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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Torres, Lofgren, Jacobs, and Tran Lead Entire CA Democratic Delegation in Demanding Immediate Release of $928 Million Education Funding Owed to California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    July 17, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CA-18), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Derek Tran (CA-45), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-CA) led the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding the Department of Education (ED) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately release nearly $7 billion in Congressionally-appropriated funding for K-12 schools and adult education—including $928 million owed to California.

    With the start of the new school year approaching in California, on June 30, 2025, the Trump Administration gave states just one day’s notice that these critical funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1. As a result, California schools are already being forced to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut services that help students thrive.

    “These programs support some of the most vulnerable and underserved students and communities in California and have been demonstrated to have lifelong benefits to students’ educational attainment, income, and other measures of wellbeing. Each passing day that these funds are unlawfully withheld hurts our schools and students and strains already limited budgets,” said the members. “In California alone, the Trump Administration’s funding freeze is affecting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. For many of California’s school districts, this funding had already been accounted for in school budgets for the upcoming school year. Now, our schools are being forced to delay hiring and reduce resources to help students.”

    The withheld funding includes vital investments in:

    • Reducing class sizes and teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas.
    • After-school, before-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
    • School-based mental health services, accelerated learning courses, STEM education, and college and career counseling.
    • Academic Support for English learners and children of migrant workers.
    • Adult education and workforce readiness programs.

    With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these Congressionally appropriated funds is already hurting our schools and students. Many school districts had already budgeted for these federal dollars, leaving them scrambling to fill massive funding gaps just weeks before the school year begins.

    “We demand that the Department of Education and the Trump Administration stop holding K-12 student funding hostage and release the nearly $7 billion in funding meant to help our students, teachers, and families, including the $928 million being unlawfully withheld from California,” the members continued. “This illegal freeze in funding is setting our students and schools up for failure. Our teachers, families, and children deserve better than the Trump Administration’s reckless upheaval and chaos.”

    Additional signers of the letter include: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33); Nanette Barragán (CA-44); Ami Bera (CA-6); Julia Brownley (CA-26); Salud Carbajal (CA-24); Judy Chu (CA-28); Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31); Lou Correa (CA-46); Jim Costa (CA-21); Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10); Laura Friedman (CA-30); John Garamendi (CA-8); Robert Garcia (CA-42); Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Adam Gray (CA-13); Josh Harder (CA-9); Jared Huffman (CA-2); Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Mike Levin (CA-49); Sam Liccardo (CA-16); Ted Lieu (CA-36); Doris Matsui (CA-7); Dave Min (CA-47); Kevin Mullin (CA-15); Jimmy Panetta (CA-19); Nancy Pelosi (CA-11); Scott Peters (CA-50); Luz Rivas (CA-29); Raul Ruiz (CA-25); Linda Sánchez (CA-38); Brad Sherman (CA-32); Lateefah Simon (CA-12); Eric Swalwell (CA-14); Mark Takano (CA-39); Mike Thompson (CA-4); Juan Vargas (CA-52); Maxine Waters (CA-43); George Whitesides (CA-27).

    Link to full letter

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU agencies help shut down major hacktivist group

    Source: European Union 2

    NoName057(16) has professed support for the Russian Federation since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the start of the war, it has executed multiple DDoS attacks against critical infrastructure during high-level (political) events. The group has also exhibited anti-NATO and anti-U.S. sentiment. During a DDoS attack, a website or online service is flooded with traffic, overloading its capacity and thus making it unavailable. The hacktivist group has executed 14 attacks in Germany, some of them lasting multiple days and affecting around 230 organisations including arms factories, power suppliers and government organisations. Attacks were also executed across Europe during the European elections. In Sweden, authorities and bank websites were targeted, while in Switzerland multiple attacks were carried out during a video message given by the Ukrainian President to the Joint Parliament in June 2023, and during the Peace Summit for Ukraine in June 2024. Most recently, the Netherlands was targeted during the NATO Summit at the end of June.

    To execute their attacks, the group recruited supporters through a messaging service. It is estimated that the hackers were able to mobilise around 4000 users who supported their operations by downloading malware that made it possible for them to participate in the DDoS attacks. The group also built its own botnet using hundreds of servers around the world that increased the attack load, causing more damage.

    Coordination of the many international partners was crucial for the success of the operation. Through Eurojust, authorities were able to coordinate their findings and plan an action day to target the hacktivist group. The Agency ensured that multiple European Investigation Orders and Mutual Legal Assistance processes were executed. During the action day on 15 July, Eurojust coordinated any last-minute judicial requests that were needed during the operation.

    Europol facilitated the information exchange, supported the coordination of the operational activities and provided extended operational analytical support, as well as crypto tracing and forensic support during the lent of the investigation, and coordinated the prevention and awareness raising campaign, released to unidentified yet offenders via messaging apps and social media channels. During the action day, Europol set-up a Command Post at Europol’s headquarters and made available a Virtual Command post for online connection with the in-person Command.

    The investigation culminated in an action day on 15 July where actions targeting the group took place in eight countries. Authorities were able to disrupt of over 100 servers worldwide. Searches took place in Germany, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Czechia, Poland and France to gather evidence for the investigation. Additionally, authorities informed the group and 1100 supporters and 17 administrators about the measures taken and the criminal liability they bear for their actions. Seven international arrest warrants have been issued. Germany issued six warrants which are directed inter alia against suspects living in the Russian Federation. Two suspects are accused of being the main instigators responsible for the activities of NoName057(16). Photos and descriptions of some of the suspects can be found on the websites of Europol and Interpol.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Czechia: District Prosecutor’s Office of Prague 5; Police, National Counterterrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Agency (NCTEKK)
    • Estonia: Estonian Police and Border Guard Board
    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Centre; Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)
    • Finland: Prosecution District of Southern Finland; National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Investigation Unit
    • France: Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office – National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime (JUNALCO) ; National Cyber Unit of the Gendarmerie nationale
    • Latvia: State Police of Latvia – International Cooperation Department & Cybercrime Enforcement Department
    • Lithuania: Prosecutor General’s Office of Lithuania; Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands and Police of the Netherlands
    • Spain: Investigative Central Court nr. 1 Audiencia Nacional; Audiencia Nacional Prosecutor´s Offices; National Police; Guardia Civil
    • Sweden: Polisen
    • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland; Federal Office of Police fedpol
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) Market Set to Soar with 26.90% CAGR, Projected to Reach US$ 233.2 Billion by 2032 Amid Growing Demand for Scalable and Cost-Effective IT Solutions: AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market was valued at USD 34,680.33 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.90% from 2025 to 2032. DaaS transforms the conventional IT ownership model by offering a subscription-based solution that integrates hardware, software, and managed services into a single, streamlined package.

    DaaS model is transforming how businesses equip their workforce, especially in the era of hybrid and remote work. Rather than purchasing devices outright, companies lease them as part of a service contract that includes setup, maintenance, security, and replacement. This approach simplifies IT asset management, reduces upfront costs, and ensures that devices are consistently updated and secure. For instance, the General Services Administration (GSA) has adopted the DaaS model through its Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). The GSA offers IT hardware and managed services bundles under long-term contracts, helping federal agencies streamline procurement and reduce capital expenditures.

    Access Your Free Sample Report PDF Now @ https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV3807

    Global Device-As-A-Service Market Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights

    • Accenture PLC
    • Amazon Web Services
    • Apple Inc.
    • Box Inc.
    • Cisco Systems, Inc.
    • Dell Technologies
    • Fujitsu Limited
    • Google LLC
    • HP Inc.
    • IBM Corporation
    • Lenovo Group
    • Microsoft Corporation
    • Oracle Corporation
    • Panasonic Corporation
    • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Xerox Corporation
    • Others

    DaaS Market Insights:

    By 2023, a growing number of medium to large organizations across North America had embraced the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) model to enhance device provisioning and minimize operational downtime. Government initiatives such as the U.S. GSA’s managed IT services contracts and the UK Crown Commercial Service’s tech leasing frameworks have played a key role in accelerating DaaS adoption. With the ability to scale device fleets rapidly and maintain centralized monitoring and lifecycle management, DaaS is increasingly favored across sectors like finance, education, healthcare, and public administration. 

    In addition to cost and operational benefits, sustainability is becoming a key motivator behind DaaS adoption. Companies increasingly seek ways to reduce electronic waste and improve environmental accountability. DaaS aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by promoting device reuse, refurbishment, and proper recycling. Global tech leaders, such as HP, report that a significant number of Fortune 100 companies are exploring DaaS to meet both IT needs and environmental targets.

    Government agencies are also recognizing DaaS’s potential. A 2023 procurement update from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) highlighted growing interest in DaaS as a strategic solution for federal departments to manage IT assets while meeting sustainability objectives.

    However, the shift to DaaS is not without its challenges. Businesses must evaluate concerns related to data privacy, dependency on vendors, service-level agreement (SLA) reliability, and compatibility with legacy systems. Despite these barriers, the model’s scalability, financial flexibility, and security features are encouraging widespread adoption, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that benefit from low upfront investment and simplified IT operations.

    North America DaaS Market:
    North America dominated the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market in 2024, accounting for over 38% of global revenue. The region benefits from widespread hybrid work adoption and government-driven IT modernization programs. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) actively promotes DaaS contracts across federal agencies, boosting efficiency and reducing upfront costs for public sector IT infrastructure.

    Asia Pacific DaaS Market:
    Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest DaaS market growth, projected to expand at a CAGR exceeding 29% through 2032. Growth is fueled by rapid digital transformation across India, China, and Southeast Asia. Government programs like India’s Digital India initiative and Smart Cities Mission are increasingly leveraging DaaS for secure, cost-effective device deployment in education, public service, and local governance.

    TABLE OF CONTENT:

    1. Device-as-a-Service Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Device Type
    2.1.2. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Service Model
    2.1.3. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Deployment Mode
    2.1.4. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by End-User
    2.1.5. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.6. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. Device-as-a-Service Key Market Trends
    3.1. Device-as-a-Service Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. Device-as-a-Service Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. Device-as-a-Service Market Opportunities
    3.4. Device-as-a-Service Market Future Trends
    4. Device-as-a-Service Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis…..

    DaaS Market Competitive Insights:

    The Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market is highly competitive, driven by global players offering integrated hardware, software, and support services. Accenture PLC leads with strong consulting and managed service capabilities. Amazon Web Services supports cloud-based DaaS platforms. Apple Inc. leverages its hardware ecosystem for enterprise DaaS solutions. Box Inc. enhances DaaS with secure content management. Cisco Systems integrates networking and security features, while Dell Technologies offers comprehensive end-to-end DaaS packages. These companies focus on innovation, scalability, and strategic partnerships to maintain a strong market presence and cater to diverse enterprise and government needs in the evolving digital workplace landscape.

    Map the full market terrain with regional insights, segmented views, consumer intelligence, and competitor studies@

    https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-device-as-a-service-market

    Market Segementaion:

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY DEVICE TYPE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Smartphones
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Tablets
    • Wearables

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY SERVICE MODEL- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Leasing
    • Subscription
    • Full-service

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY DEPLOYMENT MODE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Cloud-based
    • On-premises

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY END-USER- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Enterprises
    • SMBs
    • Individual Consumers

    Reasons to Invest in the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) Market:

    1. Rising Demand for Scalable IT Infrastructure
    Businesses increasingly require flexible IT solutions to support hybrid and remote work models. DaaS enables organizations to scale device fleets up or down on demand, reducing capital expenditures while maintaining operational agility.

    2. Government Push for Digital Transformation
    Public sector initiatives such as the U.S. GSA’s DaaS contracts and India’s Digital India program are accelerating adoption. These efforts create stable demand and long-term contract opportunities for vendors in the DaaS space.

    3. Built-in Security and Lifecycle Management
    DaaS integrates device provisioning, security updates, and end-of-life recycling into one service. This reduces IT burden and strengthens cybersecurity across enterprises, making it a preferred choice for regulated industries.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Supreme Court Greenlights Mass Layoffs at ED, New Warren Report Reveals Impact of Trump Administration’s Attacks On Public Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 17, 2025
    11 national organizations warn of dangers from dismantling the Department of Education. 
    Warren: “If President Trump succeeds in completely eliminating the Department of Education, millions of students, teachers, and families will pay the price.”
    Text of Report (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a new 23-page report, “Education At Risk: Frontline Impacts of Trump’s War on Students,” highlighting warnings from 11 major national education and civil rights organizations on the impact of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education (ED), slashing support to millions of American students, primary and secondary school teachers, administrators, parents, and student loan borrowers. Since the Trump Administration took office, President Trump, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and ED Secretary Linda McMahon have:
    Eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for ED programs that serve America’s students, families, and educators. 
    Fired nearly half of the department’s employees, severely limiting its ability to support public education around the country.
    Attempted to further dismantle ED by illegally transferring core ED functions to other agencies. 
    In April 2025, Senator Warren asked leading national organizations representing teachers, parents, students, student loan borrowers, and administrators to collect firsthand accounts of the impacts of the administration’s policies. 
    Key findings of Senator Warren’s report include:
    Cuts to the Office of Federal Student Aid staff and student loan programs will limit college attendance and delay borrower access to loans and debt relief.
    According to the American Council on Education, “delayed funding, especially in the instances of student financial aid, can result in the inability of students to enroll for classes and persist through to completion in a timely fashion, causing them to take on more student loan debt to complete their degrees.”

    Dismantling the Office of Civil Rights will impede ED’s ability to ensure that students receive an education free from discrimination.
    According to the National Parents Union, this “leaves 46.413 million students in 27 states and territories without dedicated civil rights investigators in regional offices.”

    Cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences threaten the collection and dissemination of critical federal data.
    ED collects data that helps students and parents get a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and financial cost of colleges and secondary schools. Without this data, the Institute for Higher Education Policy says, “Families would be left without the only reliable federal resource to help them make informed choices about one of the most significant financial and personal decisions of their lives.”

    Plans to transfer responsibilities to other agencies are wasteful and will increase the cost and complexity of performing essential department functions that America’s students and families rely on.
    For example, the National Center for Youth Law notes that President Trump’s proposal to move special education services into the Department of Health and Human Services risks “stripping away decades of hard-won progress for students with disabilities, returning to an outdated medical model that treats disabilities as pathologies to be contained rather than differences to be accommodated.”

    The report reveals that this damage will continue to worsen if the Department of Education is further defunded and dismantled, harming over 62 million students across the country. 
    The organizations that were cited in this report include the American Council on Education (ACE), National Parents Union (NPU), National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC), Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), and the Association for Institutional Research (AIR).
    Senator Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education:
    On July 15, 2025, Senators Warren and Sanders, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging her to reverse the interest hike on student loan borrowers in the SAVE forbearance. 
    On July 14, 2025, Senator Warren joined a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, demanding that the Department of Education stop blocking nearly $7 billion in funds for K-12 schools, including for afterschool programs.
    On July 3, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in submitting an amicus brief for NAACP v. US, arguing to the United States District Court District of Maryland that President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education violate separation of powers and lack constitutional authority.
    On June 10, 2025, Senator Warren met with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and delivered over 1,000 letters to McMahon that the senator had received from people in all 50 states who were worried about the Secretary’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On June 9, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pushing the Acting Inspector General of Department of Education to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office, revealing that DOGE may have gained access to two FSA internal systems, in addition to sensitive borrower data.
    On May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid.
    On May 14, 2025, Senator Warren led a Senate forum entitled “Stealing the American Dream: How Trump and Republicans Are Raising Education Costs for Families,” highlighting the consequences of Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education and President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for working- and middle-class students and borrowers.
    On May 13, 2025, Senator Warren agreed to meet with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and promised to bring questions and stories from Americans across the country to highlight how the Trump administration’s attacks on education are hurting American families.
    On May 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the consequences of President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education for American families in a Senate forum.
    On April 24, 2025, Senator Warren launched a new investigation into the harms of President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Education, seeking information on the impact of the Trump administration’s actions from the members of twelve leading organizations representing schools, parents, teachers, students, borrowers, and researchers.
    On April 10, 2025, following a request led by Senator Warren, the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On April 2, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence chatbots.
    On April 2, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America.
    On March 27, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a letter to Acting Department of Education Inspector General René Rocque requesting they conduct an investigation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On March 20, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders led a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the capacity of Federal Student Aid to handle student aid complaints.
    On February 24, 2025, in a response to Senator Warren, Secretary McMahon gave her first public admission that she “wholeheartedly” agreed with Trump’s plans to abolish the Department of Education.
    On February 11, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim sent Linda McMahon, Secretary-Designate for the U.S. Department of Education, a 12-page letter with 65 questions on McMahon’s policy views in advance of her nomination hearing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Introduces Pensions for All Act to Guarantee Retirement Security for Every American

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, July 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today introduced the Pensions for All Act, sweeping legislation that would provide comprehensive retirement coverage to the more than 56 million working-class Americans who currently have no retirement plan through their employer.  
    “We can no longer tolerate a rigged retirement system that allows the CEOs of large corporations to receive massive golden parachutes for themselves, while denying workers a pension after a lifetime of work,” Sanders said. “If we are serious about addressing the retirement crisis in America, corporations must be required to offer all of their workers a traditional pension plan that guarantees a monthly income in retirement. And if corporations refuse to offer a decent retirement plan, their workers must be allowed to receive the same type of pension that every member of Congress receives. If we can guarantee a defined benefit pension plan for members of Congress, we can and we must provide that same level of retirement security to every worker in America.” 
    In our country today, nearly half of older workers between the ages of 55 and 64 have no retirement savings at all and no idea how they will be able to retire with any shred of dignity or respect. 
    “If Congress can provide over $1 trillion in tax breaks for the top 1% and over $900 billion in tax breaks for large corporations, please do not tell me that we cannot afford to make sure that every worker in America can retire with the dignity and the respect they deserve,” Sanders continued.
    Today, more than 22.8% of seniors in the United States live in poverty — compared to just 5.1% in Denmark, 5.8% in France, 12.6% in Germany and 14.8% in Canada. Unacceptably, nearly 22% of seniors in America are trying to survive on less than $15,000 a year while half of our nation’s elderly population makes less than $30,000 a year. 
    The Pensions for All Act would reverse this trend by requiring corporations to either: 
    Provide a traditional pension plan for their workers that is at least equivalent to the plan provided to new members of Congress under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), or
    Pay into the federal retirement system at a level that ensures all of their workers receive the same amount of retirement benefits as Members of Congress.
    Importantly, this legislation would also offer reduced contribution requirements for self-employed workers and small businesses.  
    The bill builds on Sanders’ Social Security Expansion Act, which would increase Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and fully fund the program for the next 75 years by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000. Together, these bills would finally ensure retirement security for all. 
    The legislation is endorsed by United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA); Alliance for Retired Americans; Just Solutions; Equal Rights Advocates; Popular Democracy in Action; and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
    “Fifty years ago, nearly 50% of American workers had a pension. Today, less than 10% do, and nearly half of older workers have no retirement savings at all. That isn’t a flaw in the system—it’s the system working exactly as the wealthy designed it. We’ve gone from being a country that promised security and dignity in old age to being a country that forces people to work until they’re in the grave. After a lifetime of hard work, every American deserves the promise of a secure, dignified retirement—not a future filled with fear, uncertainty, and poverty. Pensions have long been the bedrock of retirement for working-class people, but corporate greed has eroded that foundation. The billionaire class gutted pensions in pursuit of profit, and Washington let it happen. CEOs walk away with golden parachutes while working people walk into retirement with nothing. Meanwhile, every Member of Congress has a guaranteed pension—for life. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for the people who build this country. The retirement crisis is real, and it’s time for Congress to act. Thank you to Senator Bernie Sanders—a leader who knows which side he’s on—for standing up for the working-class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. 
    Read the bill text here. 
    Read a summary of the bill here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Delegation Secures $22.7 Million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Award for Winooski River Bridge  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WINOOSKI, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today announced a $22.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help replace the Winooski River Bridge in Chittenden County. The federal funding, provided through DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program and made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will replace and upgrade travel lanes and incorporate shared-use paths to improve safety on the bridge for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 
    “Bolstering Vermont’s infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and everyone traveling through the Green Mountain State. We’re proud to see this investment of more than $22 million that will make our roads and communities safer,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “The replacement of the Winooski River Bridge will boost northern Vermont’s critical infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and make Winooski more resilient to extreme weather.” 
    “Maintaining safe and reliable public transportation infrastructure one of the most important responsibilities of any government,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative to our congressional delegation for bringing this much needed funding back home to Vermont.” 
    “This announcement is crucial toward the successful funding package necessary to deliver this complex bridge project,” said Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “The effort from Vermont’ congressional delegation is greatly appreciated.” 
    The Vermont Congressional Delegation nominated the project for $8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). 
    The existing Winooski River Bridge, built in 1929, is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The improved bridge will use durable materials to upgrade the existing infrastructure and create a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to cross safely. The new bridge will also feature improved drainage systems to better withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change—including the flooding that has impacted Vermont for the last three years. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Border Legislation to Combat Cartels’ Exploitation of American Youth and Crack Down on Smugglers

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the No More Narcos Act and the Stop COYOTES Act, two critical bipartisan bills designed to address the continued threat of organized criminal activity in border communities. The legislation targets drug cartels and human traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations, particularly children, and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond through enhanced coordination and accountability.

    “Representing 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement, educators, and families about the very real challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations in border towns,” said Vasquez. “My bipartisan bills strengthen our ability to disrupt cartel activity, protect our kids from exploitation, and equip local law enforcement with the tools and coordination they need to keep communities safe.”

    The No More Narcos Act creates a coordinated educational campaign led by the Department of Justice in partnership with the DEA, DHS, the Department of Education, and other federal, state, and tribal agencies. The campaign will directly engage middle and high school students within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border about the dangers of working with cartels and other Transnational Criminal Organizations. This legislation was introduced with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and is supported by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.

    The Stop COYOTES Act improves public safety by imposing harsher penalties against human smugglers and fentanyl traffickers while also improving information sharing and reporting between DHS and local law enforcement along the border. Under the bill, DHS must report on trafficking trends, smuggling routes, and cartel activity — ensuring that local communities have the data they need to respond in real time. This legislation was introduced with Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). 

    Both bills are supported by the Sunland Park Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. 

    “For too long, dangerous criminals have exploited our border crisis to traffic innocent children and smuggle deadly narcotics into our nation,” said McCaul. “It’s time we finally put a stop to these predators and ensure law enforcement agencies have the information-sharing infrastructure to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. I am proud to co-lead this bill alongside Rep. Vasquez to protect innocent children across Texas and support our local law enforcement officers as they work to counter cartel-sponsored crime.”

    “New Mexico’s educators are on the frontlines of keeping our communities safe, and we know that protecting our students from the influence of criminal organizations requires both vigilance and leadership. We applaud Congressman Vasquez for continuing to prioritize student safety through action, not just words, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that safeguard the wellbeing of every student in our schools,” said Whitney Holland, President of AFT New Mexico.

    “Border communities such as Sunland Park, New Mexico, are on the front lines of problems posed by human smugglers, fentanyl traffickers, and cartels seeking to recruit American teens,” said Chief Eric Lopez, Sunland Park Police Department. “Through these bills, Rep. Vasquez is leading on the sort of real-world solutions that will crack down on criminals to actually make our schools and streets safer. Working collaboratively with a common goal will ensure our border region stays safe and continues to thrive.”

    “I thank Congressman Vasquez for prioritizing the needs of New Mexicans and working in a bipartisan way to find solutions that will support law enforcement and improve public safety,” said Chief Jeremy Story, Las Cruces Police Department. “These bills strike the right balance between prevention, education, and enforcement, and they send a strong message that exploiting our kids or flooding our communities with fentanyl will not be tolerated.”

    Vasquez is committed to delivering smart, bipartisan solutions that protect New Mexico’s youth, disrupt criminal networks, and strengthen the resilience of border communities. Earlier this year, Vasquez led a bipartisan letter to the State Department supporting efforts to combat cartels and urging the Department to work collaboratively with border communities while protecting cross-border trade. He also backed legislation to crack down on dangerous car chases in border communities. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Donalds Delivers Remarks After Attending The House Oversight Committee’s Deposition Of Jill Biden’s Chief Of Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    WASHINGTON – This morning, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) delivered remarks alongside House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-KY) after attending the closed-door deposition of Anthony Bernal.

    Known as former First Lady Jill Biden’s “work husband,” Bernal was Jill Biden’s longtime Chief of Staff, and a top Biden family advisor.

    In his remarks, Donalds called for former First Lady Jill Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and “every member of the Biden administration” to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in its investigation into former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and his administration’s autopen usage.

    Watch the Congressman’s remarks here or read the full transcription below: 

    Congressman Donalds: “First thing’s first, that’s just crazy. You can’t answer a simple question about the former president’s ability to discharge his duties, and you worked in the White House as Chief of Staff to the First Lady, and you come in here and you plead the Fifth. He can say whatever he wants in his testimony. Which by the way, his attorney read. He wouldn’t even read his own statement. His attorney read his statement for him. So, he came in there and said that him pleading the Fifth is not an admission of guilt or anything about what was going on in the Biden White House or to give any inkling to the fact that Joe Biden was lacking in capability. The fact that he couldn’t make any statement, the fact that the White House doctor couldn’t make any statement, and they both plead the Fifth – which is their Constitutional right to do, and we respect the Constitution like every American does, but the fact that they are now hiding behind the Constitution so that they don’t have to tell the truth to the American people about Joe Biden’s abilities and mental faculties while he was President of the United States is not just shocking, it’s stunning and it demonstrates the level of corruption that was going on in that administration. The Chairman is being nice, I don’t have to be. This is corruption at the highest level because if you cannot say, answer a simple question about Joe Biden’s capabilities then that further demonstrates that he was not in charge of his administration. And if he was not in charge of his administration, then every order, every bill that was signed, every memorandum, as far as I’m concerned are null and void. And Congressional Democrats need to actually step into the light and not hide behind this stuff or run away from it because everything that that administration did, as far as I’m concerned, is unlawful. If he [Joe Biden] did not have the ability to discharge his duties, then, anything that he signed, or the autopen signed, or whatever, as far as I’m concerned, is null and void. And where was Kamala Harris? I’m not going to speak for the Chairman, I’m going to speak for myself. As far as I’m concerned, every member of the Biden administration, at this point, needs to be subpoenaed. I don’t care if they were a secretary, I don’t care if they were a janitor working in there. They all gotta come in and answer questions for this committee.”

    Reporter Question: “Congressman, does that include Dr. Jill Biden?”

    Congressman Donalds: “Of course. Her righthand man, listen, Anthony Bernal is the righthand man. That’s her guy, that’s her Chief of Staff. If he came in here and plead the Fifth, I’m sorry, the former First Lady, she gotta come in here and answer questions. This is not about, listen, that is the president’s wife. I have a wife, James [Comer] has a wife. Obviously with family members you want to do everything you can to protect your family, but if you can’t answer a basic question to the mental capabilities of President Biden, then as far as I’m concerned, you now have to answer to the American people.”

    Reporter Question: “Should the former President or Vice President be subpoenaed?”

    Congressman Donalds: “I think Kamala Harris needs to come in and tell us what she knew and when she knew it. She ran for President, so she should be able to tell us what was going on.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Rolls Out Election Integrity Bills Aimed at Safeguarding Ballot Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Chairwoman of the House Election Integrity Caucus, today introduced a slate of common-sense bills aimed at restoring trust in America’s election systems and protecting the sacred right to vote for U.S. citizens.

    As part of this package, Rep. Tenney reintroduced three pieces of legislation, including: 

    The Safeguarding Trust in our Politics Act which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations from funding or administering election-related activities, putting an end to private funding schemes that undermine public confidence in our electoral process.

    The Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act prohibits third-party voter registration and mobilization efforts on federal property.

    A Resolution calling for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit non-citizens from voting in federal, state, and local elections. 

    “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our Constitutional Republic. Americans deserve to know their voices won’t be drowned out by radical actors or non-citizens voting illegally,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As Chairwoman of the Election Integrity Caucus, I am honored to introduce these three critical bills to secure our elections, restore public trust, and protect the sacred right to vote.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Visits Kerr County with President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Visits Kerr County with President Trump

    Kerrville, Texas, July 11, 2025

    KERR COUNTY, TX — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) visited Kerr County with President Trump, Governor Abbott, several members of the Texas Congressional delegation, as well as the Trump administration, and more to participate in a roundtable discussion.

    “I am thankful that President Trump and Governor Abbott invited me to join them in Kerrville today. Texas has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past week, and I have been blown away by how the community has come together in these difficult times. The Trump administration has been instrumental in ensuring Texas receives the support we need, and I can’t thank them enough. I will continue working tirelessly with federal, state, and local officials to ensure we continue supporting all those affected by the floods in my district and across Texas,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    Pictures are available for broadcast and distribution here or by clicking the image below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger, Colleagues Honor Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan for Saving 165 Lives in Texas Floods

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined a resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan for saving 165 lives during the catastrophic flooding in Texas.

    “Scott Ruskan is a true American hero. In the midst of disaster, this courageous member of the U.S. Coast Guard stepped up when our nation needed him most. I’m grateful for his unwavering bravery, exceptional leadership, and selfless service that saved countless lives,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    “Today, I introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Scott Ruskan for saving 165 during the tragic floods that struck the Lone Star State. Mr. Ruskan embodies what makes our servicemembers the best of the best. Many lives were saved because of Mr. Ruskan’s bravery and selfless commitment to his mission, and I thank my colleagues for working with me to ensure we give this American hero the recognition he has earned,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. 

    “Petty Officer Scott Ruskan didn’t hesitate—he acted. In the face of rising waters and real danger, he helped save 165 lives during his very first mission,” said Congressman Michael Cloud. “That kind of courage and commitment embodies the very best of the United States Coast Guard and the American spirit. We are deeply grateful for his service, and for every man and woman who put themselves on the line during this tragedy.”

    “My granddaughters and many others are alive today because of the heroism of Scott Ruskan. His successful efforts to save 165 lives as the Guadalupe River waters rose are not just commendable but have changed the course of my and many other families’ lives. Thank you, Scott, for your selflessness, bravery, and service. We are forever grateful and indebted to you for your decisive, life-saving actions,” said Congressman Buddy Carter.

    43 members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined the resolution as original cosponsors.

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio and Colleagues Propose New Tools to Fight Price Gouging Amidst Trump’s Reckless Tariffs

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chris Deluzio (PA-17) along with Jan Schakowsky (IL-11) and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act to fight back against the corporate power enabled by the Trump administration’s chaotic tariff policies. The bill would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against grossly excessive price increases.

    Over the past five years, giant corporations have repeatedly taken advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions to expand their profit margins by raising prices higher than necessary to cover cost increases. President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs have created yet another opportunity for corporate price gouging. The tariff-driven uncertainty gives companies the opportunity to raise prices on all goods—regardless of whether they are actually subject to new tariffs—higher and for longer than what is necessary to cover any cost increases. Now, dozens of companies have reported raising the prices of goods and services unaffected by Trump’s tariffs. 

    “Prices are still too high, and inflation is still pounding folks. Especially now, we need to rein in monopolists and other huge corporations with the power to price gouge the American people,” said Congressman Deluzio. “By upping FTC enforcement practices and boosting transparency, this bill will take some of the squeeze off American families and small businesses suffering under the thumb of out-of-control corporate power.”   

    Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined as co-sponsors. 

    The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would help the federal government and state attorneys general fight corporate price gouging. The bill would:  

    • Prohibit price gouging at the federal level—anytime and anywhere. The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. It would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network;
    • Help enforcers establish when price gouging is occurring during a significant shift in trade policy. The bill lists a set of exceptional market shocks—including an “abrupt or significant shift in trade policy”—and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices;
    • Create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers. This affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show legitimate cost increases;
    • Require public companies to clearly disclose costs and pricing strategies. During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings; and 
    • Provide $1 billion in additional funding to the FTC to carry out its work. 

    During Trump’s presidency, giant corporations have continued to take advantage of inflation and supply chain disruptions by raising prices far higher than necessary, ultimately ripping off American people. The Price Gouging Prevention Act is a huge step towards ending this practice by holding corporate price gougers accountable.

    Last week, Congressman Deluzio joined with Senator Warren and 15 other Democrats urged the FTC to investigate tariff-enabled corporate price gouging that is raising costs for American families and use its full authority to prevent it.  

    As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Deluzio focuses on fighting price gouging in the defense sector, especially defense contracting. In the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed out of committee on July 17th, he was able to secure several important wins on this topic and for his community in Western Pennsylvania. He also previously introduced Stop Price Gouging the Military Act to close loopholes in current acquisition laws. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Weber Introduces BIRD Health Act to Strengthen U.S.-Israel Medical Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the United States-Israel Bilateral Innovation for Research and Development in (BIRD) Health Act of 2025. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to partner with the successful Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation to create a dedicated BIRD Health Program, modeled after existing collaborations in energy, cyber, and homeland security.

    The BIRD Health Act deepens U.S.-Israel collaboration in the development of next-generation health technologies, fortify domestic supply chains, and reduce our reliance on adversarial nations for critical medical products. By leveraging Israel’s world-class biotech ecosystem and America’s unmatched research infrastructure.

    “The United States and Israel share one of the strongest, most enduring alliances in the world, and it just makes sense to join forces in advancing life-saving health technologies that benefit both our nations,” said Rep. Weber. “The BIRD Health Act of 2025 builds on our shared strengths to support cutting-edge medical innovation, strengthen supply chains, and improve health outcomes for American families.”

    “U.S. and Israeli doctors, scientists, and researchers are leading the world in groundbreaking medical advancements, including regenerative medicine, disease prevention, and cancer research,” said Rep. Pappas. “The health technology and innovation program created through this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Israel to address emerging health issues, develop innovative solutions, and save lives.”

    The bill supports:
    • Joint U.S.-Israel research and development in medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, vaccines, and biotechnology
    • Manufacturing partnerships to boost U.S.-based production of critical medicines
    • Innovation ecosystems that promote startups, clinical trials, and commercialization of new treatments
    • Data-sharing and cybersecurity protocols to protect patient privacy and medical infrastructure

    Read the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Weber, Ross Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Extreme Weather Forecasting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans plan for inclement and severe weather by establishing a program to improve precipitation forecasts, including extreme rainfall and other related weather events. The program will be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency dedicated to providing citizens with reliable weather information.

    Recently, heavy precipitation and flooding in Texas and North Carolina has tragically taken many lives and caused extreme destruction. Improving precipitation forecasts is vital to ensuring Americans have accurate weather predictions, especially during extreme weather incidents. The program established by this bill will support research, development, and implementation of Earth System Models (i.e., simulations used to understand and project changes in climate and ecosystems), including those related to extreme weather.

    “Southeast Texas knows all too well the destruction that extreme weather can bring,” said Rep. Weber. “Every year, hurricanes and major storms threaten communities across this nation, especially along the Gulf Coast. That’s why this bill is so important. It delivers real, boots-on-the-ground improvements to help families, first responders, and local officials make smart, life-saving decisions ahead of time. Texans and Americans deserve the most accurate, cutting-edge forecasting tools available. We ought to have the most accurate, precise weather forecasting possible, and this bill makes sure we’re taking the right steps to invest in the latest, most advanced tools available.”

    “Extreme weather endangers communities across the country, and we need to give Americans the tools to help them plan for and avoid dangerous weather,” said Rep. Ross. “From North Carolina to Texas, states are increasingly experiencing devastating storms that cause severe damage and loss of life. This legislation will ensure that every community can prepare for future storms with accurate precipitation forecasts. Thank you to Congressman Weber for joining me in this important effort.”

    Bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 7, 2025, United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced Ángel Alexis Vázquez-Sánchez to 300 months (25 years) in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for child exploitation. Vázquez-Sánchez, 27, from Jayuya, PR, was indicted on March 5, 2024, and plead guilty on January 29, 2025.

    According to court documents, from December 2021 throughout May 2023, Ángel Alexis Vázquez Sánchez sexually exploited four different minor females, between the ages of 12 and 16, with the intent that the minors engage in sexual activity, and to obtain sexually explicit images of the minors.

    Ángel Alexis Vázquez Sánchez plead guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of children. From December 2021 through May 2023, the defendant used his cellular device, social media, and communication platforms to communicate in a sexually explicit manner via text, still images, video and voice notes, with four female minors ranging from 12 to 16 years of age to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice and coerce the female minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The defendant solicited and received such images via his cellular device and requested that the female minors engage in sexual acts or sexual contact and produced the images and videos of the sexually explicit conduct of the minors.

    The FBI investigated the case, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG) provided significant assistance during the ongoing investigation.

    Assistant US Attorney Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit Chief, prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Task Force Agent Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Corruption

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Antonio Pizarro Adorno, a former Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau (“NIE” as known in Spanish) officer who was assigned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé to 15 months in prison and three years of Supervised Release Term for corruptly concealing $170 during a law enforcement seizure.

    On March 13, 2025, after a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Antonio Pizarro Adorno. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 27, 2023, Pizarro Adorno, took $170 in cash seized by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an investigation being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives related to drug trafficking in a community in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI San Juan Field Office, Public Corruption Unit investigated the case, with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Inmate Sentenced for Threatening Federal Officials

    Source: US FBI

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Noah D. Stirn, 30, an inmate with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to making true threats to kill and injure a Federal District Judge, the Federal Clerk of Courts, and threatening the use of explosives against the Federal Public Defender’s Office. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    “The public should rest assured that my office will not tolerate repeat offenders threatening to endanger individuals for simply doing their jobs, especially those in public service.  If you make true threats to federal officials, you should know that we will take them seriously,” said United States Attorney Heekin.  “This sentence sends a strong message that we will protect our dedicated government employees, so that they may perform their jobs and serve the public without fear.”

    Court documents reflect that Stirn mailed a letter threatening to kill a Federal District Judge for the Northern District of Florida and the Federal Clerk of Courts for the Northern District of Florida. Stirn also mailed a letter to the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Northern District of Florida which contained threats involving the use of explosives and claimed al-Qaeda was inspiring and sponsoring the attack. Stirn was previously prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida for mailing similar threats, and he was sentenced to 110 months custody in the Bureau of Prisons on February 12, 2020. On July 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell sentenced Stirn to 37 months consecutive to his current 110-month sentence.

    Greg Leljedal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida said: “Protecting the federal judiciary is a cornerstone of the U.S. Marshals Service.  Perpetrators that threaten to physically harm federal officials can expect swift and serious consequences for these illegal actions.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson. 

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Slams Senate Republicans for Voting to Gut Foreign Aid, Defund Public News Stations Millions Depend On

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 17, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) voted against Republican spending cuts that would cancel $9 billion in federal funding that supports foreign assistance and public news stations that millions of Americans depend on. Senate Republicans passed the rescissions package by a vote of 51-48.

    “Whether it’s his illegal funding freeze or empowering unelected bureaucrats to take a chainsaw to basic needs programs, Donald Trump has been on a mission to cut critical government services and lifelines that millions depend on from day one.

    “Not only does this rescission package make DOGE and other cuts permanent, it puts everything—from our national security to global health and public radio and television stations—on the chopping block. Public broadcasting is critically important for Illinoisans across our state, especially in our rural communities, it’s a lifeline of information and engagement. Cutting funding isn’t a cost-saving measure, it’s an attack on the free press and our communities.

    “There’s nothing off limits in Republicans’ scheme to carve out tax cuts for Trump and their billionaire buddies—and despite claims about how much money they’re saving, American taxpayers will pay the price for these cuts.”

    -30-

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces Georgia Supreme Court Appointment

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced he will appoint The Honorable Benjamin A. Land to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of Georgia created by the retirement of The Honorable Michael P. Boggs earlier this year.

    “After careful consideration of multiple accomplished and noteworthy candidates, I’m proud to announce Ben Land as my appointment to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Judge Land has earned the respect of his peers and hardworking Georgians through his commitment to fairness and impartiality, his strong work ethic, and his integrity. His extensive experience as a former litigator and judge will make him a valuable addition to the Supreme Court as he continues his service to the people of our state.”

    Benjamin A. Land has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since July 20, 2022, following his appointment to the court by Governor Brian Kemp. He won election statewide for a full six-year term in 2024. Judge Land was previously a judge on the Superior Court for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, having been appointed by then-Governor Nathan Deal on February 7, 2018.

    Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Land was a private practice attorney in Columbus for nearly 26 years, focusing on complex civil litigation. He represented plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of cases, obtained several record-setting verdicts, and played a key role in the defense of numerous nationwide class action lawsuits. Throughout his career, Judge Land has demonstrated a commitment to his profession and his community. He was presented with the State Bar of Georgia’s William B. Spann, Jr. Award for Pro Bono Advocacy, is a graduate of Leadership Columbus, and has served as the President of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Bar Association, the Columbus Inn of Court, and the Columbus Bar Association. He was also a District Representative for the State Bar of Georgia’s Younger Lawyers Division, a member of the Joseph Henry Lumpkin Inn of Court, and has volunteered on the boards of the Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, the Pine Mountain Trail Association, and other community organizations. During his time on the bench, Judge Land has served on the Council of Superior Court Judges Budget Committee and Pattern Jury Instructions Committee, in addition to the Judicial Council’s Court Reporting Matters Committee.

    Judge Land graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Georgia where he also earned his law degree, finishing second in his class. While attending law school, he served on the Editorial Board of the Georgia Law Review, clerked for the Georgia Supreme Court, and was elected to the Order of the Coif.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces Georgia Supreme Court Appointment

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced he will appoint The Honorable Benjamin A. Land to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of Georgia created by the retirement of The Honorable Michael P. Boggs earlier this year.

    “After careful consideration of multiple accomplished and noteworthy candidates, I’m proud to announce Ben Land as my appointment to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Judge Land has earned the respect of his peers and hardworking Georgians through his commitment to fairness and impartiality, his strong work ethic, and his integrity. His extensive experience as a former litigator and judge will make him a valuable addition to the Supreme Court as he continues his service to the people of our state.”

    Benjamin A. Land has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since July 20, 2022, following his appointment to the court by Governor Brian Kemp. He won election statewide for a full six-year term in 2024. Judge Land was previously a judge on the Superior Court for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, having been appointed by then-Governor Nathan Deal on February 7, 2018.

    Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Land was a private practice attorney in Columbus for nearly 26 years, focusing on complex civil litigation. He represented plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of cases, obtained several record-setting verdicts, and played a key role in the defense of numerous nationwide class action lawsuits. Throughout his career, Judge Land has demonstrated a commitment to his profession and his community. He was presented with the State Bar of Georgia’s William B. Spann, Jr. Award for Pro Bono Advocacy, is a graduate of Leadership Columbus, and has served as the President of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Bar Association, the Columbus Inn of Court, and the Columbus Bar Association. He was also a District Representative for the State Bar of Georgia’s Younger Lawyers Division, a member of the Joseph Henry Lumpkin Inn of Court, and has volunteered on the boards of the Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, the Pine Mountain Trail Association, and other community organizations. During his time on the bench, Judge Land has served on the Council of Superior Court Judges Budget Committee and Pattern Jury Instructions Committee, in addition to the Judicial Council’s Court Reporting Matters Committee.

    Judge Land graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Georgia where he also earned his law degree, finishing second in his class. While attending law school, he served on the Editorial Board of the Georgia Law Review, clerked for the Georgia Supreme Court, and was elected to the Order of the Coif.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New $20M Semiconductor Lab at Stony Brook

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a new, public-private partnership between Stony Brook University and onsemi, the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, to construct a $20 million, state-of-the-art semiconductor research and development facility on the Stony Brook University campus. Silicon carbide is a key component of next-generation semiconductors and is vital to building more powerful, efficient and cleaner electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.

    “The state-of-the-art research facility at Stony Brook University will be another step in our mission to reshore the semiconductor industry, strengthen our national security, and cement New York’s status as the chips capital of the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in cutting-edge technology and world-class talent, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Long Island, and New York.”

    onsemi Corporate Strategy Senior Vice President Dinesh Ramanathan said, “Advanced power semiconductors are at the core of enabling the widespread adoption of AI and electrification. This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends. Aligned with Governor Hochul’s vision, and in strong partnership with Stony Brook and Empire State Development, we are building a pipeline of skilled talent who will drive the next wave of breakthroughs in power semiconductors and pave the way for our sustainable future.”

    As a result of the partnership, onsemi will invest $8 million to support the center’s operations, while Stony Brook University will invest $10 million in renovations and equipment. Empire State Development will support the new facility through a capital grant of up to $2 million recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.

    Located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West campus, the new center will allow university research scientists, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students to study crystal growth, processing, and metrology with the goal of growing bigger, higher-quality silicon carbide crystals. This will reduce device costs, improve material quality and accelerate the adoption of SiC power electronics in high-performance, high-efficiency applications. Research performed at the center will support new discoveries that bolster New York State’s leadership in the semiconductor industry.

    The new research facilities will be available to scientists and industry professionals through potential new consortium agreements to drive R&D in the growth, processing and metrology of silicon carbide crystals. Stony Brook will seek agreements with industrial entities such as crystal growers, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, process modelers and others, as well academic and research laboratories. Through the agreements, they would be able to engage in the silicon carbide growth process directly to test their products and ideas. In turn, the work conducted would provide a training ground for students and professionals who will eventually form the workforce joining these industries, universities, and laboratories.Stony Brook University will also develop a curriculum for an undergraduate minor and a graduate master’s degree and certificate focused on silicon carbide and wide bandgap semiconductors.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Stony Brook University is at the center of key research initiatives at SUNY and is helping to move New York State and our entire nation forward. We are excited to help build the new center, which will be a catalyst to create the next generation of semiconductors. Governor Hochul has charged SUNY to be a leader in semiconductor research and development, and we appreciate her investment and support as we work to achieve that goal.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This state-of-the-art research facility represents a significant step forward in securing America’s semiconductor future while advancing New York’s technology and clean energy leadership. By supporting groundbreaking silicon carbide research at Stony Brook University, we’re investing in technologies that will power everything from electric vehicle charging networks to renewable energy storage systems. This partnership exemplifies how strategic state investments can drive innovation, create quality jobs, and position New York at the forefront of the global tech economy.”

    The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Thanks to the steadfast support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, we are able to ensure Stony Brook University is at the cutting edge of research for the public good. Through private-public partnerships we are able to give our researchers and students the tools they need to make breakthroughs in science. From environmental science to medicine and from artificial intelligence to quantum, there are opportunities for faculty and students to unveil new discoveries.”

    Stony Brook University Incoming President Andrea Goldsmith said, “This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security. As a technology entrepreneur and the founder of a fabless semiconductor startup, I am thrilled that Stony Brook is a key academic partner with onsemi, an industry leader in power semiconductors. This partnership places Stony Brook and New York State at the forefront of advancing power semiconductor technology while providing students hands-on research and practical opportunities as they prepare for leadership roles in high-skill, high-demand technology fields.”

    Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “Long Island has long been home to world-class research and technology companies, and the new center will further cement our region’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse. This facility will not only advance critical semiconductor research but also create exciting career pathways for Long Island residents in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. We’re building the foundation for sustained technological leadership that will benefit our communities, our workforce, and our regional economy for decades to come.”

    LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University said, “The establishment of this research center marks an exciting milestone for Long Island’s evolution into a premier technology destination. This facility will provide our students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge semiconductor research while creating the skilled workforce that innovative companies seek when choosing where to locate and grow. By linking world-class academic expertise with industry needs, this initiative positions Long Island at the forefront of the next generation of advanced manufacturing.”

    The center will be led by Professor Michael Dudley, Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering. Professor Dudley and his team are leaders in SiC growth and metrology with more than 30 years of experience. Professor Balaji Raghothamachar, also experienced in SiC growth and metrology, and Professor and Department Chair Dilip Gersappe, with extensive experience in modeling of materials systems, will also be part of the center’s leadership team. The new center will initially house advanced equipment including furnaces, wafering and polishing equipment and metrology tools. The center is expected to be fully operational in early 2027.

    Professor Michael Dudley said, “Since 1991, I have been involved in silicon carbide crystal growth and metrology, collaborating with major silicon carbide companies including onsemi. Much appreciation to onsemi for recognizing this and supporting the establishment of this innovative center at Stony Brook University. Thanks to the Provost for coming through with funds for equipment and renovation and thanks to Empire State Development for their support as well. As the Director, I believe this center will make an integral approach to crystal growth a reality. New ideas in silicon carbide crystal growth can be tested while students and professionals gain a comprehensive work experience in state-of-the-art semiconductor materials development. We look forward to partnering with companies, universities, and national labs in silicon carbide semiconductor technologies and workforce development.”

    State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “I thank Governor Hochul for bringing this investment and collaboration with Onsemi to Stony Brook University and for fostering a more economically sustainable region for our future generations. As one of New York’s two flagship universities, Stony Brook continues to be at the forefront of tech research and will provide even more highly-skilled jobs and educational pathways that are essential for critical industries, from electric vehicles and smart grids to renewable energy systems and aerospace technology. I’m thrilled to support this initiative and look forward to getting shovels in the ground.”

    Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “This partnership helps Stony Brook continue to grow a reputation as one of the best universities in the world. Thank you to Governor Hochul for continuing these efforts and putting Suffolk County at the forefront of these important technologies and for choosing Suffolk County for this initiative.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening Long Island’s innovation economy. The new $20 million semiconductor research facility at Stony Brook University is an exciting investment in New York’s future. The partnership with onsemi is promising for the future of our regional job market, furthering Long Island’s ability to attract, train, and employ individuals for good paying jobs in the tech field. I’m proud to be the district representative of a University that is furthering energy advancements, and in that, creating a more sustainable future for all.”

    Stony Brook University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Andrew Singer said, “At a moment when strengthening the nation’s semiconductor supply chain is both an economic and strategic imperative, this new center represents a tremendous opportunity. By advancing silicon-carbide crystal growth right here on Long Island, we are not only pushing the frontier of power-device technology but also helping secure domestic manufacturing capacity, creating high-skill jobs, and training the engineers who will keep the United States at the forefront of the global semiconductor landscape.”

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    About Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook University is New York’s flagship university and No. 1 public university. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. With more than 26,000 students, more than 3,000 faculty members, more than 225,000 alumni, a premier academic healthcare system and 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, Stony Brook is a research-intensive distinguished center of innovation dedicated to addressing the world’s biggest challenges. The university embraces its mission to provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality, and is ranked as the #58 overall university and #26 among public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges listing. Fostering a commitment to academic research and intellectual endeavors, Stony Brook’s membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) places it among the top 71 research institutions in North America. The university’s distinguished faculty have earned esteemed awards such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, Abel Prize, Fields Medal and the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics. Stony Brook has the responsibility of co-managing Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy — one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory. In 2023, Stony Brook was named the anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island in New York City. Providing economic growth for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region, the university totals an impressive $8.93 billion in increased economic output on Long Island. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stonybrooku/ and X @stonybrooku.

    About Empire State Development

    Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New $20M Semiconductor Lab at Stony Brook

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a new, public-private partnership between Stony Brook University and onsemi, the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, to construct a $20 million, state-of-the-art semiconductor research and development facility on the Stony Brook University campus. Silicon carbide is a key component of next-generation semiconductors and is vital to building more powerful, efficient and cleaner electric vehicles and energy infrastructure.

    “The state-of-the-art research facility at Stony Brook University will be another step in our mission to reshore the semiconductor industry, strengthen our national security, and cement New York’s status as the chips capital of the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in cutting-edge technology and world-class talent, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Long Island, and New York.”

    onsemi Corporate Strategy Senior Vice President Dinesh Ramanathan said, “Advanced power semiconductors are at the core of enabling the widespread adoption of AI and electrification. This new center will play a key role in accelerating innovation in one of the most critical fields for these global megatrends. Aligned with Governor Hochul’s vision, and in strong partnership with Stony Brook and Empire State Development, we are building a pipeline of skilled talent who will drive the next wave of breakthroughs in power semiconductors and pave the way for our sustainable future.”

    As a result of the partnership, onsemi will invest $8 million to support the center’s operations, while Stony Brook University will invest $10 million in renovations and equipment. Empire State Development will support the new facility through a capital grant of up to $2 million recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.

    Located in Stony Brook University’s Engineering Quad on its West campus, the new center will allow university research scientists, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students to study crystal growth, processing, and metrology with the goal of growing bigger, higher-quality silicon carbide crystals. This will reduce device costs, improve material quality and accelerate the adoption of SiC power electronics in high-performance, high-efficiency applications. Research performed at the center will support new discoveries that bolster New York State’s leadership in the semiconductor industry.

    The new research facilities will be available to scientists and industry professionals through potential new consortium agreements to drive R&D in the growth, processing and metrology of silicon carbide crystals. Stony Brook will seek agreements with industrial entities such as crystal growers, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, process modelers and others, as well academic and research laboratories. Through the agreements, they would be able to engage in the silicon carbide growth process directly to test their products and ideas. In turn, the work conducted would provide a training ground for students and professionals who will eventually form the workforce joining these industries, universities, and laboratories.Stony Brook University will also develop a curriculum for an undergraduate minor and a graduate master’s degree and certificate focused on silicon carbide and wide bandgap semiconductors.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Stony Brook University is at the center of key research initiatives at SUNY and is helping to move New York State and our entire nation forward. We are excited to help build the new center, which will be a catalyst to create the next generation of semiconductors. Governor Hochul has charged SUNY to be a leader in semiconductor research and development, and we appreciate her investment and support as we work to achieve that goal.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This state-of-the-art research facility represents a significant step forward in securing America’s semiconductor future while advancing New York’s technology and clean energy leadership. By supporting groundbreaking silicon carbide research at Stony Brook University, we’re investing in technologies that will power everything from electric vehicle charging networks to renewable energy storage systems. This partnership exemplifies how strategic state investments can drive innovation, create quality jobs, and position New York at the forefront of the global tech economy.”

    The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Thanks to the steadfast support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, we are able to ensure Stony Brook University is at the cutting edge of research for the public good. Through private-public partnerships we are able to give our researchers and students the tools they need to make breakthroughs in science. From environmental science to medicine and from artificial intelligence to quantum, there are opportunities for faculty and students to unveil new discoveries.”

    Stony Brook University Incoming President Andrea Goldsmith said, “This public-private partnership between onsemi, Stony Brook and Empire State Development provides tremendous opportunity for economic development and national security. As a technology entrepreneur and the founder of a fabless semiconductor startup, I am thrilled that Stony Brook is a key academic partner with onsemi, an industry leader in power semiconductors. This partnership places Stony Brook and New York State at the forefront of advancing power semiconductor technology while providing students hands-on research and practical opportunities as they prepare for leadership roles in high-skill, high-demand technology fields.”

    Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “Long Island has long been home to world-class research and technology companies, and the new center will further cement our region’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse. This facility will not only advance critical semiconductor research but also create exciting career pathways for Long Island residents in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. We’re building the foundation for sustained technological leadership that will benefit our communities, our workforce, and our regional economy for decades to come.”

    LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University said, “The establishment of this research center marks an exciting milestone for Long Island’s evolution into a premier technology destination. This facility will provide our students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge semiconductor research while creating the skilled workforce that innovative companies seek when choosing where to locate and grow. By linking world-class academic expertise with industry needs, this initiative positions Long Island at the forefront of the next generation of advanced manufacturing.”

    The center will be led by Professor Michael Dudley, Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering. Professor Dudley and his team are leaders in SiC growth and metrology with more than 30 years of experience. Professor Balaji Raghothamachar, also experienced in SiC growth and metrology, and Professor and Department Chair Dilip Gersappe, with extensive experience in modeling of materials systems, will also be part of the center’s leadership team. The new center will initially house advanced equipment including furnaces, wafering and polishing equipment and metrology tools. The center is expected to be fully operational in early 2027.

    Professor Michael Dudley said, “Since 1991, I have been involved in silicon carbide crystal growth and metrology, collaborating with major silicon carbide companies including onsemi. Much appreciation to onsemi for recognizing this and supporting the establishment of this innovative center at Stony Brook University. Thanks to the Provost for coming through with funds for equipment and renovation and thanks to Empire State Development for their support as well. As the Director, I believe this center will make an integral approach to crystal growth a reality. New ideas in silicon carbide crystal growth can be tested while students and professionals gain a comprehensive work experience in state-of-the-art semiconductor materials development. We look forward to partnering with companies, universities, and national labs in silicon carbide semiconductor technologies and workforce development.”

    State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “I thank Governor Hochul for bringing this investment and collaboration with Onsemi to Stony Brook University and for fostering a more economically sustainable region for our future generations. As one of New York’s two flagship universities, Stony Brook continues to be at the forefront of tech research and will provide even more highly-skilled jobs and educational pathways that are essential for critical industries, from electric vehicles and smart grids to renewable energy systems and aerospace technology. I’m thrilled to support this initiative and look forward to getting shovels in the ground.”

    Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “This partnership helps Stony Brook continue to grow a reputation as one of the best universities in the world. Thank you to Governor Hochul for continuing these efforts and putting Suffolk County at the forefront of these important technologies and for choosing Suffolk County for this initiative.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening Long Island’s innovation economy. The new $20 million semiconductor research facility at Stony Brook University is an exciting investment in New York’s future. The partnership with onsemi is promising for the future of our regional job market, furthering Long Island’s ability to attract, train, and employ individuals for good paying jobs in the tech field. I’m proud to be the district representative of a University that is furthering energy advancements, and in that, creating a more sustainable future for all.”

    Stony Brook University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Andrew Singer said, “At a moment when strengthening the nation’s semiconductor supply chain is both an economic and strategic imperative, this new center represents a tremendous opportunity. By advancing silicon-carbide crystal growth right here on Long Island, we are not only pushing the frontier of power-device technology but also helping secure domestic manufacturing capacity, creating high-skill jobs, and training the engineers who will keep the United States at the forefront of the global semiconductor landscape.”

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    About Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook University is New York’s flagship university and No. 1 public university. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. With more than 26,000 students, more than 3,000 faculty members, more than 225,000 alumni, a premier academic healthcare system and 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, Stony Brook is a research-intensive distinguished center of innovation dedicated to addressing the world’s biggest challenges. The university embraces its mission to provide comprehensive undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality, and is ranked as the #58 overall university and #26 among public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges listing. Fostering a commitment to academic research and intellectual endeavors, Stony Brook’s membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) places it among the top 71 research institutions in North America. The university’s distinguished faculty have earned esteemed awards such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, Abel Prize, Fields Medal and the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics. Stony Brook has the responsibility of co-managing Brookhaven National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy — one of only eight universities with a role in running a national laboratory. In 2023, Stony Brook was named the anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island in New York City. Providing economic growth for neighboring communities and the wider geographic region, the university totals an impressive $8.93 billion in increased economic output on Long Island. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stonybrooku/ and X @stonybrooku.

    About Empire State Development

    Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency For Impacted Areas to Help Facilitate Tropical Storm Chantal Recovery

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency For Impacted Areas to Help Facilitate Tropical Storm Chantal Recovery

    Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency For Impacted Areas to Help Facilitate Tropical Storm Chantal Recovery
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced a State of Emergency for 13 counties to facilitate and support long-term recovery efforts from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. In accordance with the North Carolina Emergency Management Act, this is critical to make state and federal recovery assistance available.

    “Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This State of Emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

    Tropical Storm Chantal hit central North Carolina on July 7, with some locations seeing as much as 9 to 12 inches of rain. The Haw River, the Eno River, and Jordan Lake, among others, experienced record or near-record water levels. Flooding impacted critical infrastructure and public and private property. Sections of major highways were closed due to high water, and some communities experienced road closures and evacuations.

    Since July 5, the State Emergency Response Team has been activated and engaged with local emergency managers and first responders, providing information, resources, and support, such as:

    • Search and Rescue Teams, including Swift Water Rescue
    • Local Emergency Operations Center incident management team personnel
    • Bottled water deliveries
    • Specialized personnel to support the restoration of infrastructure
    • Shower trailers
    • Water sampling kits
    • Personal protective equipment
    • Mobile Event Response Trailer 

    The State Emergency Response Team can be mobilized to support local officials during the response phase without a State of Emergency being declared. As the State moves from response to recovery, the declaration of a State of Emergency is needed to facilitate state and federal recovery assistance.

    The Division of Emergency Management is working with local officials to assess the scope of damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. As the full damage assessment is completed in concert with relevant federal partners, the declaration along with the assessment analysis will determine possible additional support that residents, businesses, and local governments may receive to accelerate the recovery process and support expenses incurred during the response phase of the disaster.

    The State of Emergency covers Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake Counties.

    Click here to read Executive Order 18: Declaration of a State of Emergency. 

    Jul 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Columbia woman charged with stealing more than $28,000 from vulnerable adultRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Salym M. Williams, 32 years old, of Columbia, S.C., for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult {43-35-0085 (D)}, Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses, value $10,000 or more {16-13-0240(2)}, and Financial Identity Fraud {16-13-0510(B)}. Williams was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on July 15, 2025.

    A VAMPF investigation revealed that between April 25, 2022, and November 12, 2024, Williams allegedly misappropriated funds and assets from a vulnerable adult with fraudulent intent. Williams is accused of using the victim’s personal information to open a Cash App account in the victim’s name, which was then used for retail purchases and money transfers to others. Additionally, investigators claim Williams accessed the victim’s retirement accounts, long-term disability account, and bank account to conduct electronic transfers and ATM withdrawals. The alleged scheme defrauded the victim of $28,412.47. The victim, classified as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, was a resident of Opus Post Acute in West Columbia during the time of the alleged misconduct.

    Opus Post Acute referred this case to VAMPF and cooperated fully with investigators.  This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

    Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses, value $10,000 or more, is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500. Financial Identity Fraud is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine at the discretion of the court, or both.

    Pursuant to federal regulations, VAMPF has authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in any setting; and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. 

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

    The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, dba VAMPF, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,889,252 for federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $963,084 for FFY 2025, is funded by South Carolina.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: A large number of DOGE holders flocked to BJMINING, and the daily mining income can reach up to $8,300

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Dogecoin (DOGE) has successively gained ETF expectations, Tesla’s ecological application expansion and community consensus revival in July 2025, the attention of global DOGE holders has quickly focused on how to actively increase the value of assets. In this context, the leading cloud mining platform BJMINING has become the first choice. In the past week alone, the number of new DOGE users on the platform has increased by more than 280%.
    With BJMINING, users can directly exchange DOGE for computing power contracts, earning up to $8,300 in mining income per day, and participate in the dual mining plan of Bitcoin and Dogecoin without selling assets.

    Mining and holding coins are dual-driven, why do DOGE users flock to BJMINING?

    DOGE ecosystem expansion triggers computing power demand

    In early July 2025, the market reported that many asset management institutions were applying for DOGE-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Soon after, Tesla announced that its energy management system supports DOGE payments, which completely stimulated market sentiment. However, simply holding coins is still difficult to avoid market fluctuations. BJMINING converts DOGE directly into computing power, allowing users to obtain mining income every day without having to sell assets, forming a dual-channel model of “asset holding + continuous output”.

    The barrier-free DOGE mining method is sweeping the world

    Sign up and get $15 starting capital

    New users can get a $15 trial bonus after completing registration, which can be used directly to purchase DOGE, BTC or LTC contracts and activate real computing power.

    DOGE automatic conversion computing power

    Users can recharge any amount of DOGE to the platform, and the system will automatically convert it into US dollar computing power according to the real-time exchange rate, uniformly calculate the contract income and automatically distribute it.

    Small investment, no hardware required

    With just $100, you can start your first cloud mining contract and say goodbye to physical mining machines, electricity bills and maintenance worries.

    BJMINING’s global capabilities guarantee long-term returns

    60+ green mines around the world
    It uses 100% clean energy such as solar energy and wind energy, covers many mining powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Kazakhstan, etc., with low operating costs and high output efficiency.

    AI scheduling system improves stability
    The platform’s self-developed AI mining scheduling strategy achieves 99.9% operational stability in a high computing power environment, and can dynamically optimize computing power allocation based on currency prices.

    Top safety configuration
    Double protection of data and assets: McAfee® encryption + Cloudflare® firewall double shield, all user assets are insured by international insurance agency AIG, and the platform has a zero accident history.

    The popular mining options available to DOGE holders are as follows:

    Contract Type Invest Cycle Total revenue
    WhatsMiner M50S+ $100 2 days $100 + $6
    WhatsMiner M60S++ $600 7 days $600 + $52.50
    Avalon Miner A1566 $1,200 15 days $1,200 + $234
    WhatsMiner M66S+ $5,800 30 days $5,800 + $2,610
    Antminer L7 $12,000 40 days $12,000 + $8,160
    Antspace HD5 $96,000 54 days $96,000 + $119,232

    Among them, Antminer L7 contract is currently the program with the highest participation of DOGE users, which can bring about US$204 in net income per day. It is suitable for users who want to hold DOGE for a long time and obtain stable cash flow.

    Why is now the golden window for DOGE holders to act?

    ETF benefits are being realized

    As the DOGE ETF is about to enter the regulatory review process, large-scale institutional funds are expected to enter the market, and DOGE mining income will also benefit from the network’s popularity and value increase.

    Deflationary Burning Mechanism and Mining Income Superposition

    The DOGE community is promoting the “transaction burning fee” proposal, and it is expected to enter a deflationary phase in the future. Mining income plus the increase in asset scarcity will become a double insurance for asset preservation and appreciation.

    Application scenarios explode

    Musk has repeatedly emphasized the application of DOGE in the SpaceX and Tesla ecosystems. The integration of encrypted payments and real-world applications is reconstructing the long-term value of DOGE.

    Expert Comments: DOGE enters a new growth curve, BJMINING makes the value-added path clearer

    “At present, DOGE is not just a meme coin, it is building its own application and financial boundaries. Cloud mining platforms like BJMINING allow asset holders to obtain daily returns without additional risks, which is one of the most pragmatic operation strategies in the bull market.”
    ——Rachel Chen，Cryptocurrency Market Researcher

    Official website: https://bjmining.com
    APP download: https://bjmining.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Start exchanging DOGE for computing power now and embrace the new era of crypto income!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: A large number of DOGE holders flocked to BJMINING, and the daily mining income can reach up to $8,300

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Dogecoin (DOGE) has successively gained ETF expectations, Tesla’s ecological application expansion and community consensus revival in July 2025, the attention of global DOGE holders has quickly focused on how to actively increase the value of assets. In this context, the leading cloud mining platform BJMINING has become the first choice. In the past week alone, the number of new DOGE users on the platform has increased by more than 280%.
    With BJMINING, users can directly exchange DOGE for computing power contracts, earning up to $8,300 in mining income per day, and participate in the dual mining plan of Bitcoin and Dogecoin without selling assets.

    Mining and holding coins are dual-driven, why do DOGE users flock to BJMINING?

    DOGE ecosystem expansion triggers computing power demand

    In early July 2025, the market reported that many asset management institutions were applying for DOGE-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Soon after, Tesla announced that its energy management system supports DOGE payments, which completely stimulated market sentiment. However, simply holding coins is still difficult to avoid market fluctuations. BJMINING converts DOGE directly into computing power, allowing users to obtain mining income every day without having to sell assets, forming a dual-channel model of “asset holding + continuous output”.

    The barrier-free DOGE mining method is sweeping the world

    Sign up and get $15 starting capital

    New users can get a $15 trial bonus after completing registration, which can be used directly to purchase DOGE, BTC or LTC contracts and activate real computing power.

    DOGE automatic conversion computing power

    Users can recharge any amount of DOGE to the platform, and the system will automatically convert it into US dollar computing power according to the real-time exchange rate, uniformly calculate the contract income and automatically distribute it.

    Small investment, no hardware required

    With just $100, you can start your first cloud mining contract and say goodbye to physical mining machines, electricity bills and maintenance worries.

    BJMINING’s global capabilities guarantee long-term returns

    60+ green mines around the world
    It uses 100% clean energy such as solar energy and wind energy, covers many mining powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Kazakhstan, etc., with low operating costs and high output efficiency.

    AI scheduling system improves stability
    The platform’s self-developed AI mining scheduling strategy achieves 99.9% operational stability in a high computing power environment, and can dynamically optimize computing power allocation based on currency prices.

    Top safety configuration
    Double protection of data and assets: McAfee® encryption + Cloudflare® firewall double shield, all user assets are insured by international insurance agency AIG, and the platform has a zero accident history.

    The popular mining options available to DOGE holders are as follows:

    Contract Type Invest Cycle Total revenue
    WhatsMiner M50S+ $100 2 days $100 + $6
    WhatsMiner M60S++ $600 7 days $600 + $52.50
    Avalon Miner A1566 $1,200 15 days $1,200 + $234
    WhatsMiner M66S+ $5,800 30 days $5,800 + $2,610
    Antminer L7 $12,000 40 days $12,000 + $8,160
    Antspace HD5 $96,000 54 days $96,000 + $119,232

    Among them, Antminer L7 contract is currently the program with the highest participation of DOGE users, which can bring about US$204 in net income per day. It is suitable for users who want to hold DOGE for a long time and obtain stable cash flow.

    Why is now the golden window for DOGE holders to act?

    ETF benefits are being realized

    As the DOGE ETF is about to enter the regulatory review process, large-scale institutional funds are expected to enter the market, and DOGE mining income will also benefit from the network’s popularity and value increase.

    Deflationary Burning Mechanism and Mining Income Superposition

    The DOGE community is promoting the “transaction burning fee” proposal, and it is expected to enter a deflationary phase in the future. Mining income plus the increase in asset scarcity will become a double insurance for asset preservation and appreciation.

    Application scenarios explode

    Musk has repeatedly emphasized the application of DOGE in the SpaceX and Tesla ecosystems. The integration of encrypted payments and real-world applications is reconstructing the long-term value of DOGE.

    Expert Comments: DOGE enters a new growth curve, BJMINING makes the value-added path clearer

    “At present, DOGE is not just a meme coin, it is building its own application and financial boundaries. Cloud mining platforms like BJMINING allow asset holders to obtain daily returns without additional risks, which is one of the most pragmatic operation strategies in the bull market.”
    ——Rachel Chen，Cryptocurrency Market Researcher

    Official website: https://bjmining.com
    APP download: https://bjmining.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Start exchanging DOGE for computing power now and embrace the new era of crypto income!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP value increases, RICH Miner uses cloud mining to help Ripple users lock in profits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ripple (XRP) has rebounded strongly against the backdrop of a gradually relaxed regulatory environment in the United States, ushering in a new round of value revaluation. Many holders are beginning to wonder: How can they convert their XRP into a stable passive income?

    RICH Miner gave a clear answer – through cloud mining, let XRP continue to generate income for you.

    Grasping XRP makes cloud mining a new option for monetization

    RICH Miner takes full advantage of the trend and launches a mining solution based on XRP payment and participation. Users only need to use XRP to purchase cloud computing power, and the system can automatically run mining tasks for them, producing BTC or other mainstream currencies every day, and can be withdrawn at any time.

    Why choose RICH Miner’s XRP cloud mining?

    Stable income mechanism: The platform automatically distributes mining income through smart contracts, and users can obtain fixed crypto asset returns every day, realizing the real “sit and enjoy”.

    Support XRP direct participation: Compared with traditional mining platforms that only support USDT, RICH Miner supports users to directly purchase cloud computing power with XRP, greatly reducing asset conversion costs.

    Flexible and free: Users can choose different computing power packages according to their own asset scale, and the income is real-time and transparent. They can purchase or exit at any time to ensure flexible flow of funds.

    Global layout, professional technical guarantee: RICH Miner has data centers in many places around the world, uses clean energy for mining, and is operated and maintained by a top technical team to ensure the long-term stable operation of the platform.

    How can XRP users start locking in their earnings?
    It only takes three steps to start the passive income mode:

    1. Register and log in to the RICH Miner cloud mining platform to receive a $15 novice bonus;

    1. Use XRP to recharge your account and choose a suitable cloud computing package;
    Contract Type Contract Price Contract duration Daily income Total revenue
    Daily Sign-in Rewards $15  1 $0.6  $15+$0.6
    New User Experience Contract $100  2 $3  $100.00 + $6
    Canaan Avalon A15XP $600  8 $7.20  $500.00 + $57.60
    Bitdeer SealMiner A2 $1,300  13 $17.30  $1300.00 + $221.39
    Bitmain Antminer L7 $3,000  17 $42.30  $3000.00 + $719.10
    Bitmain Antminer S21 Immersion $5,600  24 $84.00  $5600.00 + $2016.00
    Bitmain Antminer L9 $12,000  32 $204.00  $12000.00 + $6528.00

    ◆ Click here to view and complete the contract

    3. The system automatically starts mining, and daily income is credited on time.

    The whole process does not require professional knowledge or hardware support, and truly achieves “let the assets work for you”.

    Conclusion: Don’t let XRP sit idle, let it make money for you every day

    The value of XRP is rising, and RICH Miner is the platform that allows you to grasp stable income. Instead of waiting for the price of the currency to fluctuate, it is better to take the initiative and let RICH Miner’s cloud mining mechanism help you turn Ripple into a steady stream of passive income.

    Join RICH Miner now and start your XRP income journey!

     Customer Service Email: info@richminer.com

    Official Website: https://richminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man to Spend 65 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Three Children

    Source: US FBI

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced to 65 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting three young children.

    According to court documents, Charles Alexander Lopez, 30, stated in a group chat on the instant messaging app Wickr that he was engaged in the sexual abuse and exploitation of minor children in October 2023. He posted two images and a video to the group on Oct. 24, 2023, along with a message stating, “My conquest for the day.” The two images depicted a male toddler whom Lopez had just sexually assaulted, while the video depicted a portion of the sexual assault itself.

    An FBI Online Covert Employee (OCE) interacted with Lopez through a private chat, through which Lopez disclosed details of another sexual assault victimizing a female toddler a few days prior and that he has sexually exploited a non-verbal autistic male child as well. On Oct. 26, 2023, FBI San Antonio executed a federal search warrant for the home and person of Lopez, seizing electronic devices used to produce, distribute and possess child pornography.

    Lopez admitted to sexually exploiting a male toddler, using his smartphone to produce and share Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). He also provided the names of other children he sexually assaulted and exploited, stating that he had sexually assaulted 15 minors since he was 10 years old and produced CSAM of approximately five different children.

    Lopez was arrested on Oct. 27, 2023, and on Nov. 15, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted him for three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2025, to the three sexual exploitation charges. On July 14, Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra sentenced Lopez to 65 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Ezra also ordered Lopez to pay $150,000 in restitution to three minor victims.

    “Individuals like this, who take every opportunity to prey on helpless children simply cannot remain free in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “This defendant has spent two-thirds of his life as a child predator, sexually assaulting, exploiting and forever altering the lives of vulnerable and defenseless children to fulfill his selfish and vile choices.”

    “There is no place in our society for those who prey on the most vulnerable among us,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for FBI San Antonio.” The FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, together with the United States Attorney’s Office, will relentlessly pursue every lead to investigate violent crimes against children and bring their perpetrators to justice.”

    FBI San Antonio investigated the case, assisted by a referral from FBI Albany.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed and Violent Drug Traffickers Operating in the Yakama Nation and Yakima Valley Facing Federal Charges, Thousands of Pounds of Drugs Seized

    Source: US FBI

    Yakima, Washington – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that 13 people have been charged following the return of 12 indictments alleging more than a dozen charges against these defendants.

    The arrests follow a long-term joint federal, local, and tribal investigation that began in 2024, concluding in June 2025, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The investigation targeted violent individuals and armed drug traffickers on the Yakama Nation and in the Yakima Valley with the goal to disrupt drug distributors operation both on and off the reservation.

    “Fentanyl continues to be one of the most dangerous substances threatening our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter. “Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of our tribal, state and federal law enforcement partners, working side by side with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Yakima, offenders have been removed from our communities and families are safer today.”

    To date, agents have seized 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl power, 4,704 fentanyl laced pills, $22,512 in drug proceeds, and 12 firearms.

    According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been charged in connection with the investigation. The United States anticipates bringing additional charges against other individuals identified during this investigation.

    Angel Navarro Aleman, age 55, charged with Distribution of 50 Grams and More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine (three counts)

    Jose Francisco Aguirre, age 56, pleaded guilty to Distribution of 50 Grams and More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; sentencing in July 2025.

    Jose Caudillo-Ascencio, age 23 charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture or Substance Containing Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Jesus Caudillo, age 31, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Johnny Thomas Axtell, age 54, charged with Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; Distribution of Fentanyl

    Israel Nicolas Castaneda, age 37, charged with Distribution of Fentanyl; Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl

    Samantha Rasberry-Besa, age 31, charged with Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Lonzell Hawk Lucei, age 37, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Hollis Marion Woodward, age 70, pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, sentencing in September 2025.

    Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz, age 45, charged with Alien in United States After Deportation

    Ira Charles Pete, age 39, charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra, age 29, charged with Drug User in Possession of a Firearm; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Fernando Gonzalez, age 38, charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation along with Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, ATF, Yakima Police Department, Wapato Police Department, Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office.

    25-CR-02035-RLP

    25-CR-02016-RLP

    25-cr-02064-MKD

    25-CR-02046-RLP

    25-CR-02013-SAB

    25-CR-02034-SAB

    25-CR-02050-MKD

    25-CR-02041-RLP

    25-CR-02058-SAB

    25-CR-02036-SAB

    25-CR-02055-SAB

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Votes Against Republicans’ Bill to Claw Back Billions in Bipartisan Government Funding, Silence Rural Radio Stations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after he voted against the Republicans’ package to rescind bipartisan government funding for local radio stations and foreign assistance that helps millions each year.
    “Earlier this month, Republicans ripped health care away from 17 million Americans and hiked the price of groceries and electricity on working families. Today, they’re pulling the plug on rural radio stations and public TV programming Coloradans count on.
    “This isn’t ‘government efficiency’. It’s throwing away America’s future piece by piece.”
    Hickenlooper voted NO on the Republicans’ $9 billion rescission package after Republicans voted against Democratic-led amendments to protect public broadcasting and preserve America’s global leadership.
    Hickenlooper introduced and joined four amendments to the Republicans’ rescission package, including amendments to:
    Save Public TV and Radio: Hickenlooper co-sponsored an amendment to remove the $1.1 billion in funding cuts for local radio and tv stations that are vital for millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Coloradans living in rural areas.
    Protect Efforts to Boost Economic Stability in the Western Hemisphere: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike cuts to the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), which boosts economic development across Latin America and the Caribbean to help reduce push factors for migration.
    Safeguard Clean Energy Investments: Hickenlooper-led amendment to preserve U.S. investments in clean energy projects in developing countries through the Clean Technology Fund (CTF).
    Preserve U.S. Leadership Abroad: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike cuts to the Economic Support Fund (ESF), which gives development and economic assistance to countries of strategic importance to help counter Chinese influence around the world.
    Hickenlooper raised the alarm about the Republicans’ reckless effort to silence rural radio stations and what it would mean for millions of Americans who live in rural areas and depend on public broadcasting for emergency alerts, transportation accidents, national security threats or public safety matters. 

    MIL OSI USA News –