NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Supreme Court Ruling To Uphold Ghost Gun Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    March 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday released the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule to rein in the proliferation of ghost guns in a 7-2 decision:

    “Today’s ruling is a major defeat for the gun lobby and a big win for the movement to stop gun violence. No matter what the gun lobby says, ghost guns are guns. They’re easy to get and practically untraceable, which is why dangerous criminals love them. Requiring serial numbers and background checks for ghost guns makes our communities safer, and I’ll be pushing the Trump administration to make sure this rule is enforced.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mar 26, 2025 ATU Local 265-San Jose, CA, VTA Workers Slam Court Ruling Ending VTA Strike

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Ruling is Outrageous for Workers, Riders, and Community, Union to Appeal Ruling

    San Jose, CA – Slamming Superior Court Judge Daniel Nishigaya’s ruling that VTA workers must end their 17-day strike, ATU Local 265-San Jose, CA, plans to appeal the court ruling immediately.

    “This ruling from Judge Nishigaya is outrageous,” said Local President/Business Agent Raj Singh.  “The VTA’s lawfare and the court’s ruling does not get the parties any closer to resolving the fundamental problem—the VTA’s refusal to offer a fair settlement of the labor dispute and its disrespect for its employees as demonstrated by its recent insistence that my coworkers and I are ‘uneducated.’  The community we serve would have been better served if the judge had ordered the VTA to come up with a fair offer instead of forcing us to report to work under court order.”

    The Union pointed out that when the VTA filed their legal complaint for an injunction against its striking workers, VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez told the press, “ATU has a legally protected right to strike, so that’s not what’s in question here.”

    “Shame on the VTA for challenging and backtracking on our members’ protected right to strike. This court order essentially slams the door shut on the hard working VTA employees, who have stood strong and united in their fight for fair wages, respect on the job, and better transit. It is demoralizing being forced back to work and being treated with disrespect by management,” said International President John Costa. “This ruling is not only an injustice but a direct slap in the face to the brave frontline heroes who dedicate their lives to serving the city of San Jose. They’ve been holding the line for three weeks because they want better for themselves and their community. They’re not just employees – they’re this city’s backbone and deserve nothing less than our support and respect. Our members are strong. This court ruling is not the end, and our fight is far from over.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Intel Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner Pushes FBI Director to Confirm Investigation into Misuse of Messaging App Signal by Senior Trump Officials

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA) wrote Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting he confirm that the FBI will open an investigation into the Signal group chat that senior Trump administration officials used to discuss classified information, including information revealing that the United States was preparing to conduct airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

    “Department of Defense policies dictate that information concerning military plans, such as contained in the messages sent by the Secretary of Defense, is classified, and no reasonable process would allow for communication of this information over a commercial messaging application before U.S. pilots had completed and safely returned from their mission,” Sen. Warner wrote.   

    Director Patel, who was not part of the Signal chat, testified yesterday before Senate Intelligence Committee stating he could not provide information on this matter because he had only recently been made aware of it.

    “Yesterday you testified that you could not provide information to the Committee concerning this matter because you had only recently been made aware of it,” Sen. Warner continued. “In other contexts, the FBI has acted promptly to open an investigation when information of a similar nature has been mishandled.”

    Now, two days later, Sen. Warner is requesting that Director Patel clarify the actions the FBI will take to investigate this matter:

    1. Will you commit to opening an investigation of this matter, if you have not already done so?
    2. Will you collect the devices involved, whether government-issued or otherwise?
    3. Will you scan those devices for malware or other indications of unauthorized access?

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

    Director Patel,

    Between March 11th and 15th, the Secretary of Defense and other senior Trump Administration officials used a commercial messaging application to communicate information revealing that the United States was preparing to conduct airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The messages were sent as U.S. pilots were preparing to fly U.S. military aircraft into enemy-controlled airspace defended by surface-to-air missiles in order to strike targets known to change their location. Messages sent by the Secretary of Defense not only revealed, in advance, that the U.S. was planning airstrikes in Yemen, but also disclosed details concerning the timing, sequencing, and weapons to be used.  This information could have been used by the Houthis to shoot down U.S. aircraft, thereby endangering the lives of the U.S. pilots, as well as to relocate enemy targets or otherwise disrupt the mission.

    Department of Defense policies dictate that information concerning military plans, such as contained in the messages sent by the Secretary of Defense, is classified, and no reasonable process would allow for communication of this information over a commercial messaging application before U.S. pilots had completed and safely returned from their mission.  

    Yesterday you testified that you could not provide information to the Committee concerning this matter because you had only recently been made aware of it.

    In other contexts, the FBI has acted promptly to open an investigation when information of a similar nature has been mishandled.  As you have now had two days to consider the details of this matter, can you confirm the following:

    1. Will you commit to opening an investigation of this matter, if you have not already done so?
    2. Will you collect the devices involved, whether government-issued or otherwise?
    3. Will you scan those devices for malware or other indications of unauthorized access?

     Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic announces EIZO Joins KAIROS Alliance Partners

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic announces EIZO Joins KAIROS Alliance Partners

    Osaka, Japan, March 27, 2024 – Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. (“Panasonic”) today announced EIZO, which develops and sells visual display systems such as monitors, has joined the “KAIROS Alliance Partner,” a partnership with IT and video-related equipment manufacturers and suppliers of IT/IP platform KAIROS, a live video production solution. In addition, the 30.5-inch HDR “ColorEdge PROMINENCE CG1”, the first EIZO monitor to support SMPTE ST 2110, and KAIROS were verified to work together, making the CG1 a third-party device that has been confirmed to work with KAIROS. Through collaboration with EIZO and cross-validation with the ST 2110 compatible display CG1, we will provide the video production industry with a freer, higher-quality video production environment and workflow improvements.
    With this collaboration and validation, KAIROS and CG1 will make it easier to use the ST 2110 ecosystem for video input and output including the color mode of YCbCr 4:4:4 and RGB. Since the output of the ST 2110 from KAIROS can be received by the CG1 without using a converter or gateway, it is possible to reduce the equipment of the system and check the output of the ST 2110 in advance. And both KAIROS and CG1 are compatible with NMOS* and ST 2022-7. Therefore, it is also possible to build a system with NMOS control and network redundancy.
    “We are very pleased to be able to contribute to the development of ST 2110 and the use of IP in the video industry through our collaboration with EIZO,” said Kageyuki (Kenny) Fujimoto, lead manager of KAIROS Alliance Partners. “Through collaboration with KAIROS Alliance partners, we believe that bringing together industry leaders to create a single, integrated production environment simplifies installation and operation for creatives who rely on KAIROS to create dynamic, fresh content on a daily basis around the world.”
    KAIROS for touch-and-try will be held at the Panasonic booth (N1311) at “2025 NAB Show” be held in Las Vegas, USA from April 6 to April 10, 2025, and CG1 will be exhibited at the booth. In addition, EIZO’s “ColorEdge PROMINENCE CG1” HDR reference monitor will also be on display at the EIZO booth (SL5829) at “2025 NAB Show”.

    Notes:
    *EIZO, the EIZO Logo and ColorEdge are registered trademarks of EIZO Corporation in Japan and other countries.
    *NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) is a protocol standardized by AMWA (Advanced Media Workflow Association) for controlling and managing devices via IP networks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Coons calls on Secretary Hegseth to resign

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement calling on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign: 
    “The full set of Signal messages released by The Atlantic today make it clear that Secretary Hegseth and our nation’s highest ranking civilian officials exposed information about military operations that put American servicemembers in harm’s way. The nation needs an independent investigation to understand the full scope of these risks, and the intelligence community must assess the full scope of the damage to intelligence-gathering sources and methods resulting from this failure to keep sensitive information secure.
    “Any servicemember who acted with such blatant disregard for our national security would be unceremoniously dismissed, at the very least. Our nation’s highest ranking defense official should not be held to a lower standard than the men and women he oversees. Secretary Hegseth has put our servicemembers in danger and our credibility as a security partner at risk. He can no longer credibly claim that he makes our country safer. For the good of our nation, he must resign.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Bennet, Marshall Lead Senate Push to Address Shortages in TSP Access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced S. 1150, the Increased TSP Access Act of 2025, to improve access to Technical Service Providers (TSP) in the agriculture community amid ongoing shortages.
    “Idaho’s farmers and ranchers actively participate in conservation efforts to enhance the environment and preserve the long-term viability of our agriculture industry,” said Crapo.  “Their success depends on access to third-party technical service providers who have a wide range of scientific disciplines necessary for addressing water, soil, air quality, crop nutrients and other components critical for conservation.  Increasing access to TSPs is vital for the industry.”
    “As Colorado faces a future that’s going to be hotter and drier, we need to make it easier to access USDA conservation programs.  But red tape and understaffing at the NRCS make these programs difficult for Coloradans to apply to,” said Bennet.  “The future of rural America depends on whether the next generation decides to continue their family farms and ranches – and to protect that future, the Increased TSP Access Act makes assistance more accessible and helps conservation programs live up to their potential.”  
    “Increasing the amount of Technical Service Providers is a commonsense approach that moves us toward our goal by cutting red tape that’s holding back farm participation in NRCS programs,” Senator Marshall said.  “Certified Crop Advisors and other similar professionals are already equipped with the skills necessary to help farmers and ranchers reach a variety of conservation goals.  Establishing an expedited pathway to deliver conservation goals, especially as it relates to nutrient management plans, is the free-market answer to increasing agriculture-friendly conservation efforts.”
    TSPs are a critical component of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  They provide tailored, one-on-one assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resources concerns with regard to soil erosion, water supplies, water quality, grazing management, nutrient management and forestry plans.  TSPs must be certified by NRCS to work on behalf of farmers to offer the planning, design and implementation of these conservation programs.
    There is currently a significant backlog of farmers who have requested to receive assistance from TSPs to help in writing detailed conservation plans for their specific operation. 
    The 2018 Farm Bill included language to allow the USDA to approve non-federal entities to certify TSPs, but the language did not include clear deadlines and lacked certain guardrails necessary for implementation.
    The Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 would enhance the work initiated by the 2018 Farm Bill by:
    Giving the USDA 180 days to establish a non-federal certifying process;
    Streamlining the USDA’s TSP certification process to reduce the backlog of conservation plans that farmers need written, reviewed and approved; and
    Ensuring parity in compensation for the services TSP provide.   
    The legislation is supported by the Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Ducks Unlimited, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Federation and the North American Millers’ Association.
    “The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives applauds Senator Crapo’s efforts to strengthen the technical service provider program by tapping into private-sector expertise while maintaining farmers’ trust in USDA,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.  “This bill rightly acknowledges the critical role co-ops play in American agriculture and their deep connections with farmers nationwide. By expanding access to the expertise needed to tackle on-farm resource challenges, it supports the long-term sustainability and economic success of U.S. farms and ranches.”
    “Thank you to Sens. Crapo and Bennet for introducing this legislation to streamline the TSP certification process,” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited.  “Ducks Unlimited agronomists and biologists work closely with NRCS to provide technical assistance to landowners and help agricultural producers get the most out of their operation.  The Increased TSP Access Act will make voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices more accessible to producers and provide greater flexibility to reach their production and conservation goals.”
    U.S. Representative James Baird (R-Indiana) led companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Download text of the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: British 2025 GDP growth forecast cut in half to 1%

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Britain’s economy is expected to grow by only one percent in 2025, half of the previous forecast of 2 percent, said the country’s finance minister on Wednesday.

    Britain’s public finance watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), has revised down its 2025 growth forecasts in the latest publication, confirmed British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in her Spring Statement in the House of Commons.

    “Around one-third of the lower growth this year reflects what appears to be structural weakness. This is concentrated in productivity,” said the OBR. “The remaining two-thirds is due to what appear to be cyclical, temporary factors including higher interest rate expectations, increases in gas prices, and elevated uncertainty.”

    Highlighting the current significant uncertainty, the OBR said: “If global trade disputes escalate to include 20 percentage point rises in tariffs between the USA and the rest of the world, this could reduce UK GDP (gross domestic product) by a peak of 1 percent.”

    Britain’s annual CPI inflation is also projected to increase from 2.5 percent in 2024 to 3.2 percent in 2025, 0.6 percentage points higher than the October forecast, said the independent watchdog. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brazil’s Supreme Court indicts Bolsonaro over alleged coup plot

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) speaks to the media at the Federal Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, on March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday formally indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven of his allies over an alleged plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.

    The justices voted unanimously to move forward with criminal charges, which include attempted coup, conspiracy, and sabotage of democratic institutions.

    Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, said prosecutors presented sufficient evidence that Bolsonaro led efforts to discredit the election, drafted plans to nullify the vote, and sought to block the inauguration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

    Among those indicted are several former high-ranking officials, including Walter Braga Netto, Augusto Heleno, and Anderson Torres.

    With the indictment approved, the case now moves into the trial phase. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Kicks Off First Water Quality & Quantity Task Force Meeting

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Kicks Off First Water Quality & Quantity Task Force Meeting

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen took another step in protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources. Speaking to executive-level members, he kicked off the first meeting of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force.

    “We have tremendous opportunity through this group to initiate actions that will impact Nebraska for generations to come,” said Gov. Pillen. “For years, water policy in this state has been largely reactive. Now, we have the knowledge and technology in place to be proactive in how we approach issues that impact our farmers, our industries and our communities.”

    These core members, appointed by the Governor, represent a cross-section of interests and industries:

    Jesse Bradley, Interim Director, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Environment and Energy (DEE)

    Matt Manning, Engineer, Department of Natural Resources

     

    Marty Stange, Environmental Supervisor, City of Hastings

    Brandon Hunnicutt, Chairman, Nebraska Corn Board

    Don Batie, Past-President of the Natural Resources Commission and farmer

    Dean Settje, Founder & President, Settje Agri-Services

    Scott Schaneman, General Manager of the North Platte Natural Resources District

    Additional members will be added in the coming weeks, creating a team of about 20 – 25 people. In addition to water quality and quantity, an inter-related issue is education. Members of the group say they want to encourage increased adoption of technologies and solutions for handling water issues, especially in agriculture.

    Over the next 12 to 15 months, the group will meet to identify short, mid, and long-term goals and accompanying action items to be pursued. To better focus on specific issues, members may break down into smaller subgroups.

    “Our water is our holy grail because of the Ogallala Aquifer,” noted Gov. Pillen. “We must be smart about how we use our water and keep it as clean and contaminate free as possible. Only then, will we be able to meet all necessary demands.”

    Gov. Pillen announced the creation of the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force when he testified on LB317. That bill, brought on his behalf by Senator Tom Brandt, calls for the merger of the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in part, to bring more meaningful and streamlined oversight around water use.

    Photos include members of the task force and supporting staff

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Presses FBI to Probe Biden-Era Targeting of Christians

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, seeking documents related to the Biden administration’s targeting of Christians. Mere months after calling for a new Church Committee to investigate abuses by the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ), Senator Hawley is now asking the new administration to turn over the details of religious targeting by the Biden DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    “Under President Biden, the FBI targeted people of faith. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office went so far as to issue a memorandum suggesting that certain traditionalist Catholics might be security risks and proposed infiltrating Catholic parishes. President Biden’s FBI also weaponized the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (‘FACE’) Act to target pro-life protesters and discourage people of faith from exercising their First Amendment rights. No doubt this is merely the tip of the iceberg,” asserted Senator Hawley.

    Hawley’s letter calls on the FBI to share any emails, memoranda, directives, and policy guidance related to the targeting of religious Americans under the Biden Administration. 

    “I trust that, under your leadership, this misconduct will end. But those responsible must be held accountable,” Hawley stated. 

    Senator Hawley concluded, “I appreciated our conversations before and during your confirmation hearing, and I was particularly grateful for your willingness to cooperate with our investigations into the FBI’s violations of First Amendment rights. Transparency and accountability will be paramount in restoring Americans’ faith in the Bureau. Getting to the bottom of the Biden Administration’s violations of religious liberty is an excellent place to start.”

    Read the full letter here or below. 

    The Honorable Kash Patel
    Director
    Federal Bureau of Investigation
    935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20535

    Dear Director Patel:

    Under President Biden, the FBI targeted people of faith. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office went so far as to issue a memorandum suggesting that certain traditionalist Catholics might be security risks, and proposed infiltrating Catholic parishes.[1] President Biden’s FBI also weaponized the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (“FACE”) Act to target pro-life protesters and discourage people of faith from exercising their First Amendment rights. No doubt this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

    I trust that, under your leadership, this misconduct will end. But those responsible must be held accountable. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, I write to formally request the production of agency records concerning these FBI abuses, as detailed in the attached appendix, by April 30, 2025.

    I appreciated our conversations before and during your confirmation hearing, and I was particularly grateful for your willingness to cooperate with our investigations into the FBI’s violations of First Amendment rights. Transparency and accountability will be paramount in restoring Americans’ faith in the Bureau. Getting to the bottom of the Biden Administration’s violations of religious liberty is an excellent place to start.

    Richmond Field Office Memorandum and Related Memoranda

    1. All versions, drafts, or revisions of the memorandum issued by the FBI Richmond Field Office regarding “radical-traditionalist Catholics” as potential domestic terrorists, including any related memoranda issued by other FBI field offices or headquarters.
    2. All internal FBI communications, including emails, text messages, chat logs, and memoranda, discussing the development, approval, modification, or rescission of the Richmond Field Office memorandum.
    3. All documents identifying the FBI personnel, offices, or divisions involved in drafting, reviewing, approving, or disseminating the Richmond Field Office memorandum, including, but not limited to, communications between the Richmond, Portland, and Los Angeles field offices.
    4. All communications between the FBI and the DOJ regarding the content, approval, or implementation of the Richmond Field Office memorandum and any related memoranda.
    5. All policy guidance, directives, training materials, or enforcement plans related to the FBI’s monitoring of religious organizations, including, but not limited to, Catholic churches, as part of domestic terrorism investigations.
    6. All documents, including email communications, meeting notes, and memoranda, that reference or discuss any directive, instruction, or guidance issued by the White House, DOJ, National Security Council, or any other federal agency regarding the FBI’s monitoring of religious groups, including Catholic organizations.
    7. All internal assessments, audits, or reports evaluating the Richmond Field Office memorandum, including any documents analyzing its compliance with FBI policies, legal frameworks, or constitutional protections of religious freedom.
    8. All documents reflecting FBI efforts to collect intelligence, recruit informants, or conduct surveillance within churches or affiliated organizations based on the Richmond Field Office memorandum or other guidance.
    9. All documents relating to investigations, surveillance operations, or law enforcement actions initiated as a result of the Richmond Field Office memorandum or related memoranda, including any records of individuals or groups targeted under this initiative.
    10. All documents reflecting the role of the FBI’s Portland and Los Angeles Field Offices in the drafting, review, or dissemination of the Richmond Field Office memorandum, including any documents that identify officials responsible for coordinating these efforts.
    11. All communications, including emails, memoranda, and reports, between FBI officials and any external organizations, think tanks, or academic institutions that provided input on the characterization of Catholic Americans or other religious groups in domestic terrorism assessments.
    12. All documents, including communications with state and local law enforcement agencies, that discuss how the Richmond Field Office memorandum or similar FBI policies were implemented or considered for enforcement at the state or local level.

    FACE Act Abuses

    1. The identity of all individuals involved with the FBI’s enforcement of the FACE Act under the Biden Administration.
    2. All communications, including, but not limited to, emails, memoranda, directives, and policy guidance, sent to or from the FBI Director, Deputy Director, or any other senior official regarding the enforcement of the FACE Act under the Biden Administration.
    3. All documents reflecting internal FBI deliberations, discussions, or decisions regarding prioritization, enforcement strategy, or policy direction related to the FACE Act, including, but not limited to, any documents identifying the individuals or offices responsible for making those determinations.
    4. All communications, including emails, text messages, or memoranda, between the FBI and the DOJ regarding the enforcement or non-enforcement of the FACE Act under the Biden Administration.
    5. All documents, including briefing materials, talking points, or internal reports, prepared for or provided to the FBI Director or other senior officials regarding the enforcement of the FACE Act under the Biden Administration.
    6. All documents, including, but not limited to, policy memoranda, internal directives, guidance documents, or other materials issued by the FBI that establish, modify, or explain the agency’s enforcement priorities under the FACE Act, including any documents identifying the officials responsible for setting such priorities.
    7. All documents, including email communications, meeting notes, or internal memoranda, that reference or discuss any directive, instruction, or guidance issued by the White House, DOJ, or any other federal agency regarding the FBI’s enforcement of the FACE Act.
    8. All drafts, revisions, or final versions of any FBI policies, reports, or legal analyses concerning the enforcement of the FACE Act that relates to enforcement discrepancies between abortion-related clinics and religious institutions, including any records identifying the individuals responsible for such policies.
    9. All communications, including emails, memoranda, text messages, or meeting minutes, reflecting any discussions between FBI field offices and FBI headquarters regarding the prioritization or de-prioritization of FACE Act investigations.
    10. All internal FBI evaluations, audits, or assessments that discuss the agency’s approach to enforcing the FACE Act, including any discussions of political, policy, or strategic considerations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Pushes Back on Attempts to Use AI to Raise Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson expressing concern over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by corporations to target individuals with different prices for the same products through surveillance pricing. Senator Rosen urged Chair Ferguson to reverse his decision to close a public comment window early so the FTC can fully understand how large retailers are using technology to hurt consumers’ budgets.
    “I write to express my concern with your recent decision to close the public comment window two months early on the FTC’s Request for Information regarding retailers’ use of such surveillance pricing,” wrote Senator Rosen. “I urge you to reopen this public comment period, as it is important for the agency to fully understand how surveillance pricing is potentially driving up costs for consumers.”
    “Recent improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the accumulation of specific consumer data like geographic location and demographic information are allowing large corporate retailers to raise prices artificially, inconsistently, and unfairly,” she continued. “With Nevadans already experiencing some of the
    highest grocery prices in the United States, consumers’ ability to compare costs across stores and find the lowest price is important for putting food on the table.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been pushing back on the Trump Administration’s actions that raise prices for hardworking Nevadans. Last month, she took to the Senate floor to call out the Trump Administration for its lack of actions to lower grocery prices and address the egg shortage. Senator Rosen has also been urging her colleagues to reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans. Additionally, she sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to prevent housing prices from rising even further. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen strongly criticized President Trump for resuming the implementation of his across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Fights to Keep Resources Meant for Iowans in Iowa

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – To protect housing for rural Iowa communities, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is introducing her Rural Housing Accessibility Act. 
    In recent years, there has been a troubling trend where individuals from urban areas – where wait lists for affordable housing vouchers are long – are moving to rural states like Iowa to apply for and receive federal housing assistance but then leave, effectively taking away an Iowan’s chance to obtain a resource meant for them.
    “I’m ensuring rural Iowa communities have the housing resources they need to thrive. By protecting our in-state public housing authorities, we can make sure low-income Iowa families, seniors, and the disabled receive the assistance meant for them,” said Senator Ernst. “My bill will close gaps that have let too many game the system, help alleviate some of the housing challenges facing rural America, and ensure that these programs are effectively supporting the Iowans who need them most.”
    “The Rural Housing Accessibility Act ensures that Iowans have access to the resources meant for them. Community Housing Initiatives is thankful for Senator Ernst’s leadership on legislation to preserve affordable housing resources in Iowa’s rural communities,” said Sam Erickson, CEO of Community Housing Initiatives.
    Read the bill here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Hosts Office Hours on Importance of Protecting SNAP and Food Security Benefits as Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans Plan for Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Massachusetts receives $2.6 billion in SNAP annually

    Washington (March 26, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today hosted a virtual meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), advocates from Mass Law Reform Institute, Project Bread, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Greater Boston Food Bank, Worcester County Food Bank, Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Merrimack Valley Food Bank, and hundreds of constituents on the importance of protecting SNAP and other essential food security benefits for people in Massachusetts. Last month, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans in Congress advanced their plan to cut billions from SNAP, school meals, food banks, and farmers markets after stripping funding for programs that help schools purchase locally grown food.

    Massachusetts receives $220 million in federal funding for food security monthly, reaching families in every city and town in the Commonwealth. SNAP helps one in six Massachusetts residents, or about 670,000 families, put food on their table, but nearly 20 percent of families in Massachusetts still report struggling with food access. Families across the Commonwealth are seeing their purchasing power decrease as food costs increase at the sixth-highest rate in the country.

    “Food is essential—it is how we feed our families and sustain ourselves; how children get the nutrition they need to learn; and how we share our cultures and build our community. SNAP is a critical lifeline in uplifting millions of families to put food on their table,” said Senator Markey. “I heard stories from early educators, community college students, food bank leaders, and advocates that I can use to show Republicans what cuts to food security benefits will mean. If they want to make these cuts, I’m going to make sure every American knows that Republicans are taking food from people’s dinner tables to fuel billionaires’ tax breaks.”

    “The proposed twenty percent cuts to SNAP pose a significant threat to food insecurity here in the Commonwealth,” said Catherine D’Amato, President, and CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank. “GBFB estimates that the proposed reduction in SNAP benefits equal 118 million meals lost throughout the state. To put that in perspective, imagine a packed Gillette Stadium with around 65,000 fans. If each person there needed three meals a day, 118 million meals could feed a sold-out crowd every day for over 600 days—almost two years! The already overburdened emergency food system here in Massachusetts will not be able to bridge this gap without significant philanthropic support and policy interventions.”

    “MLRI is grateful to Senator Markey and our entire delegation for their work to protect SNAP, Medicaid, and our safety-net,” said Vicky Negus, Benefits Policy Advocate at the Mass Law Reform Institute. “SNAP is our country’s most effective anti-poverty program – helping 1 in 6 MA residents put food on the table. Cutting SNAP would harm families struggling to get by for generations to come, worsen hunger, and harm health and our local economies.”

    “Each month, SNAP benefits support approximately 194,000 individuals in Western Massachusetts, bringing in around $35 million in federal dollars to the region,” said Christina Maxwell, Director of Programs at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “Reducing SNAP benefits will not only increase hunger but also hurt farmers, local economies, and small businesses that depend on these federal dollars.”

    “The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the very foundation and source of nutritious food for 42 million children, older adults, and hard-working adults in every community in the United States. People who are constituents of every Senator and Representative in Congress. We applaud Senator Markey and the entire MA delegation for their vigorous and vigilant protection of SNAP. It is immoral for elected officials to take money from SNAP, which is food for their constituents, to free billions of dollars for tax cuts for billionaires. Food Banks and food pantries cannot fill the food gap created by a reduction in federal financial support.  The federal budget is the people’s budget, and Congress should ensure that SNAP thrives,” said Jean McMurray, CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank.

    “The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative appreciates Senator Ed Markey’s leadership in supporting SNAP and the federal grant programs that help make Massachusetts farms more sustainable and feed hungry residents. At a time of heightened food insecurity, proposed cuts to SNAP will only put more pressure on the emergency food system, force families to make impossible choices between food and rent, increase diet-related illness, and take dollars out of the local economy. Massachusetts farmers are facing significant cuts to grant programs that helped feed more food insecure residents and provided expanded market channels, and cuts to SNAP will further destabilize the local food system,” said Rebecca Miller, Policy Director at the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative.

    “SNAP is the most effective solution we have in the fight against hunger,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. “We need to strengthen and expand SNAP’s impact to support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, instead of cutting into a critical lifeline for over 1 million Massachusetts residents. We are asking Congress to reject cuts to SNAP and reject the harm that would impact our communities nationwide.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Banco Itaú Chile Files Material Event Notice announcing Dividend Distribution Proposal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BANCO ITAÚ CHILE (SSE: ITAUCL) (the “Bank”) today announced that its Board of Directors has agreed, in its ordinary meeting held on this same date, to propose to the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, to be held on April 24, 2025, the distribution of 30% of the profits for the 2024 fiscal year, corresponding to the amount of $112,988,077,742 as a dividend to shareholders, among the total of the Bank’s 216,340,749 validly issued shares in circulation. Therefore, if approved as indicated, a dividend of $522.2690513195920 per share would be distributed. Additionally, it will be proposed to the Shareholders’ Meeting that the remaining 70% of the profits be retained.

    The dividends that are approved will be available to shareholders starting on May 7, 2025. In this regard, shareholders who are registered in the Shareholder Registry at midnight on April 30, 2025, that is, those who are registered in said registry 5 business days prior to the payment date, will be entitled to receive dividends.

    The full Material Event Notice is available on the company’s investor relations website at ir.itau.cl.
    Investor Relations – Banco Itaú Chile

    IR@itau.cl / ir.itau.cl

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King: America “Woefully Behind” on Hypersonic Weapons, Directed Energy Capabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the United States’ hypersonic missile defense capabilities at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. King, the ranking member of the subcommittee, urged General Anthony J. Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command for the Air Force, and General Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command for the Air Force, to support investments in U.S. hypersonic missile technologies to keep up with Russia, China, and North Korea.
    “Two things, I just wanted to follow-up on the discussion of hypersonics. I believe we have missed two critical strategic technologies and are woefully behind, hypersonics and directed energy. These are things that we should have seen coming and now we are playing catch up. I just want to emphasize not only do we need a hypersonic weapon for deterrent possibilities, but we need hypersonic defense. Those aircraft carriers in the pacific are sitting ducks for hypersonic missiles coming at them 4,000 to 5,000 miles an hour, 100 feet above the surface of the ocean. So, hypersonic defense is something I think we need to invest in, as well as the development of a hypersonic offensive capacity in order, again, to provide a deterrent. General Cotton, would you agree?” asked Senator King.
    “I do agree with that statement,” replied General Cotton.
    “The other thing I wanted to mention, it has, sort of, become conventional wisdom here that we are going from one near peer adversary to two. I believe we are going from one near peer adversary to three and a half because of, as I think you touched upon this, the growing cooperation between China and Russia. And then you put in Iran, which has also become a contributor to Russia’s war machine, as well as North Korea, which is also contributing to Russia’s efforts in Ukraine. I think we need to think strategically, not two near peer adversaries, but the potential of two near peer adversaries who are working together. And that creates its own strategic challenges. General Cotton, what are your thoughts on that?” Senator King asked.
    “Senator, you are absolutely right and that is what we are actually doing at STRATCOM today. When we look at, and you are right, I call them third-party influencers. And what I mean by that and to your point, I would add, one, I think is a little different nuance, that is the new relationship that we are seeing that is happening between Russia and the DPRK. So, we are talking about DPRK. We’re talking about Iran, we’re talking about China, as well as the Russian Federation,” General Cotton confirmed.
    “I think we have to assume that, in a time of serious conflict, it would not be just with one or the other. It could well and probably would involve all four of those powers that you’ve mentioned,” argued Senator King.
    “That is why I call them the third-party influencers because what they could do is they can be a distraction from the main effort that could be launched by any one of those that we had mentioned,” replied General Cotton.
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has previously spoken up about the emerging threats of Russia and China’s development of “nightmare weapon” hypersonic missiles, which he has described as “strategic game-changers.” He previously urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies and encouraged the (DoD) to reevaluate its acquisition process of defense technologies. Additionally, Senator King has been a steady voice on the need to address the growing nuclear capacity of our adversaries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost the American Mining Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to bolster America’s mining workforce. The Mining Schools Act will establish a grant program for use by higher education institutions to recruit students and carry out research projects related to mineral production.
    “Nevada is on the forefront of the growing critical mineral industry,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This legislation will provide needed resources to universities in the Silver State to prepare young Nevadans for good-paying jobs that support our state’s economy and promote green energy production.”
    The Mining Schools Act of 2025 would establish a grant program for mining schools to receive funds in order to recruit students and carry out studies, research projects, or demonstration projects related to the production of minerals. In addition to the grant program, the Act would establish the Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to evaluate applications and recommend recipients to the Secretary of Energy, as well as conduct oversight to ensure that grant funds are appropriately used. University of Nevada, Reno’s Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering is one such mining school that would qualify for funding under this act.
    Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to support Nevada’s mining industry, protecting more than 83,000 local jobs and paving the way for Nevada to power the clean energy economy. She has consistently blocked burdensome taxes on mining and wrote important provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Nevada’s critical mineral supply chain and fund battery recycling programs in the state. She’s also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare-earth magnets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Delegation Hails AIDEA’s Coastal Plain Court Victory

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    03.26.25
    Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled that the Biden administration illegally canceled seven leases in the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of ANWR in 2023. The leases were bid on, won, and held by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), which filed the successful court challenge. 
    “As we wrote the Coastal Plain program in 2017, we adopted a legal framework substantially similar to the one in place for the NPR-A. After the first Trump administration developed a good program and AIDEA secured seven leases, the Biden administration spent four years attempting to turn the program on its head. From their initial pause and then the cancelation of these leases, to the arbitrary closure of 74 percent of the program area and a lease sale that was designed to fail, I can’t think of a single lawful thing the last administration did on the Coastal Plain,” Senator Murkowski said. “While we lost years of development to their willful intransigence, this decision is an important step to getting things back on track. I appreciate Judge Gleason’s clear-eyed reading of the law we wrote and congratulate AIDEA on their victory. I hope their leases are immediately reinstated and thank them for persevering in their effort to help develop our state’s abundant resources for the benefit of all Alaskans.” 
    “I’ve said for years that not only were President Biden’s 70 executive orders and actions shutting down Alaska harmful to our state and working families, but many of them were also illegal,” said Senator Dan Sullivan. “The District Court ruled yesterday that the administration’s cancellation of ANWR leases was a ‘serious’ error that violated ‘congressionally mandated procedures.’ That is an important rebuke, but I don’t believe that this was an honest mistake. President Biden’s lawyers likely knew this cancellation was illegal, but they did it anyway in order to have a chilling impact on future Coastal Plain lease sales and to kill hundreds, if not thousands of jobs for Alaskans. But it is a new day for our state. We now have an administration that is committed to unleashing our extraordinary resources, growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs for hardworking Alaskans.”  
    “The Biden Administration’s illegal cancellation of leases in ANWR was a reckless act of overreach that hurt Alaska families and threatened America’s path to energy security,” said Congressman Begich. “The law could not be more clear: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed by Congress in 2017 and signed into law by President Trump mandates the responsible development of ANWR. This ruling brings us one step closer to restoring the promise of ANWR and putting Alaska back on the map as a cornerstone of America’s energy dominance.”
    In September 2023, the Department of the Interior canceled all seven of AIDEA’s leases on the Coastal Plain. AIDEA sued the Department the following month. In her opinion finding for AIDEA, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason wrote that, “Federal Defendants’ cancellation of AIDEA’s leases was not in accordance with law because it failed to seek a court order…The Court finds that vacatur is appropriate. DOI’s error is serious: DOI cancelled AIDEA’s leases without following the congressionally-mandated procedure for doing so… DOI’s Lease Cancellation Decision of AIDEA’s ANWR leases is VACATED.”
    Judge Gleason has sent the matter back to the Department of the Interior for further action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Warnock Reintroduce Bill Supporting Forest Landowners Following Natural Disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) reintroduced legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Disaster Reforestation Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.
    “Louisianans know too well the importance of natural disaster relief,” said Dr. Cassidy. “When their lives and communities are torn apart by storms, they need a tax fix like this.”
    “Our rural communities need all the help they can get after a disaster like Hurricane Helene devastates farmland and forests. The bipartisan Disaster Reforestation Act will help lessen the burden on forest owners during a recovery process following a natural disaster,” said Senator Warnock. “The forestry industry is central to Georgia’s economy and ecology, and I’m happy to work alongside Senator Cassidy in this.”
    “Landowners currently have no tools to recover after a disaster destroys their forests,” said Scott Jones CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “The Disaster Reforestation Act is not a handout or a subsidy—it simply corrects the casualty loss deduction so landowners can claim the true value of their damaged timber. This is a necessary step to ensure family forestry businesses can survive future disasters and keep our working forests intact.”
    “Natural disasters create havoc on forest resources but more importantly on the lives of people who manage them. Often when disasters hit it is financially overwhelming for a landowner to get back on their feet and begin the recovery process. The Disaster Reforestation Act offers a helping hand to the landowner to get their land back into production as quickly as possible. The Louisiana Forestry Association supports this effort on behalf of all forest landowners throughout Louisiana and the nation,” said C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, Louisiana Forestry Association. 
    The Disaster Reforestation Act is supported by: Alabama Forestry Association, American Forest Foundation, Arkansas Forestry Association, Association of Consulting Foresters, California Forestry Association, Florida Forestry Association, Forest Resources Association, Forestry Association of South Carolina, Georgia Forestry Association, Hardwood Federation, Iowa Coalition For Trees and Forests, Iowa Woodland Owners, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Louisiana Forestry Association, Massachusetts Forest Alliance, Mississippi Forestry Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Foresters, National Woodlands Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, Ohio Forestry Association, Oklahoma Forestry Association, Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Group of State Foresters, Tennessee Forestry Association, Texas Forestry Association, The Carbon Fund, Trees Forever, Virginia Forestry Association, Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington Forest Protection Association, and Wildlife Mississippi.
    “The introduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act by Senator Cassidy and Senator Warnock is a crucial step in ensuring that private forest landowners have the resources needed to recover and reforest after catastrophic events. Timber is a long-term investment, and without the certainty this legislation provides—especially as natural disasters become more frequent—the health of our forests and the stability of our wood products sector are at risk. This bipartisan bill offers a much-needed solution, recognizing the essential role private forests play in strengthening rural economies, sustaining wildlife habitats, improving air quality, and securing a reliable domestic supply of timber and wood products. We urge Congress to act swiftly on this legislation to protect these critical resources for future generations,” said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association.
    “All of agriculture is risky and subject to Mother Nature. Forestry and timber production are no exception. Senator Cassidy and Louisiana Farm Bureau recognize that. Our members are grateful that he and Senator Warnock are once again imploring Congress to recognize it too. The Disaster Reforestation Act would give forest landowners some sign of hope when a disaster strikes. It is only right to provide these hardworking folks some relief when they’ve been knocked down. This bill would go a long way in doing just that,” said Richard Fontenot, President, Louisiana Farm Bureau.
    Louisiana timberland play a critical role in the state’s economy, communities, and environment. There are 15 million acres of private forest in Louisiana producing enough oxygen for 148 million residents to breathe every year and sequester the emissions of 2.5 million cars annually driven on Louisiana’s roads. According to the Forest Landowners Association, they provide an impact of $13 billion on the Louisiana economy. 48,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by forestry providing $1 billion in salaries and wages and $328 million in state taxes.  
    Background
    Previous disaster relief policies and programs provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers, however, they do not provide any economic relief for farmers whose timber crops were destroyed. The Disaster Reforestation Act allows landowners to deduct the full value of timber destroyed during disaster events in the same way the tax code treats other crops.
    In the case of the loss of uncut timber from fire, storm, other casualty, or theft, the basis used for determining the amount of the deduction may not be less than the excess of (1) the appraised value of the uncut timber determined immediately before the loss was sustained, over (2) the salvage value of the timber.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces the Defining Male and Female Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today introduced the Defining Male and Female Act of 2025, a bill codifying the legal definitions of male, female, and sex to ensure they are based on biological reality rather than radical, left-wing ideology. 
    This bill specifically would enshrine into law President Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which clarifies that sex is determined at conception and is dependent on the size of reproductive cells and ensures the federal government uses this sex dichotomy.
    “The Democrats’ radical transgender agenda is dangerous and wrong. We shouldn’t need legislation to tell us the basic reality that there are only two sexes, but here we are,” Senator Marshall said. “I’m thankful President Trump has made this a top priority and signed an Executive Order on his first day in office recognizing that there are only two sexes. Congress must ensure this historic action is written into law by passing the Defining Male and Female Act.”
    U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R-Illinois-15) introduced the House companion version of the bill. 
    “Now more than ever, we must unite to uphold the truth and biological reality established by God that there are only two sexes,” said Congresswoman Mary Miller. “I am proud to stand alongside Senator Marshall in introducing the House companion to the Defining Male and Female Act to ensure our nation upholds common sense and puts an end to the Left’s dangerous and extreme sexual fantasies.”
    Senator Marshall’s bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska).
    “Common sense and science tell us there are two sexes,” said Senator Cassidy. “You are born a male or a female.”
    “Boys are boys, girls are girls, and gone are the days of woke nonsense like calling mothers ‘birthing persons.’ Supporting this legislation is a no-brainer and I’m proud to be restoring common sense in America,” Senator Sheehy said.
    “By affirming biological truth, we defend fairness in sports, safeguard women and children, and uphold the principles of Title IX as Congress intended,”Senator Hyde-Smith said. “Because the other side spent four years pretending boys were girls, it’s time to restore common sense once and for all by establishing clear, legal, and biologically-accurate definitions of male and female.”
    “This bill is simple. It defines the most basic science. There are only two sexes: male and female,” Senator Ricketts said. “Defining males and females is an important step to helping protect our women and girls across America.”
    Click HERE to read the full bill text.
    BACKGROUND:
    Specifically, the Defining Male and Female Act recognizes:

    The definition of male and female on the basis of a person belonging, at conception, to the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological function of producing eggs or producing sperm.
    The right of girls and women to sex-separate sports and scholarships.
    The sex separation of restrooms, locker and dorm rooms, prisons, and shelters for victims of sexual assault.

    Senator Marshall has been a leader in defending biological reality and protecting children from radical gender ideology. His actions include:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss the Defining Male and Female Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined National Report on Newsmax to discuss the Defining Male and Female Act, legislation he reintroduced today to codify the legal definitions of male, female, and sex to ensure they are based on biological reality rather than radical, left-wing ideology.
    This bill would enshrine into law President Donald Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which clarifies that sex is determined at conception and is dependent on the size of reproductive cells and ensures the federal government uses this sex dichotomy.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On the Defining Male and Female Act:
    “I can’t believe it’s necessary. But as you all know, I was an obstetrician for 30 years of my life. I delivered a baby almost every day. I delivered the baby, and I would say a prayer until it made its first cry, and then as the baby started crying, I would hand the baby to the new mom and the new dad and say, it’s a boy, it’s a girl. I never said, well, we’re not sure what this is. We’re going to do a little gender affirmation later and we’re going to assess this baby in three years. And I’d fill out the birth certificate. I would check male or female.
    “So, what this bill does, and I’m embarrassed that we have to do this, is say, look, if this child, if this baby, if this future young man, makes sperm, then he’s a male. He’s a dude. And if it’s a person that makes oocytes, makes eggs, then guess what? It’s a girl.”
    On President Trump’s executive order recognizing only two sexes:
    “[President Trump] [issued] an executive order on day number one to protect the rights, the safety and dignity of women and this, this bill would codify that, that boys are boys and girls are girls. Let’s keep boys out of girls’ sports. Let’s keep boys out of the girls’ locker room.
    “If you have a passport, you need to put on your biological sex, not your gender identity. If you’re in a public place, like a prison, a jail, some type of housing situation, public housing, the boys go on the boys’ side, and the girls go on the girls’ side… We just need a little more common sense. But this bill would codify exactly what President Trump did in his executive order.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Introduces Legislation to Reform Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025, legislation that will amend the National Nutrition Monitoring & Related Research Act of 1990 and modernize the development of federal dietary guidelines with up-to-date, evidence-based nutritional information. 
    The Dietary Guidelines Advisory (DGAC) Committee makes dietary recommendations for tens of millions of Americans, and this bill will provide more transparency and public input to ensure positive nutrition outcomes for all. DGAC guides recommendations for federal food package programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which has a massive participation of nearly 30 million school children. In addition to advising federal meal programs, the DGAC report also serves as a guide for nutrition education programs such as MyPlate and the Healthy Eating Index. 
    “Despite decades of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our citizens have only become sicker and more obese, while taxpayer dollars continue to fund this chaotic and broken process,” Senator Marshall said. “The Dietary Guidelines Reform Act brings much-needed transparency and scientific integrity to the dietary guidelines process, restores public trust, and aims for healthier outcomes by ensuring the recommendations truly serve the American people.”
    U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) introduced the House companion version of the bill.
    “The Biden administration has weaponized the dietary guidelines to push a partisan agenda instead of sound nutritional science,” Representative Ronny Jackson said. “My bill will ensure these dietary guidelines are based on transparent, evidence-based research – not political ideologies – so Americans can trust they are getting real, science-backed recommendations that support their health and well-being.”
    Specifically, the Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025:

    Reforms the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) drafting process and adds transparency by subjecting the report to the federal rulemaking process.
    Expands the DGA report timeline from every fix to every ten years and requires public notice and comment rulemaking to finalize the DGA report.
    Requires members of the DGAC to provide full disclosure of all relevant financial and nonfinancial conflicts of interest.
    Establishes a bipartisan panel of experts to draft scientific questions intended to direct the work of the DGAC as they draft the DGA report.
    Designs dietary guidelines to improve long-term health outcomes and advance nutritional adequacy by addressing current, high-priority health concerns.

    Click HERE to read the full bill text.
    Background:

    Senator Marshall has long been an advocate for food as medicine, working with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure Americans have improved access to whole, nutrient-dense food.
    Nutrition plays a critical role in long-term health outcomes and in preventing chronic illness, making access to accurate and accessible dietary guidelines vital to Americans’ health.
    America is facing a chronic disease epidemic, with poor diet serving as the primary culprit for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
    Over 60% of Americans have at least one chronic illness, with over 40% suffering from at least two.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Canadian government looking for possible retaliation against US auto tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday said his government will be looking at its options for possible retaliation against the U.S. auto tariffs, local media reported.

    The liberal leader on his election campaign tour said the tariffs are “a direct attack” against Canadian workers, regardless of how they are applied, according to CBC News.

    “We have anticipated this possibility,” he was quoted as saying. “We will take the steps that are in the interests of Canadian workers, of Canada. We’re going to stand up for Canada. We’re going to be united.”

    Previously Carney announced a “strategic response fund” which is valued at 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster the country’s auto industry.

    Carney said the money would be used to boost the auto sector’s competitiveness, protect manufacturing jobs, help workers gain expertise and build “a fortified Canadian supply chain.”

    Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball.

    Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

    “In the new world, that will be an advantage,” he was quoted as saying. “That will help insulate us from President Trump’s trade threats and it will grow the economy.”

    If elected on April 28, Carney said his government would also prioritize and procure Canadian-built vehicles, reported CBC News.

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Wednesday for a 25-percent tariff on all vehicles not made in the United States as of April 2. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas who sustained economic losses caused by the excessive heat and drought occurring from Aug. 1-Dec. 27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Ashley, Benton, Boone, Bradley, Carroll, Chicot, Cleveland, Conway, Crawford, Desha, Drew, Franklin, Garland, Johnson, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell in Arkansas, as well as Barry, Stone and Taney counties in Missouri.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Nov. 21.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Mussell, Senior Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, University of Canterbury

    Paremoremo Maximum Security Prison near Auckland. Getty Images

    With the government’s Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill about to become law within days, New Zealand’s already high incarceration rate will almost certainly climb even higher.

    The new legislation essentially limits how much judges can reduce a prison sentence for mitigating factors (such as a guilty plea, young age or mental ability). A regulatory impact statement from the Ministry of Justice estimated it would result in 1,350 more people in prison.

    This and other law changes are effectively putting more people in prison for longer. By 2035, imprisonment numbers are expected to increase by 40% from their current levels, with significant cost implications. Last year, the Corrections budget was NZ$1.94 billion, up $150 million from the previous year.

    In sheer numbers, the Ministry of Justice projects the prison population will increase from 9,900 to 11,500 prisoners over the next decade. But Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell recently said government policies could see a peak of 13,900 prisoners over that period.

    New Zealand’s imprisonment rate is already high at 187 per 100,000 people. That’s double the rate of Canada (90 per 100,000), and well above Australia (163 per 100,000) and England (141 per 100,000).

    Accounting for imprisonment and population projections, New Zealand’s prisoner ratio could be between 238 and 263 per 100,000 by 2035. That is higher than the current imprisonment rate in Iran (228 per 100,000).

    The role of remand

    Much of this increase is driven by the number of people awaiting trial or sentencing on remand. This has risen substantially in the past ten years and is expected to keep rising.

    Remand prisoner numbers are projected to nearly equal sentenced prisoners in 2034. Among women and young people, remand numbers are already higher than for sentenced prisoners.

    In October 2024, 89% of imprisoned youth were on remand, a 15% increase in seven years. In December 2024, 53% of women prisoners were on remand, more than double the 24% rate a decade ago. Men on remand comprise 41% of prisoners, nearly double the 21% rate a decade ago.

    Māori are affected most by these increases, making up 81% of imprisoned youth, 67% of imprisoned women and 53% of imprisoned men.

    Some 30% of those on remand are not convicted. Of those who are, data released to RNZ last year showed 2,138 people (15% of remand prisoners) were not convicted of their most serious change, almost double the 2014 figure of 1,075 people.

    Significant court delays can mean people are remanded for a long time. By 2034, it is projected the average remand time will be 99 days, compared with 83 days in February 2024. As well as being a human rights concern, this is very expensive.

    Minister of Corrections Mark Mitchell: prisoner numbers could reach 13,900 over the next decade.
    Getty Images

    Putting more people away for longer

    Crime and imprisonment rates fluctuate independently of each other, as the former Chief Science Advisor acknowledged in a 2018 report. Increasing imprisonment rates are the result of political decisions, not simple arithmetic.

    The Bail Amendment Act 2013 reversed the onus of proof in certain cases, meaning the default rule is that an accused person will not be granted bail. This results in more people being sent to prison while awaiting a hearing, trial or sentencing.

    When this week’s changes to the Sentencing Act come into effect, they will further constrain judges’ discretion, capping sentence reductions for mitigating factors at 40% (unless it would be “manifestly unjust”).

    At the same time, it has become more difficult for prisoners to return to the community. For example, some are kept in prison or recalled because they do not have stable housing. (Dean Wickliffe, currently on a hunger strike over an alleged assault by prison staff, was arrested for breaching parole by living in his car.)

    Last year, Corrections received $1.94 billion in operating and capital budget, a $150 million increase to account for rising imprisonment numbers and prison expansion. There was no meaningful increase in funding for rehabilitation programmes or investment in legal aid.

    Imprisoning people is expensive. The cost of a person on custodial remand has almost doubled since 2015, from $239 a day to $437. For sentenced prisoners, it is $562 per day. This comes to between $159,505 and $205,130 per year to confine one person.

    The Waikeria expansion and beyond

    Corrections has developed a Long-Term Network Configuration Plan to meet anticipated prison population growth. This year’s budget in May will fund 240 high-security beds and 52 health centre beds at Christchurch men’s prison, at a cost of approximately $700-800 million.

    Those 240 beds will fit within 160 cells, meaning “double-bunking”. This is known to have a significant impact to prisoner health and rehabilitation, and can also add to staffing costs.

    Former corrections minister Kelvin Davis acknowledged this before the first 600-bed expansion of Waikeria prison, costed at $750 million in 2018. By June 2023, that had increased by 22% to $916 million.

    The second Waikeria expansion will deliver another 810 beds for an estimated $890 million, although the exact budget has been unclear. These projects will involve public private partnership, a model known for not always delivering the cost savings and service quality initially promised.

    There will be other costs for facilities maintenance, asset management services and financing. And there can be unanticipated costs, too. For example, the government’s partner in the Waikeria expansion, Cornerstone, claimed $430 million against Corrections in 2022 for “time and productivity losses” due to COVID-19.

    These overall trends are happening while the government is also cutting funding for important social services. Shifting resources to improve social supports would be a better option – and one that has worked in Finland – than pouring more money into expanding prisons.

    Linda Mussell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. New sentencing laws will drive NZ’s already high imprisonment rates – and budgets – even higher – https://theconversation.com/new-sentencing-laws-will-drive-nzs-already-high-imprisonment-rates-and-budgets-even-higher-253119

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former North Dakota State Senator Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Traveling to Prague to Engage in Commercial Sex with Children

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A former North Dakota state legislator for 45 years was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague in the Czech Republic, where he paid to sexually exploit children.

    According to court documents, Raymon (Ray) Everett Holmberg, 81, of Grand Forks, traveled to Prague approximately 14 times between 2011 and 2021. During these trips, while staying at a brothel that catered to men looking to engage in commercial sex with adolescent boys, Holmberg paid for sex acts with boys. During some of the trips, Holmberg used the alias “Sean Evans.” Witnesses told law enforcement that Holmberg did not want his name on the brothel’s registry because he was a North Dakota state legislator. Witnesses also told law enforcement that Holmberg would also visit a public park in front of the main train station in Prague to procure sex from underage boys. 

    Holmberg also used the “Evans” alias to tell friends about his trips and encourage them to travel to Prague. In these communications, Holmberg shared an image of an adolescent boy that he called “his twink,” and said that “no one is ever to [sic] young . . . remember Prague.” He emailed a different friend a link to a brothel in Prague and suggested that they go that summer, writing: “The boys rent at around $60 . . .  (sex is extra).”  Holmberg also wrote: “It will be decadent but oh so much fun bro.  What happens in Prague—Stays in Prague.” Back in the United States, Holmberg boasted about having engaged in sexual activity with boys as young as 12- and 15-years old during his travels.

    According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Holmberg’s sexual exploitation of minors was not limited to his trips to Prague. Holmberg established an online relationship with a 16-year-old Canadian boy, posing as a boy of a similar age in order to manipulate the Canadian teen into taking images of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and sending them to Holmberg.  

    On Aug. 8, 2024, Holmberg pleaded guilty to traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations, Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Charles Schmitz of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl for the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WF Holding Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company to list shares on Nasdaq Capital Market under symbol “WFF”

    KUALA LUMPUR, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WF Holding Limited (“WF Holding” or “Company”), a Malaysia-based manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of US$4.00 per ordinary share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on March 27, 2025, U.S. Eastern time, under the ticker symbol “WFF.”

    The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of US$8 million from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 ordinary shares at the public offering price after the closing of the Offering, less underwriting discounts. The Offering is expected to close on or about March 28, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    Proceeds from the Offering will be used for expanding the Company’s production capacity, hiring and training staff, working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Dominari Securities LLC is acting as the lead underwriter, with Revere Securities LLC acting as a co-underwriter for the Offering. Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as U.S. counsel to the Company, and The Crone Law Group, P.C. is acting as U.S. counsel to the underwriters in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (File Number: 333-282294) and was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement, and a free writing prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, when available, may be obtained from Dominari Securities LLC by email at info@dominarisecurities.com, by standard mail to Dominari Securities LLC, 725 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at +1 (212) 393-4500; or from Revere Securities LLC by email at contact@reveresecurities.com, by standard mail to Revere Securities LLC, 560 Lexington Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at (212) 688-2238. In addition, copies of the prospectus and free writing prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, the free writing prospectus, and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About WF Holding Limited

    Based in Malaysia, WF Holding Limited is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products including tanks, pipes, ducts and custom-made FRP products. With a track record of over 30 years, we design and fabricate products that meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring high-quality and reliable performance. Our high-quality and durable products leverage the advantages of FRP to reinforce critical industrial infrastructure, driving resilience, longevity and sustainability. We also deliver a wide range of related services such as consultation, delivery, installation, repair and maintenance.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Company’s statements regarding the success of the Offering or the use of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s shares in the Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    WF Holding Limited
    Investor Relations
    Email:  corporate@winfung.com.my

    Sense Consultancy Group
    Yan Pheng Liang
    Email: phengliang@leesense.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Women’s History Month at the White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “Throughout history, strong, tough, visionary women defended our flags, strengthened our communities, explored new frontiers, & expanded the American dream… Patriotic American women like those in this room are helping lead our nation into the Golden Age…” –President Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=womPeWrO91M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Reports Annual Shareholder Meeting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-powered low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, announces the voting results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2025 (the “Meeting”). Shareholders voted on various proposals and elected directors to the board.

    Key Highlights of the Meeting

    1. Election of Directors: The full slate of six directors was elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is elected or appointed.

    Nominee Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted
    Frantz Saintellemy 22,429,293 99.69% 68,631 0.31%
    Charles Boulanger 22,392,108 99.53% 105,816 0.47%
    Derek Aberle 22,470,109 99.88% 27,815 0.12%
    Yann Delabrière 22,475,831 99.90% 22,093 0.10%
    Sylvie Veilleux 22,471,696 99.88% 26,228 0.12%
    Lizabeth Ardisana 22,474,890 99.90% 23,034 0.10%

    As previously disclosed, Nick Stone and Michelle Sterling, who were members of the Board up to the Meeting, have decided not to stand for reelection.

    2. Approval of Auditor: The appointment of Richter LLP as auditors of the Corporation was approved, and the board of directors of the Corporation was authorized to fix the auditors’ remuneration.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Withheld % of Voted
    25,480,228 99.81% 49,275 0.19%


    3. Other

    3.1 The amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan to increase the number of common shares available for issuance thereunder was approved and ratified.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted Votes Abstain % of Voted
    22,187,011 98.62% 199,079 0.88% 111,834 0.50%

    3.2 A second and separate amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan for the adoption of an evergreen provision to the omnibus equity-based incentive plan, providing for an automatic annual increase in the common shares available for issuance thereunder over the next five years, was approved and ratified.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted Votes Abstain % of Voted
    15,862,324 70.51% 6,630,055 29.47% 5,545 0.02%

    For further details on each of these matters, please refer to the Corporation’s management information circular dated February 7, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be posted on the Investor Relations section of LeddarTech.com and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Contact:
    Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
    Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway 99 closed overnight at Duffey Lake Road due to avalanche

    Highway 99 remains closed at Duffey Lake Road just north of Pemberton on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, as the Ministry of Transportation and Transit staff and contractors work to clear avalanche debris from the road.

    A partial avalanche occurred over the highway on Path 51. With a high risk for additional avalanche activity, ministry contractors performed a heli-bombing operation to trigger the release of the remaining material. The ministry’s maintenance contractor is working to remove the debris from the road.

    With warmer temperatures and precipitation in the overnight forecast, there is a possibility of more avalanche activity. To ensure the safety of the travelling public, Highway 99 will remain closed at the location overnight and will be reassessed at first light to determine if conditions permit the safe reopening of the highway. 

    Drivers are asked to avoid the area and reminded to obey signage. People who choose to travel should prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with extra supplies, including food, water and blankets.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, travellers should continue to monitor DriveBC: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Law Finally Reflects Colorado’s First Female Commissioner of Agriculture and State Veterinarian! Governor Polis Signs Bipartisan Bill Into Law Fixing Outdated Language in State Statute, Signs Administrative Bills

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed the bipartisan HB25-1084 – Remove Gendered Language from Title 35, sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick, and Senators Janice Marchman and Cleave Simpson. The bill replaces outdated language with gender-neutral language in line with Colorado Revised Statutes. 

    “Here in Colorado, we want the best person for the job, period. For far too long our talented and dedicated Commissioner of Agriculture, Kate Greenberg, and State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin, the first women in their positions, have faced the indignity of being referred to as male due to outdated statutes. Before this legislation, state statute referred to the Commissioner as ‘he’ several times. This is unacceptable and I’m proud to sign a law during Women’s History Month to finally fix that, ensuring our laws reflect the reality that our thriving agriculture industry – and Department of Agriculture – can be led by women and men,” said Governor Polis. 

    The Governor also signed the following bills into law administratively: 

    • HB25-1025 – Stockpile of Essential Materials Distribution, sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret, and Senator Lisa Cutter.
    • HB25-1029 – Municipal Authority over Certain Land, sponsored by Representative Andrew Boesenecker, and Senators Cathy Kipp and Larry Liston.
    • HB25-1035 – Collaborative Management Program Updates, sponsored by Representative Amy Paschal, and Senator Mike Weissman.
    • HB25-1081– Reporting Statistics on Restitution, sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Matt Soper, and Senator Mike Weissman.
    • HB25-1114 – Defense Review of Tangible Object for Criminal Trial, sponsored by Representatives Michael Carter and Cecilia Espenoza, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman.
    • HB25-1155 – Modify Candidate Authority Watchers General Election, sponsored by Representatives Marry Bradfield and Cecelia Espenoza, and Senators Rod Pelton and Jessie Danielson.
    • HB25-1181 – Colorado Rangers Law Enforcement Shared Reserve, sponsored by Representatives Chad Clifford and Rose Pugliese, and Senators Mike Weissman and Paul Lundeen.
    • SB25-004 – Regulating Child Care Center Fees, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Jenny Willford and Lorena García.
    • SB25-016 – Updating Escrow Disbursement Practices, sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, and Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Ron Weinberg.
    • SB25-042 – Behavioral Health Crisis Response Recommendations, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Judy Amabile, and Representatives Mary Bradfield and Regina English.
    • SB25-170 – Deoxyribonucleic Acid & Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Testing & Data, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota.
    • SB25-028 – Public Employees’ Retirement Association Risk-Reduction Measures, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker and Faith Winter, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Rick Taggart. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –