NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement on Netanyahu’s Unilateral Attack on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    BURLINGTON, Vt. June 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement:
    The world is more dangerous and unstable as a result of the extremist Netanyahu’s government ongoing defiance of international law. 
    First, he uses the starvation of children in Gaza as a tool of war, a barbaric violation of the Geneva Conventions. Now, his illegal unilateral attack on Iran risks a full-blown regional war. These strikes also directly contravened the express wishes of the United States, which was seeking a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing tensions around Iran’s nuclear program. Talks were planned for Sunday, but Netanyahu chose instead to launch an attack. 
    The U.S. must make it clear that we will not be dragged into another Netanyahu war. Along with the international community we should do everything possible to prevent an escalation of this conflict and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joined by Constituents Who Rely on Medicaid and SNAP, Senator Murray Slams Republicans’ “Big Ugly Betrayal” for Gigantic Cuts to Programs That Washingtonians Depend on to Meet Basic Needs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington State Standard: Thousands in WA at risk of losing food benefits under GOP bill in Congress

    NEW: Estimates show Republican cuts would result in 16 million people losing health care — including over 300,000 people in WA state

    ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM EVENT HERE***

    ***FULL VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE HERE***

    Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a press conference laying out how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act would be catastrophic for people across Washington state who rely on Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Senator Murray was joined by health care providers and constituents in Washington state who stand to lose the health care and nutrition benefits they or their patients rely on under the legislation, which Republicans are seeking to pass through the reconciliation process—which requires only a simple majority of votes in each chamber of Congress. The legislation passed the House on May 22nd and is now being considered by the Senate.

    “If Republicans pass this monstrosity into law, billionaires like Trump and Musk are going to make away like bandits while struggling families are going to have their entire world turned upside down. They are going to lose health care. They are going to lose food assistance. They are going to see costs go up and support they rely on go away,” Senator Murray said at the press conference today. “When it comes to health care, we are talking about 16 million people getting kicked off their insurance—from 8 million people Republicans will cut off from Medicaid with new paperwork, to 4 million who will lose ACA coverage due to Republican sabotage, to another 4 million who are going to lose coverage if Republicans refuse to extend tax cuts…In Washington state, this Republican disaster would take health care away from over 300,000 people minimum—200,000 from Medicaid alone…And again, I can’t emphasize enough: Republicans want to cut families off from SNAP and Medicaid—programs that give people a hand up in hard times—so they can give enormous hand outs to the richest people and biggest companies in the country. As someone who knows what it is like to have your family fall on hard times, as someone whose family relied on food stamps briefly, as someone whose parents used to say they ‘crawled’ to Medicare—you can bet I am going to fight like hell to make sure this bill goes nowhere except the trash bin. I know this won’t be an easy fight. But it is not an impossible fight, and it is absolutely an important one.”

    In Washington state, 1.95 million people rely on Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program, and over 300,000 Washingtonians access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder). New estimates released last week by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that Republicans’ legislation will kick 16 million people off their health insurance—between the drastic cuts to Medicaid and the sabotage of the Affordable Care Act and refusal to expand tax credits Democrats passed to lower health insurance premiums. The Joint Economic Committee estimates that at least 306,312 in Washington state would lose their health insurance under the Republican bill—that includes 198,050 people who would be kicked off Medicaid and 108,262 people who would lose their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements for Medicaid, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed. Fourteen rural hospitals in Washington state would be at risk of closure under the Republican bill, according to a recent analysis. The legislation would also “defund” Planned Parenthood, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers across the country.

    In addition, Republicans’ reconciliation bill includes sweeping cuts to SNAP that would force between $95 million and $477 million in new costs onto Washington state. 11 percent of Washington state residents rely on SNAP, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services estimated that more than 900,000 people across the state could their see SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated under Republicans’ bill.  

    “I work in the Urgent Care. Most ERs and Urgent Cares are bursting at the seams. If Medicaid is cut, more children will not be able to see a doctor for appropriate preventative care or timely care for illnesses and injuries. Those kids then come see me. They are sicker than they would have been. Asthma that could have been managed with a simple inhaler ends up with a child on oxygen in the intensive care unit. A mild infection that could have been treated with oral antibiotics becomes a major infection requiring hospitalization and IV treatment. This is costly, inefficient, and worst of all—completely avoidable,” said Dr. Lelach Rave, Interim Executive Director of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Cuts to Medicaid also ripple across the system. Pediatric specialty departments are already closing in some hospitals. Waitlists are growing, and not just for Medicaid kids—for all children, regardless of insurance coverage. Rural areas are especially hard-hit, and once a service disappears, it’s incredibly difficult to bring it back. This isn’t just a policy debate. It’s about real children. Real families. Real consequences. Medicaid cuts are not abstract budget line items. They are barriers to care, obstacles to safety, and roadblocks to children growing up healthy and whole.”

    “I am deeply concerned about the impact Medicaid cuts will have on our patients directly, and on the ability of our hospitals and clinics to continue to provide life-saving and life-changing care. Health insurance changes the lives of people every day. I have to believe that if national leaders supporting this bill could see what I see every day in the clinic and the hospital, they would move past the cruelty of these proposed cuts and prioritize the dignity and care that all humans deserve,” said Dr. Margaret Isaac, Medical Director of the Adult Medicine Clinic and Co-Site Director of the Internal Medicine Clerkship at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

    “My son has benefited exponentially from the support he has received through his Medicaid coverage. As conversations swell around cuts to Medicaid, my concerns swell for him,” said Sarah Brantley, the mother of a 34-year-old son, Paul—an avid sports fan and artist—who was born with developmental delays and on the autism spectrum, and relies on Medicaid for critical services. “Access to the features of this program have created opportunities for him to not only overcome intense medical and developmental challenges but, in fact, to thrive. He has found a sense of purpose and a place of pride in his community through supported employment opportunities and community inclusion. As his live-in provider, I am able to support his daily health, hygiene, and safety in his own home, thereby helping him prevent setbacks while preserving his dignity. His life has literally been saved by the interventions of Medicaid. Moreover, he has found community and empowerment in the journey. He has grown to have a sense of self pride and confidence I never dreamed possible for my son.”

    “I am a Medicaid success story,” said MomsRising memberBronti Lemke, a single mom with a six-year-old son in Tacoma who is working toward her Bachelor’s degree. Medicaid and SNAP have been critical sources of support for her family as she pursues her education and works to build financial security for her family. “I was an addict and Medicaid – known as Apple Health here in Washington – provided the care, medications, and treatment that helped me get clean. Now, I am about to collect a degree from community college and I’ll be enrolling at UW, Tacoma this fall. Medicaid covered my son’s birth and we rely on it for preventive and routine care. I also rely on SNAP to feed my family, as food prices skyrocket. It terrifies me that Republicans in Congress are poised to slash these two programs and I don’t understand why anyone thinks more tax cuts for billionaires is more important than food and health care for families like mine. I want Congress to make child care more affordable, invest in schools, and continue supporting the health care and food we need.”

    “It’s been really difficult to find a path out of homelessness. Not a lot of places will hire you without a degree, and the ones that will don’t pay enough to live on—and you can forget about health insurance. Because you’ve also got to think about the physical toll that 15 years of living outside takes on your body. About 2.5 years ago I was walking up a hill when I noticed that my calves were swelling. I didn’t think much of it at first but then my toes started to turn purple and eventually I was in so much pain I couldn’t walk. It got to the point that I thought I might not make it through this past winter—the cold made my legs a hundred times worse than before. It’s honestly hard to put that sort of pain into words. But I made it, thanks to my partner Brandie. All winter she gathered our wood, cooked all our meals, kept hand warmers on my feet. She got me to the other side of that winter. And she got me through that front door at the health clinic where I was finally able to get on Medicaid and get some care,” said Jeff Towle, a father, partner, and devoted Seahawks fan who is one of the nearly two million people in Washington state who relies on Medicaid for health care. “It was a very long time coming. And thank God for that, because it turns out I’d been walking a pretty high wire. I’d been living with deep vein thrombosis and an irregular heartbeat, two conditions that can kill, and I had no idea. It’s that simple: without Medicaid I’d be in a world of hurt. In fact I might not even be here today—in an apartment of my own, in this beautiful place that I love, finally starting to heal. Medicaid has helped give me another chance. The battle’s not over–I just had surgery on my legs yesterday, my second procedure, and my surgeon thinks there’s a good chance I’ll need another. They say I may have to stay on blood thinners for the rest of my life. And so having Medicaid is not a matter of convenience for me. It’s a matter of survival. That’s true for me, and it’s true for millions of other Americans who need this program. Don’t count us out.”

    “I am opposed to the Medicaid cuts being considered in Congress, including the additional copays that are being discussed. I’ve relied on safety net programs since 2001 when I was a passenger in a car accident that injured my spinal cord and took me out of the workforce. I raised my three grandkids with my SSDI, since we lost my daughter, their mother Tiffany, who passed away in 2007 after losing her health care when she lost her job. Her story was the essential story in the passage of the Affordable Care Act from President Obama. Without Medicaid, we would not have been able to get the care we needed. I’m worried that if these cuts go through that my family and millions of other families like ours will lose access to their health care,” said Gina Owens, a member of Washington Community Action Network, and a single grandmother raising her three grandkids who all rely on Medicaid. “It deeply saddens me that my family and I have struggled to do the right thing for all of these years, only to have Congress tell us that we will need to pay higher copays out of our fixed income. A few dollars may not sound like much to the majority of people, but to many like me, it can be the difference between going hungry or having our electric bill cut off. I’ll call it like it is, cuts and increasing copays are robbing from the poor to give to the rich. Our country has so much wealth, there are enough resources for everyone to have their needs met.”

    “Four years ago, I was able bodied working, had a full-time job. I was working for the federal government,” said Janelle Smith Dozier, who relies on SNAP and Social Security benefits to help make ends meet. “It was while at work where I got very dizzy and couldn’t hardly walk, couldn’t hardly think straight. I ended up going to the doctor and discovered I had a brain condition that required brain surgery. After the brain surgery, three months later, I had back surgery, and a year later, had another back surgery. So, I went from working full time, to becoming medically retired in my fifties and not knowing what to do. I had to not only get medically retired from work, I had to apply for disability through Social Security. All of these are foreign and new to me. I didn’t even know how they work because I was in my fifties and never thought I would be at that point. So, I ended up having to apply for food stamps. And to be honest with you, pride got in the way, and I didn’t want to do it, because I was always an able-bodied person who could take care of myself and my family. I ended up getting food stamps, and my Social Security hadn’t kicked in, so I was basically living off of $500 no income… Now I’m in a position almost four years later, and my Social Security and my benefits have kicked in. I’m still making less than $20,000 compared to almost $60,000, so it’s a huge, huge gap. The food stamps have always helped me. They have helped me and my family actually. The food bank has helped me with the space between getting the food stamps and my food supply running out, like three [weeks] into the month. Without the food stamps, I would have to dip into my Social Security and my retirement, which is pretty much tied up into taking care of myself outside of food, which would leave me with hardly no money to live on. Food stamps have helped me survive. They have helped my family survive.”

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered at today’s press conference, are below and HERE:

    “Well, good morning and welcome, and thank you to everyone that is here for this really important opportunity to talk about what is happening, coming at us from the President and the Republican Congress that is going to impact absolutely everybody.

    “We’re going to see more people who are sick, more people who are starving, or tax breaks for the wealthiest people in the country. That is what the Republican agenda is.

    “That is heart of the Big Ugly Betrayal they are moving heaven and earth to pass into law. And that is exactly what we are here to raise the alarm.

    “We’re hearing a lot of empty Republican lies about their bill right now, a lot of desperate spin. That’s because the reality is catastrophic.

    “If Republicans pass this monstrosity into law, billionaires like Trump and Musk are going to make away like bandits, while struggling families are going to have their entire world turned upside down. They are going to lose health care. They are going to lose food assistance. They are going to see costs go up and support they rely on go away.

    “When it comes to health care, we are talking about 16 million people getting kicked off their insurance. From eight million people Republicans will cut off from Medicaid with new paperwork and red tape, to four million who will lose ACA coverage due to Republican sabotage, to another four million who are going to lose coverage if Republicans refuse to extend health care tax credits.

    “That’s right. Republicans will do whatever it takes to extend tax cuts for big corporations and the richest of the rich. They will kick folks off their health care, shut down rural hospitals, take food off families’ tables—right off kids’ plates—you name it.

    “But when it comes to health care tax credits Democrats passed for everyday Americans, when it comes to extending relief that is saving millions of families thousands of dollars a year? Crickets. Republicans simply can’t be bothered.

    “In Washington state, this Republican disaster would take health care away from over 300,000 people minimum—200,000 from Medicaid alone. And yet, the Republicans whose constituents have the most to lose here—the people representing the areas most reliant on Medicaid, representing the people who are going to be hit the hardest, are full steam ahead on this! I hope everyone will ask them why, because I can’t figure out for the life of me.

    “Voting for this bill is voting to kick seniors out of nursing homes. It is voting to shut down hospitals in rural areas. It is voting to take coverage away from kids with disabilities.

    “But Republicans aren’t content to leave families without health care—they want them to go without food!

    “Their Big Ugly Betrayal would make the biggest cut to SNAP in history—we’re talking around a quarter of a trillion dollars cut over the next ten years. It should be obvious, but that would be devastating for our country.

    “From saddling states with unprecedented costs, to saddling families with even more red tape—the outcome is going to be less families getting SNAP benefits, and more kids going hungry.

    “In Washington state alone, Republicans’ bill would put 150,000 people across our state at risk of losing food benefits. And the new red tape is even targeted at some of our most vulnerable families, because it expands work requirements to apply to seniors and parents with kids in school. That’s who Republicans want to take food away from.

    “And again, I can’t emphasize enough: Republicans want to cut families off from SNAP and Medicaid—programs that give people a hand up in hard times—so they can give enormous handouts to the richest people and biggest companies in the country.

    “As someone who knows what it is like to have your family fall on hard times, as someone whose family relied on food stamps briefly, as someone whose parents used to say they ‘crawled’ to Medicare—you can bet I am going to fight like hell to make sure this bill goes nowhere—except the trash bin.

    “I know this won’t be an easy fight. But it is not an impossible fight, and it is absolutely an important one.

    ‘Because we saw what happened in 2017, when Republicans tried to rip away health care, when they tried to throw basic support for families into the wood chipper. The American people stood up. They shared their stories. They said, we do not want this. And their voices were heard. That effort failed.

    “And I am going to do my darnedest to make our voices heard once again. I am going to make sure every Republican considering this bill cannot get off the hook trying to ignore exactly what they are voting for, and who they are voting against.

    “And, to that end, I am joined today by some people who know, personally, from their work, and from their own experience—just how important these programs are, and just how catastrophic Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal would be.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RECIPIENTS FROM SCOTLAND IN HM THE KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    RECIPIENTS FROM SCOTLAND IN HM THE KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

    Over 110 people from Scotland who have contributed to their community and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 today. 

    1215 recipients in total have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service. 

    This year’s recipients include dedicated community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people.

    Recipients from Scotland make up 9% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This year’s Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.

    From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.

    The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:

    I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list, particularly John and Linda Norgrove on their well-deserved OBEs for their extraordinary humanitarian work in Afghanistan through the Linda Norgrove Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women and girls, born from personal tragedy, exemplifies the very best of Scottish compassion and resolve.

    Communities across Scotland benefit from the extraordinary effort of those honoured. From Dr Richa Sinha Chair of the Scottish Hindu society and their work to tackle Hinduphobia, to Zahrah Mahmood Chair of the Rambling Society to Heather Hall founding The Usual Place in Dumfries. 

    I would also like to extend special recognition to Scotland Office’s own Moira Vance on receiving her MBE. Moira’s unwavering commitment to public service has been instrumental in the work of our department for 44 years, and this honour reflects her exceptional contribution to the people of Scotland.

    The Honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud.

    Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.

    Notable recipients across Scotland include:  

    Zahrah Mahmood from Glasgow who at 34 receives an MBE for voluntary service. She is the president of Ramblers Scotland and known as ‘The Hillwalking Hijabi’ for her work addressing the barriers faced by ethnic minorities and providing practical advice to beginners, demonstrating her commitment to making the outdoors accessible to all.

    Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs from Argyll and Bute who each receive a BEM for services to charitable fundraising. They provide holiday homes for children with cancer through Calum’s Cabin as well as flats in Glasgow close to cancer treatment centres, allowing families from across the country to stay together in welcoming, home-from-home surroundings during extended periods of treatment. The idea was inspired by their son, and Jenna’s brother, Calum, who passed away from a brain tumour. 

    Scottish historian Alistair Moffat from Ettrick and Lauderdale receives an MBE for services to literature and culture. He is the author of more than 40 books on Scottish history and played a prominent role in the creation of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. He also founded the Borders Book Festival, one of the most highly regarded literary festivals in the UK. 

    Paula Mary Daly from Ayrshire and Arran who receives an MBE for services to Fishermen and their Families. Paula manages the Fishermen’s Mission’s regional centre in the Port of Troon where she works to connect the isolated and marginalised with the services they need. 

    Monty Cowen from Giffnock, who at 92 receives an MBE for services to the Jewish Community. He assisted with the merger of the synagogue in Giffnock to a bigger building now known as Giffnock Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation, is Honorary President of the Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society and is actively involved with the Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen and Women. 

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • Anyone can nominate someone for an honour here: https://www.gov.uk/honours.
    • If you would like to interview a member of one of the honours committees about increasing representation from your area, please contact the Cabinet Office on pressoffice@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch on Trump Executive Order to Mitigate Wildfire

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response.

    “Idahoans are all too familiar with catastrophic wildfires that devastate our communities every year,” said Risch.“President Trump’s actions to streamline federal regulations, strengthen local partnerships, and increase the use of proven mitigation strategies is a significant opportunity to reduce fire risk.”

    Senator Risch, as a trained forester, has long sought to create meaningful, effective policies to build healthier, more resilient forests; better fight fires; and aid the communities hurt by these disasters. Senator Risch has also encouraged the federal government to utilize prescribed fires and other innovative fuel management strategies to reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfires.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni calls Government meeting and speaks with international leaders on Israel-Iran crisis

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    After calling a government meeting on the crisis in the Middle East, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, spoke over the telephone today with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, with the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. 

    Later in the day, President Meloni spoke with a number of leaders in the region – the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud; His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan;  the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said; and, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – discussing how to work together to support a diplomatic solution.

    To all partners, President Meloni expressed Italy’s readiness to take any action that may facilitate such an outcome, as it has already done by hosting two rounds of negotiations between Iran and the United States.

    President Meloni also had a conversation today with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. During the call, President Meloni agreed on the need to ensure Iran cannot, under any circumstances, become equipped with nuclear weapons, while also expressing the hope that the efforts being made by the United States to reach an agreement can still be successful. Lastly, President Meloni once again stressed the urgent need to ensure access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

    Royal Navy Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companions

    • Rear Admiral Steven MCCARTHY
    • Rear Admiral Robert George PEDRE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Commodore Paul Edward DUNN, OBE
    • Commodore Philip Gordon GAME
    • Commodore Timothy Cooper GREEN, ADC

    As Officers

    • Commander Jon James BROWETT
    • Commander Christopher Charles EVANS
    • Lieutenant Colonel Paul Stanley FITZPATRICK
    • Captain Pollyanna HATCHARD
    • Lieutenant Colonel Liam Michael METCALFE
    • Captain Eugene Peter MORGAN, RD, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Nicholas POUNDS

    As Members

    • Lieutenant Commander William George BARKER
    • Major Lewis BODYCOTE
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Avionics) Rhys DYAS
    • Commander Daniel GLOVER
    • Warrant Officer 1 Information Operations Robert GOVIER, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Warrant Officer 1 Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Michael HART
    • Commander Carla Lisa HIGGINS
    • Warrant Officer 1 Warfare Specialist (Underwater Warfare) Robin MCCOLL
    • Lieutenant Commander Hugo Christopher MITCHELL-HEGGS
    • Surgeon Commander Matthew Alec OSBORNE
    • Major  Lee Andrew STEWART
    • Commander James TIBBITTS
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Robert Lee WARNETT
    • Chief Petty Officer Warfare Specialist (Abovewater Warfare Weapons) Michael WATSON

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer 1 Logistician (Supply Chain) Samantha MARTIN, VR, Royal Naval Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Michael John BARKER
    • Lieutenant Commander Matthew Peter JOHNSON

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Gallantry Medal

    • Leading Logistician (Catering Services) Dave Neala LA CROIX
    • Petty Officer (Diver) Craig Antony MADDOCK

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Petty Officer (Diver) Paul Anthony Damian CARTWRIGHT

    Army Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companion

    • Major General Zachary Raymond STENNING, OBE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Knight Commander

    • Lieutenant General Charles Seymour COLLINS, DSO, OBE

    As Commanders

    • Colonel Nicholas Owen FITZGERALD, MBE, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Iain Edward GIBB, KHS
    • Colonel Graham John SEFTON
    • Brigadier Alexander James SMITH

    As Officers

    • Colonel Patrick Andrew ALLEN
    • Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Timothy ANDERSON, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
    • Major Paul Christopher CARNEY, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lieutenant Colonel Joanne Patrice D’ARCY, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Colonel Stephen Weatherley DAVIES, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Jon Young ELFORD, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel James Robert GREEN, Grenadier Guards
    • Lieutenant Colonel Glenis Jane Helena MALONEY, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Andrew Wyville NELSON, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Colonel Richard David NEWLAND
    • Lieutenant Colonel Steven Carnell PENGILLY, The Rifles
    • Lieutenant Colonel Frank Stanley REEVES, MBE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

    As Members

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mehmet Alan ASIR, VR, The Parachute Regiment, Army Reserve
    • Major Timothy Richard BARKER, Royal Tank Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Kenneth BINGHAM, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major Stephen Barry BROWN, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Staff Sergeant Gordon Alexander BRUCE, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen John CANDLIN, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major William Edward COOK, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Christopher Michael Roy DANBY, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
    • Major Neil Alan Richard DONAGHY, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Captain Michael Wayne EYNON, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major Alexander James FARRALL, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Tracy Anne FREER, VR, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch), Army Reserve
    • Major Douglas James GRAHAM, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
    • Major William Peter HODGSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Captain Thomas William HULME, General Service Corps, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam JOHNSTON, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Stephen Alan JONES, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Lieutenant Colonel Bharat Sunil KARA, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major David James LOVE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Lieutenant Colonel James David LYON, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Major Jonathan Matthew MARSAY, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Donald Scott Cameron McGREGOR, Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Army Reserve
    • Sergeant Christopher John MORGAN, The Welsh Guards, Army Reserve
    • Major Amelia Anne MORRISSEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
    • Major Martin James MURPHY, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Staff Sergeant Emmanuel OPPONG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Lieutenant John William PICKERING, Army Cadet Force
    • Major Andrew Victor POULTON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Major James William REANEY, The Rifles
    • Major Marcus Alexander Rokeby ROBERTS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Reserve
    • Captain Richard Michael St John SHEEHAN, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Peter James Giblin SINCLAIR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Frances BADHAM-THORNHILL, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Luke William TURRELL, JP, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major Tom Paterson WATSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major William WELSH, Army Cadet Force
    • Corporal Ceiron Alexander WILLIAMS, The Parachute Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen WILSON, The Queen’ Royal Hussars
    • Major Paul William YOUNG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Ashley Grant COULL, Royal Army Medical Service

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Vere EBDON, VR, The Royal Welsh, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Alexander John Grindlay FORBES, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 James Charles McMILLEN, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Andrew James Gerard RYAN, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Nathan John TOMS, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Major Brent Stephen William CARTER, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Corporal Connor-James Derek DAVIDSON, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Cameron LONG, QGM, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Major Jonathan Grant STUDWELL, MBE, Intelligence Corps
    • Major Paul Robert WOOSTER, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Lance Corporal Charley Dean DRAPER, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lance Corporal Rhys Jamie PETERSEN, Corps of Royal Engineers

    Royal Air Force Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Knight Commander

    • Air Marshal John Jackson STRINGER, CBE

    As Companions

    • Air Vice-Marshal Mark William James CHAPPELL
    • Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Peter Thomas SMITH

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Group Captain Andrew BURTON
    • Air Commodore Ian James SHARROCKS, OBE

    As Officers

    • Group Captain Andrew Phillip BARON
    • Group Captain Paul BARONI
    • Group Captain Hannah Mary BISHOP
    • Group Captain Rachel Louise DIXON
    • Wing Commander Gemma Ann LONSDALE
    • Wing Commander Timothy Charles PAGE
    • Wing Commander Ankur Narendra PANDYA

    As Members

    • Corporal Emile-Josiah BANGURA
    • Squadron Leader Charles Benjamin Marr EMMERSON
    • Warrant Officer Craig HAMILTON
    • Sergeant Gareth Lloyd JONES
    • Flying Officer David Colin McCRAE
    • Flight Lieutenant Raj Kiran MEHTA
    • Flight Lieutenant Marcus William NORMAN
    • Squadron Leader Joseph Robert RUSHTON
    • Squadron Leader Thomas Anthony SMITH
    • Squadron Leader Mark David SUGDEN
    • Squadron Leader David James TAUDEVIN
    • Squadron Leader James Kevin WILYMAN

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Flight Sergeant Stephanie Louise ROBERTS

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Sergeant Darren James TYLER

    Distinguished Flying Cross

    • Flight Lieutenant Jason Aaron CHADWICK

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Flight Sergeant Jonathan Paul GRAHAM
    • Squadron Leader Garry Ross MCKAY
    • Wing Commander Ieuan Donald Eddy ROBINSON
    • Squadron Leader Benjamin Robert Michael TRIPP

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    Air Force Cross

    • Squadron Leader Jonathan Mark Gerald HAWKINS
    • Flight Lieutenant Stephen Benjamin WATSON

    King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air

    • Flight Lieutenant Michael Martin Tenison HOWELL

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Outstanding contributions by British nationals abroad recognised on the King’s Birthday 2025 Overseas and International Honours list

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Outstanding contributions by British nationals abroad recognised on the King’s Birthday 2025 Overseas and International Honours list

    Hi Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises people who have given exceptional service to the UK abroad and internationally.

    • Stephen Kavanagh, until recently the Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, is knighted for his contribution to international policing and public safety
    • several awards recognise British nationals for outstanding voluntary and charitable work overseas
    • these include Valerie Taylor, Founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh, who receives a CBE for services to disadvantaged people in Bangladesh

    One hundred and ten people have received awards for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List this year. They are recognised for their contributions to British foreign policy and international development, as well as voluntary and charitable work.

    Stephen Kavanagh, lately the Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in recognition of his outstanding and sustained leadership, international public service, and track record of success in the role at INTERPOL, where he served as the world’s most senior policing official.

    The most senior official recognised in the list is Sir Philip Barton, who is appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) for his exceptional contribution and achievement over a long career. As the UK’s most senior diplomat and the first Permanent Under-Secretary of the merged Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for the past 5 years, his tenure was marked by outstanding dedication, strategic vision and compassionate leadership. 

    Further information about recipients receiving knighthood-level awards on the Overseas and International List can be found on the lists on GOV.UK. 

    Sir Olly Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

    These honours are testament to the dedication, effort and achievements of dozens of individuals, who represent the very best of the UK internationally.

    On behalf of the FCDO, I’d like to congratulate and thank them for their exceptional work.

    The Overseas and International Birthday Honours list also recognises a wide range of contributions at the lower levels, with awards to British nationals for exceptional voluntary and charitable service that has enhanced the UK’s reputation overseas. These include:   

    Valerie Taylor

    Founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh, receives a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Disadvantaged People in Bangladesh.

    Valerie Taylor is recognised for her life-long contribution to promoting health and the rights of people with disability in Bangladesh who remain the most marginalised members of Bangladeshi society. In 1969 she was sent by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) to East Pakistan (later to become Bangladesh) to start physiotherapy services in a small mission hospital in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the 3 years that she worked there she became aware of the pressing need for rehabilitation services and returned to join the staff of the Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital, a government-run hospital in Dhaka.

    A decade after first visiting the country, she established the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) – which eventually became the most reliable and respected institute to support disabled people in Bangladesh. At the start of her career, she was running CRP with 4 patients in an abandoned warehouse of the Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital.

    Through her commitment, she has grown CRP to include a 100-bed hospital as well as 12 centres in different parts of the country to expand the services in collaboration with other organisations, which are affordable and easy to access for disabled people. It promotes the empowerment of disabled people through community-based services, advocacy and networking on disability issues and the rights of disabled girls and women. CRP also raises awareness on disability issues nationally, regionally and internationally and provides medical treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

    On learning of her award, Valerie Taylor said:

    Receiving such an award is a perfect opportunity for me to thank and congratulate the staff of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) for their commitment to the work of complete rehabilitation for our patients over these last 46 years.

    Matthew Featherstone

    President, Cricket Brazil, receives an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Sport and Disadvantaged Communities, Women and Girls Overseas.

    ​​Matt Featherstone is recognised for ​​​his exceptional contribution to expanding cricket in Brazil and supporting disadvantaged people through sport. In 2001, he co-founded the Brazilian Cricket Association (Cricket Brazil), which was recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2006. Through his leadership, cricket was expanded across the country, resulting in Brazil qualifying for the ICC’s World Cricket League (a pathway to joining the ICC World Cup), and the Brazilian male cricket team, originally comprised solely of foreign players, has increased its standing and now has a greater proportion of Brazilian players. ​

    However, Matt’s most impressive work has been through Cricket Brazil’s development programme.  The programme, which started in 2011 as cricket-lessons for 24 children in an orphanage in Poços de Caldas, is now benefitting more than 10,000 children from impoverished communities in 5 states across Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The programme provides structure, fitness and self-confidence to children between 4 to 17 attending (50) state schools, through cricket coaching. 

    ​​More recently, Matt created the Cricket Like a Girl programme to encourage more girls to play the sport. As a result of the programme, Brazil became the first ever country to give professional cricket contracts to women before men and the Brazilian Ladies Cricket Team has, in this short time, won their 6th South American trophy. Through cricket, Matt is supporting the rights, freedom and potential of underprivileged women and girls in Brazil. 

    On learning of his award, Matthew Featherstone said:

    It is real honour and a massive surprise to receive this award. This is just the start. Cricket Brazil will continue to grow, giving more and more opportunities for the less privileged and also slowly climb the world rankings both female and male. It’s very exciting times for Cricket Brazil.

    Susan Ozturk

    Founder and Trustee, the Vera Thomson English School, Rakhine State, Myanmar, receives an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Children’s Education and Healthcare in Myanmar.

    Susan Ozturk, the Founder and Director of the Vera Thomson English School in Myanmar, is recognised for her outstanding contribution to improving the lives of children in the village of Lintha. Susan first arrived in Myanmar in 1998, when she visited with her husband and developed a vision which would help the poorest of children access education in a fishing village on the west coast of Rakhine.

    Three years later, she founded the Vera Thomson English School, VTES (named after her mother) in 2001, when she, and her husband moved to Myanmar permanently. Funded by the Andrew Clark Trust, the school has grown from a single simple room to a large compound that houses numerous classrooms, a library, IT suite and open spaces. It is a safe, happy and active learning environment where students learn English, but also many other skills, including an appreciation for the environment and care for the community.  Over 2 decades, the school has directly improved the access to quality education, and hence the lives, of almost 4,500 children and her commitment over the years in the face of countless obstacles has been outstanding.

    On learning of her award, Susan Ozturk said:

    I feel honoured and also shocked at the same time as I believe there are many more worthy people than me. The school is my life. I never look back on what has been achieved but always focus on what needs to be done.

    Elizabeth Burrowes

    Director of Music Education, Brass for Africa, Uganda, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Music Education for Disadvantaged Young People in Africa.

    Recommendations for a British Empire Medal include Elizabeth Burrowes, Director of Music Education, Brass for Africa, Uganda, recognised for her exceptional contribution to positively transforming the lives of thousands of young people, and their challenged communities in Uganda and Rwanda, through music. 

    Alongside the thousands of children gaining musical education through her training of local teachers, Elizabeth is an ardent advocate for inclusion and opportunity for all, whether it’s working with civil war refugees in the Bidibidi refugee settlement on the South Sudanese border, young offenders in Kampiringisa National Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, or those living in the huge impoverished informal settlements around Kampala.

    Also, as a young woman, living embedded in the local community, and walking to work through her neighbourhood for the past 6 years, she has become a powerful leader and role model for female equity and inclusion, creating opportunities to accelerate the realisation of potential for young girls.

    On learning of her award, Elizabeth Burrowes said:

    What a surprise and an honour! Truly, developing and mentoring musicians and teachers, and seeing them empowered and inspiring others is incredibly fulfilling. To me, this award recognises Brass for Africa’s vision and appreciates all the dedicated change-makers on our team who I’m privileged to call friends.

    View the full King’s Birthday Honours 2025: Overseas and International List.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SFO’s top accountant awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    SFO’s top accountant awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

    The Serious Fraud Office is delighted to announce that Nick Stroud, Head of Forensic Accountancy, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

    • Forensic accountancy leader recognised in King’s Birthday Honours for playing key role delivering justice for thousands of victims

    • Achievements include pioneering new approaches on crypto as well as setting the benchmark for Deferred Prosecution Agreement industry standards

    • These achievements are recognised alongside Nick’s contribution to breaking barriers as a blind professional

    Since joining the SFO in 1992, Nick’s dedicated leadership has transformed forensic accountancy in the organisation, which operates as part of the SFO’s unique model of lawyers, investigations, forensic accountants and other experts working together to tackle instances of serious economic crime and corruption. 

    Nick has become a national expert whose advice is sought by both government and private sector organisations, and he has achieved this alongside the challenge of losing his sight. 

    Nick’s achievements include spearheading the development of the SFO’s Deferred Prosecution Agreement tool, which has successfully held corporations accountable while delivering significant financial returns to taxpayers through HM Treasury. 

    More recently, he has led on emerging threats, including developing methods to investigate crypto-assets. 

    He also established the SFO’s Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme, creating solid foundations to ensure accountancy remains central to serious economic crime investigation. 

    On receiving his nomination Nick Stroud said:

    I feel intensely proud to accept this award which recognises the contribution of accountancy professionals to the SFO’s complex investigations.

    Having initially found it difficult to accept my own disability I am pleased this award shows those with disabilities can make valuable contributions, demonstrating there should be no barrier to collaborative working.

    Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Nick Ephgrave QPM, said:

    Nick’s exceptional expertise and collaborative approach have been instrumental in bringing justice to thousands of victims of economic crime.

    His dedication to developing the next generation of forensic accountants through our apprenticeship scheme demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the UK remains a safe place to do business.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.

    “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice. I want to commend the FBI teams and our partners for their hard work and success in executing the mission.”

    “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “I commend the outstanding work by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and prosecutors to diligently discover, thoroughly investigate, and completely foil this terror plot. These guilty pleas serve as an emphatic reminder that the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm Americans through terrorist acts.”

    “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The FBI is grateful to all who stand beside us in our fight against terrorism. Together, we will continue to safeguard our communities from those who conspire against the United States.”

    According to court documents, Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024 he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS.  According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.

    Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.  Zada, 18, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult.

    At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi and Zada will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma; Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, who previously served in the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Luján Joins MSNBC to Defend Senator Padilla, Call Out GOP Silence and Demand Accountability

    US Senate News:

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

    Santa Fe, N.M. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, joined MSNBC’s Ali Vitali to speak out forcefully in defense of his colleague and friend, Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), after the Senator was forcibly removed by federal agents at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

    Luján condemned the actions of Secretary Noem’s federal agents and the lies from the Trump administration that followed:

    “The White House and anyone else saying they didn’t know who he was – that’s an absolute lie.”

    Luján also took aim at House Speaker Mike Johnson for calling on the Senate to take action against Senator Padilla:

    “Mike Johnson needs to worry about cleaning up his own House. The American people are going to flip the House. Mike Johnson is not going to be Speaker for much longer.”

    Luján emphasized that what happened to Senator Padilla was not just an attack on one person, but part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration’s efforts to silence political opponents.

    “What happened to Alex Padilla is an embarrassment to the United States. And yet, even after being treated this way, Senator Padilla called for peace. That’s who he is. That’s why people believe in him – and why people respect him. I just hope everyone else has the backbone to do what’s right.”

    Luján also called on Secretary Noem to resign:

    “Secretary Noem continues to lie about this incident. This is wrong. She should step down.”

    A full clip of the interview is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Appoints Transition Director to Oversee Implementation of St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 13, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Derek Winters as the Transition Director to assist in the implementation of oversight of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a citizen-led board of police commissioners, as authorized under House Bill (HB) 495.

    In this role, Winters will work closely with City of St. Louis officials, the SLMPD, the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Governor to ensure an orderly and responsible transition to the citizen-led board, which will assume control no later than July 1, 2026. His efforts will focus on the practical steps needed to ensure continuity of operations and minimize any disruptions to the residents of the City of St. Louis.

    “As someone born and raised in the City of St. Louis and brought up in the police family, I care deeply about the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the City’s future,” said Governor Kehoe. “This transition team requires leadership rooted in accountability, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose. Derek brings all of that, and we are confident in his ability as a highly skilled operations professional to help build a strong foundation for the board and its long-term role in public safety.”

    Derek Winters, a St. Louis City native, currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at KNOWiNK, a leading election technology firm. His professional background includes leadership roles in the private and public sectors, including prior service as a commissioner on the St. Louis City Board of Elections and board chair of Saint Louis Makes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis.

    “This is a pivotal moment for the City of St. Louis,” said Winters. “It is an honor to support the process of building a board that supports our men and women in uniform, reflects the City’s values, and is equipped to meet its responsibilities from the start.”

    While selection of the board is well-underway, Winters will lead strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational development needed to prepare for the board’s assumption of authority.

    Under HB 495, the board of police commissioners will consist of six members to guide SLMPD’s leadership and direction: the Mayor of St. Louis and five individuals appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Governor Kehoe will announce the appointments of these members in the coming weeks.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran man pleads guilty, sentenced for possessing fraudulent green card

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Pedro Alexander Colindres-Hernandez, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to fraud and misuse of a visa. Colindres-Hernandez was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fauzia K. Mattingly and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that Colindres-Hernandez is an alien without any legal status in the United States. On April 10, 2025, Colindres-Hernandez was encountered in the parking lot of a store on Southwestern Boulevard in Hamburg, NY, and found to be in possession of a fraudulent alien resident card that contained his photo, which had not been lawfully issued to him by the U.S. government.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel Enforcer Sentenced to 28 Years for Drug Trafficking and Violence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Edgar Herrera Pardo, aka Caiman, an admitted violent cartel enforcer who ordered the killing of a Tijuana police officer, was sentenced in federal court today to 28 years in prison for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin into the United States.

    Herrera Pardo was indicted in the Southern District of California on April 10, 2019, as a leader of a group known as Los Cabos, which operated in Baja California to secure control of the region for Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, commonly known as CJNG, one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world. Los Cabos employed rampant violence to ensure that CJNG maintained the ability to traffic drugs through Tijuana and into the United States.

    President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 designated CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State subsequently designated the same on February 20, 2025. Executive Order 14157 recognized that cartels such as CJNG have “engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere.” Los Cabos had a direct role in that terror, by abducting and killing enemies of CJNG, and then hanging so called “narco banners” bragging about their violence and warning others who would dare to defy the cartel.

    Herrera Pardo’s calling card was violence. According to his plea agreement and the government’s sentencing memo, the defendant admitted that:

    • On September 9, 2018, he ordered the murder of a police officer in Tijuana, telling a co-conspirator “I want a dead (body) in the Segunda (street).” He provided the co-conspirator an AR-15 and further assistance.
    • On October 5, 2018, Herrera Pardo ordered a co-conspirator to pick up cartel rivals who had provided information about CJNG to law enforcement officials.
    • On November 12, 2018, Herrera Pardo told a co-conspirator that he would send a group of enforcers to kidnap and kill rivals.
    • On November 20, 2018, Herrera Pardo discussed locating and killing former members of CJNG who had switched allegiances to a rival cartel. In all, investigators intercepted a group chat of Los Cabos – led by Herrera Pardo – wherein they discussed well over 100 murders.

    “My Day One pledge in creating our office’s Narcoterrorism Unit was to make this the District where cartel members will receive the full measure of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “This cartel sicario ordered brutal killings to instill terror and crush opposition. The cartel he served earned its designation as a foreign terrorist organization for a reason: its reach and ruthlessness rivaled that of any terror group. But today, his reign of terror has come to an end.”

    “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: those who use violence and fear to advance the deadly operations of drug cartels will be held accountable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “Herrera was not just a drug trafficker, he was an enforcer, a key instrument of intimidation and brutality. The DEA remains committed in its mission to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction they bring.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Narcoterrorism Unit. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Herrera Pardo.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number: Case Number: 19CR1274-BAS

    Edgar Herrera Pardo aka Caiman                   Age: 35                       Tijuana, Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison; $10 million fine

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison and $10 million fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Homeland Security Investigations

    United States Marshals Service

    Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

    Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

    Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

    San Diego Sheriff’s Department

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

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, First Review of an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Papua New Guinea

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 13, 2025

    • The Executive Board completed the Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements for Papua New Guinea, providing the country with immediate access to about US$172 million.
    • The IMF Executive Board also completed the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, making available about US$28 million to support the authorities’ policies to address longer-term structural balance of payments vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Papua New Guinea is the first Pacific Island country to access the RSF.
    • The IMF-supported programs will continue to support Papua New Guinea’s homegrown reform agenda, focusing on strengthening debt sustainability, alleviating FX shortages, fostering good governance, and building climate resilience, while protecting the vulnerable and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Washington, DC: On June 13, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of Papua New Guinea’s ECF/EFF arrangements and the First Review under the RSF arrangement.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2] The completion of these reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 121.07 million (about US$172 million) under the ECF/EFF and SDR 19.74 million (about US$28 million) under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the programs so far to SDR 461.93 million (about US$655 million). The Executive Board also concluded the Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea.

    The ECF/EFF arrangements with Papua New Guinea were approved by the Executive Board on March 22, 2023, in an overall amount equivalent to SDR 684.32 million (260 percent of quota) to help address a protracted balance of payments need—manifested in foreign exchange shortages—and to support the authorities’ reforms to address longstanding structural impediments to inclusive growth. The 24-month RSF arrangement, which was approved by the Executive Board on December 11, 2024, in an overall amount of SDR 197.4 million (75 percent of quota), aims to help address risks to prospective balance of payments stability associated with longer-term structural challenges posed by climate change.

    Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive as structural reforms continue to bear fruit. Notwithstanding a weakening external environment, growth is expected to increase to 4.7 percent in 2025, driven by strong growth in the resource sector and resilient growth in the non-resource sector in part thanks to improvements in access to foreign exchange. Headline inflation is expected to rise to 4.8 percent from a very low base in 2024 and core inflation is expected to edge up to 4 percent. Over the medium term, growth is expected to moderate and stabilize at just above 3 percent, supported by the non-resource sector growth, with inflation remaining anchored at around 4.5 percent.

    The outlook is subject to significant downside risks, as Papua New Guinea is vulnerable to both domestic and external shocks. These risks are exacerbated by considerable capacity constraints and socio-political fragility that limit the government’s ability to design and implement policies aimed at economic stabilization, development, and climate adaptation. Commodity price volatility, as well as other global risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, geoeconomic fragmentation, trade barriers, and supply disruptions may create additional pressure on growth and inflation. On the upside, the kickoff of major resource projects, which are not yet in the baseline scenario, could boost economic growth in the medium run, with significant gains in exports and fiscal revenues once they begin operations.

    Program performance has remained satisfactory, with the authorities displaying a sustained commitment to reforms. All but one end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets under the ECF-EFF arrangements were met, and six out of eight structural benchmarks due were fully or partially implemented. One reform measure under the RSF arrangement was implemented.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “The Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have continued implementing their multipronged reform agenda under the Fund-supported programs, with the reforms continuing to bear fruit. Sustained commitment to these homegrown reforms will help achieve more resilient, inclusive, and greener economic growth.

    “The authorities have been successfully reducing the fiscal deficit and adopted important amendments to the Income Tax Act—a major milestone in the simplification of tax policies. Going forward, further fiscal adjustment, guided by the implementation of the authorities’ medium-term revenue strategy and supported by efforts to limit the growth of current spending and strengthen expenditure efficiency, would help to durably reduce debt vulnerabilities. Securing fiscal space for social and capital spending, engaging in prudent borrowing, and strengthening debt management capacity, including to avoid incurrence of arrears, are also essential.

    “Foreign exchange shortages continued to ease, supported by central banking reforms, increased flexibility of the Kina, and favorable external conditions. The current crawl-like arrangement remains appropriate to bring the Kina to its market-clearing rate and facilitate the return to Kina convertibility. A tighter monetary policy stance, through timely adjustments in the KFR, is needed to ensure consistency between monetary policy and the exchange rate regime. Further efforts to modernize monetary policy operations, strengthen the Bank of PNG’s liquidity management capacity, develop the interbank market, and operationalize its lender of last resort function would help to support financial sector development.

    “Further strengthening governance and addressing the remaining gaps in the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime are critical. Meanwhile, macro-structural reforms should focus on improving PNG’s external competitiveness and attracting foreign investment, including by removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, and further diversifying the economy.

    “Reforms under the new RSF arrangement will help the authorities build resilience against climate-related risks and address structural balance of payments vulnerabilities. The recent climate finance roundtable event, which provided several concrete and innovative climate finance options, will support the authorities’ efforts to effectively scale up resources for climate action.

    “The ECF/EFF and RSF arrangements will continue to support the authorities’ homegrown reform agenda, helping address balance of payment needs and rebuild buffers, while avoiding disruptive adjustment and catalyzing support from other international partners. Timely technical assistance and advice from the IMF and other development partners will continue to underpin reform implementation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities for their commitment to keep program performance on track in a fragile socio‑political environment and welcomed positive developments in macroeconomic and fiscal indicators. Given significant downside risks and elevated external uncertainty, they stressed the importance of building buffers to preserve macroeconomic stability. They encouraged the authorities to continue to advance critical structural reforms with the support of capacity development activities.

    Directors supported the authorities’ fiscal consolidation strategy and stressed the need for continued efforts to durably reduce public debt risks, including by enhancing the rules‑based fiscal framework, strengthening debt management capacity, and maintaining a prudent borrowing strategy. They called for a continued reduction of the fiscal deficit while securing space for development spending by combining revenue mobilization efforts with improvements in expenditure efficiency and cash management. They called for a timely adoption of the amendments to the Internal Revenue Commission Act to reinforce accountability in revenue collection.

    Directors commended the progress achieved in implementing central banking reforms. They supported efforts to depreciate the Kina to its market‑clearing rate and gradually eliminate foreign exchange restrictions. They broadly concurred that a tighter monetary policy stance would help anchor inflation expectations and support the exchange rate regime, and emphasized the importance of liquidity management reforms to strengthen monetary policy transmission. They encouraged further development of the financial sector while containing financial stability risks.

    Directors encouraged the authorities to further promote good governance, law and order, proactively enhance their AML/CFT framework, allocate sufficient budget resources to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and swiftly appoint its oversight committee members. They also emphasized the need for enhancing transparency in the financial dealings of state‑owned enterprises. 

    Directors encouraged the authorities to expedite reforms to enhance external competitiveness and help attract foreign investment, including by improving the business environment, removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, reducing gender imbalances, and further diversifying the economy. Directors commended efforts to scale up climate finance and called for maintaining focus on strengthening disaster risk management, setting up fiscal incentives for fuel efficiency and forest protection, and integrating climate considerations in infrastructure governance.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.

    Papua New Guinea: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2021–2026

    		  
     

    Nominal GDP (2021):      

    US$26.3 billion 1/

    		    

    Population (2021):         

    11.8 million

    		    

    GDP per capita (2021):    

    US$2,217

    		    

    Quota:

    SDR 263.2 million

    		    
     
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    		  

    Actual

    Actual

    Actual

    Est.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    		  
     

    (Percentage change)

    		  

    Real sector

     

    		  

    Real GDP growth

    -0.5

    5.7

    3.8

    3.8

    4.7

    3.5

    		  

    Resource 2/

    -11.6

    5.1

    1.3

    1.7

    4.7

    1.4

    		  

    Non-resource

    4.2

    5.9

    4.7

    4.5

    4.8

    4.2

    		  

    Mining and quarrying (percent of GDP)

    8.2

    8.2

    8.5

    9.9

    12.2

    13.4

    		  

    Oil and gas extraction (percent of GDP)

    17.1

    23.7

    18.9

    18.3

    16.4

    16.2

    		  

    CPI (annual average)

    4.5

    5.3

    2.3

    0.6

    4.8

    4.6

    		  

    CPI (end-period)

    5.7

    3.4

    3.9

    0.7

    4.0

    4.3

    		  
     

    (In percent of GDP)

    		  

    Central government operations

    		  

    Revenue and grants

    15.1

    16.6

    17.9

    17.0

    17.9

    18.6

    		  

    Of which: Resource revenue

    1.1

    3.9

    3.9

    3.5

    4.2

    4.5

    		  

    Expenditure and net lending

    22.0

    21.9

    22.3

    20.4

    20.5

    19.7

    		  

    Net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -6.8

    -5.3

    -4.3

    -3.4

    -2.6

    -1.2

    		  

    Non-resource net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -8.0

    -9.1

    -8.2

    -6.9

    -6.8

    -5.7

    		  
     

    (Percentage change)

    		  

    Money and credit

     

    		  

    Domestic credit

    15.9

    1.5

    12.1

    1.6

    3.6

    2.3

    		  

    Credit to the private sector

    2.5

    6.9

    14.9

    3.2

    13.4

    10.8

    		  

    Broad money

    13.4

    14.7

    9.9

    -6.4

    -8.5

    7.7

    		  
     

    (In billions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    Balance of payments

     

    		  

    Exports, f.o.b.

    10.8

    14.6

    12.8

    13.4

    14.9

    15.1

    		  

    Imports, c.i.f.

    -4.4

    -5.9

    -5.4

    -4.6

    -6.1

    -6.8

    		  

    Current account (including grants)

    3.3

    4.6

    2.8

    5.0

    3.5

    4.2

    		  

    (In percent of GDP)

    12.6

    14.4

    9.1

    15.8

    10.8

    12.7

    		  

    Gross official international reserves

    3.2

    4.0

    3.9

    3.7

    3.0

    3.5

    		  

    (In months of goods and services imports)

    4.5

    5.9

    6.7

    5.6

    3.7

    4.3

    		  
     

    (In percent of GDP)

    		  

    Government debt

     

    		  

    Government gross debt

    52.6

    48.2

    53.9

    52.1

    50.5

    48.9

    		  

    External debt-to-GDP ratio (in percent) 3/

    25.0

    23.5

    27.0

    27.4

    29.7

    30.5

    		  

    External debt-service ratio (percent of exports)

    4.3

    2.2

    2.7

    3.4

    4.5

    5.4

    		  
     

    Memo Items

    		  

    US$/kina (end-period)

    0.2850

    0.2840

    0.2683

    0.2500

    …

    …

    		  

    NEER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    91.2

    100.3

    95.3

    89.3

    …

    …

    		  

    REER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    125.3

    134.6

    129.0

    119.5

    …

    …

    		  

    Terms of trade (2010=100, end-period)

    48.3

    70.4

    64.0

    62.7

    67.7

    66.8

    		  
     

    Nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    91.6

    111.4

    110.6

    121.5

    134.9

    144.2

    		  

    Non-resource nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    68.4

    75.9

    80.3

    87.3

    96.3

    101.6

    		  
     

    Sources: Papua New Guinea authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    		  

    1/ Based on period average exchange rate.

    		  

    2/ Resource sector includes production of mineral, petroleum, and gas and directly-related activities such as

    		  

    mining and quarrying, but excludes indirectly-related activities such as transportation and construction.

    		  

    3/ Public external debt includes external debt of the central government, the central bank, and guarantees to other entities.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/en/Countries/PNG page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/13/pr-25197-papua-new-guinea-imf-completes-4th-rev-under-ecf-eff-1st-rev-of-arrang-under-rsf-art-iv

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Making more economic inroads in India

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Mexican national convicted twice for felony DWI in New York

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    Buffalo, N.Y. – Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mexican national and convicted felon Juan Cruz-Gallegos pursuant to a warrant of arrest June 11, in Hudson, New York.

    ICE apprehended the illegal alien after local authorities failed to return him to ICE custody despite a judge’s order specifically requiring his return at the conclusion of his local criminal proceedings for aggravated driving while intoxicated.

    Cruz it is illegally present alien from Mexico with a significant history of driving while intoxicated and at least one incident involving a minor in the vehicle. Due to the significant public safety threat he posed, ICE Buffalo cancelled Cruz’s bond and arrested him Nov. 7, 2023. ICE subsequently released him to the custody of Columbia County, New York, Dec. 15, 2023, pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus issued by a Columbia County Court judge. Per the writ, Cruz was turned over to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to face his criminal charges. The writ further authorized the New York State Police to assume custody of Cruz with the explicit condition he be returned to ICE custody upon resolution of the indictment or at the request of ICE. However, instead of returning Cruz to ICE custody as ordered, the NYSP released him when his criminal proceedings concluded.

    “This criminal alien was in ICE custody when a Colombia County Court Judge ordered that he be turned over to NYSP and brought to Colombia County Court to face additional criminal charges. ICE complied. The judge ordered further that Cruz be immediately returned to ICE custody at the conclusion of his court appearance. This was not a detainer request. This was a judicial order. Whether it was malicious intent or simple miscommunication that caused him to be released into the community contrary to a court order, sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and law enforcement,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Deputy Field Office Director Philip Rhoney. “When you have a criminal alien like Cruz, who so clearly poses a significant threat to public safety, it is inconceivable that law enforcement is prevented from doing the right thing, which is turning these criminals over to ICE in a safe, controlled environment. It’s time for politicians to put public safety ahead of politics and stop protecting criminal aliens at the expense of citizens and legal residents of New York.”

    Cruz’s criminal history

    • October 24, 2013 – arrested for DWI; aggravated DWI-child in vehicle; back seat passenger less than 4 and no/improper restraint; unlicensed operator; failed to dim headlights; and front seat passenger aged 4-7 with no/improper restraint:
    • March 17, 2014 – convicted of aggravated DWI with a child/passenger less than 16: sentenced to five years of probation.
    • March 20, 2018 – Cruz violated his probation as he was arrested and charged with the commission of the crimes of aggravated unlicensed operation; unregistered motor vehicle; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle: sentenced to continued probation.
    • May 28, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 of 1% or more alcohol in blood.
    • Aug. 17, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI: previous conviction of offence within 10 years and aggravated DWI: .18 of 1% or more alcohol -1 prior conviction within 10 yrs.
    • Oct. 18, 2023 – arrested and charged with DWI and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 of 1% or more alcohol in blood.
    • Nov. 3, 2023 – arrested for burglary: charges pending.
    • May 6, 2024 – convicted upon guilty plea of DWI previous conviction of designated offence within 20 years: sentenced to five years of probation.

    Cruz is detained at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility for his removal proceedings.

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: El Fiscal General Bonta demanda al famoso propietario Mike Nijjar y a PAMA Management por violar las leyes de vivienda de California y aprovecharse de inquilinos

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — El Fiscal General de California, Rob Bonta, presentó una demanda contra un grupo de empresas de administración de propiedades y holdings inmobiliarios propiedad del magnate de viviendas de alquiler del sur de California Swaranjit “Mike” Nijjar, su hermana Daljit “DJ” Kler y otros miembros de su familia. La demanda, tras una investigación de tres años, alega que las empresas de Nijjar, conocidas comúnmente como PAMA Management, violan de manera atroz numerosas leyes de California al someter a los inquilinos a unidades inseguras marcadas por plagas de cucarachas y roedores, techos con goteras, desbordamiento de aguas residuales y otros problemas. La demanda también alega que las empresas discriminan a los solicitantes con vales de vivienda de la Sección 8, cobran alquileres excesivos a algunos inquilinos y utilizan contratos de alquiler que engañan a los inquilinos sobre sus derechos legales, entre otras violaciones. La mayoría de los inquilinos que viven en propiedades de PAMA tienen ingresos bajos o fijos, y muchos se enfrentan a la horrible elección entre soportar condiciones graves y a veces catastróficas o quedarse sin hogar. En la denuncia que se presentó hoy en el Condado de Los Angeles, el Fiscal General Bonta solicita sanciones, restitución total por el daño financiero sufrido por los inquilinos, restitución de las ganancias obtenidas de manera ilícita y medidas cautelares que prohíban al Sr. Nijjar, a PAMA y a las empresas relacionadas continuar con estas prácticas comerciales ilegales y atroces. 

    “PAMA y las empresas propiedad de Mike Nijjar y su familia son conocidas por sus condiciones deplorables y precarias, algunas tan malas que los residentes han sufrido resultados trágicos. Nuestra investigación sobre las propiedades de Nijjar reveló que PAMA se aprovecho de familias vulnerables, negándose a invertir los recursos necesarios para erradicar las plagas, reparar techos anticuados e instalar sistemas de plomería que funcionen, todo mientras engañaba a los inquilinos sobre sus derechos a demandar a su propietario y exigir reparaciones”, dijo el Fiscal General Bonta. “Sin embargo, Nijjar y sus asociados han tratado demanda tras demanda y violación del código tras violación del código como el costo de hacer negocios y se les ha permitido operar y cobrar cientos de millones de dólares cada año a familias que duermen, se duchan y alimentan a sus hijos en condiciones insalubres y deplorables. Ya es suficiente. Hoy intervengo. Estoy agradecido con todas las personas que dieron un paso al frente, incluido el Equipo de Protección al Consumidor del Departamento de Justicia, los periodistas de California que dieron la voz de alarma, los funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir el código local que responden de manera incansable a las quejas de los inquilinos y, sobre todo, los inquilinos de PAMA que hablaron sobre sus angustiosas experiencias.” 

    Antecedentes

    La familia Nijjar y sus empresas relacionadas poseen y administran más de 22,000 unidades de vivienda de alquiler en todo el estado, principalmente en vecindarios de bajos ingresos en los Condados de Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino y Kern, pero también se extienden hasta los Condados de Sacramento y San Joaquin. Los funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir el código en estas comunidades citan rutinariamente las propiedades de la familia Nijjar por violar las normas mínimas de habitabilidad. En los últimos años, las empresas de la familia han resuelto docenas de demandas alegando defectos de habitabilidad y condiciones inseguras; estas demandas afectaron a cientos de inquilinos, incluidos algunos niños que resultaron gravemente heridos en propiedades de PAMA. En 2016, un bebé murió en un incendio en una de las casas móviles de PAMA en el condado de Kern, que no estaba permitida para la ocupación humana. 

    A pesar de todo, esto ha sido la practica de negocio en curso para Mike Nijjar y sus entidades corporativas: siguen con la compra de propiedades nuevas, ignoran las peticiones de reparaciones de los inquilinos y operan bajo una lista cada vez mayor de nombres de empresas que lo hace aun mas dificil que los inquilinos sepan a quién le están alquilando. Los inquilinos pueden conocerlos por los nombres de sus empresas de administración de propiedades actuales y recientes: no solo PAMA Management, sino también I E Rental Homes, Bridge Management, Equity Management, Golden Management, Hightower Management, Legacy Management, Mobile Management, Pro Management y Regency Management.  

    Luego de una extensa cobertura mediática por parte de la prensa y las partes interesadas, el Departamento de Justicia de California inició una investigación sobre PAMA a fines de 2022 que descubrió violaciones generalizadas de habitabilidad y otras violaciones graves de los derechos de los inquilinos. 

    Violación de las normas básicas de habitabilidad 

    La demanda del Fiscal General alega que, al no realizar un mantenimiento adecuado de las unidades, PAMA y las empresas relacionadas pusieron en riesgo inmediato la seguridad y la salud de los inquilinos. Las unidades PAMA sufren amplios problemas de mantenimiento, entre los más comunes se encuentran:

    • intrusión de agua debido a goteras en los techos y plomería anticuada; 
    • daños estructurales causados por la intrusión de agua y el mantenimiento retrasado;
    • mal funcionamiento de las tuberías, incluidas las aguas residuales superficiales; y 
    • plagas de cucarachas y roedores. 

    Estas violaciones no son sólo un error; son parte de prácticas comercialesen curso. PAMA aplaza las inversiones necesarias en mantenimiento a favor de reparaciones rápidas y baratas; utiliza operarios no cualificados incluso para trabajos especializados; ofrece poca o ninguna formación al personal, muchos de los cuales no tienen experiencia en gestión de propiedades; y no realiza un seguimiento sistemático y rutinario de las solicitudes de mantenimiento, que a menudo se pierden o nunca se completan. PAMA está al tanto de estos problemas y sabe que sus operaciones generan condiciones inhabitables, pero estas prácticas comerciales han persistido durante años.

    Cláusulas de alquiler engañosas

    La demanda también alega que PAMA y las empresas relacionadas celebraron decenas de miles de contratos de alquiler con cláusulas ilegales y engañosas que intentan invalidar los derechos garantizados por la ley. Estos derechos incluyen el derecho del inquilino a demandar a su propietario y presentar su caso ante un jurado; a realizar reparaciones que el propietario descuidó y deducir el costo de dichas reparaciones del alquiler; y a que el propietario ejerza un deber de cuidado para evitar lesiones personales o daños a la propiedad personal.

    PAMA también violó la ley de California al negarse a proporcionar traducciones en español de estos contratos de alquiler y otros documentos importantes, a pesar de solicitar de manera intencionada inquilinos hispanohablantes a través de publicidad en dos idiomas y la contratación de empleados hispanohablantes para llenar unidades vacantes y comunicarse con los inquilinos.  

    Discriminación contra inquilinos con vales de la Sección 8 

    La demanda alega además que PAMA y las empresas relacionadas discriminan a los solicitantes con vales de la Sección 8 que buscan una vivienda. Los vales de la Sección 8 ayudan a las familias de bajos ingresos a alquilar viviendas a propietarios privados, lo que permite que la familia pague parte del alquiler mientras el gobierno paga el resto. En California, es ilegal discriminar a un inquilino o solicitante de vivienda en función de su fuente de ingresos, incluida la recepción de asistencia de alquiler de la Sección 8. Las empresas de administración relacionadas con PAMA han violado la ley al decirles a los solicitantes con vales que hay una lista de espera para las unidades o que no hay unidades de alquiler disponibles, incluso cuando de hecho hay unidades disponibles y se están alquilando a solicitantes sin vales de la Sección 8. 

    Aumentos ilegales de alquiler y otras conductas indebidas

    La demanda del Fiscal General también alega violaciones a la Ley de Protección de Inquilinos de California (TPA) en más de 2,000 unidades, donde PAMA y empresas relacionadas trasladaron ciertos costos obligatorios de servicios públicos, que solían ser pagados por el propietario, a sus inquilinos. Para los inquilinos protegidos por la TPA, es ilegal que los propietarios ignoren el límite de alquiler cuando exigen a los inquilinos que paguen tarifas o cargos de servicios públicos nuevos o mayores. La denuncia alega que estas empresas comenzaron a cobrar a los inquilinos por servicios públicos compartidos, como el agua, a través de un sistema de facturación de servicios públicos proporcional, conocido como “RUBS”, obligando a los inquilinos a pagar cargos por servicios públicos que estaban fuera de su control. La combinación de estas nuevas tarifas de servicios públicos y los aumentos anuales del alquiler resultaron en aumentos totales de hasta el 20%: más del doble del límite de alquiler de la TPA. Además, PAMA y las empresas relacionadas violaron los requisitos de notificación de la TPA al no incluir en los contratos de alquiler de los inquilinos las divulgaciones exigidas por ley para que el inquilino sepa si las protecciones de la TPA (que incluyen controles de aumento de alquiler y limitaciones a los desalojos) se aplican a ellos. 

    Además de las violaciones anteriores, la demanda alega que PAMA y las empresas relacionadas emitieron avisos de desalojo ilegales a docenas o cientos de inquilinos, y también que las empresas no han cumplido con los requisitos básicos de licencia inmobiliaria desde 2020.

    Se alienta a cualquier persona, incluidos inquilinos actuales o anteriores, que tenga información que pueda ser relevante para este caso a que comparta sus historias con nuestra oficina en oag.ca.gov/report. 

    Para obtener más información sobre sus derechos como inquilino, consulte aquí.

    Una copia de la denuncia está disponible aquí.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Onex Canada Asset Management Inc. Announces Proposed Changes to Liquid Fund Product Lineup

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onex Canada Asset Management Inc. (the “Manager”) today announced proposals to terminate or change the investment objectives for certain of its mutual funds.

    Following the completion of the proposed changes, Onex will continue to offer investors a strong line-up of public and private liquid strategies, including Onex Global Special Situations, Onex U.S. Equity, Onex High Yield Bond, Onex Senior Credit, Onex Direct Lending and, if the investment objective change is approved, an Onex Global Equity strategy. These strategies all offer differentiated client solutions with an emphasis on long-term investment performance.

    Changes to Onex International Fund

    Effective on or about September 26, 2025, the Manager proposes to change the investment objective of Onex International Fund to a global mandate and change the fund’s name to “Onex Global Equity Fund” to reflect its new investment objective, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals.

    The current investment objective of Onex International Fund is “to achieve capital appreciation by investing primarily in a variety of growth and value securities listed on international exchanges outside of Canada and the United States”. The new investment objective of this fund will be “to seek to achieve long-term capital appreciation, by investing primarily in a portfolio of global equity securities with attractive risk reward dynamics”.

    The fund will continue to be managed in accordance with its current investment objective, and if the objective change is approved, the fund will then be managed in accordance with its new investment objective.

    The investment objective change is subject to approval by securityholders of Onex International Fund. If the objective change is approved, the fund’s name will change to Onex Global Equity Fund and a new performance fee will be introduced.

    The Manager intends to charge the fund a performance fee that will not exceed 20% of the series net asset value (NAV) of each series of the fund if the series NAV exceeds the return of a specified benchmark over the same period. More particulars regarding the performance fee, including the benchmark, will be set out in the amendment to the simplified prospectus of the fund.

    Securities of this fund will continue to be available for purchase at all times.

    Securityholders of Onex International Fund will be asked to vote on the proposed investment objective change at a special meeting to be held on or about September 23, 2025. More particulars regarding this matter, including any tax implications will be set out in the meeting materials sent to Onex International Fund securityholders.

    If the investment objective change is not approved, the Manager will terminate Onex International Fund.

    Fund Terminations

    The Manager intends to terminate Onex Dividend Distribution Fund, Onex Premium Income Trust and Onex Premium Income Fund (each, a “Terminating Fund”) on or about August 27, 2025.

    Each Terminating Fund will be closed to purchases by new and existing investors effective as of the close of business on June 13, 2025.

    Securityholders of Onex Premium Income Fund can redeem or switch their securities until the close of business on July 31, 2025, provided the securityholder has given the Manager a written request for redemption at least two (2) business days prior to the redemption date, as set out in the offering memorandum of the fund.

    Securityholders of Onex Dividend Distribution Fund and Onex Premium Income Trust can redeem or switch their securities until the close of business on the business day prior to the termination date in accordance with the procedures set out in the simplified prospectus.

    A notice will be mailed to securityholders of Onex Dividend Distribution Fund and Onex Premium Income Trust at least 60 days prior to the termination date and to securityholders of Onex Premium Income Fund at least 45 days prior to the termination date.

    On or before the termination date, the Manager will liquidate the assets of each Terminating Fund and, after paying or making adequate provision for the liabilities of the Terminating Fund, distribute the cash proceeds (including any final income or capital gains) on a pro rata basis to the Terminating Fund’s securityholders of record on the termination date. In anticipation of the termination, each Terminating Fund may make distributions to its securityholders prior to the termination date.

    For further information about the funds, please visit https://www.onex.com/onex-private-wealth.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed or insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    About Onex Canada Asset Management Inc.

    Onex Canada Asset Management Inc. is a subsidiary of Onex Corporation (TSE: ONEX) and offers access to differentiated investment platforms including public mutual funds and a range of private investment strategies and opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.onex.com/onex-private-wealth.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:

    Please email: ir@onex.com with a copy to advisorinfo@onex.com for questions about the proposed changes.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Initiates Inquiry—Thermal Paper Rolls from China

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Ottawa, Ontario, June 13, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into a complaint by McDermid Paper Converters Limited of Markham, Ontario, Media Cash Register Inc. of Saint‑Laurent, Québec, and Custom Paper Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia, that they have suffered injury as a result of the dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls from China. The Tribunal’s inquiry is conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

    On August 11, 2025, the Tribunal will determine whether there is a reasonable indication that the alleged dumping and subsidizing have caused injury or retardation, or are threatening to cause injury, as these words are defined in SIMA. If so, the CBSA will continue its investigations and, by September 10, 2025, will make preliminary determinations. If these preliminary determinations indicate that there has been dumping or subsidizing, the CBSA will then continue its investigations and, concurrently, the Tribunal will initiate a final injury inquiry.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    Any interested person, association or government that wishes to participate in the Tribunal’s inquiry may do so by filing a Form I–Notice of Participation.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Freeport, Ill. Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Distribution of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCKFORD — A Freeport, Ill. man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine. 

    PARIS WALKER, 39, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.  U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing on Thursday in federal court in Rockford.

    Walker admitted that from 2019 to 2022, he knowingly and intentionally distributed cocaine to a confidential informant for the government.  Additionally, Walker possessed cocaine on multiple occasions with the intent to distribute it.  The total amount of cocaine involved in the offense of conviction and relevant conduct was at least 30.3 grams.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Announces Repurchase of Company Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a stock purchase transaction involving shares held within the Patricia Schaefer Settlement Trust, a trust established by the late Patricia Schaefer. The purchase transaction involved the acquisition of 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $86.78 per share, which was the volume-weighted average price of the stock on NASDAQ for the five trading days preceding today’s closing.

    Joe Ruzynski, Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Electric, commented on the transaction, stating, “We were saddened to learn of the passing of Patricia Schaefer, a pillar of her community and the daughter of our founder. As we had the option to repurchase shares, we were pleased to be able to provide a source of liquidity for Ms. Schaefer’s estate to satisfy its tax obligations. This purchase also reflects our confidence in Franklin Electric’s strong balance sheet, cash flow generation, our strategic plans, and our future. We are proud to demonstrate our belief in the company’s enduring prospects while simultaneously supporting the needs of the Schaefer estate.”

    In connection with the purchase transaction, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the Company’s share repurchase authorization of 1,200,000 shares of common stock, such that after the transaction described herein, the Company will continue to be authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate 1,126,635 shares of its common stock.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Contact: Russ Fleeger
      Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
      260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Announces Results of Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) reports that all resolutions from the Company’s annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on June 12, 2025 (the “Meeting”) were approved with 62.76% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company represented at the Meeting.

    Detailed voting results for the election of directors are as follows:

    Nominee For % For Against % Against
    Julian Babarczy 311,422,274 99.63% 1,143,461 0.37%
    Joe Conway 307,958,117 98.53% 4,607,618 1.47%
    Patrick Downey 311,751,459 99.74% 814,276 0.26%
    Rob Doyle 312,507,445 99.98% 58,290 0.02%
    Kate Harcourt 312,332,268 99.93% 233,467 0.07%
    Sean Harvey 312,155,498 99.87% 410,237 0.13%
    Tara Hassan 312,008,591 99.82% 557,144 0.18%
             

    Additional matters approved at the Meeting are as follows:

    • The number of directors was fixed at seven.
    • The Company’s stock option plan, as required by the TSX every three years, was reapproved.
    • Deloitte LLP was appointed as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, and the board of directors was authorized to fix their remuneration.

    The “Report of Voting Results”, which is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ and on the Company’s website, discloses the detailed voting results for the above resolutions. For additional details, please also see the Management Information Circular of the Company dated May 9, 2025.

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.  

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Contact Information

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin MacKenzie
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Question President Trump over Decision to Fire NTSB Vice Chair

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to President Trump questioning his administration’s decision to remove National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vice Chair Alvin Brown. The move is especially alarming given that NTSB plays a critical role in investigating transportation accidents like the deadly January 29th collision that killed 67 people.

    In their letter the senators highlighted the independent nature of NTSB and stressed the need to have qualified individuals serve on the board.

    The senators wrote, “Congress designed the Board to represent a range of viewpoints by mandating that no more than three of the five members be of the same political party. Additionally, Congress removed the Board from the Department of Transportation and reestablished it as an independent establishment of the U.S. government to ensure the NTSB retains its independence and that NTSB staff are able to fulfill their mission of performing investigations into certain transportation accidents, including every civil aviation accident in the United States, by determining the probable cause of the accident and issuing safety recommendations.”

    They continued, “The NTSB provides support to the victims, survivors, and families following a transportation accident – including facilitating the recovery and identification of fatally injured passengers. The NTSB has earned the trust of the transportation industry and millions of Americans through many grueling investigations; because of the NTSB, improved transportation safety has come out of calamity and tragedy.”

    The senators also questioned the rationale behind President Trump’s decision to remove Vice Chair Brown without naming a replacement, leaving a vacancy in this crucial role that manages nearly 1250 investigations in the United States and supports more than 150 foreign investigations each year.

    “Mr. Brown’s removal is consistent with your Administration’s dismissals of federal government leaders on the basis of bald partisanship and animus, however it is inconsistent with the law. The recklessness of vacating a leadership role on the NTSB in this critical moment in aviation safety runs counter to your obligations to the American people,” they wrote.

    This is only the latest in the Trump administration’s reckless purge of qualified federal workers for political reasons. Earlier this week, Sen. Warner lead a group of colleagues objecting to Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard’s decision to unilaterally terminate the Acting Counsel of the Office of the Intelligence Community Inspector General, and he has repeatedly warned of the lasting damage of the Trump administration’s continued politicization of nonpartisan government positions and removal of employees.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear President Trump:

    On January 29, 2025, 67 souls were lost in the midair collision between an American Airlines flight inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and a U.S. Army helicopter. The survivors of the loved ones lost and our unanimous commitment is to prevent a tragedy like this from happening ever again. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB or Board) is vital to ensuring that outcome which is why we were alarmed by the abrupt firing of Alvin Brown who recently served as the Vice Chair of the Board. We urge you to reevaluate your Administration’s actions related to Mr. Brown and reinstate his membership to the NTSB. 

    The law directs the President to appoint, and the Senate to consent to, the five members of the Board, each serving a term of five years.   Congress designed the Board to represent a range of viewpoints by mandating that no more than three of the five members be of the same political party.  Additionally, Congress removed the Board from the Department of Transportation and reestablished it as an independent establishment of the U.S. government to ensure the NTSB retains its independence and that NTSB staff are able to fulfill their mission of performing investigations into certain transportation accidents, including every civil aviation accident in the United States, by determining the probable cause of the accident and issuing safety recommendations. 

    The NTSB provides support to the victims, survivors, and families following a transportation accident – including facilitating the recovery and identification of fatally injured passengers. The NTSB has earned the trust of the transportation industry and millions of Americans through many grueling investigations; because of the NTSB, improved transportation safety has come out of calamity and tragedy. Upwards of “82 percent of NTSB recommendations have led to the implementation of safety improvements deemed acceptable by the Board.” 

    On May 5, 2025, you fired the Vice Chair of the NTSB, Mr. Alvin Brown. Mr. Brown was appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in December 2024 to a term expiring on December 31, 2026. When you fired Mr. Brown, you failed to identify a potential replacement, creating a vacancy on the Board as it manages nearly 1,250 investigations in the United States, and supports close to 160 foreign investigations.  You provided no justification or explanation for Mr. Brown’s abrupt removal even as the law requires that a Board member may only be removed for cause in the form of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance of office.   When your Administration removed Mr. Brown from his position on the National Transportation Safety Board, you made it clear that it was for reasons unrelated to those enumerated in law and even thanked him for his service.  Had Congress intended NTSB members in good standing to be removable by the President at will, it would have written the law accordingly. Mr. Brown’s removal is consistent with your Administration’s dismissals of federal government leaders on the basis of bald partisanship and animus, however it is inconsistent with the law. The recklessness of vacating a leadership role on the NTSB in this critical moment in aviation safety runs counter to your obligations to the American people.

    The traveling public relies on the NTSB to be a strong watchdog for transportation safety. Too many advances in aviation safety have come on the heels of a tragedy; but since 1967, the NTSB has worked to ensure the lessons learned are integrated into the aviation industry. Your recent actions indicate that your priorities for aviation safety are focused more on partisan politics rather than the safety of the millions of Americans who use our skies. We hope you will prove us wrong and ask that, in the absence of a showing that your actions to remove Mr. Brown complied with the law, you immediately reinstate Mr. Brown to the NTSB to complete his term of service as Vice Chair and to affirm your commitment to upholding the independence of the NTSB and allow the Board to perform their Congressionally-mandated duties to keep America’s transportation systems safe.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Port of Prince Rupert corridor update

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Trade Representative seek review of alleged denial of rights at steel pipe manufacturer in Mexico

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement requested that the government of Mexico review an alleged denial of workers’ rights at Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A., a manufacturer of seamless steel pipe located in Veracruz, Mexico.

    The U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee. 

    The request follows a May 14, 2025, petition filed by SINAIN, a Mexican union.

    Filed under the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism, the petition alleges that the company is systematically denying SINAIN members their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining through acts of anti-union discrimination and interference with union activity.

    After the Interagency Labor Committee found sufficient and credible evidence supporting the petition’s allegations, the U.S. government submitted a request for Mexico to review the case using the RRM.

    The Mexican government has 10 days to decide whether to conduct a review and 45 days from today to investigate the claims and present its findings. 

    TAMSA is one of the world’s leading producers of seamless steel tubes for the oil and gas, automobile, and construction industries. It exports to more than 50 countries, including the U.S.

    Learn more about the department’s international work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prison Term for Unprovoked Attack on a Man at Navy Yard Metro Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Rashad King, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in Superior Court to eight and a half years in prison for assaulting a man at the Navy Yard Metro station in July 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                King pleaded guilty March 27, 2025, to one count of aggravated assault while armed. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered five years of supervised release.

                According to the government’s evidence, just before midnight on July 20, 2024, King approached the victim at the Navy Yard Metro Station and, unprovoked, started to punch him until he fell to the ground. The defendant then stomped on the victim’s head over twenty times. As the victim lay unconscious, King took the victim’s bag and fled the scene. An off-duty FBI Special Agent saw the encounter, followed the defendant, and observed him enter a Metro Bus. The agent flagged down an officer and pointed out the defendant.

                King was arrested and has been in custody since. At the time he was arrested, the defendant had the victim’s bag, which contained the victim’s license.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Albi and Mark Levy, who prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trinitarios Gang Leader Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Triple Shooting in Queens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant, the Leader of the “OZP” set of the Trinitarios, Orchestrated a Months-Long Conspiracy to Murder Gang Rivals

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Pedro Serrano, also known as “Papo,” the leader of the Ozone Park (or “OZP”) set of the Trinitarios street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano to 183 months in prison for carrying out a June 29, 2021 shooting that injured three victims.  The shooting was part of a long-running conspiracy to murder members of a rival Trinitarios gang set.  Serrano pleaded guilty in March 2024 to assault in-aid-of racketeering and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Serrano was ruthlessly committed to a dangerous criminal enterprise, and he and his co-conspirators shot multiple victims in furtherance of a senseless gang rivalry to advance his enterprise,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Such warfare jeopardizes public safety and underscores the importance of my Office’s mission to eradicate violent gangs from our communities.”

    Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department for their work and assistance on the case.

    According to court filings, Serrano, along with other members of the gang, engaged in a series of violent feuds with rivals, including rival sets within the Trinitarios.  Beginning in at least 2021, disputes arose between OZP and other sets of Trinitarios from Queens and Brooklyn, including the Southside set, resulting in back-and-forth shootings between sets.  On June 29, 2021, Serrano carried out a retaliatory shooting—while driving through a residential neighborhood in Queens—targeting Southside members.

    Serrano enlisted fellow OZP members—including co-defendant Albert Santana-Fernandez, also known as “Pipa,” a Pennsylvania-based member of OZP—to help attack OZP rivals.  After departing from Serrano’s house, the co-conspirators drove around until they located a rival group of Trinitarios on 77th Street near Jamaica Avenue near the Queens-Brooklyn border.  Serrano and Santana-Fernandez were armed with firearms and after locating their rivals, fired shots at them from their moving vehicle.  At least 13 shell casings were recovered at the scene, and three victims were wounded—one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Santana-Fernandez pleaded guilty to his role in the shooting in October 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States  Attorneys Lindsey R. Oken and Benjamin Weintraub are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendants:

    PEDRO SERRANO (also known as “Papo”)
    Age: 24
    Brooklyn, NY

    ALBERT SANTANA-FERNANDEZ (also known as “Pipa”)
    Age: 27
    Philadelphia, PA

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-28 (ENV)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Couple Arrested For Stealing More Than $1.7 Million Dollars In COVID Relief Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the indictment and arrests of Earlisha Louis (44, Newnan, Georgia) and Somoza Louis (44, Newnan, Georgia) for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. If convicted, each faces up to 30 years in federal prison on each count. Earlisha Louis is also charged with two counts of illegal monetary transactions. Each of those counts carry a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the pair that the United States intends to forfeit a residence and $1,705,553.80, which are alleged to be traceable to the proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, between April 2020 and June 2021, Earlisha and Somoza Louis devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. These programs were some of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. After receiving one of the loans, Earlisha Louis transferred more than $10,000 of the fraud proceeds between her accounts. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.         

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Payday Ventures is Leading as the Best No Credit Check Loans Platform with No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Searching for the best no credit check loans online in 2025? You’re in the right place. When urgent expenses strike and your credit score isn’t where it should be, traditional banks often shut the door. That’s why more Americans are turning to no credit check loans with guaranteed approval alternatives — fast, flexible, and tailored for those with poor or limited credit history.

    Payday Ventures acts as a reliable online platform that connects borrowers with trusted lending partners across the U.S. With a simple, secure process, Payday Ventures helps you find loan offers that require no hard credit checks, offering quick access to funds when you need them most.

    We’ve done the digging and rounded up the top 5 no credit check loans online for 2025 — all accessible through trusted platforms like Payday Ventures. Let’s break them down.

    How Payday Ventures Stands Out As a Leading Marketplace in Providing Emergency Loans Guaranteed Approval & No Credit Check Required

    When bills stack up and traditional lenders shut the door, getting fast cash can seem impossible—especially if your credit score isn’t perfect. That’s why no credit check loans online in 2025 are gaining popularity, offering quick, hassle-free access to funds. Payday Ventures plays a crucial role as a trusted loan marketplace, connecting borrowers across the U.S. with reliable lenders who provide emergency loans with guaranteed approval and no credit check required.

    Unlike direct lenders that often reject applicants based on credit history, Payday Ventures doesn’t perform hard credit checks or issue loans themselves. Instead, it offers a streamlined way to compare multiple loan offers through a secure platform, making it easier to find no credit check loans with fast approval and minimal paperwork.

    Here’s why Payday Ventures stands out:

    • No hard credit checks – Soft inquiries only, so your credit score stays protected 
    • High approval rates – Even borrowers with poor or no credit can receive real offers 
    • Fast application process – Complete the online form in minutes and get matched instantly
    • Trusted network of lenders – Access a broad range of options in one place 
    • 24/7 availability – Apply anytime, from anywhere in the U.S. 

    From urgent car repairs to unexpected medical bills, Payday Ventures connects you to emergency loans that cut through the usual red tape. In 2025, it remains one of the best platforms for fast, flexible funding without credit score barriers.

    Skip the credit check, snag your cash quick>>

    Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit with Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Big Buck Loans – Best for No Credit Check Loans Alternatives for Bad Credit Borrowers

    Why is It Tough to Get a Loan with Bad Credit?

    Getting approved for a loan when you have bad credit can feel like an uphill battle. This is because lenders use your credit score as a primary measure of your creditworthiness. A low credit score or negative credit history signals higher risk, making lenders cautious about approving your loan application.
    Traditional banks and direct lenders typically prefer borrowers with strong credit histories because they indicate a higher likelihood of timely repayments. If your credit report shows missed payments, defaults, or a high debt-to-income ratio, lenders often view you as a high-risk borrower. Consequently, they may reject your application outright or offer loans with steep interest rates and unfavorable terms.

    Moreover, many lenders rely on automated credit scoring systems that automatically filter out applications below a specific credit score threshold. This limits access to conventional loans for people with bad credit, forcing them to look for alternatives.

    That’s where bad credit loans and no credit check loans come into play. These loan options often don’t require a detailed credit check, allowing borrowers with poor credit histories to secure fast funding. Many lenders offering emergency loans with guaranteed approval focus more on your current income and ability to repay rather than your past credit mistakes.

    Platforms like Payday Ventures help borrowers explore these alternatives by connecting them with lenders specializing in loans for bad credit. This increases the chance of quick loan approval without the usual credit score barriers.

    Bad credit? No stress — get your loan fast>>

    Best No Credit Check Loan Lender that Provides Loan to Applicants with Bad Credit Scores by Payday Ventures

    Big Buck Loans

    Big Buck Loans is an online loan-matching service designed to help individuals quickly access short-term loans ranging from $100 to $5000, even with less-than-perfect credit. The platform offers a simple, 100% online application process with no paperwork, allowing users to receive funds in as little as 15 minutes to 24 hours after approval. With interest rates between 5.99% and 35.99% and repayment terms from 3 to 24 months, Big Buck Loans provides flexible options tailored to various financial needs. 
    The service is free to use, with no fees for applying or matching with lenders. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, have a bank account, earn a minimum of $1000 per month, and be able to afford the loan. The site emphasizes transparency, quick processing, and accessibility, positioning itself as a viable alternative to limited lending apps like Cash App. Additionally, Viva Payday Loans is mentioned as an alternative for those seeking payday or personal loans with similar loan ranges and terms.
    Pros:

    • Loans from $100 to $5,000
    • Fast online application with same-day approvals
    • Accepts applicants with poor credit
    • Funds can be deposited within 24 hours
    • No collateral required
    • Operates 24/7 for urgent financial needs

    Cons:

    • Only available in select states
    • Loan terms vary by lender, not standardized

    How is Payday Ventures Making it Possible to Provide Instant Payday Loans Online Guaranteed Approval Alternatives?

    When urgent cash needs arise, access to quick funds becomes crucial. However, traditional lenders often impose strict credit requirements and lengthy approval processes, leaving many borrowers stranded—especially those with poor credit. This is where Payday Ventures steps in, revolutionizing the way borrowers find instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval alternatives.

    Payday Ventures acts as a trusted loan marketplace rather than a direct lender. By partnering with a broad network of vetted lenders, it connects borrowers with multiple lending options tailored to their financial needs. This unique approach enables borrowers to bypass traditional credit checks and complicated paperwork, which are common roadblocks in securing fast loans.

    Here’s how Payday Ventures makes it possible:

    • Access to No Credit Check Loans: Payday Ventures specializes in linking borrowers to lenders who offer no credit check payday loans. This means applicants don’t have to worry about their credit history impacting approval, making it an ideal solution for people with bad or no credit.
    • Guaranteed Approval Alternatives: While no lender can guarantee approval outright, Payday Ventures improves your chances by presenting multiple loan offers instantly. This competitive selection increases the likelihood of finding a loan that fits your situation without the usual credit score barriers.
    • Instant Online Application: The platform’s streamlined online application process can be completed in minutes from any device, offering borrowers immediate access to loan offers without lengthy waits or in-person visits.
    • Wide Range of Loan Options: Whether you need a small payday advance or a larger emergency loan, Payday Ventures connects you with lenders offering flexible loan amounts, repayment terms, and competitive rates—all designed to meet diverse borrower needs.
    • Secure & Confidential Platform: Payday Ventures prioritizes user security and privacy, ensuring that your personal information is protected throughout the loan matching process.

    By focusing on speed, convenience, and inclusivity, Payday Ventures empowers borrowers across the U.S. to access instant payday loans online and other guaranteed approval loan alternatives—even when traditional banks say no.

    In 2025, Payday Ventures continues to be a leading marketplace for fast, reliable, and accessible payday loan solutions, making financial emergencies easier to manage with minimal hassle.

    No credit check required! Whether your credit’s good, bad, or somewhere in between, grab your loan today and breathe easy knowing cash is on the way!

    How to Apply for No Credit Check Loans Online for Bad Credit with Payday Ventures?

    Applying for no credit check loans online when you have bad credit can feel overwhelming—but Payday Ventures makes the process simple, fast, and secure. Here’s how you can get started and increase your chances of quick approval for loans designed for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

    Step 1: Visit Payday Ventures’ Website

    Start by heading to the Payday Ventures platform, a trusted marketplace that connects you with multiple lenders offering no credit check loans and loans for bad credit. The site is user-friendly and available 24/7, so you can apply whenever it’s convenient.

    Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

    Fill out the short application form with basic personal and financial information. Payday Ventures uses this data to match you with lenders who specialize in bad credit loans and emergency loans with guaranteed approval. The process is quick—usually taking just a few minutes.

    Step 3: Review Loan Offers

    Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive multiple loan offers tailored to your profile. These offers often include instant payday loans online with flexible terms and no credit check requirements. Take your time to review interest rates, repayment periods, and loan amounts before making a decision.

    Step 4: Select the Best Loan Option

    Choose the loan that best fits your financial needs. Payday Ventures connects you directly to the lender, so you can finalize the loan agreement with confidence. Because the platform partners with a wide network of lenders, your chances of finding a suitable loan increase significantly—even with bad credit.

    Step 5: Get Funds Quickly

    After approval, funds are typically deposited into your bank account within 24 hours or less, depending on the lender. This fast turnaround makes Payday Ventures a reliable solution for urgent cash needs.

    Bad credit dragging you down? Forget the hassle of credit checks and get approved fast with funds sent right to your account>>

    Benefits of Using Payday Ventures for No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    When fast cash is a must, finding reliable no credit check loans with same day guaranteed approval can make all the difference. Payday Ventures stands out as a premier online loan marketplace, helping borrowers across the U.S. access quick funding without the hassle of traditional credit checks. Here are the key benefits of using Payday Ventures in 2025:

    Fast Access to Emergency Cash

    Payday Ventures connects you to lenders offering same day payday loans online, so you can receive funds quickly—often within 24 hours. This speed is crucial when facing urgent expenses or financial emergencies.

    No Credit Check Required

    Unlike banks and direct lenders that perform hard credit inquiries, Payday Ventures specializes in linking you with lenders who offer no credit check loans. This means your credit history won’t hold you back, making it easier for borrowers with bad or no credit to get approved.

    Guaranteed Approval Alternatives

    While no lender can promise 100% approval, Payday Ventures increases your chances by presenting multiple loan options tailored to your financial profile. This marketplace approach offers guaranteed approval alternatives by matching you with lenders most likely to approve your application.

    Variety of Loan Options

    Whether you need a small payday loan or a larger emergency cash advance, Payday Ventures provides access to a broad range of loan amounts and terms. This flexibility lets you choose the best loan suited to your immediate financial needs.

    Simple and Secure Online Process

    Applying through Payday Ventures is quick, with a streamlined online application that takes just minutes to complete. The platform uses advanced security measures to keep your personal and financial information safe throughout the process.

    No Hidden Fees or Surprises

    Transparency is a priority—Payday Ventures ensures you can review loan terms clearly before accepting any offer. This helps avoid unexpected fees and gives you peace of mind.

    24/7 Availability

    Financial emergencies don’t follow a schedule. Payday Ventures allows you to apply for no credit check loans same day anytime, anywhere in the U.S., making it convenient and accessible.

    Don’t let bad credit stand between you and your goals. No credit checks here — just quick, easy loans ready when you are>>

    Eligibility Criteria for No Credit Check loans Same day Guaranteed Approval 

    Getting approved for no credit check loans same day guaranteed approval requires meeting certain basic eligibility criteria. While these loans are designed to be accessible—even for borrowers with bad or no credit—lenders and loan marketplaces like Payday Ventures still set minimum standards to ensure responsible lending. Here’s what you typically need to qualify in 2025:

    1. Age Requirement

    You must be at least 18 years old to apply for no credit check payday loans or any form of instant emergency loans online. Some lenders may require applicants to be 21 or older depending on state laws.

    2. Proof of Income

    Lenders need to verify that you have a stable source of income to ensure you can repay the loan. This can include regular employment, self-employment, government benefits, or other consistent income sources.

    3. Active Bank Account

    An active checking or savings account in your name is essential. Funds for your loan will typically be deposited directly into this account, and repayments are usually withdrawn automatically.

    4. U.S. Residency

    Most lenders require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some may also accept those with valid work permits or other legal documentation.

    5. Valid Contact Information

    You must provide a working phone number and email address to facilitate communication during the application and loan approval process.

    6. Minimal Documentation

    Unlike traditional loans, no credit check loans usually require minimal paperwork. Basic identification (like a driver’s license or state ID) and proof of income are generally sufficient.

    Forget credit checks and long waits. Apply now, even with bad credit, and get a fast loan tailored to your budget and timeline>>

    Real Borrower Stories: How Payday Ventures Helped People Get No Credit Check Loans in 2025

    Payday Ventures isn’t just another online loan marketplace—it’s a platform that has helped thousands of real people across the U.S. secure emergency funding when traditional options failed them. Below are a few real-world examples and user testimonials that highlight how no credit check loans with same day approval through Payday Ventures made a difference.

    Case Study 1: Sarah – Freelance Designer from Arizona

    Sarah had just wrapped up a slow month with freelance clients when her car suddenly broke down. With bad credit and no savings to spare, she turned to Payday Ventures for help. Within minutes of submitting the simple online form, she was matched with multiple lenders offering instant payday loan alternatives with no credit check required.

    Loan Amount: $600
    Approval Time: Under 2 hours
    Credit Score: 510
    Outcome: Funds deposited same day

    “I didn’t think I’d qualify for anything with my credit, but Payday Ventures helped me find a lender fast—and no one even asked about my score.” – Sarah

    Case Study 2: Jason – Warehouse Worker in Georgia

    Jason was hit with an unexpected utility bill just days before payday. His credit history had taken a hit during the pandemic, so traditional loans were off the table. After searching online, he landed on Payday Ventures, known for connecting users with no credit check same-day loans. He completed the application on his phone during a break and had approval by the time he got home.

    Loan Amount: $350
    Approval Time: 1 hour
    Credit Score: 476
    Outcome: Bills paid, lights stayed on

    “It was easier than ordering pizza. Zero paperwork, no calls, just fast help when I needed it.” – Jason, GA

    Case Study 3: Mia – Part-Time Student in Illinois

    Mia needed to cover textbook costs and rent for the month. With limited income and no credit history, she struggled to find any loan options. A friend recommended Payday Ventures, which specializes in bad credit and no credit loan options with guaranteed approval alternatives. She was matched with a lender offering flexible repayment and a quick turnaround.

    Loan Amount: $500
    Approval Time: Same day
    Credit History: None
    Outcome: Covered expenses without parental help

    “It was my first time applying for a loan, and I was nervous. But it was simple and quick. No pressure, no surprises.” – Mia, IL

    Who needs credit checks when you’ve got No credit check loans? Bad credit is no barrier here — just quick, easy cash to keep you moving forward>>

    Important Considerations: Risks, Legal Notes & Responsible Borrowing Practices

    While no credit check loans with guaranteed approval can offer fast financial relief, it’s important to understand the risks and responsibilities involved before applying through platforms

    Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

    • Higher Interest Rates: Many bad credit loan alternatives come with higher APRs due to the lack of credit checks. Always review the total repayment amount before agreeing to any terms.
    • Short Repayment Windows: Most same day payday loan alternatives have shorter repayment periods, which can create additional stress if not managed properly.
    • Debt Cycle Risk: Repeated borrowing can lead to a cycle of debt. These loans are best used for genuine emergencies, not ongoing expenses.

    Legal Disclaimers You Should Know

    • Payday Ventures is not a lender: It does not issue loans or perform credit decisions. It simply connects users with a network of vetted third-party lenders.
    • Loan terms vary: Lenders in the Payday Ventures network may operate under different state regulations. Always read their terms, privacy policies, and legal notices before accepting an offer.
    • Availability may differ by state: Not all loan types or features are available in every U.S. state due to lending laws and caps on interest rates.

    Ethical Borrowing Guidelines

    • Borrow only what you need: Just because you qualify for a loan doesn’t mean you should take the full amount. Keep repayment manageable.
    • Be honest on your application: Providing accurate information ensures a smoother experience and helps avoid delays or denials.
    • Understand the full cost: Before accepting a loan offer, make sure you understand the APR, fees, and payment schedule.
    • Explore alternatives if possible: If you have access to community support, side gigs, or budget adjustments, consider those options before taking out a high-interest loan.

    Need cash but hate credit checks? Same here. That’s why we made loans that skip the fuss and deliver the funds fast>>

    Payday Ventures vs. Traditional Lenders: Why Same-Day No Credit Check Loans Are a Smarter Choice in 2025

    When comparing Payday Ventures to traditional banks or credit unions, the differences are clear—especially for borrowers with bad credit or no credit history who need fast, same-day loan alternatives without going through a credit check.

    1. Credit Check Requirements

    • Traditional Lenders: Always perform hard credit checks, which can impact your score and lead to rejections if you have poor credit.
    • Payday Ventures: Connects you with lenders who don’t require hard credit checks. Only soft inquiries are made, which do not affect your credit score.

    2. Speed & Accessibility

    • Traditional Lenders: Long application processes, in-person paperwork, and days of waiting.
    • Payday Ventures: Entirely online with a fast, secure form. Get matched with offers and funds deposited as soon as the same day.

    3. Approval Rates

    • Traditional Lenders: Strict approval criteria focused on credit score, employment history, and banking relationships.
    • Payday Ventures: Designed for high approval odds, even for those with bad credit or limited credit background.

    4. Application Process

    • Traditional Lenders: Involve multiple steps—appointments, documentation, and credit reports.
    • Payday Ventures: Just a few minutes to complete one form. No faxing, no paperwork, 100% online.

    5. Flexibility & Loan Variety

    • Traditional Lenders: May not offer small-dollar or short-term loans, especially to riskier applicants.
    • Payday Ventures: Gives you access to a network of lenders offering no credit check, same-day payday loan alternatives in various amounts and terms.

    Credit hurdles? Forget them! Step up, apply now, and watch your cash worries disappear — no credit check, no stress. Your loan, your way>>

    Conclusion: Why Payday Ventures is the Top Choice for No Credit Check, Same Day Loans in 2025

    In 2025, when fast access to cash matters more than ever and credit scores can still hold borrowers back, Payday Ventures stands out as a trusted solution for no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval alternatives.

    Unlike traditional lenders that rely heavily on rigid credit assessments, Payday Ventures connects users with a broad network of vetted lenders willing to offer emergency loans without requiring hard credit checks. Its 100% online platform is fast, secure, and built for convenience, allowing borrowers to submit one quick form and receive multiple loan offers, often within minutes.

    Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected expense, temporary cash shortfall, or simply need bad credit payday loan alternatives, Payday Ventures makes the process simple, transparent, and judgment-free. With high approval odds, flexible loan options, and same-day funding possibilities, it remains one of the most reliable choices for no credit check loans online in the U.S. today.

    If you’re looking for fast, flexible, and credit-friendly financing, Payday Ventures is the go-to marketplace to explore your options — without the wait, stress, or score penalties.

    FAQs Regarding No Credit Check Loans with Same-Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025

    Does it cost anything to apply through Payday Ventures?

    No, applying through Payday Ventures is completely free. There are no hidden fees or application charges to use the platform. You simply fill out one secure online form, and Payday Ventures connects you with multiple no credit check loan options instantly.

    How fast can I get money from a no-credit-check loan?

    With Payday Ventures, borrowers can receive funds as soon as the same day if approved. The application process is quick—usually under 5 minutes—and once you accept an offer from a lender, the money is typically deposited within 24 hours.

    What are the best loan providers for bad credit with guaranteed approval?

    Payday Ventures works with a trusted network of lenders (Big Buck Loans) who specialize in bad credit loans, no credit check payday loan alternatives, and guaranteed approval options. Instead of searching lender by lender, Payday Ventures lets you compare multiple offers in one place—increasing your chances of getting approved quickly.

    How fast can I get a bad credit loan through Payday Ventures?

    Very fast. Most users receive loan offers within minutes of submitting their application. Once approved, funds are commonly transferred on the same business day, depending on the lender and your bank’s processing speed.

    Are these no credit check loans safe and legitimate?

    Yes. Payday Ventures partners only with vetted, reputable lenders in the U.S like Big Buck Loans. The site uses bank-level encryption to keep your personal information secure and ensures that you are only connected with legal and compliant lenders offering no credit check loan alternatives.

    Can I use a loan from Payday Ventures to pay off other debt?

    Absolutely. Borrowers often use these loans for debt consolidation, overdue bills, or other personal expenses. While Payday Ventures doesn’t dictate how you use the funds, many choose it to bridge gaps in cash flow or reduce high-interest debt.

    What’s the typical APR on bad-credit personal loans?

    APR can vary based on the lender, loan amount, and repayment term. However, by using Payday Ventures, you can easily compare multiple loan offers side-by-side and choose the one with the most favorable rates—even if you have bad or no credit.

    Who qualifies for no-credit-check loans?

    Most U.S. adults qualify as long as they are 18+, have a steady income, and possess an active checking account. Payday Ventures doesn’t require a credit score, making it one of the best platforms for those seeking no credit check loans online in 2025.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement on Israel’s Attack on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday released the following statement:
    “Israel’s attack on Iran, clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration’s negotiations with Iran, risks a regional war that will likely be catastrophic for America and is further evidence of how little respect world powers – including our own allies – have for President Trump. Iran would not be this close to possessing a nuclear weapon if Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu had not forced America out of the nuclear agreement with Iran that brought Europe, Russia, and China together behind the United States to successfully contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu’s own making, and now the region risks spiraling toward a new, deadly conflict. A war between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but it will likely be disastrous for both the security of Israel, the United States, and the rest of the region. As Secretary Rubio stated, the United States was not involved in today’s strikes, and we have no obligation to follow Israel into a war we did not ask for and will make us less safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –