NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Department of Human Services appoints George B. Lopez as Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of George B. Lopez as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs, effective July 7, 2025.

    Lopez joins ODHS with extensive experience in tribal governance and community leadership. Most recently, he served as General Manager for the Klamath Tribes, where he led key administrative and community-based programs, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and played a leading role in advancing tribal sovereignty and partnerships across education, public safety, and infrastructure development.

    “This role is essential to ODHS’s continued collaboration with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “George brings a deep commitment to Tribal communities and a strong track record of advocacy across Oregon. His experience will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our government-to-government relationships. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and confident he’ll help advance our mission in meaningful ways.”

    The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process and will ensure continuity in leadership and support for tribal engagement.

    “I’m excited to take on this role and work with the Nine Tribes of Oregon, ODHS staff and leadership, and our partners at all levels,” said George B. Lopez, incoming Director of the ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs. “I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting efforts that make a real difference for Tribal children, families and elders across the state.”

    ODHS also extends its sincere thanks to Sherril Kuhns, who served as interim director. Her dedication to tribal affairs and leadership during this transition have made a lasting impact on the agency’s work with Tribal Nations.

    For more information about the Office of Tribal Affairs and ODHS’s government-to-government work, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Disability Pride Month

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 9, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Disability Pride Month.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

     
    California joins communities around the nation in recognizing July as Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate the many ways that people living with disabilities – whether visible or invisible, mobility or cognitive, vision or hearing, learning or sensory, developmental or acquired – add to the diversity and strength of our state.
     
    Observed in July, Disability Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a major civil rights milestone signed into law on July 26, 1990. Sponsored by California Congressman Tony Coelho, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, removing barriers to employment, transportation, public services, and other critical areas.
     
    California is home to more than 7 million adults with disabilities and provides one in eight kids with disability services in schools. For decades, our state has played a pivotal role in promoting the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. In partnership with the Legislature, the Newsom Administration is working to expand educational opportunities, employment options, health, and homecare access, civil rights, and community living for people of all ages with disabilities. The state also continues to prioritize accessibility of all state services and is deepening our commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities within state service.
     
    As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let us reflect on the essential contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, our state, and our nation, and reaffirm our commitment to their rights and independence.
     
    NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim proclaim July 2025 as “Disability Pride Month.”
     
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of July 2025.

    ELENI KOUNALAKIS

    Acting Governor of California

    ATTEST:

    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.

    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    Jul 9, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $35 million for law enforcement partners, local governments and community groups tackling impaired driving. Sacramento, California – Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — As wildfire conditions intensify across the Pacific Northwest, Governor Newsom has directed the deployment of a CAL FIRE Type 3 engine strike team to assist firefighting efforts in southern Oregon. The deployment includes five fire engines and a…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News What you need to know: The $101 million being made available today will support the development of affordable multifamily rental housing in Los Angeles, prioritizing the needs of displaced residents in the fire-devastated regions. Los Angeles, California – Six…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $35 million to law enforcement partners to keep communities safe from impaired driving

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 9, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $35 million for law enforcement partners, local governments and community groups tackling impaired driving.

    Sacramento, California – Helping to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced more than $35 million in funding to nearly 150 local law enforcement agencies, local governments, crime laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

    The majority of the funding will support combatting impaired driving in communities, such as drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as localized public outreach efforts. 

    As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the grant funding comes from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California. CHP administers grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. 

    “This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.” 

    On top of combatting impaired driving in communities through trainings and public education campaigns, grant recipients will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

    Multiple recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

    Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

    The growing cannabis market

    California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection. The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing. To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

    Taking down illicit cannabis

    Reinforcing the state’s commitment to public safety, public health and the legal and regulated cannabis market, officials in 2024 seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis. Through Governor Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control, officials worked together to take down illegal cannabis operations, including residential illegal cultivation, and unlawful retail and delivery services.

    Since its inception in 2022, the Task Force has served 500 search warrants against illicit cannabis operations, seizing and destroying over $650 million in unlicensed cannabis. Operations have resulted in the eradication of more than 800,000 plants and over 220 tons of processed cannabis, along with the seizure of 190 firearms, more than $1 million in cash, and over 50 arrests statewide.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    California has invested $1.6 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Last August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California’s crime rate remains at near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.

    Recent news

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — As wildfire conditions intensify across the Pacific Northwest, Governor Newsom has directed the deployment of a CAL FIRE Type 3 engine strike team to assist firefighting efforts in southern Oregon. The deployment includes five fire engines and a…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News What you need to know: The $101 million being made available today will support the development of affordable multifamily rental housing in Los Angeles, prioritizing the needs of displaced residents in the fire-devastated regions. Los Angeles, California – Six…

    Jul 8, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 18 highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.The deployment includes a total of four…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marines and Servicio Nacional Aeronaval train together

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    U.S. Marines with the 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and members of the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN), or Aeronaval, in Panamá City, Panamá, are working shoulder to shoulder sharing knowledge and skill sets to enhance the vital partnership between the Department of Defense and the Panamanian security partners.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Northridge Insurance Agent Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for $3.7 Million Fine Art Insurance Policy Scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Nevada woman was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for defrauding a lender out of $3.7 million by submitting bogus applications for fine art insurance policies for commercial clients, but instead using the money for herself.

    Tonja Van Roy, 59, of Las Vegas, but who formerly operated a Northridge-based insurance agency, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered her to pay $1,880,237 in restitution.

    Van Roy pleaded guilty on January 6 to one count of wire fraud.

    According to court documents, Van Roy owned and ran Pegasus Insurance, a Northridge company that specialized in insurance policies covering art collections. From January 2021 to December 2023, Van Roy created and submitted dozens of fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO Credit Corp., a Lake Forest, Illinois-based provider of insurance premium finance, purportedly to finance insurance policies she claimed to have sold to art galleries.

    Van Roy made up the insurance policy numbers she used and forged the electronic signatures for fictitious insureds. She used the borrowed money to fund her lifestyle, which included payments on dozens of credit cards. When the loans from AFCO came due, Van Roy submitted additional fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO, and used the proceeds from the new loans to make it appear as though the old loans had been repaid.

    “[Van Roy] embarked on a sophisticated, multiyear scheme to borrow fraudulently over $3.7 million dollars using her insider’s knowledge of the insurance industry,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[She] has more than 25 years of experience working as an insurance agent, during which time she sold countless insurance policies and worked for many different insurance agencies before founding her own; she had an expert’s understanding of the industry, which allowed her to manipulate her victims and avoid detection for years.”

    Homeland Security Investigations and the California Department of Insurance investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former bank employee arrested, charged with illegally accessing customer accounts and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Damani Brown, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and conspiracy to commit access device fraud, computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in August 2024, a Rochester area bank reported to the FBI that, over a couple of weeks in July and August, someone accessed the online accounts of approximately 12 customers and transferred funds out of those accounts. Following an internal review, the bank determined that Brown, a bank employee, used his employee credentials to look up each of the victim accounts around the time that the accounts were unlawfully accessed. Brown was able to see whether the victim customers had ever registered their online accounts, their bank member number and social security number. Shortly after Brown performed a lookup, a co-conspirator registered the victim customer’s online account.

    In total, Brown and/or his co-conspirator transferred approximately $477,000 from the 12 accounts without the knowledge or consent of the customers. The money was transferred to other, third-party accounts at the bank, and ultimately, approximately $327,000 was withdrawn as cash from various local branches or funds were transferred through CashApp. Within a few days of these fraudulent transfers, a number of the victims contacted the bank to report the unauthorized activity on their accounts.

    In January 2025, the FBI obtained a warrant to search Google Accounts associated with the thefts. Investigators recovered verification emails sent from the bank containing one-time password codes and notification emails sent from the bank with updates regarding the online accounts, including email updates, password resets, and account freezes.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National With Five Prior Deportations Sentenced To Prison For Illegally Reentering The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed from the country on five prior occasions.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Santos Esparza-Torres was found by immigration officials, after he was previously deported on or about October 29, 2005, September 18, 2008, September 24, 2019, January 17, 2020, and April 16, 2020. Esparza-Torres came into ICE custody in 2024, while serving a state sentence on a conviction for conspiracy to violate uniform controlled substances act. Esparza-Torres will be eligible for parole on his state drug conviction in March of 2026, and will then serve his 24-month Federal sentence.

    Esparza-Torres pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. This was his second such conviction, as he was convicted in 2020 in the Southern District of California for the same crime.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Jason Knight made the announcement. 

    The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon offers Samsung’s thinnest-ever Galaxy Z Fold7 and redesigned Z Flip7 at huge savings

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon offers Samsung’s thinnest-ever Galaxy Z Fold7 and redesigned Z Flip7 at huge savings

    [TL;DR]

    • Get a Galaxy Z Flip7 on us, or $1,100 off a Galaxy Z Fold7 with Unlimited Ultimate and eligible trade-in on select manufacturer devices. Any condition guaranteed.
    • Google AI Pro Perk on us: Get Google AI Pro for six months, on us, when you purchase a Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7 on Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus.
    • 3-Year Price Lock Guarantee & Transparent Pricing: Verizon is the first and only carrier in the industry offering new and existing customers a three-year price lock guarantee on all myPlan and myHome network plans. Price guarantee excludes taxes and fees.

    [Breaking news]

    Samsung’s next generation of groundbreaking foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Fold7 are coming to Verizon, featuring sleeker designs, advanced camera capabilities, enhanced durability and a significant boost in integrated AI capabilities, including Gemini. Both devices are available for preorder at Verizon right now!

    Also  available for preorder is the new Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic that feature a sleek design, personalized coaching, new health monitoring features and AI capabilities, which can all be used on the go.

    Here’s everything you need to know:

    • Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available in Blue Shadow, Coralred and Jetblack starting at $30.55 a month for 36 months on Verizon Device Payment ($1,099.99 retail, 0% APR)
    • Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack starting at $55.55 a month for 36 months on Verizon Device Payment ($1,999.99 retail, 0% APR)
    • Galaxy Watch8 Classic will be available in Black and White starting at $15.28 a month for 36 months on Verizon Device Payment ($549.99 retail, 0% APR)
    • Galaxy Watch8 will be available in Graphite and Silver starting at $11.11 a month for 36 months on Verizon Device Payment ($399.99 retail, 0% APR)

    [Why Verizon is the best place to get your Galaxy Z Series]

    Unmatched value and predictability. Three years. Free phone. Zero price hikes on network plans. It’s control, value and simplicity for all. Switch to Verizon and get plans as low as $30 a line per month with four lines on Unlimited Welcome and Auto Pay (plus taxes and fees). Verizon continues to provide value for its customers with an industry-leading guarantee — a 3-year price lock on all myPlan and myHome network plans. Price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only.

    Tailored plans, guaranteed upgrades and exclusive rewards: Beyond innovative new devices and unbeatable network reliability, Verizon offers a customer experience designed around your value and choice. Discover seamless service and exclusive mobile + home discounts when you combine your wireless and internet plans, and gain access to thousands of rewards, the best events, experiences, tickets and more just for Verizon customers through the myVerizon app.

    [Epic Samsung offers]

    Galaxy Z Series guaranteed trade-in. New and existing customers can get a Galaxy Z Flip7 on us, or $1,100 off a Galaxy Z Fold7 with Unlimited Ultimate and eligible trade-in from select manufacturers. Any condition guaranteed.

    Galaxy Z Flip7 BOGO. Buy a Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7 on Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus and get another 256GB Galaxy Z Flip7 on us! One new line required.  

    Business offers. Verizon Business customers that sign up for a new line or upgrade can save up to $1,000 off Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7 with select trade-in and My Biz Plan with $20 monthly add-on spending.

    Save on a Galaxy Watch8. Buy a Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7 on myPlan and get a Galaxy Watch8 for $0 a month for 36 months on a Verizon device payment plan, or get a Galaxy Watch8 Classic for $5 a month for 36 months on a Verizon device payment plan.

    Epic Gemini AI perk. Get Google AI Pro for six months, on us, when you purchase a Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7 on Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus. After that, you can choose Google AI Pro as a perk on your myPlan for just $10 a month — that’s half the price of the usual $19.99.

    Free satellite messaging: The Galaxy Z series is powered by Skylo for a seamless connection to satellite, enabling both emergency services and general messaging in areas without cellular connectivity. This means you can stay connected with friends and family, share your location or simply confirm your safety, even when off the grid.

    [How to get your Galaxy Z Flip7 or Z Fold7]

    Visit a Verizon store, the My Verizon app, or verizon.com today to learn more and order your new Galaxy Z Fold7 or Z Flip7 and discover the great value Verizon offers through myPlan. Both phones will be widely available in Verizon stores and at Verizon.com on July 25. Verizon Business customers can visit Verizon Business online for business-specific pricing and promos.

    America’s largest network disclaimer: Based on total subscribers, Q1 2025

    Fastest and Most Reliable 5G disclaimer: Based on RootMetrics® State of 5G Report, United States, 2H 2024. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of Verizon.

    Guaranteed trade-in offer: $1,099.99 (256 GB only) purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate plan (min. $90/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,100 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from select manufacturers; trade-in terms apply.  Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.

    3-yr price guarantee: myPlan: Applies to the then-current base monthly rate for your talk, text, and data. Excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Void if any of the lines are canceled or moved to an ineligible plan. Plan perks, taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change. myHome: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services.

    Galaxy Z Flip7 BOGO: Up to $2,119.99 device payment purchase w/1 new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate or postpaid Unlimited Plus plan (min. $80/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) per phone req’d. 2nd phone Galaxy Z Flip7 (256 GB only): Less $1,100 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR.  Offer may not be combined with other offers. Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.

    Galaxy Watch8 offer: Phone: Up to $1,919.99 device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d.  Watch: $399.99 (32 GB only) device payment purchase w/new line on service plan (min. $15/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $400 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR.  Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.

    Verizon Business Offer: New line or device upgrade w/device payment agmt & My Biz Plan w/$20 monthly add-on spending req’d. Up to $1,000 credit, varying by smartphone trade-in, applied to acct over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Select biz customers w/6 or more mos of VZ service: credits begin in 1-2 bills. Other biz customers: credits begin 2-3 bills after trade-in is received by VZ. Smartphone trade-in must be received by VZ w/in 90 days & meet program requirements. Credit(s) will be charged back to acct if trade-in is not received within 90 days, differs from appraisal and/or does not meet program requirements. Most trade-in device conditions accepted; exclusions apply. 10-line trade-in limit per order. Cannot be combined with other device offers. Offers available 7.09 through 9.30.2025.

    Google AI Pro Perk offer: Requires line subscribed to Unlimited Ultimate plan. $10/mo perk credit ends after 6 mo or if perk is canceled or line is moved to an ineligible plan during the 6-mo promo period. After 6 mos, perk bills at $10/mo unless perk is canceled or unregistered. Must be 18 years of age or older to enroll. After enrolling in the perk, you will need to activate your Google AI Pro membership with a personal Google Account to use the service. Activating the perk may affect existing subscriptions to Google AI Pro. You may be required to cancel any existing subscription to register Google AI Pro with Verizon. One offer per eligible Verizon line. Subject to Google One Terms of Service.

    Satellite connectivity requires select new model phones with updated software. Must be outside w/line of sight to satellite; might not work in parts of Alaska.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Washington, D.C., Updates for July 2025

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Washington, D.C., Updates for July 2025

    Federal drilling permits rise as U.S. oil production surges to new records!

    President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency has helped clear hurdles and push the U.S. to the fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, running 44% ahead of the Biden administration at the same point in his term.

    As of 18 June, the Interior Department had approved 2,990 permits on federal and indigenous lands, compared with 2,071 for President Biden in 2021, according to government data. Under President Trump, that works out to roughly 600 permits monthly, a pace that hasn’t been reached in nearly two decades.

    These permitting figures underscore a shift in this administration’s energy strategy – from the Biden administration’s approach, which used a range of tools to constrain oil and gas production, to one that allows producers greater freedom and flexibility to make production decisions based on market conditions.

    During the transition from President Biden, the U.S. was already the global leader, producing more crude than any other country ever. President Trump declared an energy emergency, nonetheless, stating Americans were vulnerable to high energy prices and the U.S. was too dependent on foreign sources. Thus, Trump revoked some environmental restrictions, ordered reviews of others and called for departments to streamline the permitting process. The Interior Department announced emergency permitting reforms in April of this year to reduce the process to 28 days, a process that averaged more than 250 days under President Biden.

    The United States is currently producing around 13.4 million barrels of crude oil per day. This represents a new record for the country, and it is more than any other nation has ever produced according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US President Sends Tariff Notices to 6 More Countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 9 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to leaders of six more countries on Wednesday morning, notifying them that new tariffs will be imposed on goods imported into the United States from those countries starting Aug. 1.

    D. Trump published the corresponding notices on his own social network Truth Social. The letters are addressed to the leaders of the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq and Libya.

    According to the letters, duties will be 30 percent for Libya, Iraq and Algeria, 25 percent for Brunei and Moldova, and 20 percent for the Philippines.

    On Tuesday, D. Trump sent the first letters of new import duties to 14 countries, notifying them of new tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent. The American leader said he would send several more similar notices this week. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cameroon: United States (U.S.) Embassy in Yaoundé Announces Changes to Visa Procedures and Fees

    Source: APO


    .

    Effective immediately, and in keeping with the U.S. Government’s global efforts to tighten U.S. immigration requirements, the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé is revising its visa procedures, as well as the validity periods and issuance fees for most visa classifications. Cameroonian citizens who successfully apply for a tourist, business, exchange, or student visa are now issued a single-entry, three-month validity visa, with a significantly reduced issuance fee of $35 or its equivalent in FCFA (down from $215) to be paid if the visa is approved. Temporary work visas now also have a single-entry, three-month validity, with a reduced issuance fee of $45.

    A U.S. visa permits the visa holder to travel to the United States up until the visa’s expiration date. The traveler’s authorized duration of stay in the United States is distinct from the visa validity and is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (that is, the U.S. immigration authorities travelers encounter upon arrival at port of entry).

    In addition, the Embassy is suspending indefinitely the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program that allowed some visa applicants who had had prior visas to apply without coming into the Embassy for an interview. Henceforth, all nonimmigrant visa applicants applying in Cameroon are now required to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.

    The Embassy remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of its visa adjudication and issuance process. We strongly encourage all applicants to visit the Embassy’s website at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ for detailed procedural information and to schedule a visa interview accordingly. Applicants should also carefully review the legally-established visa eligibility criteria prior to paying for an appointment to try to assess objectively whether they are likely to qualify for the desired visa under U.S. law. Doing an objective self-assessment against the legal criteria will save applicants time, effort, and money on a visa application that is likely to be denied.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Meng Introduce Resolution Recognizing the Role of the U.S. in Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    span>WASHINGTON, DC – Following the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19th, U.S. Reps. Maria Salazar (FL-27) and Grace Meng (NY-06), introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives reaffirming the role of the United States in eliminating sexual violence in conflict. 

    Throughout history, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 95% of the reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence, enduring rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, and forced marriage. Sexual violence is considered a war crime, a crime against humanity, and an act of genocide and torture under international law. Despite this, it continues around the world with little accountability for its perpetrators.

    The resolution aims to underscore the need for the United States to continue to play a leading role in addressing conflict-related sexual violence and strengthening legal reforms and justice for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It also seeks to recognize the need for all peace agreements to address conflict-related sexual violence and calls on the United States to ensure mechanisms to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable are included in peacebuilding resolutions. The resolution further emphasizes the importance of women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, as outlined in the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. Additionally, the resolution would uplift and recognize the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and those working to support them, to ensure they are not forgotten.

    “Rape should never be a weapon of war. It is an act of evil, used by tyrants and terrorists to break the human spirit,” said Congresswoman Salazar. As the world’s leading democracy, the United States will stand with the survivors, punish the perpetrators, and demand justice. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Meng in this bipartisan effort to make clear that we will defend human dignity, and sexual violence in conflict will not be ignored, excused, or forgotten.”

    “Conflict-related sexual violence is an unspeakable crime that women and children worldwide continue to endure,” said Congresswoman Meng. “We have tools and resources to eradicate this violence and hold perpetrators accountable and now is the time to take action. This resolution affirms the important and leading role the United States plays in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, namely through our efforts to promote women’s participation in economic, civic, and security decision-making and peace processes. Eliminating sexual violence in conflict should never be a partisan issue and I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to end this crisis.

    In 2023, there were 3,688 confirmed cases of sexual violence linked to conflict—a 50% rise from previous years. However, the real number is likely higher because many victims don’t report these crimes due to social stigma, limited support, and lack of accountability for offenders.

    “At World Vision, we commend the recent introduction of this resolution, which highlights the need to prevent conflict-related sexual violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide adequate resources and health care to survivors,” said Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at World Vision US. “In conflict areas such as Sudan, millions of women are at risk of becoming victims of physical or sexual violence. This resolution moves us one step closer to ending sexual violence in conflict zones and toward ensuring that all women and girls are protected and empowered, no matter where they live.”

    “Too often, sexual violence is used as a weapon of war to repress or terrorize civilians, and women and girls often pay the biggest price.” said Melanie Nezer, Vice President of Advocacy and External Relations at the Women’s Refugee Commission. “Women in conflict zones live in fear of sexual assault, yet are rarely able to access the protection, healthcare, or justice they deserve. Nobody should have to live this way. The Women’s Refugee Commission is grateful to Representative Meng and Representative Salazar for their bipartisan leadership on this issue of basic human rights. We urge all members of Congress to support the Resolution Affirming the Role of the US in Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict, and take a stand for the dignity, safety, and futures of women and girls and all who are at risk of conflict related sexual violence.” 

    Every year on June 19th, the international community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to raise global awareness of the urgent need to end conflict-related sexual violence, to honor the victims and survivors, and to pay tribute to all those who have devoted their lives to standing up for the eradication of these crimes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Members Stand in Solidarity at APALA 18th Biennial Convention

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Union members proudly joined labor allies at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) 18th Biennial Convention in Los Angeles, reaffirming our union’s commitment to justice on the job and in our communities.

    The IAM delegation included General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, along with staff and members from across the country. They participated in plenaries and workshops focused on organizing, leadership development, and building an inclusive labor movement that supports all workers.

    IAM members joined other unions and community partners to support UFCW Local 770 members and immigrant workers at a rally calling for a fair contract, dignity, and economic justice.

    See photos here.

    The post IAM Members Stand in Solidarity at APALA 18th Biennial Convention appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Monthly Budget Review: June 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The federal budget deficit totaled $1.3 trillion in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. That amount is $65 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year. Revenues increased by $254 billion (or 7 percent), and outlays rose by $320 billion (or 6 percent).

    The change in the deficit was influenced by the timing of outlays. Fiscal year 2024 outlays were reduced because payments that were due on October 1, 2023, a Sunday, were shifted into the prior fiscal year. (Those payments were made in September 2023.) If not for that shift, the deficit so far this fiscal year would have been $7 billion (or 1 percent) less than the shortfall at this point last year.

    H.R. 1, the 2025 reconciliation legislation signed by the President on July 4, 2025, increased the debt limit by $5 trillion. CBO will discuss its estimates of the budget and economic effects of that law in the next edition of The Budget and Economic Outlook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1614

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1614

    Mesoscale Discussion 1614
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1207 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025

    Areas affected…Southern Virginia into the Carolinas

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible

    Valid 091707Z – 091900Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…60 percent

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing within the southern Appalachians
    will pose a severe wind threat through the early evening hours as
    they spread east into southern Virginia and the Carolinas. Watch
    issuance is probable as thunderstorm coverage increases.

    DISCUSSION…Latest GOES/MRMS imagery show the early stages of deep
    convection developing along the southern Appalachians from far
    southwest VA into western NC. A gradual increase in storm coverage
    is anticipated over the next few hours as temperatures continue to
    warm into the upper 80s and lingering MLCIN is removed via
    boundary-layer heating/mixing. Downstream dewpoints in the mid 70s
    are supporting a plume of MLCAPE between 2000-2500 J/kg across the
    Carolinas into the Chesapeake Bay region. Convection will likely
    intensify as it migrates into this very buoyant environment;
    however, displacement from stronger mid-level flow to the north
    suggests that storms may move off the higher terrain somewhat
    slowly, driven mainly by propagation along convective outflows.
    Similar to yesterday, this environment will support strong to severe
    downburst winds, but unlike yesterday thunderstorm coverage should
    be greater as multiple convective clusters spread east through the
    early evening. Watch issuance is expected in the coming hours as
    thunderstorm intensity and coverage begin to increase.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…AKQ…RAH…ILM…RNK…CAE…GSP…MRX…

    LAT…LON 34778327 34948345 35258351 35698322 35998246 36368192
    37008118 37398070 37437833 37207799 36847798 34657964
    34448010 34448082 34718292 34778327

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1615

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1615

    Mesoscale Discussion 1615
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1226 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025

    Areas affected…South Carolina into far eastern Georgia

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 091726Z – 091930Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are developing in an environment
    supportive of strong to severe downburst winds. This threat should
    remain relatively brief/isolated; watch issuance is not expected.

    DISCUSSION…Deep convection is rapidly developing from
    south-central GA into portions of SC within a weak low-level
    confluence zone and along a strengthening sea-breeze boundary. This
    comes as temperatures quickly warm into the low 90s within a very
    moist environment. Morning guidance has largely displayed a 3-5 F
    cool and dry bias across the region so far today, which has resulted
    in initiation slightly earlier than anticipated as well as SBCAPE
    values upwards of 4000-5000 J/kg. Observed dewpoint depressions on
    the order of 15 F suggest that LCLs are likely at around 1 km AGL
    with near-surface lapse rates on the order of 7-8 C/km. This
    combination of extreme buoyancy atop a shallow low-level
    dry-adiabatic layer should promote strong, water-loaded downdrafts
    capable of damaging/severe downburst winds (most likely between
    40-60 mph) through late afternoon. Very weak flow over the region
    (generally less than 15 knots per regional VWPs) will favor
    disorganized multicells with limited duration. Consequently, the
    short-range predictability and coverage of damaging winds will
    remain limited and precludes watch issuance.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…ILM…CHS…CAE…GSP…JAX…FFC…TAE…

    LAT…LON 32198060 31918100 31548123 31228136 30958153 30868198
    31008235 31238274 31468310 31768330 32318335 33318296
    34278211 34468175 34508139 34348035 34218002 34077982
    33907972 33757972 32198060

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1616

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1616
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0103 PM CDT Wed Jul 09 2025

    Areas affected…Lower Michigan into far northwest Ohio

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 091803Z – 092000Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…20 percent

    SUMMARY…A couple of weak supercells may develop across parts of
    lower Michigan through the afternoon with an attendant threat for
    large hail and severe winds. Watch issuance is not anticipated given
    the limited coverage of this threat.

    DISCUSSION…Early thunderstorm development is underway across
    central to southern lower MI as convection percolates along several
    subtle boundaries over the region, including a weak cold front, a
    lake-breeze boundary, and a weak surface trough. Despite somewhat
    nebulous surface features and weak low-level winds, GOES-derived
    winds suggest shear within the cloud-bearing layer is between 25-30
    knots. This is slightly stronger than anticipated by morning
    guidance, and hints that the kinematic environment is supportive of
    organized convection. Similarly, a cold bias is noted in morning
    guidance with observed temperatures running 2-4 F warmer than
    anticipated. Consequently, surface-based CAPE estimates in recent
    mesoanalyses may be more representative of the thermodynamic
    environment and suggests around 2000-2500 J/kg SBCAPE is in place
    across lower MI. Overall, these trends point towards a favorable
    convective environment for weak supercells and/or organized
    clusters. Meager forcing for ascent will likely limit severe storm
    coverage, which should negate the need for watch issuance, but a few
    instances of large hail/severe winds appear possible through late
    afternoon.

    ..Moore/Mosier.. 07/09/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…CLE…DTX…APX…IWX…GRR…

    LAT…LON 41798533 42488561 42938563 43398545 43788504 44188345
    44178293 43958265 43488245 43198235 42868236 42478255
    41698297 41418318 41198351 41098376 41098409 41138453
    41238478 41798533

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.00-1.75 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 497 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Watch 497 Status Reports

    Watch 497 Status Message has not been issued yet.

    Top/Watch Issuance Text for Watch 497/All Current Watches/Forecast Products/Home

    Weather Topics:Watches, Mesoscale Discussions, Outlooks, Fire Weather, All Products, Contact Us

    NOAA / National Weather ServiceNational Centers for Environmental PredictionStorm Prediction Center120 David L. Boren Blvd.Norman, OK 73072 U.S.A.spc.feedback@noaa.govPage last modified: July 09, 2025
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 497

    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.
    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 497
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    District Of Columbia
    Maryland
    Far Northwestern North Carolina
    South-Central Pennsylvania
    Northern, Western, and Central Virginia
    Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 200 PM
    until 1000 PM EDT.

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

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase across the
    region this afternoon, with multiple rounds of storms possible.
    Moderate buoyancy and vertical shear is expected to support bowing
    line segments capable of damaging wind gusts. A few instances of
    hail are possible as well, particularly over regions of higher
    terrain.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 95
    statute miles east and west of a line from 5 miles west northwest of
    Hagerstown MD to 60 miles south southwest of Dublin VA. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    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.

    &&

    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 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27035.

    …Mosier

    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 497
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Wed Jul 9 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    District Of Columbia
    Maryland
    Far Northwestern North Carolina
    South-Central Pennsylvania
    Northern, Western, and Central Virginia
    Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 200 PM
    until 1000 PM EDT.

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

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase across the
    region this afternoon, with multiple rounds of storms possible.
    Moderate buoyancy and vertical shear is expected to support bowing
    line segments capable of damaging wind gusts. A few instances of
    hail are possible as well, particularly over regions of higher
    terrain.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 95
    statute miles east and west of a line from 5 miles west northwest of
    Hagerstown MD to 60 miles south southwest of Dublin VA. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    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.

    &&

    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 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27035.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW7
    WW 497 SEVERE TSTM DC MD NC PA VA WV CW 091800Z – 100200Z
    AXIS..95 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    5WNW HGR/HAGERSTOWN MD/ – 60SSW PSK/DUBLIN VA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 85NM E/W /41WNW EMI – 49SSW PSK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27035.

    LAT…LON 39717601 36317939 36318280 39717958

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU7.

    Watch 497 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

    High (80%)

    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 Security: Coast Guard rescues 5 from capsized vessel near Freeport, Texas

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Heartland District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Contact: Heartland District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Office: 281-464-4810
    After Hours: 832-293-1293
    PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

     

    07/09/2025 01:50 PM EDT

    HOUSTON — The Coast Guard rescued five people from a capsized vessel near Freeport, Texas, Wednesday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Convicted criminal Trump should not be welcomed in Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    09 Jul 2025 External Affairs

    Scotland must make it clear – Trump is not welcome here.

    More in External Affairs

    The President of the United States and convicted criminal Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland later this month, according to latest reports.

    The US President was found guilty of 34 felonies in 2023 relating to falsified business records, after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. Trump also has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s.

    The Scottish Greens have long called for an investigation into Donald Trump’s finances in Scotland through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).

    A UWO is a power held by the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of politically active individuals who have gained wealth through suspicious means. Given Donald Trump’s Menie Estate golf course, which he is set to visit this month, was cited in one of his felony charges, it’s now clearer than ever that a UWO must be used.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “There is no way that Donald Trump should be welcomed to Scotland. He is a convicted felon and political extremist who has shown a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America and around the world.

    “His Vice President has attacked the democratic system of Scotland when he lied about a bill my colleague Gillian Mackay passed and his former billionaire bestie Elon Musk has spread misinformation about our country online, as well as other far right conspiracy theories.

    “At home, Donald Trump has sent troops onto the streets to threaten his own citizens, he is constructing a concentration camp in Florida and he has underfunded crucial services which have already cost the lives of working-class people.

    “Not to mention his contempt for international law by welcoming Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netenyahu to Washington D.C. – a man who has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes – and celebrating the collective punishment of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.

    “I am urging the SNP Government to make it clear that Trump is not welcome in Scotland. Because I am sure that on the streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and anywhere else he may go, the people of Scotland will make it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: US President issues tariff notices to 6 more countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 9 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to leaders of six more countries on Wednesday morning, notifying them that new tariffs will be imposed on goods imported into the United States from those countries starting Aug. 1.

    D. Trump published the corresponding notices on his own social network Truth Social. The letters were addressed to the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq and Libya. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur Statement on Trump Administration Resumption of Military Aid to Ukraine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Toledo, Ohio — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus released the following statement after President Trump announced the resumption of Military Aid to Ukraine.

    “I support the President’s recent announcement of renewed critical defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine—including lifesaving air defensive systems. The harmful pause in shipments should have never happened in the first place. Last week’s revelation of the unexpected Department of Defense halt came just days after the single largest Russian barrage against Ukraine in which Putin launched over 500 drones and missiles against its cities and civilian populations.  Russia has only continued to escalate its devastating strikes.

    “US-made air defense systems, including Patriot batteries, are the centerpiece of Ukraine’s defenses against Russian strikes. They save lives every day. There are no parallel defense alternatives for Ukraine if the US stops supplying these vital munitions. By halting these shipments, leaders in the Department of Defense have risked the imminent deaths of many Ukrainian military servicemembers as well as civilians. 

    “Supplying Ukraine with these weapons ensures increased demand that enables our own defense industrial base to grow so that we can produce the quantities of munitions needed to defend both ourselves and our Allies. Ukraine’s use of these weapons in its defensive war also allows our military to better test and improve these systems to keep American forces safer.

    “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I want to applaud the work of our nearly 100 Caucus Members for their tireless support for Ukraine in Congress. The unified message our Caucus has sent since before the start of this unprovoked war continues to ensure that any pro-Putin actors, even potentially within the Administration, remain isolated and are made known to the public which continues to back Ukraine’s decade long fight to restore its Liberty. 

    “As a Caucus, we call upon the Department of Defense to expeditiously and fully renew the shipments of these munitions and demand full accountability from the Administration as to how this important decision was delayed but now restored.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Needless NOAA Budget, Staff Cuts Put Lives at Risk Weather Experts, Lawmakers Warn

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

    Sunrise, FL – Today, U. S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) joined some of the nation’s top weather scientists to issue vocal warnings that gutting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through staff and funding cuts will cause needless deaths by delaying critical, timely research and severe storm forecasting that our communities count on to be safe.   

    The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

    Cuts to NOAA’s budget will have ripple effects beyond public safety, impacting economic sectors like agriculture and fishing, climate resiliency efforts, and wider disaster preparedness. These hurricane state lawmakers were joined by Dr. Robert Atlas, Director Emeritus of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, Dr. Frank Marks, former Director of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, and James Franklin, the former Branch Chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center.

    Click here and here for graphs shared by experts at the press conference.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Local man who trafficked, exploited & raped minor girls sentenced to 50 years in prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced in federal court to 600 months in prison. The defendant sexually exploited two minor females and forced one of the girls to engage in commercial sex acts with men at hotels. 

    Anthony Sims, 56, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in March – less than two weeks before he was scheduled to begin trial – to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor and one count of sex trafficking a minor.

    Sims raped a 12-year-old girl 40 to 50 times throughout six months in 2020. Sims provided the girl marijuana and alcohol and talked her into getting high and drinking. At times, during the sexual assaults, Sims would hold down the victim’s arms or hold her in place.  During these encounters, he forced the girl to pose for photos in sexual positions while nude or while wearing lingerie.

    Sims convinced another victim, a 13-year-old girl, to smoke marijuana with him and once she was high, Sims raped her. He routinely held this victim down to facilitate these acts. Sims would also take nude photos of her, and he made her pose with stuffed animals or pillows.

    Sims also took the 13-year-old to various hotels and forced her to have sex with men who paid Sims. The victim was forced to have sex with approximately 50 different men. Sims also sold pornographic photos of the victim.

    At the time of his most recent crimes, Sims was a registered sex offender with two convictions out of Michigan.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed on July 8 by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Coalition To Bring NASA Headquarters To The Sunshine State

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

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced legislation to move NASA Headquarters to the Sunshine State.

    H.R. 2422 – “Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act” is the 12th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds during the 119thCongress and is co-led by Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL). The “CAPE Canaveral Act” has also received the support of Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).

    Specifically, the “CAPE Canaveral Act” requires the transfer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters to Brevard County, Florida within one year of enactment and is the U.S. House of Representatives companion bill to Sen. Ashley Moody’s (R-FL) S. 1013 – CAPE Canaveral Act, co-led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

    “The long and storied legacy of human space flight is inextricably linked with Cape Canaveral, Florida. Home to the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral has been the launch-site of some of the most consequential scientific breakthroughs in human history. It’s time to bring NASA Headquarters to Florida’s aptly-named ‘Space Coast’ and I’m proud to lead my colleagues in this important, bipartisan, and bicameral initiative for our nation.”

    Bill Impact

    • Proximity to Launch Sites: Florida is home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which are primary launch sites for NASA missions. Having the headquarters nearby will streamline operations, reduce travel costs, and improve coordination.
    • Geographical Advantage: Florida’s location near the equator is ideal for rocket launches due to the Earth’s rotational speed. This geographical benefit is a key reason why many space-related facilities are located in the state.
    • Existing Infrastructure: Florida already has a robust aerospace and space exploration ecosystem, with industries and partnerships established around these activities. Moving headquarters there will bolster these connections further.
    • Economic Boost: Relocating NASA headquarters will bring significant economic benefits to Florida, including job creation and increased investment in local communities.
    • Experienced Workforce: Moving NASA headquarters would strengthen its own workforce by cutting the need for experienced aerospace experts to re-locate to Washington D.C. and continue to grow their roots within Florida’s vast space community.

    Exclusive:

    Donalds Unveils Legislation To Move NASA HQ To Florida’s Space Coast
    Julia Manchester – The Hill
    April 2, 2025

    More:

    • Read Text of the Donalds “CAPE Canaveral Act” HERE.
    • See Congress.gov Bill Profile of the Donalds “CAPE Canaveral Act” HERE.
    • See Congress.gov Bill Profile of the Moody Senate Companion Bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President of Human Rights Council appoints Max du Plessis of South Africa as member of Iran fact-finding mission

    Source: APO


    .

    The President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), has announced the appointment of Mr. Max du Plessis of South Africa to serve as an independent member of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr. du Plessis replaces Ms. Shaheen Sardar Ali of Pakistan on the three-member investigative panel and joins Ms. Sara Hossain of Bangladesh and Ms. Viviana Krsticevic of Argentina. Ms. Hossain serves as chair of the Fact-Finding Mission.

    The Human Rights Council established the Fact-Finding Mission with resolution S-35/1 of 24 November 2022, adopted at a special session, to “investigate alleged human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran related to the protests that began on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children”. The three-person Mission was further requested to “establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged violations and collect, consolidate and analyse evidence of such violations and preserve evidence, including in view of cooperation in any legal proceedings”.

    The mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission was subsequently extended for one year with resolution 55/19 of 4 April 2024 entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” 

    In April 2025, with its resolution 58/21, the Council extended the Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate for an additional year and expanded its scope to, among other things, thoroughly and independently monitor and investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in Iran. This resolution requests the Fact-Finding Mission to present a report to the Human Rights Council at its 61st session in February/March 2026, and to present an oral update, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, to the United Nations General Assembly at its 80th session (2025-2026).

    Mr. du Plessis is a South African barrister and academic whose career has been characterised by his involvement on justice and human rights issues. He has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Africa and the University of Natal (South Africa), completed his Master of Laws at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) and completed his PhD studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).

    His legal career began in 2000 when he became an advocate at the High Court of South Africa. His expertise in international, administrative, and constitutional law lead to a role as a senior research fellow in the International Crime in Africa Programme at the Institute for Security Studies. Mr. du Plessis has practiced law in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and has been a visiting expert at the International Criminal Court.

    Throughout his career Mr. du Plessis has been an adjunct professor at the University of Cape Town and Nelson Mandela University. He also served as a visiting professor at Law Futures Centre, Griffith University (Australia), Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford (United Kingdom), St. John’s College, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), the London School of Economics (United Kingdom), Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University (United States), and others.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New Jersey Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought and Excessive Heat

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 25, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren as well as county of Bucks in Pennsylvania.

    Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Live Entertainment CEO Indicted for Orchestrating Conspiracy to Rig Bidding Process for Public University Arena

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Timothy J. Leiweke, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak View Group (OVG), for orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division announced today. OVG develops and provides a variety of services to live entertainment venues.

    The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleges that, from approximately February 2018 through at least June 2024, Leiweke conspired with the Chief Executive Officer of a competitor to rig the bidding for the development, management, and use of a multi-purpose arena that was to be located on the campus of a public university in Austin, Texas (the “Arena Project”).  

    “As outline in the indictment, the Defendant rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to hold executives who cheat to avoid competition accountable.”

    “Unfair business practices, like those employed here, make it very difficult for the American people to pursue prosperity like our founders intended,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “In the Western District of Texas, we’re proud to work with our colleagues in the Antitrust Division on these types of cases, and we will do all we can to ensure those who engage in the type of conduct described in this case are held to account.”

    “Timothy Leiweke allegedly led a scheme designed to steer the contract for entertainment services at a public university’s arena to his company. Public contracts are subject to laws requiring an open and competitive bid process to ensure a level playing field,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “The FBI is determined to ensure that those who disregard fair competition principles do not benefit from a rigged bidding process targeting our communities and public institutions.”

    “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of corruption and illegal influence in the American workplace,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast region. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”

    According to the indictment, in September 2017, Leiweke informed colleagues that he had learned another venue-services company was “bidding against us” for the Arena Project and wanted to “find a way to get [the competitor] some of the business” and “get them to back down.”  In November 2017, Leiweke informed others that he was “[m]ore than happy talking to [the competitor] about not bidding and [receiving certain subcontracts]” but had “no interest in working with them if they intend on putting in a bid.” In February of 2018, Leiweke ultimately reached an agreement with the competitor’s CEO, pursuant to which the competitor agreed that it would stand down and neither submit nor join an independent competing bid for the Arena Project. In exchange for the competitor’s agreement to stand down, Leiweke represented that the competitor would receive Arena Project’s subcontracts. Consistent with the bid-rigging agreement, the competitor did not submit a competing bid for the Arena Project. OVG ultimately submitted the sole qualified bid and won the Arena Project.  The arena opened to the public in April 2022, and OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the project to date.

    OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, in connection with the conduct alleged in the indictment against Leiweke.

    Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office are investigating the case.

    The Antitrust Division’s New York Office is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT Testing Paddles on I-195 East to Help Merging Traffic

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Starting, Friday night July 11, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will install traffic paddles along a section of I-195 East in Providence as part of a pilot to help traffic merge more efficiently. They will be located along a 500-foot section at the beginning of the highway, where drivers coming from I-95 North and South merge.

    The paddles, also called flexible delineators, will be installed in the center of the highway, allowing traffic in the two lanes from I-95 North and the two lanes from I-95 South to change lanes when vehicles are parallel to each other, which is more efficient.

    RIDOT will be monitoring the travel times after the paddles are installed to detect any changes in travel time and determine if any adjustments are needed, and if they will remain in place.

    Similar traffic paddles are in use and have been effective throughout the state.

    RIDOT continues to analyze options with the goal of reducing travel time and improving safety for these movements during the time the temporary traffic pattern is in place for the rebuild of the westbound Washington Bridge.

    MIL OSI USA News –