Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
The Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) is VICTORIOUS in slashing waste, fraud, and abuse!
Thank you, Elon Musk.
Category: AM-NC
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Press releaseHomes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review
Record additional funding for forces family housing to tackle state of accommodation, and builds on the Defence Consumer Charter to transform living conditions for service families.
- More than £1.5 billion extra for forces family housing means more than £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation in this Parliament, tackling the poor state of forces accommodation across the country.
- Record investment builds on the new Defence Consumer Charter to transform living conditions for military families after landmark deal to bring 36,347 homes back into public ownership.
- New funding will support urgent repairs and long-term renewal of military housing across the nations and regions of the UK.
Thousands of British military personnel and their families will have their lives improved through more than £1.5 billion of additional funding to improve accommodation for the UK Armed Forces.
The investment will be confirmed as part of the launch of the Government’s upcoming Strategic Defence Review (SDR), helping renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
Through the upcoming SDR more than £1.5 billion of new investment into service family accommodation will unlock rapid work to tackle the poor state of forces housing – with investment increasing from this year – helping to support recruitment, retention and morale.
This will include urgent repairs and maintenance, from fixing unreliable boilers and leaky roofs to tackling damp and mould in service family accommodation, alongside development of new forces housing, as part of unlocking the wider potential for housing development on surplus MOD land.
The additional funding for accommodation means more than £7 billion will be spent across this Parliament on service family accommodation and new build single living accommodation to deliver a generational renewal of Armed Forces accommodation. This will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy – which is proceeding at pace and has already seen the announcement of a new Consumer Charter to strengthen housing standards for forces families.
The SDR will set a path for the next decade to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and make defence an engine for growth across the UK.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country.
For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes, but this government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of military accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve.
We are investing and acting fast, to fix forces housing and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and deliver on our Plan for Change.
The delivery of the Government’s new Consumer Charter will see immediate investment in urgent renovation of 1,000 homes in most need of repair. The Charter will also see basic consumer rights rapidly introduced for forces families, including essential property information and higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, a named housing officer for every family, and access to a robust complaints system – helping to deliver homes fit for our heroes.
The record investment follows the Government’s landmark deal to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, as part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to deliver home fit for heroes.
The SDR will say that the Ministry of Defence should improve the overall standard of military accommodation, including prioritising sites that are in most urgent need of repair. The Terms of Reference for the Review committed to put ‘Defence personnel…at the heart of Defence’s plans.’
The announcement comes alongside another above-inflation pay rise for the Armed Forces, announced by the Government last week. This is the second inflation busting pay rise awarded by the Government since last July, with last year’s award representing the biggest pay rise for Armed Forces personnel in over 20 years.
Updates to this page
Published 31 May 2025 -
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Single-use vapes banned from 1 June 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Press releaseSingle-use vapes banned from 1 June 2025
Under the Government’s Plan for Change, move will stop the flood of litter on to nation’s streets and protect young people from getting hooked on nicotine
Discarded single-use vape in a field
Single-use vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from tomorrow (Sunday 1 June) thanks to a government blitz on sale and supply.
The new crackdown makes it illegal to sell single-use vapes at corner shops and supermarkets, putting an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation’s streets.
The government’s announcement of its intention to ban the use of disposable vapes has already had real effects – with retailers and consumers shifting away from environmentally destructive single-use options.
New data from charity Action on Smoking and Health shows the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18-24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. However, usage among young vapers remains too high and with the coming ban into force tomorrow it will continue to drive these figures down further.
As part of tough enforcement measures, any rogue traders breaking the rules will be hit with a fine of £200 in the first instance, and all products will be seized. Those who show a blatant disregard for the rules and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:
For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
The Government calls time on these nasty devices.
Caroline Cerny, Deputy Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health said:
It’s promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing.
This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste. If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The Government has worked closely with retailers to ensure they are ready for the ban coming into force. This includes producing clear guidance on the devices they cannot sell or supply, as well as how to deplete their stock before 1 June.
Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive James Lowman said:
Convenience retailers have been preparing for the disposables ban for several months, adapting their ranges and training colleagues on the products that they can sell.
We have been working with Trading Standards officers across the country to ensure they know what to look for once the ban comes into force, and support robust enforcement activity to take illegal vapes off the streets.
Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resources at Green Alliance, said:
Single use vapes should never have been allowed on the market. They’ve been a blight on our countryside, wasted resources needed for important uses like EV batteries and caused scores of fires at waste sites. And they’ve done all this while having a lasting impact on the health of young people, creating a new generation of nicotine addicts.
The government should rightly be proud of taking this vital step to get rid of these polluting products and encourage people who want to quit smoking to opt for reusable and refillable options instead.
Justin Greenaway, Commercial Manager at SWEEEP Kuusakoski, said:
We hope this ban will succeed in reducing the amount of vapes being discarded. Every vape has potential to start a fire if incorrectly disposed of. Logically vape unit waste will reduce as single use stops and multi-use must start but it does rely on consumers changing from a disposable mindset to refilling.
Unrefillable and unable to be recharged, single-use vapes have been typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled, contributing to the flood of litter blighting the country.
Even when they are recycled, the process is notoriously arduous, slow and costly, with waste industry workers required to take them apart by hand. Their batteries also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
With the looming ban already encouraging users to seek alternatives, making the sale of single-use vapes illegal will now prevent these toxic products from littering the country’s streets.
The ban complements the Government’s world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will further tackle youth vaping and safeguard children’s health.
Updates to this page
Published 31 May 2025 -
MIL-OSI Security: Hammond Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Cares Act Fraud
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TRACIE L. MIXON (“MIXON”), age 43, of Hammond, LA, was sentenced on May 27, 2025 to two (2) years in prison by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, after previously pleading guilty to making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
On March 27, 2020, The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
According to court documents, MIXON made false statements on an SBA form to an approved lender on or about February 23, 2021, to fraudulently obtain a PPP loan. MIXON affirmed that she had not been previously convicted of federal program financial assistance fraud when, in truth, she pled guilty, in the Eastern District of Virginia, to conspiracy to commit federal student loan fraud and mail fraud in a scheme that involved stolen identities.
Additionally, MIXON was ordered to pay $31,000 in restitution to the lending institution and the SBA and faces three (3) years of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
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MIL-OSI Security: District Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Deadly Drive-by Shooting in Southeast Washington
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Martinez Raynor, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 16 years in prison today for his part in a 2018 drive-by shooting of a man in front of a convenience store in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Raynor pleaded guilty to second degree murder while armed on October 4, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Today, the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan sentenced the defendant to 16 years in prison.
According to court documents, on October 20, 2018, Raynor and two other men drove into the parking lot of Holiday Market and Liquor Store located at 3509 Wheeler Road SE at 1:56 p.m. Once there, they opened fire on a group of men standing in front of the store. In the hail of gunfire, the victim, Malik McCloud, was struck in the back by a bullet, and he fell to the ground paralyzed. The defendant then fled on foot while the other two shooters drove off. Shortly after the initial shooting, the shooters returned to the area and opened fire on the group of men again, this time fatally striking Mr. McCloud in the chest as he laid helplessly on the ground.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the work of those who provided valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including, Paralegal Specialists LaShone Samuels and Lisa Speight, and Victim Assistant Jennifer Allen. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zach Horton and Joshua Hall, who prosecuted the case.
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MIL-OSI China: Vice premier urges top scientists to scale sci-tech peaks, boost China’s self-reliance
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Vice premier urges top scientists to scale sci-tech peaks, boost China’s self-reliance
BEIJING, May 30 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called on academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) to pioneer breakthroughs in core technologies and cultivate talent to build China into a self-reliant sci-tech powerhouse.
Addressing a symposium marking the 70th anniversary of CAS’ Academic Divisions, Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized the academy’s historic role in overcoming strategic tech bottlenecks and cultivating world-class talent.
Highlighting the role of academicians as a “backbone force” in China’s sci-tech advancement, he urged them to prioritize breakthroughs in core technologies, cultivate strategic talent, play a crucial part as advisors on the CPC Central Committee’s major decisions related to science and technology, and undertake more forward-looking, strategic and fundamental research.
He also stressed the importance of expanding international scientific cooperation while advocating scientific spirit and inspiring younger researchers to dedicate their careers to national rejuvenation.
Authorities were tasked with refining support mechanisms to foster an innovation-friendly ecosystem.
The event was attended by CAS leadership, academicians, and officials of related departments.
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MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Holds Trump Accountable for Unlawfully Dismantling Minority Business Development Agency
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in demanding the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction that ordered it to stop the illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and restore the agency’s personnel and grantmaking capacities. The lawsuit that resulted in the injunction was brought by twenty-one states, including Wisconsin.
Despite the clear authority of Congress to establish and appropriate funding for the MBDA, President Trump issued an Executive Order in March effectively eliminating the agency. The Department of Commerce then fired virtually the entire workforce and cancelled the MBDA’s grant programs.
“Twenty-one states sued the Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Keith Sonderling, Acting Under Secretary for MBDA. “The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution.”
Baldwin and the Senators underscored that in granting the injunction, the Court said President Trump’s Executive Order usurped Congress’s “power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations” and its “vested authority to create and abolish federal agencies.”
“The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored,” Baldwin and the Senators continued, and asked the Under Secretary to provide “a complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA ‘to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before’ the Injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.”
Earlier this month Senator Baldwin demanded answers from Sonderling regarding the dismantling of the MBDA. Baldwin also pressed Secretary Lutnick on March 25 and April 17, about the gutting of MBDA, despite his testimony before the Commerce Committee stating he would not support doing so.
Senator Baldwin worked with Republicans to include the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 as an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), making the MBDA permanent and increasing its funding authorization and reach. Baldwin then worked to bring a new Minority Business Development Center to Wisconsin, along with a $1.61 million grant to support its work assisting small businesses.
The full letter is available here and below.
Acting Under Secretary Sonderling:
On May 13, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction in State of Rhode Island, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al. ordering the Department of Commerce (Department) to halt its unlawful dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” (Executive Order). We write to ensure that the Department is complying with its obligations under the preliminary injunction.
In 2021, Congress permanently authorized the MBDA in bipartisan legislation, the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (MBDA Act), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Last year, Congress funded the MBDA pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which appropriated $68.25 million for the “necessary expenses of the Minority Business Development Agency in fostering, promoting, and developing minority business enterprises, as authorized by law.” That same level of funding has been appropriated through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4)
Despite the clear directive and appropriations by Congress, President Trump’s Executive Order, issued on March 14, 2025, called for effectively eliminating the MBDA, among other agencies. Following the issuance of the Executive Order, the Trump Administration unilaterally dismantled the MBDA—terminating virtually all its staff, canceling its grant programs, and removing its signage from the Department.
Twenty-one states sued the Trump Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Administration from carrying out the Executive Order. The states argued that implementation of the Executive Order violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Constitution’s Take Care Clause, and separation of powers principles under the Constitution. The Court found that the state plaintiffs are likely to succeed on all of their claims and granted the injunction, halting implementation of the Executive Order. In its analysis of the states’ Constitutional claims, the Court said the following:
By issuing the [Executive Order]—which effectively directs withholding the funds that Congress recently statutorily appropriated to [MBDA], resulting in the cessation of several of their programs, see supra—the Executive is usurping Congress’s: (1) power of the purse, by disregarding congressional appropriations; and (2) vested legislative authority to create and abolish federal agencies.
The Court’s order detailing how the Trump Administration must comply with the preliminary injunction makes it clear that the MBDA’s personnel and grantmaking capabilities must be restored. This is good news for the American public. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs.
Given the important mission of the MBDA, it is essential that Congress and the public understand how the Trump Administration is complying with the preliminary injunction. Therefore, we are requesting you to report on the following by June 9, 2025:
A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to enjoin the implementation of Section 2 of the Executive Order.
A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA “to reverse any policies, memoranda, directions, or actions issued before” the injunction, intended to implement the Executive Order.
Confirmation that the Department or MBDA has “not take[n] any further actions to eliminate [the MBDA] pursuant to” the Executive Order.
A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to take “all necessary steps to restore all [MBDA] employees and personal service contractors, who were involuntarily placed on leave or involuntarily terminated due to the implementation of” the Executive Order “to their status before March 14, 2025.”
Confirmation that the Department or MBDA “shall not further pause, cancel, or otherwise terminate [MBDA] grants or contracts or fail to disburse funds to recipients in plaintiff States according to such grants or contracts for reasons other than the grantees or contractors’ non compliances with applicable grant or contract terms.”
A complete description of all actions taken by the Department or MBDA to “take immediate steps to resume the processing, disbursement, and payment of already-awarded funding, and to release awarded funds previously withheld or rendered inaccessible due to or in reliance on Section 2 of the” Executive Order.
In addition, in the event that any MBDA employees or personal service contractors are unable to resume their roles lost due to their involuntary terminations and leave under the Executive Order, please provide a complete description of all actions taken to address any gaps in staffing at the MBDA following implementation of the preliminary injunction. -
MIL-OSI Video: Standing Tall Together
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
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@marines assigned to @i_marine_expeditionary_force and the Philippine Marine Corps participate in the annual exercise KAMANDAG aimed at defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing training in combined operations for the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense -
MIL-OSI Video: HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: President Trump Doubles Steel Tariffs to 50% to Protect American Industry
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
“We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50%—the tariffs on steel into the United States of America—which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States.” –President Donald J. Trump
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MIL-OSI Video: FLOTUS: National Foster Care Month 2025
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
In honor of National Foster Care Month, the White House welcomed foster and adoptive families for tours and a viewing of the President’s Marine One departure on the South Lawn. #BeBest #FosteringTheFuture
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MIL-OSI Security: Stolen Identity, Bank Fraud, and Armed Drug Distribution Net Defendant 60 Months in Federal Prison
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Deangelo Lorenzo Lewis, 28, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison after being found guilty of defrauding banks by doctoring and depositing stolen checks, distributing marijuana, and illegally possessing a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Lewis was using a stolen identity to rent an apartment in the Kalorama neighborhood, paying for it with funds from a stolen checking account, and using the apartment to distribute marijuana and operate his fraud scheme, all while armed with a semi-automatic assault pistol modeled after an AK47.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, and Acting U.S. Marshal Ron Carter of the District Court for the District of Columbia.
Lewis was found guilty by a federal jury on Feb. 28, 2025, of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered Lewis to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2023, Deputy United States Marshals and FBI agents executed an arrest warrant for Lewis at an apartment building on the 2400 block of 17th Street NW. Law enforcement breached the front door of the apartment with a battering ram and took Lewis into custody. During a security sweep the officers observed evidence of fraud in plain view.
The Marshals obtained a search warrant and recovered a Maryland driver’s license, three Visa debit cards, and numerous bank checks issued to persons other than Lewis. They also recovered stolen U.S. Postal Service uniforms in Lewis’ bedroom. In addition, the Marshals recovered two laptop computers, three different types of printers, check paper, check writing software, 24 ounces of marijuana, small mylar bags, a digital scale, two loaded 9mm handgun magazines, and a Century Arms Micro Draco 7.62 x 39mm semi-automatic assault pistol loaded 25 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Marshals also obtained a search warrant for Lewis’ electronic devices and Instagram account. The United States’ trial evidence included photos and videos of Lewis holding firearms, including a Micro Draco assault pistol, pictures of stolen checks, pictures of marijuana advertised for sale, and numerous conversations related to marijuana distribution and bank fraud. According to the court documents, more than 10 individuals were victims of Lewis’s stolen check scheme, which involved the theft of checks worth more than $275,000.
Lewis has trials pending in D.C. Superior Court, the District Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland for similar conduct.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, the FBI Washington Field Office, and Arlington County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson.
24cr144
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MIL-OSI Security: Blanchard Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud after Diverting Company Loan Proceeds to Pay for Construction of Personal Home
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
OKLAHOMA CITY – JERRY WAYNE NOLES, 61, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 40 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 9, 2024, Noles was charged by Amended Information with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to public record, in January 2015, Noles was the managing partner of Coil Chem LLC, a chemical manufacturing company based in Washington, Oklahoma. The Amended Information alleged that on January 27, 2015, Noles opened a $690,000 revolving line of credit through First National Bank (FNB) for the bank-authorized purpose of funding Coil Chem’s operating expenses. Noles later caused the advance of $250,000 from the company’s credit line into another account under Noles’ control, then directed a coconspirator to immediately withdraw and deposit the funds into the account of a local home builder to help pay for the construction of a new home for Noles. The Amended Information further alleged that Noles then sought and obtained a $1,200,000 home construction loan from FNB, despite the fact he had already paid a portion of the home’s construction costs with the money fraudulently obtained from Coil Chem’s credit line.
On September 10, 2024, Noles pleaded guilty to the Amended Information, and admitted he conspired to divert $250,000 from Coil Chem’s revolving line of credit to fund construction of his personal home in Blanchard, Oklahoma.
At the sentencing hearing on May 28, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Noles to serve 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered Noles to pay $50,498.62 in restitution. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the need to prevent others from committing similar crimes. Judge Dishman also noted the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense, including that Noles was motivated by greed and deception and personally benefitted from the fraud.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
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MIL-OSI Security: Former Fort Belvoir soldier pleads guilty to assaulting and permanently injuring a newborn child, sexually abusing an adult
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former U.S. Army private pled guilty today to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of sexual abuse.
According to court documents, from October 2010 to September 2013, Austin Blair Johnson, while he was an active duty soldier, resided on Fort Belvoir. On June 25, 2012, Johnson was watching an infant, identified as Minor Victim 1 (MV1), who was born prematurely only 16 days earlier. MV1 was crying, so Johnson picked her up and carried her, but she continued to cry. While holding MV1 in front of him with one hand under each of her arms, Johnson rapidly and forcefully shook MV1 multiple times before letting go of her, causing her to flip and land on her head.
Johnson then picked up MV1 and ran with her upstairs to a bedroom where he woke MV1’s mother, identified as Adult Victim 1 (AV1). Johnson falsely told AV1 that he had accidentally dropped MV1 and that he had successfully broken her fall with his foot. AV1 and Johnson took MV1 to the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital emergency room where she presented with a fever, bruising on her head and shoulder, and blood coming out of her mouth. A CT scan conducted there revealed that MV1’s skull had been fractured. MV1 was transferred later to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Walter Reed Medical Center. MV1 was diagnosed with extensive injuries and remained hospitalized at Walter Reed for the next 10 days.
The day she was discharged, MV1 was left in Johnson’s care while AV1 was out. Johnson again rapidly and forcefully shook MV1 and dropped her. MV1 was 26 days old. The following morning, AV1 took MV1 to a previously scheduled follow-up appointment with a pediatrician at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. At the appointment, MV1 began having seizures and was sent directly to the emergency room. MV1 was transferred later to the PICU at Children’s National Medical Center, where doctors discovered myriad injuries, including a second skull fracture, and identified extensive brain damage.
When she was finally discharged on July 20, 2012, MV1 was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services, where she remained for approximately 14 months until she was returned to the custody of Johnson and AV1. On June 22, 2015, MV1 was forced to undergo a hemispherectomy during which the entire left hemisphere of her brain was removed in an effort to control her irrepressible seizures.
MV1 is now legally blind, non-verbal, and the entire right side of her body is paralyzed. Cognitively, MV1 functions at the level of a mature infant.
In addition to his assaults on MV1, in 2013, at their residence on Fort Belvoir, after AV1 had rebuffed Johnson’s requests to be intimate with her, Johnson proceeded without her consent. AV1 protested and tried to hit Johnson to get him to stop, which he did.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22, 2025. He faces up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Blanchard is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-151.
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MIL-OSI Security: Murder in Broad Daylight Outside a Northeast Gas Station Leads to Guilty Plea
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Damon McQuarters, 45, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder for the 2024 shooting murder of Michael Simpson, on the sidewalk in front of the Citgo gas station at 3820 Minnesota Ave. NE, Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in Superior Court. The Honorable Danya Dayson scheduled sentencing on August 22, 2025. At sentencing, he faces between 21 and 25 years of incarceration, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, at approximately 5:35 p.m., on August 24, 2024, McQuarters approached Mr. Simpson, who was sitting in a tree box in front of the Citgo gas station socializing with friends. McQuarters retrieved a handgun from his pocket and shot Mr. Simpson a single time in the head. The defendant placed the handgun back into his pocket and walked away. Mr. Simpson was transported from the scene of the shooting to an area hospital where he died the following day.
McQuarters has been in custody since his arrest on September 26, 2024.
This case was investigated by Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado.
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MIL-OSI Security: Mexico City-Based Attorney Pleads Guilty in $52 Million Dollar Sinaloa Cartel Money Laundering Scheme
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN DIEGO – Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia, a Mexico City-based attorney, has pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that he and others conspired to transport, transmit, and transfer tens of millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds from the United States to Mexico.
Paez’s plea is part of a long-term FBI investigation targeting a Mexico-based money laundering organization (MLO) that is believed to have laundered at least $52.7 million for the Sinaloa Cartel before the organization’s leaders were arrested.
According to court documents, the MLO utilized a network of shell companies in San Diego to launder tens of millions of dollars in bulk cash from across the country generated through the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug importation and distribution operations. MLO employees travelled to dozens of U.S. cities to pick up this bulk cash in amounts up to $200,000. The money was then funneled through the San Diego-based shell companies and delivered to money laundering accounts in Mexico controlled by Paez, who in his plea agreement admitted serving a managerial role in the MLO’s operations.
During the investigation, FBI agents seized 66 money laundering bank accounts throughout the United States. As the FBI began to target and seize the MLO’s assets, Paez turned to the use of cryptocurrency in an attempt to shield those assets from law enforcement. But the FBI was able to infiltrate and take down the MLO’s cryptocurrency laundering network.
To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrests of 11 people on money laundering charges and the seizure of more than $3.1 million in illicit assets. A related DEA investigation led to 24 additional arrests and asset seizures totaling $450,000.
In March 2025, six individuals and seven entities, including several of Paez’s co-conspirators, were the target of sanctions imposed by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Treasury Sanctions Criminal Operators and Money Launderers for the Notorious Sinaloa Cartel | U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Paez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2025.
To date, in addition to Paez, additional participants in the scheme have been charged, including the following:
- Miguel Angel Encinas Gomez of Mexicali, México, leader of a Mexicali-based cell of MLO. Encinas pleaded guilty to laundering $35 million in bulk cash narcotics proceeds in July 2023.
- Hugo Andres Velasquez Pantza, a Colombian national who allegedly assisted the MLO in the implementation of cryptocurrency into their operations. Velasquez was subsequently targeted in an undercover FBI operation and arrested in Rome, Italy in January 2025. Velasquez was extradited to the United States in April 2025 and awaits trial.
- James Harmon Yarbrough of Apopka, Florida, who worked in partnership with Cevallos to receive $326,000 in illicit proceeds in a scheme to converting the funds to cryptocurrency. Yarbrough pleaded guilty in July 2023.
- Victoria Johanna Lopez, Jose Jesus Lopez, Jose Mayorga Martinez, and Gerardo Vasquez Jr. who allegedly worked as bulk cash couriers who handled and deposited bulk cash for the MLO. Victoria Lopez, Jose Lopez, Mayorga have pleaded guilty. Vazquez’s case is set for trial in September 2024.
- Jhonatan Suarez Florez of Auburndale, Florida, who used accounts associated with his Florida-based construction and door manufacturing businesses to receive and transmit funds belonging to the criminal organization. Suarez Florez pleaded guilty in December 2024.
- Alberto David Benguait Jimenez, an alleged leader of the MLO, remains a fugitive at this time. If anyone has information related to this individual, please contact the FBI at 858-320-1800.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Benjamin and Robert Miller. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth contributed significantly to the case. The FBI worked in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County District Office, as well as Panamanian authorities, to seize the MLO’s assets and arrest multiple participants in the scheme.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Italy to secure the arrest and extradition of Velasquez Pantza.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0446
Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia Age: 43 Mexico City, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
International Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h), and 1956(a)(2)(B)(i)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
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MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 5 Years of Probation for Cares Act Fraud, Money Laundering and False Tax Filing
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that CLIFTON C. JAMES (“JAMES”), age 50, of New Orleans, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo to 5 years of probation for making false statements, theft of government funds, and money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), as well as making a false tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program.
According to the charging documents, or about April 30, 2020, JAMES, on behalf of a business that he owned, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain a $86,800 PPP loan. On or about July 13, 2020, JAMES stole $149,900 from the SBA by using a false application in the name of Crescent City Tax Services, LLC. JAMES then committed money laundering by using these ill-gotten funds to buy an automobile from a dealership in California. Lastly, JAMES filed a false document with the Internal Revenue Service wherein he claimed to have earned $1.00 in a 2019 tax return.
In addition to probation, JAMES was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and to pay restitution in the amount of $551,973.00 to the SBA along with restitution to the IRS in the total amount of $233,645.65. There is also a mandatory $400 special assessment fee.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Task force agents who are detailed to the PRAC receive expanded authority to investigate pandemic fraud as well as tools and training to support their investigations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
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MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 257 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 24, 2025, through May 30, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 257 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 125 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 124 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 7 cases against 8 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez: On May 24, 2025, an Integrated Fixed Tower operator observed an individual come out of the brush and enter a truck, driven by Hugo Antonio Martinez-Lopez, on Federal Route 19 near mile marker 1 in Newfield, Arizona, on the Tohono O’odham Nation. BPAs located the truck and attempted a stop, but Martinez-Lopez failed to yield. While BPAs were pursuing the truck, Martinez-Lopez abruptly stopped on the right shoulder of the road and an individual exited the passenger’s side of the vehicle and ran into the brush. Martinez-Lopez then fled at a high rate of speed. After a foot chase, BPAs apprehended the individual who had run into the bush and determined that they were a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Other BPAs continued to pursue Martinez-Lopez and successfully deployed a vehicle immobilization device (VID), which punctured one of the truck’s tires. The truck then came to a stop and Martinez-Lopez fled from the vehicle. BPAs also apprehended Martinez-Lopez after a short foot pursuit. Martinez-Lopez was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: MJ-25-2029]
United States v. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez: On May 28, 2025, Mesa Police Department executed a search warrant on a residence in Mesa, Arizona. Jesus Fernando Jimenez Rodriguez, a citizen of Mexico, was one of the occupants of the residence. Inside the residence, readily visible in the living room and stacked against the wall, law enforcement found 10,000 rounds of PMC 5.56 ammunition and 25,000 rounds of Wolf .223 ammunition. Jimenez Rodriguez was charged by complaint with one count of Alien in Possession of Ammunition and Illegal Re-entry. [Case Number: MJ-25-9221]
United States v. Nicholas Anthony Lawrence: On May 28, 2025, Nicholas Anthony Lawrence, a citizen of Jamaica and illegal alien, was charged by indictment with Aggravated Identity Theft, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, and Reentry of Removed Alien. Lawrence was previously convicted on or about December 4, 2017, of Attempt to Commit Molestation of Child, and Attempt to Commit Sexual Conduct with Minor, both felony offenses, in the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa. Lawrence was sentenced to seven years in prison, and lifetime probation, respectively. Lawrence was previously removed from the United States in November 2022. [Case Number: CR-25-00817-PHX-GMS]
Criminal complaints and indictments are methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raise no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-087_May 30 Immigration Enforcement
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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. -
MIL-OSI Security: Major drug redistributor for ring connected to Aryan prison gang sentenced to 10+ years in prison
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Bought and sold multiple pound quantities of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills
Tacoma – A major redistributor for a South Sound-based drug trafficking ring that was connected to Aryan prison gangs was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 126 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. 46-year-old Joseph Hempel, of Burien, Washington, was a high-volume drug redistributor for Jesse James Bailey, the leader of one of three branches the drug distribution organization. On March 29, 2024, Hempel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “The quantities you were involved in distributing were unimaginable…. It’s pretty amazing the amount of drugs we’re talking about.”
“At various times on the wiretap law enforcement heard Mr. Hempel order as much as 25 pounds of methamphetamine and 20,000 fentanyl pills,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “Distributing such large loads of narcotics meant that both the reach and the damage from Mr. Hempel’s drug activity was widespread in our community.”
The three interconnected drug trafficking rings in this case were identified over an 18-month wiretap investigation. The three distribution cells were working together as the Aryan Family/Omerta Drug Trafficking Organization, one of which was led by Hempel’s co-defendant Jesse Bailey. Bailey has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on June 13.
On March 22, 2023, Law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges. The coordinated takedown involved ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day, law enforcement 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 over $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation, law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms.
At the time of the takedown, Hempel’s residence contained 1,003 fentanyl pills 1.6 kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of marijuana, 11 drug scales, a drug ledger, and $14,799 of drug proceeds. Near the drugs, law enforcement found body armor, ammunition, and the following firearms: a 12-gauge Iver Johnson shotgun with an obliterated serial number, a Harrington Richardson Model 088 Rifle, a Halsan Escort Shotgun, and a Marlin Firearms Glenfield 60 Rifle. Hempel has prior convictions for car theft and possession of stolen property that make him ineligible to possess firearms.
In asking the court for the 126-month prison term prosecutors noted the impact such drug trafficking has on the community and community safety. “Hempel ordered and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, for the purpose of redistributing it throughout the community. These drugs have a devastating impact. Users of these drugs frequently resort to stealing—from family members, friends, and complete strangers—to feed their addictions. No doubt, drug users are responsible for a large percentage of these crimes, as well as the violent crimes, in our communities,” prosecutors wrote to the court.
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 Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
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MIL-OSI USA: West Virginia among top states for FAFSA completion – West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
Source: US State of West Virginia
As the Class of 2025 prepares for graduation, West Virginia is earning national praise from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) for its commitment to increasing college access and affordability through coordinated, cross-sector partnerships. The state now ranks 15th in the nation for FAFSA completion — up from 19th last year and reaching as high as 10th during the current cycle — thanks to innovative, student-focused efforts led by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in partnership with schools across the state.
Unlike many top-performing states, West Virginia has achieved this success without a statewide FAFSA mandate. Instead, the state has built a culture of completion through strategic outreach, data-driven coordination, and intentional community engagement. The Commission’s model demonstrates that measurable gains are possible when higher education leaders, schools, and communities work together to meet students where they are.
“This achievement reflects an unwavering commitment to students and an intentional culture shift toward making college more accessible,” said Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the Commission. “Our team has worked side-by-side with schools, counselors, and communities to make sure every student — regardless of background — has a clear path to financial aid. Whether it’s through hands-on FAFSA events, real-time data tools, or text message nudges, we’re meeting students where they are and helping them take that critical next step toward college. Behind every completed FAFSA is a student who’s one step closer to their future.”
The Commission’s approach includes:
- WV FAFSA Day, a statewide event in February that brought together more than 50 high schools and colleges to set FAFSA as a milestone and increase public visibility.
- The CFWV Champions of College Access and Success Challenge, which rewards schools for reaching FAFSA completion benchmarks or improving year-over-year.
- TXT 4 Success, a text message program that provides personalized guidance and nudges to help students stay on track with financial aid deadlines.
- Special tools and resources for counselors, including a FAFSA completion portal and regular updates to help school staff support students more effectively.
“West Virginia’s success is the result of a powerful, coordinated effort,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “We built momentum through strong partnerships with our schools and counselors, innovative tools, and a shared commitment to our students’ futures. I am deeply proud of our team and the many school counselors, educators, and families who have rallied around this cause. Together, we’re showing what’s possible when we put students first.”
The impact is measurable. According to data tracked by NCAN, the state’s FAFSA completion rate stands at 49.8% for the Class of 2025, with significant improvement over last year and an upward national trajectory not seen since before the pandemic. And perhaps most significantly, these gains come from intentional coordination — making West Virginia’s model especially relevant to peer states looking for replicable solutions.
“West Virginia’s success, and approach, offer a lot for other communities and states to learn from,” said Bill DeBaun, Senior Director at the National College Attainment Network in Washington. “Thoughtful, coordinated efforts like these that support practitioners in districts and schools make a big difference. West Virginia is expanding students’ opportunities to access the financial aid that makes education after high school a more affordable possibility.”
As graduation approaches, the Commission remains focused on further strengthening its outreach, closing remaining gaps, and ensuring every West Virginia student has the support they need to access higher education.
To learn more about FAFSA completion resources and West Virginia’s college access initiatives, visit CFWV.com.
The full article What’s Behind West Virginia’s FAFSA Completion Surge is available at NCAN.org.
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MIL-OSI Security: Three Admit to Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people have admitted to working in a large-scale drug operation in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Alexis Alvarado, age 38, of Ranson, West Virginia, each pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 38, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegal reentry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores were working together and with others to sell drugs for the drug trafficking organization.
Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores each face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge. Alvarado-Flores faces up to two years in prison for the illegal reentry charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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MIL-OSI Canada: Advancing North American energy dominance
Joined by Parliamentary Secretary Chantelle de Jonge, the delegation will showcase Alberta’s position as a leader in responsible energy development in Washington, D.C.
While in the U.S. capital from June 2-7, Alberta’s delegations will meet with industry leaders, technology innovators and American government officials to advance partnerships and lay the foundation for advancing North American energy dominance and alleviating global energy poverty.
They will leverage their attendance at the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference, the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum and the S&P Global Oil Sands Dialogue to support Alberta in becoming a major global energy supplier.
This mission comes at an important time in Alberta’s relationship with the U.S., as we work to broaden our trade partnerships globally and navigate complex geopolitical environments.
“While Alberta seeks to enter new global markets, we know that the U.S. remains our largest trading partner, and we believe that through advocacy – this important relationship can and will be maintained. Alberta’s energy future is unstoppable and has a key role to play in helping the U.S. meet its growing energy needs and global energy dominance ambition in a secure and reliable way unmatched by any other energy partner.”
“The world needs more of Alberta’s oil, gas and minerals to meet ever evolving energy needs and reduce reliance on products from conflict zones. Alberta can play a crucial role in advancing North American energy dominance and we will work on the partnerships that will lead to a secure energy future.”
“Alberta’s competitive electricity market and business-friendly environment make our province a destination of choice for investors and a leader in innovative technologies. I am proud to carry that message to our partners south of the border as we continue to build our energy future.”
“Alberta is a global leader in responsible energy development. I look forward to working with our U.S. partners to advance new opportunities in our energy sector that will reap benefits on both sides of the border.”
This mission builds on the success of CERAWeek in March and is part of Alberta’s continued efforts to promote our vast resource base and responsible energy sector and increase market access for the province’s ethically produced energy, both traditional and emerging.
Trip expenses for elected officials and staff will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Alberta’s government is committed to working with national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world. By working with industry, researchers and other governments, Alberta is implementing its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan and offering a business-friendly environment primed for investment and growth.
Itinerary for Premier Smith*
June 3
- Travel to Washington, D.C.
- Meeting with industry partners
- Attend U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum Welcome Reception
June 4
- Deliver keynote address at day one of the U.S. Energy Streams 10th Washington Energy Forum
- Bilateral meetings with U.S. legislators
- Return to Alberta
*Subject to change.
Itinerary for Minister Jean*
June 1
- Travel to Washington, D.C.
June 2
- Minister speaking at CGAI-AmCham Canada Event: Washington DC Natural Gas Dialogue
June 3
- Minister to attend S&P Global Oil Sands Dialogue
- Participate in panel discussion: The future of North American oil integration
- U.S. Energy Stream Summit Welcome Reception
June 4
- Attending day one of the U.S. Energy Stream Summit
June 5
- Day two of the U.S. Energy Stream Summit
- Minister attending welcome reception for the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
June 6
- Minister delivering keynote address at The Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
- Meetings with elected officials
June 7
- Travel to return to Edmonton
*Subject to change.
Itinerary for Minister Neudorf*
June 4
- Travel to Washington, D.C.
June 5-6
- Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
June 7
- Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
- Return to Alberta
*Subject to change.
Itinerary for Parliamentary Secretary de Jonge*
June 4
- Travel to Washington, D.C.
June 5-7
- Attend the Energy Council’s 2025 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference
June 8
- Personal time
June 9
- Return to Alberta
*Subject to change.
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Economics – KOF Economic Barometer: Moderate increase
Source: KOF Economic InstituteThe KOF Economic Barometer increases in May. After decreasing in the previous month, it remains below its medium-term average. Despite the rise in the KOF Economic Barometer, the outlook for the Swiss Economy remains subdued.
In May, the KOF Economic Barometer rises by 1.4 points to a level of 98.5 (after 97.1 in the previous month). The indicator bundle for manufacturing included in the Barometer shows particularly positive developments. The demand-side indicator bundles for foreign demand and private consumption, however, are under pressure.
Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the indicator bundle for the general business situation shows particularly favourable developments. The indicators for exports, production activity, and the competitive situation are also increasing. The indicator bundle for purchases and inventories of intermediate goods, however, indicates a weakened outlook this month.
Within the sub-indicators of the manufacturing industry, the indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, for the wood, glass, stone and earth segment, for food and beverage producers, as well as for producers of paper and printing products all exhibit positive developments. Yet, the indicators for the textile industry and the metal industry experience a setback.
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MIL-OSI USA: After Leading Congressional Delegation to Canada, Shaheen Highlights Harms of Trump’s Tariffs on Local Businesses and Summer Tourism
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Moultonborough, NH) – After leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Canada last week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) highlighted the local impacts of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Granite State businesses at Colby Footwear in Rochester and discussed the negative effects on the summer tourism season with the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in North Conway. Photos from today’s events can be found here.
“In New Hampshire, we should be preparing to welcome Canadian visitors for the summer tourism season – but instead, local businesses and retail sectors across the state are worrying about how travel cancellations and higher costs resulting from the President’s reckless tariffs on Canada will impact their bottom line and ability to operate,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll continue listening to the challenges that Granite Staters are facing so I can ensure their voices are heard in Washington.”
Last week, Shaheen led U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) on a bipartisan delegation visit to Ottawa, Canada where they met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and members of his cabinet, the Business Council of Canada and other leading Canadian companies and business groups. The delegation reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Canada partnership and support for our bilateral relationship among Congress and the American people.
Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc. and NH Ball Bearings to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s tariffs.
Later in the day, Shaheen toured Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and celebrate the site’s recent designation as a National Historic Landmark. In September of 2024, Shaheen sent a letter to National Park Service Director Charles Sams supporting the designation.
“Castle in the Clouds is a Granite State icon that does important work to help preserve New Hampshire’s stunning outdoor spaces and history,” said Shaheen. “I was glad to visit the beautiful landmark today to discuss the upcoming summer tourism season and the work we need to do to ensure Castle in the Clouds can thrive for future generations of Granite Staters to enjoy.”
Senator Shaheen has long drawn attention to the integral role Castle in the Clouds plays in fueling New Hampshire’s tourism economy. The 5,500-acre estate sees over 50,000 visitors annually. -
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Discusses Local Effects of Proposed Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Cuts with Health Care Leaders, Marks Introduction of Legislation to Protect Connecticut River Watershed at Kilham Bear Center
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Lyme, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a roundtable in Lebanon to discuss the local impacts of Congressional Republicans’ bill to make unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Shaheen also visited the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to mark the recent introduction of her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA) to restore and protect the Watershed. Photos from both of today’s events can be found here.
At West Central Behavioral Health in Lebanon, Shaheen hosted a roundtable with local health care leaders to highlight the impacts Congressional Republicans’ bill will have on patients and providers in the Upper Valley region. The bill adds unnecessary red tape and guts funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
“Republican-led cuts to Medicaid and the ACA will have real costs for Granite Staters, and that’s why I’m continuing to speak with health care leaders, caregivers and patients across New Hampshire,” said Senator Shaheen. “What I heard from folks at West Central Behavioral Health cements what we already know to be true: If the Republican tax bill is signed into law, the impact will be felt in every corner of our state through higher costs and less accessibility for the health care Granite Staters need.”
The roundtable was the latest stop on Shaheen’s “Medicaid Impact Tour”—a series of discussions across the Granite State to underscore the harm cuts to Medicaid and the ACA would have on New Hampshire, including by raising the cost of health care and leaving tens of thousands uninsured.
Later in Lyme, Shaheen toured the Kilham Bear Center and hosted a roundtable discussion to highlight how her Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act would promote conservation, restoration, education and recreation efforts along the Watershed by formalizing collaboration among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, states, local communities and nonprofit partners.
“It was great to visit the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme to see their work to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured black bear cubs,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire’s wildlife and treasured outdoor spaces would benefit from the formal collaboration that my legislation would create to protect and restore the Connecticut River Watershed.”
Shaheen has led efforts to safeguard our natural environment and invest in climate resiliency while boosting New Hampshire’s recreation economy, including by securing full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2022, Shaheen helped to secure $3.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending from the LWCF for a large conservation easement for Bear Hill. In 2020, Shaheen helped lead the Great American Outdoors Act into law to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands. -
MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Big, Beautiful Bill Comes to the Senate
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Q: What is the Big, Beautiful Bill Act?
A: The House of Representatives passed a 1,000-plus page bill in May that includes key measures to enact President Trump’s domestic policy agenda, including a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut government bloat and prevent the biggest tax hike in American history. The package also boosts resources for the military, beefs up border security and unleashes American energy to help fuel economic growth. Now, the sausage-making gets underway in the U.S. Senate. Unlike in the House of Representatives, deliberations in the Senate must abide by specific rules that apply to a reconciliation package. Those parameters include a fast-track process that requires only 51 Senate votes instead of 60; and the bill also must directly impact federal spending or taxes. I’ll be giving a thorough scrubbing to the legislation, including its impact on the farm safety net and food stamp (SNAP) program and efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse in health care.
Q: What is the Byrd rule?
A: The Byrd rule is named after former Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was long recognized as the “conscience of the Senate” for his deep-seated commitment to parliamentary procedures to protect the institutional role of the Senate in our system of checks and balances. The Byrd rule sets restrictions on reconciliation legislation considered in the Senate and was included unanimously in a federal budget law adopted 40 years ago and made permanent in 1990.
Reconciliation legislation is used to change revenue and mandatory spending levels within budget resolution policies using an expedited timeline. Unlike the House of Representatives, debate in the Senate is limited to 20 hours and amendments must be germane. The Byrd rule was adopted to preserve the deliberative nature of the Senate and protect the integrity of the reconciliation process. It prevents abusive efforts to circumvent the process with non-budgetary policy matters that ought to be considered under regular order. For example, the Senate Democrat Majority tried to use the reconciliation process to ram through mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. This massive policy proposal failed to pass the Byrd rule.
The Byrd rule allows any senator to raise a point of order against non-budgetary matters in a reconciliation bill. If a point of order is sustained, the provision is removed from the underlying legislation. An effort to waive the Byrd rule requires approval from three-fifths of the Senate. Over the years, the Byrd rule has created friction between the House and Senate. Don’t forget, the founders intentionally created a bicameral legislature to guarantee the rights of the minority party. The rules of the Senate are built around consensus, as opposed to the House of Representatives where the majority party dominates. As the story goes, George Washington told Thomas Jefferson that “we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.” Keeping intact the institutional role of the Senate is an important check in our separation of powers. The Byrd rule is one of those pillars that prevents unrelated legislative agendas from evading Senate deliberation. Whereas the House had a tough row to hoe to pass the reconciliation package, the Senate has an even narrower row to cultivate to get to the finish line. -
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Lawler Concludes Bipartisan Middle East CODEL on Enhancing Regional Partnerships
Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)
Washington, D.C. – 5/30/25… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan, where he and fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee members engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East.
With Iran continuing to actively fund terror proxies and pursue a nuclear weapons program, the delegation placed a strong emphasis on deepening security coordination with key U.S. allies. In particular, the group explored emerging diplomatic opportunities in Syria and Lebanon, two countries where Iran’s malign influence has waned and where strategic engagement could help foster long-term stability.
Conversations also centered on defeating Hamas, securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians directly, without interference from Hamas. The CODEL built on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.
Joining Congressman Lawler on the delegation were Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
In Saudi Arabia, the delegation held high-level meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, and engaged with leading U.S. defense and technology companies. They also met with Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO Gerard “Jerry” J. Inzerillo and toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif District in Diriyah, the historic capital of the first Saudi dynasty (1744-1818).
In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, received briefings on U.S.-Israel missile defense coordination, and visited key religious and cultural sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the City of David.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s determined leadership during this time of war has fundamentally shifted the security landscape of the Middle East and made it a safer place,” said Congressman Lawler. “The U.S.-Israel alliance remains ironclad as we pursue diplomatic solutions for lasting peace in the region.”
In Jordan, the delegation met with His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan. Congressman Lawler also led a discussion with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, as well as Jordan’s ministers of Economic Affairs, Investment, and Planning and International Cooperation.
The delegation also met with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to explore avenues for expansion in tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
“This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”
“Amidst President Trump’s efforts to end the war in Gaza & secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East. These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East,” said Congressman McCaul.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
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Official Photos from the congressional delegation can be found HERE.
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MIL-OSI USA News: MADE IN THE USA: President Trump’s Vision is Revitalizing American Industry
Source: US Whitehouse
President Donald J. Trump heads to Pennsylvania today, where he’ll champion the partnership he brokered between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel — a $14 billion investment that will create at least 70,000 jobs and ensure steel is made in America for decades to come.AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN STEEL.
The landmark agreement comes alongside a host of companies from across industries that are onshoring their production and investing in American manufacturing as President Trump relentlessly pursues his America First trade policies.
Look no further than the automotive industry:
- Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, plant and a $388 “megahub” in Detroit, Michigan.
- General Motors announced an $888 million investment at its propulsion plant in Tonawanda, New York.
- Volkswagen is planning to make a “massive” investment in its U.S. production.
- Toyota announced it will boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia plant.
- Mercedes-Benz announced it will add a new vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing plant.
- Honda plans to shift production of the Civic from Japan to the U.S.
- Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment to support its U.S. vehicle production.
- Kia plans to produce hybrid vehicles at its affiliate Hyundai’s Georgia factory.
It’s not just the auto industry; scores of others are lining up to invest in America:
- Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
- Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
- NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
- IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
- Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
- Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs.
- Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
- Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
- United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
- Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
- John Deere announced plans to invest $20 billion over the next decade in American expansion, production, and manufacturing.
- United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
- France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
- Sanofi announced it will invest at least $20 billion over the next five years in manufacturing and research and development.
- Venture Global LNG announced an $18 billion investment at its liquefied natural gas facility in Louisiana.
- Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
- AbbVie announced a $10 billion investment over the next ten years to support volume growth and add four new manufacturing plants to its network.
- Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment to create 5,000 new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
- GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese silicon wafer manufacturer, announced a $4 billion investment in its U.S.-based production.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
- Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
- Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
- In addition to its overall investments, Amazon announced it is investing $4 billion in small towns across America, creating more than 100,000 new jobs and driving opportunities across the country.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
- Kraft Heinz announced a $3 billion investment to upgrade its U.S. factories — its largest investment in its plants in decades.
- NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
- Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, including a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, facility, and other upgrades to its supply chain network.
- Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced $1.7 billion to expand its U.S. operations.
- $1.2 billion to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
- Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
- Carrier announced an additional $1 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce expansion, which is expected to create 4,000 new jobs.
- GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
- Anduril Industries announced a $1 billion investment for a new autonomous weapon system facility in Ohio.
- Williams International announced a $1 billion investment for a new high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County, Florida.
- Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
- Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operations in Kansas.
- Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
- GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
- Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
- AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
- London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
- Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
- The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
- Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
- Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment in its manufacturing facilities across the country.
- Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
- Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
- Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
- Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
- Siemens Healthineers announced a $150 million investment to expand production, including relocating manufacturing operations for its Varian company from Mexico to California.
- JBS USA announced a $135 million investment for a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.
- TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
- Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
- Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
- Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.
- Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
- Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
- AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
- Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
- India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
- Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
- Valbruna Slater Stainless announced a $28 million investment in its stainless steel and nickel alloys bars manufacturing plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
- Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
- Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
- NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
- LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
- ViDARR, a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.
That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments planned by foreign countries:
- United Arab Emirates committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.
- Qatar committed to generating $1.2 trillion in an economic exchange between the two countries.
- Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
- Saudi Arabia committed investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Africa Dialogue Series High-Level Policy Dialogue [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]
Source: United Nations – English
his year’s dialogue focuses on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.
This is also the African Union’s theme for 2025, as it was already said.
And it is a call gathering momentum around the world – from Freetown to Bridgetown.
Understandably so.
Africa is a continent of boundless energy and possibility.
But for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
I deeply regret that these wrongs were perpetrated by many countries, including my own.
And they continue to distort our world today.
Decolonization did not free African countries, or people of African Descent, from the structures and prejudices that made those projects possible.
When African countries gained their independence, they inherited a system built to serve others — not them.
The inherited economic model and years of neglect in social and institutional investments during the colonial era created lasting challenges, shaping post-independence reality.
Structures based on exploitation persisted.
So did racism.
And the long shadow of colonialism can be felt in many of the continent’s current conflicts and governance challenges.
Many African countries were under colonial domination when today’s multilateral institutions were created.
And that injustice is reflected to this day.
Excellencies,
We point to the poisoned legacies of enslavement and colonialism, not to sow divisions but to heal them.
Reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.
Such frameworks encompass a broad range of measures.
We need a comprehensive approach, developed with the participation of affected communities, to achieve accountability and redress.
And we must be clear-eyed about the fact that attempts to repair the past ring hollow unless they also seek to dismantle its manifestations in the present:
From racism, to extraction of African resources, to the injustices embedded in structures, institutions, and global governance.
Animated by honesty and justice, we can transform the legacies of slavery and colonialism into equal and respectful partnerships:
Partnerships that ensure African countries take their rightful place in shaping global decision-making…
That help to deliver on the priorities of African and Caribbean countries, and people of African descent…
And that help to ensure that all Africans – and the African diaspora – have the opportunity to thrive.
We must push for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent to deliver on reparatory justice, equal rights, and the Durban Declaration – the world’s blueprint to tackle racism and racial discrimination.
Yes, these are turbulent times:
Times of trade barriers…
Deep cuts to lifesaving assistance…
And international cooperation itself called into question.
But that does not alter the truth that justice for Africa, for the Caribbean, and for all people of African descent requires global action and global partnerships.
We need partnerships to reform global governance.
The Pact for the Future agreed last year drove progress. I thank African countries sincerely for their support in getting an ambitious text over the line.
And we must keep pushing for fair representation within international institutions – including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
We need partnerships for peace founded on the principles of justice and international law, as set out in the United Nations Charter.
The international community must play its part – in preventing and ending conflicts, relieving their appalling effects, and ensuring justice for victims.
And the United Nations will never relent in pursuing peace for the great continent of Africa.
We need partnerships to advance sustainable development.
The Pact for the Future includes important commitments:
To advance an SDG stimulus…
To reform the international financial architecture…
And to take action on debt – which is suffocating economies and sapping investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla is an important opportunity to push this agenda forward.
We need concrete commitments on debt: to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.
We will keep pushing to boost the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, able to mobilise far more private finance at reasonable cost to the African continent and the Caribbean.And we need action to unleash a surge in finance across the board.
Developed countries must keep their promises on development spending…
Governments must strengthen domestic resource mobilization…
And we must keep working towards an inclusive, effective global tax regime able to meaningfully reduce tax evasion and to fight elicit financial flows and money laundering that is so dramatically impacting the African continent.
Enfin, nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la justice climatique.
Les pays africains ne sont pas à l’origine de la crise climatique.
Pourtant, les effets du réchauffement planétaire font des ravages sur tout le continent :
Ils aggravent la faim, poussent les populations à l’exil, fragilisent les économies, détruisent les moyens de subsistance et fauchent des vies.
Les Caraïbes sont elles aussi touchées de manière disproportionnée.
Il est grand temps de mettre fin à cette injustice :
Il faut que, parallèlement à des sources de financement innovantes, des contributions conséquentes soient versées au nouveau Fonds visant à faire face aux pertes et dommages.
Il faut que le financement de l’adaptation connaisse un véritable bond et, notamment, que les pays développés honorent l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de verser au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an – dès cette année.
Il faut également des investissements massifs dans les énergies propres.
L’Afrique concentre 60 % des meilleures ressources solaires du monde et près d’un tiers des minéraux essentiels à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.
Pourtant, les installations présentes sur le continent ne représentent que 1,5 % des capacités solaires mondiales.
Près de 600 millions de personnes sont toujours privées d’électricité.
Et les pays et les populations d’Afrique sont relégués au bas de la chaîne de valeur des minéraux critiques, tandis que d’autres tirent largement profit de ces ressources.
L’exploitation séculaire des ressources naturelles du continent, source de conflits et de misère, doit cesser.
Nous devons agir pour permettre à l’Afrique d’occuper la place qui lui revient, celle d’un leader mondial des énergies propres…
Pour stimuler les investissements et réduire les risques pour les investisseurs…
Et pour que les pays et les populations d’Afrique tirent le meilleur parti de leurs minéraux critiques.
Les nouveaux plans nationaux d’action pour le climat, ou contributions déterminées au niveau national, qui seront présentés cette année, doivent être conformes à l’objectif de limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1,5 degré Celsius, surtout dans les pays qui sont les grand pollueurs.
Ces plans représentent une formidable occasion d’agir.
J’exhorte les dirigeants africains à ne pas la laisser passer. Et à intégrer dans ces nouveaux plans des objectifs en matière de climat, d’énergie et de développement durable afin d’attirer les investissements.
Et j’exhorte les pays, les entreprises et toutes les parties intéressées à collaborer avec nous pour appliquer les recommandations formulées par le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux critiques pour la transition énergétique – et ainsi faire en sorte que les droits humains, la justice et l’équité soient garantis tout au long de la chaîne de valeur, et que les pays d’Afrique soient les premiers à tirer parti de ces ressources.
Excellences,
Dans tous ces grands domaines, mobilisons-nous pour qu’aucune personne, aucun pays et aucun continent ne soit laissé de côté.
Et ensemble, faisons en sorte que justice soit rendue à l’Afrique et aux personnes d’ascendance africaine.
Je vous remercie.
*****
[all-English]This year’s dialogue focuses on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.
This is also the African Union’s theme for 2025, as it was already said.
And it is a call gathering momentum around the world – from Freetown to Bridgetown.
Understandably so.
Africa is a continent of boundless energy and possibility.
But for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
I deeply regret that these wrongs were perpetrated by many countries, including my own.
And they continue to distort our world today.
Decolonization did not free African countries, or people of African Descent, from the structures and prejudices that made those projects possible.
When African countries gained their independence, they inherited a system built to serve others — not them.
The inherited economic model and years of neglect in social and institutional investments during the colonial era created lasting challenges, shaping post-independence reality.
Structures based on exploitation persisted.
So did racism.
And the long shadow of colonialism can be felt in many of the continent’s current conflicts and governance challenges.
Many African countries were under colonial domination when today’s multilateral institutions were created.
And that injustice is reflected to this day.
Excellencies,
We point to the poisoned legacies of enslavement and colonialism, not to sow divisions but to heal them.
Reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.
Such frameworks encompass a broad range of measures.
We need a comprehensive approach, developed with the participation of affected communities, to achieve accountability and redress.
And we must be clear-eyed about the fact that attempts to repair the past ring hollow unless they also seek to dismantle its manifestations in the present:
From racism, to extraction of African resources, to the injustices embedded in structures, institutions, and global governance.
Animated by honesty and justice, we can transform the legacies of slavery and colonialism into equal and respectful partnerships:
Partnerships that ensure African countries take their rightful place in shaping global decision-making…
That help to deliver on the priorities of African and Caribbean countries, and people of African descent…
And that help to ensure that all Africans – and the African diaspora – have the opportunity to thrive.
We must push for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent to deliver on reparatory justice, equal rights, and the Durban Declaration – the world’s blueprint to tackle racism and racial discrimination.
Yes, these are turbulent times:
Times of trade barriers…
Deep cuts to lifesaving assistance…
And international cooperation itself called into question.
But that does not alter the truth that justice for Africa, for the Caribbean, and for all people of African descent requires global action and global partnerships.
We need partnerships to reform global governance.
The Pact for the Future agreed last year drove progress. I thank African countries sincerely for their support in getting an ambitious text over the line.
And we must keep pushing for fair representation within international institutions – including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
We need partnerships for peace founded on the principles of justice and international law, as set out in the United Nations Charter.
The international community must play its part – in preventing and ending conflicts, relieving their appalling effects, and ensuring justice for victims.
And the United Nations will never relent in pursuing peace for the great continent of Africa.
We need partnerships to advance sustainable development.
The Pact for the Future includes important commitments:
To advance an SDG stimulus…
To reform the international financial architecture…
And to take action on debt – which is suffocating economies and sapping investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla is an important opportunity to push this agenda forward.
We need concrete commitments on debt: to lower the cost of borrowing, improve
debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.We will keep pushing to boost the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, able to mobilise far more private finance at reasonable cost to the African continent and the Caribbean.
And we need action to unleash a surge in finance across the board.
Developed countries must keep their promises on development spending…
Governments must strengthen domestic resource mobilization…
And we must keep working towards an inclusive, effective global tax regime able to meaningfully reduce tax evasion and to fight elicit financial flows and money laundering that is so dramatically impacting the African continent.
Finally, we need partnerships for climate justice.
African countries did not cause the climate crisis.
Yet the effects of our heating planet are wreaking havoc across the continent:
Fuelling hunger and displacement, hobbling economies, destroying livelihoods, and taking lives.
The Caribbean is also suffering disproportionately.
Justice is long overdue:
We need significant contributions – together with innovative sources of financing – to the new fund for responding to loss and damage.
We need a boom in adaptation finance – starting with developed countries honouring their commitment to at least $40 billion a year by this year.
And we need massive investments in clean energy.
Africa is home to 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources and around a third of the minerals critical to the renewable energy revolution.
Yet the continent has just 1.5 percent of global installed solar capacity.
Around 600 million people remain without power.
And African countries and communities are pushed to the bottom of the critical minerals value chain, while others feast on their resources.
The centuries-old exploitation of the continent’s natural resources – which fuels conflict and misery – must end.
We need action for Africa to take its rightful place as the clean powerhouse of the world…
To derisk and boost investment…
And to ensure African countries and communities receive maximum benefit from their critical minerals.
New national climate action plans, or NDCs – must be submitted this year and align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, especially in countries that are the major polluters.
These represent an immense opportunity.
I urge African leaders to take it. And to use these new plans to bring together climate, energy, and sustainable development goals to attract investment.
And I urge countries, companies and more, to work with us to deliver on the recommendations of our Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals – to ensure human rights, justice and equity through the value chain, and to retain maximum benefit in African countries.
Excellencies,
Across all these critical fronts, let’s work to leave no person, no country and no continent behind.
And together, let’s deliver justice for Africa and people of African Descent.
Thank you.
******
[all-French]Le dialogue de cette année a pour thème « Justice pour les Africains et les personnes d’ascendance africaine grâce aux réparations ».
C’est également le thème retenu par l’Union africaine pour 2025, comme il a déjà été dit.
Cet appel prend de l’ampleur dans le monde entier, de Freetown à Bridgetown.
Cela n’a rien d’étonnant.
L’énergie et le potentiel du continent africain sont sans limites.
Mais pendant trop longtemps, les immenses injustices engendrées par l’esclavage, la traite transatlantique des esclaves et le colonialisme n’ont pas été reconnues ni prises en compte.
Je regrette profondément que ces injustices aient été commises par de nombreux pays, dont le mien.
Elles continuent de nos jours à peser sur le monde.
La décolonisation n’a pas libéré les pays africains, ni les personnes d’ascendance africaine, des structures et des préjugés qui ont rendu ces projets possibles.
Lorsque les pays africains ont accédé à l’indépendance, ils ont hérité d’un système conçu pour servir d’autres qu’eux.
Le modèle économique hérité et des années de négligence en matière d’investissements sociaux et institutionnels pendant l’ère coloniale ont créé des problèmes durables qui ont façonné la réalité de l’après-indépendance.
Les structures fondées sur l’exploitation ont persisté.
Le racisme aussi.
L’ombre du colonialisme plane sur nombre des conflits et difficultés de gouvernance que connaît le continent de nos jours.
De nombreux pays d’Afrique étaient sous domination coloniale lorsque les institutions multilatérales actuelles ont été créées.
Cette injustice est toujours visible aujourd’hui.
Excellences,
Si nous pointons du doigt l’héritage empoisonné de l’esclavage et du colonialisme, ce n’est pas pour semer la division, mais pour soigner les blessures du passé.
Les cadres de justice réparatrice sont essentiels – pour réparer les torts historiques, relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et garantir les droits et la dignité de toutes et tous.
Ces cadres englobent un large éventail de mesures.
Nous avons besoin d’une stratégie globale, développée avec la pleine participation des populations affectées, pour faire appliquer le principe de responsabilité et assurer l’octroi de réparations.
Nous devons nous montrer lucides : il est vain de vouloir réparer les erreurs du passé sans s’attaquer aussi à leurs répercussions actuelles :
Du racisme à l’extraction des ressources africaines, en passant par les injustices ancrées dans les structures, les institutions et la gouvernance mondiale.
C’est dans un esprit d’honnêteté et de justice que nous pourrons transformer les séquelles de l’esclavage et du colonialisme en partenariats fondés sur l’égalité et le respect.
Des partenariats qui garantissent que les pays africains occupent la place qui leur revient dans le processus décisionnel mondial…
Qui permettent de répondre aux priorités des pays d’Afrique et des Caraïbes, et des personnes d’ascendance africaine…
Et qui contribuent à faire en sorte que tous les Africains – et la diaspora africaine – aient la possibilité de prospérer.
Nous devons tout faire pour que la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine aboutisse à une justice réparatrice, à l’égalité des droits et à la réalisation de la Déclaration de Durban – le plan mondial de lutte contre le racisme et la discrimination raciale.
Nous vivons, certes, des temps agités :
Des temps où se dressent des barrières commerciales…
Où l’aide vitale fait l’objet de coupes sombres…
Et où la coopération internationale elle-même est remise en question.
Il n’en demeure pas moins que la justice pour l’Afrique, pour les Caraïbes et pour toutes les personnes d’ascendance africaine nécessite une action et des partenariats mondiaux.
Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour réformer la gouvernance mondiale.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté l’année dernière, a permis certaines avancées. Je remercie sincèrement les pays africains du soutien qu’ils ont apporté à l’adoption de ce texte ambitieux.
Nous devons continuer d’œuvrer en faveur d’une représentation équitable au sein des institutions internationales, et notamment d’une représentation permanente de l’Afrique au Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU.
Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la paix fondés sur les principes de la justice et du droit international, tels qu’ils sont énoncés dans la Charte des Nations Unies.
La communauté internationale doit jouer son rôle – en prévenant les conflits et en y mettant fin, en atténuant leurs effets épouvantables et en garantissant la justice pour les victimes.
Les Nations Unies ne relâcheront jamais leurs efforts en faveur de la paix sur le grand continent africain.
Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour faire progresser le développement durable.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir comprend des engagements importants :
Promouvoir un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable…
Repenser l’architecture financière internationale…
Et prendre des mesures concernant la dette, qui étouffe les économies et sape l’investissement dans de nombreux pays d’Afrique et des Caraïbes.
La prochaine Conférence sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, est une occasion importante de faire avancer ce dossier.
Nous avons besoin d’engagements concrets à cet égard, en vue d’abaisser le coût de l’emprunt, de faciliter la restructuration de la dette et d’empêcher les crises de s’installer.
Nous poursuivrons l’action menée pour renforcer la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement, les rendre plus imposantes et plus audacieuses et leur donner les moyens de mobiliser bien plus de financements privés à un coût raisonnable au continent africain et aux Caraïbes.
Nous devons prendre des mesures pour stimuler le financement dans tous les domaines.
Les pays développés doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière de dépenses de développement…
Les Gouvernements doivent accroître la mobilisation de ressources nationales…
Et nous devons continuer d’œuvrer en faveur d’un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, qui permette de réduire l’évasion fiscale de manière significative et de lutter contre les flux financiers illicites et le blanchiment d’argent cela a un impact si dramatique sur le continent africain.
Enfin, nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la justice climatique.
Les pays africains ne sont pas à l’origine de la crise climatique.
Pourtant, les effets du réchauffement planétaire font des ravages sur tout le continent :
Ils aggravent la faim, poussent les populations à l’exil, fragilisent les économies, détruisent les moyens de subsistance et fauchent des vies.
Les Caraïbes sont elles aussi touchées de manière disproportionnée.
Il est grand temps de mettre fin à cette injustice :
Il faut que, parallèlement à des sources de financement innovantes, des contributions conséquentes soient versées au nouveau Fonds visant à faire face aux pertes et dommages.
Il faut que le financement de l’adaptation connaisse un véritable bond et, notamment, que les pays développés honorent l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de verser au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an – dès cette année.
Il faut également des investissements massifs dans les énergies propres.
L’Afrique concentre 60 % des meilleures ressources solaires du monde et près d’un tiers des minéraux essentiels à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.
Pourtant, les installations présentes sur le continent ne représentent que 1,5 % des capacités solaires mondiales.
Près de 600 millions de personnes sont toujours privées d’électricité.
Et les pays et les populations d’Afrique sont relégués au bas de la chaîne de valeur des minéraux critiques, tandis que d’autres tirent largement profit de ces ressources.
L’exploitation séculaire des ressources naturelles du continent, source de conflits et de misère, doit cesser.
Nous devons agir pour permettre à l’Afrique d’occuper la place qui lui revient, celle d’un leader mondial des énergies propres…
Pour stimuler les investissements et réduire les risques pour les investisseurs…
Et pour que les pays et les populations d’Afrique tirent le meilleur parti de leurs minéraux critiques.
Les nouveaux plans nationaux d’action pour le climat, ou contributions déterminées au niveau national, qui seront présentés cette année, doivent être conformes à l’objectif de limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1,5 degré Celsius, surtout dans les pays qui sont les grand pollueurs.
Ces plans représentent une formidable occasion d’agir.
J’exhorte les dirigeants africains à ne pas la laisser passer. Et à intégrer dans ces nouveaux plans des objectifs en matière de climat, d’énergie et de développement durable afin d’attirer les investissements.
Et j’exhorte les pays, les entreprises et toutes les parties intéressées à collaborer avec nous pour appliquer les recommandations formulées par le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux critiques pour la transition énergétique – et ainsi faire en sorte que les droits humains, la justice et l’équité soient garantis tout au long de la chaîne de valeur, et que les pays d’Afrique soient les premiers à tirer parti de ces ressources.
Excellences,
Dans tous ces grands domaines, mobilisons-nous pour qu’aucune personne, aucun pays et aucun continent ne soit laissé de côté.
Et ensemble, faisons en sorte que justice soit rendue à l’Afrique et aux personnes d’ascendance africaine.
Je vous remercie.
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MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Loudermilk Requests Additional C-130Js in FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)
Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following his bipartisan request to Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Rep. Calvert and Ranking Member Rep. McCollum for funding of C-130J procurement as part of FY2026 defense appropriations.
“America’s national security depends on the capability and lethality of our Armed Forces. Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our interests at home and abroad is critical, and I am committed to making sure our military is equipped to face the challenges of both the present and the future.
“Older, 30+ year old variants of the C-130J platform lack sufficient missile warning systems, leaving them vulnerable to the anti-air capabilities of adversarial nations — further highlighting the need for renewed production. Continued procurement of the C-130J aircraft is essential to ensure the timely transport of both personnel and equipment, as current inventories continue to age. A significant drop in production over the next three years could severely undermine our national security — and that of our allies — at a dangerous time in world affairs.”
IAM Union International President, Brian Bryant said in support: “The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlift currently in production, and a stable and efficient production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-skilled IAM Union jobs and supports more than 27,000 jobs across its nationwide supply chain.”
Click here to read the full letter
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MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The results of the final of the Professionals championship in creative industries and IT were summed up in Nizhny Novgorod
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod
Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin during the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals professional skills championship in Nizhny Novgorod
Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod
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Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod
The final of the All-Russian Championship of Professional Skills “Professionals” in creative industries and information technology competencies has ended in Nizhny Novgorod. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov, and Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin took part in the award ceremony.
Dmitry Chernyshenko read out a greeting from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
“Today, Nizhny Novgorod has become a center of attraction for talented young men and women from different Russian regions and foreign countries. At the unique site of the federal technology park, college, technical school and school students were able to demonstrate their skills and ability to solve problems of any complexity. Excellent preparation and strong character allowed you to get ahead of your rivals and prove that you are the best in your field. The all-Russian championship movement is growing in our country from year to year. Competitions give participants an impetus for personal and professional growth, help to reveal their abilities, implement bold plans and projects, and the performances are an example for many young people who want to work in the creative industries and information technology,” Mikhail Mishustin noted in his welcoming speech.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also congratulated the participants and wished them success in their endeavors and professional growth.
“Dear friends, I would like to send my personal wishes of happiness, goodness and gratitude to all participants. We had the opportunity to communicate with some of you in the wonderful space of the technology park, to see cool specialists, wonderful mentors, interested employers. Search, try, you will succeed, you are all definitely winners. The country is proud of you, you are the best, everyone will look up to you. Good luck!” – said the Deputy Prime Minister.
24 participants became winners in the main and junior standings, 48 participants became prize winners. In addition, winners and prize winners were announced in the international, industrial and team standings.
“Dear children, I would like to congratulate all the finalists and especially thank your parents, teachers and mentors. Today, thanks to them, you are in this room. Representatives of your future employers – large enterprises – are also present here. They watch and choose the best of the best. Today, secondary vocational education is developing, and it is in great demand. The President of Russia pays great attention to the training of workers. The “Professionality” project, organized on his instructions, has become a real driver of the development of our country’s economy,” said Sergey Kravtsov.
The head of the Ministry of Education emphasized that for the first time in Nizhny Novgorod the final of the Professionals championship is being held, he addressed words of gratitude to the team of the Nizhny Novgorod region for the brilliant organization of the event.
The final of the professional skills championship “Professionals” was held for a week in the Federal Technopark of Professional Education, created on the basis of the property complex “Nizhpoligraf” within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”.
“I would like to express my admiration for the young people who have gathered in Nizhny Novgorod these days from all over the country. It is breathtaking what you can do in your fields at the age of fourteen, fifteen, sixteen. I wish you to dare, to conquer the whole world, to climb Everest with the flag of our state in your hands, to remain true Russians who love their country in any situation. Great achievements to you, interesting ideas, business startups! We will be rooting for you. A special source of pride for me is that Nizhny Novgorod is hosting the Professionals championship. This became possible thanks to the faith in our region on the part of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and Sergei Sergeevich Kravtsov. Many thanks to Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, whom I can rightfully call a friend of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. He oversees the Volga Federal District and actively promotes the development of our region,” said Gleb Nikitin.
In 2025, competitions were held in Nizhny Novgorod in 15 competencies, 10 of which were new for the final. The organizer of the championship is the Ministry of Education of Russia with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.
In the main classification, college and technical school students (category “Main”), schoolchildren aged 14 and over (category “Juniors”) competed. Young specialists from specialized industries competed in the industrial classification, and representatives of foreign countries – in the international classification.
Among the 195 contestants are representatives of 46 regions of Russia and 6 friendly countries.
Over the course of three days, the competition was held in an individual format, and on the last day – for the first time in the history of the championship – in a team format.
More than 50 enterprises representing specialized industries became partners of the final.
The Professionals Championship is the largest event in the system of secondary vocational education, the list of competencies is formed in accordance with the demands of the real sector of the economy. In 2025, the championship final will be held in three cities. In Nizhny Novgorod – in creative industries and IT, in Kaluga – in industrial technology competencies, in St. Petersburg – in education and service competencies. Winners and prize-winners get the opportunity to undergo an internship with major employers in the industry with subsequent employment.
The championship final is held within the framework of the All-Russian championship movement in professional skills “Professionals”.
The events of the All-Russian Championship Movement for Professional Skills “Professionals” unite over 1 million people in all regions of the country. This is more than 300 thousand contestants, as well as expert mentors, chief experts, competency managers, industry representatives, participants in business and career guidance programs, volunteers. The championships serve as a platform for exchanging experience, broadcasting industry requests to the education system, and also a place for employers and young specialists to meet.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov and Gleb Nikitin also visited the Federal Technopark of Professional Education in Nizhny Novgorod, where the final of the All-Russian Championship in Professional Skills was held. The Technopark was created within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism” in accordance with the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. This is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister and the Governor assessed the venues where the competitions are taking place, and they also talked to the finalists and experts of the championship. The guys shared their impressions of participating in the competitions, talked about their competencies and preparation for the finals.
It is planned that the Federal Technopark of Professional Education will become a center for advanced training of secondary vocational education teachers. As part of the creation of the technopark, premises for 21 laboratories have been prepared in three buildings (B1, B2 and D). In total, 43 equipped laboratories and workshops in more than 50 competencies in 9 priority industries are planned to be created on the territory of the Nizhpoligraf property complex.
In addition to the buildings of the Federal Technopark of Professional Education, the guests were presented with the general project of the Park of Masters “Nizhpoligraf”. In 2023, the property complex was transferred to regional ownership and gained a new life. The facades of the buildings, utilities and internal structures were updated, the territory was landscaped.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.