NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Lee Introduce Bill to Protect Americans’ Right to Control Their Digital Assets and Secure Individual Financial Freedom

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) was joined by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) in reintroducing the Keep Your Coins Act to ensure that the federal government cannot infringe upon an individual’s right to control their digital assets.

    “Self-custody is a founding principle of the digital asset ecosystem and needs to be protected. I introduced the Keep Your Coins Act of 2025 to ensure the federal government cannot infringe on a person’s ability to control their own digital assets. If cryptocurrencies are going to be digital cash, we need to protect a person’s right to hold their digital cash however they want. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense legislation to ensure financial freedom for the digital asset ecosystem,” said Senator Budd.

    “Americans deserve to keep their crypto assets where they choose – not where they’ve been forced by the federal government. Washington’s dragnet-style surveillance has eroded the financial privacy of law-abiding Americans for decades. I’m proud to join Senator Budd’s Keep Your Coins Act to protect Americans’ privacy and ability to maintain self-custody of crypto assets,” said Senator Lee.

    Leading wallet platforms Exodus, Ledger, Casa, Block, MetaMask, and Uniswap joined in celebrating the reintroduction of the Keep Your Coins Act, saying:

    “As leading providers of self-custodial wallets, we applaud Senator Budd’s introduction of the Keep Your Coins Act, which mirrors Congressman Davidson’s bill in the House. This crucial legislation protects individuals’ fundamental right to own digital property by safeguarding against regulatory overreach. We look forward to continuing to support this legislation and establishing the United States as a haven for financial autonomy and economic freedom.”

    Read the full bill text HERE.

    BACKGROUND

    The Keep Your Coins Act prevents the federal government from having access to and surveillance of transactions in the digital asset ecosystem by:

    • Prohibiting any federal agency from promulgating a rule that would impair an individual’s ability to act as a self-custodian.
    • Protect an individual’s right to conduct peer-to-peer transactions with their digital assets without the need to utilize a third-party intermediary.
    • Empowering individuals to maintain control over their digital assets through self-hosted wallets to ensure financial freedom and a decentralized cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    Senator Budd previously introduced the Keep Your Coins Act in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Lee Introduce Bill to Protect Americans’ Right to Control Their Digital Assets and Secure Individual Financial Freedom

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) was joined by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) in reintroducing the Keep Your Coins Act to ensure that the federal government cannot infringe upon an individual’s right to control their digital assets.

    “Self-custody is a founding principle of the digital asset ecosystem and needs to be protected. I introduced the Keep Your Coins Act of 2025 to ensure the federal government cannot infringe on a person’s ability to control their own digital assets. If cryptocurrencies are going to be digital cash, we need to protect a person’s right to hold their digital cash however they want. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense legislation to ensure financial freedom for the digital asset ecosystem,” said Senator Budd.

    “Americans deserve to keep their crypto assets where they choose – not where they’ve been forced by the federal government. Washington’s dragnet-style surveillance has eroded the financial privacy of law-abiding Americans for decades. I’m proud to join Senator Budd’s Keep Your Coins Act to protect Americans’ privacy and ability to maintain self-custody of crypto assets,” said Senator Lee.

    Leading wallet platforms Exodus, Ledger, Casa, Block, MetaMask, and Uniswap joined in celebrating the reintroduction of the Keep Your Coins Act, saying:

    “As leading providers of self-custodial wallets, we applaud Senator Budd’s introduction of the Keep Your Coins Act, which mirrors Congressman Davidson’s bill in the House. This crucial legislation protects individuals’ fundamental right to own digital property by safeguarding against regulatory overreach. We look forward to continuing to support this legislation and establishing the United States as a haven for financial autonomy and economic freedom.”

    Read the full bill text HERE.

    BACKGROUND

    The Keep Your Coins Act prevents the federal government from having access to and surveillance of transactions in the digital asset ecosystem by:

    • Prohibiting any federal agency from promulgating a rule that would impair an individual’s ability to act as a self-custodian.
    • Protect an individual’s right to conduct peer-to-peer transactions with their digital assets without the need to utilize a third-party intermediary.
    • Empowering individuals to maintain control over their digital assets through self-hosted wallets to ensure financial freedom and a decentralized cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    Senator Budd previously introduced the Keep Your Coins Act in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Leads Push to Release Federal Funds for Crime Victims and Survivors 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), co-founder and co-chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus (CSJC), is leading a push with 33 lawmakers calling on the Trump Administration to immediately release long-delayed funding allocations under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).  
    “With the FY 2025 program year already underway, having begun on July 1, 2025, states still cannot finalize budgets or disburse funds to providers that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse,” wrote the lawmakers.  
    The lawmakers further wrote, “Given the gravity of this national shortfall, and with vital survivor services hanging in the balance, swift federal action to publish state allocation tables and award notices is essential.” 
    BACKGROUND 
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was enacted by Congress in 1984 to create the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), which provides financial support to state and local programs that assist victims of crime. Funded entirely by criminal fines and penalties, not taxpayer dollars, VOCA supports approximately 6,500 organizations nationwide, reaching more than six million victims each year. 
     Since 2019, California has seen a staggering 67% cut in VOCA funding, jeopardizing support for local organizations that assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse. Many San Joaquin Valley providers, including the Marjaree Mason Center in Fresno, Family Services of Tulare County, and Valley Crisis Center in Merced, rely heavily on VOCA dollars to fund emergency housing, 24/7 crisis hotlines, legal advocacy, and trauma counseling.  
    Other states like Wisconsin have seen their annual VOCA allocation plunge from roughly $44 million to $13 million, forcing shelters to lay off staff, limit beds, and in some cases pause medical-advocacy coverage. In Tennessee, more than 360 victim-service nonprofits have petitioned the state for a $25 million recurring fund after federal reductions left them on the brink of closure. Despite $4.6 billion sitting unused in the Crime Victims Fund, the Trump Administration has yet to release Fiscal Year 2025 allocations, preventing California from disbursing funds to local programs. Without this federal funding, these organizations face the prospect of cutting staff and reducing services. 
    The following Members of Congress signed the letter: Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen S. Moore (WI-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Adam Smith (WA-09), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Bill Foster (IL-11), Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (MD-02), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). 
    Full text of the letter is available HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update – Sandoz Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall Expansion of One Additional Lot of Cefazolin for Injection Due to Vials Being Potentially Mislabeled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 15, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 15, 2025
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection contain Cefazolin for Injection

    Company Name:
    Sandoz, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Sandoz

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gm vial

    Company Announcement
    “This press release is an update to the company’s press release, previously issued on 07/14/2025, to include a new title and additional photos.”
    This is an update to the Company Statement issued on June 27, 2025.
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Princeton, NJ – July 15, 2025 – Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary nationwide recall expansion of one additional lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. The lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units were included in cartons (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product. Sandoz has confirmed that the vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection contain Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial.
    Risk Statement: There is a reasonable probability that the inadvertent administration of cefazolin injection following dosing recommendation of penicillin G potassium injection due to mislabeling may pose serious and potentially life-threatening adverse health consequences, including lack of efficacy leading to less than optimal treatment of severe infections, antibiotic resistance, adverse reactions, severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), drug interactions, and delayed recovery.
    To date, Sandoz has not received any reports of adverse events or injuries related to the product mislabeling. Sandoz has received a complaint of administration of the incorrectly labelled product to a patient.
    Lots impacted by the voluntary recall and its expansion:

    Product Name 

    Vial NDC 

    Carton NDC 

    Lot Number 

    Expiration Date 

    Manufacturer 

    Distributor 

    Cefazolin for Injection, USP(25 by 1g vials)

    0781-3451-70

    0781-3451-96

    PG4360

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP

    0781-6136-94

    N/A

    PG4360

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Cefazolin for Injection, USP(25 by 1g vials)

    0781-3451-70

    0781-3451-96

    PG4362

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP

    0781-6136-94

    N/A

    PG4362

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Cefazolin for Injection USP is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in many different parts of the body including the treatment of pneumonia. Cefazolin for Injection USP can also be used to prevent infections, before and after surgery. Antibacterial drugs like Cefazolin for Injection USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Cefazolin for Injection USP is indicated for adult, elderly, pediatric patients, including newborn term infants.
    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated in the treatment of certain serious infections including septicemia, skin and wound infections. It is also approved for the treatment of diphtheria, community-acquired pneumonia, peritonitis, meningitis/brain abscesses, osteomyelitis, infections of the genital tract, anthrax, tetanus, gas gangrene, listeriosis, pasteurellosis, rat bite fever, fusospirochetes, actinomycosis, complications in gonorrhea and syphilis and Lyme. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated for use in adults, adolescents, children, pediatric, newborn infants and preterm infants.
    Although both Cefazolin and Penicillin G Potassium belong to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, they are indicated for different types of infections, and the spectrum of susceptible organisms also differs. Additionally, while the patient populations overlap, each medicine has specific on-label distinct groups, and the dosing regimens may differ, as well.
    Sandoz is notifying its customers by letter and is arranging for return of the recalled product. The product being recalled was shipped to select wholesalers for further distribution nationwide. Healthcare providers and customers who have this product should immediately stop use of this lot only and contact Sedgwick, the Sandoz Reverse Distributor, directly by phone at (844) 265-7409 or by email at Sandoz5615@sedgwick.com.
    For questions about the recall process, please call Sedgwick at (844) 265-7409 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday (EST).
    Please report any adverse reactions by calling Sandoz at (800) 525-8747. Customer service agents are available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST), Monday-Friday, except on national holidays.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax.

    Complete and submit the report online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
    Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
    Note: The photos represent images of Lot PG4360. Potential mislabeling of Lot PG4362 would appear in a similar manner, except for the lot number printed on the packaging, which would read PG4362.
    DISCLAIMERThis Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
    ABOUT SANDOZSandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world’s first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world’s first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Media:
    Jeanne LaCour, Vicki Crafton
    1-609-955-2339, 1-201-213-6338

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update – Sandoz Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall Expansion of One Additional Lot of Cefazolin for Injection Due to Vials Being Potentially Mislabeled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 15, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 15, 2025
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection contain Cefazolin for Injection

    Company Name:
    Sandoz, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Sandoz

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gm vial

    Company Announcement
    “This press release is an update to the company’s press release, previously issued on 07/14/2025, to include a new title and additional photos.”
    This is an update to the Company Statement issued on June 27, 2025.
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Princeton, NJ – July 15, 2025 – Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary nationwide recall expansion of one additional lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. The lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units were included in cartons (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product. Sandoz has confirmed that the vials incorrectly labelled as Penicillin G Potassium for Injection contain Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial.
    Risk Statement: There is a reasonable probability that the inadvertent administration of cefazolin injection following dosing recommendation of penicillin G potassium injection due to mislabeling may pose serious and potentially life-threatening adverse health consequences, including lack of efficacy leading to less than optimal treatment of severe infections, antibiotic resistance, adverse reactions, severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), drug interactions, and delayed recovery.
    To date, Sandoz has not received any reports of adverse events or injuries related to the product mislabeling. Sandoz has received a complaint of administration of the incorrectly labelled product to a patient.
    Lots impacted by the voluntary recall and its expansion:

    Product Name 

    Vial NDC 

    Carton NDC 

    Lot Number 

    Expiration Date 

    Manufacturer 

    Distributor 

    Cefazolin for Injection, USP(25 by 1g vials)

    0781-3451-70

    0781-3451-96

    PG4360

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP

    0781-6136-94

    N/A

    PG4360

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Cefazolin for Injection, USP(25 by 1g vials)

    0781-3451-70

    0781-3451-96

    PG4362

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP

    0781-6136-94

    N/A

    PG4362

    2027-NOV

    Sandoz GmbH

    Sandoz Inc

    Cefazolin for Injection USP is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in many different parts of the body including the treatment of pneumonia. Cefazolin for Injection USP can also be used to prevent infections, before and after surgery. Antibacterial drugs like Cefazolin for Injection USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Cefazolin for Injection USP is indicated for adult, elderly, pediatric patients, including newborn term infants.
    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated in the treatment of certain serious infections including septicemia, skin and wound infections. It is also approved for the treatment of diphtheria, community-acquired pneumonia, peritonitis, meningitis/brain abscesses, osteomyelitis, infections of the genital tract, anthrax, tetanus, gas gangrene, listeriosis, pasteurellosis, rat bite fever, fusospirochetes, actinomycosis, complications in gonorrhea and syphilis and Lyme. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated for use in adults, adolescents, children, pediatric, newborn infants and preterm infants.
    Although both Cefazolin and Penicillin G Potassium belong to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, they are indicated for different types of infections, and the spectrum of susceptible organisms also differs. Additionally, while the patient populations overlap, each medicine has specific on-label distinct groups, and the dosing regimens may differ, as well.
    Sandoz is notifying its customers by letter and is arranging for return of the recalled product. The product being recalled was shipped to select wholesalers for further distribution nationwide. Healthcare providers and customers who have this product should immediately stop use of this lot only and contact Sedgwick, the Sandoz Reverse Distributor, directly by phone at (844) 265-7409 or by email at Sandoz5615@sedgwick.com.
    For questions about the recall process, please call Sedgwick at (844) 265-7409 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday (EST).
    Please report any adverse reactions by calling Sandoz at (800) 525-8747. Customer service agents are available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST), Monday-Friday, except on national holidays.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax.

    Complete and submit the report online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
    Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
    Note: The photos represent images of Lot PG4360. Potential mislabeling of Lot PG4362 would appear in a similar manner, except for the lot number printed on the packaging, which would read PG4362.
    DISCLAIMERThis Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
    ABOUT SANDOZSandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world’s first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world’s first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Media:
    Jeanne LaCour, Vicki Crafton
    1-609-955-2339, 1-201-213-6338

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 515

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 515
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    430 PM MDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central Wyoming

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 430 PM until
    1000 PM MDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1 inch in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A band of thunderstorms will likely intensify while moving
    eastward across central Wyoming, with the potential to produce
    severe outflow gusts up to 70 mph and isolated large hail up to 1
    inch in diameter.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60
    statute miles north and south of a line from 40 miles northwest of
    Riverton WY to 45 miles north northeast of Casper WY. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 513…WW 514…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    27025.

    …Thompson

    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 515
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    430 PM MDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central Wyoming

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 430 PM until
    1000 PM MDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1 inch in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A band of thunderstorms will likely intensify while moving
    eastward across central Wyoming, with the potential to produce
    severe outflow gusts up to 70 mph and isolated large hail up to 1
    inch in diameter.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60
    statute miles north and south of a line from 40 miles northwest of
    Riverton WY to 45 miles north northeast of Casper WY. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 513…WW 514…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    27025.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW5
    WW 515 SEVERE TSTM WY 152230Z – 160400Z
    AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    40NW RIW/RIVERTON WY/ – 45NNE CPR/CASPER WY/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /31W BOY – 26NNE DDY/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27025.

    LAT…LON 44350901 44370613 42630613 42610901

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU5.

    Watch 515 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low ( 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    Mod (60%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ovidio Guzman Lopez — son of El Chapo and head of Sinaloa Cartel — pleads guilty to federal drug charges in Chicago

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    TUCSON, Ariz., — Ovidio Guzman Lopez, who succeeded his father — Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo — as one of the heads of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Chicago to federal drug charges. The guilty plea is the result of a collaboration between several agencies to include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and prosecutors from the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of New York and the Southern District of California, and law enforcement partners from the FBI and the DEA.

    “The guilty plea by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, is a real victory for both the U.S. and Mexico but also a clear win for the rule of law,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in charge Ray Rede. “So much blood and violence lay with the Guzman family as well as spreading terror and plaguing both sides of the border with deadly drugs and weapons — no more. It’s impossible to measure the amount of work HSI and partner agencies have spent in securing this guilty verdict, but what is clear and evident is that no one is beyond the reach of law enforcement and our nation’s laws. Deliberate and coordinated teamwork resulted in today’s victory.”

    Guzman Lopez, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of knowingly engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. The guilty plea was entered as part of a multidistrict plea agreement with the government that resolves charges against Guzman Lopez brought by grand juries in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of New York.

    U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman did not set a sentencing date. Guzman Lopez has been detained without bond since his extradition from Mexico to the U.S. in 2023.

    The guilty plea was announced as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve various law enforcement goals, including the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, as well as protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.

    “Today’s historic guilty plea sends yet another crystal-clear message that this administration is going to shut down and hold accountable transnational criminal organizations and their highest-ranking members and associates,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros. “Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of drug cartels, several of which, including the Sinaloa Cartel, have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Our enforcement work will also extend to drug trafficking organizations, narcotics traffickers and other dangerous criminal enterprises that seek to poison the American public with illegal and harmful drugs. Our successes stem from our close partnership with federal prosecutors across the country as well as our tight collaboration with our many law enforcement partners.”

    As heirs to the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Lopez stated in his plea agreement that he and his three brothers, collectively known as the Chapitos, assumed their father’s leadership role following El Chapo’s arrest in 2016 and subsequent conviction in the Eastern District of New York. Guzman Lopez admitted in the plea agreement that he coordinated the transportation of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico to the United States border, at times in shipments of hundreds or thousands of kilograms. Guzman Lopez used a network of couriers affiliated with the cartel to smuggle the drugs into the U.S. using vehicles, rail cars, tunnels, aircraft and other means, the plea agreement states.

    After the drugs were distributed throughout the U.S, individuals working for Guzman Lopez used bulk cash transport, wire transfers, trade of goods and cryptocurrency to launder the illicit proceeds and ensure the money was transmitted to Guzman Lopez and other members of the cartel in Mexico, the plea agreement says. Guzman Lopez admitted that he and his cartel associates perpetrated violence against law enforcement officials, civilians, and rival drug traffickers in order to protect the cartel’s drug trafficking activities.

    As part of his plea agreement, Guzman Lopez agreed to the entry of an $80 million forfeiture money judgment.

    “Today’s guilty plea is another major step toward holding the Sinaloa Cartel and its leaders accountable for their role in fueling the fentanyl epidemic that has plagued so many Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We remain committed to dismantling the Cartel’s entire fentanyl infrastructure and ensuring that the Chapitos and their violent organization can no longer flood our communities with this poison.”

    “With each passing day, you are seeing the sunset of the Sinaloa cartel,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gordon. “The Chapitos’ latest violence reflects their fading future. Their leaders who remain free are now paranoid, distrusted and desperate.”

    Guzman Lopez’s three brothers — Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Joaquin Guzman Lopez — were also charged with drug trafficking in U.S. indictments. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested last year and remains detained in U.S. custody without bond. He pleaded not guilty to charges filed in the Northern District of Illinois and is awaiting trial. Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar are charged in the Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of New York. They are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests. The U.S. State Department has issued rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to their arrests and convictions. (See Reward information for Guzmán Salazar, Ivan Archivaldo and Reward information for Guzmán Salazar, Jesus Alfredo.)

    The charges against Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Joaquin Guzman Lopez are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Read the plea agreement

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Questions Mike Waltz on Trump Administration’s Kneecapping Of U.S. Counter-Propaganda Efforts, Failures In Yemen

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday questioned former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz at a confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Murphy demanded answers from Waltz on the Trump administration’s decision to cede ground to Russia and China in the global information war by shutting down USAGM, the umbrella agency for American foreign media operations such as Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. He also pushed Waltz about the Trump administration’s failure to disrupt Houthi attacks against American allies and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 
    Murphy highlighted the Trump administration’s reckless dismantling of American counter-propaganda capabilities: “This administration, while you were at the NSC, essentially shut down USAGM, which is the umbrella agency for our global media operations, fired 92% of the staff, announced plans to shut down Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. They’re only open today because of court orders. The administration does not support the Global Engagement Center, which is also now shut down, which was the State Department’s ability to try to work with partners around the world to counter Chinese propaganda and Russian propaganda.” 
    Stressing that the administration’s decisions will further empower our adversaries and set back U.S. national security interests, Murphy continued: “We were already having circles run around us by Russia and by China predominantly even before the administration went forward with this essential destruction of our existing information and counter-propaganda capacity. So maybe just share with me: while you were National Security Adviser, why did you believe that it advanced U.S. national security interests to shut down our most important agencies that try to win the information war, which is a war that whether we like it or not, exists in this world, and we’re not fighting it today, while our adversaries are?” 
    On Waltz and the Trump Administration’s strategically inconsequential campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, Murphy said: “You were very involved in the offensive operations in Yemen. As you saw in this last week, the Houthis have restarted attacks on the shipping lanes. Two very devastating attacks. Throughout the last two months, they have been continuing to take offensive operations against Israel. It doesn’t look like we did much to really fundamentally change the battle space there. They still have pretty robust offensive capabilities to target shipping lanes and to target our friends. We spent, it looks like, around $1 billion, depleted a lot of our ammunition stocks. How do you look at that operation in retrospect knowing that, as we sit here today, the Houthis have once again begun attacks in the Red Sea?”
    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchanges with Waltz is available below. 
    MURPHY: “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for being here.
    “Mr. Waltz, the U.N. doesn’t have a conventional army. It’s got peacekeepers, but there’s no aircraft carriers, there’s no air force. This is a place where smart power matters, right? This is a place where we invest in things like diplomacy and humanitarian aid and economic development to try to stabilize the world. 
    “I think what worries me about your fit for this position is that while you were at the National Security Council, you oversaw the dismantling of many of our most important smart power tools in the U.S. foreign policy toolkit. A lot of conversations happened on this committee about what has happened to USAID, our ability to influence the world through economic development and humanitarian assistance. But not as much conversation has happened about the attempted destruction – I think, led by an NSC process – of our information and media operations around the world. 
    “This administration, while you were at the NSC, essentially shut down USAGM, which is the umbrella agency for our global media operations, fired 92% of the staff, announced plans to shut down Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. They’re only open today because of court orders. The administration does not support the Global Engagement Center, which is also now shut down, which was the State Department’s ability to try to work with partners around the world to counter Chinese propaganda and Russian propaganda. I mean, listen, we were already having circles run around us by Russia and by China predominantly even before the administration went forward with this essential destruction of our existing information and counter-propaganda capacity. 
    “So maybe just share with me: while you were National Security Adviser, why did you believe that it advanced U.S. national security interests to shut down our most important agencies that try to win the information war, which is a war that whether we like it or not, exists in this world, and we’re not fighting it today, while our adversaries are?”
    WALTZ: “Thank you for the question. And I think we’re in violent agreement that we have to win the information war. We may have a disagreement on the best way to do that. What we did not see were the metrics, were the actual results. As you mentioned, we’re getting, in many ways, outpaced in the information space. Yet for decades we’ve had these entities that have become expensive and have become quite bloated. I think the best way to block and tackle our adversaries abroad is through our amazing private sector, through innovation, through what we’re seeing in our leadership role in AI and in other spaces. And so as the president, as the secretary looked across the interagency and those entities, they made those decisions.”
    MURPHY: “But the private sector isn’t going to fight Russian and Chinese propaganda around the world, right? I mean, that has to be an essential function of U.S. national security policy, correct?”
    WALTZ: “Well, what they are going to do is show the power of free markets, the power of entrepreneurship, and show, really, the power of the U.S. in terms of a free society and with our values.”
    MURPHY: “We’re going to rely on Disney?”
    WALTZ: “I think we’re actually more aligned than what you think. What we were looking at is the actual effectiveness. It’s the tool that we questioned, and then the president and secretary made a decision to reallocate resources.”
    MURPHY: “Listen, I hope the administration does rethink this. If they’ve got a better idea on how to try to project power in the information space, then I think we’re all willing to hear it. But right now, we’re taking ourselves off the playing field. 
    “You were very involved in the offensive operations in Yemen. As you saw in this last week, the Houthis have restarted attacks on the shipping lanes. Two very devastating attacks. Throughout the last two months, they have been continuing to take offensive operations against Israel. It doesn’t look like we did much to really fundamentally change the battle space there. They still have pretty robust offensive capabilities to target shipping lanes and to target our friends. We spent, it looks like, around $1 billion, depleted a lot of our ammunition stocks. How do you look at that operation in retrospect knowing that, as we sit here today, the Houthis have once again begun attacks in the Red Sea?”
    WALTZ: “Well, thank you, senator, for the question. I think we also have to look at it in the context of, from the figures that I’ve seen, a 20% to 30% increase in shipping through the Red Sea, an increase in revenues through the Suez Canal. And what we do not have are our warships being used as target practice by the Houthis, which is what, frankly, we had in the last administration. Now, do we need to work to make sure that’s enduring? Perhaps the Houthi leadership hasn’t fully gotten the message. But I would defer to Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth and the president on the way forward there.”
    MURPHY: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Hudson Institute Panel: “Drone Warfare and Securing America’s Military Against Emerging Threats”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    Sen. John Boozman Joins Panelists Thomas Shugart and Timothy Walton at the Hudson Institute
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, joined the Hudson Institute for a discussion on the threat weaponized drones pose to American military installations and assets and the potential impact on current and future defense capabilities. 
    Joined by panelists Thomas Shugart and Timothy Walton, Center for a New American Security Senior Fellow and Hudson Institute Senior Fellow, respectively, the senator discussed the threat drones pose to military assets and how the United States and allies can and must adapt.
    Discussion began with drawing comparisons between Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb,” a drone-based attack on grounded Russian aircraft, and Israel’s usage of drones during their campaign against Iran. The senator noted the use of inexpensive drones to attack and destroy costly military assets, and how the ability of geographical distance and barriers to provide sanctuary can be mitigated by smuggling and assembling drones behind enemy lines.
    “I think it really woke up our military leaders to the fact that we are so vulnerable. I think it woke our nation up, hopefully,” said Boozman. “It has dramatically changed the way we think.”
    The senator also discussed his role as chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee when asked about the importance of accelerating military construction while managing costs at home and abroad. He underlined the importance of providing flexibility and ensuring funding for the tools, resources and personnel needed to protect American interests. 
    Further, Boozman highlighted the role and responsibility Arkansas has in our national defense, from investments into vocational training and career opportunities and the state’s status as a critical industrial defense hub.
    “Camden, Arkansas, is one of the big defense hubs in the country right now – right at the very top,” said Boozman. “Also, Mississippi county in Arkansas is the biggest steel producing county in the country, with the most modern steel plants in the world.”
    Boozman previously discussed the threat of drone attacks on U.S. domestic military installations and assets with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, among others.
    To view the panel’s discussion, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Restoring Order: ICE Arrests Illegal Alien with 40 Criminal Convictions

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Worst of the worst arrests also include drug traffickers and child sexual predator

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested criminal illegal aliens with egregious criminal histories from child sexual abuse to organized drug trafficking and conspiracy to defraud the United States. These arrests are part of ICE’s ongoing effort to identify and remove the worst of the worst threatening our public safety and exploiting America’s immigration system. 

    Among the most egregious arrests was Murad Sanih Awad, an illegal alien from Jordan, taken into custody by ICE Atlanta. Awad has a staggering 40 prior criminal convictions, including sexual battery in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Gilmer County. Despite his long history of criminal behavior, Awad remained in our country, underscoring the urgent need for renewed enforcement efforts prioritizing the safety of American communities.

    “Awad is yet another egregious example of what happens when open border policies are paired with spineless leadership,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Awad was allowed to terrorize American communities and accumulate 40 criminal convictions, including sexual battery, without consequence. The Biden era of negligence is over. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are restoring law and order and ensuring dangerous criminal aliens are removed before they can harm more innocent Americans.” 

    Other arrests include: 

    • Niceforo Ruiz-Najera, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of facilitation of aggravated sexual battery of a 4-year-old child in Shelbyville, TN  
    • Ismael Galvan-Perez, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of drug trafficking in Salt Lake City, UT.
    • Abdul Waris Akinsanya, an illegal alien from Nigeria, convicted of forgery, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and fleeing in a vehicle in Oklahoma City, OK. 
    • Victor Manuel Villalobos-Romero, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of Florida. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Restoring Order: ICE Arrests Illegal Alien with 40 Criminal Convictions

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Worst of the worst arrests also include drug traffickers and child sexual predator

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested criminal illegal aliens with egregious criminal histories from child sexual abuse to organized drug trafficking and conspiracy to defraud the United States. These arrests are part of ICE’s ongoing effort to identify and remove the worst of the worst threatening our public safety and exploiting America’s immigration system. 

    Among the most egregious arrests was Murad Sanih Awad, an illegal alien from Jordan, taken into custody by ICE Atlanta. Awad has a staggering 40 prior criminal convictions, including sexual battery in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Gilmer County. Despite his long history of criminal behavior, Awad remained in our country, underscoring the urgent need for renewed enforcement efforts prioritizing the safety of American communities.

    “Awad is yet another egregious example of what happens when open border policies are paired with spineless leadership,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Awad was allowed to terrorize American communities and accumulate 40 criminal convictions, including sexual battery, without consequence. The Biden era of negligence is over. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are restoring law and order and ensuring dangerous criminal aliens are removed before they can harm more innocent Americans.” 

    Other arrests include: 

    • Niceforo Ruiz-Najera, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of facilitation of aggravated sexual battery of a 4-year-old child in Shelbyville, TN  
    • Ismael Galvan-Perez, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of drug trafficking in Salt Lake City, UT.
    • Abdul Waris Akinsanya, an illegal alien from Nigeria, convicted of forgery, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and fleeing in a vehicle in Oklahoma City, OK. 
    • Victor Manuel Villalobos-Romero, an illegal alien from Mexico, convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of Florida. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Complaint Against Former Members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Washington, D.C. against three former members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for refusing to vacate their offices after being removed by President Donald J. Trump.

    The subjects of this complaint have continued to operate in office despite their removal and subsequent failure to obtain legal relief protecting their old positions. This litigation reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the President’s core Article II powers, which include the authority to make personnel decisions regarding those occupying federal offices.

    The complaint asks the court to declare that the former members have not lawfully served on the board since their removals, to enjoin the former members from serving on the board, and to order the former members to refund any compensation during their unlawful terms of service.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Strengthen American Technological Leadership

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (July 15, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, by a voice vote.

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.

    Watch Congressman Kean speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.  

    “As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”

    “The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow—especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.” 

    “The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg.“ As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

    “For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”

    Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:  

    • Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders   
    • Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders. 

    Full bill text can be found HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he works on issues related to broadband access, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Strengthen American Technological Leadership

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (July 15, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, by a voice vote.

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.

    Watch Congressman Kean speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.  

    “As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”

    “The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow—especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.” 

    “The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg.“ As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

    “For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”

    Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:  

    • Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders   
    • Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders. 

    Full bill text can be found HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he works on issues related to broadband access, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Strengthen American Technological Leadership

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (July 15, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, by a voice vote.

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.

    Watch Congressman Kean speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.  

    “As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”

    “The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow—especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.” 

    “The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg.“ As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

    “For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”

    Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:  

    • Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders   
    • Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders. 

    Full bill text can be found HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he works on issues related to broadband access, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Strengthen American Technological Leadership

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (July 15, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, by a voice vote.

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.

    Watch Congressman Kean speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.  

    “As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”

    “The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow—especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.” 

    “The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg.“ As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

    “For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”

    Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:  

    • Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders   
    • Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders. 

    Full bill text can be found HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he works on issues related to broadband access, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Kean’s Bill to Strengthen American Technological Leadership

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (July 15, 2025) WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act, by a voice vote.

    Introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.

    Watch Congressman Kean speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.  

    “As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”

    “The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow—especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.” 

    “The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg.“ As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.” 

    “For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”

    Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:  

    • Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders   
    • Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders. 

    Full bill text can be found HERE.  

    Congressman Kean serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he works on issues related to broadband access, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation, alongside partners, leads to extradition of United Kingdom citizen to face charges in $99 million wine fraud

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK – An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York, in coordination with federal partners, has resulted in the extradition of a United Kingdom citizen to face charges related to an alleged $99 million wine fraud scheme. James Wellesley, age 56, was arraigned following his extradition from the UK, where he was arrested in 2022.

    In 2022, Wellesley, along with his co-defendant Stephen Burton, were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a scheme perpetrated through Bordeaux Cellars, a company he and Burton operated.

    HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr., and Assistant Director in Charge, FBI New York Field Office Christopher G. Raia, announced Wellesley’s arraignment.

    “James Wellesley and his co-conspirator are accused of masterminding their nearly $100 million international fraud scheme that exploited the unsuspecting public, including New Yorkers, for their own selfish enrichment. As alleged, the defendants claimed Bordeaux Cellars boasted a high-value wine stockpile and a clientele of ‘high-net-worth wine collectors’ – and in turn profited handsomely – all while they swindled investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Let it be known, regardless of the nature of the transnational criminal scheme, HSI New York, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to adapt and evolve to fight global and domestic financial crimes wherever and whenever possible.”

    “Today’s arraignment sends a message to all perpetrators of global fraud schemes that my office will work tirelessly to ensure they answer for crimes committed in the U.S,” stated U.S. Attorney Nocella. “We will not rest in our efforts to seek justice for victims of fraud.”

    “James Wellesley and his business partner allegedly concocted an elaborate scheme defrauding investors out of millions of dollars to finance their own personal expenses. Their alleged deceit spread across years and continents,” stated FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Today’s arraignment signals to all criminals that the FBI will practice the same resolve in bringing perpetrators to justice.”

    Wellesley was ordered detained pending trial. Burton, 58, was extradited from Morocco in 2023 and is currently pending trial.

    The indictment alleges that from at least June 2017 and continuing through February of 2019, the defendants posed as executives of Bordeaux Cellars. The defendants solicited investors, including residents of the Eastern District of New York, at, among other places, investor conferences held in the U.S. and overseas. The defendants claimed to investors that Bordeaux Cellars brokered loans between investors and high-net-worth wine collectors that would be fully collateralized by high-value collections of wine.

    The defendants promised that investors would receive regular interest payments from the borrowers, and that Bordeaux Cellars would keep custody of the wine, securing the loans while the loans were outstanding. As alleged, these representations were lies, the “high-net-worth wine collectors” did not actually exist, and Bordeaux Cellars did not maintain custody of the wine purportedly securing the loans. Instead, the defendants used incoming loan proceeds to make fraudulent interest payments to investors and for their own personal expenses, resulting in $99 million dollars’ worth of misdirected funds.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation, alongside partners, leads to extradition of United Kingdom citizen to face charges in $99 million wine fraud

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK – An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York, in coordination with federal partners, has resulted in the extradition of a United Kingdom citizen to face charges related to an alleged $99 million wine fraud scheme. James Wellesley, age 56, was arraigned following his extradition from the UK, where he was arrested in 2022.

    In 2022, Wellesley, along with his co-defendant Stephen Burton, were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a scheme perpetrated through Bordeaux Cellars, a company he and Burton operated.

    HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr., and Assistant Director in Charge, FBI New York Field Office Christopher G. Raia, announced Wellesley’s arraignment.

    “James Wellesley and his co-conspirator are accused of masterminding their nearly $100 million international fraud scheme that exploited the unsuspecting public, including New Yorkers, for their own selfish enrichment. As alleged, the defendants claimed Bordeaux Cellars boasted a high-value wine stockpile and a clientele of ‘high-net-worth wine collectors’ – and in turn profited handsomely – all while they swindled investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Let it be known, regardless of the nature of the transnational criminal scheme, HSI New York, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to adapt and evolve to fight global and domestic financial crimes wherever and whenever possible.”

    “Today’s arraignment sends a message to all perpetrators of global fraud schemes that my office will work tirelessly to ensure they answer for crimes committed in the U.S,” stated U.S. Attorney Nocella. “We will not rest in our efforts to seek justice for victims of fraud.”

    “James Wellesley and his business partner allegedly concocted an elaborate scheme defrauding investors out of millions of dollars to finance their own personal expenses. Their alleged deceit spread across years and continents,” stated FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Today’s arraignment signals to all criminals that the FBI will practice the same resolve in bringing perpetrators to justice.”

    Wellesley was ordered detained pending trial. Burton, 58, was extradited from Morocco in 2023 and is currently pending trial.

    The indictment alleges that from at least June 2017 and continuing through February of 2019, the defendants posed as executives of Bordeaux Cellars. The defendants solicited investors, including residents of the Eastern District of New York, at, among other places, investor conferences held in the U.S. and overseas. The defendants claimed to investors that Bordeaux Cellars brokered loans between investors and high-net-worth wine collectors that would be fully collateralized by high-value collections of wine.

    The defendants promised that investors would receive regular interest payments from the borrowers, and that Bordeaux Cellars would keep custody of the wine, securing the loans while the loans were outstanding. As alleged, these representations were lies, the “high-net-worth wine collectors” did not actually exist, and Bordeaux Cellars did not maintain custody of the wine purportedly securing the loans. Instead, the defendants used incoming loan proceeds to make fraudulent interest payments to investors and for their own personal expenses, resulting in $99 million dollars’ worth of misdirected funds.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation, alongside partners, leads to extradition of United Kingdom citizen to face charges in $99 million wine fraud

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK – An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York, in coordination with federal partners, has resulted in the extradition of a United Kingdom citizen to face charges related to an alleged $99 million wine fraud scheme. James Wellesley, age 56, was arraigned following his extradition from the UK, where he was arrested in 2022.

    In 2022, Wellesley, along with his co-defendant Stephen Burton, were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a scheme perpetrated through Bordeaux Cellars, a company he and Burton operated.

    HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr., and Assistant Director in Charge, FBI New York Field Office Christopher G. Raia, announced Wellesley’s arraignment.

    “James Wellesley and his co-conspirator are accused of masterminding their nearly $100 million international fraud scheme that exploited the unsuspecting public, including New Yorkers, for their own selfish enrichment. As alleged, the defendants claimed Bordeaux Cellars boasted a high-value wine stockpile and a clientele of ‘high-net-worth wine collectors’ – and in turn profited handsomely – all while they swindled investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Let it be known, regardless of the nature of the transnational criminal scheme, HSI New York, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to adapt and evolve to fight global and domestic financial crimes wherever and whenever possible.”

    “Today’s arraignment sends a message to all perpetrators of global fraud schemes that my office will work tirelessly to ensure they answer for crimes committed in the U.S,” stated U.S. Attorney Nocella. “We will not rest in our efforts to seek justice for victims of fraud.”

    “James Wellesley and his business partner allegedly concocted an elaborate scheme defrauding investors out of millions of dollars to finance their own personal expenses. Their alleged deceit spread across years and continents,” stated FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Today’s arraignment signals to all criminals that the FBI will practice the same resolve in bringing perpetrators to justice.”

    Wellesley was ordered detained pending trial. Burton, 58, was extradited from Morocco in 2023 and is currently pending trial.

    The indictment alleges that from at least June 2017 and continuing through February of 2019, the defendants posed as executives of Bordeaux Cellars. The defendants solicited investors, including residents of the Eastern District of New York, at, among other places, investor conferences held in the U.S. and overseas. The defendants claimed to investors that Bordeaux Cellars brokered loans between investors and high-net-worth wine collectors that would be fully collateralized by high-value collections of wine.

    The defendants promised that investors would receive regular interest payments from the borrowers, and that Bordeaux Cellars would keep custody of the wine, securing the loans while the loans were outstanding. As alleged, these representations were lies, the “high-net-worth wine collectors” did not actually exist, and Bordeaux Cellars did not maintain custody of the wine purportedly securing the loans. Instead, the defendants used incoming loan proceeds to make fraudulent interest payments to investors and for their own personal expenses, resulting in $99 million dollars’ worth of misdirected funds.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four weeks of major work on northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge begins with a weekend-long mainline closure July 18-21

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Express lanes will be northbound only during summer 2025 work 

    SEATTLE – The long-anticipated major work to revive the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge will kick off with a weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 in Seattle Friday night, July 18 through early Monday morning, July 21. Following the closure, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks northbound across the bridge, as Washington State Department of Transportation contractors work on one of Seattle’s busiest corridors. 

    ”We’ve been planning and preparing for this work for over a year,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s region administrator with oversight for King County. “This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state. We know it will disrupt travel, but the repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links. Our team has worked closely with city, regional and transit partners to reduce the effects as much as possible and keep people moving.”

    Crews will use the four-week work window to repave and repair portions of the bridge’s two left lanes and continue replacing stormwater drains. Later this year, weekend lane reductions will begin on southbound I-5 to prepare for future phases of the project.

    What to expect

    • Friday night, July 18 to Monday morning, July 21: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
    • Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen.

    The express lanes will operate northbound only around the clock during summer construction. 

    Throughout the weekend, people traveling on northbound I-5 who are going to downtown Seattle should use the exits to Edgar Martinez Drive or to Dearborn, James or Madison streets. 

    The express lanes have no northbound exits to downtown Seattle; the first exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. Express lane on-ramps at Columbia, Cherry and Pine streets will be open to all vehicles throughout the weekend. Those ramps usually are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.

    When the northbound I-5 mainline reopens by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes near the Ship Canal Bridge until the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, when the second weekend-long closure will occur to remove the work zone.

    Regional coordination

    Reducing capacity on I-5 through the heart of Seattle is a big shift. WSDOT has worked closely with the city of Seattle and SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, emergency services and freight partners to prepare for this summer’s construction. Together, partners have adjusted signal timing, expanded bus-only lanes, modified transit routes and developed contingency plans to help people navigate to and through Seattle during construction. 

    WSDOT has also collaborated with organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Commute Seattle. These groups play an important role in helping people who live and work in Seattle, as well as those attending events, fairs and festivals, navigate the city and continue to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while Ship Canal Bridge construction is underway. 

    While this level of construction brings challenges, this work is critical and planning ahead can help ease disruptions. People should allow extra travel time, utilize transit and alternate routes and adjust travel schedules when possible. Real time traffic tools and route planning can make a major difference during this work. 

    A glimpse ahead to 2026 and 2027

    Construction this year is a preview of long-term lane reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, when one direction of the bridge each year will be reduced to two lanes for eight to nine months. Work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when all lanes of the bridge will be open in both directions.

    In winter 2026, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes until early June, just prior to World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver. Contractor crews will remove the work zone and reopen all lanes throughout the tournament.

    In mid-July, after the conclusion of the tournament, the contractor will close the northbound two right lanes until fall to repair and repave them.

    The work will shift to southbound I-5 in 2027, with crews working on the two left lanes from winter into summer, then the right lanes through the fall.

    Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four weeks of major work on northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge begins with a weekend-long mainline closure July 18-21

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Express lanes will be northbound only during summer 2025 work 

    SEATTLE – The long-anticipated major work to revive the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge will kick off with a weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 in Seattle Friday night, July 18 through early Monday morning, July 21. Following the closure, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks northbound across the bridge, as Washington State Department of Transportation contractors work on one of Seattle’s busiest corridors. 

    ”We’ve been planning and preparing for this work for over a year,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s region administrator with oversight for King County. “This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state. We know it will disrupt travel, but the repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links. Our team has worked closely with city, regional and transit partners to reduce the effects as much as possible and keep people moving.”

    Crews will use the four-week work window to repave and repair portions of the bridge’s two left lanes and continue replacing stormwater drains. Later this year, weekend lane reductions will begin on southbound I-5 to prepare for future phases of the project.

    What to expect

    • Friday night, July 18 to Monday morning, July 21: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
    • Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen.

    The express lanes will operate northbound only around the clock during summer construction. 

    Throughout the weekend, people traveling on northbound I-5 who are going to downtown Seattle should use the exits to Edgar Martinez Drive or to Dearborn, James or Madison streets. 

    The express lanes have no northbound exits to downtown Seattle; the first exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. Express lane on-ramps at Columbia, Cherry and Pine streets will be open to all vehicles throughout the weekend. Those ramps usually are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.

    When the northbound I-5 mainline reopens by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes near the Ship Canal Bridge until the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, when the second weekend-long closure will occur to remove the work zone.

    Regional coordination

    Reducing capacity on I-5 through the heart of Seattle is a big shift. WSDOT has worked closely with the city of Seattle and SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, emergency services and freight partners to prepare for this summer’s construction. Together, partners have adjusted signal timing, expanded bus-only lanes, modified transit routes and developed contingency plans to help people navigate to and through Seattle during construction. 

    WSDOT has also collaborated with organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Commute Seattle. These groups play an important role in helping people who live and work in Seattle, as well as those attending events, fairs and festivals, navigate the city and continue to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while Ship Canal Bridge construction is underway. 

    While this level of construction brings challenges, this work is critical and planning ahead can help ease disruptions. People should allow extra travel time, utilize transit and alternate routes and adjust travel schedules when possible. Real time traffic tools and route planning can make a major difference during this work. 

    A glimpse ahead to 2026 and 2027

    Construction this year is a preview of long-term lane reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, when one direction of the bridge each year will be reduced to two lanes for eight to nine months. Work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when all lanes of the bridge will be open in both directions.

    In winter 2026, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes until early June, just prior to World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver. Contractor crews will remove the work zone and reopen all lanes throughout the tournament.

    In mid-July, after the conclusion of the tournament, the contractor will close the northbound two right lanes until fall to repair and repave them.

    The work will shift to southbound I-5 in 2027, with crews working on the two left lanes from winter into summer, then the right lanes through the fall.

    Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four weeks of major work on northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge begins with a weekend-long mainline closure July 18-21

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Express lanes will be northbound only during summer 2025 work 

    SEATTLE – The long-anticipated major work to revive the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge will kick off with a weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 in Seattle Friday night, July 18 through early Monday morning, July 21. Following the closure, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks northbound across the bridge, as Washington State Department of Transportation contractors work on one of Seattle’s busiest corridors. 

    ”We’ve been planning and preparing for this work for over a year,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s region administrator with oversight for King County. “This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state. We know it will disrupt travel, but the repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links. Our team has worked closely with city, regional and transit partners to reduce the effects as much as possible and keep people moving.”

    Crews will use the four-week work window to repave and repair portions of the bridge’s two left lanes and continue replacing stormwater drains. Later this year, weekend lane reductions will begin on southbound I-5 to prepare for future phases of the project.

    What to expect

    • Friday night, July 18 to Monday morning, July 21: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
    • Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
    • Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen.

    The express lanes will operate northbound only around the clock during summer construction. 

    Throughout the weekend, people traveling on northbound I-5 who are going to downtown Seattle should use the exits to Edgar Martinez Drive or to Dearborn, James or Madison streets. 

    The express lanes have no northbound exits to downtown Seattle; the first exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. Express lane on-ramps at Columbia, Cherry and Pine streets will be open to all vehicles throughout the weekend. Those ramps usually are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.

    When the northbound I-5 mainline reopens by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes near the Ship Canal Bridge until the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, when the second weekend-long closure will occur to remove the work zone.

    Regional coordination

    Reducing capacity on I-5 through the heart of Seattle is a big shift. WSDOT has worked closely with the city of Seattle and SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, emergency services and freight partners to prepare for this summer’s construction. Together, partners have adjusted signal timing, expanded bus-only lanes, modified transit routes and developed contingency plans to help people navigate to and through Seattle during construction. 

    WSDOT has also collaborated with organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Commute Seattle. These groups play an important role in helping people who live and work in Seattle, as well as those attending events, fairs and festivals, navigate the city and continue to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while Ship Canal Bridge construction is underway. 

    While this level of construction brings challenges, this work is critical and planning ahead can help ease disruptions. People should allow extra travel time, utilize transit and alternate routes and adjust travel schedules when possible. Real time traffic tools and route planning can make a major difference during this work. 

    A glimpse ahead to 2026 and 2027

    Construction this year is a preview of long-term lane reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, when one direction of the bridge each year will be reduced to two lanes for eight to nine months. Work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when all lanes of the bridge will be open in both directions.

    In winter 2026, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes until early June, just prior to World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver. Contractor crews will remove the work zone and reopen all lanes throughout the tournament.

    In mid-July, after the conclusion of the tournament, the contractor will close the northbound two right lanes until fall to repair and repave them.

    The work will shift to southbound I-5 in 2027, with crews working on the two left lanes from winter into summer, then the right lanes through the fall.

    Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Complaint Against Former Members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    Source: US State of California

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Washington, D.C. against three former members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for refusing to vacate their offices after being removed by President Donald J. Trump.

    The subjects of this complaint have continued to operate in office despite their removal and subsequent failure to obtain legal relief protecting their old positions. This litigation reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the President’s core Article II powers, which include the authority to make personnel decisions regarding those occupying federal offices.

    The complaint asks the court to declare that the former members have not lawfully served on the board since their removals, to enjoin the former members from serving on the board, and to order the former members to refund any compensation during their unlawful terms of service.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Complaint Against Former Members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

    Source: US State of California

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Washington, D.C. against three former members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for refusing to vacate their offices after being removed by President Donald J. Trump.

    The subjects of this complaint have continued to operate in office despite their removal and subsequent failure to obtain legal relief protecting their old positions. This litigation reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the President’s core Article II powers, which include the authority to make personnel decisions regarding those occupying federal offices.

    The complaint asks the court to declare that the former members have not lawfully served on the board since their removals, to enjoin the former members from serving on the board, and to order the former members to refund any compensation during their unlawful terms of service.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard stops illegal charter operation near Madeira Beach

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/15/2025 05:30 PM EDT

     

    07/15/2025 05:13 PM EDT

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Sand Key law enforcement crew terminated an illegal charter operating on the Intracoastal Waterway near Madeira Beach, Sunday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard stops illegal charter operation near Madeira Beach

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/15/2025 05:30 PM EDT

     

    07/15/2025 05:13 PM EDT

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Sand Key law enforcement crew terminated an illegal charter operating on the Intracoastal Waterway near Madeira Beach, Sunday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Pakistani Leader of International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.

    In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.

    Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.  

    Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.

    Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.

    HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider. 

    Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: USS Mount Whitney Returns to Homeport

    Source: United States Navy

    GAETA, Italy – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) returned to homeport in Gaeta, Italy, after operating in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The underway underscored the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional security and strong partnerships with European and African nations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Talisman Sabre 2025 Begins with Record Participation and Enduring Purpose

    Source: United States Navy

    SYDNEY, Australia — Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 formally commenced today from the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide in Sydney Harbor, launching military activities involving 19 nations and over 30,000 service members across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This marks the largest bilateral military training event between the United States and Australia to date.

    MIL Security OSI –