NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Member of Violent Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for His Role in an International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    A Mexican national and violent member of Los Zetas cartel was sentenced today to 35 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $792 million for conspiring to manufacture and distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana knowing that the drugs would be unlawfully imported into the United States.The United States Department of State designated Los Zetas, now known as Cartel del Noreste, as a foreign terrorist organization on Feb. 20, 2025.

    According to court documents, Jaime Gonzalez-Duran, also known as Hummer, 49, was personally responsible for importing into the United States more than 450 kilograms of cocaine and 90,000 kilograms of marijuana, engaging in acts of violence against rival drug trafficking groups for control over drug plazas and trafficking routes, storing and transporting weapons, explosives, and ammunition, and bribing law enforcement officers to ensure drug loads would not be disturbed.

    Gonzalez-Duran was an original member of Los Zetas, a drug trafficking organization comprised of former Mexican military officers that began as an armed militaristic wing for the Gulf Cartel. Gonzalez-Duran later served as a regional commander in the Mexican cities of Matamoros, Reynosa, and Miguel Aleman, after Los Zetas formed an alliance with the Gulf Cartel known as “The Company.” Gonzalez-Duran personally maintained a warehouse in Reynosa from which, in November 2008, authorities seized 540 rifles, 165 grenades, 500,000 rounds of ammunition, and 14 sticks of TNT that were used to secure drug territory and shipments. Gonzalez-Duran also was intercepted in a phone call in May 2007 coordinating the transportation of almost $1.5 million in cash from McAllen, Texas, into Mexico.

    “Jaime Gonzalez-Duran employed violence and intimidation tactics to maintain Los Zetas’ reign over key drug trafficking routes, especially on the U.S.-Mexico border, used to send vast quantities of narcotics into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence is a forceful reminder to Mexican terrorist organizations that the Department of Justice is committed to bringing to justice those who threaten the wellbeing and safety of the American people for their own personal gain.”

    “For decades, DEA agents have tirelessly pursued justice to bring down one of Los Zetas’ most violent leaders, Jaime Gonzalez-Duran,” Said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the DEA Houston Division. “Today, those relentless efforts by our agents have paid off, and Duran will now be held accountable for years of bringing deadly drugs into American communities and killing those who stood in his way. No matter the distance of a violent drug trafficking organization or the rank of its leader, DEA will track down anyone who threatens our national safety and security.”

    On Feb. 28, Gonzalez-Duran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine and marijuana for unlawful importation into the United States from Mexico.

    The DEA Houston Division investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth and Trial Attorneys Kirk Handrich and Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and October 2022 extradition of Gonzalez-Duran.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth Discussed at Open Dialogue within SPIEF-2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre, opened the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum business program on June 18.

    Recognised international experts from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada, as well as authors of the best essays from the Open Dialogue, participated in the discussion.

    Speakers discussed the changing world order, Africa’s potential, and trends in the future economy, including demographic changes and the implementation of breakthrough technologies.

    “This year, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place against turbulent world events. This includes the situation in the Middle East and trade wars. Much time will be devoted to this current agenda at the forum. We must not forget which long-term trends and challenges led to the current situation, which trends are basic and defining. It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and how to form a new platform for global growth. In which countries does this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” emphasised Maxim Oreshkin.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes – they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    One of the main discussion topics was: “Africa – driver of the future economic order.” Chairman of the African Advisory Council Francois Ndengwe noted that demographic growth is transforming Africa into the future cradle of the global workforce.

    “This is not just statistics – this is human capital that can become a new driver of global growth. Those who invest in education today and build universities in Africa will tomorrow shape markets and set the game’s rules together with Africa,” said Francois Ndengwe.

    Sergei Ivanov, Executive Director and Member of the EFKO Group board of Directors, spoke about the business’s new responsibility in the modern world. The expert emphasised that business today is not just a profit generator but an active participant in social transformations.

    “What projects and technologies should we invest in today? Investment criteria are three conditions: qualitatively improving human life, being produced in harmony with nature, and being accessible, at a minimum, having mass potential. But what’s more important is not only what you produce, but also in what culture you do it. In 2012, the president spoke words that I’ve been quoting often lately. He said that the great mission of Russians is to unite, to bind civilisation with culture, language, and universal responsiveness. And so we try to build our culture and our ethics around this very universal responsiveness. To build capitalism with a human face,” said Sergei Ivanov.

    Another session’s focus, “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, was on breakthrough technologies. As noted by Yuri Kozarenko, General Director of “Transport of the Future” LLC, today, automation has reached a level where robots create robots for the production of goods and services for humans.

    “This year has become significant, showing a leap in the technological development of artificial intelligence. Several centres, schools, and institutes have been opened in China to train robots in various specialities. We in Russia, in turn, are opening robot training centres based in the Samara region and Moscow, including the Institute of Unmanned Systems. We teach robots to bring social benefit in an economically efficient way,” emphasised Yuri Kozarenko.

    The expert added that technological innovations today directly affect social spheres, for example, helping to solve the demographic crisis.

    During the session, participants also discussed the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” The conclusions of the session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

    Social Links

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    Contact for the media

    Brand: Russia National Centre

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Pressa@russia.ru

    Website: https://russia.ru

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth Discussed at Open Dialogue within SPIEF-2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre, opened the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum business program on June 18.

    Recognised international experts from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada, as well as authors of the best essays from the Open Dialogue, participated in the discussion.

    Speakers discussed the changing world order, Africa’s potential, and trends in the future economy, including demographic changes and the implementation of breakthrough technologies.

    “This year, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place against turbulent world events. This includes the situation in the Middle East and trade wars. Much time will be devoted to this current agenda at the forum. We must not forget which long-term trends and challenges led to the current situation, which trends are basic and defining. It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and how to form a new platform for global growth. In which countries does this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” emphasised Maxim Oreshkin.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes – they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    One of the main discussion topics was: “Africa – driver of the future economic order.” Chairman of the African Advisory Council Francois Ndengwe noted that demographic growth is transforming Africa into the future cradle of the global workforce.

    “This is not just statistics – this is human capital that can become a new driver of global growth. Those who invest in education today and build universities in Africa will tomorrow shape markets and set the game’s rules together with Africa,” said Francois Ndengwe.

    Sergei Ivanov, Executive Director and Member of the EFKO Group board of Directors, spoke about the business’s new responsibility in the modern world. The expert emphasised that business today is not just a profit generator but an active participant in social transformations.

    “What projects and technologies should we invest in today? Investment criteria are three conditions: qualitatively improving human life, being produced in harmony with nature, and being accessible, at a minimum, having mass potential. But what’s more important is not only what you produce, but also in what culture you do it. In 2012, the president spoke words that I’ve been quoting often lately. He said that the great mission of Russians is to unite, to bind civilisation with culture, language, and universal responsiveness. And so we try to build our culture and our ethics around this very universal responsiveness. To build capitalism with a human face,” said Sergei Ivanov.

    Another session’s focus, “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, was on breakthrough technologies. As noted by Yuri Kozarenko, General Director of “Transport of the Future” LLC, today, automation has reached a level where robots create robots for the production of goods and services for humans.

    “This year has become significant, showing a leap in the technological development of artificial intelligence. Several centres, schools, and institutes have been opened in China to train robots in various specialities. We in Russia, in turn, are opening robot training centres based in the Samara region and Moscow, including the Institute of Unmanned Systems. We teach robots to bring social benefit in an economically efficient way,” emphasised Yuri Kozarenko.

    The expert added that technological innovations today directly affect social spheres, for example, helping to solve the demographic crisis.

    During the session, participants also discussed the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” The conclusions of the session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

    Social Links

    Telegram: https://t.me/gowithrussia

    VK: https://vk.com/gowithrussia

    OK: https://ok.ru/gowithrussia

    DZen: https://dzen.ru/gowithrussia

    Contact for the media

    Brand: Russia National Centre

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Pressa@russia.ru

    Website: https://russia.ru

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African and Caribbean leaders to headline Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria


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    The 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) will bring together an influential coalition of global, African and CARICOM leaders in Abuja, Nigeria from 25–27 June 2025. This high-level forum will focus on advancing trade, investment, and innovation across the continent, with Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top business executives, academics and acclaimed academics confirmed to speak.

    H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; former Nigerian President H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry & Mining, are among the confirmed dignitaries.

    They will be joined by ministers, central bank governors, investors, and industry leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

    Held under the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, AAM2025 will focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment and fostering innovation.

    Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, remarked:

    “AAM2025 comes at a pivotal time for Africa. As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve. Following the successful 31st edition of AAM held in The Bahamas last year, we are back on the African continent for this year’s meetings which are about catalysing practical action—building stronger institutions to strengthen trade integration and unlocking the full potential of African innovation. We thank H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his support.”

    The speaker lineup includes renowned economists and industry leaders including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Columbia University and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

    Africa’s foremost business innovation leaders such as Mr. Aliko Dangote, President & CEO of Dangote Group and Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, will also participate. The speaker lineup further includes Professor Ghulam Mufti of King’s College London, former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J. Patterson, and other influential figures.

    Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja are expected to deliver strong economic benefits, both in the short and long term. The main anticipated impacts include the trade and investment mobilisation, policy and institutional advancement and strengthening South-South cooperation and trade flows.

    AAM2025 is expected to facilitate significant trade and investment deals, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private partnerships. The meetings are expected to catalyse billions of dollars in funding over the next 5–10 years for key strategic sectors.

    By bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of trade institutions, policymakers and the private sector, the meetings will advance regional dialogue on several priorities: implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing cross-border payment systems to speed up regional transactions, strengthening Africa–Caribbean (CARICOM) economic ties through expanded trade, tourism, and joint ventures, and ensuring private sector participation in policy reforms. These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration.

    With world-renowned economists, scholars, and entrepreneurs participating, AAM2025 will shape thought leadership on Africa’s development path.

    Platforms like this influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness. This year’s meetings will also mark the launch of several new initiatives.

    AAM2025 is expected to welcome thousands of participants and media from more than 80 countries.

    A full programme of events and speakers is available on www.AAM2025.com

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com  

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Honors Nominees Accepted into the U.S. Military Service Academies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan is pleased to announce the nominees that have accepted their appointment to the U.S. Military Service Academies from Indiana’s First Congressional District.  

    Military Service Academy Nominations are recommended to Congressman Mrvan by his Military Service Academy Board, which includes veterans, community leaders, and active duty and retired servicemembers from across Indiana’s First Congressional District.

    Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY.  The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “It is my honor to nominate these brave and selfless individuals from Indiana’s First Congressional District to join the United States Military Service Academies for the Class of 2029.  I thank all the members of the Military Service Academy Board for their thoughtful participation in this process, and encourage all students who are interested in being part of the Class of 2030 to contact my office for additional information.”  

    The following students received a nomination from Congressman Mrvan and have accepted their appointment: 

    Grant Best, Mount Carmel High School – U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School

    Cooper Burton, Wheeler High School – U.S. Air Force Academy

    Talina Cisneros, Hammond Central High School – U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School

    Shane Conroy, Portage High School – U.S. Naval Academy

    Luke Granzow, Hobart High School/Air Force Prep – U.S. Air Force Academy

    Maverick Markos, Westville High School – U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    Brayden Mercier, Chesterton High School – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

    Damian Resendez, Mount Carmel High School/West Point Prep – U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    Madalyn Richardson, Washington Township High School – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

    Students in Indiana’s First Congressional District who are interested in seeking a nomination to the U.S. Military Service Academies can find more information on Congressman Mrvan’s website at https://mrvan.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations or by calling (219) 795-1844. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Chelsea Town Hall, Pressley Reaffirms Solidarity with Immigrant Neighbors, Condemns Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Pressley Also Condemned Trump’s March Toward Authoritarianism, and More

    “I come here today to reaffirm my commitment to protect and to support our immigrant neighbors, and to do that work with my colleagues at every level of government.. You are not just constituents. You are family, and I will never stop fighting for you like that.”

    Video (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

    CHELSEA – At a town hall in Chelsea, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reaffirmed her solidarity with immigrant families under threat from the Trump Administration and condemned the harrowing assassination and assassination attempts targeting elected officials and their families that took place over the weekend in Minnesota. Congresswoman Pressley also denounced Donald Trump’s march toward authoritarianism, including his North Korea-style military parade in Washington, DC, and more.

    Joined by community leaders at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, including La Colaborativa leadership, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, the Chelsea Black Community, and elected officials from across the Massachusetts 7th, Rep. Pressley addressed constituents impacted by the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful mass deportation agenda.

    A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening remarks is available below and the video is available here. Photos from the town hall are available here.

    Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Opening Remarks at Chelsea Town Hall
    La Colaborativa, Chelsea, MA
    June 16, 2025

    Good evening, Chelsea. It is so good to be home. 

    It is so good to be in Chelsea, the city that I often refer to as tiny but mighty, a city that models community in every way, that leads with love and with solidarity. 

    …

    Before I go any further, I just want to address the violence that we witnessed this past weekend in Minnesota. The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman, Representative Melissa Hortman and their spouses, the tragic deaths of Rep. Hortman and her husband. Truly devastating that we find ourselves at a time simply because people disagree, that we are seeing an escalating political violence. 

    These are public servants, people who dedicated their lives to building stronger, safer communities. And there must be outcry, there must be outrage, and strong condemnation for what happened to them.

    That being said, these horrifying acts are not occurring in isolation and because of the moment we find ourselves in, and their strategy is to flood the zone and overwhelm us. It can be difficult to keep up with the injustices, but let me just do a quick recap. 

    In the last week, Donald Trump unlawfully deployed the National Guard to attack peaceful protesters in California, then a sitting United States Black Congresswoman was indicted simply for doing her job and conducting federal oversight of an ICE detention facility in her district. Then, a Latino United States Senator was manhandled, thrown to the floor and handcuffed for daring to ask a question of this administration. And then, a North Korea-style military parade marched through our nation’s capital in an appalling display of authoritarianism. 

    These events are not disconnected. They are just the latest in a pattern of violent escalation and assaults on our democracy designed to intimidate and to silence. I remember when I went to conduct oversight and traveled to rural Louisiana to check on the well being of Mahmoud Khalil, and when I met with Mahmoud, and it’s important that we tell the truth– there are not mass deportations happening, there are mass kidnappings happening.

    That is what happened to Mahmoud Khalil, and when I met with him, he said, “I grew up in Syria under Assad. I know what it is to live under an authoritarian regime, and this is it.”

    Donald Trump wants a country where its people are ignorant and uninformed. Donald Trump wants a country where its people are indifferent to the suffering of their neighbors. Donald Trump wants a country where its people are inactive. 

    The fact that you chose to be here tonight is in opposition to all three of those things. You are choosing to be informed, you are choosing to be empathetic, you are choosing to be active. 

    I’m so grateful for the courageous people of Chelsea that are here tonight. Because remember, courage is not the absence of fear. Truth be told, we’re all carrying some fear in this moment, but the courage is that you are pushing beyond and through that to show up here today and every day, and we need to just acknowledge that. So clap for yourselves, the courageous people of Chelsea.

    You know, in Donald Trump’s America, again, we’re in the midst of this extremist march towards fascism, it’s an America where anyone who he disagrees with is criminalized. 

    I have to remind those who think that they might be exempt from the harm of a fascist state. It is coming for everyone. True enough, this is discriminate harm. So some of us are bearing these harms more than others in this moment. 

    But your wealth will not protect you from fascism. Whiteness will not protect you from fascism. This is a harm coming for everyone. 

    And when people asked me, why would I journey all the way to Louisiana to check on my constituent, Rumeysa Ozturk, and to fight for her freedom, I said it is Rumeysa today for co-authoring an op-ed, and it will be you tomorrow for reading a banned book. It will be you tomorrow for teaching Black history. It will be you tomorrow for suffering a miscarriage. It could be you tomorrow for practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion and accessibility. That includes that, yes. 

    So he wants anyone that he disagrees with to be criminalized. He wants the work of oversight to be punished. He wants peaceful protest to be met with military force and political violence to be encouraged. 

    So we have to condemn these acts, and we have to call out — this is the season of call a thing a thing. We have to call out Donald Trump’s dangerous march towards authoritarianism for what it is. It is a threat to our freedoms. 

    Republicans like to talk a good game about freedom, but this is the anti-freedom agenda when people want to control your body and what you can do with it. They want to control your free speech. They want to control what books you can read. They want to control where you go. That is an anti-freedom agenda. 

    Those are the actions of a dictator, and the only way to beat a dictator is with defiance, and we must because this authoritarianism is a threat to our freedoms, our rights, and our democracy itself, and to the people in Massachusetts and everywhere across this country and our world. 

    But I do want to take a moment to speak directly to the crisis being felt right here in Chelsea, where our immigrant neighbors are being terrorized by this administration, and the community is carrying deep fear and trauma. 

    People have had their homes raided, property destroyed, families torn apart, rights trampled on by racist rogue ICE agents. Well, we think they’re ICE agents. We don’t really know, because they’re masked, but they’re operating with little to no accountability. 

    Community members have spoken to me of being targeted without warrants, detained without due process, and living every day in fear that they or their loved ones could be taken without warning from the only home they’ve ever known. 

    What is the point of all of this? The cruelty is the point. 

    The cruelty experienced by our Chelsea neighbor Kenia and her three children driving to a Mother’s Day church service with her husband Daniel, when ICE agents in unmarked vehicles ambushed them, broke the passenger side window, forcefully pulled Daniel from the car, and slammed his face on the sidewalk while their children watched on in horror. 

    High school students, children like Belizario Benito Vasques and recent graduate Geovani de la Cruz Catalan are being abducted and detained without due process, despite having no criminal records. 

    Children, real people, children and adults alike, traumatized whose lives have been disrupted and forever harmed.

    Donald Trump and ICE claim that they are committing these assaults on our communities in the name of safety — laughable that the most lawless occupant of the Oval Office would say anything about law and order. 

    This is not what safety looks like, but this is what terror feels like, and terror makes no one safe. It does the opposite. It shows chaos. It breeds fear and it fosters unrest. 

    This administration has openly vowed to bring hell to our immigrant communities and for too many of our neighbors, they already have. 

    In my opinion, these actions are godless, lawless and a complete violation of our constitutional rights to due process, void of common sense and compassion. And what this moment demands is solidarity, resistance and rejection of these attacks on our immigrant communities, because an attack on our immigrant neighbors is an attack on all of us.

    That’s why I’ve been unapologetic and calling for the end of ICE’s unchecked power, for the closure of these for-profit detention centers and these policies rooted in cruelty. Because no matter your immigration status, your zip code, or your country of origin, you deserve to live in dignity and freedom without fear. 

    So I come here today to reaffirm my commitment to protect and to support our immigrant neighbors, and to do that work with my colleagues at every level of government. That means pushing for real accountability. That means providing legal protections and a pathway to citizenship. 

    That means investing in communities instead of criminalizing them. I really do believe that we’re one human family, and our destinies are tied, and when one of us is targeted, all of us must rise in defense. So to our neighbors, know that I see you today and every day. 

    Donald Trump has made it clear that his election was never about improving your quality of life or lowering the cost of groceries or your rent. He’s coming after Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, this Big, Ugly Bill would rip away healthcare, food assistance and other essential needs from 16 million people. Donald Trump is not cutting costs. He’s cutting lifelines. 

    They’re coming after our neighbors in the LGBTQ community. Black folks, they’re coming after us. This administration is anti-Blackness on steroids. They’re coming after our bodily autonomy. 

    And even though we live in Massachusetts, do not for one second believe that we are completely safe as a result. They are coming after our federal workers who administer these essential services and programs to our communities. They are coming after NIH funding and our schools. 

    They want to overwhelm us and my Republican colleagues across the aisle in the House, they are not operating as a party at all. They are operating as a cult of cowards, complicit in wholesale harm, more concerned with keeping a job than doing it. 

    The but family, you know, I’ve given the occupant enough oxygen. Know that I get up every day compelled and fueled not to fight Donald Trump, but to fight for, with and alongside you,

    Because the fact of the matter is that this is not about how do we survive the next four years. Truthfully, some days it feels like we’re just trying to survive the next four minutes. But this moment, I believe, will determine and shape the next 100 years. It’s not about surviving four it’s about shaping the next 100. 

    And so that work, because when we get to the other side, and we will, we’ll have to do the work of reconstruction. It’s a lot easier to tear down than it is to rebuild, and it is going to take all of us in the resistance and in the rebuilding. 

    Now, you don’t have to be a congresswoman, you don’t have to head a nonprofit, you don’t have to be a council president or a school board member. You just need to bring your gift, whatever it is, because some of us are going to speak on the mic, and someone else is going to make sure it works. Somebody’s going to read the speech, but someone else is going to write it.

    Someone is going to march and hold a sign, and someone else made that sign. Someone else is going to march and have the stamina to do so because they’re well fed, because somebody made sure they were. Someone else is going to send a prayer up. 

    You just need to bring your gift, but you need to bring it and summon the courage in this moment. 

    So before I close, I want everyone here to know that myself and my office are here to serve you. Please use us as a resource. We are ready to support with federal casework on everything from immigration to housing to Social Security checks and more. 

    So if your neighbor or your loved one is detained, do not hesitate to reach out to my office please. We have one-pagers. Take one or more with you and pass them along. Stay in touch with me and my staff. We are also here to help you with any federal agency. 

    This is a time when we must show up for each other, where we double down on mutual aid, where we keep each other safe. I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper. 

    It is truly the honor of my life to serve the Massachusetts 7th, a district that reflects the best of who we are. And know this, you are not just constituents. You are family, and I will never stop fighting for you like that.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to Survey Cattle Operations

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the July cattle survey to about 18,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. This is the first July cattle survey mailed to producers since the reinstatement of key reports was announced earlier this year.

    “This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction,” said NASS Livestock Branch Chief Travis Averill. “It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export. Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agriculture industry.”

    During the first two weeks of July, U.S. cattle producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed information. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the website agcounts.usda.gov, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.

    The July Cattle report will be released on July 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/publications.

    For more information about this survey, visit nass.usda.gov/go/cattle. If you need assistance, please contact us at 888-424-7828..

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level rise

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ed Gasson, Royal Society University Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter

    When visiting Godrevy beach on the north Cornish coast, most people look out to sea at the lighthouse, surfers and seals rather than the cliffs behind. But these cliffs hold a history of past climate and sea level that is incredibly valuable to scientists like me who are trying to determine how quickly sea level is going to rise in the future.

    Scramble up the slate rocks a few metres and you’ll reach a flat platform cut by waves breaking over 100,000 years ago. On top, there’s a cliff of sand and pebbles, an incredibly clear indicator of where the shoreline used to be, several metres higher than it is today.

    Beaches like this exist all around the Cornish coastline, near Falmouth at Bream Cove and at the furthest western point near Lands End at Porth Nanven.

    Searching for the source of these higher sea levels takes us to the poles. In a climate similar to today, the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets retreated, raising global sea level. Although exactly where this ice was lost from remains a mystery that continues to frustrate scientists.

    Godrevy lighthouse, Cornwall, UK.
    Vivi_784/Shutterstock

    Local science, global stories.

    This article is part of a series, Secrets of the Sea, exploring how marine scientists are developing climate solutions.

    In collaboration with the BBC, Anna Turns travels around the West Country coastline to meet ocean experts making exciting discoveries beneath the waves.

    When ice gets trapped on land as giant ice sheets, it causes the sea level to change, but it doesn’t change by the same amount all around the planet. Like the moon, the gravity of the ice sheets pulls the ocean towards them, causing sea levels to rise near to the ice sheets.

    The opposite happens when they melt. As the ice on Greenland retreats today, it’s causing the sea level nearby to fall, rather than rise. Only as far as Scotland, some 1,500 miles from Greenland, does this sea level fall switch to a sea level rise.

    The cliffs at Godrevy reveal historic sea level rise.
    Ed Gasson, CC BY-NC-ND

    This gravity effect leaves behind a distinctive fingerprint in past sea level markers, such as raised beaches and fossil coral reefs. By piecing together data from around the world we can work out the source of past high sea levels.

    The raised beaches such as those in north Cornwall are likely caused by the retreat of ice from Antarctica, rather than the ice from Greenland. But direct evidence for ice loss from Antarctica has proven very hard to come by.

    I’m involved with an international drilling project that aims to solve this mystery. Following two challenging seasons of drilling, our team of scientists and engineers will return to Antarctica in late 2025 and attempt to recover sediments from deep underneath the ice, to analyse for signals of past ice retreat.

    If we’re lucky, we’ll recover records from warm climates millions of years ago. This will help us understand how the west Antarctic ice sheet may change in the future as our climate continues to warm.

    Drilling down

    Next winter, this international team is travelling to Scott Base, a New Zealand research station at the edge of the Ross ice shelf in west Antarctica. From there, the journey continues over 500 miles to the other end of the ice shelf, an extremely remote corner of an already remote continent.

    Everything we need is taken across the ice in a convoy of tracked snow vehicles. A hot water drill is used to make a small hole through the 500m ice shelf, providing access to the sediment below. Up to 200m of valuable sediment core will be retrieved with a custom-designed drilling system.

    The geological data contained in these sediments will help us to improve models and refine our predictions of how sea level will rise in the future. As the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, it is as if we are rapidly moving backwards through geological time.

    Today, there is as much CO₂ in the atmosphere as during a geological epoch known as the mid-Pliocene, more than 3 million years ago. The average estimate for the mid-Pliocene is a concentration of around 400 parts per million (ppm), a value we reached only 12 years ago.

    We’ll exceed the highest concentrations of the Pliocene this year. The next warmest interval is probably the mid-Miocene, 12 million years earlier.

    Back in Cornwall, some communities are already planning for the effects of sea level rise. In Bude, local people have come together to form a “climate jury”, a panel chosen to give local people a voice as to how to best manage and reduce the impacts of a rising sea.

    This approach could be adopted by other communities at risk from sea level rise, alongside other adaptations. Hopefully, the world can avoid a return to the very high sea levels that formed the raised beaches at Godrevy.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Ed Gasson receives funding from The Royal Society and the Natural Environment Research Council.

    – ref. What ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level rise – https://theconversation.com/what-ancient-ice-sheets-can-tell-us-about-future-sea-level-rise-251185

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Case You Missed It: PHOTOS: Capito Participates in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center at the University of Charleston

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center at the University of Charleston in Charleston, W.Va.

    The newly renovated center, which is located inside a portion of Gorman Hall, will house UC’s new occupational and physical therapy programs with modern labs, as well as study rooms, meeting spaces, a classroom, offices, visitor locker rooms and weight rooms for student athletes. In September 2023, Senator Capito advocated for and secured a Congressionally Directed Spending award for this project.

    “The Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when federal support, private philanthropy, and strong institutional leadership come together around a shared goal: to invest in the future of our students and in the health and wellness of our communities,” Senator Capito said. “This newly renovated facility will play a vital role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and student athletes. I’m grateful to President Roth, the Board, and all the generous donors who helped bring this vision to life.”

    “This is an exciting moment for the University of Charleston, and we could not have done it without Senator Capito’s support,” UC President Marty Roth said. “The federal funding she secured played a major role in bringing the Morrison Center to life. This facility will have a lasting impact not just for our students but for the future of healthcare in West Virginia, as it is designed to meet the growing demand for occupational and physical therapists across the region and nation. We are incredibly thankful for her commitment to higher education and to the health and well-being of our communities.” 

    Photos from yesterday’s event are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center in Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center in Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Continues Leadership on Senate 4-H Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, will continue championing 4-H as a leader of the bipartisan Senate 4-H Caucus. The senator returns to serve as co-chair of the caucus in the 119th Congress and is joined by Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to lead efforts to promote the program in the Senate.

    4-H is a youth developmental program of the Cooperative Extension System of land-grant universities and is the largest youth development organization in the country. It provides experiences for nearly six million young people through hands-on projects in health, science, agriculture and civic engagement. In Arkansas, more than 120,000 young people participate in 4-H programs annually.

    “4-H is instrumental in preparing students for the future. I’ve witnessed the benefits and positive impact it has on young people, including my three daughters who were active members and state record book winners. I’m proud to support this organization whose influence in developing the next generation of leaders is undeniable, and I look forward to working with members of this caucus to promote and celebrate 4-H,” said Boozman. 

    This week, Boozman met with Arkansas 4-Hers who are attending the organization’s Citizenship Washington Focus conference.

    Boozman and Arkansas 4-H participants met in his Washington, D.C. office.

    In the House, the bicameral caucus will be led by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) as well as Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02) and Andy Harris (MD-01).

    For more on Boozman’s leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Experience Summer in Wascana Centre

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 20, 2025

    Summer in the city comes to life in Wascana Centre with exciting things to do all season long! Enjoy perennial favourites or perhaps take in a new experience.

    “Wascana Centre is a crown jewel at the heart of Saskatchewan’s capital city,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) Eric Schmalz said. “With so many activities to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy this summer.”

    Sundays in July and August are perfect for a Picnic on the Island, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Pack a picnic, take the boat to Willow Island and enjoy this oasis in the city centre. This event is free and open to everyone.

    Children can participate in the reimagined Junior Explorers programming. Now called “Wascana Wonders,” this series of two events in July and two events in August will explore various aspects of Wascana Centre, including forestry and the boat on Wascana Lake. New this summer: registration opens the week of each event, so no long-term commitment is needed to get in on the fun. 

    Back for a second year is the Regina Farmers’ Market Tomato Festival on Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join local vendors in front of the Legislative Building to get a taste of the season’s most popular fruit. Also, back by popular demand are Thursdays in Wascana throughout July and August. This series features vendors and a craft area for all to enjoy. Attractions change every Thursday so there’s always something new to try. 

    Event times and dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, follow Wascana Centre on Facebook (@WascanaCentreRegina) or Instagram (@wascanacentre).

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: St. Louis District 837 Kicks Off Vital Negotiations with Boeing Defense

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Approximately 3,200 members of IAM District 837 recently began non-economic contract negotiations with Boeing Defense. These highly skilled union members are spread across Boeing facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., where they help produce some of the most advanced military aircraft and missile systems in the world.

    The negotiations will address several essential priorities, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.

    “Our members at District 837 are the heart of Boeing’s defense production,” said IAM  International President Brian Bryant. “They deserve a contract that reflects their unmatched skill, dedication, and contribution to our nation’s security.”

    “Our members are the reason Boeing Defense delivers world-class military aircraft,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “This contract must reflect their value not just on the shop floor, but in every phase of life, including retirement.”

    These negotiations are about protecting what our members have earned and strengthening the foundation for future generations,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The IAM will stand with District 837 every step of the way.”

    “Our members give 100% every day to deliver for Boeing and the country,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “They deserve a contract that gives them security, respect, and a future they can count on.” 

    “Our work powers the mission,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Bobby Barnwell. “Now it’s time for Boeing to step up and match that commitment with a fair contract that protects our families and their future.”

    “We’re not just negotiating numbers,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Stephen Jordan. “We’re fighting for the dignity and future of every worker who keeps these critical defense programs running.”

    District 837 members play a critical role in building key defense platforms, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueler. Their craftsmanship and dedication are vital to Boeing’s ability to meet national security needs and lead in aerospace innovation.

    The current agreement is set to expire on July 27, 2025, with a contract vote scheduled for the same day. As negotiations continue, IAM District 837 remains united in its mission to secure a fair contract that honors the value and contributions of every member.

    The post St. Louis District 837 Kicks Off Vital Negotiations with Boeing Defense appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Microbes from Brooklyn could help mitigate industrial contamination

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Metagenomic analysis of microbial life in an ultra-contaminated urban habitat reveals dozens of ways to degrade pollutants

    Microorganisms with extreme abilities have laid the groundwork for decades of biotechnologies from the PCR technique that enables amplification of DNA for diagnostics and drug development to the gene editing tool CRISPR, and now researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation have found a trove of these microbes in a somewhat unlikely location — the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. The team identified more than 450 species with over 60 different biochemical pathways to deal with pollutants and 1,171 genes that can aid in processing heavy metals, offering potential for bio-based and cheaper methods of industrial clean-up, the costs of which are estimated to be more than $645 billion.

    The Gowanus Canal is a contaminated waterway in Brooklyn that has high concentrations of petrochemicals and heavy metals. The researchers, including Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis of the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, collected soil samples at 14 locations along the 1.8-mile-long canal and deep sediment core samples and analyzed them using genomic sequencing and bioinformatics. Understanding the genetic sequences and metabolic pathways of the organisms identified will allow researchers to develop faster methods of what the microbes can do naturally.

    “We have seen the power of extremophiles used in medicine and industry, and this new analysis expands the biological adaptations we can harness for societal benefit,” said Joanna Shisler, program director in the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences.

    In addition to the research, investigator Elizabeth Henaff of NYU Tandon School of Engineering created an immersive display as part of an exhibition on water at the BioBAT Art Space to educate the broad public. BioBAT is a partnership between the SUNY Research Foundation, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Extreme Heat to Impact New York State

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the high outdoor temperatures that will impact most of the State beginning on Sunday. The National Weather Service is forecasting that major to extreme risk of heat-related impacts are possible starting on Sunday through at least Wednesday across New York State. On Sunday, “feels-like” temperatures may reach up to or above 100 degrees especially in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mid-Hudson Regions. On Monday, “feels-like” temperatures will be 95-110 degrees across all of NYS, with overnight temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees and may be higher in urban areas. On Tuesday, “feels-like” temperatures will range from 85-110 degrees statewide. Feels like temperature will remain high Wednesday, but will decline into the 90s.

    “The number one cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, but preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why we are deploying a whole of government approach to keep New Yorkers safe, working to protect our most vulnerable populations, and encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting ahead of the June 24 Primary Election Day.”

    Voters in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and elsewhere can expect high temperatures on Primary Election Day, Tuesday June 24. To beat the heat, take advantage of early voting or request an early mail ballot in person at your local county board of elections office.

    Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

    New Yorkers should also plan accordingly for pet care to ensure pet safety during periods of extreme heat:

    • Provide ample water indoors and outdoors.
    • Limit outdoor activity, and if outdoors, rest in shaded areas regularly.
    • Be mindful of pavement temperatures — hot surfaces may cause burns on paws, so consider walking on grass or using pet boots.
    • Never leave pets in vehicles unattended when heat is a risk.
    • Know the signs of heatstroke in pets including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and stumbling.

    New York State agencies are taking the actions and making recommendations to respond to the forecasted heat. These include:

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Office of Emergency Management is in regular contact with county emergency managers to ensure cooling centers are available, and to offer support and advise on extreme heat risks. In addition, the agency is facilitating preparations and coordinating guidance and communications with State agency partners. Information on how to manage extreme heat can be found online. To receive real time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

    New York State Department of Public Service
    The Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week’s extreme heat and potential thunderstorm activity. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be tracking system conditions throughout the event. New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    During heat waves, increased usage of electric devices such as air conditioners place a considerable demand on the state’s electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result. The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes).

    DPS is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of the incoming thunderstorms and extreme heat. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be monitoring system conditions throughout the event.

    Department staff, as a part of annual summer preparation activities, work with all utilities to confirm that they will reliably meet customer demands for the summer operating period. Based on staff review and assessment of utility data, meetings with each of the individual utilities and the New York Independent System Operator, staff found that the state’s electric transmission and distribution systems are prepared to reliably meet forecasted 2025 summer electric demands.

    If necessary during next week’s expected heat, DPS will activate its standard peak load reduction program for all New York State agencies; NYISO will activate their voluntary Emergency Response Demand Program to curtail load if needed.

    New York State Department of Health
    The State Health Department is taking a number of steps to promote the safety of all New Yorkers in periods of extreme heat, especially those most at risk. The Department has distributed guidance to all hospitals and nursing homes and will issue additional guidance to hosts of any scheduled public events with over 5,000 people in attendance. The Department is working with DSHES and local health departments and emergency managers to ensure access to cooling centers and safe spaces during this extreme heat.

    The New York State Department of Health’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    Many New York State Park beaches and pools are open for the season. Prior to making a trip, potential visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ for park hours and operations. Changes in weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

    New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
    The agency has compiled important information, including preventative measures, to help mitigate the effects of extreme heat on farm workers and farm animals. The Department will also be working closely with partners at The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) at Cornell University to monitor any potential impacts of the extreme heat expected this week. NY EDEN is also a resource for farmers and farm workers during a heat wave, and additional information can be found at https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/natural-hazards/heat-wave/.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and both central office and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, mud, and warmer temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

    Hiking Safety
    Hiking in the heat is always risky. New Yorkers and visitors should review the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

    • Slow your pace.
    • Drink water and rest often.
    • Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight.
    • Bring at least 2 liters of water for any hike.
    • Bring a water filter, especially for longer hikes.
    • Bring salty snacks to keep your electrolytes in check.
    • Wear sunscreen.
    • Leave your pets at home — the heat is harder on them, especially walking on hot rocks.
    • Consider staying home yourself and rescheduling for another day when weather conditions improve.

    Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing made of fabrics such as wool or polyester. Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.

    Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    Air Quality
    DEC is continuing to monitor air quality across the State and will issue air quality health advisories as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

    Extreme Heat
    DEC recently released preliminary Urban Heat Island maps to help communities better understand, plan for, and adapt to extreme heat exposures on the neighborhood level. Links to the maps, as well as additional information and data, can be found on DEC’s Extreme Heat Action Plan webpage  and posted at nys-heat.daveyinstitute.com/hottest-hour. The project advances a key action in the Extreme Heat Action Plan and advances a 2022 law signed by Governor Hochul directing DEC to study the impacts of disproportionate concentrations of extreme heat in disadvantaged communities across the state.

    The New York State Department of Labor has released comprehensive guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during extreme heat and advises workers and employers to engage in extreme heat best practices such as:

    • Ensure access to clean drinking water at no cost to workers, available at all times and as close to the worksite as possible.
    • Provide shade and paid rest when the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and more frequent rest breaks once the heat index exceeds 90 degrees.
    • Wear proper PPE so long as they do not interfere with safety equipment, including sunscreen, cooling vests, wide-brim hats, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

    More information on best practices for working in extreme heat can be found here.

    Thruway Authority maintenance crews will be conducting standard daily operations during times where temperatures are lowest and will enhance patrols monitoring the highway. Motorists are reminded and encouraged to take breaks at one of 26 service areas, or three Welcome Centers located on the Thruway system.

    New York State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct most outdoor work during morning hours and follow established hydration and rest protocols to help mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.

    New York State Office of Children and Family Services
    The agency is taking a number of actions to ensure activities at residential centers, detention programs and congregate care programs are conducted in a safe manner during the heat. This includes checking cooling equipment, ensuring proper amounts of water are available and consumed, rescheduling activities and meetings, and identifying staff and clients who may be affected by heat. They are also providing guidance to child care programs and groups associated with the Commission for the Blind statewide.

    New York State Office of Mental Health
    In advance of the hot conditions, New Yorkers should be aware of the impact high heat may have on individuals receiving antipsychotic medications, who are at particular risk of heat stroke and neuroleptic malignant syndrome during periods of extreme heat, which is more likely in poorly ventilated areas. Children and the elderly are at increased risk.

    In addition to monitoring individuals at risk, such conditions are best prevented by a heightened attention to hydration, particularly those at high risk, including individuals taking antipsychotic medications, the elderly, children and those with poor fluid intake. Also, individuals at high-risk should remain in cooler areas; be monitored for temperature elevations; avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Anticholinergic medications may interfere with sweating and should be minimized.

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    The agency is reminding local departments of social services and emergency homeless shelter operators of the need to provide fans to help maintain reasonable air circulation during times of extreme heat and humidity. Also, shelter providers should provide a cooling room in the facility for residents, if feasible.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority
    To reduce potential impacts to service and reduce response times to heat-related events, NYC Transit will implement heat patrols to proactively increase track inspections and stage extra personnel in key risk areas including power substations, machine rooms, generators, cables, and connections. To ensure functioning air conditioning, subway railcars and buses will be inspected before being placed in service. Paratransit service providers are reminded vehicles must have functioning air-conditioning. Buses and operators will be on standby for any support needed with subways or emergency service. NYC Transit also completes a continuous welded rail watch when rail temperatures exceed 100 degrees to be vigilant of rail kinks or other issues.

    Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will be staged at key locations to be able to respond quickly to weather-related issues. The railroads will monitor rail temperatures, deploy heat patrols to inspect the rails for any kinks, and stage additional Power Department personnel to protect power substations and overhead aerial lines. Train crews have been instructed to report any rail conditions that need attention.

    The Port Authority Office of Emergency Management coordinates with facility teams to monitor weather conditions and operational impacts and maintains communication with regional partners to support response readiness during periods of elevated temperatures.

    For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Rural Site Development Investments in Dublin-Laurens and Pulaski Counties

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (June 20, 2025) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today celebrated Governor Brian Kemp’s recent announcement of Rural Site Development Initiative grants awarded to communities across Georgia, including key investments in Dublin-Laurens County and Pulaski County.

    The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority was awarded a $2 million site improvement grant to support sewage and drainage upgrades at the Georgia Highway 257 Rail Site—a 250-acre GRAD Select-certified location positioned to attract significant economic development opportunities. Local leaders are contributing more than $6 million to the total infrastructure cost, emphasizing the community’s strong commitment to long-term industrial growth.

    Meanwhile, the Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority received a $31,455 GRAD Certification Scholarship to assist in certifying the 170-acre Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Industrial Park, expanding the region’s readiness to recruit major employers and support high-quality job creation.

    “These investments show exactly what it looks like when state and local leaders work together to build a brighter economic future for rural Georgia,” said Sen. Walker. “With strong infrastructure and certified, development-ready sites, Laurens and Pulaski counties are better positioned than ever to compete for private investment, good-paying jobs, and long-term prosperity. I’m thankful to Governor Kemp for his support of this funding for the 20th Senate District.”

    The Rural Site Development Initiative is administered by the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. The program supports infrastructure improvements, site grading, and GRAD (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development) certifications to strengthen Georgia’s economic competitiveness.

    For more information about the Rural Site Development Initiative, visit www.dca.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Holds Press Conference on Energy Choice Act, Vows to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    ELMIRA, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference in Elmira, NY, on the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.

    “Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”

    Watch the livestream here.

    “The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGANY) fully supports the passage of the proposed Energy Choice Act. IOGANY is an association of oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, and associated support industries that provide safe, reliable, cost-effective energy in New York State. We are also New York State business owners and homeowners that are experiencing the same inflationary costs as NY citizens. 

    “During the past decade, New York has implemented policies to improve New York’s air quality through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Both of these policies are focused on reaching emission reduction goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of green energy (wind and solar). These efforts have resulted in increased electric and natural gas utility bills as costs of these green energy programs are passed through to the business community and homeowners. Everyone knows the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow all the time, so this transition is impacting energy reliability.  

    “In addition to increased utility bills, these policies will force home and business owners to pay to convert buildings and homes to use primarily electric energy (new electric appliances and heating systems), as well as, purchase electric vehicles and pay for charging stations installation. This is increasing the cost of living in New York State at a time when we already have a high tax burden and people are leaving the state.

    “IOGANY members, as citizens and business owners in New York, want clean air but question what this effort will cost citizens and will reliable energy be available to support our current standard of living. We also question if the current established emission goals can be reached while still providing safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. Cleaner air is a wonderful objective but at what cost and impact on our standard of living. This is why as individuals and members of the oil and gas industry, we support the Clean Energy Choice Bill passage,” said the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York.

     

    “This Energy Choice legislation is of key importance to all New Yorkers. This bill gives the ability to adequately power and heat our homes, businesses, and institutions that make New York the Empire State. The plumbing and heating contractors of the NYS PHCC have members throughout the entire state, employing thousands of technicians, many union plumbers, who see firsthand how ill-conceived but well-intentioned local and state restrictive energy laws are jeopardizing our energy usage and supply in our great state.  Everyone wants to have efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy.  This law would allow for the use of not only renewable gas and hydrogen but also other fuels like bio biodiesel, all made in New York. The NYS PHCC fully supports Congress member Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act,” said Terence O’Brien Co-Executive Director; NYS PHCC.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces $594,115 HHS Grant for St. Bonaventure University

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $594,115 to St. Bonaventure University for a mental and behavioral health education and training program.

     

    “I’m proud to announce this critical investment in mental and behavioral health education at St. Bonaventure University,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This funding will help train the next generation of professionals who are so urgently needed in our communities. Expanding access to care starts with strengthening our workforce, and this grant is a strong step forward.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: State of Asylum Conference: Implementing the Pact, together with credible entry and return policies, are key to restoring public trust in migration management

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    On 18 June 2025, the EUAA hosted the EU’s first annual State of Asylum Conference. Discussions centred around a key question: is EU Asylum at a Crossroads? To answer, the Conference brought together high-level European policy makers including Ministers of Interior, senior officials, and representatives of international and civil society organisations to debate the past, present and future of the EU’s evolving migration  policy agenda, in the face of a challenging international security environment.

    This week, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) hosted the EUAA’s first State of Asylum Conference. The event brought together around 1 000 online and in-person attendees to debate the evolving EU migration and asylum policy agenda. Opening the Conference, the EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI, framed its central, titular question by asking participants to reflect on whether the EU’s migration and asylum systems are at a crossroads and, if they are, what choices are available to policy makers. With evidence-based policy-making being a core principle of democratic societies, she stressed the value of the Agency’s work and most notably, the recently-published Asylum Report 2025 as a factual basis that set the stage for the day’s discussions.

    Looking to the future, the first panel discussion, entitled “Migration and Asylum at a Crossroads: Where do we go from here?” invited high level European policymakers to reflect on where European migration policy might go next. Mr. Makis VORIDIS, Minister of Migration and Asylum in Greece noted the evolution of the EU’s migration policy as one headed in a stricter direction, concluding that a return policy needs to be a cornerstone of any serious migration strategy. He stressed the need for such a policy to be developed in parallel with the ongoing implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, welcoming the recent Commission proposal for a Regulation for a Common European System on Returns (CESR).  Ms. Mari RANTANEN, Minister of Interior of Finland distinguished between labour migration, international protection and the instrumentalisation of migrants, stressing the need for clear rules that address all three phenomena, as well as the need to strengthen European efforts at cooperation with third countries on migration management.

    In the same panel, Mr. Andi MAHILA, Deputy Minister of Interior in Albania, stressed the need for European countries to remain united and work together, noting that “migration and asylum are not mere challenges, they reflect the values we uphold”. Mr. Michael SPINDELEGGER, Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) concluded by reflecting on the decreasing trend in asylum applications lodged in the EU+. This was the result of intense work by EU Institutions and Agencies, national administrations and other stakeholders he noted, but also geopolitical shifts that have driven the recent decrease in Syrian applications and, conversely, the increase in Venezuelan applications – stressing the need for cooperation with the US authorities.

    Turning to the present, a second panel discussion, entitled “EU Working Together: Stepping up EU Migration and Asylum Management, in the face of mounting European and international challenges” saw senior European officials, together with the UNHCR and IOM, reflect on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and its ongoing implementation. The EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI stressed the need for ongoing political commitment for the implementation of the Pact, an observation that Ms. Beate GMINDER, recently appointed as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission and Mr. Kim FREIDBERG, Director for Home Affairs at the Council of the EU, reiterated in their own comments. Ms. Gregori called for the allocation of sufficient resources to Pact implementation on a national level, including within judiciary bodies, and emphasised the plethora of Agency and European support available to make optimal use of finite resources. As the Pact enters into application in mid-2026, Ms. Gminder reflected on the ongoing transition to the new rules and the need to fine-tune some elements, referencing recent Commission legislative proposals on the Safe Country concepts. She nevertheless called for balanced ways to address irregular migration, including with stepped up efforts on legal pathways and integration into host communities.

    With international organisations being key partners, Mr. Philippe LECLERC, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe at the UNHCR, urged both panellists and attendees not to lose sight of the human aspects of migration; stressing that refugees contribute to EU Member States’ GDP. Against the UNHCR Global Trends Report showing over 122 million forcibly displaced people, he emphasised the need for a protection-sensitive implementation of the Pact, ensuring effective solidarity between Member States and with people seeking safety. He also acknowledged the need for a routes-based approach to international protection, one that ensures protection closer to countries of origin. Mr. Lukas GEHRKE, IOM Director of the Global Office in Brussels, observed that displacement drivers are worsening, referencing several examples. All agreed that Pact implementation is going well so far, and Member States will be ready, as failing to implement is simply not an option.

    A final panel discussion reflected on the past and how it draws lessons for the future, notably the increasing role the EUAA has played in helping Member States manage their international protection obligations, and what this means for the Agency’s future. The panel featured notable actors from the Agency’s past, including its first Executive Director Mr. Robert VISSER, two former Chairpersons of its Management Board, including Dr. David COSTELLO and Mr. Wolfgang TAUCHER. Together with the current Chair of the EUAA Management Board, Ms. Evelina GUDZINSKAITĖ, they reflected on the challenges the Agency has faced, particularly in getting Member States to a place where they were able to accept European support in the field of asylum. In fact, Ms. Gudzinskaitė observed that while asylum may be at a crossroads, “the Agency is not at a crossroads, it’s on a highway” to building trust and solidarity between European countries.

    Closing the panel, Mr. Mikael RIBBENVIK CASSAR, the EUAA’s Deputy Executive Director, also a former Chair of both the-then EASO and current EUAA Management Boards, reflected on the Agency’s journey to unquestioned and critical relevance in the field of migration. However, he stressed that the path to restoring public trust in asylum management runs through recalling a basic principle in international protection: “Asylum is a binary system: Protection or return. Both outcomes must lead to different doors. Too often that is not the case.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill to Safeguard America’s Sovereignty

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump has overseen a dramatic reversal in the nation’s border security — going from 62,000 illegal immigrants released into the country in a single month under the Biden Administration to zero under the Trump Administration and achieving the lowest-ever numbers of daily illegal crossings.

    Now, we’re at a defining crossroads: pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and fortify that extraordinary progress — or don’t, and risk jeopardizing the nation’s safety and sovereignty once again.

    Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and we will:

    • Invest in securing our homeland. We will make the largest-ever one-time investment in border security — enough to detain and deport at least one million illegals every year and massively expand detention capacity.
    • Give a boost to our frontline heroes. We will not only give the men and women of Border Patrol and ICE a $10,000/year bonus in each of the next four years, we will also deliver needed reinforcements to finish the job — with funding for 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
    • Finish President Trump’s border wall. We will secure full operational control of our southern border by constructing hundreds of miles of border wall, river barriers, and vehicle and pedestrian barriers — critical for repelling future foreign invasion and maintaining our national security.

    Fail to act, and we risk squandering the historic gains we’ve achieved and setting the nation back on a course of chaos and vulnerability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Service Workers Rally Behind President Trump’s NO TAX ON TIPS

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Hourly workers in the service, hospitality, and retail industries overwhelmingly back President Donald J. Trump’s bold NO TAX ON TIPS plan in the One Big Beautiful Bill, according to a new survey — saying tax-free tips would bring them needed financial stability and relief.

    In fact, 83% of hourly workers want to see NO TAX ON TIPS become law — with just four percent saying otherwise: “These results suggest that any measure increasing the amount of immediately available income — such as untaxed tips — would provide meaningful, stabilizing support for a large segment of the hourly workforce,” the report says.

    As one Nevada food service worker put it: “I don’t know what the holdup is. I don’t know what the politics are, but if we can cut the BS now … it can help out a lot of people.”

    The NO TAX ON TIPS plan is just one aspect of President Trump’s Day One commitment to deliver relief to Americans ravaged by years of Bidenflation. In his first five months, President Trump has overseen the largest increase in blue-collar wage growth in 60 years, lower costs, and explosive job growth for native-born Americans.

    That progress will be supercharged by the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will deliver the largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans, tax cuts for seniors, No Tax on Overtime, and much more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competition Bureau reaches agreement with Canadian energy company to preserve competition in the oil and natural gas industry

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 20, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Canadian Natural Resources Limited to address competition concerns related to its proposed acquisition of Schlumberger N.V.’s (SLB) interest in the Palliser Block joint venture. These assets include SLB’s 87.5% interest in 16 natural gas processing plants in southeastern Alberta.

    The Bureau found that the proposed transaction would likely result in a significant increase in market concentration in an area surrounding three natural gas processing plants: Seiu Lake, Wintering Hills and Wayne Dalum, all located approximately 130 kilometers east of Calgary. This could lead to higher prices, and fewer options for natural gas producers in that region.

    To resolve the Bureau’s concerns, Canadian Natural has agreed to sell 75% of its interest in the Seiu Lake natural gas processing plant to North 40 Resources Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration company operating in the same area. North 40 will be the operator of the natural gas processing plant, leaving Canadian Natural with a non-operating 25% interest in the facility.

    The Bureau is satisfied that the sale will preserve competition in the area around the Seiu Lake natural gas processing plant and ensure that producers in the area will continue to have two options for natural gas processing.

    The Bureau acknowledges the parties’ cooperation throughout the review to address the Bureau’s concerns.

    The complete consent agreement will be available on the website of the Competition Tribunal.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: National Indigenous Peoples Day: Minister Sawhney

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Making Sense of Financial Professional Designations: Investor Bulletin

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) are issuing this Investor Bulletin to help investors better understand the designations financial professionals use.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kemp Announces Second Round of Rural Site Development Grants

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced today the second round of grants in the OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Initiative. This program enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new, ready-for-development industrial sites, further growing the state’s capacity for economic growth. Eligible activities for use of grant funds include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure efforts that support site development.

    “Georgia offers the workforce, connectivity, and business-friendly environment for companies to be successful in every corner of the state, which is why we’ve been named the top state for business for over a decade,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Rural Site Development Initiative helps us maintain that competitive edge over other states by empowering communities to build on that success and turn fields of dreams into sources of good-paying jobs for rural Georgians. I want to congratulate all of these communities on receiving these awards and thank our legislative partners who helped make this program possible through strategic funding.”

    For site improvement grants, grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements. Total funding for this round of grants is $8 million, marking more than $18 million in grants distributed to rural site development since the program’s launch.

    “Georgia’s historic economic development success has not happened by accident. It is the direct result of our leadership’s decades-long dedication to strengthening our workforce, investing in our infrastructure, and building a better, brighter future for Georgians across the state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Grants represent our state’s unwavering commitment to bringing new opportunities for economic success to every corner of the state, and I look forward to seeing the impact these awards will have on rural Georgia communities and citizens for generations to come.” 

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative is critical for our rural communities across the state, where a business-friendly environment is not only critical, but growing at a record pace,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The approved funding will help current projects grow and future projects begin, while keeping Georgia’s business environment a model for the rest of the nation.” 

    “Georgia’s economic development success is the result of strong leadership and strategic investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This tool enables communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative empowers communities to proactively shape economic growth that aligns with their long-term goals,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “GRAD-certified sites offer speed-to-market advantages for companies and strengthen Georgia’s competitive site portfolio. As we build on years of economic success, investing in new site development ensures we sustain and accelerate that momentum.”

    In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

    Site Improvement Grants

    Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County
    The Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County in middle Georgia was awarded $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an entry road and other road improvements, at the 1,500-acre, GRAD-certified Sibley Place. The total project costs are $2,193,982.

    Development Authority of Bulloch County
    The Development Authority of Bulloch County in coastal Georgia received a grant of $1,518,920 for site grading and sewer improvements at the 69-acre, GRAD-certified Cannady Site. The Development Authority of Bulloch County is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $2,024,960.

    Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority
    The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded a grant of $2 million for sewage and drainage improvements at the 250-acre, “GRAD Select” Georgia Highway 257 Rail Site. The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $6,039,671.

    Worth County Economic Development Authority
    The Worth County Economic Development Authority in southwest Georgia received a grant of $2 million for water, drainage, road, and other infrastructure improvements at the 196-acre, “GRAD Select” Worth County Industrial Complex. The Worth County Economic Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to be $2,248,723.

    GRAD-Certification Scholarships

    Development Authority of Burke County
    The Development Authority of Burke County in east Georgia was awarded $35,278 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 150-acre Waynesboro-Burke Industrial Park. The total project costs are $39,198.

    Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority
    The Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority in southeast Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 72-acre Douglas Aviation Industrial Park. The total project costs are $90,050.

    Development Authority of Jefferson County
    The Development Authority of Jefferson County in east Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 230-acre Louisville Airport Industrial Park. The total project costs are $82,500.

    McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority
    The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority in coastal Georgia was awarded $192,745 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 247-acre Tidewater East Industrial Park. The total project costs are $260,345.

    Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority
    The Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded $31,455 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 170-acre Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Industrial Park. The total project costs are $34,950.

    Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority
    The Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority in east Georgia was awarded $142,450 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 455-acre Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park Expansion. The total project costs are $167,450.

    About GDEcD
    The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org for more information.

    About Department of Community Affairs  

    The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

    Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

    Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

    But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

    I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

    Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

    We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

    About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

    When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

    Why it matters

    Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

    If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

    Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

    What still isn’t known

    It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

    What’s next

    Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

    – ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

    Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

    Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

    But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

    I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

    Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

    We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

    About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

    When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

    Why it matters

    Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

    If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

    Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

    What still isn’t known

    It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

    What’s next

    Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

    – ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1765, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1765 would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to encourage trusted companies and standards-setting bodies to participate in setting standards for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks. Under the bill, the NTIA would provide technical assistance to those entities to facilitate participation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1721, Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1721 would require the Department of Commerce to identify, within each critical infrastructure sector, high-demand products that are imported to the United States because of manufacturing, material, or supply chain constraints. The department would analyze the feasibility, costs, and benefits of producing such products in the United States and report the findings to the Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1679, Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1679 would require the Department of Commerce, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and a federal interagency working group to study and report to the Congress on the ability of the United States to attract foreign direct investment and about barriers to foreign trade faced by advanced-technology firms in the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1455, ITS Codification Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1455 would codify the authority for and delineate the responsibilities of the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), a research and engineering laboratory within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The bill also would require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to locate people trapped in confined spaces, such as underground mines. 

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