Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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U.S. Africa Command Conducts Strike Against ISIS in Nigeria
STUTTGART-MOEHRINGEN, Germany, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Africa Command issued the following news release on Dec. 25, 2025:
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U.S. Africa Command Conducts Strike against ISIS in Nigeria
At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.
The command's initial assessment is that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps.
"U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase
... Show Full Article
STUTTGART-MOEHRINGEN, Germany, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Africa Command issued the following news release on Dec. 25, 2025:
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U.S. Africa Command Conducts Strike against ISIS in Nigeria
At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.
The command's initial assessment is that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps.
"U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increasecounterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives," said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command. "Our goal is to protect Americans and to disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they are."
U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure operational security."
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Original text here: https://www.africom.mil/pressrelease/36158/us-africa-command-conducts-strike-against-isis-in-nigeria
State Dept.: U.S. Welcomes Saudi and Emirati Leadership Supporting Yemen's Sovereignty and Regional Security
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Dec. 26, 2025, by Secretary Marco Rubio:
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U.S. Welcomes Saudi and Emirati Leadership Supporting Yemen's Sovereignty and Regional Security
The United States is concerned by recent events in southeastern Yemen.
We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution.
We are grateful for the diplomatic leadership of our partners, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and remain supportive of all efforts to advance our shared security interests.
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Original
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on Dec. 26, 2025, by Secretary Marco Rubio:
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U.S. Welcomes Saudi and Emirati Leadership Supporting Yemen's Sovereignty and Regional Security
The United States is concerned by recent events in southeastern Yemen.
We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution.
We are grateful for the diplomatic leadership of our partners, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and remain supportive of all efforts to advance our shared security interests.
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Originaltext here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/12/u-s-welcomes-saudi-and-emirati-leadership-supporting-yemens-sovereignty-and-regional-security/
State Dept. Issues Readout of Secretary Rubio Call With Cambodian P.M. Hun Manet
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's call on Dec. 25, 2025, with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to express concern about the ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand.
Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump's desire for peace and the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following readout by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Secretary Marco Rubio's call on Dec. 25, 2025, with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to express concern about the ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand.
Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump's desire for peace and the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussionsto ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/12/secretary-rubios-call-with-cambodian-prime-minister-hun-manet/
Mountain West Food Group Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued the following recall alert:
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Mountain West Food Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 - Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw ground beef item was produced on Dec. 16, 2025. The
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued the following recall alert:
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Mountain West Food Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O26 Contamination
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 - Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw ground beef item was produced on Dec. 16, 2025. Thefollowing product is subject to recall [ view labels ]:
* 16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing "FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF" with "USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging.
The product subject to recall bears establishment number "EST 2083" printed on the side of the packaging. The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution for retail sales.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O26.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism.
Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Mountain West Food Group, LLC, at 208-679-3765 or info@mountainwestfoodgroup.com.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
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Original text here: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/mountain-west-food-group-llc-recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o26
Gold Star Distribution Issues Recall of Certain FDA-Regulated Products in Three States Including Drugs, Devices, Cosmetics, Human Foods, and Pet Foods
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Gold Star Distribution Inc., Issues Recall of Certain FDA-Regulated Products in Three States Including Drugs, Devices, Cosmetics, Human Foods, and Pet Foods
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 26, 2025
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary
Cosmetics
Dietary Supplements
Drugs
Food & Beverages
Medical Devices
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination, presence of rodent
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Gold Star Distribution Inc., Issues Recall of Certain FDA-Regulated Products in Three States Including Drugs, Devices, Cosmetics, Human Foods, and Pet Foods
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 26, 2025
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary
Cosmetics
Dietary Supplements
Drugs
Food & Beverages
Medical Devices
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination, presence of rodentand avian contamination and insanitary conditions during the storage process.
Company Name: Gold Star Distribution, Inc.
Brand Name: Multiple brand names
Product Description: All FDA-regulated products held at facility including drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, human food, and pet food
Company Announcement
MINNEAPOLIS - December 26, 2025 --Gold Star Distribution, Inc. (Gold Star or "the Company") is recalling all FDA regulated products listed in this press release due to the presence of rodent and avian contamination.
Persons handling or consuming the products could become seriously ill due to adulteration from pests, including rodents, birds and insects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the facility was operating under insanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were held. These conditions create a significant risk that products held at the facility may have been contaminated with filth and harmful microorganisms.
Products held under insanitary conditions may become contaminated through contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure to airborne particulates associated with animal waste. Exposure to contaminated products can pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for bacterial contamination, which may result in illness or infection, including Salmonella. There are numerous hazards associated with rodents including the potential presence of Salmonella. Use or consumption of affected products may present risk of illness due to the potential presence of Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, frail or elderly people, pregnant persons, persons with pre-existent pathology (e.g., patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatments, organ transplant recipient, etc.) and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.
Additionally, products contaminated with filth, rodent excreta, and rodent urine may cause illness in the animals that consume the food or humans that are in contact with the products. Rodents are the main reservoirs of Leptospira the bacteria that causes leptospirosis in humans and animals.
Contaminated medical devices may increase the risk of device-associated infections, drugs and foods may cause adverse health effects if ingested, and cosmetics applied to the skin or eyes may lead to skin irritation, infection, or other adverse reactions.
The recalled products were distributed to some or all of the following stores:
See Image Below
Products covered by this recall include all: drugs; medical devices; cosmetics; dietary supplements; and human and animal (pet) food products. The recall does not apply to products shipped directly to retail/convenience stores by the distributor or manufacturer, such as all frozen and refrigerated items. For a comprehensive list of affected products, please visit the FDA website at fda.gov.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers and retailers who purchased the affected products should destroy the products as soon as possible and verify such destruction by receipt provided to Gold Star at 1000 N. Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Products should not be shipped back to Gold Star under any circumstances. Gold Star will provide refunds upon request.
Customers should contact their physician or health care provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these products. Customers with concerns about their pets who have eaten the recalled animal food products should contact their veterinarian.
If you have any questions, contact Gold Star at 612-617-9800, 7 days a week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Central Standard Time.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
* Complete and submit the report Online
* Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Additionally, the FDA's SmartHub is designed to help the public navigate to the appropriate form or resources to report a problem with an FDA regulated human or animal product (e.g. defects in the quality or safety of a product, or labeling issue), adverse health experience (e.g. injury, illness, or death associated with a product), or facility issue (e.g. an FDA regulated facility issue such as a whistleblower report or sanitation issue).
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Full Gold Star Product List (https://www.fda.gov/media/190382/download?attachment)
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gold-star-distribution-inc-issues-recall-certain-fda-regulated-products-three-states-including-drugs
ERDC Alumni Association Donates "Comfort Critters" to Vicksburg First Responders
VICKSBURG, Mississippi, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center issued the following news story:
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ERDC Alumni Association donates "comfort critters" to Vicksburg first responders
By Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist
Retirees from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) kicked off the holiday season by serving the community's law enforcement and emergency agencies.
As part of their annual Christmas party on Dec. 19, the ERDC Alumni Association hosted a luncheon, serving gumbo and presenting stuffed animals - known as "comfort critters"--
... Show Full Article
VICKSBURG, Mississippi, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center issued the following news story:
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ERDC Alumni Association donates "comfort critters" to Vicksburg first responders
By Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist
Retirees from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) kicked off the holiday season by serving the community's law enforcement and emergency agencies.
As part of their annual Christmas party on Dec. 19, the ERDC Alumni Association hosted a luncheon, serving gumbo and presenting stuffed animals - known as "comfort critters"--to local agencies. The ERDC Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization established in 2017 to support ERDC employees, retirees and the local community.
The stuffed animals will be kept in emergency vehicles and used by first responders to help comfort children during traumatic situations. Julie Marcy, a member of the organization and former research biologist for nearly 35 years, said that the idea was inspired by a desire to help children while supporting the community's law enforcement officers.
"The critters are a tool for law enforcement to use to comfort a child who has experienced a traumatic incident like an accident," said Marcy. "Our goal for the critters is to provide some comfort for a child who is upset and to make our responders' jobs a little easier."
Giving back to the community is the association's mission. Since its inception, the alumni association has assisted with ERDC community events, such as student visits. Additionally, they've hosted the ERDC Ice Cream Social for summer interns each year.
These efforts help the community get involved in helping the association reach their goals.
"Servicing our community has always been the purpose of the alumni association," said Marcy. "Local businesses and individuals have been very generous and supportive of our effort because they know it goes to a good cause."
Another priority for the group has been providing financial aid for graduating seniors heading to college. The association host a yearly golf tournament at Clear Creek Golf Course in Vicksburg to raise scholarship funds for local students. Ernie Smith, an alumni association member and former research hydraulic engineer for 33 years, spoke about the group being happy to promote educational success.
"There are so many bright students in our community with an interest in topics that ERDC is tackling," said Smith. "We want to support and encourage those students. They are the ones that will be solving the problems for ERDC and the country in the future."
Although retired, Smith still enjoys supporting the organization responsible for his career.
"I have lived in Vicksburg for 42 years and had a wonderful career at ERDC," said Smith. "I had the opportunity to work on unique and challenging problems and was allowed to further my education. ERDC does such impressive things, and I'm proud to have worked there. I want to continue to support the efforts of the Corps of Engineers and ERDC however I can."
Vicksburg Deputy Chief of Police Bobby Stewart appreciates the organization for their community outreach
"The comfort critters mean a lot to us, especially when we interact with children dealing with traumatic events because the stuffed animals bring us down to a level where we can communicate with them," said Stewart. "The toys comfort them so much that it eases their pain or take their mind off the situation they had experienced."
"We thank you all for your donations and continuous support," Warren County Sherriff Martin Pace told the group. "And we look forward to collaborating more with the alumni association in the future."
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Original text here: https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4367699/erdc-alumni-association-donates-comfort-critters-to-vicksburg-first-responders/
A Christmas Gift for Every American: Worst of Worst Criminal Illegal Alien Murderers, Drug Traffickers, and Gang Members Arrested
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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A Christmas Gift for Every American: Worst of Worst Criminal Illegal Alien Murderers, Drug Traffickers, and Gang Members Arrested
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ICE's commitment to protecting the homeland never takes a day off, not even on Christmas
WASHINGTON - While Americans enjoyed Christmas celebrations, ICE continued arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens across the country including those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, and robbery.
"While families across the country joined together
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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A Christmas Gift for Every American: Worst of Worst Criminal Illegal Alien Murderers, Drug Traffickers, and Gang Members Arrested
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ICE's commitment to protecting the homeland never takes a day off, not even on Christmas
WASHINGTON - While Americans enjoyed Christmas celebrations, ICE continued arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens across the country including those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, and robbery.
"While families across the country joined togetherfor Christmas celebrations, ICE continued delivering the American people the greatest gift of all: getting criminals out of our neighborhoods and protecting our families," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "On Christmas Eve and Christmas, our ICE officers arrested gang members, murderers, drug traffickers, and violent thugs. We are thankful for our law enforcement who sacrifice time with their family and put their lives on the line to remove the worst of the worst."
Arrests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day include:
Samuel Juarez-Cruz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for criminal homicide, 3 rd degree murder, and criminal conspiracy to commit criminal homicide in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Miguel Gonzalez-Toledo, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba, convicted for homicide and drug trafficking in Florida.
Mohamed Hassan Jeylani, a criminal illegal alien from Somalia, convicted for possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle, 1 st degree operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, 1 st degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 4 th degree criminal possession of stolen property, and 2 nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, in Monroe County, New York.
Lionel Arevalo-Rubio, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and a member of MS-13, convicted for robbery in Los Angeles, California.
Juan David Vazquez-Reyes, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for death by auto or vessel in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Marcos Archila-Aquino, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for aggravated assault with a weapon in Farmington, Utah.
Juan Zarzoza-Garza, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Edinburg, Texas.
Yasir Emilio Lohai Ojok, a criminal illegal alien from Sudan, convicted for 2 nd degree burglary in Ontario, California.
Leonardo Miliano, a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, convicted for carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and carrying a firearm without a license in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Jose Arena-Ojeda, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, convicted for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, and alien smuggling in Brackettville, Texas.
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Original text here: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/12/27/christmas-gift-every-american-worst-worst-criminal-illegal-alien-murderers-drug
