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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on OMB Rescinding Memo to Freeze Federal Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: January 29, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued a statement on the decision of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to rescind the memo to temporarily freeze certain federal funding.
    “I am pleased that OMB is rescinding the memo imposing sweeping pauses in federal programs.  While it is not unusual for incoming administrations to review federal programs and policies, this memo was overreaching and created unnecessary confusion and consternation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Warren Slams RFK Jr. for Dangerous Conflicts of Interest, Profiting From Anti-Vaccine Conspiracies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 29, 2025
    Kennedy answers raise fresh questions about his ethics agreement
    Kennedy could profit from anti-vaccine lawsuits he can influence as Health Secretary 
    Warren: “Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it…Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy will keep cashing in.”
    Round 1 Questioning (YouTube) | Round 2 Questioning (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and member of the Senate Finance Committee, questioned Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), about his dangerous conflicts of interest and record of profiting from anti-vaccine conspiracies. 
    Mr. Kennedy has made nearly $2.5 million in referral fees from the law firm Wisner Baum, in connection with lawsuits against vaccine makers. Mr. Kennedy receives a 10% contingency fee in these cases if the plaintiffs win, and his ethics agreement indicates he will continue to receive these payments even if he is confirmed as HHS Secretary. However, during his confirmation hearing, Mr. Kennedy initially appeared to agree to not accept any compensation from lawsuits against drug companies while serving as HHS Secretary, stating, “Well, I will certainly commit to that while I’m Secretary.” He then backtracked and did not clearly commit to ending this arrangement — through which he can profit off of anti-vaccine lawsuits even if he is confirmed as HHS Secretary. 
    If Mr. Kennedy does maintain his financial stake in anti-vaccine lawsuits, he will have a serious conflict of interest. Senator Warren highlighted seven ways Mr. Kennedy could benefit financially from anti-vaccine lawsuits and increase his payouts, including: 
    Publishing anti-vaccine conspiracies on government letterhead to influence juries;
    Appointing anti-vaccine people to the CDC vaccine panel;
    Opening vaccine manufacturers to lawsuits by removing vaccines from special compensation programs;
    Making more injuries eligible for compensation even with no causal evidence;
    Change vaccine court processes to make it easier to bring junk lawsuits to get vaccines pulled from the market; and 
    Turn over FDA data to his connections at law firm Wisner Baum, for their use in lawsuits. 
    Senator Warren also asked Mr. Kennedy if he would take responsibility for more than 80 deaths in Samoa after Mr. Kennedy spread anti-vaccine conspiracies in the country. Mr. Kennedy refused to take responsibility. 
    Transcript: Hearing to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human ServicesSenate Committee on Finance January 29, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Kennedy, I want to start with something that I think you and I agree on: Big Pharma has too much power in Washington. You’ve said that, President Trump asked you to, “clean up corruption and conflicts.” Sounds great. You’ve said you will “slam shut the revolving door” between government agencies and the companies they regulate. That also sounds great.
    So here’s an easy question: will you commit that when you leave this job, you will not accept compensation from a drug company, a medical device company, a hospital system, or a health insurer for at least four years—including as a lobbyist or board member? 
    Mr. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services: Can you just repeat the last part of the question? Can I commit to what?
    Senator Warren: Sure, you’re not going to take money from drug companies in any way shape or form?
    Mr. Kennedy: Who? Me? 
    Senator Warren: Yes. You. 
    Mr. Kennedy: I’m happy to commit to that.
    Senator Warren: Good, that’s what I figured. I said, it’s an easy question to start with. And I think you’re right on this question – 
    Mr. Kennedy: I don’t think any of them want to give me any money, by the way.
    Senator Warren: Let’s keep going. You are right to say yes because every American has the right to know that every decision you make as our number one health officer is to help them—not to make money for yourself in the future.
    So, I want to talk more about money. I’m looking at your paperwork right now. In the past two years, you’ve raked in $2.5 million from a law firm called Wisner Baum. You go online, you do commercials to encourage people to sign up with Wisner Baum to join lawsuits against vaccine makers. And for everyone who signs up, you personally get paid, and if they win their case, you get 10% of what they win. So, if you bring in someone who gets $10 million, you walk away with a million dollars. 
    Now, you just said that you want the American people to know that you cannot be bought, your decisions won’t depend on how much money you could make in the future, you won’t go work for a drug company after you leave HHS. But you and I both know there’s another way to make money. 
    So, Mr. Kennedy, will you also agree that you also won’t take any compensation from any lawsuits against drug companies while you are Secretary and for four years afterwards?
    Mr. Kennedy: Well, I will certainly commit to that while I’m Secretary. But I do want to clarify something because you make me sound like a shill. I put together that case. I did the science day presentation to the judge on that case to get it into court, the docket hearing – 
    Senator Warren: Mr. Kennedy, it’s just a really simple question. You’ve taken in $2.5 million, I want to know if you will commit right now that not only will you not go to work for drug companies, you won’t go to work suing the drug companies and taking your rake out of that while you are Secretary and for four years after.
    Mr. Kennedy: I will commit to not taking any fees from drug companies while I’m Secretary. I –  
    Senator Warren: No, I’m asking about fees from suing drug companies. Will you agree not to do that?
    Mr. Kennedy: You are asking me to not sue drug companies, and I’m not going to agree to that – 
    Senator Warren: No. You can sue drug companies as much as you want. 
    Mr. Kennedy: I am not going to agree to not sue drug companies or anybody.
    Senator Warren: So, let’s do a quick count here of how, as Secretary of HHS, if you get confirmed, you could influence every one of those lawsuits. Well, let me start the list.
    You could publish your anti-vaccine conspiracies, but this time on U.S. government letterhead – something a jury might be impressed by. 
    Mr. Kennedy: I don’t understand that.
    Senator Warren: You could appoint people to the CDC vaccine panel who share your anti-vax views and let them do your dirty work.  
    You could tell the CDC vaccine panel to remove a particular vaccine from the vaccine schedule.
    You could remove vaccines from special compensation programs, which would open up manufacturers to mass torts.
    You could make more injuries eligible for compensation even if there’s no causal evidence. 
    You could change vaccine court processes to make it easier to bring junk lawsuits.
    You could turn over FDA data to your friends at the law firm, and they could use it however it benefitted them.
    You could change vaccine labelling.
    You could change vaccine information rules. 
    You could change which claims are compensated in the vaccine injury compensation program. 
    There’s a lot of ways you can influence those future lawsuits and pending lawsuits while you are Secretary of HHS, and I’m asking you to commit right now that you will not take a financial stake in every one of those lawsuits so that what you do as Secretary will also benefit you financially down the line.
    Mr. Kennedy: I will comply with all the ethical guidelines. 
    Senator Warren: That’s not the question. You and I—you have said repeatedly—
    Mr. Kennedy: You are asking me—Senator, you’re asking me not to sue vaccine—pharmaceutical companies.
    Senator Warren: No, I am not. My question is: stop enriching yourself.
    Look, no one should be fooled here. As Secretary of HHS, Robert Kennedy will have the power to undercut vaccines and vaccine manufacturing across our country. And for all his talk about “follow the science” and his promise that he won’t interfere with those of us who want to vaccinate our kids, the bottom line is the same: Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it. 
    Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in. 
    Mr. Kennedy: Senator, I support vaccines, I will—I support the childhood schedule, I will do that. The only thing I want is good science, and that’s it.
    Senator Warren: How about then saying you won’t make money off what you do as Secretary of HHS?
    Chair Mike Crapo: Before we go to Senator Tillis, I think it would be important for me to make it very clear that Mr. Kennedy has gone through the same Office of Government Ethics process as every single other nominee in the Finance Committee this year and in previous administrations. In addition to listing his assets, including the items that you’ve identified, he has signed an ethics letter that has been reviewed by the Office of Government Ethics concerning any possible conflict in light of its functions and the nominee’s proposed duties. And we have a letter from the Office of Government Ethics that he has complied completely with all applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest.
    Senator Warren: Mr. Chairman, point of information here: have we had a single nominee come through who’s made two and a half million dollars off suing one of the entities that it would be regulating and plans to keep getting a take of every lawsuit in the future? Have we had that before?
    Chair Crapo: I haven’t reviewed the past documentation of every other nominee’s financial interests, and so no. But I know that every single time we get a nominee, their financial interests are attacked. That’s why we have the Office of Government Ethics. That’s why they’ve reviewed everything that’s in his record, and that’s why he has even—I think, and I don’t know that I want to ask him to get into it—but he has listed his assets and has gone through a discussion of the responsibilities under our ethics laws and is complied with all of those requirements.
    Round 2
    Senator Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Kennedy, I want to ask about your role in a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa. In July 2018, two children died immediately after receiving a measles vaccine that nurses had mistakenly mixed with a muscle relaxant. The nurses get charged with manslaughter, but the vaccination rates go down. 
    I asked you about this in my office. You told me flatly that your visit to Samoa had nothing to do with vaccinations. We now know that’s not true. I have the documentation. You met with the Prime Minister, you talked about vaccinations. You met with an anti-vaccine influencer who described the meeting as “profoundly monumental for this movement.” 
    So what happens? Vaccinations go down. There’s a measles outbreak, and children start dying, but you double down. You didn’t give up just four days after the Prime Minister declared a state of emergency. 16 people already dead. You sent a letter to him promoting the idea that the children had died not from measles but from a “defective vaccine.” You launched the idea that a measles vaccine caused these deaths. 
    You are a very influential man. In fact, you are called the leader of the disinformation dozen. UNICEF and WHO, the World Health Organization, investigated this. They say the claims are false. It is not biologically possible what you claimed, and yet, ultimately, more than 70 people died because they didn’t get vaccines. 
    So my question is, do you accept even a scintilla, just even a sliver of responsibility for the drop in vaccinations and the subsequent deaths of more than 70 people? Anything you’d do differently?
    Mr. Kennedy: No, absolutely not. After the—there were two incidents in which children died in 2015 and again in 2018. 2015, it was from the measles vaccine. That’s what the New Zealand General Hospital found. The government of Samoa banned the measles vaccine after 2018. I arrived in July of the next year, after the ban had been in place for a year, and the measles—
    Senator Warren: Mr. Chairman, understanding that you wanted to hold this to a minute, and then I don’t get to present all the facts and documentation I’ve got. How about if we just decide to make entries for the record on exactly what the record shows about Mr. Kennedy’s participation? And I think he’s answered the yes or no question. He takes no responsibility. 
    Chair Crapo: Senator Warren, we will do that. And Mr. Kennedy, and to all the senators, every senator knows that following this hearing, they will be able to ask you questions off the record, and you will be able to put answers back onto the record. So please give that answer. I apologize that we’re shutting you off for giving a full response right now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Statement on Passing of Jay Dunlap

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    January 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement in response to the passing of former Union Bank and Trust (UBT) President and CEO Jay Dunlap:
    “Jay Dunlap was a visionary businessman who loved the people he served. He grew Union Bank and Trust from a small community bank to the state’s third largest bank. While his bank grew bigger, his commitment to treating people right did too. He leaves a legacy of service, leadership, and generosity. Susanne and I send our condolences to his wife Shirley and family.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Slams Senate Democrats for Blocking Bill to Protect American Servicemembers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    January 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the following statement after Senate Democrats blockedbipartisan International Criminal Court (ICC) sanctions legislation:
    “The ICC is a lawless, politicized body that threatens our sovereignty, our servicemembers, and our allies. It is investigating American troops. It’s taken illegitimate action against Israel. This bill would have sent a strong response to this rogue international body. It already passed the House twice with strong bipartisan support. In blocking this bill, Senate Democrats chose political games over supporting the women and men who defend our country.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Votes to Confirm Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    January 29, 2025

    January 29, 2025
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Lee Zeldin as the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). 
    “Biden’s EPA attacked an all-the-above American energy approach to appease radical environmentalists. His delusional mandates hurt Nebraska producers and industry. Lee Zeldin will help President Trump’s EPA return to its core mission – protecting people and the environment. He’s committed to a more balanced, transparent approach to rulemaking. This includes regulations critical for renewable fuel stakeholders and farmers in the state of Nebraska. He will support innovation instead of regulation. I appreciate his commitment to leverage the potential of liquid fuels, including biofuels, to unlock America’s full energy potential.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Revoke TPS Extension for Venezuela

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem moved to rescind a preexisting extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela.
    “TPS recipients from Venezuela are hardworking members of our communities who would face immense danger if they were forced to return to communist Venezuela. The Trump administration does not have the authority to revoke this TPS extension – it’s cruel, misinformed, and illegal.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Confirmation Hearing, Cortez Masto Spars with RFK Jr. on Commitment to Protecting Abortion Access, Lowering Drug Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    In the hearing, RFK Jr. said he “didn’t know” if a woman experiencing a life-threatening condition had the right to an abortion.
    Senator Cortez Masto will not vote to confirm Mr. Kennedy to lead the HHS.
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) questioned Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) about a woman’s access to life-saving abortion care and President Trump’s Executive Order rescinding Biden-era actions to lower drug prices. Following his distressing answers at the hearing, Senator Cortez Masto announced she would not vote to confirm him to lead HHS.
    First, Senator Cortez Masto asked Mr. Kennedy to acknowledge that a woman having a heart-attack had the right, under a 40-year old federal law, to be given emergency care in hospitals that receive Medicare payments. Mr. Kennedy agreed that she did. Then, Cortez Masto asked “A pregnant woman with life-threatening bleeding from an incomplete miscarriage goes to the ER, and her doctor determines that she needs an emergency abortion. But, she’s in a state where abortion is banned. You would agree also…that federal law protects her right to that emergency care, correct?”
    “Uh…I don’t know,” Mr. Kennedy responded. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) hospitals must provide lifesaving and stabilizing care to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care. Mr. Kennedy also did not know that HHS investigates hospitals who don’t comply with EMTALA.
    Cortez Masto also highlighted that one of President Trump’s first actions in the White House was to revoke a Biden-era executive order that pushed to cut prescription drug costs, and that House Republicans have repeatedly stated that they hope to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act which significantly lowered drug prices for thousands of Americans. She asked Mr. Kennedy what he would do to lower drug costs.
    Mr. Kennedy repeatedly referenced a executive order by the Trump Administration supporting the drug negotiation language passed in the Inflation Reduction Act. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services did put out a statement today saying they are “committed to incorporating lessons learned to date from the program” into future actions, no such executive order exists. Mr. Kennedy did not offer any additional suggestions to lower drug prices for Americans.
    Mr. Kennedy also displayed a concerning lack of understanding of how Medicaid and Medicare support Nevadans, including by helping keep the doors open for many rural hospitals and community health centers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: OPEC Fund delivers record US$2.3 billion in development finance in 2024

    Source: OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund)

    Highlights in the 49th year of operation included:

    • Lending growth: 35 percent increase y-o-y to US$2.3 billion
    • Triple agriculture and food security investments
    • Climate Action Plan delivery ahead of target
    • Bond placements: US$500 million in January 2024
    • Advancing partnerships: A co-financing agreement with the World Bank Group; MoUs with IFAD, FONPLATA; Country Framework Agreements with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan.

    January 29, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development achieved a record US$2.3 billion in new commitments in 2024 — a 35 percent increase year-on-year. These commitments, distributed across 70 projects worldwide, are combating climate change, improving global food security, advancing the energy transition and fostering sustainable economic and social development.

    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “In 2024, the OPEC Fund set a new benchmark in delivering impactful development finance to tackle global priorities. Our record commitments not only reflect our capacity to boost climate action and social resilience but also the strength of our cooperation with countries and development partners such as the World Bank and the Arab Coordination Group. As we approach our 50th anniversary, thanks to the strong support from our member countries and capital market investors, we are well positioned to maximize impact and create lasting benefits for communities worldwide.”

    In 2024, the OPEC Fund’s financing supported projects across the Middle East and North Africa & Europe and Central Asia (39 percent of total commitments), Sub-Saharan Africa (34 percent), Asia and the Pacific (13 percent) as well as Latin America & the Caribbean (11 percent). The remaining 3 percent of financing was provided to support regional and global projects. The funds were delivered through a range of financial instruments in public and private sector lending, trade finance and grants operations.

    The largest segment of last year’s funding was policy-based lending (19 percent), supporting government-led sustainable development programs and policy implementation in countries such as Armenia (US$50 million), Cote D’Ivoire (US$60 million), Jordan (US$100 million), Montenegro (US$50 million) , Morocco (US$100 million),  Sri Lanka (US$50 million) and Uzbekistan (US$70 million). 

    Significant delivery to support global food security and climate action:

    Compared to 2023, the OPEC Fund tripled its commitments to the agriculture sector, in line with its strategic priority to boost global food security. The OPEC Fund provided US$261 million in financing to promote agricultural sustainability in Benin (US$26 million), Eswatini (US$20 million), Honduras (US$15 million), Lesotho (US$20 million), Malawi (US$20 million), Rwanda (US$20 million), Tanzania (US$50 million) and Türkiye (US$50 million).

    In 2024, the OPEC Fund delivered on its Climate Action Plan ahead of target. Aligned with this strategy, renewable energy projects constituted nearly 40 percent of the institution’s energy sector commitments last year. These included the Begana and Gamri hydro project in Bhutan (US$50 million), the Suez wind farm in Egypt (US$30 million), the Rogun hydropower project in Tajikistan (US$25 million) and a 42 MW wind farm in Uganda (US$16.5 million). Additional energy investments targeted improved transmission and connectivity in the Dominican Republic (two US$60 million loans) and Mauritania (US$40 million), as well as expanded energy access in Uzbekistan (US$37.5 million), all contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Clean and Affordable Energy.

    Boosting sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure, significant funding (12 percent) was delivered to enhance connectivity in the transport sector. Major projects included investments in Madagascar (US$30 million), Oman (US$180 million), Paraguay (US$50 million), Senegal (US$38 million), Tanzania (US$41 million)  and Uganda (US$30 million).

    In the financial sector, the OPEC Fund allocated more than US$270 million to partner with governments and local banks for on-lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, driving job creation and enhancing access to finance in Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Paraguay and Uzbekistan. Another US$375 million in trade finance supported the movement of critical commodities and goods, including agricultural products, to and from developing economies.

    In 2024, the OPEC Fund strengthened partnerships with key institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Arab Coordination Group (ACG), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB); signed a co-financing agreement with the World Bank Group and MoUs with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FONPLATA. The OPEC Fund also signed Country Framework Agreements with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan aiming to further deepen the institution’s impact in the Central Asia region.

    About the OPEC Fund

    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly at the Department of State, on January 29, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Enhancing Emergency Communications Systems

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $55 million would be awarded to 57 counties and New York City to bolster the State’s emergency response and communications systems through two grants — a $45 million grant under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program and a $10 million grant under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program. Both grant programs fall under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement of funding to eligible counties in order to improve their emergency communication systems, and allocate funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities. The combined $55 million is set to deliver upgrades to the State’s public safety answering points and communications system. Funding will assist counties as they buy new equipment, upgrade their technology and improve training, and will encourage the development of Next Generation 911 technologies.

    “Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and a reliable emergency dispatch system is critical for getting first responders where they’re needed — fast,” Governor Hochul said. “This additional funding will strengthen emergency communications across the State, helping counties upgrade technology, improve training and enhance their response capabilities. I remain committed to advancing public safety efforts year after year, ensuring every community has the resources it needs and deserves.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Communication is key during emergencies and these grants will help communities across New York State get training and maintain and improve their systems. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch emergency responders are the first line of assistance, and we want to help ensure they have the tools they need.”

    Executive Director of New York State Association of Counties Stephen J. Acquario said, “Counties applaud Governor Hochul for her continued priority emphasis on providing emergency 9-1-1 communication grants to counties. This funding is critical so that county based 911 systems can invest in modern technology and infrastructure to ensure our residents have access to emergency services.”

    The State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula) focuses on minimizing gaps in interoperable communications by aligning technology acquisitions with its operational use by first responders, providing the foundation necessary to accomplish a high level of interoperability.

    The grant allows the State to reimburse eligible expenses that aid localities in sustaining and improving communications systems and components, training and exercises, and governance structures. It also supports county public safety organizations in enhancing emergency response, improving capability and performance results from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Emergency Communications Plan, improving operating procedures and infrastructure development, and addressing SAFECOM guidance from the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

    The SICG Formula grant awards announced today are below:

    County Award Amount County Award Amount
    Albany $1,175,916 Niagara $788,111
    Allegany $736,507 Oneida $759,816
    Broome $890,183 Onondaga $1,111,103
    Cattaraugus $640,674 Ontario $577,913
    Cayuga $705,292 Orange $869,382
    Chautauqua $643,479 Orleans $501,156
    Chemung $498,210 Oswego $794,392
    Chenango $494,618 Otsego $715,946
    Clinton $639,814 Putnam $422,645
    Columbia $446,381 Rensselaer $730,577
    Cortland $786,336 Rockland $758,386
    Delaware $667,382 Saratoga $766,246
    Dutchess $526,279 Schenectady $609,599
    Erie $1,187,283 Schoharie $475,133
    Essex $826,549 Schuyler $407,932
    Franklin $653,016 Seneca $391,399
    Fulton $488,828 St. Lawrence $798,892
    Genesee $682,571 Steuben $748,369
    Greene $456,547 Suffolk $893,700
    Hamilton $561,551 Sullivan $637,453
    Herkimer $670,415 Tioga $410,016
    Jefferson $739,206 Tompkins $627,501
    Lewis $665,538 Ulster $552,845
    Livingston $609,127 Warren $492,667
    Madison $720,342 Washington $773,600
    Monroe $1,420,159 Wayne $484,283
    Montgomery $407,620 Westchester $646,033
    Nassau $887,854 Wyoming $443,244
    New York City $6,615,112 Yates $368,872

    The Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP) is noncompetitive and allocates money by a formula which distributes funding to awardees based on several varying criteria, including operational scope, demographic elements, emergency services call metrics, deployment of new technology, and adherence with State and national guidelines for emergency communications.

    The grant supports an awardee’s existing operations and encourages the development of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911. The PSAP grant also promotes the development of operational and procedural efficiencies and overall collaboration between different jurisdictions, such as other counties and state agencies.

    The PSAP grant awards announced today are below:

    County Award Amount County Award Amount
    Albany $235,855 Niagara $182,545
    Allegany $127,563 Oneida $205,204
    Broome $221,995 Onondaga $202,864
    Cattaraugus $156,861 Ontario $213,167
    Cayuga $213,957 Orange $151,513
    Chautauqua $167,574 Orleans $104,727
    Chemung $213,276 Oswego $181,122
    Chenango $165,794 Otsego $173,737
    Clinton $150,227 Putnam $108,883
    Columbia $159,118 Rensselaer $186,187
    Cortland $194,635 Rockland $176,964
    Delaware $165,193 Saratoga $118,926
    Dutchess $154,993 Schenectady $175,333
    Erie $202,408 Schoharie $114,623
    Essex $223,942 Schuyler $183,578
    Franklin $152,412 Seneca $160,865
    Fulton $159,119 St. Lawrence $209,055
    Genesee $211,687 Steuben $175,667
    Greene $143,466 Suffolk $189,488
    Hamilton $163,770 Sullivan $155,955
    Herkimer $199,901 Tioga $109,805
    Jefferson $188,735 Tompkins $136,192
    Lewis $229,558 Ulster $151,993
    Livingston $168,455 Warren $165,940
    Madison $153,681 Washington $147,298
    Monroe $229,967 Wayne $180,950
    Montgomery $178,052 Westchester $156,766
    Nassau $126,372 Wyoming $116,975
    New York City $205,078 Yates $200,034

    Both the SICG-Formula and PSAP grant programs directly support local emergency response capabilities and promote interoperability for public safety agencies throughout the State.

    About DHSES

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Aberdeen, Mississippi – Joaquin Lineares-Rodriguez, a Mexican national, was sentenced Tuesday following his guilty plea to passport fraud and Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien. This was Lineares-Rodriguez’s third conviction for Illegal Reentry into the United States.

    According to court documents, Lineares-Rodriguez was charged with passport fraud following an attempt to gain a U.S. passport. The defendant made numerous false statements in his passport application. These false statements led to an investigation by agents with the Diplomatic Security Service, who investigate visa and passport fraud as a part of the Department of State. During the course of their investigation, agents learned that Lineares-Rodriguez had multiple prior deportations. Agents with Homeland Security assisted in the investigation.

    Lineares-Rodriguez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to 18 months incarceration. Following his sentence, DHS and ICE will be notified and Lineares-Rodriguez will be taken into ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner noted the importance of this prosecution, stating, “Illegal reentry into the United States, and using fraudulent passports to do so, will never be rewarded; these crimes will instead be met will the full prosecutorial powers of the Department of Justice and this office. The joint efforts by AUSA John Herzog, and the Departments of State and Homeland Security are to be commended and will serve as a template for success moving forward. Hopefully, a prison sentence will deter yet another illegal re-entry by this defendant.”

    This case was investigated by Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by AUSA John Herzog Jr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: One Defendant Pleads Guilty And Two Others Charged With Fraudulently Obtaining $59 Million In Public Benefits And Laundering Proceeds To China

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bruce Jin, age 60, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $59 million. The United States Attorney’s Office also announced that Jin was charged with those offenses in August 2023, along with Brian R. Cleland, age 71, and Carlos A. Grijalva, age 59. All three defendants are residents of the Los Angeles, California area. The indictment also contains additional wire fraud charges against Cleland and Jin individually.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means. The indictment alleges that the defendants and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. In reality, the funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits. The indictment alleges that Economic Impact Payments, or “stimulus payments,” were also obtained through fraudulent means.

    According to the indictment, unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be located in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that these fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and other states.

    After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva. For instance, Jin, through companies that he controlled known as Ample International and Jin Commerce, allegedly received over $12 million in UC funds from the accounts of identity theft victims.  In addition, the defendants are alleged to have used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $45 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, GC Accounting, and CLECO. After that, Cleland and Grijalva transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies and over $6 million to a company controlled by an associate of Jin who is referred to in the indictment as COCONSPIRATOR 1. That associate’s company is known in the indictment as COMPANY 1.

    After Jin received the fraudulent funds, either from identity theft victims’ accounts or from Cleland and Grijalva through ACH processing, he then made international wire transfers totaling over $35 million to a bank account in China associated with a company known in the indictment as COMPANY 2. COMPANY 2 is controlled by an individual known in the indictment as COCONSPIRATOR 2, who, like COMPANY 2, is allegedly located in China. Jin also transferred over $2 million directly to COCONSPIRATOR 2.

    The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations seeking over $59 million in US currency, as well as the contents of three bank accounts belonging to COMPANY 1 and a property in Honolulu, Hawaii that was purchased by COCONSPIRATOR 1 using funds connected to the charged offenses.

    During his guilty plea, Bruce Jin admitted to the conduct that he is alleged to have engaged in with Cleland, Grijalva, and COCONSPIRATOR 2, as described above.

    Jin has been detained since his arrest in August 2023. Cleland and Grijalva have been released pending trial on conditions. Cleland and Grijalva have both pleaded not guilty to the charged offenses and are scheduled for trial in May 2025.

    “The Department of Justice is committed to identifying and punishing those who defrauded pandemic-era benefits programs, regardless of where they are located,” said Mandy Riedel, Director, COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement. “I commend the hard work of the prosecutors and investigators in the Middle District of Pennsylvania who doggedly pursued these organized overseas criminals to seek justice and the return of stolen tax payer funds.”

    “Bruce Jin and his co-defendants engaged in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme that targeted multiple state workforce agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Jin conspired to file fraudulent UI claims in the names of identity theft victims who were not entitled to such benefits. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program.”

    “The millions of dollars fraudulently obtained in this case were meant to support struggling Americans, not to be funneled overseas,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI is grateful for the ongoing collaboration of our partners as we work to hold accountable those who commit such egregious and complex financial crimes.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case. 

    The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is also 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

    A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendants Plead Guilty to RICO Conspiracy to Transport, Hire, and Harbor Unauthorized Workers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Criminal Enterprise Employed Unauthorized Workers at Dozens of Mexican Restaurants Across the Midwest

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Seven defendants, including an owner, president, chief financial officer, and controller of a Joplin, Mo., corporation, have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a racketeering conspiracy to transport, hire, and harbor undocumented workers in several Midwestern states.

    “This case sends a clear and unequivocal message: employing unauthorized workers will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences,” said Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigation uncovered a blatant and systemic disregard for our nation’s employment laws. Those who engage in such unlawful practices not only undermine the integrity of our labor market but also exploit vulnerable individuals. HSI Kansas City is relentless in our pursuit to dismantle these illegal operations and hold violators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. If you break the law, you will face the full force of our investigation and prosecution.”

    Jose Luis Bravo, 54, of Claremore, Oklahoma; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 54, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 46, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 46, both of Joplin, Mo.; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 43, a citizen of Mexico; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 46, a citizen of Mexico; and Veronica Razo de Lara, 50, of Great Bend, Kansas, have pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark.

    Each defendant admitted they were part of a RICO (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2018, to Aug. 10, 2021, that transported and employed Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators also harbored and encouraged the unauthorized workers to remain and reside in the United States by providing them with housing and, in certain circumstances, fraudulent identification documentation.

    Bravo is the partial owner of Specialty Foods Distribution, a corporation based in Joplin. Specialty Foods Distribution is a wholesale Mexican food products and restaurant supply company. Razo is the president of Specialty Foods Distribution; Doll is the chief financial officer; Tarin-Martinez is the controller.

    Bravo, Razo, Doll, and Tarin-Martinez created and maintained a network of restaurants operating under multiple LLCs in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma that were serviced by Specialty Foods Distribution. The defendants conspired to staff these restaurants with unauthorized workers. Castillo-Ramirez, Ramirez-Ceja, and Razo de Lara managed three of the enterprise-affiliated restaurants that employed unauthorized workers.  By utilizing unauthorized workers — a workforce not available to law-abiding business owners — the defendants obtained an unfair and illegal competitive business advantage.

    In addition to transporting, harboring, and hiring unauthorized workers, the racketeering activity involved evasive and fraudulent actions. Specifically, to maintain high levels of unauthorized employees at the enterprise-affiliated restaurants, the defendants kept certain unauthorized workers off official payroll records; required certain unauthorized workers to work at times when federal officials were unlikely to conduct inspections; failed to collect or maintain complete and accurate Form I-9 documentation; falsely attested to the accuracy of information on Form I-9 documentation; submitted inaccurate wage and hour reports to state officials; and facilitated fraudulent identification documentation being produced, transported, and provided to unauthorized workers.

    Bravo specifically admitted that, as part of the RICO conspiracy, he facilitated the production and transportation of two fraudulent U.S. permanent resident cards from Claremore to Butler, Mo., as well as personally transported three unauthorized workers from  Claremore to the state of Kansas. Bavo has agreed to forfeit to the government approximately $5.7 million, comprising the forfeiture of proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise as well as property that afforded a source of influence over the RICO enterprise. The forfeiture agreement involves liquidation of five financial accounts; the government obtaining cash in lieu of Bravo’s interest in 12 real properties; and the government obtaining cash in lieu of Bravo’s interest in portions of 24 individual companies or corporations, including a portion of SFD, which Bravo admitted afforded a source of influence over the RICO enterprise.

    Razo specifically admitted that he conspired to harbor five unauthorized workers at enterprise-affiliated restaurants in Great Bend, and encouraged and induced three unauthorized workers at SFD to reside in the United States in violation of the law. Razo has agreed to forfeiture in the form of liquidation of one bank account and a money judgment in the amount of approximately $130,700, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Doll specifically admitted to encouraging unauthorized workers to reside in the United States by conspiring to create a Missouri LLC for the purpose of opening a new restaurant where certain unauthorized workers could gain employment, and conspiring to harbor unauthorized workers by taking steps to ensure unauthorized workers did not utilize established timeclock payroll systems at certain enterprise-affiliated restaurants. Doll has agreed to forfeiture in the form of liquidation of two bank accounts and a money judgment in the amount of approximately $132,300, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Tarin-Martinez specifically admitted to encouraging unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law in Springfield, Mo., and in Pittsburg, Kan. Tarin-Martinez has agreed to forfeiture in the form of a money judgment in the amount of approximately $23,094, representing the proceeds he obtained from the RICO enterprise.

    Castillo-Ramirez specifically admitted to harboring two unauthorized workers at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Augusta, Kan. Castillo-Ramirez also admitted to encouraging the two unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law by providing the unauthorized workers with employment, keeping them out of the established payroll system, and paying them in cash or by local check.

    Ramirez-Ceja specifically admitted to encouraging two unauthorized workers to reside in the United States in violation of the law by providing the workers with employment at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Lebanon, Mo., allowing the unauthorized workers to utilize fraudulent identification documents, and providing the unauthorized workers with housing. Additionally, Ramirez-Ceja admitted to making false attestations on two Form I-9 documents.

    Razo de Lara specifically admitted to conspiring to harbor four unauthorized workers at an enterprise-affiliated restaurant in Great Bend. As part of the conspiracy, Razo de Lara agreed to keep unauthorized workers out of the established payroll system, pay the unauthorized workers in cash, and have certain unauthorized workers complete work at times when federal agents were unlikely to inspect the restaurant.

    Under federal statutes, each of these defendants is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes IV, Leigh Farmakidis, and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigations, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. Announces Departure

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Tenure Marked by Violent Crime Declines, White Collar Fraud Crackdown, Dismantling Drug Traffickers, and Expansion of Civil Rights

    RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., announced today that he is stepping down on Monday, February 3, 2025, after leading the Office since November 2021. President Joseph Biden nominated Easley on September 28, 2021, and the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed him on November 21, 2021. He was officially sworn in on November 26, 2021.  

    “It has been the highest honor to serve as the top federal law enforcement official for Eastern North Carolina – a place I was born, raised, and am proud to call home,” said Easley. “The men and women of the Eastern District are among the hardest working in the nation – steadfast in the mission to keep America safe.  Together, we helped drive down violent crime, turbocharged white-collar prosecutions, protected civil rights, and stemmed the tide of narcotics into our communities.  We did it through partnering, shoulder to shoulder, with local law enforcement and community leaders to solve our region’s most challenging problems.  I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and staff who give so much to see justice done every day.”

    “U.S. Attorney Easley is the kind of partner every sheriff hopes for – sharp, decisive, and committed to results.  He didn’t just talk about law enforcement partnerships; he made them real, partnering with sheriffs for solutions and backing them up with action.  Under his leadership, we made real progress— violent crime down, overdose deaths falling, and tighter collaboration.  Easley set a new gold standard for what it means to lead in federal law enforcement,” said Eddie Caldwell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association.

    “We are deeply grateful for the years that U.S. Attorney Easley served at the helm of the Eastern District of North Carolina. His leadership, particularly through collaborative efforts, like the VCAP initiative, played a critical role in prosecuting violent offenders. His work has significantly contributed to our goal of making Raleigh one of the safest cities in the nation. He will be greatly missed,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.

    Expansion of Resources to Make Communities Safer

    U.S. Attorney Easley fought to significantly expand investigative and prosecutorial resources in the District, including a nearly 17% increase in prosecutors and new legal support staff and investigators. Much of the new personnel were allocated through a competitive national application process, with no district in the nation receiving more new prosecutors than the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC). The Office’s productivity and strong law enforcement partnerships also led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to add an additional team of agents to partner on violent crime reduction across the District.

    Easley and his Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) team also worked with Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership to have Raleigh named a National Public Safety Partnership Site (PSP). The program aims to lower crime rates and improve quality of life through intensive training and technical assistance (TTA) to enhance gun violence investigations, constitutional policing, community engagement, crime analysis, and the use of technology in crime reduction.

    Driving Down Violent Crime and Dismantling Drug Traffickers

    Throughout his tenure, Easley and his team have led the charge to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the District by launching a Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) with formal coordination sites in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Rocky Mount, New Bern, and the Albemarle Region. The VCAP strategy built deeper ties and sustained partnerships with law enforcement, with VCAP sites showing double-digit percentage declines in homicides since 2022, for example, Raleigh (↓37%), Fayetteville (↓39%), Wilmington (↓15%), and Rocky Mount (↓67%).

    VCAP is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and district attorney’s offices to identify and prosecute the most significant drivers of violence, specifically targeting shooters and the gunrunners who arm them.  Notable cases include the 20-year sentence for a Crabtree Valley Mall robbery and the carjacking, the sentencing of a Crips Gang member for multi-state gun trafficking; the indictment of two Sampson County men allegedly responsible for a quintuple murder, the prosecution of gang members with fully-automatic machine guns; and gun smuggling to Mexico.

    VCAP provides a forum for structured inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led policing, and deployment of federal Task Force Officers to bring federal technology to address local gun violence.

    In 2022, 2023, and 2024, EDNC prosecuted over 850 individuals for firearms offenses and took over 750 guns off the streets.

    In addition to VCAP, Easley revamped the Office’s Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) by expanding the use of federal wiretaps, embedding federal agents alongside prosecutors, and increasing financial investigations. During Easley’s tenure, the Office achieved a #1 national rank for the number of OCDETF cases and #1 for the number of OCDETF defendants convicted of violence. Easley encouraged partners to prioritize national-scale cases with strong local impact, dismantling the trafficking, distribution, and money laundering pillars of criminal enterprises.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Notable cases include the 75-year sentence of a national leader of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club for narcotics trafficking and violence; the indictment of 16 members of the Hell’s Angels and Red Devils motorcycle gangs as part of an alleged violent criminal enterprise; the 40-year sentence for a narcotics trafficker operating from a daycare; the prosecution of the leader of white supremacist organization for armed drug trafficking; the  35-year sentence of a violent Fayetteville fentanyl trafficker; the conviction of a Raleigh Police officer for drug trafficking; the conviction of two fentanyl traffickers with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel; the conviction of a Rocky Mount Blood Gang leader for drug trafficking and COVID-19 fraud; the 40-year sentence of a drug trafficker linked to the murder, dismemberment and disposal of a confidential informant;  the prosecution of a former Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy for drug trafficking and bid-rigging; and the 50-year sentence of a violent Sampson County Blood Gang leader for armed drug trafficking.

    Attacking the Fentanyl Epidemic

    Easley also prioritized the prosecution of cases involving counterfeit pills and overdose deaths arising from fentanyl poisoning. An Elizabeth City man was sentenced to 20 years for trafficking heroin and fentanyl after causing an overdose death, a Raleigh man received a 15-year sentence after assisting in the distribution of fentanyl that killed a young woman, and a Snapchat fentanyl trafficker whose counterfeit pills led to an overdose death received 13 years in prison.

    To help local law enforcement get justice for victims of fentanyl poisoning and their families, Easley launched Overdose Death Investigation Trainings to train more than 200 law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the District on building fentanyl death cases.

    Easley also worked to reduce demand for opioids through outreach and education through the Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT), including educational events in local communities and schools.  The team launched a powerful new educational video to teach students and communities about the dangers.

    Protecting America’s National Security, Sensitive Technology, and Cybersecurity

    Under Easley’s leadership, the Office prioritized national security cases involving domestic and international terrorism, international cybercriminals, and protecting sensitive technology from foreign adversaries.  The prosecutions included a man accused of attempting to join ISIS and convictions against five members of a white supremacist plot to attack the energy grid, an anti-government bombmaker teaching how to target law enforcement, and a U.S. Army Major convicted of shipping guns to Ghana.  The Office also extradited and pursued a groundbreaking case against one of the FBI’s most wanted cybercriminals responsible for tens of millions of dollars in losses from widescale ransomware attacks, including on a hospital.

    Easley also built deeper ties with the DOJ’s National Security Division and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry & Security to launch a Disruptive Technology Strike Force (DTSF) cell to protect innovation in the Research Triangle’s high-tech sector. The DTSF partners with law enforcement and industry to protect advanced technology from unlawful acquisition by foreign adversaries. As home to the Research Triangle Park, world-class research institutions, and some of the Department of Defense’s largest installations, the EDNC hosts critical technology that malign foreign actors seek to obtain. The Raleigh DTSF cell is only one of fifteen in the country.  

    Surge in White Collar Fraud and Corruption Enforcement

    Under Easley’s leadership, the Office saw a significant surge in white-collar enforcement, with white-collar caseloads increasing 115% in a year.  Cases included the prosecution of a former Morgan Stanley financial advisor who defrauded investors in a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, an ENT doctor sentenced to 25 years for defrauding Medicaid, a man who laundered $40mm in narco-linked crypto, and a plant manager who dumped tens of thousands of gallons of toxic waste into the Cape Fear River. The Office also prosecuted a $15-million-dollar COVID fraud scheme involving more than 20 businesses and individuals.

    These cases arose from the launch of dedicated working groups focused on Securities Fraud, Money Laundering, Public Health, Environmental Crimes, and other priority areas. The Office also launched an annual Economic Crimes Summit to build deeper ties with investigators across about 30 different agencies.

    Easley also launched an Illicit Finance Task Force with the Treasury Department to combat transnational money laundering by targeting third-party money launders and money-transmitting businesses utilizing cryptocurrency, banking, and brokerages to run dirty money through the American financial system.

    Expanding Civil Rights Enforcement

    Easley launched the Office’s first dedicated Civil Rights Team to enhance the Office’s civil rights enforcement. The team includes dedicated coordinators in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions and a designated Human Trafficking Coordinator. The Civil Rights Initiative emphasizes community engagement and law enforcement training.

    As a part of the effort, the Office trained more than 200 officers in de-escalation, use of force, and community engagement strategies. The Office also hosted multiple outreach events through its United Against Hate Initiative to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community and to educate communities on how to identify and report hate crimes.

    Easley also launched two human trafficking task forces – one in the Raleigh-Cary area and one in Southeastern North Carolina – to bring together law enforcement and community resources to share intelligence and investigative leads, provide specialized training, and promote greater public-private coordination to rescue and stabilize victims.

    Strong Civil Practice

    For the past three years, the EDNC’s Civil Division has ranked in the top 10 among large districts in the number of cases filed or responded to per AUSA. The Division has consistently ranked #1 in the Fourth Circuit for Affirmative Civil Rights and Affirmative Fraud cases and has ranked in the top five nationally compared to other large districts.  EDNC’s Financial Litigation Program (FLP), responsible for collecting debts owed to the U.S. Government, collected over $58 million in the last three fiscal years.

    About U.S. Attorney Easley

    Prior to his appointment as the U.S. Attorney, Easley was a partner at a large international law firm focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  

    Born in Southport, North Carolina, Easley attended the University of North Carolina, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC, SEC Extend Form PF Amendments Compliance Date

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC, SEC Extend Form PF Amendments Compliance Date | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9041-25
    Skip to main content

    January 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, together with the Securities and Exchange Commission, extended the compliance date for the amendments to Form PF that were adopted Feb. 8, 2024. The compliance date for these amendments, which was originally March 12, 2025, has been extended to June 12, 2025. 
    Form PF is the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds, including those that also are registered with the CFTC as commodity pool operators or commodity trading advisers. This extension will mitigate certain administrative and technological burdens and costs associated with the prior compliance date. This extension will also provide more time for filers to program and test for compliance with these amendments.

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards

    CSAF Allvin released a video explaining why our service is reviewing certain policies and standards to ensure they are easy to understand, easy to comply with, and easy to enforce across our entire Air Force. Today, he is following through on his promise to swiftly distribute updates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BoC cuts rates amid tariff balancing act: CPA Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Bank of Canada’s latest interest rate cut underscores its commitment to stimulating growth amid ongoing economic challenges – even as the looming tariff threat from south of the border complicates the outlook.

    “The central bank’s decision to cut rates reflects its focus on the current state of the Canadian economy, ahead of potential external risks,” says CPA Canada’s chief economist, David-Alexandre Brassard.

    “The impact of potential tariffs could simultaneously dampen growth and increase inflation. It’s a delicate balancing act.”

    Despite past interest rate cuts successfully boosting demand, the Canadian economy continues to show signs of excess supply, evidenced by a weak labour market and slower-than-expected wage growth.

    While inflation remains within the central bank’s target range, the decision to further lower rates aims to bolster economic activity and better position Canada for potential risks on the horizon.

    In its Wednesday address, the Bank of Canada mentioned that currency risks posed by the interest rate spread between Canada and the U.S would gain importance in upcoming decisions. It also released new scenarios examining the potential impact of widespread tariffs from the U.S, noting that such tariffs could lead to a significant slowdown in the Canadian economy with GDP potentially dropping by more than two percentage points and inflation rising by one percentage point.

    To arrange an interview with our chief economist, please contact media@cpacanada.ca.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp. Announces Closing of $200,000,000 Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: DMAAU), (the “Company”) today announced that it closed its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The gross proceeds from the offering were $200 million before deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The units began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq“) under the ticker symbol “DMAAU” on January 28, 2025.

    Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one right to receive one-eighth (1/8) of an ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “DMAA” and “DMAAR”, respectively.

    Clear Street acted as the sole book-running manager in the offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP served as legal counsel to the Company. Winston & Strawn LLP served as legal counsel to Clear Street.

    The offering was made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from Clear Street, Attn: Syndicate Department, 150 Greenwich Street, 45th floor, New York, NY 10007, or by email at ecm@clearstreet.io. A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 7, 2025 and a post-effective amendment was declared effective by the SEC on January 27, 2025.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these 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 any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    The Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. It has not selected any specific business combination target and has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, engaged in any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target with respect to an initial business combination. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, it intends to focus its search for businesses in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company believes that it is possible to mitigate risks in the U.S. medical supply chain by investing in companies that will reduce America’s overreliance on production of pharmaceuticals from concentrated geographic regions through investments in strategic on-shoring of advanced domestic manufacturing technologies for critical drugs.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Registration Statement, as amended by the post-effective amendment, and related preliminary prospectus filed in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Contact Information
    Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    1 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 700
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

    Lynn Stockwell
    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair
    Email: executive@dmaacorp.com
    Phone: (954) 870-3099

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HCI Group Sets Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HCI Group, Inc. (NYSE: HCI), a holding company with operations in homeowners insurance, information technology services, real estate, and reinsurance, will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. Eastern time to discuss results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. Financial results will be issued in a press release the same day after the close of the market.

    HCI management will host the presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Interested parties can listen to the live presentation by dialing the listen-only number below or by clicking the webcast link available on the Investor Information section of the company’s website at www.hcigroup.com.

    Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
    Time: 4:45 p.m. Eastern time (1:45 p.m. Pacific time)
    Toll Free: 888-506-0062
    International: 973-528-0011
    Participant Access Code: 835158

    Please call the conference telephone number 10 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at 949-574-3860.

    A replay of the call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day as the call and via the Investor Information section of the HCI Group website at www.hcigroup.com.

    Toll Free: 877-481-4010
    International: 919-882-2331
    Replay Passcode: 51955

    About HCI Group, Inc.
    HCI Group, Inc. owns subsidiaries engaged in diverse, yet complementary business activities, including homeowners insurance, information technology services, insurance management, real estate, and reinsurance. HCI’s leading insurance operation, TypTap Insurance Company, is a technology-driven homeowners insurance company. TypTap’s operations are powered in large part by insurance-related information technology developed by HCI’s software subsidiary, Exzeo USA, Inc. HCI’s largest subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., provides homeowners insurance primarily in Florida. HCI’s real estate subsidiary, Greenleaf Capital, LLC, owns and operates multiple properties in Florida, including office buildings, retail centers and marinas.

    The company’s common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HCI” and are included in the Russell 2000 and S&P SmallCap 600 Index. HCI Group, Inc. regularly publishes financial and other information in the Investor Information section of the company’s website. For more information about HCI Group and its subsidiaries, visit www.hcigroup.com.

    Company Contact:
    Bill Broomall, CFA
    Investor Relations
    HCI Group, Inc.
    Tel (813) 776-1012
    wbroomall@typtap.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matt Glover
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    Tel 949-574-3860
    HCI@gateway-grp.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: InspireSemi Announces Administrative Update Webinar for Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inspire Semiconductor Holdings Inc. (“InspireSemi” or the “Company”), a chip design company that provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads, is pleased to announce that it will provide an administrative update by live webinar on February 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    This will primarily be an open forum for shareholders to clarify any remaining questions regarding the previously announced voluntary delisting from the TSX Venture Exchange, which was completed on December 31, 2024. A more general business update will also be scheduled shortly.

    You can also view a related list Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on the company website at: FAQ document.

    To join the live webinar please use the following Zoom information:

    Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86160306729?pwd=TfhZhAA4v2YvdbsbIhJws8cQD3fcj5.1

    Webinar ID: 861 6030 6729
    Passcode: 060367

    Phone one-tap:
    +13462487799,,86160306729#,,,,*060367# US (Houston)
    +12532158782,,86160306729#,,,,*060367# US (Tacoma)

    Join via audio:
    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
    +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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    +44 131 460 1196 United Kingdom
    +44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom
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    +44 203 901 7895 United Kingdom
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    +44 330 088 5830 United Kingdom
    +1 787 945 1488 Puerto Rico
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    +351 211 202 618 Portugal
    +351 308 804 188 Portugal
    +351 308 810 988 Portugal
    +52 554 169 6926 Mexico
    +52 556 826 9800 Mexico
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    +49 69 5050 0952 Germany
    +49 695 050 2596 Germany
    +49 69 7104 9922 Germany
    +49 69 3807 9883 Germany
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    +61 3 7018 2005 Australia
    +61 7 3185 3730 Australia
    +61 8 6119 3900 Australia
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    +61 2 8015 6011 Australia

    International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kf1d3JWW8

    About InspireSemi

    InspireSemi provides revolutionary high-performance, energy-efficient accelerated computing solutions for High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, graph analytics, and other compute-intensive workloads. The Thunderbird I ‘supercomputer-cluster-on-a-chip’ is a disruptive, next-generation datacenter accelerator designed to address multiple underserved and diversified industries, including financial services, computer-aided engineering, energy, climate modeling, cybersecurity, and life sciences & drug discovery. Based on the open standard RISC-V instruction set architecture, InspireSemi’s solutions set new standards of performance, energy efficiency, and ease of programming. InspireSemi is headquartered in Austin, TX.

    For more information visit https://inspiresemi.com
    Follow InspireSemi on LinkedIn

    Company Contact
    Jack Cartwright, CFO (Interim)
    (737) 471-3230
    invest@inspiresemi.com

    Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Statements concerning InspireSemi’s objectives, goals, strategies, priorities, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and the business, operations, financial performance and condition of InspireSemi are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass.

    Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding the Delisting and any future listing. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this presentation, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of InspireSemi, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect management’s expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to them and on assumptions they believe to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    Should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta’s new Heritage Fund

    [. The initial purpose of this fund was to invest a portion of Alberta’s non-renewable resource royalties each year so the investment interest earned in the fund would reduce the province’s reliance on resource revenues.

    For decades, contributions to the Heritage Fund were limited and investment earnings were spent instead of being reinvested. Now, Alberta is adopting a bold, new plan to grow the Heritage Fund and achieve long-term growth and financial stability for the province. When the fund reaches its goal of $250 billion, the province can use a portion of the annual interest accrued to offset any decreases in resource royalties, invest in key provincial infrastructure and grow and protect the Alberta tax advantage.

    The roadmap details how the “Alberta Model” will use three components to grow the fund to $250 billion and eventually fund public services and vital infrastructure:

    • Strategic investments: There is a strong focus on opportunities that maximize growth while supporting areas that matter to Albertans, such as technology, energy and infrastructure.
    • Global partnerships: The model benefits from working closely with like-minded organizations and investors around the world, to access premier opportunities and bring new ideas and expertise back to the province.
    • Strong governance: The model is structured to ensure transparent and responsible investment management, so that every decision is made with the long-term interests of Albertans in mind.

    “Albertans deserve a Heritage Fund they can rely on – one that is focused on creating long-term growth and financial stability. We owe it to future generations of Albertans. The new Heritage Fund will lessen our dependence on natural resource revenues, diversify our economy, and create both wealth and prosperity for generations to come.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    This plan builds on the vision of former premier Peter Lougheed and builds on the recent investments into the fund. As of September 2024, the Heritage Fund is worth $24.3 billion. With a $2-billion commitment from Budget 2024, the fund is projected to increase to more than $26 billion by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. If all of the Heritage Fund’s investment income had been reinvested since inception instead of being transferred to the general revenue fund, the Heritage Fund would be upwards of $250 billion today, generating about $20 billion annually.

    Now is the time to take decisive action. By saving and reinvesting today, Alberta will reduce its reliance on unpredictable non-renewable resource revenue. A renewed Heritage Fund that earns money year over year will secure a resilient and prosperous Alberta for generations to come.

    “Our plan to grow the Heritage Fund is about securing Alberta’s financial independence and providing stability for our children and grandchildren and build a lasting legacy for all Albertans.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Strong governance is needed to provide direction, deliver high returns for Albertans, and ensure future growth amid changing economic conditions. To help achieve this and carry out the overall Heritage Fund plan, Alberta’s government has created the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation to govern and grow all Heritage Fund assets. The new corporation will strengthen partnerships with global sovereign wealth funds, thereby unlocking access to new opportunities. The new corporation will be assisted in its work by a world-class board of directors that will strengthen the governance of Heritage Fund assets and support investment decisions independent from government.

    The Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation will be chaired by Joe Lougheed.

    “The Heritage Fund assets belong to Albertans – and future Albertans. The HFOC will have a world-class, independent board of directors providing oversight and guidance in an accountable and transparent fashion. Working closely with the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, the objective will be to deliver long-term growth of the assets of the Heritage Fund for future generations.  It is an honour to serve in this governance role.”

    Joe Lougheed, Chair, Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation

    Related information

    • Renewing the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund: a roadmap to securing Alberta’s future
    • Growing the Heritage Fund video

    Related news

    • Premier’s address to the province (Feb. 21, 2024)
    • Solid year-end sets stage for prosperous Alberta future (June 27, 2024)
    • Q1 update: Cautious optimism for a stronger future (Aug. 29, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: shíshálh Nation, B.C. renew landmark reconciliation agreement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country –

    “The shíshálh Nation and the Province of British Columbia chose a new path in 2018 to work together on the process of reconciliation. I’m excited to see this shared commitment renewed and updated, and I look forward to collaborating to plan for the future and bring positive outcomes to the entire Sunshine Coast.”

    Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests –

    “True, lasting and meaningful reconciliation will only be achieved through honouring the commitments we’ve made and building trusted partnerships by working side by side with First Nations. In renewing the Foundation Agreement, shíshálh Nation and the Province are helping build a strong, robust and sustainable forest sector for the next 100 years.”

    Alton Toth, chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District –

    “This update to the Foundation Agreement is a tremendous step forward for the shíshálh Nation when it comes to self-determination and reclaiming rights that were previously suppressed. The Sunshine Coast Regional District is honoured to work with the shíshálh Nation on numerous projects and services on an ongoing basis. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities as we continue our shared journey toward meaningful reconciliation.”

    Jef Keighley, director, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association –

    “I heartily applaud and join in celebrating the shíshálh Nation’s second five-year update of their historic Foundation Agreement. The Nation has proven that true reconciliation works to the mutual benefit of both shíshálh and non-shíshálh people living within their spectacular swiya. British Columbians should also thank the Province for demonstrating the courage, vision and wisdom in working with the shíshálh Nation to help build a more co-operative path to our future.”

    Kelly Matheson-King, chief operating officer, BluEarth Renewables –

    “The renewal of the Foundation Agreement between shíshálh Nation and the Province clearly signals an ongoing commitment to advancing the journey to reconciliation. It is exciting to see the renewed commitment of these governments to shared decision-making in relation to land, environment and economy. BluEarth deeply values walking in partnership with shíshálh through our joint implementation of renewable energy technologies within their swiya.”

    Kent Stuehmer, vice-president and general manager, Heidelberg Materials –

    “Heidelberg Materials is pleased to continue building on our long-standing and successful relationship with the shíshálh Nation, as we celebrate yet another milestone in this historic agreement with the provincial government. We look forward to the growth and opportunities that this progressive and collaborative approach provides to the people of Sechelt and to all those who live and work in B.C.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey books, arrives in theaters Jan. 31, 2025WASHINGTON — FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council have partnered with DreamWorks Animation’s new film, Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey book series, for a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign. The campaign features the beloved canine crime-fighting hero spreading the message to children across the nation about the importance of being ready for the unexpected.            In DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, in theaters Jan. 31, 2025, Dog Man must lean on his crime-fighting skills and planning abilities to stop the evil plots of Petey, the feline supervillain. His planning skills are being brought to life in the new PSA campaign, launching today, where Dog Man encourages kids to help their families prepare for emergencies. The initiative includes billboards and bus shelter advertising, as well as 30- and 15-second PSAs in both English and Spanish languages that are airing in donated media across the country.”Empowering our children to be active participants in disaster preparedness is vital to creating a more prepared nation,” said Lucas Hitt Acting Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Office of External Affairs. “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to engage America’s youth in a relatable and impactful way, harnessing the beloved characters of DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man to give the entire family the tools they need to be ready for anything.”Ready campaign messaging includes a four-step approach to preparedness:Be informed about different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate protective action.Make a family emergency plan including information on how to reconnect and reunite.  Build emergency supply kits to ensure preparedness whether at home, at work or in the car. Get involved by finding opportunities to support community preparedness.      The new creatives are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s ongoing partnership on the Ready campaign, which has helped generate more than 128 million visitors to Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language since its launch in 2003. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower all Americans to prepare for and respond to disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.      Launched in 2016 by Dav Pilkey—the #1 global bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the Captain Underpants books—the Dog Man Scholastic series now includes 13 books. The series is one of the bestselling graphic novel series of all time with more than 60 million copies in print and translations in 47 languages. The series’ 2024 releases include Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, which became the #1 bestselling book in the U.S. and internationally and Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, published Dec. 3, 2024.   For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language. Television stations can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on ready.gov/videos. About FEMA and the Ready CampaignFEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, launched in Feb. 2003, is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things:•    Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.•    Make a family emergency plan.•    Build an emergency supply kit.•    Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.Follow Ready on social media at @ReadyGov on X, Ready on Facebook and ReadyGov on Instagram.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.      About the Ad Council The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun violence prevention, combating hate and bias, the overdose crisis and other critical issues, the Ad Council’s national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, employer programs and other innovative strategies.To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.           About DreamWorks Animation’s Dog ManPart dog, part man, all hero. From DreamWorks Animation—creators of the beloved blockbuster franchises Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and The Boss Baby—comes the canine-crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s New York Times bestselling literary phenomenon: Dog Man. When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over.   As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out, Free Guy), he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson; Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island). Petey’s latest plan is to clone himself, creating the kitten Lil Petey, to double his ability to do crime stuff. Things get complicated, though, when Lil Petey forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man. When Lil Petey falls into the clutches of a common enemy, Dog Man and Petey reluctantly join forces in an action-packed race against time to rescue the young kitten. In the process, they discover the power of family (and kittens!) to bring even the most hostile foes together.  Dog Man also stars Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango) as TV reporter Sarah Hatoff, Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty) as Petey’s assistant, Butler, Emmy nominee Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill) as Grampa, Billy Boyd (the Lord of the Rings franchise, Seed of Chucky) as Sarah’s cameraman, Seamus, and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) as Flippy the fish.Dog Man is directed by Emmy winner Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), whose credits include the groundbreaking animated series Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. The film is produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed), who served as co-producer on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon. About DreamWorks AnimationDreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing and location-based entertainment venues around the world. DWA’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Spirit, Trolls, The Boss Baby and 2022’s The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish have amassed more than $16 billion in global box office receipts. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of award-winning original content through streaming and linear broadcasters.About Universal PicturesUniversal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
    erika.suzuki
    Wed, 01/29/2025 – 20:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Lady Marty Kemp Introduces Tenth Anti-Human Trafficking Bill

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Today, on behalf of First Lady Marty Kemp, the Office of the Governor rolled out its 10th piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on human traffickers and buyers in the state while making Georgia a safe haven for victims.

    The latest bill championed by First Lady Kemp, SB 42 closes a critical loophole in Georgia law and ensures traffickers face the full penalty that their crimes demand. Currently, the conduct prohibited by Georgia’s human trafficking statute against minors is substantially similar to the conduct prohibited by the crime of keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering against minors. Rule of lenity, a legal principle asserting courts should apply the more favorable sentence to defendants when the law is ambiguous, could lead to judges awarding lesser sentences to offenders as a result of this loophole.

    “Georgia is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking because of our work supporting survivors and shining a light on the dark corners where this crime thrives,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “The legislation introduced today will further that mission by ensuring proper penalties for offenders and securing greater justice for their victims. It will also build on the other initiatives we’re launching this week to make Georgians more aware of the dangers of human trafficking and how to report suspected trafficking situations.”

    As a part of Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month — observed each January — First Lady Kemp marked the occasion by announcing the following initiatives to better equip Georgians with the knowledge and tools to end this evil industry in the state:

    First Lady Kemp Releases Updated Human Trafficking Awareness Training

    In conjunction with the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), the First Lady is releasing an updated human trafficking awareness training for state employees. This enhanced training incorporates new information on what Georgia has done in the years since to support survivors and empower law enforcement to go after offenders. Administered by DOAS, the training will be available to all state agencies, who are encouraged to have their employees participate. The training will also be available to the public on YouTube as a free and easily-accessible resource.

    “State employees are essential in the fight against human trafficking,” said DOAS Commissioner Rebecca Sullivan. “It’s imperative for everyone to recognize the signs and be prepared to report them to effectively raise awareness and prevent this horrific crime. This training video is a vital resource packed with statistics and real-life stories that empower our state employees and the public to identify and report signs of sex trafficking with confidence. Together, we can make a significant impact in combating this issue.”

    History of Training

    Following initial meetings of the GRACE Commission, the need to raise awareness of the nature and signs of human trafficking was identified as a priority to move the needle on ending trafficking in the state. That led to the development of a 30-minute video training resource that provided viewers with an overview of sex trafficking, the telltale signs of its participants, and what to do when they believe they may have observed a trafficking situation.

    First Lady Kemp and Georgia Ports Authority Release Updated Human Trafficking Public Service Announcement

    The First Lady also unveiled, in partnership with the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), a public service announcement (PSA) that will run at the state’s ports. With thousands of trucks entering and exiting ports facilities each day, this PSA will help bring attention to what drivers travelling through high-traffic destinations across the state can do to help end sex trafficking in Georgia. The PSA can be viewed here.

    “Georgia Ports joins with Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp and the CJCC organization to work together to end human trafficking in our state,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Trucking companies are Georgia Ports’ frontline customers and are vital to our success. Their assistance is also instrumental in ending human trafficking by learning more about it and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement as they drive around the Peach State every day.”

    “CJCC is pleased to join First Lady Marty Kemp and the Georgia Ports Authority in a vital initiative to educate transportation professionals across Georgia about human trafficking,” said CJCC Executive Director Jay Neal. “Our goal is to ensure that victims are not only identified but also provided with the essential resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. By equipping everyone with the tools to recognize the signs of human trafficking, we can work together to create a safer, more informed community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Emanuel Jones Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Coventry House University

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (January 29, 2025) — On February 9, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Coventry House University – Asia Pacific. The 10th Commencement Exercises and Doctoral Conferment Award ceremony will be held at the Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

    “I am deeply honored to receive this Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Coventry House University – Asia Pacific,” said Sen. Jones. “Their mission to uplift and empower aligns with my commitment to public service. With over 20 years of public service experience, this recognition reinforces my drive to continue this vital work. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and inspired to continue serving with purpose and faith.”

    Coventry House University supports global ministry through education. Their mission is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry in order to build up the body of Christ.”

    For more about Coventry House University, you can read here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry County.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via email at Emanuel.Jones@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Air Guard takes part in “Operation Toy Drop”

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The 153d Airlift Wing took part in Operation Toy Drop for the first time in their history, starting on Dec. 9, 2024, and ending on Dec. 14, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

    Army units reached out to the 153 AW for assistance, and the wing stepped up with two C-130’s, along with crews. Jumpers for this mission were both US and foreign, and the operation partnered with Toys for Tots to collect toy donations. The jumps were conducted in the vicinity of Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

    Over 4,000 jumpers parachuted throughout the week, with toys loaded in their packs, ready to disperse. These jumps were in conjunction with community relations events conducted throughout the week.

    Operation Toy Drop, established in 1998 by then-U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Randy Oler, is an annual charitable event organized by the U.S. Army Reserve Command that blends the spirit of giving with military training. Hosted at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, the event allows paratroopers to donate toys in exchange for the chance to earn foreign jump wings by jumping with allied nations’ jumpmasters. The operation fosters international military partnerships while supporting local communities, as thousands of toys are collected and distributed to underprivileged children during the holiday season.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp. Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Rights Commencing February 3, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEVADA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: MLAC) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing February 3, 2025, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering completed on December 16, 2024 may elect to separately trade the Class A ordinary shares of the Company and the rights included in such units on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”).

    The Class A ordinary shares and rights that are separated will trade on Nasdaq under the symbols “MLAC” and “MLACR,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “MLACU.” Holders of units will need to have their brokers contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company’s transfer agent, in order to separate the units into Class A ordinary shares and rights.

    The units were initially offered by the Company in an underwritten offering. BTIG, LLC acted as sole book-running manager of the offering.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these 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 any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp.

    Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company newly incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution. The Company’s primary focus will be in completing a business combination with an established business of scale poised for continued growth, led by a highly regarded management team.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the offering and the Company’s search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Douglas Horlick
    doug@mountainlakeacquisition.com
    Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp.
    930 Tahoe Blvd STE 802 PMB 45
    Incline Village, NV 89451
    (775) 204-1489 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Premium Income Corporation Announces Year End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: PIC.A; PIC.PR.A) Premium Income Corporation today announces results of operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024. Increase in net assets attributable to holders of Class A shares amounted to $76.3 million or $4.34 per Class A share. Net assets attributable to holders of Class A shares were $83.6 million or $4.14 per Class A share. Cash distributions of $0.86 per Preferred share and $0.81 per Class A share were paid during the year.

    Premium Income Corporation is a mutual fund corporation, which invests in a portfolio consisting principally of common shares of Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, and the Toronto Dominion Bank. The Fund employs an active covered call writing strategy to enhance the income generated by the portfolio and to reduce volatility.  

    The investment portfolio of the Fund is managed by its investment manager, Mulvihill Capital Management Inc. The Fund’s Preferred and Class A shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols PIC.PR.A and PIC.A respectively.

    Selected Financial Information: ($ Millions)  
       
    Statement of Financial Position   2024
    As at October 31  
    Assets $ 397.4
    Liabilities   (313.7)
    Net Assets Attributable to  
    Holders of Class A Shares $ 83.6
       
    Statement of Comprehensive Income  
    Year ended October 31  
    Income $ 96.8
    Expenses   (4.3)
    Operating Loss   92.4
    Preferred Share Distributions   (16.1)
    Increase in Net Assets Attributable  
    to Holders of Class A Shares $ 76.3
         

    For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1.800.725.7172 or visit www.mulvihill.com

    John Germain, Senior Vice President & CFO Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
    121 King Street West
    Suite 2600
    Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9
    416.681.3966; 1.800.725.7172
    www.mulvihill.com
    info@mulvihill.com
       

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Climb Global Solutions Appoints John McCarthy as Chairman of its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EATONTOWN, N.J., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) (“Climb”, the “Company”, “we”, or “our”), a value-added global IT channel company providing unique sales and distribution solutions for innovative technology vendors, today announced the appointment of John McCarthy as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective January 28, 2025. Mr. McCarthy’s appointment follows the resignation of Jeff Geygan from the Board, which will become effective February 28, 2025, and will reduce the Board to six members, five of whom are independent under Nasdaq listing standards.

    Mr. McCarthy brings over 30 years of executive technology leadership to Climb’s Board, where he has been a director since June 2019 and currently serves as Chair of the Compensation Committee. Before joining Climb, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mainline Information Systems, a nationally recognized technology solutions provider. Earlier in his career, Mr. McCarthy held senior executive roles at leading technology companies such as EMC, StorageApps, CNT, McData, and Virtual Iron. He is currently a member of the Operating Board for Stripes Group, and a member of the Board of Trustees for Providence College. Mr. McCarthy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Providence College.

    “I am honored to be appointed as Chairman of the Board and thankful for the trust placed in me by my fellow Board members,” said Mr. McCarthy. “I’d like to thank Jeff for his invaluable contributions to Climb throughout his tenure as Chairman. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and working with the Board and leadership team to continue driving the Company’s strategic vision forward.”

    Mr. Geygan stated, “Serving as Chairman of the Board for the past seven years has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to Climb’s remarkable growth and success.”

    About Climb Global Solutions

    Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) is a value-added global IT distribution and solutions company specializing in emerging and innovative technologies. Climb operates across the US, Canada and Europe through multiple business units, including Climb Channel Solutions, Grey Matter and Climb Global Services. The Company provides IT distribution and solutions for companies in the Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & ALM industries.

    Additional information can be found by visiting www.climbglobalsolutions.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Many of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as ”look forward,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “confident,” “may,” “can,” “potential,” “possible,” “proposed,” “in process,” “under construction,” “in development,” “opportunity,” “target,” “outlook,” “maintain,” “continue,” “goal,” “aim,” “commit,” or similar expressions, or when we discuss our priorities, strategy, goals, vision, mission, opportunities, projections, intentions or expectations. In this press release, the forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, declaring and reaffirming our strategic goals, future operating results, and the effects and potential benefits of the strategic acquisition on our business. Factors, among others, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning our plans and expectations in connection with the transition of Board leadership and other plans and expectations. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Company Contact

    Matthew Sullivan
    Chief Financial Officer
    (732) 847-2451
    MatthewS@ClimbCS.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    CLMB@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Fox & Friends to Discuss RFK, Jr.’s Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Fox & Friends to discuss his upcoming Senate Finance Committee hearing with President Trump’s nominee to lead Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. 
    As the leader and founder of the Make America Healthy Again Caucus, Senator Marshall shared how RFK, Jr. will combat America’s chronic disease epidemic by increasing access to whole, fresh foods for all Americans. Senator Marshall discussed how RFK, Jr. will bring about a new age of medical and nutritional transparency, empowering Americans to take control of their health. 
    Additionally, Senator Marshall discussed President Trump’s recent executive order mandating all federal employees to return to the office and end remote work. 
    [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 RFK Jr.’s first confirmation hearing today: 
    “What I need are those moms to call their Senators and support Bobby’s nomination. Look, if you agree with Bobby Kennedy that America is not very healthy right now, that 40% of Americans have a chronic disease. Our children, 20% of them are on some type of prescription drug. There’s a mental health explosion in our young children. So, I think Bobby just needs to share his heart. He needs to share with America why this is so important to him, and really disarm some of the false issues out there.”
    On updating the United States’ nutritional standards: 
    “On these food additives – I sat down with the FDA Food Czar two years ago, raised these same questions. Finally, just after President Trump gets elected, they look at red dye. The problem is they’re relying on data from 40 or 50 years ago, that they don’t update these approval processes.”
    “[RFK Jr.] is right. 70% of our calories are coming from processed foods, as opposed to fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh foods of all types. So Bobby and I will work together, Dr. Oz and President Trump’s team to help make those nutritious foods more affordable and more available to everyone across the country.”
    On President Trump’s mandate for federal employees to return to office:
    “Only 6% of federal employees are in the office – only 6%. Second data point I would give you is under Joe Biden, he added 128,000 employees. Meanwhile, they made $250 billion of improper payments. So our federal government is incompetent when it comes to appropriations that they send out $250 billion of inappropriate dollars, mostly for Medicare and Social Security. So we need those people to come back to do their job, to be accountable. This is exactly why 77 million people voted for Donald J Trump.”

    MIL OSI USA News –