NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien with Prior Sex Assault of a Child Conviction Sentenced to 35 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    An illegal alien from Mexico, previously convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.

    Enrique Campos-Gomez, 45, was indicted in November 2024 and pled guilty in January 2025 to illegally reentering the United States after he was deported by immigration authorities in 2014.  He was sentenced on Thursday, May 8, to 35 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle.

    At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued that Campos-Gomez was a danger to the community based on his violent criminal history, which included a 2008 Dallas County conviction for domestic violence, followed by multiple criminal violations of a protective order obtained by the same domestic-assault victim in 2008 and 2009, as well as his 2013 Dallas County conviction for sexually assaulting a fifteen-year-old girl.  Campos-Gomez also failed to register as a sex offender, as he was required to do by federal law.

    “This case highlights the continuing need to protect the public from offenders with violent tendencies who should not be in the United States in the first place,” said Acting United States Attorney Chad E. Meacham.  “Individuals such as these attempting to hide illegally in this country will be found and brought to justice.”

    “ICE and our federal law enforcement partners have an unrelenting commitment of protecting minors and other at-risk members in our society,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson. “Criminal aliens like this one who repeatedly prey on our children are not welcome in our communities. We will track them down and remove them to ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves.”  

    ICE conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Garner prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant attempted to receive one kilogram of cocaine in package mailed from Puerto Rico

    BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.

    Hector Torres, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 26, 2025. Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023.

    In or about June 2022, a package sent from Puerto Rico to Worcester found to contain approximately 6.5 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted. On June 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a controlled delivery of the package. While accepting the delivered package, Torres apologized for not being there earlier, took the package, and set it on the ground in order to sign for delivery. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Torres, he fled on foot and was subsequently apprehended.

    The charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to do the same each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    Washington and Beijing have finally agreed a pause in their escalating trade war. US and Chinese officials announced in Geneva this week that US tariffs on Chinese goods would fall to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on US products would drop back to 10%.

    But the real battle to determine the fate of future US-Sino relations will be in negotiations that take place in the next 90 days. As both sides jostle to protect respective national interests, a win is possible for China. But that probably hinges on whether Donald Trump sees what’s on offer as a win for him as well.

    The 90-day deal to deescalate tariffs, which begins on May 14, includes significant concessions, and shows a willingness from both sides to negotiate.

    In early April, US tariffs on Chinese products had soared to 145%, while Beijing imposed a 125% tariff on US imports. US supermarkets had begun to warn of imminent stock shortages.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Donald Trump was quick to claim a significant win from Monday’s deal, but so did China.

    Was this really a win for either side? So far the only progress is the roll back of tariffs to levels before the trade war intensified in April 2025.

    But for China, the latest tariff reduction has provided much needed, if short term, economic relief, even if no one knows what will happen after 90 days. The Chinese stock market rallied immediately after the announcement. China is attempting to repair its ailing economy fuelled by a real estate crisis that began in 2021. So, Beijing needs more triumphs of this sort, as it realises that fiscal stimulus may be ineffective in the face of overwhelming tariffs.

    So, what measures should Beijing take to ensure that US tariffs remain low, if not lower?

    Before the trade war between the US and China began in July 2018, tariffs imposed by Washington on Beijing and vice versa were relatively low. In January 2018, US tariffs on Chinese exports stood at 3.1%, while Chinese tariffs on US exports were at 8%. While the current 10% Chinese tariffs on US goods isn’t far from the pre-trade war level, the same cannot be said of US tariffs on Chinese goods, which stand at 30%.

    What’s a big win for China?

    For Beijing, a big win would be a return of the pre-trade war tariffs or the absence of tariffs entirely. But either outcome is highly unlikely.

    A major obstacle is Trump’s need for a political win. In early April this year, the US president has harshly criticised foreign nations for having “looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered” the US. To address this problem, the US has imposed a minimum tariff of 10% on all nations sending exports to the US. And if Washington were to reduce tariffs on Chinese products to under 10%, then he would be expected to do the same with the rest of the world.

    Even this 90-day deal with China could be seen as capitulation by Trump, who was already under pressure from the US stock market and business leaders to roll back the high tariffs on Chinese goods. But revising baseline tariffs downwards to below 10% for the rest of the world would be seen as an even greater cop out.

    This could eat into Trump’s political capital and harm the Republican party’s chances at midterm elections scheduled for 2026. All of which seems unlikely.

    Details of the US and China trade war pause start to be revealed.

    What China hopes is for future US tariffs to get back to around 10%. This represents a massive improvement from the previous 145% imposed by the White House in April this year. But for Washington to save face and claim a believable victory of its own to reduce tariffs, Beijing needs to offer something in return.

    Sticking points

    One significant issue affecting US-Sino relations is the drug fentanyl. According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), fentanyl, which is responsible for tens of thousands of US deaths each year, comes primarily from China and Mexico.

    Washington expects Beijing to do more to stem the flow of the drug and chemicals used to make the drug from flowing into the US. To push China to take action on this, the US imposed a 30% tariff on China instead of the baseline 10% it has put on all other nations.

    Beijing sees things differently and claimed that Washington is engaging in a “smear campaign” and aims to “shift blame” on China for not doing enough when the country has some of the strictest drug laws in the world.

    Trump sees the fentanyl problem as a national security issue, and says China needs to provide sufficient concessions in stemming the outflow of the drug so that the White House can justify the lowering of tariffs below the existing 30%.

    But China can do more to secure lower tariffs. As part of the present trade deal, China has agreed to lift its export ban of critical minerals to the US. This is a crucial for the US as these items are essential in manufacturing advanced weaponry.

    If Beijing can guarantee the flow of critical minerals to the US, and assure its support for US agriculture, an important political support base for Trump, then it is likely that a Trump administration would lower, and more importantly, maintain these tariffs in the foreseeable future.

    China probably will want to hedge its bets. It needs to engage with the US and lower US tariffs as much as possible, but will want to look at other options, rather than relying on an unpredictable Trump. It will look to increase its trade with other significant regional players such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an economic bloc that promotes economic growth among its member nations.

    Ultimately, China needs policy continuity from Washington. Without it, any plans that it has in recovering its sluggish economy won’t work.

    But like any good trader, Trump will likely find it difficult to pass up a good deal, especially when the US has to deal with its own economic problems. So if Beijing can find a way to make a deal that works and brings a symbolic win for both sides, it is likely to get Trump’s attention.

    Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. China-US trade war: the next 90 days are a big deal for Beijing as it seeks long-term solutions – https://theconversation.com/china-us-trade-war-the-next-90-days-are-a-big-deal-for-beijing-as-it-seeks-long-term-solutions-256535

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • India’s Operation Sindoor draws global support as new front against cross-border terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, India has mounted a decisive and strategic response aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorism. The attack, which drew widespread condemnation and grief across the country, prompted immediate and firm action by the Government of India, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a range of diplomatic and military measures targeting Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.
     
    Among the key diplomatic actions taken, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan verifiably ceases its support for cross-border terror activities. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed, and Pakistani nationals were barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata, while the strength of both High Commissions was halved from 55 to 30 personnel.
     
    As part of a precise military strategy, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a calibrated campaign designed to neutralize key terror camps across the border. Based on multi-agency intelligence, nine significant terror infrastructure sites, including those in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were identified and targeted through coordinated air and ground strikes. The operation was executed with high operational ethics, focusing exclusively on terrorist camps while taking all precautions to prevent civilian casualties.
     
    Indian strikes successfully eliminated more than 100 terrorists and destroyed 11 air bases within Pakistan. Among those neutralized were high-value individuals linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.
     
    The strikes marked a shift in India’s strategy by targeting deep into Pakistani territory, including critical radar installations in Lahore and Gurjanwala. Additionally, coordinated missile attacks were carried out on terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Military bases housing Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets at Sargodha and Bholari were hit, leading to the destruction of nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure.
     
    India’s retaliatory operations were launched in response to not only the Pahalgam attack but also subsequent Pakistani provocations, including drone and missile attacks on Indian civilian and religious areas on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9. Indian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats, reinforcing the country’s operational readiness and commitment to defending its sovereignty.
     
    In a televised address on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the resolve behind Operation Sindoor, calling it not just a military campaign but a reflection of the collective sentiment of the Indian people. He reiterated that terrorism would be met with decisive force, rejecting any possibility of dialogue or trade with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed. He stated unequivocally that water and blood cannot flow together and emphasized that the only issue India is willing to discuss is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
     
    As Pakistani forces continued mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), India responded forcefully, targeting terrorist bunkers and Pakistani army positions. Unable to withstand the Indian response, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, with its Director General of Military Operations contacting his Indian counterpart. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Pakistan violated it soon after, sending drones into Indian territory, which were swiftly countered by Indian forces.
     
    Despite the ceasefire at the borders, Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert to counter any future threats, with field commanders granted operational freedom to respond to provocations.
     
    India’s robust and restrained response has garnered wide support from the international community. World powers have condemned the Pahalgam attack and endorsed India’s right to self-defense. The United Kingdom, Russia, Israel, the United States, France, Japan, and key Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar expressed solidarity with India. European Union member states, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Panama, and even Palestine joined the chorus of condemnation.
     
    Each expressed their support for India’s fight against terrorism, with many recognizing Operation Sindoor as a legitimate and proportionate response. Iran’s President personally conveyed condolences to Prime Minister Modi, and global leaders have emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinaloa cartel leaders charged with narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking in ICE, FBI investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO – An indictment unsealed May 13 is the first in the nation to charge alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel with narco-terrorism and material support of terrorism in connection with trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin into the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI are investigating this case.

    “These charges highlight the unwavering efforts of transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel to flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will not allow cartel-driven drug trafficking to threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. We are all lasered focused on a unified effort to dismantling these networks and their factions in bringing those responsible to justice.”

    Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, are charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization, a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network. Five other BLO leaders are charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. The indictment is a direct result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 which designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State’s subsequent designation of the same on February 20, 2025.

    “The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization and dismantling them demands a novel, powerful legal response,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Their days of brutalizing the American people without consequence are over — we will seek life in prison for these terrorists.”

    “Operation Take Back America initiatives reflect the reality that narco-terrorists operate as a cancer within a state,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “They metastasize violence, corruption and fear. If left unchecked, their growth would lead to the death of law and order. This indictment is what justice looks like when the full measure of the Department of Justice along with its law enforcement partners is brought to bear against the Sinaloa Cartel.”

    “BLO, under the leadership of Inzunza Noriega, is allegedly responsible for some of the largest-ever drug seizures of fentanyl and cocaine destined for the United States,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Their drugs not only destroy lives and communities, but also threaten our national security. The law enforcement efforts against the Noriegas reaffirms our commitment to dismantling and disrupting this very dangerous narco-terrorist group and combating narco-trafficking.”

    According to court documents, since its inception the Beltran Leyva faction has been considered one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations to operate in Mexico, engaging in shootouts, murders, kidnappings, torture and violent collection of drug debts to sustain its operations. The Beltran Leyva faction controls numerous territories and plazas throughout Mexico – including Tijuana – and operates with violent impunity, trafficking in deadly drugs, threatening communities, and targeting key officials, all while making millions of dollars from their criminal activities.

    Pedro Inzunza Noriega works closely with his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, to produce and aggressively traffic fentanyl to the United States, the government has alleged. Court documents indicate that together the father and son lead one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world. Over the past several years, they have trafficked tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl into the United States. On December 3, 2024, Mexican law enforcement raided multiple locations in Sinaloa that are controlled and managed by the father and son and seized 1,500 kilograms (more than 1.65 tons) of fentanyl – the largest seizure of fentanyl in the world.

    These indictments follow a notable tradition in the Southern District of California for targeting leadership and operations of powerful Mexican cartels – from the dismantling of the Arellano Felix Cartel to major strikes against today’s most dangerous, powerful and violent cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel and now the Beltran Leyva Organization. It is the first indictment from the newly formed Narco-Terrorism Unit which was established upon the swearing in of U.S. Attorney Gordon on April 11, 2025.

    The indictment of Pedro Inzunza Noriega reflects the Southern District of California’s pursuit of the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal drug trafficking indictments are pending against all alleged leaders of its Beltran Leyva faction, including:

    • Fausto Isidro Meza Flores aka “Chapo Isidro,” case number: 19-CR-1272 in the Southern District of California and 12-116BAH in the District of Columbia
    • Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe aka “El Musico,” case number 19-CR-3736 in the Southern District of California; 09-CR-00672 in the Northern District of Illinois; 15-CR-00195 in the District of Columbia, and
    • Pedro Inzunza Noriega aka “Sagitario,” case number 25cr1505.

    The Southern District of California also has indictments pending against other leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, including:

    • Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar aka “El Chapito,” case number 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California and 09-CR-383 in the Northern District of Illinois
    • Ismael Zambada Sicairos aka “Mayito Flaco,” case number: 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California; and
    • Jose Gil Caro Quintero aka “El Chino,” case number 22-cr-00036 in the District of Columbia

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor and Matthew Sutton.

    Defendants for Case Number 25cr1505

    Name Age Location
    Pedro Inzunza Noriega | aka “Sagitario,” aka “120,” aka “El De La Silla” 62 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
    Pedro Inzunza Coronel | aka “Pichon,” Aka “Pajaro”, aka “Bird” 33 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
    David Alejandro Heredia Velazquez | aka “Tano,” aka “Mr. Jordan” 50 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
    Oscar Rene Gonzalez Menendez | aka “Rubio” 45 Guatemala City, Guatemala
    Elias Alberto Quiros Benavides 53 San Jose, Costa Rica
    Daniel Eduardo Bojorquez | aka “Chopper” 47 Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
    Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez | aka “Tito”, aka “Drilo” 31 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

    Summary of Charges

    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 960a and 841 – Narco-Terrorism
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years in prison; $20 million fine
    • Title 18, U.S.C. Sec. 2339B – Providing Material Support to Terrorism
      Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 848(a) -Continuing Criminal Enterprise
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 959, 960, and 963 – International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine
    • Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960 and 963 – Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances
      Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
    • Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
      Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved

    The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Track Group Reports 2nd Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAPERVILLE, Ill., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Group, Inc. (OTCQB: TRCK), a global leader in offender tracking and monitoring services, today announced financial results for its fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 (“Q2 FY25”). In Q2 FY25, the Company posted (i) total revenue of $8.4 Million (“M”), a decrease of approximately 7% over total revenue of $9.0M for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“Q2 FY24”); (ii) Q2 FY25 gross profit of $4.1M representing an increase of approximately 4% over Q2 FY24 of $4.0M; (iii) Q2 FY25 operating income of $0.04M compared to Q2 FY24 operating loss of ($0.96M); and (iv) net loss attributable to common shareholders of ($0.5M) in Q2 FY25 compared to ($1.9M) in Q2 FY24.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

    • Total Q2 FY25 revenue of $8.4M was down 7% compared to Q2 FY24 revenue of $9.0M. Revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 (“6M FY25’) of $17.0M was down approximately 5% compared to revenue of $18.0M for the six months ended March 31, 2024 (“6M FY24”). The decrease in monitoring revenues is driven principally by a decrease in people assigned to monitoring for clients in Virginia, and due to our recently sold Chilean subsidiary. This decrease was partially offset by revenue increases for clients in Illinois, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas who experienced increases in the number of people assigned to monitoring.
    • Gross Profit of $4.1M rose by 4% ($0.1M) in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24. Gross profit for 6M FY25 was $8.5M compared to gross profit of $8.2M for 6M FY24. This improvement stems from factors including reduced monitoring center costs, partly offset by a decrease in revenue. 
    • Operating income in Q2 FY25 of $0.04M was up approximately 105% compared to an operating loss of ($0.96M) in Q2 FY24. Operating income for 6M FY25 of $0.2M was up approximately 115% compared to operating loss of ($1.1M) for 6M FY24. This rise in operating income is primarily due to a decrease in cost of revenue and a decrease in operating expense, partially offset by a decrease in revenue. Operating expenses were down $0.8M in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24, primarily due to a decrease in general and administrative payroll, benefits, and payroll taxes of $0.5M due to the sale of our Chilean subsidiary on November 1, 2024 and a settlement expense related to a contract dispute of $0.5M in Q2 FY24.
    • Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 FY25 was $1.3M compared to $0.8M for Q2 FY24. Adjusted EBITDA for 6M FY25 was $2.6M compared to Adjusted EBITDA for 6M FY24 of $1.9M primarily due to negative currency exchange rate movements of $0.6M in Q2 FY25 compared to Q2 FY24. Adjusted EBITDA in 6M FY25 as a percentage of revenue increased to 15.1%, compared to 10.3% for 6M FY24.
    • Cash balance of $3.4M at March 31, 2025 declined 4% compared to $3.6M at September 30, 2024.  The modest decrease in cash position was due to increases in inventory purchases and payments to vendors, partially offset by an increase in accrued liabilities.
    • Net loss attributable to shareholders in Q2 FY25 was ($0.5M) compared to ($1.9M) in Q2 FY24, a decrease of $1.4M. Net loss attributable to shareholders in 6M FY25 was ($2.5M), compared to ($1.9M) for 6M FY24, a change principally attributable to negative currency exchange rate movements, partially offset by an increase in operating income.

    “In the quarter ended March 31, 2025, we achieved strong gains in profitability, with both gross profit and operating income showing robust growth and Adjusted EBITDA surpassing Q2 FY24 results,” said Derek Cassell, Track Group’s CEO. “Gross profit rose by 4% year-over-year ($4.1M vs $4.0M in Q2 FY24), marking a clear indication of our operational resilience and focus on delivering higher-value, higher-margin business. Adjusted EBITDA also climbed to $1.3M in Q2 FY25, a 63% increase from $0.8M in Q2 FY24, reflecting our focus on cost management and strategic execution over the last six months.”

    Business Outlook

    Despite previous challenges from supply chain delays, the impact of the Coronavirus, and the phase-out of our 3G-based cellular devices in the U.S., Track Group stands resilient. The demonstrated financial growth evidenced in Q2 FY25 reinforces our confidence in the strategic reinvestment in technology and the implementation of new programs initiated in late FY24. These endeavors position us well for a sustained return to growth throughout FY25. Our outlook for FY25 is as follows: 

      Actual     Outlook
      FY 2023     FY 2024     FY 2025
    Revenue (in millions): $ 34.5 M   $ 36.9 M   $34.5 – 35.5M
                           
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin:   11.1 %     14.6 %    13.5 – 16.5%
                           

    About Track Group, Inc.

    Track Group designs, manufactures, and markets location tracking devices; as well as develops and sells a variety of related software, services, and accessories, networking solutions, and monitoring applications. The Company’s products and services are designed to empower professionals in security, law enforcement, corrections, and rehabilitation organizations worldwide with single-sourced offender management solutions that integrate reliable intervention technologies to support re-socialization and monitoring initiatives.

    The Company currently trades under the ticker symbol “TRCK” on the OTCQB exchange. For more information, visit www.trackgrp.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “if”, “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to Track Group, Inc., and subsidiaries (“Track Group”) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and reflect Track Group’s current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. Track Group may from time-to-time update these publicly announced projections, but it is not obligated to do so. Any projections of future results of operations should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in Track Group’s annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. New risks emerge from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This release includes financial measures defined as “non-GAAP financial measures” by the Securities and Exchange Commission including non-GAAP EBITDA. These measures may be different from non- GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The presentation of this financial information, which is not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures are based on the financial figures for the respective period.

    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA excludes items included but not limited to interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, gains and losses, currency effects, one-time charges or benefits that are not indicative of operations, charges to consolidate, integrate or consider recently acquired businesses, costs of closing facilities, stock based or other non-cash compensation or other stated cash and non-cash charges (the “Adjustments”).

    The Company believes the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and investors when factoring in the Adjustments. Specific disclosure regarding the Company’s financial results, including management’s analysis of results from operations and financial condition, are contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to carefully read and consider such disclosure and analysis contained in the Company’s Form 10-K and other reports, including the risk factors contained in such Form 10-K.

    James Berg
    Chief Financial Officer
    jim.berg@trackgrp.com 

    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   
        (Unaudited)          
        March 31,     September 30,  
        2025     2024  
    Assets                
    Current assets:                
    Cash   $ 3,416,045     $ 3,574,215  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $396,667 and $432,904, respectively     5,085,595       4,428,535  
    Prepaid expense and deposits     432,520       638,293  
    Inventory, net of reserves of $88,024 and $82,848, respectively     915,816       582,481  
    Assets held for sale     –       969,481  
    Total current assets     9,849,976       10,193,005  
    Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $300,052 and $430,003, respectively     392,423       317,206  
    Monitoring equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,295,826 and $5,982,972, respectively     4,367,904       4,598,864  
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $20,460,576 and $19,699,966, respectively     13,337,224       13,959,571  
    Goodwill     7,859,645       7,941,190  
    Other assets     1,160,885       660,170  
    Total assets   $ 36,968,057     $ 37,670,006  
                     
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)                
    Current liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 2,398,228     $ 3,082,467  
    Accrued liabilities     3,318,453       2,639,318  
    Liabilities held for sale     –       732,028  
    Total current liabilities     5,716,681       6,453,813  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion     42,680,070       42,639,197  
    Long-term liabilities     631,709       186,407  
    Total liabilities     49,028,460       49,279,417  
                     
                     
                     
    Stockholders’ equity (deficit):                
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,863,758 and 11,863,758 shares outstanding, respectively     1,186       1,186  
    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding     –       –  
    Series A Convertible Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 1,200,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding     –       –  
    Paid in capital     302,600,546       302,600,546  
    Accumulated deficit     (315,791,294 )     (312,691,811 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     1,129,159       (1,519,332 )
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (12,060,403 )     (11,609,411 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ 36,968,057     $ 37,670,006  
                     
    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
    (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
        March 31,     March 31,     March 31,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Revenue:                                
    Monitoring and other related services   $ 7,867,975     $ 8,758,650     $ 16,309,282     $ 17,433,136  
    Product sales and other     484,345       232,570       711,366       525,057  
    Total revenue     8,352,320       8,991,220       17,020,648       17,958,193  
                                     
    Cost of revenue:                                
    Monitoring, products and other related services     3,515,023       4,230,498       7,023,784       8,204,487  
    Depreciation & amortization included in cost of revenue     723,331       793,887       1,458,556       1,583,351  
    Total cost of revenue     4,238,354       5,024,385       8,482,340       9,787,838  
                                     
    Gross profit     4,113,966       3,966,835       8,538,308       8,170,355  
                                     
    Operating expense:                                
    General & administrative     2,127,145       3,173,866       4,558,263       5,931,753  
    Selling & marketing     964,743       810,441       1,865,932       1,516,972  
    Research & development     750,650       701,183       1,420,040       1,383,646  
    Depreciation & amortization     227,385       236,524       454,938       476,284  
    Loss on sale of subsidiary     –       –       (66,483 )     –  
    Total operating expense     4,069,923       4,922,014       8,365,656       9,308,655  
                                     
    Operating income (loss)     44,043       (955,179 )     172,652       (1,138,300 )
                                     
    Other income (expense):                                
    Interest expense, net     (565,844 )     (428,868 )     (1,134,804 )     (866,791 )
    Currency exchange rate gain (loss)     34,830       (519,933 )     (1,464,432 )     19,013  
    Other income (expense), net     –       (3,443 )     –       (3,443 )
    Total other income (expense)     (531,014 )     (952,244 )     (2,599,236 )     (851,221 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes     (486,971 )     (1,907,423 )     (2,426,584 )     (1,989,521 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)     30,145       (4,348 )     101,381       (86,907 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders     (517,116 )     (1,903,075 )     (2,527,965 )     (1,902,614 )
    Release of cumulative translation adjustment for sale of subsidiary     –       –       1,390,913       –  
    Equity adjustment for sale of subsidiary     –       –       571,518       –  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments     (85,709 )     (36,754 )     686,060       (143,456 )
    Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (602,825 )   $ (1,939,829 )   $ 120,526     $ (2,046,070 )
                                     
    Net income per share – basic                                
    Net income per common share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.17 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Net income per share – diluted                                
    Net income per common share   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.17 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
                                     
    TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EBITDA MARCH 31 (Unaudited)
    (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
        Three Months Ended
    March 31,    		     Six Months Ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA                                
    Net Income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $ (517 )   $ (1,903 )   $ (2,528 )   $ (1,903 )
    Interest expense, net     566       432       1,135       870  
    Depreciation and amortization     951       1,030       1,913       2,060  
    Income taxes (1)     30       (4 )     101       (87 )
    Board compensation and stock-based compensation     75       50       150       103  
    Foreign exchange (gain)/loss     (35 )     520       1,464       (19 )
    Loss on sale of subsidiary     –       –       66       –  
    Other charges, net (2)     249       663       267       826  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,319     $ 788     $ 2,568     $ 1,850  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, percent of revenue     15.8 %     8.8 %     15.1 %     10.3 %
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Non-GAAP earnings per share   $ 0.11     $ 0.07     $ 0.22     $ 0.16  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted     11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758       11,863,758  
    Non-GAAP earnings per share   $ 0.11     $ 0.07     $ 0.22     $ 0.16  
    (1 ) Currently, the Company has significant U.S. tax loss carryforwards that may be used to offset future taxable income, subject to IRS limitations. However, the Company is still subject to certain state, commonwealth, and other foreign based taxes.
    (2 ) Other charges include expenses related to the board of directors, severance, a settlement related to a contract dispute, and other Chile monitoring center costs for our recently sold subsidiary.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter following meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Chancellor Merz, thank you for your warm welcome.

    And I look forward to working closely with you and your new Government to build a Germany-UN partnership even stronger in the future, than in the present, knowing that in the present it is already extremely strong.

    Germany is a pillar of multilateralism …

    A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

    A voice of peace and a champion of human rights…

    A committed leader in the fight against climate change…

    And an essential partner for peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid — demonstrated not least by your hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting that was an exceptional success.

    Germany is a leader in the humanitarian response in Lebanon and Syria, and strongly engaged on Sudan, including most recently as co-host of the recent conference in London.

    German diplomacy is particularly active in addressing the two biggest challenges that affect peace in Europe and the Middle East: the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

    I reiterate my appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just peace. A peace based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

    In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a Two-State solution.

    Beyond peace efforts, I see a number of other key areas where German leadership can make — and is making — a positive difference in the world.

    In the global battle against climate change as we work towards maximum ambition and climate justice at COP30 in Brazil…

    And at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, where we will push namely for debt relief and reforming the global financial architecture to support developing countries in the follow up of the Pact for the Future.

    And most of all, Germany’s leadership and voice are essential in a world of growing geopolitical divides and mistrust.
     
    This is an important year for multilateralism — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    And we count on Germany to continue standing up for the solidarity and solutions our world needs now.

    Danke schön

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles announces 239 illegal aliens were arrested during recent operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 239 illegal aliens during a weeklong operation from May 4 to May 10 focused on bolstering public safety in the greater Los Angeles area.

    ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and interagency partners, identified, detained and removed dangerous criminals throughout Los Angeles and surrounding cities. Criminal aliens in the U.S. illegally should utilize the CBP Home app to self-deport and avoid arrest by ICE.

    Among the criminal aliens arrested during the operation included:

    • Lan Pham, 49, of Vietnam, convicted involuntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, parole violations, drug violations and more.

    • Manuel Angel Rodriguez Martinez, 40, of El Salvador, accused of aggravated rape of a minor or incapacitated individual in the category of continuing crime in his home country.

    • Jorge Artero Meza-Rodriquez, 52, of Mexico, convicted of vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon and illegal reentry to the United States.

    • Sung Park, 52, of Korea, convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

    Several federal law enforcement agencies assisted ICE during the operation including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with state and local law enforcement partners.

    Members of the public can report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Follow us on X at @ICEgov to learn more about ERO’s missions and operations.

    Learn more about ICE Los Angeles’ mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROLosAngeles.

    Download b-roll of an arrest made during the operation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Continuing Promise 2025 Set to Begin

    Source: United States Navy

    MAYPORT, Florida – The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy this June-August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2025 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Comfort is scheduled to visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia,
    Ecuador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic during the nearly three month-long mission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Welch, Klobuchar, Wyden, Merkley, Oregon Governor Kotek Fight Back Against Republicans’ Attack on SNAP, Nutrition Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Specialty Crops, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and nutrition advocates hosted a press call on Republicans’ efforts to gut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical anti-hunger program that helps more than 41.6 million Americans.  

    Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the House Agriculture Committee held a markup on the Republican tax bill, which will cut $290 billion in SNAP benefits.

    “Something that we all know to be true is everyone deserves to have access to affordable, healthy, nutritious food, and make sure it’s on the table. In my state, 1 in 4 people rely on SNAP, many of whom are children. If this program is cut at that level, it devastates it,” said Senator Luján. “Republicans are not looking out for their constituents who depend on federal programs—they’re looking out for the wealthiest Americans and corporate interests, plain and simple.” 

    “We’re at the moment of truth—it’s the time for action and no longer just talk. Here’s the truth: Republicans’ plan is about taking things away from people who need them and depend on them. In Vermont, about 1 in 10 Vermonters are receiving SNAP benefits. And that is our poorest Vermonters, low-income folks, kids—it makes a huge difference in their life that they can have access to SNAP,” said Senator Welch. “Now, our Republican colleagues are talking about taking about $290 billion out of the SNAP program. This is really about taking away basic nutritional security that is so absolutely essential to the wellbeing of our families and our kids in Vermont and in every single state across the nation.” 

    “Instead of working with Democrats to lower costs from President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, House Republicans have decided to pull the rug out from under families by cutting the SNAP benefits that 42 million Americans rely on to put food on the table – all to fund a tax cut for billionaires. That’s shameful,” said Ranking Member Klobuchar. 

    “The combination of less food assistance for seniors and kids and Republican cuts in Medicaid is a prescription for a sicker America. This is health care 101: you need access to food to be healthy, and you need access to timely health care when you’re ill. Under the Republican program, more people are going to get sicker,” said Senator Wyden. “We are all in on this battle—we’ll be damned if we’re going to see access to nutrition and health care lost in order to give tax breaks to people at the top.” 

    “This Republican reconciliation bill is clear: families lose, billionaires win,” said Senator Merkley. “Millions of children will lose health care and go hungry—there’s a good chance that lots of kids won’t even be able to study in school. Nobody learns anything when they’re hungry. It’s pretty outrageous—we need to say, ‘hell no’ to this.” 

    “SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty and pro-health programs we have in America. It helps over 700,000 Oregonians, more than half of them children, seniors, or people with disabilities, put food on the table. When you cut SNAP, you’re not cutting bureaucracy—you’re cutting a child’s breakfast, their dinner, and their family’s dignity,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “These changes are not just unsustainable cost shift to states – they are an attack on the food security of millions of hard-working Americans. They make it harder for states like mine to do our jobs, to meet urgent needs, and to plan responsibly. Instead of this shortsighted plan, we need to invest in American families and the food security that we know strengthens communities, supports our economies, and reflects the basic decency we owe one another.” 

    In Congress, Senator Luján has long fought to protect and improve SNAP, leading legislation to protect local grocers from transaction fees that would make it harder for them to accept SNAP benefits, championing legislation that would support merit staff and protect SNAP integrity, and fighting to protect access to SNAP in the Farm Bill.

    Watch a livestream of the press call here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan national and prior felon receives over 15 years for three gunpoint robberies

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

    HOUSTON – A 29-year-old legal permanent resident from Guatemala who lived in Houston has been sentenced for multiple counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Josue Castro-Gomez pleaded guilty Oct. 1, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now sentenced Castro-Gomez to 98 months in federal prison for the robberies as well as a consecutive 84 months for the firearms conviction. He is also expected to lose his status in the United States and face removal proceedings following his total 182-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard how Castro-Gomez would commit the robberies by first pretending to be a customer and then taking the store employees by surprise.

    In November and December 2023, Castro-Gomez robbed two gas stations and one Houston-area smoke shop at gunpoint.

    On Nov. 25, 2023, Castro-Gomez entered a Korner Food Mart located in Houston, brandished a firearm and demanded the store clerk give him cash from the register. He proceeded to discharge the firearm, shooting above the clerk’s head, but fled from the scene without taking any money.

    On Dec. 11-12, 2023, Castro-Gomez went to a Circle K gas station and a Vape City, respectively, and demanded cash from the register. He received money on both occasions and fled the scenes.

    On Dec. 12, law enforcement located Castro-Gomez and found him to be in possession of a .32 caliber handgun.

    During the investigation, authorities matched a spent shell casing from the Nov. 25 robbery to the firearm in Castro-Gomez’s possession at the time of his arrest.

    Castro-Gomez has prior felony convictions from 2015 and 2017 for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance, respectively. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

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

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

    This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chile has remained China’s largest cherry supplier for over a decade.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Chile has been China’s top cherry supplier for more than a decade, according to data released Wednesday by the General Administration of Customs.

    In the first four months of this year, China imported cherries from Chile worth 17.54 billion yuan (about $2.44 billion), accounting for 16.2 percent of the total import volume from the Latin American country.

    Bilateral trade turnover from January to April this year increased by 5.4 percent year-on-year to 163.19 billion yuan, setting a new record. The growth rate of this indicator is 3 percentage points higher than the growth rate of China’s foreign trade turnover.

    China and Chile established diplomatic relations in 1970. Chile is the first Latin American country to sign a free trade agreement with China and is China’s third largest trading partner in Latin America. China is Chile’s largest trading partner.

    Trade turnover between the two countries increased from 70.85 billion yuan in 2006 to 437.95 billion yuan in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 percent. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Highlights How Republican SNAP Cuts Will Devastate New Mexico

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued a forceful rebuke of Republican efforts to slash the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of their proposed reconciliation framework, warning that the cuts would devastate working families, small businesses, and rural communities in New Mexico. The reconciliation bill would cut billions of dollars from SNAP, as well as critical health care programs, in order to give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy. 

     

    “This committee has historically come together across party lines to support farmers and families. But today, I’m ashamed that we are throwing that legacy aside to gut SNAP, one of the most effective anti-hunger programs in our country,” Vasquez said during his opening remarks. “And I’m not just ashamed—I’m angry. Angry because some members of this committee are taking food off the table from the families I represent in southern New Mexico.” 

    WATCH: VASQUEZ OPENING REMARKS

    This afternoon, Vasquez reached out to his constituents to hear how SNAP cuts could impact them:

    • “My son and his partner depend on SNAP to get nutritious food. My son is a disabled veteran with medically based nutritional deficiencies. We have paid taxes all of our lives, and believe the most important priority is to provide for our veterans.” – Miriam, Quemado
    • “I’m 63, disabled, and on food stamps because my $900 a month Social Security check barely covers my bills. Last month, my rent increased by 35%, and my auto insurance increased by 11%. If I lose food stamps, I won’t be able to afford to buy food. I live in a rural area where our food bank depends on the federal government. Their shelves are empty right now, and the government has cut out assistance to food banks.” – Michelle, Deming
    • “Cuts to SNAP would have a devastating impact on my family by making it harder to afford basic groceries and forcing us to choose between food, rent, and other essentials. Reducing these benefits threatens our health, our children’s ability to focus and succeed in school, and our overall stability. It also harms local economies by pulling money out of grocery stores and small businesses. SNAP isn’t a handout, it’s a lifeline that allows families to survive with dignity, and cutting it will only increase hunger, poverty, and long-term hardship.” – Bernadine, Zuni

    Vasquez also warned that the partisan attack on SNAP threatens to derail progress on a bipartisan Farm Bill, jeopardizing key programs for New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and conservation efforts.

    ***

    PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

    13 de mayo de 2025

    Vásquez Destaca Cómo los Recortes a SNAP Devastarán a Nuevo México

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista Gabe Vásquez (NM-02) condenó los esfuerzos republicanos de recortar el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) como parte de su propuesta de proyecto de reconciliación, advirtiendo que estos recortes devastarían a las familias trabajadoras, los pequeños negocios y las comunidades rurales de Nuevo México. El proyecto de reconciliación recortaría miles de millones de dólares de SNAP, así como programas críticos de atención médica, con el propósito de otorgar recortes fiscales a los ultra-ricos.

    “Este comité, históricamente, ha trabajado de forma bipartidista para apoyar a nuestros agricultores y familias. Pero hoy, me avergüenza que estemos dejando de lado ese legado para desmantelar SNAP, uno de los programas contra el hambre más efectivos en nuestro país,” dijo Vásquez durante sus declaraciones iniciales. “Y no solo me siento avergonzado—estoy indignado. Indignado porque algunos miembros de este comité están quitándole la comida de la mesa a las familias que represento en el sur de Nuevo México.”

    VEA: COMENTARIOS INICIALES DEL CONGRESISTA VÁSQUEZ

     

    Esta tarde, el Congresista Vásquez se comunicó con sus constituyentes para escuchar cómo los recortes a SNAP podrían afectarlos:

    • “Mi hijo y su pareja dependen de SNAP para obtener alimentos nutritivos. Mi hijo es un veterano discapacitado con deficiencias nutricionales médicas. Hemos pagado impuestos toda nuestra vida y creemos que la prioridad más importante es cuidar a nuestros veteranos.” – Miriam, Quemado

    • “Tengo 63 años, estoy discapacitada y dependo de los cupones de alimentos porque mi cheque del Seguro Social de $900 al mes apenas cubre mis cuentas. El mes pasado, mi renta aumentó un 35 % y mi seguro de auto subió un 11 %. Si pierdo los cupones de alimentos, no podré comprar comida. Vivo en una zona rural donde el banco de alimentos depende del gobierno federal. Sus despensas están vacías en este momento, y el gobierno ha eliminado la asistencia para los bancos de alimentos.” – Michelle, Deming

    • “Los recortes al Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) tendrán un impacto devastador en mi familia al dificultar la compra de comestibles básicos y obligarnos a elegir entre comida, renta y otras necesidades esenciales. Reducir estos beneficios pone en riesgo nuestra salud, la capacidad de nuestros hijos para concentrarse y tener éxito en la escuela, y nuestra estabilidad general. También daña las economías locales al quitar dinero de los supermercados y pequeños negocios. SNAP no es una limosna, es una línea de vida que permite a las familias sobrevivir con dignidad, y recortarlo solo aumentará el hambre, la pobreza y las dificultades a largo plazo.” – Bernadine, Zuni

    Vásquez también advirtió que este ataque partidista contra SNAP amenaza con descarrilar el progreso hacia una Ley Agrícola bipartidista, poniendo en riesgo programas clave para los agricultores, ganaderos y esfuerzos de conservación en Nuevo México.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Philadelphia removes Ecuadorian citizen wanted for rape

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Philadelphia removed Elvis Isaac Aguirre Yanez, a citizen of Ecuador with a final order of removal, to Ecuador on May 6. Aguirre, a foreign fugitive, was turned over to authorities in Ecuador to face charges for rape.

    “We will not allow sexual predators to escape justice by fleeing their home countries and seeking refuge in the United States,” said acting Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia Field Office Director Brian McShane. “The removal of criminal aliens like Aguirre sends a clear message: We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will remove you — ensuring you can no longer pose a threat to the American public.”

    Authorities in Ecuador issued an arrest warrant for Aguirre for rape on Dec. 14, 2017.

    On Nov. 13, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Aguirre near Paso Del Norte, Texas, for entering the United States without inspection or parole by an immigration official. On the same date, Border Patrol paroled him into the United States with instructions to report to ICE Philadelphia in Pittsburgh for processing.

    On March 14, Aguirre reported to the ICE Philadelphia office. Officials determined he had an outstanding warrant in Ecuador for rape. On the same date, ICE Philadelphia arrested him and issued him a notice to appear, charging inadmissibility pursuant to Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. ICE detained him at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg.

    On April 4, an immigration judge in Elizabeth, New Jersey, ordered Aguirre removed from the United States to Ecuador.

    Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE Philadelphia’s mission to increase public safety in our Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia communities on X at @EROPhiladelphia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa’s Oil Frontiers Urged to Accelerate Development at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

    PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African oil and gas markets must act swiftly to turn exploration wins into production success if they hope to emulate the rapid energy transformation seen in Guyana. This was the consensus from panelists speaking on the Exploring New Territories: Technology Innovation in African E&P panel at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on Tuesday.

    “My advice to Namibia is to capture the moment and do whatever you can to support companies, in terms of an enabling environment, to develop and produce. Great exploration success is nothing if it’s not produced,” said Gil Holzman, CEO of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas.

    Eco (Atlantic) has been active in Namibia since 2009 and currently holds four blocks in the Walvis Basin, along with Block 3B/4B in the Orange Basin, where it plans to drill a first exploration well by the end of this year or early 2026 with its joint venture partners. Last year, the company also acquired a 75% operating stake in Block 1 in the Orange Basin.

    Referencing Guyana’s path to production, where over 13 billion barrels have been discovered and output is expected to reach one million barrels per day by 2026, Holzman noted: “Proximity to the U.S. and the fact that Guyana didn’t have existing infrastructure opened the door for international companies to set the tone – in line with PSCs – to bring in technology and expertise.”

    Drawing clear parallels between international success stories and emerging opportunities in Africa, Jean-Marc Kloss, Managing Director for West Africa at SLB, emphasized the role of global collaboration and talent mobility in accelerating project timelines.

    “Fast-tracking development in Africa is possible,” he said. “From exploration to discovery to drilling, there is a lot of learning, technology and people that we have brought in from Guyana. We are in a global environment.”

    He pointed to Brazil and Nigeria to underscore Africa’s untapped potential and the need for greater project sanctioning. “Brazil has 30 deepwater rigs – Nigeria has one. Brazil has 54 FPSOs – Nigeria has 14. There is huge potential, unbelievable resources in Africa,” Kloss said. “There has been no sanction of a deepwater project in years – the first one was the $5 billion [UTM FLNG facility] last year.”

    Arthur Ename, Vice President, Global Accounts, Africa at NOV, emphasized the difference between drilling success and actual resource monetization.

    “It’s one thing to drill – it’s another to produce the reserve that is underground. Eni did extremely well with [the Baleine project in Ivory Coast] by bringing infrastructure in-country that allowed them to start production very fast.”

    Moderated by Justin Cochrane, Director of African Regional Research at S&P Global Commodity Insights, the panel made clear that while Africa has entered a promising new chapter in exploration, translating that promise into value will depend on swift regulatory decisions, infrastructure planning and technology transfer.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Cuban National Indicted on Charges Related to Credit Card “Skimming” and Lying on a Naturalization Application

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Cuban National Indicted on Charges Related to Credit Card “Skimming” and Lying on a Naturalization Application

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced an indictment charging Yunier Perez-Bertemati, 40, with 22 counts of access device fraud, possessing and trafficking in unauthorized device-making equipment, aggravated identity theft, making a false statement on an immigration application, and making a false statement to a federal agent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Engineering Team Assesses Colón, Panama’s Infrastructure Challenges, Strengthening Bilateral Partnership

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    A team from the U.S. Army’s 553rd Forward Engineer Support Team-Advance (FEST-A) drove around important parts of the city of Colón, Panama, surveying the stormwater and wastewater systems on May 13, 2025. The survey was designed to find ways to bolster the ongoing partnership between the United States and Panama while addressing one of Panama’s largest city’s long-standing infrastructure issues.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: England awaits era-defining tournament as new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy unveiled and further tickets released

    Source: City of Sunderland

    – Government, host locations and teams celebrate 100 days to go to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025’s opening match in Sunderland

     – New Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy introduced to mark an era-defining tournament that will feature representatives from all regional associations for the first time.

    – Unstoppable momentum is building in England with a record 300,000 tickets already purchased and a further wave of tickets released today at 09:00 BST.

    – New trophy to embark on a nationwide tour of the eight host locations bringing fans and communities across England closer to the tournament.

    With just 100 days to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off in Sunderland, World Rugby has today unveiled a bold new trophy – a symbol of the game’s unstoppable global rise – and announced the release of additional tickets for what promises to be a generational moment for the sport.

    The record-breaking tournament has already surpassed all expectations with 300,000 tickets already sold, more than double the total attendance from RWC 2021 in New Zealand, and is now firmly on course to become the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history, not just in scale, but in impact.

    Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director Sarah Massey said: “We are just 100 days away from welcoming the world to England for what will be the biggest and best Women’s Rugby World Cup yet.

    The excitement is real, and the momentum is building by the day, as this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. With more tickets going on sale today, don’t miss out on seeing rugby’s powerful personalities and unstoppable athletes take to the global stage.”

    A  N E W  S Y M B O L  F O R  A  N E W  E R A

    To mark the 100 days to go milestone, World Rugby unveiled the new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy at London’s Battersea Power Station. The reveal, broadcast live on the BBC Morning Live, brought together senior figures from World Rugby, RWC 2025 LOC, UK Government, host cities, and Rugby World Cup legends to celebrate the progress and energy of the women’s game and look ahead to an era-defining tournament.

    Crafted in sterling silver and plated with 24-carat gold, the newly designed trophy is a modern expression of excellence and ambition. It fuses history and future by retaining the iconic twin handles of the original prize while introducing a sleek, oval silhouette, with names of past champions engraved on its base acknowledging the trailblazers who have shaped the game.

    The world map etched into the surface symbolises the game’s universal reach, celebrating the nations that have competed on the Rugby World Cup stage and the new stars who will carry the game forward. For the first time at RWC 2025, all six World Rugby regions will be represented across the 16 nations involved with a South American team, Brazil, making their debut on the sport’s biggest stage.

    As previous recipients and representatives of future players who may lift it high, a group of Women’s Rugby World Cup champions and legends of the game including Rachael Burford (ENG), Gill Burns (ENG), Monalisa Codling (NZL), Katy Daley-McLean (ENG), Fiao’o Fa’amausili (NZL), Sarah Hunter (ENG), Farah Palmer (NZL), Anna Richards (NZL) and Melodie Robinson (NZL) were involved in the trophy’s design process.

    World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “This trophy represents far more than a tournament; it reflects a movement. A movement fuelled by passion, shaped by trailblazers, and driven by the next generation of women and girls stepping into the game around the world.

    “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to redefine what’s possible in women’s sport. The new trophy is a worthy emblem of the incredible athletes who will compete in England, and of the legacy we are building together with our partners, starting with the RFU, and through programmes like Impact Beyond 2025.”

    Former English international and Rugby World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean added: “With the potential on this tournament being the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, it seemed an appropriate time for a new trophy. This trophy hopefully connects the past to the present allowing all to remember the trailblazing of those that came before us.”

    The trophy will now embark on a nationwide tour of England over the next three weeks, bringing fans and communities closer to the tournament in the build-up to kick-off. All eight host locations – Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York – are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new trophy and engaging their communities ahead of their first matches.

    A  T O U R N A M E N T  B A C K E D  B Y  L E G A C Y  A N D  P A R T N E R S H I P

    A joint-venture between World Rugby and the RFU, with funding from the UK Government, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is designed not only to deliver a worldclass tournament, but to create a lasting, positive impact for women and girls in sport. This includes investing in programmes that improve access, participation and experiences at all levels of the game.

    At the heart of this domestic legacy is Impact ’25, led by the RFU and supported by UK Sport, which is already delivering strong results across England and the home unions. More than 850 clubs have received support to grow the women’s game, while over 1,400 female coaches and match officials have been newly qualified. Girls’ participation is up 9.3% year-on-year, and £2.7 million has been invested to improve facilities and inclusivity in clubs. Community grants, sanitary provision and skills training have also reached thousands of new participants, with a strong focus on building confidence, connection and opportunity.

    RFU Executive Director of Women’s Game Alex Teasdale said: “2025 is a groundbreaking year for women’s rugby and we are thrilled to be host nation for what is set to be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. We are already seeing huge strides forward in the women and girls’ game, thanks to the building anticipation for the tournament and our Rugby World Cup legacy programme Impact ’25. We are excited to see the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 encourage and inspire the next generation of women and girls to play and watch rugby.”

    Globally, Impact Beyond 2025 is World Rugby’s strategic legacy programme, designed to harness the power of this tournament to grow the game and promote gender equity worldwide. Focused on three pillars—participation and profile, careers and leadership, and capability and expertise—the programme includes initiatives such as Rugby Rising Play, the sport’s first global participation programme for girls, and a series of six regional summits aimed at strengthening women’s rugby around the world.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “In just 100 days, we will host the biggest and bestsupported Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. As well as creating unforgettable moments, the tournament will help to inspire the next generation of girls and boys, bring communities together, and grow the game for years to come.

    “But this tournament is about more than what happens on the pitch. Through our Plan for Change and the Impact ’25 legacy programme, we’re investing in 850 clubs across the country — upgrading facilities, opening up access, and inspiring more people to get involved in the game they love.”

    T I C K E T  S A L E S  G A I N  M O M E N T U M  A H E A D  O F  B L O C K B U S T E R  O P E N I N G

    Following recent ticket sales phases, the public response has been overwhelming. With over 300,000 tickets now sold, fans have shown an unprecedented appetite for women’s rugby, reinforcing England 2025 as the must-attend sporting event of the year and breaking the attendance record held by the last edition in New Zealand (150,000).

    More tickets go on general sale today at 09:00 BST on a first come, first served basis, including popular matches such as the opening encounter between England and the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

    With high demand and limited inventory for some matches, fans are reminded to only purchase tickets through official sources to ensure a safe and secure buying experience and guaranteed entry into the venues. An official resale platform will launch on 24 June, enabling fans who can no longer attend to sell their tickets securely at face value to fellow supporters via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.

    Supporters around the world can also get involved ahead of kick-off by joining the “Road to Twickenham”, a free and fun global fitness challenge powered by Stepathlon. Available now via the Official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 app, the initiative encourages fans of all ages and abilities to get active, win exclusive prizes, and celebrate the women’s game together as the countdown to the final at Twickenham Stadium on 27 September continues. It’s a powerful way for communities across the world to connect with the tournament and share in the spirit of progress, health and unity

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests sexual predators who victimized children across the nation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    May 14, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesChild Exploitation, National Security

    Left: ICE arrested Carlos Ubence Cortez-Lopez in California May 12 following his convictions for possession of child sexual abuse material and unlawful sexual intercourse with a child. | Center: ICE arrested Dublas Perez Salazar May 12 in New York. Perez was charged with statutory rape and convicted of DUI May 16, 2022. | Right: ICE arrested Filemon Martinez-Medina May 12. He has pending charges for statutory rape.

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested four illegal aliens convicted of child sex crimes in Massachusetts, California, New York and Texas May 12.

    “ICE has a long history of protecting children and other vulnerable members of our society,” said ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons. “These sexual predators have no place in our communities — and our officers and agents will continue to take them off the streets so they can’t hurt people who can’t protect themselves.”

    Those arrested include:

    • Carlos Araujo in Leominster, Massachusetts. An Uruguayan national, the registered sex offender has a prior conviction for indecent assault and battery on a 7-year-old in Leominster. Aruajo entered the United States on March 29, 1997, in Boston as a lawful permanent resident. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
    • Carlos Ubence Cortez-Lopez, a Guatemalan national and illegal alien in California. ICE officials arrested him at the California Rehabilitation Center, a state prison in Norco. Cortez was sentenced to two years in prison for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and an additional two years for possession of child or youth pornography. Border Patrol officials encountered Cortez when he attempted to illegally enter the U.S. on March 23, 2021, and April 22, 2021. He subsequently entered the U.S. at an unknown location, on an unknown date, without inspection or parole by a U.S. immigration official. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
    • Dublas Perez Salazar, a 31-year-old illegal alien, in Airmont, New York. Perez is a Guatemalan national was arrested by the Ramapo Police Department in Suffern and charged with child rape. Perez entered the United States at an unknown location, on an unknown date, without inspection or parole by a U.S. immigration official. He was convicted of driving under the influence of liquor May 16, 2022. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
    • Filemon Martinez-Medina, a 34-year-old illegal alien and citizen of Mexico, at the Texas State Prison in Huntsville, Texas, which honored an ICE immigration detainer — a request for law enforcement officials to hold a detainee in custody until ICE can arrest them — lodged Oct. 14, 2011. Martinez entered the United States as a legal permanent resident through El Paso. He was subsequently sentenced to 14 years in prison by the 64th District Court Swisher County, Texas, for aggravated sexual assault of a 14-year-old. An immigration judge ordered Martinez removed from the United States April 27, 2015. He remains in ICE custody pending removal.

    ICE investigates and arrests those who violate U.S. immigration law, including dangerous criminal aliens who pose public safety and national security threats.

    “Through extensive collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have arrested a record number of illegal aliens since January 20, and we’re not finished yet,” said Lyons.

    Report crime and suspicious activity by calling 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s recent operations, arrests and removals by following us on X at @ICEgov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Rising heat, rising risk: managing forest fires in a warming world

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Wildfires are becoming more intense, more frequent, and more destructive, stretching across continents, ecosystems, and communities.

    In the 2023-2024 season, 3.9 million km² of land burned globally, with carbon emissions 16% above average. Major wildfire events included Canada’s worst season, with 150,000 km² burned and 232 thousand people evacuated, Greece’s largest wildfire on record (900 km²), and deadly fires in Hawaii and Chile, claiming over 200 lives, according to the State of Wildfires 2023-24: CAMS data support assessment – Copernicus. As we approach the 2025 fire season in the Northern Hemisphere, which typically runs from June to October, California has already faced devastating fires in January, outside the usual fire season.

    This growing trend of longer and more intense fire seasons highlights that wildfires are no longer confined to a specific time of year, but are now a year-round global threat.

    Wildfires are escalating into a global crisis, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, public health, and the climate. They worsen air pollution, increase carbon emissions, disrupt water supplies, and increase the risk of floods and landslides, compounding vulnerabilities in both rural and urban areas.

    Recognizing this urgency, the UNECE/FAO Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management, a UN expert body that facilitates technical cooperation on forest data, management, and policy, and oversees expert teams working on these topics, brought together country delegates and experts to explore what is driving this crisis, what it is doing to our forests, and what can be done to manage it.

    Fire is not always an enemy. It has long played a vital role in many forest ecosystems, clearing dead vegetation, recycling nutrients, and fostering diversity. Some forest types even depend on periodic burns to regenerate. When strategically managed, including through practices like controlling and prescribed burning, fire becomes a powerful tool to maintain healthy forests and reduce the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires.

    The balance, however, is shifting. Driven primarily by climate change, wildfires are now pushing ecosystems to their limits. Longer dry seasons, hotter temperatures, and erratic weather are turning manageable fires into landscape-scale disasters.

    As countries prepare for the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the session emphasized that wildfire risk must be integrated into climate strategies. Forests are a key line of defense against global warming, but only if they are protected and managed sustainably.

    The session concluded with a clear message: a proactive, data-driven, and climate-smart approach is essential.

    Stronger forest resilience measures are needed, including sustainable management, landscape restoration, and fuel load reduction through prescribed burns. Increased investment in firefighting capacity and improved land-use planning are also crucial to protect communities in fire-prone areas.

    Experts highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, citing initiatives like the Global Fire Management Hub and tools such as EFFIS and INForest to support data collection and evidence-based policies.

    The path forward must recognize fire’s dual role: as both a threat and a tool in building resilient forest landscapes.

    Resources and further reading

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Times “Reporting” Fails to Mention ICE Arrests of Criminal Illegal Aliens Charged with Kidnapping, Assault, Firearms Offenses, and Theft

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The New York Times story falsely paints a narrative that ICE targeted coffee workers—the truth is criminal illegal aliens were the targets 

    WASHINGTON – The New York Times story falsely painted a narrative that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted illegal alien coffee workers in Hawaii. The truth is ICE targeted criminal illegal aliens and conducted unaccompanied minor welfare checks to ensure children are not being abused, trafficked or otherwise exploited. 

    “Our brave ICE agents conducted operations in Hawaii to protect communities from violent criminals who shouldn’t be in our country. The targets of the operation in Hawaii included criminal illegal aliens charged with kidnapping, assault, distribution of deadly drugs, domestic abuse, and theft,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Why does the New York Times continue to peddle false sob stories of criminal illegal aliens but ignore their victims? Completely leaving out the facts and rap sheets of criminals arrested shows the New York Times’s complete bias. This story was nothing but an attempt to mislead the public.”  

    Below are some of the criminal illegal aliens arrested in Hawaii that the New York Times failed to report:  

    On January 23, 2025, HSI Honolulu administratively arrested Rescue Suda, a citizen of the Marshall Islands. The Circuit Court of Hawaii County, Hawaii previously convicted Suda of Felony Assault. Suda was also arrested for kidnapping and terroristic threatening.

    On February 25, 2025, HSI Honolulu arrested Navor Salas-Cruz, 52, a citizen of Mexico. Salas-Cruz was identified as being present in the United States after a prior order of removal. Salas-Cruz has multiple immigration encounters starting in 1996 including 2 prior removals and has a lengthy state criminal history ranging from assault, DWI, forgery, driving without a license, criminal contempt of court, family abuse. Federal charges include 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and 18 U.S.C § 922(g)(l) for one count of reentry of removed alien and one count of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. 

    On January 25, 2025, HSI Honolulu arrested RJ Marsolo, a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia.  The State of Hawaii, Circuit Court of the First Circuit, previously convicted Marsolo of assault in the first degree and assault in the third degree and sentenced him to a total of 10 years imprisonment.  

    On January 25, 2025, HSI Honolulu arrested Herman Faamausili, A citizen of Samoa.  The United States District Court, District of Hawaii, previously convicted Faamausili of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and sentenced him to 70 months imprisonment.  The immigration judge ordered Faamausili’s previous removal from the United States on September 15, 2021.  

    On January 26, 2025, HSI Honolulu arrested Heine a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Superior Court of Guam convicted JAI of theft by receiving, sentencing him to 5 years in prison, and assault, sentencing him to 1 year in prison.  The immigration judge previously ordered JAI’s removal from the United States on April 16, 2020.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 189 Arrested in Immigration Crackdown Under the ‘Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful’ Initiative

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

    Authorities Made Arrests as Part of Coordinated Effort to Restore Order and Uphold Immigration Laws.

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Jr. joined with other federal law enforcement leaders to announce today that as a result of a joint federal law enforcement initiative, authorities arrested 189 individuals following a joint federal immigration-related enforcement operation in the District of Columbia over the past week.

    As part of the operation, authorities apprehended 189 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted immigration enforcement operation focusing on egregious criminal alien offenders operating in and around Washington, D.C., May 6–9.

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and this administration’s focus on law and order, these arrests represent a major step forward in making Washington, D.C., safer for legal citizens and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “These arrests make clear that violating our nation’s immigration laws will not be ignored.”

    “The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C., and our law enforcement partners,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C., Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Working with our partner agencies, ICE officers and agents arrested 189 illegal aliens and removed them from the streets of our Nation’s Capital. Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in the city of Washington, D.C. Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. I commend the efforts of everyone involved, as all were truly committed to the success of this operation. ICE Washington, D.C., remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal offenders from our Nation’s Capital and surrounding communities.”

    Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include the following:

    • A 47-year-old illegally present Guatemalan alien whose criminal history includes drug possession, illegal reentry, aggravated assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and sexual assault. His current criminal charges include unlawful reentry of a previously deported alien, disorderly conduct, lewd acts, possession of a controlled substance, sex abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possessing an open container. Additionally, he has numerous gang-affiliated tattoos on his arms, legs, and chest.

    • A 25-year-old illegally present Guatemalan alien whose criminal history includes threat to kidnap, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, threats to bodily harm, and simple assault. He is currently charged with alien present without admission or parole.

    • A 30-year-old illegally present Salvadoran alien whose criminal history includes simple assault, driving while intoxicated, brandishing a machete, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He is currently charged with alien present without admission or parole.

    • A 36-year-old illegally present Mexican alien whose criminal history includes misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor indecent exposure, possession of an open container, simple assault, theft, unlawful entry, and possession of a prohibited weapon (knife). He is currently charged with alien present without admission or parole.

    This law enforcement activity is part of President Donald Trump’s Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Executive Order. The Executive Order directs a coordinated federal effort to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and restore pride in the nation’s capital through targeted enforcement, improved policing, and strategic partnerships. It also calls for the beautification of public spaces, stricter enforcement of quality-of-life laws, and the removal of graffiti and encampments on federal lands to ensure D.C. remains clean, secure, and reflective of America’s strength and heritage.

    Participating agencies include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Virginia Department of Corrections; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshals Service; and U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Study Demonstrates Health Disparities in U.S. Territories

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A new study found that people living in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported worse overall physical health than those living in the states.

    This research, led by Anna-Michelle McSorley, assistant professor of allied health sciences at UConn Waterbury, was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

    McSorley and her co-author were able to conduct this study because, unlike many federal data collection systems, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) includes data from three U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

    “That is something that is pretty unique,” McSorley says. “That was the motivation for this paper. I found a data system in which [these populations are] represented, and I have the opportunity to tell a story about some key health-related quality of life indicators for those particular regions of the United States.”

    In a previous paper, McSorley and co-authors found that territories are often not included in federal data systems for several reasons. In some instances, a state or territory must apply to the federal government for funding to conduct the work at the local level. The work must align with the methodological standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, territories are not always eligible for these grants, and even when they are, it is not always clear if they can apply.

    McSorley identified significant disparities in the percentage of people living in the territories who reported having fair/poor general health compared to the states. In the states, this percentage is 16.1%, compared to 17.7% in Guam, 18.6% in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 27.8% in Puerto Rico.

    “From the data that I saw, it was pretty remarkable to note that Puerto Rico had the most disparities when compared to the 50 states,” McSorley says.

    In the case of mental health, however, both the territories and the states had similar levels of people reporting poor outcomes.

    In Puerto Rico this was 12.8%, 12.4% in Guam, 11.7% in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 14.9% in the states.

    “There actually wasn’t this stark disparity,” McSorley says. “There were quite poor mental health outcomes when looking at all three territories as compared to the United States, which was also pretty alarming, and it indicates that there’s a need to really increase attention to mental health at a population level for the United States overall.”

    Given these findings, McSorley says she plans to expand upon the work she has been a part of surrounding the 988 mental health crisis hotline in the states to the territories.

    “Finding that the pattern of poor mental health is high for each of the jurisdictions that I looked at, it provides further evidence for the need to dig into that area.”

    McSorley has been working on issues of data equity as they relate to U.S. territories for years. Her work, including this paper, aims to increase the inclusion of the territories in federal data collection systems.

    “This is a baseline-level attempt to insert these data into the literature because they’re often missing,” McSorley says. “If the data are not there, we don’t have the ability to tell the story about what the population health characteristics look like at baseline.”

    McSorley, a member of the Data Capacity Subgroup for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, will disseminate these findings to territorial health officials and intends to continue contributing to reports that promote territorial data equity. She says that this kind of work is even more important now as federal databases are being taken down under the current administration. BRFSS has not been removed at this point to the best of her knowledge.

    “It’s really important to be able to add this to the literature at this time to describe some of the findings that are present within systems that traditionally have been publicly available, and we’re not certain for how much longer they might be,” McSorley says.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision areas focused on Enhancing Health and Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. This research was conducted at UConn Waterbury, where there is a growing emphasis on health research.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pacific voyagers’ remarkable environmental knowledge allowed for long-distance navigation without Western technology

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Richard (Rick) Feinberg, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Kent State University

    An outrigger canoe would typically have several paddlers and one navigator. AP Photo/David Goldman

    Wet and shivering, I rose from the outrigger of a Polynesian voyaging canoe. We’d been at sea all afternoon and most of the night. I’d hoped to get a little rest, but rain, wind and an absence of flat space made sleep impossible. My companions didn’t even try.

    It was May 1972, and I was three months into doctoral research on one of the world’s most remote islands. Anuta is the easternmost populated outpost in the Solomon Islands. It is a half-mile in diameter, 75 miles (120 kilometers) from its nearest inhabited neighbor, and remains one of the few communities where inter-island travel in outrigger canoes is regularly practiced.

    A documentary team made a recent visit to Anuta.

    My hosts organized a bird-hunting expedition to Patutaka, an uninhabited monolith 30 miles away, and invited me to join the team.

    We spent 20 hours en route to our destination, followed by two days there, and sailed back with a 20-knot tail wind. That adventure led to decades of anthropological research on how Pacific Islanders traverse the open sea aboard small craft, without “modern” instruments, and safely arrive at their intended destinations.

    Wayfinding techniques vary, depending upon geographic and environmental conditions. Many, however, are widespread. They include mental mapping of the islands in the sailors’ navigational universe and the location of potential destinations in relation to the movement of stars, ocean currents, winds and waves.

    Western interest in Pacific voyaging

    Disney’s two “Moana” movies have shined a recent spotlight on Polynesian voyaging. European admiration for Pacific mariners, however, dates back centuries.

    In 1768, the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville named Sāmoa the “Navigators’ Islands.” The famed British sea captain James Cook reported that Indigenous canoes were as fast and agile as his ships. He welcomed Tupaia, a navigational expert from Ra‘iātea, onto his ship and documented Tupaia’s immense geographic knowledge.

    European explorers were impressed by the navigational skills of the people they encountered in the Pacific islands.
    Science & Society Picture Library via Getty Images

    In 1938, Māori scholar Te Rangi Hīroa (aka Sir Peter Buck) authored “Vikings of the Sunrise,” outlining Pacific exploration as portrayed in Polynesian legend.

    In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer and amateur archaeologist, crossed from Peru to the Tuamotu Islands aboard a balsa wood raft that he named Kon-Tiki, sparking further interest and inspiring a sequence of experimental voyages.

    Ten years later Andrew Sharp, a New Zealand-based historian and prominent naysayer, argued that accurate navigation over thousands of miles without instruments is impossible. Others responded with ethnographic studies showing that such voyages were both historic fact and current practice. In 1970, Thomas Gladwin published his findings on the Micronesian island of Polowat in “East Is a Big Bird.” Two years later, David Lewis’ “We, the Navigators” documented wayfinding techniques across much of Oceania.

    Many anthropologists, along with Indigenous mariners, have built on Gladwin’s and Lewis’ work.

    A final strand has been experimental voyaging. Most celebrated is the work of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. They constructed a double-hull voyaging canoe named Hōkūle‘a, built from modern materials but following a traditional design. In 1976, led by Micronesian navigator Mau Piailug, they sailed Hōkūle‘a over 2,500 miles, from Hawai‘i to Tahiti, without instruments. In 2017, Hōkūle‘a completed a circumnavigation of the planet.

    In traversing Earth’s largest ocean, one can travel thousands of miles and see nothing but sky and water in any direction. Absent a magnetic compass, much less GPS, how is it possible to navigate accurately to the intended destination?

    Looking to the stars

    Most Pacific voyagers rely on celestial navigation. Stars rise in the east, set in the west, and, near the equator, follow a set line of latitude. If a known star either rises or sets directly over the target island, the helmsman can align the vessel with that star.

    However, there are complications.

    Which stars are visible, as well as their rising and setting points, changes throughout the year. Therefore, navigation requires detailed astronomical understanding.

    Also, stars are constantly in motion. One that is positioned directly over the target island will soon either rise too high to be useful or sink below the horizon. Thus, a navigator must seek other stars that follow a similar trajectory and track them as long as they are visible and low on the horizon. Such a sequence of guide stars is often called a “star path.”

    Of course, stars may not align precisely with the desired target. In that case, instead of aiming directly toward the guide star, the navigator keeps it at an appropriate angle.

    A navigator must modify the vessel’s alignment with the stars to compensate for currents and wind that may push the canoe sideways. This movement is called leeway. Therefore, celestial navigation requires knowledge of the currents’ presence, speed, strength and direction, as well as being able to judge winds’ strength, direction and effect on the canoe.

    During daylight, when stars are invisible, the Sun may serve a similar purpose. In early morning and late afternoon, when the Sun is low in the sky, sailors use it to calculate their heading. Clouds, however, sometimes obscure both Sun and stars, in which case voyagers rely on other cues.

    Navigating requires deep understanding of waves, in the form of both swells and seas.
    AP Photo/Esteban Felix

    Waves, wind and other indicators

    A critical indicator is swells. These are waves produced by winds that blow steadily across thousands of miles of open sea. They maintain their direction regardless of temporary or local winds, which produce differently shaped waves called “seas.”

    The helmsman, feeling swells beneath the vessel, gleans the proper heading, even in the dark. In some locations, as many as three or four distinct swell patterns may exist; voyagers distinguish them by size, shape, strength and direction in relation to prevailing winds.

    Once sailors near their target island, but before it is visible, they must determine its precise location. A common indicator is reflected waves: swells that hit the island and bounce back to sea. The navigator feels reflected waves and sails toward them. Pacific navigators who have spent their lives at sea appear quite confident in their reliance on reflected waves. I, by contrast, find them difficult to differentiate from waves produced directly by the wind.

    Birds headed for home at the end of the day provide a clue about where land lies.
    Ecaterina Leonte/Photodisc via Getty Images

    Certain birds that nest on land and fish at sea are also helpful. In early morning, one assumes they’re flying from the island; in late afternoon, they’re likely returning to their nesting spots.

    Navigators sometimes recognize a greenish tint to the sky above a not-yet-visible island. Clouds may gather over a volcanic peak.

    And sailors in the Solomon Islands’ Vaeakau-Taumako region report underwater streaks of light known as te lapa, which they say point toward distant islands. One well-known researcher has expressed confidence in te lapa’s existence and utility. Some scholars have suggested that it could be a bioluminescent or electromagnetic phenomenon. On the other hand, despite a year of concerted effort, I was unable to confirm its presence.

    Estimating one’s position at sea is another challenge. Stars move along a given parallel and indicate one’s latitude. To gauge longitude, by contrast, requires dead reckoning. Navigators calculate their position by keeping track of their starting point, direction, speed and time at sea.

    Some Micronesian navigators estimate their progress through a system known as etak. They visualize the angle between their canoe, pictured as stationary, and a reference island that is off to one side and represented as moving. Western researchers have speculated on how etak works, but there is no consensus yet.

    For millennia, Pacific voyagers have relied on techniques such as these to reach thousands of islands, strewn throughout our planet’s largest ocean. They did so without Western instruments. Instead, they held sophisticated knowledge and shared understandings, passed by word of mouth, through countless generations.

    Richard (Rick) Feinberg has, in the past, received research funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute for Mental Health, and Kent State University. He is a member of the American Anthropological Association, the Association of Senior Anthropologists, and the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania. He has maintained connections with people of the islands on which he has conducted research.

    – ref. Pacific voyagers’ remarkable environmental knowledge allowed for long-distance navigation without Western technology – https://theconversation.com/pacific-voyagers-remarkable-environmental-knowledge-allowed-for-long-distance-navigation-without-western-technology-247547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Launches In-App Crypto Shopping Across 300+ Global Brands

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has launched “Shop with Crypto,” a new in-app marketplace enabling users to spend cryptocurrencies directly on goods and services. The service removes the need for fiat conversion, offering a streamlined crypto-native checkout experience from within the wallet.

    The in-app shop grants access to more than 300 global brands, spanning digital wallet top-ups, mobile recharges, e-commerce gift cards, gaming, entertainment and travel. Users can make purchases directly using crypto through global merchants such as Amazon, Walmart, Google Play, Steam, Shopee, Tmall, and JD.com and more—with no need to off-ramp to fiat. The integration significantly broadens crypto’s practical utility and underscores Bitget Wallet’s commitment to real-world adoption.

    “Bitget Wallet is the only self-custodial wallet offering maximum spending flexibility—users will be able to scan QR codes, tap cards, or shop in-app across hundreds of brands,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “We’ve built a simple, seamless, and secure experience that bridges digital assets with everyday spending.” Kan added that the company plans to extend Shop with Crypto to include lifestyle subscriptions, additional travel options, and an expanded roster of merchant integrations.

    To access the service, users navigate to the “Shop with Crypto” section in the Discovery tab of the app. Purchases can be completed directly with the Bitget Wallet balance, and redemption instructions are sent via email immediately after checkout. The entire process is designed to offer a user experience comparable to mainstream e-commerce, but crypto-native at its core.

    A central offering of the new marketplace is its gaming feature, launched in partnership with DotMart. Users can purchase in-game credits for titles such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire MAX, and Mobile Legends at prices up to 30% lower than buying directly in-game. Transactions are completed via the DotMall app within Shop with Crypto, with codes redeemable instantly.

    For more information, please visit Bitget Wallet blog.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, seamless and secure for everyone. With over 60 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/158f36b1-b391-46e3-a2c2-a37d2b932aea

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Huning Meets with Colombian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro in Beijing on Wednesday.

    At the meeting, Wang Huning noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had a fruitful meeting and jointly witnessed the signing of important documents on bilateral cooperation, in particular regarding Colombia’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative.

    This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Wang Huning said, noting that China is willing to work with Colombia to comprehensively implement the important agreements reached by the heads of state of the two countries, promoting the deepening and consolidation of the bilateral strategic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.

    The CPPCC National Committee is also willing to play an active role in this regard, Wang Huning added.

    Gustavo Petro, who is in Beijing to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), noted that Colombia intends to intensify cooperation with China in all areas and promote the continuous development of relations between Colombia and China, as well as between CELAC and China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jefferson, Economic Outlook

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you, President Williams. It is wonderful to be back in New York, and it is an honor to speak to you, the directors and advisers to the Second District. You all play an extremely important role for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and, indeed, for the entirety of the Federal Reserve System. You, and your peers around the country, inform President Williams and the other Bank presidents about how you see the economy unfolding in your communities and in your industries. The presidents, in turn, share that vital information with all the members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) so that we can make the best monetary policy decisions to benefit all Americans. Thank you for the important contributions.1

    In the spirit of sharing information, I thought it would be helpful to share with you my economic outlook. First, I will discuss how I see recent economic activity. Next, I will talk about developments pertaining to both sides of our dual mandate, maximum employment and price stability. Finally, I will offer my current view of monetary policy.
    Economic ActivityWhile the economy entered a period of heightened uncertainty this year, the underlying data through the first quarter showed resilience. As you can see in figure 1, gross domestic product (GDP) contracted slightly by 0.3 percent in the first quarter, on an annualized basis, after expanding at a 2.4 percent rate in the fourth quarter of 2024. That change, however, overstates the deceleration in activity. A surge in imports apparently ahead of anticipated changes to trade policy did not seem to be reflected fully in inventory or spending data. That misalignment complicated the interpretation of measured GDP data. Private domestic final purchases, which exclude government spending, inventory investment, and net exports, usually gives a better read than GDP on the underlying momentum in the economy. That came in at a 3 percent rate in the first quarter, consistent with readings from last year.
    Looking at figure 2, you can see that inflation-adjusted consumer spending was strong much of last year. Spending eased at the start of 2025, which could in part reflect poor weather and seasonal adjustment challenges. Spending bounced back in March, perhaps reflecting some purchases ahead of expected trade policy changes.
    Of course, those observations of first-quarter economic activity are now in the rearview mirror. Tariff announcements and heightened uncertainty about government policies in general are the dominant economic developments of more recent weeks and have caused me to look carefully at my forecasts. It is not my role to express views on policies coming from the Administration or Congress, but I do study the implications of those policies on economic activity and inflation.
    Various surveys show a decline in business sentiment related to trade policy. The Beige Book reported that some retailers are expecting to raise prices in response to tariffs, which could then limit spending, especially by the most price-sensitive consumers. Manufacturers saw risks of supply chain disruptions related to trade policy changes. Moreover, uncertainty is quite high. As a result, I have adjusted down my expectations for economic growth this year, but I see the U.S. economy as continuing to expand. Of course, trade policy is still evolving, so its ultimate economic implications are not known, and I will be following developments carefully.
    Labor MarketTurning to the labor market, conditions continue to be solid. As you can see in figure 3, the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in April. It has fluctuated within a narrow and historically low range between 4 and 4.2 percent since the middle of last year. U.S. employers added 177,000 jobs to payrolls last month, effectively matching the average growth over the past six months. Payrolls have been rising at a pace consistent with a stable unemployment rate and a flat labor force participation rate. Hiring has slowed from the rapid pace recorded earlier in the current expansion, but layoffs remain historically low. That can be seen in figure 4. New applications for unemployment benefits this year remain in the same low range recorded over the previous three years.
    Looking at figure 5, you can see the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers was at 1 in March, well down from a peak of 2 in 2022. The measure is consistent with a labor market that looks to be in balance and is not a source of inflationary pressure. Looking ahead, I am watching for signs that the labor market could cool as tariff increases begin to weigh on economic activity.
    InflationRegarding inflation, recent data are consistent with further progress toward our 2 percent inflation target; however, that goal has not yet been reached. Looking at figure 6, the blue line shows inflation as measured by the price index for personal consumption expenditures (PCE) has trended down from a peak above 7 percent in mid-2022. In March, PCE prices advanced 2.3 percent from a year earlier. Core PCE inflation, which excludes volatile consumer energy and food prices and is usually a better indicator of future inflation, the dashed red line, was at 2.6 percent. Figure 7 shows the components of core PCE inflation, which can provide insight into sources of inflationary pressures. Housing services inflation, the purple dotted line, has fallen notably since early 2023 and could continue to provide support to the disinflation process. Core services inflation, the dashed red line, has largely moved sideways since the early part of last year, contributing little to further disinflation, and I largely expect that pattern to continue as well. In contrast, goods inflation, outside of food and energy, the blue line, has picked up a bit this year.
    There is much uncertainty, however, around the future path of inflation. If the increases in tariffs announced so far are sustained, they are likely to interrupt progress on disinflation and generate at least a temporary rise in inflation. Whether tariffs create persistent upward pressure on inflation will depend on how trade policy is implemented, the pass-through to consumer prices, the reaction of supply chains, and the performance of the economy. Short-term inflation expectations have increased in both survey- and market-based measures, but I think it is notable that most measures of longer-run inflation expectations have been largely stable, suggesting that the American people understand the Federal Reserve’s commitment to return inflation to our 2 percent target.
    While trade policy has received the bulk of recent attention, I remain focused on the aggregate effect from the totality of different government policy changes, including trade, immigration, regulatory, and fiscal policies, as well as their net effects on the economy. This net effect will likely remain uncertain for some time.
    Monetary PolicyLast week I supported the FOMC’s decision to hold the federal funds rate at current levels as the best policy to achieve our dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. As you can see in figure 8, the FOMC acted last year to reduce the policy rate by a full percentage point. Over the past several meetings, the rate has been held at what I view as a moderately restrictive level. I view the current stance of policy as well positioned to respond to developments that may arise.
    With respect to the path of the policy rate going forward, I will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. Various measures of consumer and business sentiment have declined sharply this year, and I will be watching very carefully for signs of weakening economic activity in hard data. At the same time, higher tariffs could lead to higher inflation this year. It is uncertain whether inflationary pressures would be temporary or persistent. Our monetary policy actions are guided by our dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices for the American people. With the increased risks to both sides of our mandate, I believe that the current stance of monetary policy is well positioned to respond in a timely way to potential economic developments.
    ConclusionThe uncertain economic outlook presents a challenge for monetary policymakers. It is critical that we have the best available information from a broad cross section of sources, which is again why your efforts to keep President Williams and other monetary policymakers informed are so critical. Effective policymaking starts with hearing from people in every corner of this country—including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Directors and advisers like you make that possible. Thank you again.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Busey Corporation Prices Depositary Share Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEAWOOD, Kan., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Busey Corporation (“Busey”) (Nasdaq: BUSE), the holding company for Busey Bank and CrossFirst Bank, announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 8,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of its 8.25% Fixed Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series B preferred stock”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share).

    When, as, and if declared by the board of directors of Busey, dividends will be payable on the Series B preferred stock from the date of issuance at a rate of 8.25% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2025. Busey may redeem the Series B preferred stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per depositary share, as described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering.

    Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to redeem Busey’s 5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030, and for general corporate purposes including to support balance sheet growth of Busey Bank.

    Busey intends to apply to list the depositary shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSEP.”

    Piper Sandler & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. are serving as joint bookrunning managers for the offering, and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is acting as the co-manager.

    The Company expects to close the offering, subject to customary conditions, on or about May 20, 2025.

    The Company filed a “shelf” registration statement (File No. 333-274620) (including a base prospectus (the “Base Prospectus”)) on September 21, 2023 and the related preliminary prospectus supplement on May 13, 2025 (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Busey, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the Base Prospectus and the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement if you request it by emailing Piper Sandler & Co. at fsg-dcm@psc.com or calling Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC toll-free at 1-866-718-1649 or Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company at 1-800-966-1559.

    This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Corporate Profile
    As of March 31, 2025, First Busey Corporation (Nasdaq: BUSE) was a $19.46 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

    Busey Bank, a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of First Busey Corporation headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, had total assets of $11.98 billion as of March 31, 2025. Busey Bank currently has 62 banking centers, with 21 in Central Illinois markets, 17 in suburban Chicago markets, 20 in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, three in Southwest Florida, and one in Indianapolis. More information about Busey Bank can be found at busey.com.

    CrossFirst Bank, a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of First Busey Corporation headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, had total assets of $7.45 billion as of March 31, 2025. CrossFirst Bank currently has 16 banking centers located across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. More information about CrossFirst Bank can be found at crossfirstbank.com. It is anticipated that CrossFirst Bank will be merged with and into Busey Bank on June 20, 2025.

    Through Busey’s Wealth Management division, the Company provides a full range of asset management, investment, brokerage, fiduciary, philanthropic advisory, tax preparation, and farm management services to individuals, businesses, and foundations. Assets under care totaled $13.68 billion as of March 31, 2025. More information about Busey’s Wealth Management services can be found at busey.com/wealth-management.

    Busey Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FirsTech, specializes in the evolving financial technology needs of small and medium-sized businesses, highly regulated enterprise industries, and financial institutions. FirsTech provides comprehensive and innovative payment technology solutions, including online, mobile, and voice-recognition bill payments; money and data movement; merchant services; direct debit services; lockbox remittance processing for payments made by mail; and walk-in payments at retail agents. Additionally, FirsTech simplifies client workflows through integrations enabling support with billing, reconciliation, bill reminders, and treasury services. More information about FirsTech can be found at firstechpayments.com.

    For the fourth consecutive year, Busey was named among 2025’s America’s Best Banks by Forbes. Ranked 88th overall, Busey was one of seven banks headquartered in Illinois included on this year’s list. Busey was also named among the 2024 Best Banks to Work For by American Banker, the 2024 Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions and Investments, the 2024 Best Places to Work in Illinois by Daily Herald Business Ledger, the 2025 Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and the 2024 Best Companies to Work For in Florida by Florida Trend magazine. We are honored to be consistently recognized globally, nationally and locally for our engaged culture of integrity and commitment to community development.

    First Busey Corporation Contacts
    For Financials:  For Media:
    Scott Phillips, Interim CFO Amy L. Randolph, EVP & COO
    First Busey Corporation  First Busey Corporation
    (239) 689-7167 (217) 365-4049
    scott.phillips@busey.com amy.randolph@busey.com
       

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Busey’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of Busey’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “position,” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Busey undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond Busey’s ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (1) the strength of the local, state, national, and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures, the threat or implementation of tariffs, trade wars, and changes to immigration policy); (2) changes in, and the interpretation and prioritization of, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies (including those concerning Busey’s general business); (3) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East); (4) unexpected results of acquisitions, including the acquisition of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc., which may include the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that the transaction and integration costs may be greater than anticipated; (5) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by Busey’s commercial borrowers; (6) new or revised accounting policies and practices as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (7) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s assets (including the impact of sustained elevated interest rates); (8) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (9) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (10) the loss of key executives or associates, talent shortages, and employee turnover; (11) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation, investigations, or other legal proceedings, inquiries, and regulatory actions involving Busey (including with respect to Busey’s Illinois franchise taxes); (12) fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (13) credit risk and risk from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral, and industry), within Busey’s loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including commercial real estate loans); (14) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (15) the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s balance sheets; (16) interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (17) breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents; (18) the economic impact on Busey and its customers of climate change, natural disasters, and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts; (19) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact Busey’s cost of funds; (20) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (21) the effectiveness of Busey’s risk management framework; and (22) the ability of Busey to manage the risks associated with the foregoing. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet and Reserve Launch Onchain Index Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has integrated Reserve’s Decentralized Token Folios (DTFs), introducing a new onchain index fund experience to retail crypto users. DTFs allow users to gain exposure to a diversified set of digital assets through a single token, removing the need to manage multiple positions individually.

    DTFs operate as blockchain-native equivalents to ETFs, offering theme-based portfolios that group tokens from areas like large-cap assets, AI, and emerging blockchain ecosystems. Built on Reserve, these indexes are permissionless, fully self-custodied, and transparently managed by smart contracts. Users can view portfolio composition, performance, and circulating supply directly onchain, and can mint or redeem DTFs at any time—without intermediaries or centralized approval.

    “Our goal with DTFs is to give users a simple and transparent way to gain exposure to key areas of the crypto economy,” said Thomas Mattimore, CEO of ABC Labs, the core team behind Reserve. “Through Bitget Wallet’s integration, we’re making this accessible to a wider user base who may not want to actively manage portfolios but still want to participate in broader market or narrative trends.”

    Developed by Reserve, a decentralized asset platform backed by Coinbase Ventures, Peter Thiel, and Sam Altman, DTFs aim to simplify how crypto users manage diversified exposure. Bitget Wallet currently supports four Reserve-issued DTFs: $BGCI, which tracks the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index; $CLX, focused on the Clanker ecosystem; $ABX, a DAO-governed portfolio of Base chain projects; and $MVTT10F, which tracks the MarketVector Token Terminal Fundamental Index, an index based on fundamentals like fees and user activity. These tokens are now available for purchase and tracking within the Bitget Wallet app.

    “DTFs are part of a broader evolution in how people interact with digital assets,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “As the ecosystem matures, users are looking for tools that offer both simplicity and strategic exposure. Integrating DTFs into the wallet makes this type of investing more accessible — and through this campaign, we aim to accelerate adoption.”

    To introduce the product to more users, Bitget Wallet and Reserve have launched a joint campaign running from May 14 to June 14, 2025, offering $200,000 rewards in USDC. Eligible users who hold DTFs or trade them within the wallet app will qualify for the prize pool, with additional rewards tied to activity levels. The campaign is designed to encourage participation from both first-time and experienced users.

    For more information, visit Bitget Wallet blog.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, secure, and accessible for everyone. With over 60 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and crypto payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    About Reserve
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  • MIL-OSI Global: Lady Gaga bomb plot: Thwarted plan lifts veil on the gamification of hate and gendered nature of online radicalization

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By David Nemer, Associate Professor in the Department of Media Studies, University of Virginia

    Lady Gaga performs at Copacabana Beach on May 3, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation

    The more than 2 million people who attended Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach on May 3, 2025, had no idea of a plot that, if successful, would have turned the event into a tragedy fueled by hate. Just hours before a sea of admirers waved fans in sync with the singer during the event, the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police thwarted a planned attack involving Molotov cocktails and improvised bombs – and targeting the American singer’s LGBTQ following.

    Two people have since been arrested over the plot, which was organized by users of digital platforms such as Discord. The intent, authorities say, was radicalizing and recruiting teenagers to carry out the planned attack.

    Those responsible hoped to entice these young people into actions that would gain online notoriety.

    More than 2 million people are said to have attended the Lady Gaga concert in Rio.
    Daniel Ramalho/AFP via Getty Images

    Although authorities were able to prevent the attack, the incident stands as a stark warning about the growth of hate networks among youth − and how platforms fuel the radicalization of teenagers, especially boys and young men.

    As experts in the anthropology of technology and information science, we see something deeply generational about this phenomenon. The recent Netflix series “Adolescence” broke viewership records by portraying an environment in which young people live in hyperconnected online spheres, absent of state oversight and parental supervision. In these spheres, bullying toxic masculinity permeates, and violence – often targeted at women and sexual minorities – is normalized.

    The show was set in the U.K., but it holds up a mirror to the world. Data from polling company Gallup reveals a growing ideological divide between young men and women in Gen Z across the globe. Too often, that divide, in which young men and boys are turning against progressive values, is being expressed through actions associated with the “manosphere,” such as misogyny and incel behavior.

    Platforms for hate

    In the United States, women aged 18 to 30 are now 30 percentage points more liberal than their male counterparts, according to Gallup’s surveys. In Germany, where a right-wing coalition recently won national elections and the extreme-right AfD party is rising in popularity at an alarming rate, the gap is also 30 points. In Poland, although the far-right left power at the end of 2023 after eight years, nearly half of men ages 18 to 21 support far-right parties − compared with just one-sixth of women in the same age range.

    This polarization is emerging just as online platforms such as Discord, TikTok and Reddit have become formative spaces of identity.

    Instead of promoting diversity, however, many of these platforms have been used as machines for producing and spreading hate. The 2021 study Mapping Discord’s Darkside, published in the journal New Media & Society, shows that despite marketing efforts to distance itself from the far right, Discord hosts thousands of servers associated with neo-Nazi, misogynistic, racist, transphobic and conspiratorial discourse. Researchers identified 2,741 such servers − with more than 850,000 active members.

    These networks end up functioning as recruitment hubs, where young people − especially boys − are lured in by edgy memes, promises of belonging and identity games based on excluding others. Discord’s structure, which prioritizes privacy and decentralization, has become fertile ground for the emergence of what scholar Adrienne Massanari calls “toxic technocultures.”

    Services such as Disboard − an informal search engine for Discord servers − are used to recruit teens into communities that glorify Nazism, encourage hatred toward women and people from the LGBTQ+ community, and even offer “services” for coordinated attacks on other servers. And this appears to be the case in the thwarted attack on the Lady Gaga concert.

    Presenting a challenge

    A significant factor in the success of these radicalizing environments is gamification − the use of gamelike elements such as challenges, rewards and leaderboards in nongame contexts. When applied to social networks and extremist forums, gamification turns engagement into competition and hate speech into a playful challenge.

    This practice makes the entrance into extremism more palatable for young, impressionable people by masking violence behind seemingly harmless mechanics. As noted in the European Commission’s 2021 report Gamification and Online Hate Speech, gamification has become a powerful tool for normalizing and spreading hate, particularly among young people seeking recognition and belonging.

    This process, known as “bottom-up gamification,” occurs when users create the rules, symbolic rewards and challenges. For example, by turning hate speech into “challenges” that involve humiliating women or people from the LGBTQ+ community online, the dehumanization of targets is presented in playful, viral ways.

    Turning hate into entertainment

    The investigation into the foiled attack on Lady Gaga’s Copacabana concert revealed exactly this mechanism: The attack was treated as a “collective challenge,” with youths recruited to build Molotov cocktails and explosive backpacks in order to gain notoriety on social media.

    The logic of gamification also creates a structure of “achievement” and “scoring” that fosters competition and reinforces radical ideology. As shown in the 2022 study by criminologists Suraj Lakhani and Susann Wiedlitzka, attacks such as the 2019 mosque attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed, were planned and executed with strong inspiration from gaming, including live broadcasts similar to “Let’s Play” sessions, in which people offer live commentary during walk-throughs of games, typically first-person shooting games, and viewer comments that treat the number of deaths as a “score.”

    More than 50 people were killed in the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques in New Zealand on March 15, 2019.
    Omer Kablan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    This aestheticization of violence serves as a bonding element among young men in digital spaces, especially those who already feel marginalized or frustrated and who find in these games of hate a sense of belonging and affirmation. In this way, gamification transforms hate into entertainment, strengthening ties in toxic communities and making it harder to recognize the behavior as extremism.

    Turning a generation off hate

    Society is, we believe, facing a dual challenge: the need for moderation of platforms and for support for measures preventing men and boys from being drawn into toxic digital spaces.

    The gender divide within Gen Z is no small matter, too. It reflects, in broad terms, a rift between a generation of young women who, empowered by #MeToo and other feminist movements, have embraced progressive causes, and a generation of men who, threatened by their perceived diminished power in this new environment, are being co-opted by far-right and misogynistic discourse in digital spaces.

    This gap has real consequences in personal relationships, in schools and for democracy at large. But it also reveals something that we believe must be stated clearly: Platform regulation is not just a technical issue. The future of a generation cannot be built on algorithms that reward hate and radicalization.

    This article is a translated and adapted version of a story that was originally published by The Conversation Brazil on May 8, 2025.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Lady Gaga bomb plot: Thwarted plan lifts veil on the gamification of hate and gendered nature of online radicalization – https://theconversation.com/lady-gaga-bomb-plot-thwarted-plan-lifts-veil-on-the-gamification-of-hate-and-gendered-nature-of-online-radicalization-256199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –