NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York City arrests Ecuadorian alien convicted of sex abuse

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an undocumented Ecuadorian alien convicted of third-degree sex abuse: subject another person to sex contact without consent, when officers arrested Kail Sebastian Cardenas Aguirre, 27, Feb. 3.

    “ICE places a high priority on identifying, arresting and removing alien offenders who pose a threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City acting Field Office Director William P. Joyce.  

    Cardenas was admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant May 15, 2021, at New York and violated the terms of his admission. The New York City Police Department arrested Cardenas March 9, 2023, and charged him with sex assault: carnal abuse. He was convicted of third-degree sex abuse: subject another person to sex contact without consent, Jan. 13, and sentenced to conditional discharge.

    Cardenas will remain in ICE custody pending removal.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ERONewYork.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Celebrate Opportunity with Local and Federal Partners to Explore Recreation Management on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain

    Source: US State of Colorado

    COLORADO SPRINGS – Today, Governor Polis joined Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and local and federal partners to explore management of recreation management opportunities on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The partnership follows years of work by CPW and the local and federal agencies and has its roots in an Executive Order the governor signed in 2020 creating the Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI). Governor Polis believes the partnership could result in a Pikes Peak Recreation Area managed by CPW that would improve the existing outdoor amenities on the mountain and create new ones. 

    “This is exactly the type of collaboration we hoped to inspire when I signed the Regional Partnerships Initiative in 2020,” Governor Polis said. “We deserve an amazing statewide vision of world-class outdoor recreation while preserving Colorado’s wildlife, habitat and quality of life. The possibility of a Pikes Peak Recreation Area fits that vision perfectly.” 

    The Governor was in town to visit with the local and federal officials who initiated the partnership by sending CPW Director Jeff Davis a Letter of Intent (LOI) asking to begin discussions about the possibility of CPW managing and expanding recreational opportunities on the mountain. 

    “CPW is excited to begin serious talks with local and federal partners about managing outdoor recreation on Pikes Peak,” said CPW Director Davis. “One of the pillars of CPW’s mission is to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. We believe we have a lot to offer to the many people who already seek out Pikes Peak for outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities. I’m hopeful and confident we can reach an agreement that benefits all the partners.” 

    The LOI was signed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the City of Manitou Springs, the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services office, Pikes Peak America’s Mountain municipal enterprise, Colorado Springs Utilities, El Paso County, Teller County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, who released the following shared statement: 

    “As partners and land managers in the Pikes Peak Region, we look forward to working closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to leverage their support and expertise as we explore strategies to define, develop, and manage the Ring the Peak corridor and enhance recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak. Together, we are committed to sustainable land management practices while offering recreation opportunities and ensuring the conservation of wildlife and protection of their habitats.” 

    Governor Polis has made expansion and enhancement of recreation opportunities across Colorado a priority and he is excited at the prospect of a partnership that would bring CPW’s management expertise to Pikes Peak. 

    “Now the partners need to get to work drafting a long-term agreement with CPW,” Governor Polis said, adding that he would like to see a multi-year plan to enhance camping, fishing, hiking and other recreational amenities on the mountain. 

    CPW views its potential role on Pikes Peak similar to its management of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area where the state agency partners with federal agencies to run campgrounds and manage hiking, boating and other activities. 

    The governor was joined by LOI partners and representatives of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA), which has been the driving force that began working in 2021 to bring together the federal, state and municipal partners that ultimately signed the LOI. 

    The group, led by Becky Leinweber, PPORA executive director, collaborated with outdoor businesses, nonprofits, government entities and individuals who recognize the value of our region’s natural and recreation assets to our community both as an economic driver and for our health and well-being. They identified America’s Mountain as their primary focus and hammered out the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative. 

    “Our collaboration has been instrumental in advancing outdoor priorities,” Leinweber said. “We are grateful to the many partners who have continued to engage, build relationships, and work together through the last three years of planning work and for exploring innovative solutions for complex challenges, including this one for improved management.” 

    While Governor Polis and CPW are committed to expanding camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak, the partnership in the LOI is focused in particular in getting CPW’s leadership to complete the “Ring the Peak Trail.” 

    “We look forward to working closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to leverage their support and expertise as we explore strategies to complete the remaining segments of the Ring the Peak Trail and enhance recreation opportunities on Pikes Peak,” the partners said in a joint statement. “Together, we are committed to sustainable land management practices while offering recreation opportunities and ensuring the conservation of wildlife and protection of their habitats.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 10th, 2025 Heinrich Pushes USDA Nominee to Address Rising Cost of Eggs Driven by Avian Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today pushed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary-designee Brooke Rollins to share her plan to address the rising cost of eggs driven by the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak. Heinrich points to tools, such as HPAI vaccines, that the USDA could develop and deploy to help tackle the outbreak and lower food prices. Under the Trump administration, the avian flu outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store for eggs and poultry products.

    “As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans. The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines. Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments,” Heinrich wrote.

    “I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers,” Heinrich continued.

    Heinrich requested that Rollins answer the following questions:

    1. Plan to Lower Prices: “Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.”
    2. Deployment Considerations: “What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?”
    3. Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: “Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.”
    4. USDA Research Plan: “What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?”
    5. Vaccination Logistics: “How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?”
    6. Budget: “What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?”

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary-designee Rollins:

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, affordable food system for American families and in supporting robust domestic and foreign markets for American farmers.  As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, one of your top priorities is to quickly and thoroughly assess and manage the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak.  The current HPAI outbreak is stressing poultry and egg producers’ ability to make a living, stretching the USDA’s budget through increasing indemnity payments to depopulate farms, and forcing working families to pay more at the grocery store.  It is clear that the American tax payer and the American consumer are now paying twice for the same problem.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average price for a dozen large grade A eggs jumped by 65 percent in 2024, from $2.52 to $4.15. As of February 2025, prices are around $7 per carton and the USDA Economic Research Service predicts that egg prices will continue to rise in 2025.

    As a U.S. Senator and member of the Appropriations Committee, my constituents have asked me to hold President Trump accountable for his promise to lower food prices for all Americans.  The USDA has many tools at its disposal to combat rising prices, including HPAI vaccines.  Vaccinating all laying hens in the United States against HPAI will help lower egg prices for consumers, decrease production losses for farmers, and ultimately decrease the cost to taxpayers through reduced indemnity payments.  While there are some technical, logistic, and trade related obstacles to the widespread vaccination of U.S. poultry flocks, there is an emerging consensus within the producer community that such action is necessary and you are seeking to join an Administration that prides itself on extracting concessions from trading partners.  I request that you respond in writing within two weeks with your plan to lower egg and poultry prices for consumers through vaccination efforts, while preserving export markets for American farmers. Specifically, I would like your answers to the following questions:

    • Your Plan to Lower Prices: Please share in detail your plan to lower egg and poultry prices through vaccination efforts and other means, including a complete vaccination strategy, use case, and plan to procure, stockpile, distribute, deploy, administer, and track the use of poultry H5N1 vaccines.
    • Deployment Considerations: What considerations need to be weighed while deploying H5N1 vaccinations to all laying hens in domestic egg production? Please provide specifics about how you propose to prioritize certain flocks or regions based on risk and export profile to maximize reductions in cost paid by American consumers for poultry and egg products?
    • Better Trade Agreements for American Farmers: Once you have reviewed our poultry trade agreements in consultation with the US Trade Representative (USTR), please provide a plan that describes the actions the Administration will take to renegotiate trade agreements to permit the export of poultry and poultry products derived from birds that have been vaccinated.  American farmers who want to keep their livelihoods intact and prices affordable for American families will look to you and the USTR to quickly renegotiate important trade agreements to maintain and expand foreign markets.
    • USDA Research Plan: What is your plan for the USDA research that is needed to best match vaccines to the current strain of the virus and to expand production and deployment of effective vaccinations for poultry against all currently circulating variants of H5N1?
    • Vaccination Logistics: How will you handle the logistics and costs associated with vaccination as well as enhanced surveillance and monitoring of flocks in a way that lowers prices for the American consumer?
    • Budget: What budget will you assign to the USDA’s efforts to manage the HPAI outbreak and lower egg and poultry prices for families, including through vaccination and other means?

    I welcome your urgent attention to these questions. I look forward to learning more about your plan to bring down food prices for American families, support domestic producers, maintain export markets, and tackle this highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Muslim Ban

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    NO BAN Act would prohibit discriminatory immigration bans like one President Trump implemented in 2017

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined their Senate colleagues to reintroduce the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which protects against discriminatory immigration bans like those President Trump implemented during his first term. 

    Specifically, the NO BAN Act would prohibit religious discrimination in our immigration laws and ensure that any use of the President’s authority to suspend entry into the country would be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.

    “During his first term, Trump’s Muslim ban stripped people of their rights and separated entire families,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans deserve real solutions on immigration, not prejudicial bans that cause chaos and suffering.”

    “For generations, immigrants and refugees have come to our country to flee religious persecution and seek a better life. My own family is part of this story – my mom’s family survived the Holocaust and came to the United States because it was the only country in the world where they believed they could rebuild their shattered lives,” said Bennet. “That’s why I’ll keep working with my colleagues to oppose efforts to shape our refugee program by religious or ethnic preferences that betray the values that have made our country strong.”

    As a candidate for president in 2016, Donald Trump promised to ban Muslim immigrants from the United States. Upon taking office, he tried to enact bans that were repeatedly struck down by the courts until the conservative majority of the Supreme Court ultimately upheld a version of the ban by a 5-4 vote. The discriminatory bans caused widespread harm, separating 1,545 children from their American parents and 3,460 parents from their American sons and daughters.

    President Biden reversed the discriminatory bans, but now that President Trump’s the threat of their revival remains. He already issued an executive order that requires government departments to identify nations whose migration and screening processes are “so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries.” The order lays the groundwork for another ban on migration from predominantly Muslim countries. This legislation is necessary to prevent such discriminatory actions.

    The NO BAN Act would:

    • Expand the nondiscrimination provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act to include religious discrimination, and extend them to the issuance of nonimmigrant visas and benefits.
    • Require that any travel restriction imposed under the Immigration and Nationality Act be based on specific and credible facts, and be narrowly tailored to address a compelling government interest.
    • Require notice to Congress within 48 hours of instituting a ban and follow-up reporting.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Support for Ukrainians continues as government extends driving licence and vehicle exemptions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ukrainian licence holders will be able to drive on Great Britain’s roads for up to 4.5 years from when they arrive in the UK.

    • rules to allow Ukrainians to drive in the UK using their Ukrainian license extended
    • Ukrainians will also remain exempt from registering and paying vehicle excise duty in the UK on Ukrainian-registered vehicles
    • additional support comes as UK and Ukraine sign historic 100-year partnership to bolster maritime security and deepen trade ties

    Ukrainian nationals who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion will continue being able to drive, as the government extends rules to support them.

    The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has announced an 18-month extension for Ukrainian licence holders, allowing them to drive mopeds, motorcycles and cars – meaning these motorists will be able to drive on Great Britain’s roads for up to 4.5 years from arriving here in the UK.

    In addition, certain Ukrainians on visa schemes will be exempt for a further 18 months from registering their vehicles or paying vehicle excise duty (VED) for their Ukrainian-registered vehicles in the UK. This reduces financial pressure and avoids unnecessary costs and complications.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    The government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine, and it’s important those in the UK who’ve fled Putin’s illegal invasion are able to get about with ease for work or education.

    This may seem like a small thing, but I’m pleased our country is taking action to help make day-to-day life that little bit easier for those who have endured unimaginable hardship for 3 years now.

    The UK and Ukraine have an unbreakable bond reflected through the recently announced 100 Year Partnership, which ensures closer communities are supported for generations to come.

    These exemptions align with the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, which enables certain Ukrainians to stay in the UK for a further 18 months from the end of their current permission. These measures will help avoid obstacles that may make it harder for Ukrainians to return home after the war to support reconstruction efforts.

    The UK is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine, with £12.8 billion in humanitarian, economic and military support since the invasion started in February 2022. The Prime Minister committed £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alabama Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Account Hack

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    An Alabama man pleaded guilty today in connection with the January 2024 unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which hackers posted a fraudulent message in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, temporarily causing the value of Bitcoin (BTC) to increase by more than $1,000.

    According to court documents, Eric Council Jr., 25, of Athens, conspired with others who took unauthorized control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announced that the SEC approved BTC Exchange Traded Funds, a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per bitcoin. Shortly after this unauthorized post, the SEC regained control over its X account and confirmed that the announcement was false and the result of a security breach. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per bitcoin.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap refers to the process of fraudulently inducing a cell phone carrier to reassign a cell phone number from the legitimate subscriber or user’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by a criminal actor. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from his co-conspirators. Council used the fraudulent identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s cellular phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s account. Council’s co-conspirators then accessed the account and posted in the name of the SEC Chairman. Council received payment in bitcoin from his co-conspirators for his role.   

    Council pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia; Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; and SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Account Hack

    Source: United States Attorneys General 6

    An Alabama man pleaded guilty today in connection with the January 2024 unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which hackers posted a fraudulent message in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, temporarily causing the value of Bitcoin (BTC) to increase by more than $1,000.

    According to court documents, Eric Council Jr., 25, of Athens, conspired with others who took unauthorized control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announced that the SEC approved BTC Exchange Traded Funds, a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per bitcoin. Shortly after this unauthorized post, the SEC regained control over its X account and confirmed that the announcement was false and the result of a security breach. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per bitcoin.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap refers to the process of fraudulently inducing a cell phone carrier to reassign a cell phone number from the legitimate subscriber or user’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by a criminal actor. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from his co-conspirators. Council used the fraudulent identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s cellular phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s account. Council’s co-conspirators then accessed the account and posted in the name of the SEC Chairman. Council received payment in bitcoin from his co-conspirators for his role.   

    Council pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia; Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; and SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced for February 12th and 13th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference to be held February 12th & 13th.

    Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.

    REGISTER NOW AT: https://bit.ly/3CGh5eQ

    It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.

    “We are looking forward to hosting the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference this week, with a group of OTCQX and OTCQB companies presenting over the course of two days,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “Our markets are tailored to meet the needs of today’s resource companies as they look to expand their investor base, and we are proud to support their outreach through the VIC platform.”

    February 12th

    February 13th

    To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media Contact: 
    OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Cabrach Trust challenges Canadian power giant over Scottish windfarm plan raised in Scottish Parliament

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The Cabrach Trust writes to Quebec-based Boralex
    • Canadian firm cited in parliamentary debate on energy projects
    • Plans attract widespread UK national media attention

    MORAY, Scotland, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A letter from The Cabrach Trust, a community led project, in the Scottish Highlands to Canadian energy giant Boralex about its plans for a new windfarm have been raised in a Scottish Parliament debate about the impact of energy projects.

    The debate last month (January 22) was led by Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden who mentioned the Boralex project after stories appeared in major UK newspapers the previous weekend about a letter sent to company bosses from the local regeneration trust.

    Quebec-based Boralex hopes to develop the Clashindarroch Extension scheme in The Cabrach area of the Scottish Highlands to build 22 wind turbines and a battery energy storage facility. The area already has 78 turbines operational within a six miles radius, and a further 21 consented.

    Boralex, which last year posted revenues of CA$1.02bn (£580m) but has recently announced quarterly losses of CA$14 million (£7.9 million), took over the project when it acquired the UK interests of European energy company Infinergy in July 2022. It has now formed a joint venture with site owner Dr Christopher Moran, the London-based businessman and Conservative Party donor.

    Last year, The Cabrach Trust, the charity established in 2013 to safeguard the fragile community and preserve its cultural heritage, wrote to Boralex Chief Executive Patrick Decostre, and has now written to Boralex’s UK Country Director, Esbjorn Wilmar, to seek further clarification about the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

    In his letter to Mr Wilmar, Cabrach Trust Chief Executive Jonathan Christie wrote: “We feel strongly there is acute over-provision of wind turbines around our remote and fragile community, and further expansion, such as planned by Boralex, is at odds with our ambitions to regenerate the area in a way which is sensitive and in harmony with its landscape, community, and history.”

    The company’s environmental mission statement promises to “foster an open dialogue with our host communities, listen to their concerns and take them into account in our environmental response.”

    In October, Scotland’s Deputy First Minster, Kate Forbes, inaugurated the The Cabrach Trust’s £5m Cabrach Distillery & Heritage Centre, part a wider programme of community regeneration initiatives.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyber scaleup Goldilock expands Wolverhampton hub to support rapid growth

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Goldilock is a UK based cyber security scaleup which has developed a unique network isolation and segmentation device that ringfences networks away from the internet to make them inaccessible to hackers. Over the past year, FireBreak has won Goldilock a place on multiple accelerators including the prestigious NATO DIANA programme and the MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). FireBreak’s applications for critical networks and sensitive data mean the product is being used by organisations responsible for critical national infrastructure (CNI) globally including the Ukrainian Cyber Command, as well as in sectors such as financial services, healthcare and manufacturing. Goldilock fuelled its growth in 2024 through expanding its channel partner programme, and now collaborates with over 50 partners across 18 countries in Europe, while the company’s headcount in the West Midlands hub has doubled over the course of the year to support a rapidly expanding customer base.

    The West Midlands region, with its burgeoning community of forward thinking businesses and access to a talented pool of cybersecurity professionals, provides an ideal foundation for Goldilock’s continued success. FireBreak’s applications for defence and deployment by large UK CNI companies means Goldilock’s facilities in the West Midlands have been officially vetted by both NATO and UK security regulators. Now, as Goldilock scales up and moves from R&D and prototyping to large scale manufacturing to meet the global demand for FireBreak, it has chosen to re-invest in the West Midlands by expanding its facilities and continuing to conduct all manufacturing in its new dedicated space in the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

    Anticipating continued growth over the next few years, Goldilock expects to increase the team to 32 employees by the end of 2025 and forecasts that it will be able to create 44 new jobs in the area between now and the end of 2027, the majority of which will be engineers to help service customer orders for FireBreak as they continue to grow in size and number.

    Stephen Kines, co-founder and COO of Goldilock, said: “We are thrilled to expand our capability to meet the large scale orders we have coming in and in doing so further strengthen our ties with the tech community in the West Midlands.

    “With sophisticated ransomware and AI powered attacks on a continuous rise, paired with the increasing interconnectedness of systems, Goldilock’s technology provides a critical, foundational layer of defence. The West Midlands offers us an invaluable hub for innovation, providing access to a diverse pool of talented tech professionals and a supportive business environment from which we can continue to grow the business and get our critical product to where it’s needed most, as quickly as possible.”

    Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “We warmly welcome Goldilock’s commitment to growing its pioneering cyber security business in the West Midlands.

    Goldilock is helping to strengthen our manufacturing supply chain and create new jobs for local people.”

    City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Goldilock’s expansion is a testament to the City of Wolverhampton’s growing appeal as a destination of choice for ambitious tech firms, with an extensive R&D network, deep pool of specialist talent and proximity to the region’s end to end manufacturing supply chain.

    “We’re very proud that Goldilock chose to call the University of Wolverhampton Science Park home and look forward to supporting their continued growth, while encouraging many more tech firms to make the most of the valuable opportunity presented by our Green Innovation Corridor.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of Daesh crimes: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

    The UK remains fully focused on tackling the continued threat from Daesh and its affiliates. 

    Whilst steady progress has been made by the international community to suppress Daesh, we cannot become complacent. 

    Daesh continues to exploit regional instability, drive division and seek new ways to finance its operations through emerging technology and this remains a global threat which we need to address collectively. 

    In the Middle East, after decades of atrocities committed by the Assad regime, the United Kingdom stands with the people of Syria and their desire to build a more stable, free and prosperous future. 

    We welcome continued efforts, including by the Global Coalition, to suppress Daesh and reduce the risk they pose as Syria embarks on this historic political transition.   

    Iraq also remains a critical partner – the reduction in Daesh’s influence and impact in Iraq is a credit to Iraqi determination and sustained military efforts, alongside Coalition partners.  

    The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of Daesh crimes. 

    We will continue working with the Government of Iraq as they build on UNITAD’s legacy and deliver accountability through their National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC).

    In Asia, ISKP continue to pose a threat despite work to combat them, including by Pakistan, and other countries in the region. 

    The UK continues to coordinate action against the group through the ISKP Diplomatic Grouping, targeting their propaganda and seeking to restrict their access to financial resources.  

    In Africa, Daesh continues to spread across large parts of the continent, threatening regional stability and inspiring individuals to conduct attacks. 

    The African Union plays a central role in coordinating the international response, and the UK welcomes, for example. the renewed mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the recent deployment of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission to Somalia.  

    Finally, we cannot fight terrorism with force alone. 

    A whole of society approach with the meaningful participation of women is needed to address the long-term drivers of terrorism. 

    The protection of human rights and rule of law should be at the heart of all of our efforts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Suspended prison sentence for illegal waste activity

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    A man has appeared at court for failing to clear an illegal waste site for the second time – and operating another one in Middlesbrough.

    The image shows large piles of waste at the illegal Owens Road site.

    In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, Martin Hindmarsh, 38, of High Street, Stokesley, appeared at Teesside magistrates’ court on Tuesday 4 February.

    He admitted he was in contempt of court for the second time for failing to comply with a court order to clear waste from an illegal site at Tame Road, in Middlesbrough.

    He had also previously pleaded guilty on 19 November 2024 to operating another illegal waste site at Owens Road, also in Middlesbrough, which he was doing during the investigation and prosecution in relation to the Tame Road site.

    For the illegal waste site, he was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £7,506.60.

    For the contempt of court, he was fined £5,000 and told he must clear the site or expect to be back before the court.

    The image shows the piles of waste still present at the illegal Tame Road site.

    ‘Determined to tackle waste crime’

    Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

    We are determined to tackle waste crime that is blighting our communities, and continue to take action against those involved.

    Hindmarsh has shown a complete disregard for the law in relation to both of the sites he has operated in Middlesbrough, and we’re pleased this has been recognised by the court.

    Trying to bypass environmental laws for financial gain can ultimately end up being significantly more costly.

    The court heard that Hindmarsh, the director of B8 Waste Services Ltd – which was ultimately dissolved in October 2023 – started renting an industrial unit at Owens Road in December 2022.

    In June 2023, both Cleveland Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency received information about a large amount of waste on the site.

    Officers from both organisations attended the site together and saw it filled with waste, including fridges and freezers, wood, metal, mattresses and gas canisters, all stored in one big pile causing a fire hazard.

    Hindmarsh, who was on site, said he did not have an Environment Agency environmental permit, which is required to operate a waste facility.

    He was given a notice that required him to stop operating the site with immediate effect and to remove all waste by 14 July 2023. He was also asked for his waste transfer notes, which are a legally required document that record the movement of waste between one place and another.

    The image shows illegal waste at the Owens Road site.

    Checks on illegal site

    On 14 July, the Environment Agency returned to the site to assess whether waste had been removed, and while the unit was shut, they found there was an increase in waste stored outside of the unit.

    In August, a further visit confirmed the amount of waste on site had increased.

    In December, the Environment Agency wrote to Hindmarsh requesting that all waste transfer notes for waste that left the site between 1 July and 20 December 2023 were provided by 29 December 2023.

    In February the following year, officers met with Hindmarsh on site. While the majority of waste had been removed, there were still around 40 fridge freezers remaining. Hindmarsh also provided the waste transfer notes this month, six weeks after the December deadline.

    At the Tame Road site, in July 2023, Hindmarsh and his other company, B8 Waste Management Limited, were fined and ordered to pay costs totalling almost £26,000 when they appeared at Teesside magistrates’ court. Hindmarsh was ordered to clear the site of waste by 31 December 2023, and disqualified from being a company director for two years

    In July 2024, he appeared in court again where he admitted contempt of court for failing to clear the site by the deadline. He was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay costs of £2,750.

    He indicated he would clear the site within two months, but checks by Environment Agency officers in August and November revealed the waste was still on site. Waste was also still present during a final visit by officers on the day of sentencing – 4 February 2025.

    In mitigation, the court heard that Hindmarsh had cleared the Owens Road site and had recently borrowed money to clear the Tame Road site, and expected it to be cleared in the next week. It was added that his family would suffer if sent to prison. 

    People can report waste crime to the Environment Agency on its incident hotline: 0800 807060

    Background

    Full charge

    Between 7 June and 2 February 2024, Hindmarsh operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the recovery or disposal of waste, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit.

    Contrary to regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Simon Case takes leading role in plan to transform Barrow

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Former Cabinet Secretary appointed independent Chair of Barrow Delivery Board Barrow Transformation Fund backed by £200m government investment

    Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Simon Case has been appointed independent Chair of the Barrow Delivery Board, the government announced today (Monday, Feb 10). 

    Dr Case brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role after a long career in the Civil Service. 

    The Delivery Board will deliver the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200m government package to deepen and develop Barrow’s crucial role at the heart of UK national security and nuclear submarine-building, overseen by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

    It forms part of the Plan for Barrow, which aims to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for residents.  

    Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris said: 

    Barrow lies at the heart of our defence industry, and the nuclear submarines produced there play a crucial role in keeping Britain safe. We are committed to building on Barrow’s incredible strengths and making sure local people benefit from the town’s development.

    Simon Case is ideally placed to chair the Delivery Board and oversee the delivery of £200m of funding to tackle local priorities, taking Barrow towards an exciting future. He will ensure Barrow’s place in our national Plan for Change – because what’s best for Barrow is best for the country.

    Dr Case said:

    I’m delighted to be appointed Chair and take on this important role. Barrow is critical to our national security; there’s nowhere else in the country with the unique set of skills and supporting infrastructure required to deliver complex nuclear submarines, so it’s vital we invest now to sustain this capability. 

    Barrow is a fantastic town and the Government’s long-term commitment to the UK’s submarine programme means it has an exciting future, but it’s not without its challenges. Our task is to address these, turn ambition into reality and help transform Barrow into a place where people choose to live, work and thrive.

    The government is committed to growing the economy, strengthening national security and supporting our communities as part of the Plan for Change.

    Barrow’s contribution to maintaining and renewing the UK’s nuclear deterrent has been built up over many years – often by multiple generations of the same families as part of a truly national endeavour. The government’s tailored Transformation Fund will build on these historic strengths and ensure the town’s full potential is realised. 

    Dr Case’s appointment was confirmed by Minister Norris in a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament today. The Delivery Board will meet in March to make its first spending decisions. This funding will bring transformational and long-lasting change to Barrow across areas including transport, education, employment, skills, health, equity and wellbeing. 

    Dr Case previously acted as Chair of the Board on an interim basis, as part of his role as Cabinet Secretary.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home Office smashes targets with mass surge in migrant removals

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and people with no right to be in the UK have now been removed since the government took office.

    Nearly 19,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders have been returned since the election to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America following a major escalation in immigration enforcement by the Home Office.

    By redeploying 1,000 staff to work on immigration enforcement and sending a clear signal that those coming here illegally will be returned swiftly – between 5 July 2024 and 31 January 2025, enforced returns are up 24%, removals of foreign national offenders up 21% and illegal working raids up by 38% compared to the same period 12 months prior.

    These figures represent the highest rate of returns seen in the UK since 2018 and include the 4 biggest returns charter flights in the UK’s history, with a total of more than 850 people on board.

    As part of this release, the Home Office has for the first time shared images of the inner working of the removals process to provide further understanding of this important work.

    The government’s success in ramping up removals is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities and finally restoring order to the asylum system. This new approach focusses on breaking the business model of smuggling gangs through tougher law enforcement powers than ever before, rapidly removing those who are here illegally and ending the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   

    To rebuild public confidence in the immigration system, we need to show the rules are respected and enforced. That’s why, as part of the government’s Plan for Change, we have put significant additional resource into immigration enforcement and returns, so those who have no right to be here, particularly those who have committed crimes in our country, are removed as swiftly as possible.

    I want to pay tribute to all the Immigration Enforcement staff and other officials in the Home Office who strive tirelessly every day to make our returns system work firmly, fairly and swiftly.

    Deportations and returns of foreign national offenders and failed asylum seekers continue to take place regularly, with final numbers to be confirmed later in the year, as part of the Home Office’s usual published statistics.

    Ramping up returns is an important part of the government’s system-wide action to strengthen UK border security and restore order to the asylum and immigration system. Tackling illegal working is also vital to this approach and last month saw 828 premises raided by Immigration Enforcement, the highest total of raids recorded in the month of January for over half a decade.

    During these enforcement operations Immigration Enforcement officers also play a crucial role in tackling human trafficking and modern slavery through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This system allows the government to carry out its obligations to identify and support adult victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Immigration Enforcement officers are trained to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking when they carry out enforcement visits and refer victims to the NRM for support.

    In the months ahead, the government will introduce new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs, as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK border security, which has second reading in the House of Commons today.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: on the pause of UN operations in Sa’ada governorate of Yemen [scroll down for Arabic version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Following the recent detention by the Houthi de facto authorities of eight additional United Nations personnel, including six working in Sa’ada governorate, which has impacted our ability to operate, the Secretary-General has instructed the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations, in the absence of the necessary security conditions and guarantees, to pause all operations and programmes in Sa’ada governorate, Yemen.

    This extraordinary and temporary measure seeks to balance the imperative to stay and deliver with the need to have the safety and security of the UN personnel and its partners guaranteed. Such guarantees are ultimately required to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our efforts.

    This pause is to give time to the de facto authorities and the United Nations to arrange the release of arbitrarily detained UN personnel and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place to deliver critical humanitarian support guided by the principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence and humanity.

    The United Nations remains fully committed to assist the millions of people in need across Yemen.
      
    New York, 10 February 2025

    ***

    تنويه إلى الصحفيين: بشأن التعليق المؤقت لأنشطة الأمم المتحدة في محافظة صعدة، اليمن

    على إثر قيام سلطات الأمر الواقع (الحوثيين) مؤخراً باحتجاز ثمانية موظفين إضافيين من الأمم المتحدة، من بينهم ستة يعملون في محافظة صعدة، مما أثر على قدرتنا على العمل، فقد وجه الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة وكالات وصناديق وبرامج الأمم المتحدة، في ظل غياب الظروف الأمنية والضمانات اللازمة، إلى التعليق المؤقت لجميع العمليات والبرامج في محافظة صعدة، اليمن.

    يهدف هذا الإجراء الاستثنائي والمؤقت إلى تحقيق التوازن بين ضرورة البقاء وتقديم المساعدة وبين الحاجة إلى ضمان سلامة وأمن موظفي الأمم المتحدة وشركائها. إذ إن هذه الضمانات تُعد ضرورية في نهاية المطاف لضمان فاعلية واستدامة جهودنا.

    يمنح هذا التعليق المؤقت الوقت لسلطات الأمر الواقع والأمم المتحدة لترتيب الإفراج عن الموظفين المحتجزين وضمان توافر الظروف اللازمة لتقديم المساعدات الإنسانية الحيوية، وفقاً لمبادئ الحياد وعدم التحيز والاستقلالية والمبادئ الإنسانية. وبمجرد تحقيق هذه الأهداف، ستُستأنف البرامج والعمليات الإنسانية.
    تظل الأمم المتحدة ملتزمة بالكامل بمساعدة الملايين من المحتاجين في جميع أنحاء اليمن.

    نيويورك، 10 شباط/فبراير 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful NIH Funding Cuts for Universities and Research Institutions

    Source: US State of California

    Coalition also seeks court order barring Trump Administration from implementing drastic funding cuts

    OAKLAND — As part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for unlawfully decimating funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. Filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, the lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration’s attempt to unilaterally cut “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution throughout the country, including at the University of California (UC) and at the California State University (CSU). Indirect cost reimbursements are based on each institution’s unique needs, negotiated with the federal government through a carefully regulated process, and then memorialized in an executed agreement. In addition to filing today’s lawsuit, the coalition is seeking a temporary restraining order to bar the Trump Administration’s action from taking effect.

    “We are suing President Trump and his administration because they are once again violating the law. Let’s be clear about what they are seeking to do now: they want to eviscerate funding for medical research that helps develop new cures and treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The stakes are especially high here in California. Ours is a state known as a national and global leader in life-saving biomedical research, and I will not allow the Trump Administration to jeopardize the extraordinary work being done right now by scientists, scholars, medical professionals, and other workers.”

    “Like scores of institutions across the country, the University of California has relied on NIH grants to pursue life-saving research that benefits Americans nationwide,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “Cuts of this magnitude would deal a devastating blow to our country’s research and innovation enterprise, undermine our global competitiveness, and, if allowed to go forward, will ultimately delay or derail progress toward treatment and cures for many of the most serious diseases that plague us today. We stand ready to fight to protect this critical investment in a healthier and more prosperous America.”

    “Federal grant funding is vital to the CSU’s teaching and research mission, which addresses some of society’s most urgent challenges in health care, agriculture, water, fire prevention and cybersecurity,” said CSU spokesperson Jason Maymon. “The NIH’s drastic reduction in reimbursement for previously agreed upon administrative costs will leave the CSU’s 23 universities with millions in unfunded expenses, jeopardizing critical research and support systems needed for program success. This decision threatens not only groundbreaking research but also the future of student innovation and scientific progress.”

    This past Friday, February 7, the NIH announced it would abruptly slash indirect cost rates to an across-the-board 15% rate, which is significantly less than the cost required to perform cutting edge medical research. The NIH purported to make this cut effective the very next business day, Monday, February 10, giving universities and institutions no time to plan for the enormous budget gaps they are now facing. The reimbursements at issue cover expenses to facilitate biomedical research, like lab, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Without immediate relief, this action could result in the suspension of lifesaving and life-extending clinical trials, disruption of research programs, staffing cuts, and laboratory closures. 

    In today’s lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s action violates the Administrative Procedure Act in multiple ways. For example, the attorneys general argue that the action is arbitrary and capricious and violates a directive Congress passed during President Trump’s first term to fend off his earlier proposal to drastically cut research reimbursements. That statutory language, still in effect, prohibits the NIH from requiring categorial and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements.  

    Most NIH-funding research occurs outside of federal government institutions such as both public and private universities and colleges. In California, this includes: 

    • The University of California. The UC system has 21 health professional sciences schools, five NCI-designated cancer centers, and six academic medical centers widely recognized as among the best in the nation, and they are international leaders in the education of health professionals, in research that develops new cures and treatments, and in public service that provides healthcare for all Californians regardless of ability to pay. Federal funds are UC’s single most important source of support for its research, accounting for more than half of UC’s total research awards. In Fiscal Year 2023, UC received a total of over $2 billion in NIH contract and grant funding.
    • The California State University. The CSU system is the largest public university system in the United States and consists of 23 campuses. In the last audited year, CSU campuses received approximately $158 million in NIH funds.  

    The NIH is the primary source of federal funding for medical research in the United States. Medical research funding by NIH grants have led to innumerable scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of treatment for cancers of all types, the first sequencing of DNA, and the development of the MRI. Additionally, dozens of NIH-supported scientists have earned Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking scientific work. 

    In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of: Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the lawsuit can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Slashing Vital Medical and Scientific Research Funding   

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for attempting to illegally slash grant funding to universities and research institutions across the country. Attorney General James and the coalition are challenging the NIH’s new policy that caps “indirect cost” reimbursements at 15% for every research institution in the country. These indirect cost reimbursements cover all expenses that facilitate biomedical research, including laboratory space, equipment, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Limiting these reimbursements will threaten lifesaving medical research at institutions across the country and could lead to layoffs, disruptions to clinical trials, and even laboratory closures. With today’s lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition seek to prevent the policy from taking effect. 

    “This is yet another unlawful and reckless attempt by the Trump administration to undermine vital public institutions and harm the people who rely on them,” said Attorney General James. “The administration’s decision to cap NIH reimbursement rates could force scientists to shutter their lifesaving research on cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, addiction, infectious diseases, and more. My office will not stand idly by as this administration once again puts politics over science and endangers public health. We are suing to prevent this harmful policy from taking effect.”

    On February 7, NIH announced it would abruptly slash indirect cost rates for research grants to 15% across the board, significantly less than the cost required to perform cutting-edge medical research. The NIH also announced that cuts would go into effect the next business day, Monday, February 10, giving universities and institutions no time to plan for the enormous budget gaps they are now facing. Without immediate relief, this action could result in the suspension of life-saving and life-extending clinical trials, disruption of research programs, layoffs, and laboratory closures. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the rate change violates Congressional appropriations law, which has prohibited NIH from altering indirect cost rates without proper authorization since 2018. This directive was passed by Congress during the first Trump administration, following another proposal by the administration to drastically cut research reimbursements. In addition, the attorneys general argue that NIH exceeded its authority by making this cut retroactive to existing grants, and that the cut lacks any factual basis and was enacted without proper notice or any opportunity for comment. The attorneys general are seeking a court order barring the Trump administration and NIH from implementing the action. 

    The NIH is the primary source of federal funding for medical research in the United States. Medical research funding by NIH grants has led to innumerable scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of treatment for cancers of all types, the first sequencing of DNA, and the development of the MRI. Additionally, dozens of NIH-supported scientists have earned Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking scientific work. Most NIH-funded research occurs outside of federal government institutions such as public and private universities and colleges.

    In New York, there are currently $5 billion in open NIH grants to institutions throughout the state. If the proposed funding cap takes effect, approximately 250 institutions in New York would be impacted, encompassing most universities and medical schools in the state. New York institutions stand to lose approximately $850 million from this policy. For example, the State University of New York (SUNY) system alone stands to lose $78 million through the full life of its current grants and would have to abandon breakthrough research projects on cancer and Alzheimer’s disease if the cap is allowed to go forward. 

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    This matter is being handled for New York by Special Counsel Molly Thomas-Jensen and Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives Rabia Muqaddam of the Executive Division, under the supervision of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Christopher Ferguson

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage and dashboard camera video that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Christopher Ferguson, who died on December 5, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.

    On the afternoon of December 5, members of the NYPD, after a pursuit, encountered Mr. Ferguson as he was attempting to get out of a car near the intersection of Utica Avenue and Park Place in Brooklyn. During the encounter, Mr. Ferguson allegedly pointed a gun at the officers and the officers discharged their service weapons in response, striking Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a firearm with an extended magazine at the scene.

    The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras that officers were equipped with during the incident and video from a police car dashboard camera. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

    Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

    The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

    Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ban on DeepSeek AI for Government Devices

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a statewide ban to prohibit the DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence application from being downloaded on ITS-managed government devices and networks. DeepSeek is an AI start-up founded and owned by High-Flyer, a stock trading firm based in the People’s Republic of China. Serious concerns have been raised concerning DeepSeek AI’s connection to foreign government surveillance and censorship, including how DeepSeek can be used to harvest user data and steal technology secrets.

    “Public safety is my top priority and we’re working aggressively to protect New Yorkers from foreign and domestic threats,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship.”

    New York State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said, “Safeguarding New Yorker’s critical infrastructure, privacy, freedom from censorship are central pillars of Governor Hochul’s security and resilience agenda. This action today demonstrates we will continue to defend New York from cyber threats.”

    New York State Office of Information Technology Services Chief Information Officer and Director Dru Rai said, “The decision by Governor Hochul to prevent downloads of DeepSeek is consistent with the State’s Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies policy that was established at her direction over a year ago to responsibly evaluate AI systems, better serve New Yorkers, and ensure agencies remain vigilant about protecting against unwanted outcomes. I commend the Governor for recognizing that this must continue to be the highest priority.”

    Today’s announcement builds on the Governor’s 2024 issuance of statewide guidance for AI use in government, which established that through the responsible use of AI, State agencies can drive innovation, increase operational efficiencies and better serve New Yorkers while protecting privacy, managing risk and promoting accountability, safety and equity.

    That guidance — which included provisions on the proper use of AI, human oversight, fairness and equity, transparency, risk assessment and management, privacy and security — offered a comprehensive policy for the use of AI in State government.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian National Sentenced To 18 Months In Federal Prison For Illegal Reentry Into The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Severin Bombu (35, Romania) to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Bombu pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024.

    According to court documents, Bombu is a citizen and national of Romania. He was previously removed from the United States on three prior occasions: November 16, 2018, December 20, 2023, and March 2, 2024. Bombu was found voluntarily back in the United States on November 1, 2024, when he was arrested in Marion County on an outstanding grand theft warrant. Bombu has never applied for or received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reenter the United States.

    This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – President Metsola: “Örebro shooting was a senseless act of violence”

    Source: European Parliament 3

    President Metsola opened the 10-13 February session with a minute’s silence for the victims of last week’s shooting in Örebro – the worst in Sweden’s history.

    Örebro Shooting

    Calling on MEPs to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the mass shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro on Tuesday 4 February 2025, President Metsola called the tragedy “a senseless act of violence that claimed innocent lives, shattering families, and scarring communities. Europe mourns those who have been lost, and our thoughts are with their loved ones, with all those who have been injured, and with the people of Sweden in this moment of profound sorrow.” She added that “hatred and violence have no place in Europe. The values that unite us – peace, democracy, and the dignity of human life – will always prevail.”

    Three years since Russian invasion of Ukraine

    President Metsola marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine by saying that “Ukraine remains resilient. And this Parliament stands with it.” President Metsola informed MEPs that Parliament will welcome Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday 11 February to mark this sombre anniversary.

    Interruptions during International Holocaust Remembrance Day

    Referring to interruptions that took place during Parliament’s solemn session on 29 January 2025 to honour International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Metsola extended her deepest apologies for the “disgraceful” incident. “The gravity of such behaviour cannot be overstated. It is a stark reminder of why remembrance is not just a symbolic act, but a fundamental duty that this Parliament – that we all must – uphold,” she said. “The appropriate consequences will be drawn after the relevant procedures are followed. I thank all of you for being present that day.”

    Changes to the agenda

    MONDAY

    Parliament’s statements on the Situation in Sweden in the midst of the recent mass shooting in Örebro, with one round of political group speakers, is added as the first point today.

    TUESDAY

    A formal sitting with an address by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, is added at 12:00. As a consequence, the voting session will start at 12:30.

    THURSDAY

    The order of debates in the morning is changed as follows:

    • the debate on EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is taken as the first point on the agenda, whereas
    • the debate on Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure follows as the second point.

    Request by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

    Decisions by committees to enter into inter-institutional negotiations (Rule 71) are published on the plenary website.

    If no request for a vote in Parliament on the decision to enter into negotiations is made by Tuesday at midnight, the committees may start negotiations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party Secures Support for Humane XL Bully Legislation Reform

    Source: The Green Party in Northern Ireland

    Green Party Councillors Lauren Kendall and Barry McKee have achieved a significant victory for animal welfare at the Ards & North Down Environment Committee. Their motion, of “Kindness over cruelty”, challenges Northern Ireland’s current ban on rehoming XL Bully type dogs, which has led to the destruction of healthy, non-aggressive animals.
    The approved motion recognises the paramount importance of community safety while arguing that the blanket ban on rehoming XL Bullies is unnecessarily cruel. It calls on the DAERA Minister to revise the legislation, allowing registered animal charities and shelters to rehome these dogs following professional behavioural assessments.
    Councillor Kendall emphasised the need for evidence-based policy: “Expert organisations like the USPCA and Dogs Trust agree that dog breeds aren’t inherently dangerous. Every day, shelters assess dogs for rehoming based on behaviour, not breed. We’re simply asking for XL Bullies to be given the same chance, with proper vetting and safety measures in place.”
    Councillor McKee highlighted the human cost of the current legislation: “The case of Max in Lisburn & Castlereagh shows how flawed this system is. Without public outcry, a misidentified dog would have been needlessly destroyed. We’re wasting time and resources fighting these battles when better legislation could prevent them entirely.”
    The Green Party’s motion offers a balanced approach, prioritising both public safety and animal welfare. By advocating for professional assessments and responsible ownership practices, it aims to prevent the needless euthanasia of dogs that could bring joy to suitable owners.
    As the Council prepares to write to the DAERA Minister, the Green Party Northern Ireland reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based policy-making that protects both communities and animals. This motion represents a crucial step towards more humane and effective dog control measures in Northern Ireland, ensuring that no dog is destroyed simply because of its breed.
    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Norwich City Council celebrates National Apprenticeship Week!

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Monday, 10th February 2025

    National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration of apprentices, highlighting the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals and organisations across the country.

    With the national campaign now in its 18th year, Norwich City Council is proud to once again celebrate the invaluable contribution apprentices make to its workforce, helping to deliver essential public services to the residents across the city.

    The authority boasts that Since 2018 more than 18 apprenticeships have been completed, with another 12 currently ongoing. Qualifications range from NVQ level 2 to level 6 (or equivalent) in a variety of disciplines, including:

    • Business administration.
    • Civil engineering.
    • Procurement.
    • Accountancy.
    • Human resources (HR).
    • Software development.
    • Customer Service.

    Meanwhile, the council’s retention rate is an equally impressive 72%, demonstrating that the apprentices choose to stay on and progress within the authority, even after they have completed their course.

    This mirrors the picture nationally, with studies showing that 80% of employers report higher staff retention due to apprenticeships and 92% of employers seeing a boost in workforce motivation and satisfaction.

    Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council said: “As a council we are very proud of our apprentices and the work they do for us, not only do apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities for young people in the local area to kickstart their careers, but it is also a way for our established members of staff to retrain in other disciplines, should they wish to.”

    “I would like to encourage more local businesses in the city to take on apprentices, so we can foster a more experienced and qualified workforce which can only help to enrich the local economy further.”

    For more information on the council’s apprenticeships – and news of vacancies as they become available, please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/apprenticeships

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four new members appointed and two reappointed to Defra’s Science Advisory Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Appointments and reappointments made to Defra’s Science Advisory Council

    The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the appointment of four new members and the reappointment of two members to the Science Advisory Council.

    The four new appointees are:

    • Professor Nicola Beaumont
    • Professor Camille Bonneaud
    • Professor Chris Hauton
    • Professor Jane Hill

    Members will serve a three-year term, taking effect from 10 February 2025 until 9 February 2028.

    Two existing members of the Science Advisory Council have been reappointed for a second term of three years. Professor Felix Eigenbrod’s reappointment began on 1 February 2025 and will continue until 31 January 2028. Professor Marian Scott’s second term takes effect on 1 June 2025 and will run until 31 May 2028.

    The appointments have been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. 

    Defra’s Science Advisory Council 

    Defra’s Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body which provides expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: February Programming at The Royal Saskatchewan Museum

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 10, 2025

    The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is celebrating the February Family Week break with several activities for visitors.

    Whether you are checking out the new “T. Rex Talk” to ask Scotty, the worlds’ largest T. Rex, a burning question or celebrating Indigenous Storytelling Month by listening to talented storytellers, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has something for everyone!

    “The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is home to many amazing exhibits that explore our province’s identity, both in past and present,” Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “With fun-filled activities and programs for guests of all ages, there is always something new and exciting to see at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum”

    School’s Out Drop-in Activities

    February 17-21 – Afternoons from 1-4pm  

    Visit the SaskTel Be Kind Online Learning Lab and Field Station spaces for hands-on activities for the whole family.  

    Grab a scavenger hunt and attend a T. Rex Talk to ask Scotty your burning dinosaur questions!  

    Storytelling with Skylar Anderson and Teddy Bison  

    Friday, February 21 – 1-2pm

    Celebrate Indigenous Storytelling Month with artists Skylar Anderson and Teddy Bison. Include this family friendly performance in your plans for the Family Week break.  

    Seating is first-come, first-served in the auditorium.

    Storytime with Elder Hazel

    Monday, February 24 – 10-11am

    In celebration of Indigenous Storytelling Month, listen to stories with Elder Hazel Dixon. This drop-in storytelling session in the Buffalo Room (First Nations Gallery) is for children ages 3 to 6 years with their parent or caregiver.  

    Space is limited. Seating is first-come, first-served in the Buffalo Room. Elder Hazel is known and loved by many teachers and students through her continued work in the Regina school system and is a YouTube star on the RSM YouTube channel!

    Daycares and other groups must pre-book, contact education@royalsaskmuseum.ca for availability.

    To learn more about the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s exhibits, events, programming and world class research, visit royalsaskmuseum.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Washington joins lawsuit against Trump Administration for defunding medical and public health innovation research

    Source: Washington State News

    Coalition of 22 attorneys general challenge NIH funding cuts for universities and research institutions

    SEATTLE – Attorney General Nick Brown and 21 other attorneys general today sued the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for unlawfully cutting funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country.

    The coalition is challenging the Trump Administration’s Friday, Feb. 7, announcement to unilaterally cut “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution around the country to 15 percent. Indirect cost reimbursements, on which institutions rely, cover expenses that facilitate biomedical research, like labs, faculty, infrastructure, and utility costs. Without them, lifesaving and life-changing medical research in which Washington state has long been a leader, could be compromised, putting public health and medical advancements at risk. The coalition’s lawsuit seeks to prevent that reckless and illegal conduct.     

    The suit argues that Trump’s order violates the Administrative Procedure Act by ignoring the profound harms the cuts cause to research institutions as well as the directive Congress passed during President Trump’s first term to fend off his earlier proposal to drastically cut research reimbursements. That law, still in effect, prohibits the NIH from requiring categorial and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements. The coalition is seeking a court order barring the Trump Administration and NIH from implementing the action.

    The lawsuit was filed today in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and can be found here.

    “President Trump is trying to do the same thing he tried during his first term and the Administration must know it is illegal,” said Brown. “NIH provides lifesaving medical, agricultural, and public health research the people of Washington depend on. This attempt to curtail scientific research could have long-lasting impacts for generations to come.” 

    “Washington is a leader in cutting-edge scientific research. If the Trump Administration’s unlawful action is allowed to go forward, it would be disastrous for the important work happening at our research institutions,” said Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson. “I will work with our Attorney General and experts at our universities to ensure these dollars are protected from unlawful federal overreach.”

    Most NIH-funded research occurs outside of federal government institutions, including at public and private universities and colleges in Washington state. The money goes to fund critical and time-sensitive research into life-saving medicine (such as cures for cancer), as well as numerous treatments and therapies for a wide array of medical, physiological, and public health issues. The money funds animal laboratories that are instrumental for research into human and animal health alike. It funds clinical trials for treatments of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, pediatric cancer, kidney cancer, and many other life-threatening diseases. It also goes into the facilities that are critical for monitoring and detecting emerging health threats, such as avian influenza, that present imminent danger to Washington’s agricultural and public health.

    This lawsuit is being co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Joining this coalition are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the State of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Update: Elma Rest Area in Grays Harbor County reopens to travelers

    Source: Washington State News 2

    ELMA – Travelers who use the Elma Rest Area along eastbound State Route 8 in Grays Harbor County will soon need to make other plans.

    Beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the rest area around the clock until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. 

    The planned closure will allow crews to finish upgrades to the facility’s water system.

    The work includes installation of new, larger water pipes. New well pumps and an automated water management system were installed in November 2024.

    When complete, the work will reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the service life of the system.

    About the rest area

    The Elma Rest Area opened in 1967. Amenities include water fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, vending machines, a visitor information center, short term parking and a recreational vehicle wastewater disposal area.

    Alternate facilities

    The next available rest area, located 31 miles east at Scatter Creek along northbound Interstate 5 in Thurston County, is also scheduled to close for water upgrades Feb. 10-28.

    The next nearest rest area with restrooms, short term parking and picnic areas is located 35 miles east near Maytown along southbound I-5 in Thurston County.

    Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on state roads in Grays Harbor County. Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext announces volumes for January 2025    

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext announces volumes for January 2025        

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 10 February 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today announced trading volumes for January 2025.

    Monthly and historical volume tables are available at this address:

    euronext.com/investor-relations#monthly-volumes

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Aurélie Cohen  
    Judith Stein  +33 6 15 23 91 97 

                          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe Aurélie Cohen + 33 1 70 48 24 45  
      Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13
    Belgium  Marianne Aalders + 32 26 20 15 01
    France, Corporate Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella + 33 1 70 48 24 45
    Ireland Andrea Monzani  + 39 02 72 42 62 13
    Italy  Ester Russom + 39 02 72 42 67 56
    The Netherlands Marianne Aalders + 31 20 721 41 33
    Norway Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund + 47 41 69 59 10
    Portugal Sandra Machado + 351 91 777 68 97
    Corporate Services Coralie Patri + 33 7 88 34 27 44

     About Euronext   

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal. 

    As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices. 

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn. 

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Transactions carried out within the framework of the share buyback programme (excluding transactions within the liquidity agreement) – 3 to 7 February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 10 February 2025, 06:00pm
      

    Issuer Name: Rubis (LEI: 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742)
    Category of securities: Ordinary shares (ISIN: FR0013269123)
    Period: From 3 au 7 February 2025

    Upon the authorisation granted by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on 11 June 2024 to implement a share buyback program, the Company carried out, between 3 to 7 February 2025, the repurchases of its own shares in order to transfer them to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or companies related to it in the context of a shareholding plan.

    Aggregate presentation per day and per market:

    Name of issuer Identification code of issuer (Legal Entity Identifier) Day of transaction Identification code of financial instrument Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares * Market
    (MIC Code)
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 2,000 24.5936 AQEU
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 10,000 24.6277 CEUX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 2,000 24.6088 TQEX
    RUBIS 969500MGFIKUGLTC9742 03/02/2025 FR0013269123 21,827 24.6310 XPAR
    * Four-digit rounding after the decimal TOTAL 35,827 24.6268  

    Detailed presentation per transaction:

    Detailed information on the transactions carried out from 3 to 7 February 2025 is available on the Company’s website (www.rubis.fr) in the section “Investors – Regulated information – Share buyback programme”.

      Contact
      RUBIS – Legal Department
      Tel. : + 33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sapphire Technologies and Tulip Compression Private Limited Join Forces to Advance Clean Energy in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CERRITOS, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sapphire Technologies, a leader in energy recovery systems for hydrogen and natural gas applications, has announced a strategic expansion into India with its partnership with Tulip Compression Private Limited (TCPL), a prominent provider of energy solutions in the region’s natural gas industry. Together, the companies aim to deploy Sapphire’s FreeSpin® In-line Turboexpander (FIT) technology to India, addressing critical energy infrastructure challenges while advancing the country’s clean energy ambitions.

    As India’s natural gas sector continues to expand, with over 24,000 kilometers of pipelines supporting industrial growth, the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. By leveraging Sapphire’s cutting-edge FIT technology and TCPL’s extensive industry expertise to transform pressure regulation stations into clean energy assets — the two companies have outlined an ambitious plan to deploy over 150 FIT systems across India in the coming years, which could result in a total reduction of 300,000 CO2e per year, marking a significant impact in advancing India’s decarbonization goals.

    “Partnering with Tulip Compression Private Limited is an exciting milestone as we expand into one of the world’s most dynamic energy markets,” said Freddie Sarhan, CEO of Sapphire Technologies. “India’s growing natural gas sector offers immense opportunities to deploy FIT technology, addressing inefficiencies while driving sustainability and economic growth. Together with TCPL, we aim to create a significant impact on India’s journey towards a cleaner energy future.”

    “Deploying state-of-the-art FIT technology in the Indian market for energy recovery shall significantly contribute to cost efficiency across the ecosystem,” said Rajkumar Sachdeva, Director of Tulip Compression Private Limited. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as we integrate innovative solutions to meet India’s clean energy aspirations. By addressing challenges across key industrial sectors like steel and fertilizer production and the expanding City Gas Distribution network, we are creating opportunities to deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the natural gas ecosystem.”

    By harnessing energy that would otherwise be wasted, the collaboration seeks to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and create new revenue opportunities for gas companies. This deployment not only reflects the scale of their commitment but also highlights the potential to create local jobs and promote broader clean energy adoption. With the success of this initiative, the partnership is poised to expand into neighboring South Asian markets, further advancing Sapphire’s mission to drive global decarbonization.

    About Sapphire Technologies
    Sapphire Technologies is driving global decarbonization through developing and manufacturing energy recovery systems that harness the power of gas expansion to produce reliable and clean electricity. Sapphire Technologies’ systems are designed to convert energy wasted in pressure reduction processes into electric power without interrupting operations. By recovering this wasted pressure energy, Sapphire Technologies helps customers maximize efficiencies, improve productivity, reduce carbon emissions, offset electrical costs and achieve substantial financial returns. For additional information visit: https://www.sapphiretechnologies.com.

    About Tulip Compression Private Limited
    Tulip Compression Private Limited (TCPL) is a leading solution provider in the energy sector, with its origins rooted in the natural gas industry. Steered by a management team with over 20 years of experience, the company has earned the trust of the industry through its unwavering commitment to product safety and operational efficiency. TCPL’s expertise includes packaging of reciprocating equipment, lifecycle equipment maintenance, consulting in the energy and related industries, and leveraging AI for diagnostics and monitoring insights. Focused on industrial growth, TCPL emphasizes the principle of ongoing innovation, continually expanding its portfolio with new solutions, such as recent advancements in hydrogen, to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector.

    Media Contact:
    Kite Hill PR
    Lara Schembri Sant
    lara@kitehillpr.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b4f6bab-b352-44ac-bfc2-3db7491d06bc

    The MIL Network –