forced to drink lake water.

The forced closure and destruction of more than 20 displacement sites in Goma alone has left 700,000 people without safe shelter, clean water or basic sanitation In Rusayo, Lushagal, and Bhimba —where Oxfam had been supporting over 100,000 people—entire sites have been razed or abandoned, including more than $700,000 worth of water and sanitation infrastructure, such as pipelines, latrines, and tanks.
“This is a full-blown public health emergency. Families are returning to ruins—no shelters, no toilets, no clean water. In many areas, latrines have been flooded or stripped for firewood, forcing people to defecate in the open and contaminate the only water available. The air reeks of sewage. Hospitals are out of medicine, and we can’t reach cut-off communities with even the most basic aid.”

Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s Director in DRC

Oxfam

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, insecurity, roadblocks, and ongoing clashes have severed vital supply routes, cutting off communities from lifesaving food, clean water, and medicine. Aid agencies like Oxfam are now being forced to detour through Rwanda, severely hampering relief efforts. Cross-border access through Burundi has been entirely blocked, while illegal taxes and bureaucratic obstruction are further choking humanitarian deliveries.

Deep aid cuts since the start of 2025 have pushed the humanitarian response to the brink of failure. Only a fraction of the $2.54 billion needed this year as humanitarian aid in DRC has been received to date—forcing agencies like Oxfam to scale back or suspend life-saving operations. Even a UN investigation into possible war crimes has been frozen for lack of funding.

“People are suffering because we cannot reach them,” said Balume Loutre, Oxfam’s Public Health Engineering Team Leader in Eastern DRC. “They’re drinking from contaminated water sources, and we lack the resources to deliver even basic aid. In some villages, 15,000 families need help, but we can only support 500. We’re forced to make impossible choices, leaving thousands behind.”

The situation is particularly alarming for women and girls. Since the cuts to USAID funding, more than 8,200 people living with HIV have lost access to antiretroviral treatment. Emergency post-rape care kits are vanishing, even as a child is reported raped every half an hour in eastern DRC, according to UNICEF.

Despite the collapse of the aid system, Oxfam and its partners continue to deliver lifesaving assistance – constructing water systems, building latrines and distributing soap and hygiene kits, food and seed. But urgent funding is needed to reach 400,000 people in high-risk cholera zones.

“We need an immediate injection of funds, and all warring parties to commit to a permanent ceasefire and allow aid to flow freely. After six months of chaos, people need dignity and respite from relentless violence. The world cannot look away,” said Mangundu.
MIL OSI NGO –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Mobilisation is urgently needed to avoid further deaths from northern Nigeria malnutrition crisis
Source: APO

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- In northern Nigeria, our teams are seeing an ever-increasing number of children in need of treatment for malnutrition.
- We have begun a preventive campaign in Mashi local government area, distributing nutrition supplements for 66,000 children.
- Urgent mobilisation is needed to save lives from this malnutrition crisis.
Northern Nigeria is currently facing an alarming malnutrition crisis. In Katsina state, for instance, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been present since 2021, the teams are seeing an ever-increasing number of malnourished children in our therapeutic feeding centres, with increasingly severe conditions and higher mortality rates.

In collaboration with the local authorities, we have begun distributing nutrition supplements for 66,000 children in the local government area of Mashi, as a method for emergency prevention. In the context of drastic cuts in international funding, the need for prevention and treatment of malnutrition is enormous in northern Nigeria, and urgent mobilisation is required.

By the end of June 2025, nearly 70,000 children with malnutrition had already received medical care from our teams in Katsina state, including nearly 10,000 who were hospitalised in serious condition. Without taking into account the new healthcare facilities opened by MSF during the year in the state, this represents an increase of approximately one-third compared to last year.

In addition, between January and June 2025, the number of children with nutritional oedema,1 the most severe and deadly form of malnutrition, rose by 208 per cent compared with the same period in 2024. Unfortunately, 652 children have already died in our facilities since the beginning of 2025 due to a lack of timely access to care.

A worrying sign of the growing severity of this major public health emergency, is that adults—particularly women, including pregnant and breastfeeding women—are also affected. A screening carried out in July, in all five MSF malnutrition centres in Katsina state, on 750 mothers of patients, revealed that more than half of adult caregivers were acutely malnourished, including 13 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.

To cope with the massive influx of children expected by the end of the lean season in October, we have increased our support to the local authorities in several states in north Nigeria where we provide care to communities. In Katsina state for instance, we opened a new outpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Mashi and an additional inpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Turai, to provide a total of 900 beds in two hospitals where MSF teams work.

“The year 2024 marked a turning point in northern Nigeria’s nutritional crisis, with an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year,” says Ahmed Aldikhari, country representative of MSF in Nigeria. “But the true scale of the crisis exceeds all predictions. We are currently witnessing massive budget cuts, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, which are having a real impact on the treatment of malnourished children.”

Earlier this week, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced it will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria by the end of July due to “critical funding shortfalls”.2

“At the same time, we observe ever-increasing needs, such as in Katsina state, where an increasing number of people cannot afford to buy food anymore, even though it is available in markets,” says Aldikhari.

A food security survey carried out by humanitarian organisations in the local government area of Kaita, in Katsina state, before the lean season began at the start of 2025 revealed that over 90 per cent of households had reduced the number of meals they ate each day.

Across the north, other factors worsening the malnutrition crisis include disease outbreaks, which are worsened by low vaccine coverage, availability, and accessibility of basic health services, and other socioeconomic indices complicated by insecurity and violence.

“The most urgent way to reduce the risk of immediate death from malnutrition is to ensure families have access to food,” says Emmanuel Berbain, nutrition adviser at MSF. “This can be done through large-scale distribution of food or nutrition supplements, as we are currently doing in the Mashi area, or through cash distributions when and where it is possible.”

The capacity to care for and treat malnourished children must also be expanded, both by increasing the number of beds in health facilities, and by providing funding and access to ready-to-use therapeutic food. These actions must be undertaken as a priority in areas where the needs, such as the number of malnourished children, are greatest.

People over the age of five, who are also increasingly affected by malnutrition but are currently not covered by any assistance, should also be included in prevention programmes.

On 8 July, His Excellency Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly sounded the alarm on the scale of malnutrition in Nigeria, warning that it deprives almost 40 per cent of children under the age of five of their full physical and cognitive potential. He described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and collective action.

MSF treated over 300,000 children with malnutrition in seven northern states in 2024, a 25 per cent increase from 2023. In the northwest alone, where MSF tackles malnutrition in the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara, we have already treated almost 100,000 children suffering from severe and moderate acute malnutrition in outpatient treatment centres in the first six months of 2025, and hospitalised around 25,000 malnourished children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

MIL OSI Africa –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Boosting Growth with Inclusive Financial Development Crucial to Unlock Angola’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts
Source: APO

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Angola recorded the highest economic expansion since 2014, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reaching 4.4% in 2024. According to the latest edition of the Angola Economic Update (AEU) published by the World Bank Group (WBG) today, titled Boosting Growth with Inclusive Financial Development, this growth was driven by the oil sector’s recovery and diamond extraction, along with strong expansion in commerce and fishing.

The report highlights that despite a rebound in economic activity in 2024, Angola still struggles with the lasting impacts of prolonged stagnation. From 2016 to 2020, the economy contracted by approximately 10.4%, averaging a 2.1% annual decline. This sluggish growth stemmed from structural challenges and heavy dependence on the oil sector, making it susceptible to global price fluctuations. Real GDP growth is projected at an average of 2.9% from 2025 to 2027, but this is unlikely to significantly improve living standards. Increased global uncertainty, including falling oil prices, emphasizes the need for Angola to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil.

“The Angolan economy is in urgent need of establishing a consistent pathway toward robust growth to address nearly a decade of stagnation and to improve conditions for poverty alleviation. There is optimism that the comprehensive economic reforms currently being implemented by the government will produce positive outcomes and unlock the country’s potential,” said Juan Carlos Alvarez, World Bank Country Manager for Angola. “The country must intensify its support for key sectors that can significantly contribute to the essential process of economic diversification. A deeper analysis of these sectors and the needed structural reforms are discussed in the Angola Country Economic Memorandum, also published today,” he added.

The AEU emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusive financial development in Angola to address the existing significant inequality and exclusion, particularly in rural areas where access to formal banking services is limited. Women and older adults are particularly affected. Compared to other countries in the region, Angolan households have less access to credit, savings, and digital financial services. Advancing financial inclusion can boost economic participation and resilience, leading to sustainable growth and poverty reduction. Access to banking, credit, and insurance empowers small businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs, enhancing productivity and job creation. Moreover, financial inclusion can reduce income inequality by providing marginalized groups with opportunities to build assets and improve their well-being.

The report highlights that implementing key reforms can create a more robust and inclusive financial sector in Angola, essential for diversifying the economy and fostering growth and job creation. It emphasizes the need for broader access to financial services beyond Luanda, especially as Angola focuses on economic activities in the Lobito Corridor and develops secondary cities. Additionally, the rise of digital banking and mobile payments offers a significant opportunity to reach underserved populations, enhancing economic resilience and promoting inclusive development.

The report outlines essential reforms that Angola can implement to foster the growth of its financial sector and enhance accessibility in an inclusive manner. These reforms include:
1. Developing digital payments to expand access to financial services in remote areas.
2. Making digital payments more accessible and intuitive.
3. Establishing a favorable regulatory framework to increase access to finance for Microcredit and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
4. Promoting lending to MSMEs and improving the transparency and market alignment of initiatives to finance MSMEs.
5. Implementing the Financial Action Task Force action plan and addressing deficiencies in the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) Framework.
6. Increasing access to insurance for individuals and MSMEs, including weather-based-index insurance for agricultural activities.
“While addressing financial inclusion in Angola has several challenges, particularly for low-income and rural communities, there are constructive opportunities to address these barriers. By implementing regulatory reforms, embracing digital innovations, and enhancing financial education, Angola can pave the way for a more diverse economy and unlock new avenues for growth and job creation,” said Benedicte Baduel, World Bank Senior Country Economist for Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

MIL OSI Africa –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston Parks awarded coveted Green Flag awards
Source: City of Preston

Preston Parks awarded coveted Green Flag Awards as they are officially recognised as some of the country’s best parks

Preston City Council is delighted to have retained the following Green Flag Awards for the city’s green spaces this year:
- Ashton Park
- Avenham and Miller Parks
- Fishwick Recreation Ground and Local Nature Reserve
- Haslam Park
- Winckley Square
Winckley Square has also retained its Green Heritage accreditation, supported by Historic England, and Haslam Park has retained the Green Flag Community Award courtesy of the Friends Group.

The sites are some of the 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Missing from the list this year is Preston’s oldest park, Moor Park, which is currently undergoing its own transformation. An important project includes de-silting and extending the historic lake, as well as the reinstatement of the Serpentine Bridge, alongside wider park enhancements to the play area and football pavilion. We’re hoping Moor Park will make the list for Green Flags again once the project is complete.

Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety, said:

“The news that Preston’s parks and green spaces have once again met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for our parks and green spaces so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy them.”

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, added:

“Congratulations to everyone involved in Preston who have worked tirelessly to ensure the high standards required for these Green Flag Awards.

“Quality parks and green spaces make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, Preston is offering vital green spaces for communities in residents to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

More information

The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given on an annual basis, and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We set the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. We run campaigns and programmes including the Great British Spring Clean, Eco-Schools, Love Parks Week (25^th July – 3^rd August 2025), Buy Nothing New Month, Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces, the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches and blue spaces, and the Green Key for sustainable tourism and hospitality.

About Historic England

We are Historic England, the public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – there are special places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell. That’s why we work together with people across England to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment, providing advice, knowledge, support and services
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mansion House reopens and residents invited for ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours

Source: City of York

York Mansion House, the 300-year-old Georgian landmark, is set to reopen its doors this August following the successful completion of the first phase of a major £1.3 million restoration project.

To mark this milestone, ninety City of York residents will be offered the opportunity to explore the newly-restored areas through a series of exclusive, free ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours.

Organised by Buttress Architects in partnership with City of York Council, the tours will take place on Tuesday 12 August, offering a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and conservation efforts that have gone into preserving one of York’s most iconic civic buildings. The tours follow the Georgian Festival (7-11 August) and celebrate the Mansion House’s reopening in its 300th anniversary year.

Led by Hannah Bellerby, Senior Architect at Buttress, and Richard Pollitt, Mansion House Manager and Curator, the tours will guide visitors through the building’s most significant spaces and will explain more about the repair work undertaken. Most of the restoration has focused on protecting the fabric of the building following a comprehensive inspection, as well as external repairs. The Mansion House is now even more accessible than before, and the experts will explain further what has been improved and restored behind the scenes.

The tours will start in the state room before taking in the Lord Mayor’s drawing room, the principal staircase, the dining room, the butler’s pantry, the historic kitchen, the basement vault, external passageway, courtyard, and both the rear and front elevations.

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, said:

“Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732, making it one of the earliest civic buildings in England in the classical style.

“As city’s civic hub, the Mansion House holds and displays an important collection of items which tell York’s history and we’re delighted to welcome you back.”

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:

“These tours will give residents an exclusive insight into the essential maintenance, accessibility upgrades and safety improvements to secure the Mansion House’s future as a cultural and civic asset.

“They’ll find out about how the building’s environmental performance and accessibility is now the best it’s ever been – that’s good for the environment and residents!

“Working with our architects at Buttress and building contractor Birch, we’ve solved issues that this 300 year old building has presented so that it can reopen on 6 August ahead of the Georgian Festival. Please book your tickets for these special free tours now, or please book a regular visit at a time that suits you.”

Hannah Bellerby from Buttress commented:

“We’re excited to welcome local residents to see the results of our conservation works which help to ensure the longevity of the Mansion House for future generations to enjoy.

“Our focus has been on preserving the building’s historical integrity while ensuring it remains accessible and sustainable. This is a much-loved civic treasure, and its reopening – 300 years after its completion in 1725 – is a truly special moment.”

One of the most exciting discoveries during the restoration was made in the Lord Mayor’s drawing room, where seven layers of historic wallpaper were uncovered dating back to the 18th century. These layers, found on a narrow strip of wall, were then carefully removed and separated by wallpaper conservator Allyson McDermott and magnified to reveal the evolving decorative styles of the room over the centuries – providing invaluable insight for the restoration team.

A paint analysis, undertaken by Hirst Conservation, also found what appears to be a full archaeological paint record to the interior spaces of the hallway and principal staircase which allowed for an informed decision to be made on the redecoration of the spaces based on physical evidence.

Buttress Architects were appointed in October 2024 to lead the restoration, providing specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture. The second phase of works is expected to conclude in December 2025.

Reserve a place on one of the free public tours.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 26, 2025

Category: housing

Moss and the Mysterious Box

Experiments in the Park

A bridge between theory and practice

Two men prosecuted for dumping waste in village

Farmer discovered dumped waste

Background information

Charges

Richard Allen

David Thomas George Warden

Share this page

Updates to this page

Aid cuts and humanitarian deadlock are fuelling a full-blown public health disaster.

In Sake and Minova, 500 people are sharing a single water tap.

Preston Parks awarded coveted Green Flag Awards as they are officially recognised as some of the country’s best parks

More information

About Historic England