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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Statement on President Trump’s Visit to WNC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Western North Carolina to survey the devastation left behind by Helene: 

    “President Trump’s visit is a welcome display of leadership as Western North Carolina recovers from damage and devastation left behind by Helene. Although I was unable to attend due to the Senate being in session, I want to thank him for traveling to North Carolina to witness the damage firsthand. Throughout the transition, both President Trump and Vice President Vance repeatedly reached out to me to check in on how Western North Carolina was doing. That is a testament to how high of a priority the recovery and rebuilding process is for them. Under President Biden, FEMA’s failure to act and communicate swiftly put vulnerable families at risk with freezing temperatures outside. Despite our continued pressure, FEMA made little progress in providing direct housing solutions for those most affected by Helene. Things will be changing under President Trump, and his visit shows his Administration is committed to the people of Western North Carolina as he promised during the campaign. I look forward to working with the Trump-Vance Administration to ensure that every available federal resource is deployed and that red tape preventing families from accessing housing is eliminated.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Colleagues Reintroduce FARM Act to Add Ag Secretary to CFIUS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, to permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies. Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.

    “Our foreign adversaries are buying up American farmland and threatening American food security,” said Senator Hoeven. “We must have stronger supervision of foreign investments that affect the American food supply, and this bill will help achieve that by adding the Agriculture Secretary to CFIUS. This is a logical step to protect our essential food infrastructure and ensure North Dakota and our country remains a leader in agriculture.”

    “Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,” said Senator Tuberville. “These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.” 

    “Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,” said Senator Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”

      Joining Hoeven, Tuberville and Fetterman in reintroducing this legislation are Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Secures Commitment from Ag Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins to Advance Key Priorities for North Dakota Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    01.24.25

    Senator Calls on Rollins to Help Strengthen Farm Safety Net & Quickly Implement Disaster Assistance, Visit North Dakota to Learn About Grand Farm Firstha

    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Agriculture, critical priorities for farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses. Hoeven outlined a broad range of efforts to strengthen U.S. agriculture and secured commitments from Rollins to work with him on:

    • Passing a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net.
    • Implementing and quickly delivering the $33.5 billion in disaster assistance that he worked to secure for producers in the year-end funding legislation.
      • The assistance package addresses losses from both natural disasters and challenging markets and has funding specifically set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.
    • Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including for grazing on the national grasslands.
    • Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
    • Visiting North Dakota to learn firsthand about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including the partnership between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University and the Agricultural Research Service.

    “Unlike the consolidation we’ve seen in many industries, U.S. farms and ranches still largely consist of small, family-owned operations. That’s a real benefit to our nation, and in order to maintain it, we need to help producers recover from recent hardships and ensure the farm safety net works when needed most,” said Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “With her long personal and professional connection to agriculture and rural America, Brooke Rollins understands the needs of our farmers and ranchers. I appreciate her commitment to work with me on passing the strongest possible farm bill and to get assistance out to producers quickly and efficiently. I look forward to working with her on these key priorities and to her visit in North Dakota, so she can see firsthand the incredible work our state is doing on precision ag, including at Grand Farm and NDSU.”

    Keeping the Farm in the Farm Bill

                After helping secure a one-year extension of the farm bill in the year-end legislation, Hoeven continues working to pass a farm bill that addresses producers’ needs and ensures the farm safety net works when needed most. These priorities include:

    • Enhancing crop insurance, the primary risk management tool for many producers.
      • Improving the affordability of higher levels of coverage, consistent with Hoeven’s FARMER Act, will better enable producers to weather natural disasters and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.
    • Improving the counter-cyclical safety net, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
      • Hoeven stated that reference prices need to reflect market realities and the cost of production that farmers are currently facing.
    • Ensuring adequate access to credit by including his legislation to modernize Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan limits as part of the Farm Bill.
    • Strengthening livestock disaster programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP).
      • This aligns with legislation Hoeven sponsored last Congress to better align coverage between LFP and ELAP and make these improvements permanent.
    • Making programs voluntary and farmer-friendly, instead of one-size-fits-all.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March for Life: A Moral Responsibility to Protect the Most Vulnerable Among Us

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–On the 52nd Annual National March for Life, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) reaffirmed his commitment to pro-life policies and announced efforts he has undertaken to protect life so far in the 119th Congress.

    “Life is a precious gift from God,” said Crapo.  “Protecting the rights of the unborn is paramount in fostering the respect for human life from the moment of conception.  We have a moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

    To protect the right to life, Senator Crapo has:

    • Signed a letter to President Trump asking him to reinstate certain pro-life policies implemented during his first term.  Specifically, the letter asks the Trump Administration to restore the Protect Life Rules to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions in the U.S. and abroad.  Additionally, the letter calls for the reinstatement of conscience protection regulations rolled back by the previous Administration.
    • Co-sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to mandate appropriate medical care for any child who survives an attempted abortion and penalize the intentional killing of a born-alive child.  The Senate failed to adopt the procedural motion to vote on the bill. 
    • Co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to cover the cost of abortions.  This measure would make permanent the restrictions on federal funding of abortions outlined in the Hyde Amendment.

    Senator Crapo recently received an A+ on the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s 118th Congress scorecard.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Service Update January 24

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council Service Update January 24

    24 January 2025

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in significant damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    This is compounded by the potential risk of snow and ice forecast for this evening which will make efforts to assess and repair damages even more challenging tomorrow.

    We hope to resume normal Council services as soon as it is safe to do so, but the health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority.

    We will begin the process of assessing any impacts on Council sites early tomorrow, but please note that further delays to services are expected.

     Bin collections

    Refuse crew will be out on the ground from 8am tomorrow to collect as many bins as possible that were scheduled for collection today, but we will only be able to do so if it is safe.  Please leave bins in a sheltered place later this evening or early tomorrow morning if you can. Any missed bins will be collected as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    Efforts are being made to reopen Council cemeteries, parks, and recycling centres tomorrow morning following assessment.

    Burials will be prioritized, with a number scheduled to take place tomorrow. The cemeteries will open to the wider public as soon as they have been inspected and are safe. 

    Leisure Centres and other venues

    Leisure Centres, the Guildhall and other cultural and community venues will open tomorrow as usual following inspections.

    Grass and 3G pitches will also open subject to pitch inspections for any storm damage.

    We will continue to provide regular updates on our social media platforms and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work towards restoring full services. Please follow the guidance of the PSNI and stay home and stay safe while warnings are in place.

     

    Emergency Information

    • Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

    • Further updates – Click on – UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    For further advice see:

    • https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/be-ready-for-emergencies

    • http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/warnings

    • https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/env…/community-resilience

    • https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/…/dfi-rivers-water…

    • https://twitter.com/nidirect

    • Report a road drainage fault (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/report-road-drainage-fault);

    NB – register on the Met Office website or download the Met Office app to receive weather warnings; http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/mobile…/weather-app

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Joins Local Leaders in Welcoming Slovenian Delegation to Pueblo, Celebrates Bojon Community and Decades-Long Military Partnership

    Source: US State of Colorado

    PUEBLO – Today, Governor Polis joined Mayor Heather Graham, former Mayor Nick Gradisar and Pueblo Community College President Dr. Chato Hazelbaker in welcoming a delegation from Slovenia to Pueblo that included Slovenian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Iztok Mirošič, and Consul Tamara Gorenc. 

    “Pueblo and Colorado’s deep ties with Slovenia have been built on over a century of trust and partnership since the first Slovene families arrived in Pueblo in the 1880s. This visit is an also exciting opportunity to celebrate 30 years of strong military cooperation between the Colorado National Giard and Slovenia , and further strengthen ties that benefit Coloradans and Slovenians alike,” said Governor Jared Polis.

     Colorado and Slovenia share a long-standing partnership through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which has fostered collaboration in security, education, and cultural initiatives since its inception. 

    Earlier this week, the delegation unveiled the Republic of Slovenia’s new Consulate in Brighton. This new consulate signifies the importance of the 30-year relationship between the Colorado National Guard and Slovenian Armed Forces and its potential to enhance collaboration in trade, education, and cultural exchange for years to come. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Takes Action to Extend Marshall Fire Support

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis took action in response to the Marshall Fire, signing Executive Order D 2025 001 to extend support for ongoing projects to help the people and communities impacted by the fire. 

    Due to the ongoing need for availability of funds already allocated to respond to and recover from the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, this Executive Order extends funding availability through January 2027. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Univest Securities, LLC Announces Closing of $4.42 Million Registered Direct Offering for its Client Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univest Securities, LLC (“Univest”), a member of FINRA and SIPC, and a full-service investment bank and securities broker-dealer firm based in New York, today announced the closing of registered direct offering (the “Offering”) on January 23, 2025, for its client Houston American Energy Corp (NYSE American: HUSA) (the “Company”), an independent oil and gas company.

    Under the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to several investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 2,600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at a purchase price of $1.70 per share in a registered direct offering.

    The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company was approximately $4,420,000.

    Univest Securities, LLC acted as the sole placement agent.

    The registered direct offering was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-282778) previously filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 4, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering were filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us, or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Copies of the prospectus supplement relating to the registered direct offering, together with the accompanying base prospectus, can be obtained at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    About Univest Securities, LLC

    Registered with FINRA since 1994, Univest Securities, LLC provides a wide variety of financial services to its institutional and retail clients globally including brokerage and execution services, sales and trading, market making, investment banking and advisory, wealth management. It strives to provide clients with value-add service and focuses on building long-term relationship with its clients. For more information, please visit: http://www.univest.us.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp., an independent oil and gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development, and production of natural gas, crude oil, and condensate. Its principal properties are located primarily in the Texas Permian Basin, the South American country of Colombia, and the onshore Louisiana Gulf Coast region. The company is based in Houston, Texas.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may, “will, “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov. Univest Securities LLC and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    For more information, please contact:
    Univest Securities, LLC
    Edric Guo
    Chief Executive Officer
    75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 18C
    New York, NY 10019
    Phone: (212) 343-8888
    Email: info@univest.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Interfield Global Software Inc. Announces Completion of Funding for Implementation of Proposed Joint Venture With Abhi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Interfield Global Software Inc. (CBOE CA: IFSS) (the “Company”) announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfield Software Solutions LLC (“Interfield Solutions” or “Borrower”) has secured the financing necessary to implement its previously announced joint venture with Abhi (the “Abhi JV”) and to restructure the business of the Company in preparation for the Abhi JV.

    The financing comprises an unsecured one year term (“Term”) loan of US$500,000 (“Loan”) from an arms-length private investor (“Lender”), with non-compounded interest payable at 5% per year. Repayment of the Loan together with accrued interest is due upon expiry of the Term and may be in cash (“Cash Payment”), or at the option of the Borrower, by the issuance and transfer to the Lender, or its nominee, of a six percent (6%) equity interest in the Borrower (“Equity Payment”).

    At any time during the Term, the Lender has the option to increase the loan amount by a further US$500,000 upon the same terms and conditions. Should the Lender exercise its right to do so, the amount of interest payable will be adjusted accordingly and the Equity Payment will be increased from 6% to 13%.

    In further preparation for the implementation of the Abhi JV, the board of directors of the Company is evaluating further strategic alternatives, which may involve a migration of its current listing to a growth equity market, subject to the Company receiving necessary approvals. No definitive decisions have been reached regarding strategic alternatives and there is no assurance if or when such alternatives may be implemented. The Company will provide further updates, as necessary, at the appropriate time.

    About Abhi

    Abhi is a prominent fintech company, earning recognition as one of the Future 100 companies in the UAE. It was also the first to receive the Technology Pioneer 2023 Award by the World Economic Forum, making fintech history in the MENAP region. Abhi offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including EWA, payroll solutions, and SME financing.

    About Interfield Global Software Inc.

    The Company is a publicly listed company, with its common shares listed on Cboe Canada. (Cboe CA: IFSS) and operates out of Dubai, U.A.E through its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfield Solutions.

    Interfield Solutions is a software company that services numerous industrial segments worldwide including oil and gas, mining and renewables. Interfield Solutions has two operating divisions, E-commerce and Software as a Service. Equipment Hound, the company’s flagship product of its E-commerce division, is an industrial equipment marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers around the globe. Equipment Hound manages a catalogue of equipment from various suppliers and provides procurement solutions for buyers. It includes features such as requests for quotes, logistics support and third-party verification. ToolSuite, the company’s flagship product of its Software as a Service division, is a cloud based data collection and management platform that digitizes industrial processes and provides real-time auditable data for clients.

    For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    “Harold Hemmerich”

    Harold Hemmerich, Chief Executive Officer & Director
    Phone: +971 50 558 8349

    Bruce Nurse, Investor Relations
    Phone: +1 303 919 2913

    Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer and Reader Advisory

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance often using phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends”, or variations of such words and phrases, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved, are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this release include: (i) the anticipated implementation of Abhi JV and restructuring in preparation for the Abhi JV; (ii) the anticipated use of the proceeds from the Loan; and (iii) the anticipated strategic alternatives involving a migration to a growth equity market.

    Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive any necessary board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, including the approval of any applicable regulatory authority; and that factors may occur which impede or prevent the Company’s future business plans. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether they change as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Neither Cboe Canada Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Cboe Canada Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy to issue fourth quarter 2024 results on Feb. 14

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) will hold a teleconference and webcast on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, to discuss its fourth quarter financial results.

    François Poirier, TC Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, Sean O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, and other members of the executive leadership team will discuss the financial results and Company developments at 6:30 a.m. MST / 8:30 a.m. EST.

    Members of the investment community and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 1-844-763-8274 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-647-484-8814 (International toll). No passcode is required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Alternatively, participants may pre-register for the call here. Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

    A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on TC Energy’s website at TC Energy — Events and presentations or via the following URL: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13928. The webcast will be available for replay following the meeting.

    A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight EST on Feb. 21, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S. toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll) and enter passcode 6438166.

    About TC Energy
    We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
    This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov.

    -30-

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/d8ba0121-2767-4138-8a53-8ecb31b5199c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Symphony Floating Rate Senior Loan Fund Announces Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: SSF.UN) – Brompton Funds (the “Manager”) announces monthly distributions for record dates from January to March 2025 for the class A units (the “Class A Units”) and class U units (the “Class U Units”) of Symphony Floating Rate Senior Loan Fund (the “Fund”):

      Ticker Amount Per
    Class A Unit
    Symphony Floating Rate Senior Loan Fund (Class A Unit) SSF.UN $0.045
         

    Record Dates and Payment Dates are as follows:

    Record Date Payment Date
    January 31, 2025 February 14, 2025
    February 28, 2025 March 14, 2025
    March 31, 2025 April 14, 2025
       

    The new distribution rate for the Class A Units of the Fund amounts to $0.54 per annum, or a 7.8% yield based on the TSX closing price of $6.95 on January 23, 2025. The Manager believes that the new distribution level is still very attractive and better reflects the current environment for senior loans and fixed income more broadly. Income earned from senior loans in the Fund’s portfolio is impacted by changes to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR), a reference rate for interest payments on floating rate senior loans, which has declined by 1.03% from 5.38% on September 16, 2024 to 4.35% on January 23, 2025.

    The Fund announces a distribution in the amount of US$0.045 per Class U Unit for the above noted record and payment dates, representing a distribution rate of 7.7% of net asset value (“NAV”) per annum based on a NAV of US$7.04 on January 23, 2025.

    Senior loans continue to deliver high levels of current income while insulating investors from traditional interest rate risk. In 2024, the Class A Units returned 11.5%, and the Class U Units returned 11.8% outperforming the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index by 2.4% and 2.7%, respectively.

    The Class A Units have paid 158 consecutive monthly distributions since inception on November 1, 2011 for total distributions of $8.07 per Class A Unit. The Class U Units have paid 158 consecutive monthly distributions since inception on November 1, 2011 for total distributions of US$7.99 per Class U Unit. Unitholders are reminded that the Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) on the Class A Units and Class U Units which provide unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in a DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    About Brompton Funds
    Founded in 2000, Brompton is an experienced investment fund manager with income and growth focused investment solutions including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other TSX traded investment funds. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton’s investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at http://www.bromptongroup.com.

    Annual Compound Returns

    1-year

    3-year

    5-year

    10-year

    		 Since
    Inception
    Symphony Floating Rate Senior Loan Fund – Class A Units 11.5% 5.0% 4.8% 4.4% 5.3%
    Symphony Floating Rate Senior Loan Fund – Class U Units 11.8% 5.2% 5.0% 4.6% 5.3%
    Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index 9.1% 6.8% 5.7% 5.1% 5.2%
               

    Returns are for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and are unaudited.   Inception date November 1, 2011. The table shows the Fund’s compound return for each period indicated compared with the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (“Loan Index”). The Loan Index is an appropriate benchmark as it is designed to mirror the investable universe of US dollar denominated leveraged loan market in which the Fund also invests. The Loan Index is not leveraged, whereas the Fund employs leverage. The Fund is actively managed; therefore, its performance is not expected to mirror that of the Loan Index. Furthermore, the Loan Index’s performance is calculated without the deduction of fees, fund expenses and trading commissions. Past performance does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. The performance information shown is based on net asset value per Class A and Class U unit and assumes that cash distributions made by the Fund during the periods shown were reinvested at net asset value per Class A and Class U unit in additional units of the Fund.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the investment fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an “exchange”). If the units are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them.

    There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the public filings available at http://www.sedar.com. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in the unit value and reinvestment of all distributions and do not take into account certain fees such as redemption costs or income taxes payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns.  Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The amount of distributions may fluctuate from month to month and there can be no assurance that the Fund will make any distribution in any particular month.  

    Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this document and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Fund, to the future outlook of the Fund and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Fund. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Pro Life Legislation for March for Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Bills would ban federal tax dollars from subsidizing abortion at home and abroad, repeal law used to target Pro Life activists
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced a trio of bills to prevent federal tax dollars from funding or subsidizing abortions in the United States and across the world, in honor of the 2025 March for Life in Washington, DC and state capitals around the country: the Abortion is not Health Care Act, the Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act, the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act, and a repeal of the FACE Act.
    “In our quest to build a society where every precious human life is protected, we cannot allow the tax dollars of American families to be used against the most vulnerable people in our country and across the word: the unborn.” said Senator Lee. “I am also introducing legislation to repeal the FACE Act, which was used by Joe Biden to imprison Pro Life activists, now officially pardoned by President Trump.”
    The Abortion is not Health Care Act would end the tax deductibility of abortions and clarify that this gruesome practice is not health care. Currently, the IRS categorizes an abortion as “medical care” and allows tax benefits to flow to this practice, subsidizing the killing of hundreds of thousands of unborn children each year. This bill would amend Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit elective abortion expenses from being considered eligible for a medical expense deduction.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts would end the preferential tax treatment of abortion in health savings accounts. Current law allows individuals to use tax-advantaged funds from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible savings accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and retiree health accounts for the “medical expense” of abortion. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to explicitly prevent abortions from getting a special tax advantage through the use of these accounts.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act would ensure that our foreign aid is not funding or promoting abortions overseas. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan first instituted the Mexico City Policy, prohibiting the availability of family planning foreign assistance funds to organizations that provide or promote abortions or advocate to change abortion laws in a foreign country. Since then, the policy has been alternately rescinded and reinstated with changing administrations.
    The Trump Administration rebranded this policy as the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) policy and applied it to all global health assistance, foreign nonprofits, and NGOs. This bill would permanently codify an expanded version of the PLGHA policy into law, capturing all assistance provided to foreign or domestic nonprofits, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. With President Biden having rescinded the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy in 2021, American citizens may be complicit in overseas abortions under the guise of “foreign assistance.” Congress must ensure this cannot be the case now or ever again. Doing so would affirm the dignity of unborn human lives everywhere and save countless lives across the globe.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Scott (R-SC), Budd (R-NC), Cramer (R-ND), Kennedy (R-LA), Johnson (R-WI), Young (R-IN), Fischer (R-NE), Ricketts (R-NE), Cornyn (R-TX), Banks (R-IN), and Tuberville (R-AL).
    Supporting groups include CatholicVote and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The FACE ACT is a federal law designed to protect access to abortion facilities. While FACE also includes protections for churches, these are duplicative of other federal and state laws and have never been enforced. President Biden’s weaponized Department of Justice used the FACE Act to legally harass peaceful pro-life activists while simultaneously stonewalling good faith efforts by members of Congress to conduct even elementary oversight of the law. While President Trump has pardoned activists imprisoned by the Biden administration, a full repeal of the FACE Act will prevent future administrations from unjustly using this law for the purpose of political persecution.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hawley (R-MO) & Wicker (R-MS)
    Supporting organizations include Thomas More Society, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Catholic Vote, Susan B. Anthony List, Live Action, and Citizens for Renewing America.
    For one-pager, bill text, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Reaffirming that Acts of Terrorism Constitute among Most Serious Threats to International Peace, Security

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement reaffirming that acts of international terrorism constitute one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century, calling on all Member States to summon the requisite political will to denounce all acts of terrorism.

    Through the text (to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/2), the Council — recognizing that terrorism will not be defeated by military, security, law-enforcement and intelligence measures alone — underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.  This includes strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts and promoting the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness.

    The Council also underlined the importance of supporting socioeconomic development for sustaining peace in Africa, including through transnational and transregional infrastructure development, industrialization, poverty eradication, job creation, agricultural modernization and promotion of entrepreneurship.  The organ also expressed the need for continued support to African countries that accounts for their national priorities and needs.  Further, it recognized civil society’s importance in increasing awareness of — and more effectively tackling — the threat of terrorism.

    Expressing concern over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks, fatalities and geographic spread of terrorism — particularly in the Sahel and West African coastal States — the Council also underscored the need for Member States to strengthen their criminal-justice, law-enforcement and border-control capacities.  Further, such States need to develop their capacity to investigate, prosecute, disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks to address the linkages between terrorism and organized crime.

    By the statement, the Council reiterated Member States’ obligations to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, suppress terrorist recruitment and eliminate the supply of weapons to terrorists.  Additionally, it urged States to consider the effects of counter-terrorism measures on exclusively humanitarian activities carried out by impartial humanitarian actors in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.  The organ also reaffirmed that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

    Acknowledging African Union efforts to strengthen institutional counter-terrorism architecture and enhance intelligence-sharing, the Council encouraged Member States and relevant international organizations to contribute to bolstering the capacity of the Union in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict stabilization.  It also commended the progress made in the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, stressing that this should further develop into a systematic, operational and strategic partnership.

    Further, the Council — recognizing the terrorist threat in Africa — underlined the importance of prompt, effective implementation of its resolutions related to the fight against terrorism, as well as all sanctions measures against designated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates.  Additionally, it recognized the significant need to build and strengthen Member States’ capacities — on their request and with a view to supporting national ownership — to more effectively counter terrorism and terrorist financing.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sentence for Illegal Re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND –Eulises Yobani Rafael-Garcia, age 28, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to  the felony charge of illegal re-entry.

    Rafael-Garcia, who has been in custody since his arrest on April 5, 2024, was sentenced to time served and ordered transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

    According to documents in the case, Rafael-Garcia was previously removed from the United States three times and has a prior conviction for misdemeanor illegal entry.  Additionally, during the investigation, Rafael-Garcia admitted to having previous ties to drug-trafficking organizations.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and assistance from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the United States Marshals Service, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midlevel leader of drug distribution ring sentenced to 12 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant kept distributing despite knowing fentanyl was causing people to overdose

    Tacoma – A 46-year-old Spanaway, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 12 years in prison for his leadership role in a drug distribution ring selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Puget Sound region, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Sean Michael Moinette has been in custody since March 2023, in connection with the arrest of over two dozen conspirators, including some with ties to an Aryan prison gangs. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “the impact [of drug trafficking] on our community is almost immeasurable.”

    “This defendant was deeply involved in distributing drugs, arranging couriers, and seeking various sources of supply. But when confronted with the information that his fentanyl was too strong and causing overdoses, he did not skip a beat and continued to scheme about moving his poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman.

    According to records filed in the case, Moinette was identified as a mid-level manager of a drug distribution cell tied to the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs. A wiretap investigation in summer of 2022 revealed that Moinette was buying large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and fentanyl-laced pills multiple times per week. Moinette continued to distribute large quantities of fentanyl powder even after discussions with his supplier that their customers were “dropping like flies.”

    In other wiretap calls, he discussed using women as “live shipping containers” to transport fentanyl out of state. In sentencing Moinette, Judge Estudillo said, “Talking about using mules and transportation of drugs through airplanes up to Alaska . . . It’s hard to believe that’s just talk.”

    When a drug redistributor was stopped and her car impounded, Moinette was heard on the wire scheming to break into the police impound yard to try to get the drugs out of the vehicle. The break-in did not occur.

    Law enforcement arrested members of the drug distribution conspiracy on March 22, 2023, in a coordinated takedown involving ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day alone officers seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona.  Those seizures are in addition to the estimated 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple-pound quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, $338,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms law enforcement seized from members of the conspiracy during the two-year investigation.

    Asking for a 13-year prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that Moinette “continued to distribute fentanyl despite knowing that his fentanyl was having deadly consequences, and he forced his mules to transport this deadly substance using suppositories through the omni-present threat of violence that led one of his couriers to immediately respond “I know” when he threatened to stab her.”

    Moinette is the eighth member of the drug conspiracy to be sentenced. Some defendants have received prison sentences of as much at 13 years in prison. Less culpable defendants have been sentenced to 14-50 months in prison. Drug ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last November and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner, Zach Dillon, and Jehiel Baer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beloit Man Sentenced to 5 ½ Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jerry Tate, 52, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 ½ years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and for possessing 50 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine intended for distribution. Tate pleaded guilty to these charges on October 28, 2024.

    From September 2022 through May 2023, Tate traveled to La Crosse County, Wisconsin, where he stayed at various hotels for days at a time. During that time, he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant (CI). Over the course of five controlled purchases, Tate sold the CI over 33 grams of fentanyl and over 13 grams of methamphetamine. On May 5, 2023, law enforcement arrested Tate and searched the hotel room where he was staying in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Law enforcement found over 100 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine, items for drug distribution, and over $1,500 in U.S. currency. Following Tate’s arrest for trafficking fentanyl, he was out on bond for state charges and was arrested again for continuing to traffic fentanyl.

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that a lengthy sentence was warranted given the duration of Tate’s fentanyl trafficking and fentanyl’s known toxicity. Judge Peterson also noted that the quantity Tate was dealing went beyond just supporting his own substance abuse, and that Tate’s criminal history demonstrated a potential to reoffend.

    The charges against Tate were the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse, Campbell, and Onalaska Police Departments, as well as the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Savage Woman Pleads Guilty for Her Role in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Savage woman pleaded guilty for her role in the fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, Ayan Farah Abukar, 43, and her co-defendants participated in a massive scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program by obtaining, misappropriating, and laundering millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. The defendants exploited changes in the program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than feed children, the defendants enriched themselves by fraudulently misappropriating millions of dollars in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds.

    According to court documents, Abukarwas the founder and executive director of Action for East African People, a non-profit which she enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and Sponsor A. Between October 2020 through 2022, Abukar falsely claimed to be serving as many as 5,000 children a day at her various sites in Bloomington, Minneapolis, Savage, and St. Paul. In total, Abukar fraudulently received approximately $5.7 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme to defraud, Abukar also paid more than $330,000 in kickbacks to a Feeding Our Future employee. Abukar spent millions on real estate, including a 37-acre commercial property in Lakeville and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase an aircraft in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Abukar pleaded guilty today in U.S District Court before Chief Judge Schiltz to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HAMMOND – Oscar Valdivia-Salas, age 35, a citizen of Mexico and resident of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to a felony charge of Illegal Reentry, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Valdivia-Salas was sentenced to 10 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

    According to documents in the case, Valdivia-Salas has a previous felony conviction for Illegal Reentry out of the Western District of Missouri and was removed from the United States in 2018.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delaware Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Federal Prison for Second Conviction Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, Del. – Melvin Janvier, 37, of Newark, Delaware was sentenced on January 23, 2025, to 135 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.  Following his time in prison, he will spend 15 years on federal supervised release.  U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

    According to court documents, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Unit, with the assistance of State of Delaware Probation and Parole, arrested Janvier after an FBI Child Exploitation Task Force investigation indicated Janvier was in possession of and sending CSAM from Janvier’s cellphone through the Internet in July 2021. 

    Law enforcement later found over 2,000 files containing CSAM on Janvier’s phone.  The files found on the device included images and videos of prepubescent minors, to include infants and toddlers, and materials portraying bondage and bestiality.  Janvier had previously been convicted in 2016 in the State of Delaware for possession of and dealing in CSAM and served four years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Our office is committed to protecting children and prosecuting those engaged in the sexual exploitation of minors through the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.  I wish to thank the FBI and our Delaware law enforcement partners who tirelessly pursed this case.”

    “There is nothing that can excuse Melvin Janvier’s sick behavior. Every one of the more than 2,000 images he possessed re-victimizes a child,” said FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno. “FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force is committed to putting predators like Janvier behind bars where they can no longer hurt others.”

    The FBI Baltimore Field Office, with the assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office and the State of Delaware Probation and Parole, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Briana Knox prosecuted the case. 

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-78-MN.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombian Narco Trafficker Sentenced to 78 Months for Conspiring to Import Thousands of Kilos of Cocaine into the U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Aldemar Soto-Charry, 64, a highly ranked member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 78 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute thousands of kilos of cocaine for importation into the United States. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia, DEA Special Agent in Charge Eugene L. Crouch of the DEA Andean Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri of the FBI’s Miami Field Office.

                Soto-Charry, aka “El Ingeniero” (“the Engineer”), pleaded guilty on October 11, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine for importation into the United States and aiding and abetting in the same. As part of the plea agreement, Soto-Charry acknowledged he was accountable for engaging in a conspiracy on behalf of the FARC to transport over 1,000 kilos of cocaine on a regular basis to a Mexican cartel, ultimately knowing that the cocaine would be transported into the United States.

                In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered Soto-Charry to serve four years of supervised release.

                According to court documents, in 2018 the DEA commenced a targeted operation against large-scale drug traffickers in Colombia, including those connected to the FARC. In July 2018,  the DEA learned that Soto-Charry had claimed that FARC leadership was exploring opportunities to launder proceeds of drug sales, including through the purchase of real estate in Panama. The DEA enlisted confidential sources to meet with Soto-Charry and his co-conspirators.

                In October 2018, Soto-Charry was introduced to the CSs, one who posed as an individual with business connections in Panama and the other as a facilitator for large-scale drug transactions with the Mexican Gulf Cartel, which sought thousands of kilograms of cocaine for exportation abroad, including the United States. Soto-Charry detailed the FARC’s illicit business ventures, including laundering $10 million of cocaine proceeds through the construction of a medical clinic in Panama. Soto-Charry said he could organize drug deals using cocaine that was being processed at FARC-controlled cocaine laboratories in the jungles of Colombia. During a later meeting, Soto-Charry said the FARC could provide up to 2,000 kilograms of cocaine every few weeks.

                Between October 3, 2018, and July 25, 2019, the CSs regularly met with Soto-Charry and his co-conspirators to discuss the details of a potential deal for significant quantities of cocaine. During the meetings, Soto-Charry discussed FARC-related drug trafficking activities, cocaine pricing, cocaine purity, drug trafficking routes out of Colombia, and other logistical matters related to large-scale cocaine sales. As part of these discussions, Soto-Charry’s co-conspirators ultimately helped deliver a five-kilogram sample of cocaine and discussed how to transport it to the U.S.

                Soto-Charry was arrested in Colombia on August 8, 2019, and extradited to the United States on August 9, 2024. In his plea agreement, he accepted responsibility for conspiring to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of cocaine. He has been in custody since the date of his arrest in Colombia.

                His co-defendant Mauricio Mazabel-Soto was sentenced to 73 months. Co-defendant Alfredo Molina-Cutiva received a sentence of 70 months.

                This case was investigated by the DEA and FBI. The Colombian Attorney General’s Office, specifically the Dirección Especializada contra el Narcotráfico, also provided valuable assistance. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ernesto J. Alvarado of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section. Valuable assistance was also provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin L. Rosenberg, who indicted and previously handled the case.

    19cr233

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Leads to Mexican Takedown of Significant Fentanyl Trafficker

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced today that extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), conducting a significant enforcement operation last week in Nogales, Sonora to dismantle a prolific transnational drug trafficking organization operating along the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Mexico including the leader of the organization, Heriberto Jacobo Perez, and another member of the organization, Jesus Bernardo Rodriguez. Mexican authorities also seized four vehicles, two buildings, two firearms currency, a large number of fentanyl pills, and other controlled substances.  

    Six U.S.-based coordinators and operators with alleged ties to the same drug trafficking organization have been indicted. Rafael Alonso Arriaga, Fernando Garcia-Ibarra, Socorro Rascon, Emmanuel Sotelo-Salazar, Jostan Nathanae Vega-Ochoa, and Rosa Elena Peralta-Marrufo, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges on July 24, 2024. Sotelo-Salazar was also indicted for the possession and distribution of a foreign pill press to fabricate fake pills.  Garcia-Ibarra and Vega-Ochoa remain fugitives. Another member of the organization, Eva Angelina De La Torre, was arrested on November 19, 2024, after she was caught attempting to smuggle fentanyl pills into the United States at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona.

    “Dismantling transnational crime requires cross-border cooperation,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino.  “This is simply tremendous work by career civil servants with the Department of Justice in coordinating efforts with Mexican prosecutors to take down this criminal organization on both sides of the border.”

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Nogales led the investigation in the United States, working in concert with Homeland Security Investigations – Nogales, the United States Marshals Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Support by DEA-Mexico City, and FGR’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal was critical in providing coordination between United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies. Through funding support from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training provided valuable assistance. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is prosecuting the seven individuals named above.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-04681-TUC-JGZ
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    2025-110_Heriberto Jacobo Perez, et al.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Feeding our Future Defendant Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison For His Role in $250 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Bloomington man has been sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $47,920,514.

    “The defendant committed a brazen fraud that shamelessly stole taxpayer money intended to feed children during a global pandemic. He lined his pockets, here and abroad, with millions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick. “As the Court found, he doubled down on his crimes by obstructing justice. This significant sentence should serve as a clear warning to anyone who would seek to exploit and defraud government programs. You will be held accountable.”

    As proven at trial, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, 34, and his co-defendants devised and carried out a multi-million fraud scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program. As the chief executive officer of Afrique Hospitality Group, Shariff obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. Their scheme was accomplished by exploiting changes in the nutrition program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shariff and his co-defendants created and submitted fraudulent meal count sheets purporting to document the number of children and meals served at each site and false invoices purporting to document the purchase of food to be served to children at the sites. The conspirators also submitted fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. These rosters were fabricated and created using fake names. 

    The Federal Child Nutrition Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a federally funded program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers the program throughout the nation by distributing federal funds to state governments. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers and oversees the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Meals funded by the Federal Child Nutrition Program are served by “sites.” Each site participating in the program must be sponsored by an authorized sponsoring organization. Sponsors must submit an application to MDE for each site. Sponsors are also responsible for monitoring each of their sites and preparing reimbursement claims for their sites. The USDA then provides MDE federal reimbursement funds on a per-meal basis. MDE provides those funds to the sponsoring agency who, in turn, pays the reimbursements to the sites under its sponsorship. The sponsoring agency retains 10 to 15 percent of the funds as an administrative fee.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, and it allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs.

    Following a seven-week trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in June 2024, Shariff was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering. In handing down the sentence today, Judge Brasel commented that Shariff’s conduct showed a “staggering lack of respect for the law,” and that taxpayers were “outraged by the brazenness of the crime.”

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami-Dade County Woman Pleads Guilty To Providing Contraband To A Coleman Prisoner

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Janai Chanel Stephens (38, Opa Locka) entered guilty pleas to an indictment charging her with making a materially false statement or representation to a federal agency and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Stephens faces up to five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Stephens on May 28, 2024. 

    According to court records, on March 10, 2024, Stephens entered the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County with a bag containing tobacco cigarettes that she intended to give to a federal inmate. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing tobacco in prisons, as it threatens the order, discipline, and security of the prison. When entering the facility, Stephens falsely claimed to a corrections officer that she did not have any tobacco products in her possession.  Stephens was then permitted to meet with a federal inmate in a visitation room.  During that meeting, surveillance footage showed Stephens throwing the bag with the cigarettes that she had smuggled into the prison to the inmate. 

    This case is being prosecuted as part of a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) task force aimed at rooting out contraband and misconduct in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The task force was led by the BOP and the DOJ – Office of the Inspector General, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. 

    This case was investigated by the BOP and the DEA. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Linkage Global Inc Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Linkage Global Inc (“Linkage Cayman”, or the “Company”), a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Total revenues decreased by approximately 19.19% from USD12.73 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD10.29 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
    • Our new fully managed e-commerce operation services that was launched in April 2024, generated USD3.28 million in revenue.
    • Gross profit increased by approximately USD2.31 million, or 123.91%, from USD1.86 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.17 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
    • Net loss decreased by USD0.21 million, or 32.69%, from USD0.65 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.44 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

    Mr. Zhihua Wu, Chairman and CEO of the Company, commented: “For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, total revenues decreased by about 19.19% from USD12.73 million in 2023 to USD10.29 million, primarily attributable to the decrease of cross-border sales. Specifically, cross-border revenues fell by USD4.11 million, with our Japanese subsidiary experiencing a 53.12% decline. This was largely driven by yen depreciation, which raised prices in Japan and resulted in a decline in consumers’ purchasing power. It was also exacerbated by the depreciation of the Japanese yen against U.S. dollars.”

    “Our integrated e-commerce services saw a rise of USD1.67 million, thanks to our new fully managed e-commerce operation services, which generated USD3.28 million in revenue. However, digital marketing revenues plummeted from USD1.53 million to USD0.31 million because Google updated agreements with more stringent criteria for incentives. In order to cope with the change of policies from Google, we actively engaged in direct and indirect cooperations with other social platforms, such as TikTok and Facebook.”

    “Our gross profit increased by USD2.31 million or 123.91% to USD 4.17 million, largely due to the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%.”

    “Looking ahead, while we faced challenges in fiscal year of 2024, our expansion in integrated e-commerce positions us for future growth. We remain committed to enhancing partnerships, optimizing operations, and exploring new market opportunities. These strategies will help us navigate market fluctuations and achieve sustainable growth in the coming years.”

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Revenues

    Total revenues decreased by approximately USD2.44million, or 19.19%, from approximately USD12.73 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD10.29 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, primarily attributable to the decrease of cross-border sales.

    Our breakdown of revenues by revenue streams for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is summarized below:

        For the Years Ended September 30,
    		  
        2024     2023  
        USD     USD  
    Cross border Sales     6,476,939       10,587,053  
    Integrated E-commerce services     3,812,742       2,146,286  
    Fully managed e-commerce operation services     3,280,002       —  
    Digital marketing services     312,180       1,527,247  
    Others     220,560       619,039  
    Total revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339  
     

    Our breakdown of revenues by geographic areas for the years ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 is summarized below:

        For the Years Ended September 30,
    		  
        2024     2023
    		  
        USD     USD
    		  
    Japan     4,101,865       8,749,200  
    Hong Kong     3,612,126       1,987,182  
    China     2,575,690       1,996,957  
    Total revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339  
     

    Revenues from cross-border sales fell by USD 4.11 million, or 38.82%, from USD10.59 million in 2023 to USD6.48 million in 2024. Our Japanese subsidiary, EXTEND, accounted for USD 4.10 million or 39.86% of total revenues, but saw a 53.12% decline. This drop was primarily due to the yen’s depreciation, which increased prices and reduced consumer purchasing power for non-essential 3C electronic products. The decrease was also exacerbated by the depreciation of the Japanese yen against U.S. dollars. The average exchange rate also worsened, dropping from $1=¥138.93 in 2023 to $1=¥150.33 in 2024, respectively, resulting in a decrease of 8.20%.

    Revenues from integrated e-commerce services rose by USD1.67 million or 77.64%, from USD2.15 million to USD3.81 million, driven by a new fully managed e-commerce operation generating USD3.28 million.

    Revenues from digital marketing services dropped to USD0.31 million due to stricter Google incentive policies and a 40.76% decline in merchant numbers. To adapt, we are partnering with platforms like TikTok and Facebook while expanding our e-commerce services.

    Revenues from training, consulting, and TikTok agent services decreased by USD0.40 million or 64.37%, from USD 0.62 million to USD 0.22 million.

    Cost of Revenues

    Cost of revenues decreased by 43.68% from approximately USD10.87 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD6.12 million for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit increased by approximately USD2.31 million, or 123.91%, from USD1.86 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.17 million for the year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable by the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%. The high gross profit margin is mainly due to the low cost, which was mainly composed of the salaries of the operation personnel.

    Gross profit margin of cross-border sales increased from 7.82% for the year ended September 30, 2023 to 13.99% for the year ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was mainly due to that the depreciation of the Japanese yen has led to a rise in prices of goods in Japan.

    Gross profit margin of integrated e-commerce related services increased from 48.10% for the year ended September 30, 2023 to 85.52% for the year ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable by the new business fully managed e-commerce operation services with gross profit of USD2.94 million and gross profit margin of 89.62%.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses increased from USD2.43 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD4.24 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 74.49%. This increase was primarily attributable to the increases in our general and administrative expenses, offsetting the decreases in selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.

    Other income/(expenses), net

    Other non-operating income increased from USD0.01 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.02 million for the year ended September 30, 2024. Investment income increased by 2003.35% from USD2,119 for the year ended September 30, 2023 to approximately USD44,570 for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    Income taxes

    Income tax (expenses) /benefits decreased by USD0.65 million, from USD0.06 million of tax benefit for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.59 million of tax expenses for the year ended September 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily attributable to net profit for the year ended September 30, 2024, and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

    Net (loss)

    As a result of the foregoing, net loss decreased by USD0.21 million, or 32.69%, from USD0.65 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 to USD0.44 million for the year ended September 30, 2024.

    About Linkage Global Inc

    Linkage Global Inc is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operations of its own. Linkage Cayman conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. As a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, through its operating subsidiaries, the Company has developed a comprehensive service system comprised of two lines of business complementary to each other, including (i) cross-border sales and (ii) integrated e-commerce services. For more information, please visit http://www.linkagecc.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “assesses,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s annual reports on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    WFS Investor Relations Inc.
    Connie Kang, Partner
    Email: ckang@wealthfsllc.com

    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        As of September 30,  
        2024       2023  
        USD  
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents     2,000,732         1,107,480  
    Accounts receivable, net     6,302,696         2,011,047  
    Inventories, net     66,331         679,732  
    Deferred offering costs     —         1,076,253  
    Deposits paid to media platforms     482,650         3,717,773  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     2,689,581         1,053,687  
    Short-term loan to third party     410,000         —  
    Total current assets     11,951,990         9,645,972  
                     
    Non-current assets                
    Property and equipment, net     85,807         158,642  
    Deferred tax assets     —         149,129  
    Right-of-use assets, net     653,730         624,945  
    Other non-current assets     —         54,825  
    Total non-current assets     739,537         987,541  
    TOTAL ASSETS     12,691,527         10,633,513  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable     624,723         1,142,667  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     236,813         309,986  
    Short-term debts     32,810         —  
    Current portion of long-term debts     428,702         535,226  
    Contract liabilities     533,625         530,488  
    Amounts due to related parties     314,544         1,413,604  
    Lease liabilities – current     231,978         187,214  
    Convertible bonds     964,865         —  
    Income tax payable     1,017,619         581,235  
    Total current liabilities     4,385,679         4,700,420  
                     
    Non-current liabilities                
    Long-term debts     839,560         1,996,326  
    Lease liabilities – noncurrent     441,504         439,854  
    Total non-current liabilities     1,281,064         2,436,180  
    Total liabilities     5,666,743         7,136,600  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)                
                     
    Shareholders’ equity                
    Ordinary shares (par value of US$0.00025 per share; 200,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 21,500,000 and 20,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively) *     5,375         5,000  
    Additional paid in capital     5,591,596         1,549,913  
    Statutory reserve     11,348         11,348  
    Retained earnings     1,613,217         2,052,553  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (196,752 )       (121,901 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     7,024,784         3,496,913  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     12,691,527         10,633,513  
     
    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, 2023 AND 2022
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        For the years ended
    September 30,    		  
        2024     2023     2022  
        USD  
    Revenues     10,289,681       12,733,339       22,028,303  
    Cost of revenues     (6,123,025 )     (10,872,484 )     (18,323,802 )
    Gross profit     4,166,656       1,860,855       3,704,501  
                             
    Operating expenses                        
    General and administrative expenses     (3,506,075 )      (1,373,695 )     (1,047,552 )
    Selling and marketing expenses     (434,856 )      (595,804 )     (812,062 )
    Research and development expenses     (302,280 )      (588,108 )     (628,350 )
    Gain from disposal of property and equipment     —       125,804       193,191  
    Total operating expenses     (4,243,211 )     (2,431,803 )     (2,294,773 )
    Operating (loss)/profit     (76,555 )      (570,948 )     1,409,728  
                             
    Other income/(expenses)                        
    Investment income     44,570       2,119       8,402  
    Impairment loss from equity investment     —       (60,046 )     —  
    Interest income/(expenses), net     160,685       (102,360 )     (79,455 )
    Other non-operating income     21,644       14,557       113,658  
    Total other income/(expenses), net     226,899       (145,730 )     42,605  
                             
    Income/(loss) before income taxes     150,344       (716,678 )     1,452,333  
    Income tax (provision)/ benefit     (589,680 )     63,950       (385,958 )
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
                             
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
    Other comprehensive income                        
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     (74,851 )     (15,524 )     (57,722 )
    Total comprehensive (loss) /income attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (514,187 )     (668,252 )     1,008,653  
                             
    Earnings per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders                        
    Basic and Diluted*     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     0.05  
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding                        
    Basic and Diluted*     21,175,342       20,000,000       20,000,000  
    Linkage Global Inc
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, 2023 AND 2022
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)
     
        For the years ended
    September 30,    		  
        2024     2023     2022  
        USD  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                  
    Net (loss)/income     (439,336 )     (652,728 )     1,066,375  
                             
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash (used in) /provided by operating activities:                        
    Effect of exchange rate changes     (226,846 )     —       —  
    Allowance for credit loss     958,584       116,428       —  
    Depreciation and amortization     86,911       83,226       81,625  
    Amortization of lease right-of-use assets     224,451       180,464       —  
    Share of profit from long-term investment     —       (2,119 )     (8,402 )
    Disposal gain from property and equipment     —       (125,804 )     (193,191 )
    Inventory write-downs     11,858       19,981       21,282  
    Deferred tax expenses/(benefits)     148,239       (160,402 )     80,519  
    Long-term investment impairment     —       60,046       —  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
    Accounts receivable, net     (5,023,387 )     36,738       (910,221 )
    Other non-current assets     —       —       (61,039 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current asset, net     1,870,567       (3,871,930 )     (520,377 )
    Inventories, net     601,543       (359,859 )     (78,455 )
    Accounts payable     (517,944 )     624,347       (11,703 )
    Contract liabilities     3,137       84,680       371,639  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     (37,987 )     (25,816 )     152,448  
    Amounts due from related parties     —       34,552       (40,098 )
    Amounts due to related parties     446,469       139,772       946,379  
    Tax payable     436,384       113,597       272,148  
    Operating lease liabilities     (178,037 )     (178,341 )     —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities     (1,635,394 )     (3,883,168 )     1,168,928  
                             
    Cash flow from investing activities                        
    Purchase of property and equipment     —       (12,137 )     (481,391 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment     —       1,745,094       1,265,217  
    Proceed from withdrawal of long-term investment     44,570       93,574       —  
    Provide short-term loan to third party     (410,000 )     —       —  
    Purchase of long-term investments     —       —       (40,098 )
    Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities     (365,430 )     1,826,531       743,728  
                             
    Cash flow from financing activities                        
    Proceeds from issuance of Class A ordinary shares upon the completion of IPO     5,356,417       —       —  
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds     999,957       —       —  
    Payment of service fees for convertible bonds     (351,000 )     —       —  
    Proceeds from short-term debts     133,044       —       160,391  
    Proceeds from long-term debts     —       1,238,592       1,167,861  
    Repayments of short-term debts     (101,778 )     (107,963 )     (280,692 )
    Repayments of long-term debts     (1,325,703 )     (1,918,181 )     (1,001,815 )
    Proceed of interest-free loan from related parties     3,031,467       —       —  
    Repayments of loans to a related party     (4,593,092 )     —       —  
    Capital contribution from shareholder     —       1,430,612       —  
    Payments for deferred offering costs     (273,287 )     (1,041,447 )     —  
    Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities     2,876,025       (398,387 )     45,745  
    Effect of exchange rate changes     18,051       (123,887 )     (51,067 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     893,252       (2,578,911 )     1,907,334  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year     1,107,480       3,686,391       1,779,057  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year     2,000,732       1,107,480       3,686,391  
                             
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                        
    Income tax paid     2,050       150,124       33,291  
    Interest expense paid     48,607       65,901       57,776  
                             
    Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:                        
    Obtaining right-of-use assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities     209,652       805,409       N/A  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION: XCHG Limited

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMBURG, Germany, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued on January 21, 2025 by XCHG Limited (NASDAQ: XCHG), please note that an incorrect version of the release was distributed. The corrected release follows:

    XCHG Limited (“XCharge” or the “Company”), (NASDAQ: XCH), a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions, today announced a collaboration with a leader in the rental car space to upgrade its EV charging offerings at US airport rental facilities. XCharge has completed charging station construction at the rental company’s sites in several major East Coast airports and has secured a pipeline of future projects at the rental company’s additional airport locations along the eastern seaboard.

    XCharge’s high-speed chargers and efficient installation process have rapidly strengthened the rental company’s airport charging infrastructure, helping it meet its service standards and goals for expanding its EV rental fleet. Given their relatively small footprint and utility grid constraints, U.S. airport rental car locations face unique challenges in EV adoption. XCharge’s comprehensive solutions are designed to work within these boundaries, offering fast, simple installation without the need for intensive site upgrades, maximizing efficiency and reducing the complexity of construction.

    Furthermore, XCharge’s Level-3 charging stations empower shorter charging cycles compared with the Level-2 solutions commonly used in existing airport locations, resolving rental car service bottlenecks and enhancing customer satisfaction. At the Company’s initial airport project for the rental company, XCharge’s simultaneous charging technology significantly reduced the average charging time, improving charging speed by more than tenfold.      

    Aatish Patel, President of XCharge, said, “We’re thrilled by the positive outcomes of this collaboration. The results underscore our commitment to being more than just a hardware supplier – we want to resolve our partners’ most pressing concerns as efficiently as possible, whether that is site design, operational efficiency, or even EV charging education. By focusing on the broader needs of those we work with, we have created turnkey solutions that address key challenges effectively. We look forward to expanding this cooperation and bringing our high-quality charging services to more customers nationwide.”

    With charging anxiety remaining a top concern for EV drivers, especially first-timers, XCharge will continue to strategically elevate its presence in locations with substantial organic consumer traffic to introduce its convenient, high-speed charging services to a broader audience.

    About XCharge

    XCharge (NASDAQ: XCH), founded in 2015, is a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions. The company offers comprehensive EV charging solutions, which primarily include DC fast chargers and advanced battery-integrated DC fast chargers as well as their accompanying services. Through the combination of XCharge’s proprietary charging technology, energy storage system technology and accompanying services, the Company enhances EV charging efficiency and unlocks the value of energy storage and management. Committed to providing innovative and efficient EV charging solutions, XCharge is actively working toward establishing a global green future that is critical to long-term growth and development.

    Safe harbor statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    XCharge

    IR Department

    Email: ir@xcharge.com

    Piacente Financial Communications

    Brandi Piacente

    Tel: +1-212-481-2050

    Jenny Cai

    Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677

    Email: XCharge@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Estimated January 2025 Cash Distributions for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the estimated January 2025 cash distribution for the ETF Series of Ninepoint Cash Management Fund (the “Fund”). Ninepoint Partners expects to issue a press release on or about January 30, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate. The record date for the cash distribution is January 31, 2025, payable on February 7, 2025.

    All estimates in this document are based on the accounting data as of January 24, 2025. Due to subscriptions and/or redemptions and/or other factors, the final January 2025 distribution may differ from these estimates and the difference could be material. The information included in this letter is for reference purposes only. Please reconcile all information against your official client statements. This is not intended to be a statement for official tax reporting purposes or any form of tax advice.

    The actual taxable amounts of distributions for 2025, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in early 2026. Securityholders can contact their brokerage firm for this information.

    The per-unit estimated January distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution per
    unit    		 Notional Distribution
    per unit    		 CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash Management Fund NSAV $0.13608 $0.00000 65443X105
             

    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit http://www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not residents in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Carson Lead Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Designating January as Muslim-American Heritage Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN-07) led colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation. 
    The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans and stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.”
    “Muslim Americans have contributed to every facet of American life, and I am proud to introduce this resolution designating January as Muslim-American heritage month, said Senator Booker. “Currently, over 3 million Muslims are living in the United States, and this resolution pays tribute to their incredible impact and celebrates their rich heritage. In addition, I am committed this month, and every month, to working together to combat the continued prejudice and discrimination the Muslim community faces.”
    “Islamophobia thrives in ignorance,” said Congressman Carson. “The American people are too often exposed to anti-Muslim rhetoric instead of the truth: that Muslim Americans are valued members of our community. By sharing stories of Muslim heroes, we can help debunk stereotypes and encourage individuals of all faiths to discover the many values we have in common.”
    “Our country is made stronger by the contributions and achievements of Muslim Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “But we cannot forget that the Muslim American community continues to face discrimination and threats because of their identity.  I hope this resolution serves as both a tribute to the community and a recommitment to standing with them in efforts to build a more welcoming and equitable nation.”  
    “I join in celebrating Muslim American Heritage Month as we take January to uplift Muslim American communities across our nation,” said Senator Kim. “Diverse voices, heritages, and stories make us who we are, forever contributing to our national tapestry and writing our American story. I hope we come together to reflect on our country’s foundational value: freedom of religion – while accepting all faiths by uplifting communities like the Ummah, our diversity remains one of our nation’s greatest strengths.”
    “Virginia is home to so many Muslim Americans, and they continue to enrich our communities,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to acknowledge Muslim Americans’ contributions and achievements by recognizing January as Muslim American Heritage Month.”
    “Muslim-Americans make invaluable contributions to the success of California, which is proudly home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country,” said Senator Padilla. “I’m glad to join Senator Booker in introducing this resolution to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Muslim-American Heritage Month, as we work toward dismantling prejudice and fostering a more inclusive society for all.”
    The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 01.24.2025 Sen. Cruz Files Amicus Brief in State Sovereignty Energy Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) filed an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas in the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court cases of NRC v. Texas and ISP v. Texas. The cases before the Court involve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) authority to license a consolidated interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Andrews County, Texas, a decision challenged by the state of Texas and Governor Abbott. The nuclear fuel facility will be located directly on top of the Permian Basin, which stretches across Southwest Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
    Upon filing the amicus brief, Sen. Cruz said, “The Permian Basin is our nation’s leading oil and gas-producing region and a critical pillar of America’s energy security.
    “I support Attorney General Ken Paxton in opposing the NRC’s federal overreach and will keep fighting to ensure West Texas remains the energy powerhouse it is today.”
    Sen. Cruz was joined by Sen. John Cornyn, Reps. Jody Arrington (R-Texas-19), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) in filing the amicus brief.
    Read the amicus brief for NRC vs. Texas and ISP v. Texas here.
    BACKGROUND
    The NRC issued a license to ISP to construct and operate an interim storage facility designed to hold up to 5,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The facility would temporarily store the waste from various nuclear reactors across the United States. Texas argues that the NRC’s actions exceed its statutory authority under federal law, specifically the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) of 1982, which governs the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and prioritizes permanent geologic repositories over temporary facilities.
    The Court’s review of the case will address fundamental questions about the scope of the NRC’s authority and the balance of power between state and federal governments. This decision will have far-reaching implications in balancing power between states and federal agencies in regulating hazardous materials.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Announces Subcommittee Assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced his subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. He will serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Subcommittee on Seapower, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps planning, operations policy, and programs. He will also serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women’s Issues. Kaine previously served as Chair of both subcommittees in the 118th Congress.
    “I’m excited to serve as Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower and SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. The United States is facing a growing number of global challenges, and both of these subcommittees are critical to ensuring we can tackle them head-on. China is far outpacing U.S. shipbuilding production, and one of my top priorities this year as Seapower Ranking Member is to make reforms to address construction and maintenance delays and get our naval programs back on track. As Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I’m also excited to work with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including on priorities like how to address migration, counter narcotics smuggling, and advance democratic institutions and the rule of law across the hemisphere. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both subcommittees.”
    In addition to the Subcommittees on Seapower and Western Hemisphere, Kaine will serve as a member of:
    Subcommittee on Readiness Management Support (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (SASC)
    Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism (SFRC)
    Subcommittee on the State Department and USAID Management, International Operations and Bilateral International Development (SFRC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Passing of Close Friend & Mentor Henry Marsh

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding the passing of his friend and mentor Henry Marsh:

    “My heart is heavy with grief and full of gratitude that I had the chance to know Henry Marsh—a truly exceptional person. A born-and-raised Richmonder who become active in the civil rights movement before he even graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School, Henry never waited even for a moment to do all he could to serve and improve his community. After he graduated from Virginia Union University, earned a law degree from Howard University, and answered the call to serve in the United States Army, he returned home to work as a civil rights lawyer—tackling crucial cases relating to desegregation and equality in employment. He then made history as Richmond’s first African American mayor. As a former mayor myself, I know how tough that job is and have the deepest appreciation and admiration for how well he did it. And he didn’t stop there—he went on to serve in the Virginia Senate and later as a commissioner of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Any single one of Henry’s accomplishments would be enough cause to be proud, but he never stopped looking for new opportunities to serve. I’m honored to have called him a friend and mentor and would never have been elected to any office if it weren’t for him. I will be praying for his family and all who knew and loved him.”

    MIL OSI USA News –