NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Bill to Strengthen Services for Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Bill would reauthorize the Older Americans Act, strengthening critical programs for seniors.

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of her Senate colleagues in introducing the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, legislation that renews funding and strengthens services for American seniors. Senator Collins is an original cosponsor of the bill, and she was a member of the bipartisan working group that authored this legislation. 

    Since 1965, the OAA has supported and improved the lives of seniors—particularly those who are low-income—through programs that promote nutrition, improve transportation options, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, and prevent abuse and neglect. This critical law was last reauthorized in 2020.

    “Programs established by the Older Americans Act play a vital role in supporting the health, well-being, and independence of our nation’s seniors,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill reaffirms our commitment to older Americans and ensures that these critical programs will continue to meet their needs.”

    Specifically, this legislation would reauthorize OAA programs through Fiscal Year 2030 and make improvements to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers. The bill also takes steps to better serve Tribal seniors and those with disabilities in their communities.  

    The OAA authorizes an array of services through a network of 56 State Units on Aging and more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving older Americans throughout the nation. In the last year alone, OAA programs served more than 12 million caregivers and older adults, including providing more than 2.4 million seniors with at-home or congregate meals.
     
    In addition to Senator Collins, the bill was introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Edward Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ruiz’s Statement on the Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz released the following statement: 

    “The Supreme Court’s decision to limit the authority of federal district courts to issue nationwide injunctions is a reckless blow to our system of checks and balances. But let me be clear: the fight to protect birthright citizenship is far from over.

    “Every child born in the United States is a citizen of this nation. That is not up for debate—it is a constitutional right. We will continue to stand up, speak out, and pursue every legal avenue to ensure that this right is robustly defended and fully vindicated.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of Congo – Joint Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Joint Security Council Stakeout on the Democratic Republic of Congo by Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitments Group, led by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, and accompanied by Security Council Members.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPpNOrP1Ef8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce $5,058,755 in Federal Funding for Virginia Airports

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,058,755 in federal funding to support infrastructure improvements at seven airports across Virginia. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant program, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law.

    “Investing in our airports means investing in safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to support these improvements that will help ensure Virginia’s airports continue to serve travelers and local economies for years to come.”

    The funding is broken down as follows:

    • 2,948,555 to the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission to upgrade taxiways B, B1, B2, B3, and B4 at the Roanoke Regional Airport;
    • $730,000 to the City of Suffolk to expand the terminal apron Suffolk Executive Airport to allow for a wider variety of aircrafts;
    • $661,200 to the Chesapeake Airport Authority to remove trees obstructing operations at the Chesapeake Regional Airport;
    • $260,000 to the County of Halifax to install runway end identifier lights and a precision approach path indicator system at Halifax Stanfield International Airport;
    • $190,000 to the Town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for Runway 3/21 at Farmville Regional Airport;
    • $159,000 to the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to construct a new hanger for aircraft storage at Dinwiddie County Airport;
    • $110,000 to the Town of Tangier to reseal taxiway and apron pavement prolonging their lifespan at Tangier Island Airport.

     Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In January of this year the senators announced over $12 million for improvements to Virginia’s airports. In October 2024, they announced nearly $57 million in federal funding for revitalizations efforts, and in September 2024, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor to end practice of seeking liquidated damages in Wage and Hour investigations

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division today issued a field assistance bulletin clarifying that it may not seek or collect the payment of liquidated damages in any administrative matter under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

    The FAB reiterates that Congress made clear that such damages are reserved for judicial proceedings and responsibility falls to the courts of law – not the Department of Labor. 

    Historically, the department did not seek liquidated damages in the administrative investigation stage until 2010, when the Obama administration began seeking liquidated damages prior to referral for litigation. In 2020, the Trump administration issued FAB 2020-2 to place guardrails on this controversial and legally questionable practice. 

    The following year, the Biden administration issued FAB 2021-2, which outright rescinded the 2020 FAB and authorized the division to once again seek liquidated damages in administrative matters. This Biden-era FAB provided the regulated community with vague guidance on whether such damages would be sought, giving the agency virtually unfettered discretion. 

    Today, the issuance of FAB 2025-3 ends the division’s ability to seek such damages in administrative proceedings. Ending this practice will foster more effective dispute resolution and ensure more fair, timely outcomes for American workers and businesses.

    For additional guidance beyond the field assistance bulletin, workers and employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 468

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 468
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    520 PM CDT Fri Jun 27 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    North Dakota

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and Saturday morning from 520
    PM until 100 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
    events to 4 inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely

    SUMMARY…Severe storms including supercells are expected to develop
    through early/mid-evening within a very unstable environment, amidst
    moderately strong atmospheric winds. These supercells may be intense
    and capable of very large hail along with some tornado risk. Severe
    wind gust potential will likely increase later this evening as
    storms progress east-southeastward.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 105 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Garrison
    ND to 40 miles north northeast of Jamestown ND. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 466…WW 467…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
    storm motion vector 29025.

    …Guyer

    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 468
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    520 PM CDT Fri Jun 27 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    North Dakota

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and Saturday morning from 520
    PM until 100 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
    events to 4 inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely

    SUMMARY…Severe storms including supercells are expected to develop
    through early/mid-evening within a very unstable environment, amidst
    moderately strong atmospheric winds. These supercells may be intense
    and capable of very large hail along with some tornado risk. Severe
    wind gust potential will likely increase later this evening as
    storms progress east-southeastward.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 105 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Garrison
    ND to 40 miles north northeast of Jamestown ND. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 466…WW 467…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean
    storm motion vector 29025.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW8
    WW 468 TORNADO ND 272220Z – 280600Z
    AXIS..105 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    50WSW N60/GARRISON ND/ – 40NNE JMS/JAMESTOWN ND/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 90NM N/S /34NNE DIK – 55WSW GFK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29025.

    LAT…LON 48890242 48989835 45949835 45850242

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU8.

    Watch 468 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (60%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (80%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (50%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes Fifth Review Under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and the Third Review Under the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility of Paraguay

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 27, 2025

    • On June 27, 2025, the IMF Executive Board concluded the fifth review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and the third review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement.
    • The Paraguayan economy remains robust underpinned by buoyant domestic demand. Staying the course with the fiscal consolidation plan and structural reforms will be critical to preserve macroeconomic stability.
    • Program performance under the PCI and RSF remains very satisfactory, underpinned by a strong commitment to pursue prudent macroeconomic policies and structural reforms to enhance the country’s prospects for long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the fifth review under the PCI arrangement and the third review under the RSF arrangement. The completion of the reviews provides the authorities with access to approximately US$ 285 million (SDR 211.46 million) under the RSF, of which the authorities have requested disbursement of US$ 195 million (SDR 146 million).

    The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, with real GDP growing 4.2 percent in 2024. Buoyant private consumption and gross fixed capital formation outweighed a negative contribution from net exports owing mainly to lower electricity production and exports. Economic activity continued its strong momentum in early 2025 with real GDP expected to expand 3.8 percent this year. Headline inflation remains contained within the central bank’s tolerance range.

    Fiscal consolidation is progressing, with the fiscal deficit falling to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2024, down from 4.1 percent in 2023, supported by a substantial increase in tax revenue. The fiscal deficit is projected to decline further to 1.9 percent of GDP in 2025. The current account deficit widened to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2024, from 0.4 percent in 2023, primarily due to lower export revenues, driven in large part by lower soybean prices and a drop in hydroelectricity exports because of low river water levels. Foreign reserves remain comfortably above standard adequacy metrics.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “The Paraguayan economy remains resilient, owing to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the authorities’ continued prudent macroeconomic management. The outlook is favorable, with growth expected to remain robust, but is subject to elevated global risks and to adverse weather shocks. Against this backdrop, staying the course with prudent macroeconomic management continues to serve as a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability.

    “With inflation contained within the central bank’s tolerance range, monetary policy should remain data driven. The exchange rate should continue to serve as a shock absorber. The banking sector is well capitalized, liquid, and profitable, and the authorities plan to deepen and modernize capital markets. Further strengthening AML/CFT frameworks, including by promptly finalizing the National Risk Assessment, is essential.

    “The authorities remain resolute in advancing the fiscal consolidation plan, aiming to reduce the deficit to 1.5 percent of GDP by 2026—the ceiling established by the Fiscal Responsibility Law. Efforts to bolster tax revenues and improve the efficiency of public expenditure should continue to support fiscal consolidation goals.

    “Addressing the sustainability of the public employees’ pension fund is essential to mitigate medium-term fiscal risks. The overall risk of sovereign stress is low, and ongoing efforts to gradually decrease the proportion of debt denominated in foreign currency would help further strengthen the risk profile of public debt.

    “Policy reforms under the Policy Coordination Instrument and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility are further strengthening macroeconomic stability and resilience. Sustained progress on the reform agenda—including continuing efforts to reduce informality, strengthen governance and anti-corruption frameworks, and enhance resilience to natural disasters—will further improve the business environment, boost Paraguay’s appeal as an investment destination, and reinforce macroeconomic stability.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/pr-25224-paraguay-imf-concludes-5th-rev-under-pci-and-3rd-rev-under-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Announces Hiring of Chief of Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Larsen Announces Hiring of Chief of Staff

    Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025

    Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement:

    “I am pleased to announce that I have hired Collin Davenport to be my office’s new Chief of Staff,” said Rep. Larsen. “Collin has many years of experience working with the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who was a good friend of my office. Collin served as the regional District Director and then Legislative Director for Rep. Connolly’s personal office, and he was most recently the Deputy Staff Director of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. I got to know Collin through the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I was consistently impressed with his organizational skills, leadership, and focus on getting things done.”

    “It’s an honor to join Congressman Larsen’s incredible team and help advance the work he’s doing for the people of Northwest Washington,” said Mr. Davenport. “I’m looking forward to supporting the Congressman and his staff as we continue delivering results for our constituents.”

    “Collin replaces my current Chief of Staff, Robin Chand, who is returning to his hometown to be a prosecutor at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office,” said Rep. Larsen. “Robin has been a great leader and partner and I wish him all the best. Collin will start in the office on July 21st as Deputy Chief of Staff and work with Robin to get up to speed, and then he will take over as Chief of Staff on August 18th.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Releases Update on Cascade Job Corps Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following update on the Cascade Job Corps Center:

    “When the Administration announced the terrible decision to close all Job Corps centers earlier this month, I met with local leaders, former Job Corps students, and folks around the region about the negative impact this would have. The people I spoke to wanted me and the community to rally behind Cascade Job Corps Center and fight to keep it open, and that’s exactly what we did.

    “I worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress to push back against this decision and help the Secretary of Labor understand how important Job Corps centers are. Local leaders from the Port of Skagit, Skagit Valley College, county government, and the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County all banded together to make the case for the Cascade Job Corps Center.

    “This week, a federal judge blocked the Administration’s decision to close the Job Corps centers. Cascade Job Corps Center is returning to the important work of helping young people in Northwest Washington state complete college credits and professional certifications.

    “I want to thank everyone who contacted my office about this issue and spoke out about how important Job Corps centers are. I’m very glad Cascade Job Corps Center students are back to learning, and staff are continuing the great work they’ve been doing for the past four decades.”

    Watch Rep. Larsen’s video statement here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University

    The Supreme Court greenlights states’ efforts to block kids from online porn by requiring age verification. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.

    In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.

    The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.

    The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.

    The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.

    More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.

    The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.

    Implications for other laws

    This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.

    The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.

    Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.

    What comes next?

    But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.

    Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.

    The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.

    For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.

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

    – ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University

    The Supreme Court greenlights states’ efforts to block kids from online porn by requiring age verification. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.

    In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.

    The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.

    The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.

    The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.

    More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.

    The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.

    Implications for other laws

    This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.

    The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.

    Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.

    What comes next?

    But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.

    Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.

    The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.

    For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.

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

    – ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University

    The Supreme Court greenlights states’ efforts to block kids from online porn by requiring age verification. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.

    In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.

    The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.

    The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.

    The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.

    More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.

    The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.

    Implications for other laws

    This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.

    The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.

    Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.

    What comes next?

    But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.

    Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.

    The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.

    For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.

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

    – ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University

    The Supreme Court greenlights states’ efforts to block kids from online porn by requiring age verification. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.

    In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.

    The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.

    The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.

    The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.

    More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.

    The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.

    Implications for other laws

    This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.

    The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.

    Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.

    What comes next?

    But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.

    Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.

    The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.

    For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.

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

    – ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meg Leta Jones, Associate Professor of Technology Law & Policy, Georgetown University

    The Supreme Court greenlights states’ efforts to block kids from online porn by requiring age verification. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on June 27, 2025, that will reshape how states protect children online. In a case assessing a Texas law requiring age verification to access porn sites, the court created a new legal path that makes it easier for states to craft laws regulating what kids see and do on the internet.

    In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled in Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton that Texas’ law obligating porn sites to block access to underage users is constitutional. The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.

    The majority on the court rejected both the porn industry’s argument for strict scrutiny – the toughest legal test that requires the government to prove a law is absolutely necessary – and Texas’ argument for mere rational basis review, which requires only a rational connection between the law’s legitimate aims and its actions. Instead, Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion established intermediate scrutiny, a middle ground that requires laws to serve important government interests without being overly burdensome, as the appropriate standard.

    The court’s reasoning hinged on characterizing the law as only “incidentally” burdening adults’ First Amendment rights. Since minors have no constitutional right to access pornography, the state can require age verification to prevent that unprotected activity. Any burden on adults is, according to the ruling, merely a side effect of this legitimate regulation.

    The court also pointed to dramatic technological changes since earlier similar laws were struck down in the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, only 2 in 5 households had internet access, mostly through slow dial-up connections on desktop computers. Today, 95% of teens carry smartphones with constant internet access to massive libraries of content. Porn site Pornhub alone published over 150 years of new material in 2019. The court argued that earlier decisions “could not have conceived of these developments,” making age verification more necessary than judges could have imagined decades ago.

    More importantly for future legislation, the court embraced an “ordinary and appropriate means” doctrine: When states have authority to govern an area, they may use traditional methods to exercise that power. Since age verification is common for alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and piercings, firearms, driver’s licenses and voting, the court held that it’s similarly appropriate for regulating minors’ access to sexual content.

    The key takeaway: When states are trying to keep kids away from certain types of content that kids have no legal right to see anyway, requiring age verification is an ordinary and appropriate way to enforce that boundary.

    Implications for other laws

    This decision could resolve a fundamental enforcement problem in child privacy laws. Current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act protect children only when companies have actual knowledge a user is under 13. But platforms routinely avoid this requirement by not asking users’ ages or letting them enter whatever age they want. Without age verification, there’s no actual knowledge and thus no privacy protections.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning changes this dynamic. Since the court emphasized that children lack the same constitutional rights as adults regarding certain protections, states may now be able to require age verification before data collection. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and similar state privacy laws would gain substantially more regulatory power under this framework.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms could face more restrictions. Several states have tried to limit how social media platforms interact with minors. Florida recently banned kids under 14 from having social media accounts entirely, while other states have targeted specific features such as endless scrolling or push notifications designed to keep kids hooked.

    The Supreme Court’s reasoning could protect laws that require age verification before kids can use certain platform features, such as direct messaging with strangers or livestreaming. However, laws that try to block kids from seeing general social media content would still face tough legal challenges, since that content is typically protected speech for everyone.

    The decision also supports state laws regulating how minors interact with app stores and gaming platforms. Minors generally can’t enter binding contracts without parental consent in the physical world, so states could require the same online. Proposed legislation such as the App Store Accountability Act would require parental approval before kids can download apps or agree to terms of service. States have also considered restrictions on “loot boxes” – digital gambling-like features – and surprise in-app purchases that can result in massive charges to parents.

    Since states already require an ID to buy lottery tickets or enter casinos, requiring age verification before kids can spend money on digital gambling mechanics follows the court’s logic.

    What comes next?

    But this decision doesn’t give states free rein to regulate the internet. The court’s reasoning applies to content that children have no legal right to access in the first place, specifically sexually explicit material. For most online content such as news, educational materials, general entertainment and political discussions, both adults and kids have constitutional rights to access.

    Laws trying to age-gate this protected content would still likely face the strict scrutiny’s standard and be struck down, but what online content and experiences underage users are constitutionally entitled to is not settled. Many advocates worry that while the “obscene for minors” standard in this case appears legally narrow, states will try to expand it or use similar reasoning to classify LGBTQ+-related educational content, health resources or community support materials as inherently sexual and inappropriate for minors.

    The court also emphasized that even under this more permissive standard, laws still have to be reasonable. Age verification requirements that are overly burdensome, sweep too broadly or create serious privacy problems could still be ruled unconstitutional. The court’s decision in this case gives state lawmakers much more room to effectively regulate how online platforms interact with children, but I believe successful laws will need to be carefully written.

    For parents worried about their kids’ online safety, this could mean more tools and protections. For tech companies, it likely means more compliance requirements and age verification systems. And for the broader internet, it represents a significant shift toward treating online spaces more like physical ones, where people have long accepted that some doors require showing ID to enter.

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

    – ref. Supreme Court upholds childproofing porn sites – https://theconversation.com/supreme-court-upholds-childproofing-porn-sites-260052

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Statement: Caring for Our Veterans, Rebuilding Our Military, and Investing in Our National Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. 

    Upon House passage, Congressman Bean said: “As the son of a WWII veteran, I understand that veterans’ benefits are not entitlements—they’re earned. Our veterans should never be stuck in the bureaucratic process or ever think twice about getting the care they need. I was proud to help pass this bill, which fully funds our veterans’ benefits and healthcare, makes significant investments in mental health services, and strengthens the quality of life for our troops and their loved ones through additional housing and childcare resources. The bill also fortifies our southern border with robust investments in critical security infrastructure because safeguarding our nation begins by securing our borders.”

    KEY BACKGROUND

    Champions our veterans by:

    • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
    • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
    • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
    • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

    Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by: 

    • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
    • Following through with President Trump’s Executive Orders to prohibit funds for DEI, gender-affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.
    • Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

    Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

    • Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support United States advanced weapons systems.
    • Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
    • Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.

    The measure passed by a vote of 218 to 206.

     

    ###

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $1 Million for Airports on Oregon Coast & Willamette Valley

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    June 27, 2025

    Federal grants heading to airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.

    For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), today announced $1.08 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.

    “I’m happy to see these investments being made in Brookings and across Oregon to help improve safety, modernize equipment, and make these airports more viable for residents and tourists, alike,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These upgrades will grow local economies by making towns on the South Coast more accessible. I am grateful.”  

    “Federal investments in smaller airports throughout Oregon are a must to enhance quality of life in rural communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these federal resources are heading to our state, and I’ll keep battling for similar investments that support local economies, ensure emergency services during wildfires and more.”

    “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy. I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” 

    “Investments in NW Oregon’s ports bolster our local economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This federal funding will help upgrade aviation infrastructure on the coast and across rural Oregon. I will continue to advocate for resources that help Oregonians thrive.”

    The $1.08 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

    • $474,390 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for a new fuel farm with two fuel tanks, two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type to help the airport be as self-sustaining as possible. 

    • $320,890 to the Port of Astoria for rebuilding a 12,800-square-foot, 10-unit hangar used for aircraft storage.

    • $159,000 to the city of Brookings to acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids, to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, to rebuild a precision approach path indicator system, rebuild runway end identifier lights, rebuild medium intensity lighting.

    • $129,501 to the Oregon Department of Aviation for the Aurora State Airport to rehabilitate 5,003 feet of existing paved runway.

    Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, and Bonamici have long supported airports across Oregon. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments statewide. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 millionin federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Hoyle, Merkley, and Wyden announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.

    A web version of the release is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici Announce $1 Million for Airports on Oregon Coast & Willamette Valley

    Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    June 27, 2025

    Federal grants heading to airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.

    For Immediate Release: June 27, 2025 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), today announced $1.08 million combined in federal infrastructure investments at airports in Tillamook, Astoria, Brookings and Aurora.

    “I’m happy to see these investments being made in Brookings and across Oregon to help improve safety, modernize equipment, and make these airports more viable for residents and tourists, alike,” said Rep. Hoyle. “These upgrades will grow local economies by making towns on the South Coast more accessible. I am grateful.”  

    “Federal investments in smaller airports throughout Oregon are a must to enhance quality of life in rural communities,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these federal resources are heading to our state, and I’ll keep battling for similar investments that support local economies, ensure emergency services during wildfires and more.”

    “Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities and economies – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities and economy. I’ll fight to protect the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports and the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” 

    “Investments in NW Oregon’s ports bolster our local economy,” said Rep. Bonamici. “This federal funding will help upgrade aviation infrastructure on the coast and across rural Oregon. I will continue to advocate for resources that help Oregonians thrive.”

    The $1.08 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

    • $474,390 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for a new fuel farm with two fuel tanks, two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type to help the airport be as self-sustaining as possible. 

    • $320,890 to the Port of Astoria for rebuilding a 12,800-square-foot, 10-unit hangar used for aircraft storage.

    • $159,000 to the city of Brookings to acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids, to install a new airport rotating beacon to enhance safety, to rebuild a precision approach path indicator system, rebuild runway end identifier lights, rebuild medium intensity lighting.

    • $129,501 to the Oregon Department of Aviation for the Aurora State Airport to rehabilitate 5,003 feet of existing paved runway.

    Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, and Bonamici have long supported airports across Oregon. In May, the Oregon delegation announced $22 million for airport infrastructure investments statewide. In September 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $10 millionin federal grants for airports in Medford and Prineville. In July 2024, Hoyle, Merkley, and Wyden announced $17 million from the federal Airport Improvement Program for airports across Oregon.

    A web version of the release is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: So Alberta, what’s next? | Alors, quelle est la prochaine étape pour l’Alberta?

    [embedded content]

    Albertans are frustrated after 10 years of punitive policies, enacted by the federal government, attacking Alberta’s economy and targeting its core industries.

    Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the Alberta Next panel will bring together a broad mix of leaders, experts, and community voices to gather input, discuss solutions, and provide feedback to government on how Alberta can better protect its interests, defend its economy, and assert its place in Confederation.

    The panel will consult across the province over the summer and early fall to ensure that those living, working, doing business and raising families are the ones to drive Alberta’s future forward. The work will include identifying solutions advanced by Albertans on how to make Alberta stronger and more sovereign within a united Canada that respects and empowers the province to achieve its full potential. It will also include making recommendations to the government on potential referendum questions for Albertans to vote on in 2026.

    It will consider and hear from Albertans on the risks and benefits of ideas like a establishing an Alberta Pension Plan, using an Alberta Provincial Police Service rather than the RCMP for community policing, whether Albertans should consider pursuing constitutional changes, which (if any) changes to federal transfer payments and equalization Albertans should demand of the federal government, potential immigration reform that would give the provincial government more oversight into who comes to the province, and changes to how Alberta collects personal income tax. Albertans will also have the opportunity to put forward their own ideas for discussion.

    “This isn’t just about talk. It’s about action. The Alberta Next Panel is giving everyday Albertans a direct say in the direction of our province. It’s time to stand up to Ottawa’s overreach and make sure decisions about Alberta’s future are made here, by the people who live and work here.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “Right now, there is a need to restore fairness and functionality in the country. Years of problematic policy and decisions from Ottawa have hurt Albertan and Canadian prosperity. I am honoured to be asked by Premier Smith to participate in the Alberta Next Panel. This panel is about listening to Albertans on how we build a stronger Alberta within a united Canada, to which I, and the Business Council of Alberta, are firmly committed.”

    Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta

    Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the panel includes 13 additional members, including elected officials, academics, business leaders and community advocates:

    • Honourable Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas of Alberta
    • Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont
    • Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock
    • Tara Sawyer, MLA-elect for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills
    • Bruce McDonald, former justice, Court of Appeal of Alberta
    • Trevor Tombe, director of fiscal and economic policy, the University of Calgary School of Public Policy
    • Adam Legge, president, Business Council of Alberta
    • Andrew Judson, vice chairman (prairies), Fraser Institute
    • Sumita Anand, vice president, Above and Beyond Care Services
    • Melody Garner-Skiba, business and agricultural advocate
    • Grant Fagerheim, president and CEO, Whitecap Resources Inc.
    • Dr. Akin Osakuade, physician and section chief, Didsbury Hospital
    • Dr. Benny Xu, community health expert
    • Michael Binnion, president, Questerre Energy

    Albertans have a choice: let Ottawa continue calling the shots—or come together to chart our own course. What’s next? You decide.

    Key facts:

    • Town hall dates and sites, along with other opportunities to participate in this engagement, are available online at Alberta.ca/Next. Exact locations will be posted in the weeks ahead of the event, and Albertans will be asked to RSVP online.
    • The panel’s recommendations will be submitted to government by Dec. 31, 2025.
    • It is anticipated that the panel will add additional members in the coming weeks.

    Related information

    • Alberta.ca/Next
    • Panel member biographies

    Related news

    • Alberta Next: Albertans to choose path forward (May 5, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    Ce sont les Albertains, et non Ottawa, qui devraient façonner l’avenir de l’Alberta. Le groupe d’experts Alberta Next prend la route pour consulter directement les Albertains et tracer la voie à suivre pour la province.

    Les Albertains sont frustrés après 10 ans de politiques punitives adoptées par le gouvernement fédéral qui s’en prennent à l’économie de la province et qui ciblent ses principales industries.

    Le groupe d’experts Alberta Next, présidé par la première ministre Danielle Smith, réunira un large éventail de chefs de file, d’experts et de membres de la collectivité pour recueillir des commentaires, discuter de solutions et fournir une rétroaction au gouvernement sur la façon dont l’Alberta peut mieux protéger ses intérêts. défendre son économie et affirmer sa place dans la Confédération.

    Le groupe d’experts tiendra des consultations dans toute la province au cours de l’été et au début de l’automne pour veiller à ce que les personnes qui vivent, travaillent, font des affaires et élèvent une famille soient celles qui conduiront l’avenir de l’Alberta. Le travail consistera notamment à trouver des solutions proposées par les Albertains pour rendre l’Alberta plus forte et plus souveraine au sein d’un Canada uni qui respecte la province et qui lui donne les moyens de réaliser son plein potentiel. Il s’agira également de formuler des recommandations au gouvernement sur les questions référendaires potentielles sur lesquelles les Albertains pourront se prononcer en 2026.

    Il tiendra compte des risques et des avantages d’idées comme l’établissement d’un régime de retraite de l’Alberta, le recours à un service de police provincial de l’Alberta plutôt qu’à la Gendarmerie royale du Canada pour les services de police communautaires et entendra ce que les Albertains ont à dire à ce sujet. Il déterminera si les Albertains devraient envisager de modifier la Constitution, (s’il y a lieu) des changements aux paiements de transfert fédéraux et à la péréquation que les Albertains devraient exiger du gouvernement fédéral, une réforme potentielle de l’immigration qui donnerait au gouvernement provincial plus de contrôle sur ceux qui viennent dans la province, et des changements à la façon dont l’Alberta perçoit l’impôt sur le revenu des particuliers. Les Albertains auront également l’occasion de présenter leurs propres idées aux fins de discussion.

    « Il ne s’agit pas seulement de paroles. Il s’agit d’agir. Le groupe d’experts Alberta Next donne aux Albertains ordinaires la chance d’experimer leur point de vue sur l’orientation de notre province. Il est temps de résister à l’excès d’Ottawa et de veiller à ce que les décisions concernant l’avenir de l’Alberta soient prises ici, par les gens qui vivent et travaillent ici. »

    Danielle Smith, première ministre

    « Il est désormais nécessaire de rétablir l’équité et la fonctionnalité du pays. Des années de politiques et de décisions problématiques d’Ottawa ont nui à la prospérité de l’Alberta et du Canada. Je suis honoré d’avoir été invité par la première ministre Smith à participer au groupe d’experts Alberta Next. Ce groupe d’expers a pour objectif d’écouter les points de vue des Albertains sur la façonde bâtir une Alberta plus forte au sein d’un Canada uni, ce à quoi le Business Council of Alberta et moi-même tenons fermement. »

    Adam Legge, président du Business Council of Alberta

    Le groupe d’experts, présidé par la première ministre Danielle Smith, comprend 13 autres membres, y compris des représentants élus, des universitaires, des chefs d’entreprise et des défenseurs de la collectivité :

    • L’honorable Rebecca Schulz, ministre de l’Environnement et des Aires protégées de l’Alberta
    • Brandon Lunty, député de Leduc-Beaumont
    • Glenn van Dijken, député d’Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock
    • Tara Sawyer, députée élue d’Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills
    • Bruce McDonald, ancien juge, Cour d’appel de l’Alberta
    • Trevor Tombe, directeur de la politique fiscale et économique, École de politique publique de l’Université de Calgary
    • Adam Legge, président, Business Council of Alberta
    • Andrew Judson, vice-président (Prairies), Institut Fraser
    • Sumita Anand, vice-présidente, Above and Beyond Care Services
    • Melody Garner-Skiba, défenseure des affaires et de l’agriculture
    • Grant Fagerheim, président-directeur général, Whitecap Resources Inc.
    • Dr Akin Osakuade, médecin et chef de section, Hôpital Didsbury
    • Dr Benny Xu, expert en santé communautaire
    • Michael Binnion, président, Questerre Energy

    Les Albertains ont le choix : laisser Ottawa continuer à prendre les décisions ou s’unir pour tracer notre propre voie. Prochaines étapes? C’est vous qui décidez.

    Faits saillants :

    • Les dates et les sites des assemblées publiques locales, ainsi que d’autres occasions de participer à cette consultation, sont disponibles en ligne à Alberta.ca/Next. Les lieux exacts seront publiés dans les semaines précédant l’événement et les Albertains seront invités à confirmer leur présence en ligne.
    • Les recommandations du groupe d’experts seront soumises au gouvernement d’ici le 31 décembre 2025.
    • On prévoit que le groupe d’experts ajoutera d’autres membres au cours des prochaines semaines.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Alberta.ca/Next
    • Biographies des membres du groupe d’experts (en anglais seulement)

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Alberta Next: Albertans to choose path forward (5 mai 2025)

    Multimédia

    • Visionnez la conférence de presse (en anglais seulement)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Staff to Hold Remote Office Hours in Campbell County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 27, 2025

    Staff for U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming will hold remote office hours in Campbell County on Thursday, July 10th.  Field Representative Ally Garner will be available to meet with residents and hear ideas, comments, and concerns about what is happening in the U.S. Senate, and to help anyone having trouble working with a federal agency.

    Of the remote office hours, Sen. Lummis said:

    “My team and I are working every day to make sure the federal government works for the people of Wyoming. Whether you need help interacting with a federal agency, facilitating a passport or visa request, tracking down social security checks or VA benefits, or you just want to ensure your voice is being heard in Washington, my team of field representatives is available to meet with you. These remote office hours will bring my office closer to the people we are here to serve, and I hope they will foster good conversations and also provide necessary help to ensure that the people of Wyoming can better navigate the complexities of the federal government.”

    Please contact Ally Garner at 307-261-6572 or ally_garner@lummis.senate.gov to schedule a convenient time while she is in Campbell County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Staff to Hold Remote Office Hours in Crook County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 27, 2025

    Staff for U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming will hold remote office hours in Moorcroft, Hulett and Sundance on Wednesday, July 9th.  Field Representative Ally Garner will be available to meet with residents and hear ideas, comments and concerns about what is happening in the U.S. Senate, and to help anyone having trouble working with a federal agency.

    Of the remote office hours, Sen. Lummis said:

    “My team and I are working every day to make sure the federal government works for the people of Wyoming. Whether you need help interacting with a federal agency, facilitating a passport or visa request, tracking down social security checks or VA benefits, or you just want to ensure your voice is being heard in Washington, my team of field representatives is available to meet with you. These remote office hours will bring my office closer to the people we are here to serve, and I hope they will foster good conversations and also provide necessary help to ensure that the people of Wyoming can better navigate the complexities of the federal government.”

    Please contact Ally Garner at 307-261-6572 or ally_garner@lummis.senate.gov to schedule a convenient time while she is in Crook County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Sentencing of Southern California Healthcare Operator for Medi-Cal Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, June 27, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    ORANGE COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the sentencing of a Southern California healthcare clinic operator, Oscar B. Abrons III, for his involvement in a prescription medication diversion scheme that defrauded Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, of more than $20 million. Abrons was sentenced by the Orange County Superior Court to four years in jail and stipulated that the loss to the Medi-Cal program exceeded $20 million. A restitution hearing will be held to determine the loss amount owed by Abrons. Abron’s co-conspirators, Steven Derrick Fleming and Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, were previously sentenced. Fleming was sentenced to five years in state prison, and El-Nachef was sentenced to a five-year local custody sentence and surrendered his medical license. The prosecution of these individuals was carried out by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA).

    “When healthcare operators take advantage of Medi-Cal for personal gain, not only are they stealing from taxpayers, but they are also undermining the health and trust of our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not tolerate this unlawful behavior and will continue to ensure that Medi-Cal services are delivered to those who need them most and hold any individual or entity accountable that exploits this program.”

    Fleming and Abrons jointly operated God’s Property, an unlicensed clinic where Medi-Cal beneficiaries were paid cash in exchange for obtaining medically unnecessary prescriptions for HIV medications, antipsychotics and controlled substances, which were then sold to buyers on the illicit market. Fleming and Abrons, alongside Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, an Orange County medical doctor, carried out the diversion scheme from June 23, 2014, to October 1, 2016. During this time, El-Nachef became the top prescriber of HIV medications in the state. As a result of the scheme, Medi-Cal suffered an estimated loss of over $20 million. 

    DMFEA works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.

    The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.  

    A copy of the sentencing minutes are available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXCO ENERGY CORPORATION REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FISCAL 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, TX, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mexco Energy Corporation (NYSE American: MXC) reported results on its Annual Report, Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $1,712,368, or $0.81 per diluted share, a 27% increase compared to fiscal 2024.

    Operating revenues for fiscal 2025 were $7,358,066, an 11% increase when compared to fiscal 2024. This increase was primarily due to an increase in oil and natural gas production volumes and partially offset by a decrease in the average sale prices of oil and natural gas. Natural gas prices have been low due to limited pipeline capacities in the Permian Basin. For the year ended March 31, 2025, the average realized price for oil was $73.54 per barrel and the average realized price for natural gas was $1.70 per thousand cubic feet.

    The Company participated in the drilling of 35 horizontal wells at a cost of approximately $1,100,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, of which 17 are to be completed this fiscal year. Twenty-nine of these wells are in the Delaware Basin located in the western portion of the Permian Basin in Lea and Eddy Counties, New Mexico. The Company also expended approximately $300,000, the balance required to complete 19 horizontal wells which were drilled during fiscal 2024.

    In addition to the above working interests, there were 120 gross wells (.09 net wells) drilled by other operators on the Company’s royalty interests. Approximately 31% of the fiscal 2025 operating revenues were produced from royalties free of operational costs to Mexco.

    The Company currently expects to participate in the drilling of 27 and completion of 17 horizontal wells at an estimated aggregate cost of approximately $1.2 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, of which approximately $300,000 has been expended to date. The Company is evaluating other prospects for participation during this fiscal year.

    The Company’s estimated present value of proved reserves at March 31, 2025 was approximately $23 million based on estimated future net revenues discounted at 10% per annum, pricing and other assumptions set forth in “Item 2 – Properties” of Form 10-K. The Company’s estimated proved oil reserves at March 31, 2025 decreased 15% to 675 thousand barrels of oil and natural gas reserves decreased 4% to 4.360 billion cubic feet compared to the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of decreased prices of oil and natural gas in the past fiscal year. For fiscal 2025, oil constituted approximately 51% of the Company’s total proved reserves and approximately 86% of the Company’s oil and gas sales.

    The President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company said, “We have approximately $2.2 million cash on hand, no outstanding indebtedness on our bank line of credit and are actively seeking opportunities.”

    Throughout the year, the Company acquired various royalty and mineral interests in 840 gross wells (2.31 net wells) primarily in Adams, Broomfield and Weld Counties, Colorado; DeSoto Parish, Louisiana; Eddy County, New Mexico; Karnes, Live Oak, Reagan, Reeves and Upton Counties, Texas; Laramie County, Wyoming; and, multiple counties in Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Montana, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million. These and other related expenditures were funded from cash on hand.

    Mexco Energy Corporation, a Colorado corporation, is an independent oil and gas company located in Midland, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. For more information on Mexco Energy Corporation, go to www.mexcoenergy.com.

    In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Mexco Energy Corporation cautions that statements in this press release which are forward-looking and which provide other than historical information involve risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s actual results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, production variance from expectations, volatility of oil and gas prices, the need to develop and replace reserves, exploration risks, uncertainties about estimates of reserves, competition, government regulation, and mechanical and other inherent risks associated with oil and gas production. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties, is set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. Mexco Energy Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements.

    For additional information, please contact: Tammy L. McComic, President and Chief Financial Officer of Mexco Energy Corporation, (432) 682-1119.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trisura Group Announces Results Of Annual And Special Meeting Of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura Group” or the “Company”) (TSX: TSU) today announced the results of the Company’s virtual annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 27, 2025 (the “Meeting”).

    At the Meeting, all nine nominees proposed for election to the board of director by shareholders were elected. Management received the following proxies from shareholders in regard to the election of directors:

    Director Nominee Votes For % Votes Withheld %
    David Clare 34,235,415 97.59% 843,841 2.41%
    Paul Gallagher 34,123,007 97.27% 956,249 2.73%
    Sacha Haque 34,243,472 97.62% 835,784 2.38%
    Barton Hedges 34,265,242 97.68% 814,014 2.32%
    Anik Lanthier 34,163,571 97.39% 915,685 2.61%
    Janice Madon 34,262,812 97.67% 816,444 2.33%
    George E. Myhal 32,940,147 93.90% 2,139,109 6.10%
    Lilia Sham 34,261,547 97.67% 817,709 2.33%
    Robert Taylor 34,119,101 97.26% 960,155 2.74%
             

    About Trisura Group

    Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.

    Further information is available at https://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information, please contact:

    Name: Bryan Sinclair
    Tel: 416 607 2135
    Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Security National Financial Corporation set to join Russell 3000® Index

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security National Financial Corporation (SNFCA) joined the broad-market Russell 3000 Index at the conclusion of the 2025 Russell indexes annual reconstitutions, effective after the US market opens on June 30, 2025.

    The annual Russell reconstitutions capture the 4,000 largest US stocks as of April 30th, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the US all-cap Russell 3000® Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in either the large-cap Russell 1000 Index or the small-cap Russell 2000 Index, as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines membership for its Russell indexes primarily by objective, market-capitalization rankings and style attributes.

    Scott Quist, President and Chairman of the Board for Security National Financial Corporation stated “Security National has always strived to provide strong returns for our investors and provide an investment vehicle that is stable. The inclusion of Security National in the Russell 3000 this year is evidence of our continued efforts.”

    Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies. According to data as of the end of June 2024, about $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell US indexes, which belong to FTSE Russell, the global index provider.

    Fiona Bassett, CEO of FTSE Russell, an LSEG business, comments:

    “The Russell indexes have continuously adapted to the evolving dynamic US economy, and it’s crucial to fully recalibrate the suite of Russell US Indexes, ensuring the indexes maintain an accurate representation of the market. The transition to a semi-annual reconstitution frequency from 2026 will ensure our indexes continue to represent the market and maintain the purpose of the index as a portfolio benchmark.”

    For more information on the Russell 3000® Index and the Russell indexes reconstitution, go to the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.

    About Security National Financial Corporation:

    Founded in 1965, Security National Financial Corporation operates in three business segments. The Company sells and services selected lines of life insurance, annuity products, and accident and health insurance, operates cemeteries in Utah, New Mexico and California and mortuaries in Utah and New Mexico, and originates and underwrites residential and commercial loans for new construction and existing homes.

    About FTSE Russell:
    FTSE Russell is a global index leader that provides innovative benchmarking, analytics and data solutions for investors worldwide. FTSE Russell calculates thousands of indexes that measure and benchmark markets and asset classes in more than 70 countries, covering 98% of the investable market globally. FTSE Russell index expertise and products are used extensively by institutional and retail investors globally. Approximately $18.1 trillion is benchmarked to FTSE Russell indexes. Leading asset owners, asset managers, ETF providers and investment banks choose FTSE Russell indexes to benchmark their investment performance and create ETFs, structured products and index-based derivatives. A core set of universal principles guides FTSE Russell index design and management: a transparent rules-based methodology is informed by independent committees of leading market participants. FTSE Russell is focused on applying the highest industry standards in index design and governance and embraces the IOSCO Principles. FTSE Russell is also focused on index innovation and customer partnerships as it seeks to enhance the breadth, depth and reach of its offering. 

    FTSE Russell is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. 

    For more information, visit FTSE Russell.

    Contact: Scott M. Quist or Garrett S. Sill
    Security National Financial Corporation
    P.O. Box 57250
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84157
    (Telephone) (801) 264-1060
    (Fax) (801) 264-8430
    Website: www.securitynational.com

    This press release contains statements that, if not verifiable historical fact, may be viewed as forward-looking statements that could predict future events or outcomes with respect to the Company and its business. The predictions in these statements will involve risk and uncertainties and, accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Statement on Supreme Court’s Dangerous Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA et.al., which limited lower courts’ use of nationwide injunctions, a tool courts use to ensure the rule of law is consistently applied when government actions are likely illegal. This decision will sow chaos across the U.S. and have sweeping effects on hundreds of federal lawsuits challenging unlawful actions by the Trump Administration.
    “The Supreme Court’s decision today will result in the infringement of Americans’ rights for years to come. Limiting nationwide injunctions will have long-lasting effects on our courts, ceding even more power to the executive branch and providing justice only to those with the means or luck to have a lawyer. 
    “The Fourteenth Amendment is clear: if you’re born in the United States, you’re an American citizen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Leads Delegation of Illinois Members of Congress in Calling on IRS to Fix Erroneous Late Payment Notices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 27, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Illinois’s Congressional Democrats in demanding answers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on why Illinoisans are receiving notices of late payment in error after filing—and paying—their taxes on time. Following  reporting earlier this month revealing that Illinoisans were receiving late payment notices and penalties from the IRS even though they had already filed and paid their taxes, and were then unable to get answers or responses from the IRS about those notices and penalties, the lawmakers wrote to IRS Commissioner William Long to learn how many Illinoisans have been affected and how IRS staffing cuts have impacted the agency’s ability to properly function.
    “Over the last few weeks, we have heard from a number of Illinoisans that they are receiving late notices from your agency, despite previous confirmations of submission and payment,” the lawmakers wrote. “To make matters worse, the late notices also include penalties and fines, which further heightens the urgency for taxpayers to resolve the issue. Not only is it unacceptable that the IRS has failed to process tax payments in a timely manner—the failure to prevent erroneous late notices from being sent is incredibly damaging to taxpayers’ trust in the IRS.”
    Since Donald Trump’s return to office, reckless and damaging DOGE cuts caused the IRS to fire more than 7,000 probationary employees and let over 20,000 employees leave through multiple deferred resignation programs.
    In their letter, the lawmakers are requesting the following information from IRS:
    How many Illinois taxpayers received a notice of late payment? How many in the country?
    Of those taxpayers, how many has the IRS determined received those notices in error?
    How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a notice in error?
    How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a proper notice of late payment, but is not aware that they committed an error?
    Will the IRS be waiving any fines, fees or interest as a result of the agency’s confusion?
    How many IRS employees were processing Illinois tax payments during the previous two years’ tax seasons? How many IRS employees are processing Illinois tax payments during the current tax season? 
    Have all IRS employees who accepted the deferred resignation offer now left the agency? Has this contributed in any way to the delayed processing of tax payments?
    Can you confirm that of the 8,500 IT employees that the IRS had at the start of the 2025 fiscal year, more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS?
    What is the IRS’ plan to ensure that these mistakes do not happen in the future?
    In addition to Duckworth, this letter is signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).
    Full letter text is available below and on the Senator’s website.
    Dear Mr. Long:
    We write on behalf of our constituents with extreme concern about the tax payment processing delays that are causing confusion and panic throughout Illinois.
    Over the last few weeks, we have heard from a number of Illinoisans that they are receiving late notices from your agency, despite previous confirmations of submission and payment. To make matters worse, the late notices also include penalties and fines, which further heightens the urgency for taxpayers to resolve the issue.
    Not only is it unacceptable that the IRS has failed to process tax payments in a timely manner—the failure to prevent erroneous late notices from being sent is incredibly damaging to taxpayers’ trust in the IRS. This trust is increasingly important as an increasing number of criminals now attempt to impersonate the IRS to scam vulnerable taxpayers out of their hard-earned money. By sending out incorrect notices, your agency has endangered years of effort to establish confidence in IRS communications.
    We believe that your failure to process tax returns and erroneous sending of late notices is a crisis that must be addressed quickly. However, thus far, the IRS’ communications on the topic have been less than inspiring. On the day of your confirmation, June 12, 2025, the IRS finally officially acknowledged that “there is a delay in processing some electronic payments, and that some taxpayers are receiving IRS notices indicating a balance due even though payments were made timely.”
    While we are glad the IRS has finally acknowledged an issue, the agency’s recent statements to local news media are unclear and confusing. In the IRS’ statement, the agency advised our constituents that, “If a taxpayer has checked their online account and does not see the payment processed by July 15th, they may call the number on their notice.”2 However, this does not make clear how our constituents could understand whether the late notice that they received was issued in error or not.
    We also want to understand what the root causes of this failure are and how it is possible that the IRS has mismanaged its most basic duty. We know that earlier this year, the IRS fired more than 7,000 probationary employees and let over 20,000 employees leave through multiple deferred resignation programs. We also know that Acting Chief Information Officer Kaschit Pandya told staff in an email earlier this month that the agency needs to “reset and reassess” in part because more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS since January.3 Undoubtedly, these drastic changes contributed to an environment where the remaining staff was forced to pick up the slack of tens of thousands of employees, without any real plan. The indefinite hiring freeze also ensures that the IRS is unable to hire the staff necessary to fulfill the agency’s basic mission.  We hope that the failures of this tax season cause you to reconsider the detrimental actions currently being taken in the form of additional reductions in force and forced attrition. We also look forward to a comprehensive plan to address this issue moving forward.
    To assist as we attempt to help our constituents, please provide responses to the following questions no later than July 3, 2025.
    1. How many Illinois taxpayers received a notice of late payment? How many in the entire country?
    2. Of those taxpayers, how many has the IRS determined received those notices in error?
    3. How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a notice in error?
    4. How is the IRS communicating to the taxpayers who received a proper notice of late payment, but is not aware that they committed an error?
    5. Will the IRS be waiving any fines, fees or interest as a result of the agency’s confusion?
    6. How many IRS employees were processing Illinois tax payments during the previous two years’ tax seasons? How many IRS employees are processing Illinois tax payments during the current tax season?
    7. Have all IRS employees who accepted the deferred resignation offer now left the agency? Has this contributed in any way to the delayed processing of tax payments?
    8. Can you confirm that of the 8,500 IT employees that the IRS had at the start of the 2025 fiscal year, more than 2,000 IT employees have separated from the IRS?
    9. What is the IRS’ plan to ensure that these mistakes do not happen in the future?
    Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. If you have any questions about this congressional inquiry, please contact our staff.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd Joins Cotton, Colleagues in Introducing Bill To Reform, Improve, and Streamline ODNI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, in introducing the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act, legislation that would realign resources to intelligence missions, eliminate duplicative efforts and inefficient, non-functioning bureaucracies across the intelligence community (IC) and return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.

    “The ODNI was established to unify America’s intelligence community, enhancing coordination among agencies efficiently and collectively focusing on the threats to our nation. Over the years, the ODNI has become a bloated bureaucracy, contrary to the vision laid out for this vital agency. I’m proud to join Senator Cotton and our colleagues in introducing needed reforms to stop ODNI from stumbling over bureaucratic red tape and return the agency to its original, lean form—one solely focused on our nation’s security, said Senator Budd.”

    “Created after the September 11th attacks, ODNI was intended to be a lean organization to align America’s intelligence resources and authorities, not the overstaffed and bureaucratic behemoth that it is today, where coordinators coordinate with other coordinators. These reforms will be vital to keeping our country safe from the wide range of threats that we continue to face,” said Senator Cotton. 

    Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are also cosponsoring the legislation.

    Text of the Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act may be found here.

    The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act would:

    • Cap ODNI full-time staff at 650.
    • Eliminate certain reporting requirements and the transfer of personnel authorities.
    • Modify the National Intelligence Council’s duties and terminate the National Intelligence Managers’ positions.
    • Terminate the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) at ODNI and transfer its responsibilities to the FBI.
    • Redesignate the National Counterterrorism Center as the National Counterterrorism and Counternarcotics Center and limit its mission to foreign intelligence authorities. 
    • Terminate the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center (NCBC) at ODNI, transfer NCBC’s responsibilities to the CIA, and redesignate it as the National Counterproliferation Center.
    • Repeal various positions (including the Director of the NCSC, the Director of the NCBC, and the Intelligence Community Chief Data Officer) and seven units, centers, councils, offices, and programs (including obsolete bureaucratic entities that have failed to function, such as the Joint Intelligence Community Council).  
    • Prohibit National Intelligence Program funds from being used to outsource IC analytic efforts to organizations that take funds from foreign governments.  
    • Require the DNI to wind down and terminate the National Intelligence University within 180 days.
    • Prohibit the use of National Intelligence Program funds to implement any diversity, equity, or inclusion practice in the intelligence community.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sandoz Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Cefazolin for Injection Due to Product Mispackaging

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 27, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 27, 2025
    Product Type:
    Drugs
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Potential Presence of Penicillin G Potassium Injection Vial

    Company Name:
    Sandoz Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Sandoz

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gm vial

    Company Announcement
    Sandoz, Inc. (“Sandoz”) is initiating a voluntary recall of one (1) lot of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, 1 gram per vial. This single lot is being recalled due to a customer complaint indicating that four (4) Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP, 20 million Units labelled vials were incorrectly included in a carton (25 vials per carton) of Cefazolin for Injection, USP 1 gram per vial product.
    Risk Statement: There is a reasonable probability that the inadvertent administration of penicillin G potassium injection, instead of intended cefazolin injection, may pose serious and potentially life-threatening adverse health consequences, including lack of efficacy leading to less than optimal treatment of severe infections, antibiotic resistance, adverse reactions, severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), drug interactions, cardiac arrhythmias resulting from high potassium especially in patients with kidney impairment, and delayed recovery.
    To date, Sandoz has not received any reports of adverse events or injuries related to this recall. Sandoz has received a complaint of inadvertent administration of the incorrect product to a patient.

    Product Name
    Vial NDC
    Carton NDC
    Lot Number
    Expiration Date
    Manufacturer
    Distributor

    Cefazolin for Injection, USP
    (25 by 1g vials)

    0781-3451-70
    0781-3451-96
    PG4360
    2027-NOV
    Sandoz GmbH
    Sandoz Inc

    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP
    0781-6136-94
    N/A
    PG4360
    2027-NOV
    Sandoz GmbH
    Sandoz Inc

    Cefazolin for Injection USP is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in many different parts of the body including the treatment of pneumonia. Cefazolin for Injection USP can also be used to prevent infections, before and after surgery. Antibacterial drugs like Cefazolin for Injection USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Cefazolin for Injection USP is indicated for adult, elderly, pediatric patients, including newborn term infants. 
    Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated in the treatment of certain serious infections including septicemia, skin and wound infections. It is also approved for the treatment of diphtheria, community-acquired pneumonia, peritonitis, meningitis/brain abscesses, osteomyelitis, infections of the genital tract, anthrax, tetanus, gas gangrene, listeriosis, pasteurellosis, rat bite fever, fusospirochetes, actinomycosis, complications in gonorrhea and syphilis and Lyme. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Penicillin G Potassium for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Penicillin G Potassium for Injection is indicated for use in adults, adolescents, children, pediatric, newborn infants and preterm infants.
    Although both Cefazolin and Penicillin G Potassium belong to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, they are indicated for different types of infections, and the spectrum of susceptible organisms also differs. Additionally, while the patient populations overlap, each medicine has specific on-label distinct groups, and the dosing regimens may differ, as well.
    Sandoz is notifying its customers by letter and is arranging for return of the recalled product. The product being recalled was shipped to select wholesalers for further distribution nationwide. Healthcare providers and customers who have this product should immediately stop use of this lot only and contact Sedgwick, the Sandoz Reverse Distributor, directly by phone at (844) 491-7872 or by email at Sandoz6004@sedgwick.com.
    For questions about the recall process, please call Sedgwick at (844) 491-7872 between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday (EST).
    Please report any adverse reactions by calling Sandoz at (800) 525-8747. Customer service agents are available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (EST), Monday-Friday, except on national holidays.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Media:
    Jeanne LaCour
    609-955-2339

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizen Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the  Supreme Court’s decision to scale back national injunctions related to President Trump’s birthright citizenship order. 
    “The Supreme Court’s decision to limit birthright citizenship undermines what our Constitution clearly promises. A baby born in California could be a citizen, while in other states they may not. That’s creating two standards of justice depending upon which state you live in. I’m deeply concerned that this decision makes it harder for all Americans to defend their constitutional rights.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Statement on Supreme Court Birthright Citizen Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the  Supreme Court’s decision to scale back national injunctions related to President Trump’s birthright citizenship order. 
    “The Supreme Court’s decision to limit birthright citizenship undermines what our Constitution clearly promises. A baby born in California could be a citizen, while in other states they may not. That’s creating two standards of justice depending upon which state you live in. I’m deeply concerned that this decision makes it harder for all Americans to defend their constitutional rights.”

    MIL OSI USA News –