NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Concluding a successful spring session

    [. In addition to the work in the assembly, this session saw the government advocate fiercely for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, build and strengthen relationships with trade partners, and defend Alberta’s economy and Albertan jobs.

    In the face of global trade tensions and market uncertainty, the rising cost of living remains one of the largest challenges facing Albertans. This spring, Alberta’s government took action to ease that burden. Budget 2025 delivered the promised income tax cut, saving families up to $1,500 per year. The Automobile Insurance Act was passed to enable better, faster, cheaper auto insurance for Albertans, and we passed legislation to expand energy options by enabling hydrogen blending and making critical reforms to ensure Albertans have access to affordable, reliable utilities when they need them most.

    “Every piece of legislation our government brought forward this session was driven by one goal: to make life better for Albertans. I’m proud to be part of a team that meets the challenges Albertans are facing today and positions our province for long-term success.”

    Joseph Schow, Government House Leader and Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Alberta’s government also passed legislation to deliver on its mandate to restore health and safety for families and communities. The Compassionate Intervention Act introduced a new approach to addressing the addiction crisis, adding another tool to the Alberta Recovery Model and giving Albertans struggling with severe addiction the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their family, community and culture. Legislation was also passed that implements lessons learned during previous emergency responses and empowers municipalities through expanded options for local policing.

    This session Alberta’s government passed 19 bills, fulfilled multiple platform commitments and delivered on the strong mandate received from Albertans two years ago.

    Other highlights

    • The Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act provides clarity for the emerging biogas industry, spurring job-creating investment in rural Alberta.
    • The Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act protects essential infrastructure and supports the government’s work under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.
    • The Education Amendment Act reflects changes in the education landscape, strengthening democratic accountability in school boards, and increasing clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process.
    • The Election Statutes Amendment Act protects democracy, delivers fair and open elections and restores confidence in every vote cast.
    • The Health Statutes Amendment Act continues the work to refocus the healthcare system, ensuring patients receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
    • The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act strengthens local governance and collaboration, streamlines processes and bolsters protections for new home builders and buyers.
    • The Professional Governance Act ensures Alberta has a modern, uniform governance framework for professional regulatory organizations.
    • The Wildlife Amendment Act aligns the Wildlife Act with current knowledge and best practices, supporting enhanced opportunities for hunting and trapping, reducing human-wildlife conflicts and streamlining enforcement approaches.

    Related information

    • Bill Status for Legislature 31, Session 1

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Detect early, stop cancer

    Half of all people living in Alberta will have cancer during their lifetime. They deserve high-quality cancer care, including early detection. That’s why Alberta’s government is extending the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program and is providing grants to four organizations to improve access to cancer screening – particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

    Launched as a pilot in 2022, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program was designed to assess whether a provincially coordinated approach could improve lung cancer outcomes through earlier detection and timely treatment. After a promising launch, it is being extended with a $2-million investment and an additional $500,000 from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This funding will allow the pilot to continue offering screenings to eligible individuals for an additional year while plans are finalized to transition the program to a permanent, provincewide program. 

    “We’re making progress, with more people in Alberta surviving lung cancer than ever before, but more work remains. That’s why we’re funding the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program to support early detection and improved patient outcomes.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Treatment for early-stage lung cancer is significantly more effective, less burdensome for patients and their families, and more cost-effective for the health care system. Since its launch, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program has screened more than 3,800 eligible people in Alberta, with almost 90 per cent of detected lung cancers identified at an early stage.

    “Late-stage lung cancer is much harder to treat or cure because the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body or there’s too much cancer in the lungs. Screening with low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer earlier, before someone has symptoms.”

    Dr. Alain Tremblay, medical lead, Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program

    “This year alone, more than 2,700 Albertans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Our donors are proud to support vital projects like this that strengthen cancer screening across the province and make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

    Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation 

    More funding available for screening, prevention

    Detecting cancer early is crucial to saving lives, and Alberta’s government continues to make early detection more accessible and easier to navigate.

    The Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program is providing about $3 million to support cancer prevention and screening initiatives to improve health outcomes for people living in Alberta, including research, education, marketing and public policy development. Eligible Alberta-based health agencies and organizations, post-secondary institutions, non-profits, First Nations and Métis communities, as well as municipalities, can apply for funding under the program.

    Four organizations received funding for their projects in 2024:

    • Alberta Health Services – Optimizing screening for subsequent primary cancers in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation – $343,518
    • Lakeland Métis Nation Association – Lakeland Métis Nation cancer screening awareness program – $600,000
    • Siksika Health Services – Siksika Nation cancer screening and prevention – $997,850
    • University of Alberta – A Phase 3 randomized trial of prostate cancer screening using high resolution micro-ultrasound versus MRI – $987,000

    “As a two-time cancer survivor, I know first-hand that early detection saves lives. This funding empowers us to raise awareness and deliver culturally relevant education in our Métis communities, ensuring citizens have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their health.”

    Melina Power, president & CEO, Lakeland Métis Nation Association

    The deadline to apply for 2025-26 program funding, which includes a dedicated Indigenous stream, is May 30.

    Quick facts

    • Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Alberta.
    • In typical clinical settings, more than 70 per cent of lung cancer cases are detected in advanced stages.
    • Alberta Health Services already operates provincewide screening programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer.
    • Since the Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program launched in 2022, nine organizations have received funding to initiate a total of 18 projects.

    Related Information

    • Cancer Care Alberta
    • Screening for Life
    • Alberta Cancer Foundation
    • Cancer Research for Screening and Prevention Program Fund
    • Cancer Research for Screening and Prevent Program – Recipients

    Related news

    • Bringing mobile lung screening to rural Alberta (Sept. 25, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Let’s All Get #SafelyHomeFromTheWorkzone

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 15, 2025

    The Victoria Day long weekend marks the beginning of construction season. The Government of Saskatchewan and its various road partners remind all drivers to play their part in helping everyone get safely home from the work zone.

    “Road and utility workers, first responders, tow truck operators and many other are all working for you on and near our highways, streets and roads,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “We ask all motorists to slow down, follow the signs and respect flag persons no matter where their summer travels take them. We want everyone to get home safely.”

    The Ministry of Highways will invest more than $777 million toward improving Saskatchewan roads this year, with its crews and contractors in work zones doing repairs and capital projects to improve our quality of life and support our export-based economy.

    The ministry’s counterparts in urban, rural and other communities will also be doing road work, while provincial Crown utilities and various contractors will be at or near streets and highways to maintain and improve infrastructure. Tow truck operators, police and other first responders will be visible as usual this summer.

    Whether the work zone is in a city or on a highway, it’s important to slow down to keep everyone safe. Following the signage and respecting workers can help drivers avoid collisions and an expensive ticket. On average, 184 collisions happen each year in work zones, resulting in 36 injuries and one death (based on a five-year average from 2019 to 2023). 

    To help promote this message, drivers are encouraged to share this safety video https://youtu.be/R8p_D-QNmUI?si=gIEWd3cy03DMwcxF on social media with the hashtag: #SafelyHomeFromTheWorkZone

    The Highway Hotline can also be checked throughout the year at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca. It provides information on construction zones, weather, ferry crossings and parks. It also alerts drivers to closures and incidents related to vehicle collisions, forest and grass fires.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: From Bella Coola to Baie-Comeau, the NFB is supporting 26 new projects through the FAP and ACIC

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 12, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) announced today that 26 new projects have been selected as part of its Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) and its Aide au cinéma indépendant du Canada (ACIC) program, both of which returned in January 2025.

    Projects from across the country were selected: 15 under the FAP, which supports anglophone filmmakers, and 11 under the ACIC, intended for francophone directors.

    Both programs make high-quality post-production services available to filmmakers at low rates. The services are provided by NFB specialists at its Îlot Balmoral headquarters in Montreal.

    The FAP and ACIC also provide special arrangements for filmmakers who live more than 150 km from headquarters. They can apply for refunds of post-production expenditures for services provided by local companies.

    Through these programs, the NFB provides concrete support to independent filmmakers and to the economic ecosystems of local audiovisual industries across Canada.

    FAP – 15 projects

    • 3 at Balmoral in Montreal
    • 12 in the filmmakers’ cities of residence elsewhere in Canada

    ACIC – 11 projects

    • 7 at Balmoral in Montreal
    • 4 in the filmmakers’ cities of residence elsewhere in Canada

    The filmmakers’ names and the titles of their works will be announced once the projects are completed. Similar announcements will be made yearly. Stay tuned!

    About the FAP

    Since it was created, the FAP has supported hundreds of independent filmmakers, in keeping with the NFB’s mandate as a public producer and distributor. The program ensures that the NFB supports a diversity of filmmakers through the provision of high-quality post-production services at low rates.

    Applications for the FAP program may be submitted to the NFB at any time. Details here.

    About ACIC

    ACIC was created by the NFB more than 50 years ago, in keeping with its mandate as a public producer and distributor. The program supports independent francophone filmmakers through the provision of high-quality post-production services at low rates.

    Applications for the ACIC program may be submitted to the NFB at any time. Details here (in French).

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB X | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Joins 51 Republicans in Calling for Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and 50 Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter calls on the Trump administration to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium.
    Sen. Tuberville has spoken numerous times in support of President Trump’s policy approach toward Iran.
    “We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment,” wrote the Senators.
    “We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated. As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests,” the Senators continued.
    Joining Sens. Tuberville and Ricketts are Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Husted (R-OH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in signing the letter.
    Read the full letter below or here. 
    “Dear Mr. Trump:
    We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
    During your first term you withdrew the United States from the deeply broken Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed maximum pressure on the regime. As you said then, a fatal flaw of the deal was that it ‘allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and, over time, reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.’  The JCPOA allowed Iran to sell oil, provided waivers allowing third countries to help Iran build out its nuclear program, and included the termination of United Nations sanctions on the regime. Despite critics claiming your withdrawal from the deal would allow Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime remained deterred from making substantial nuclear progress throughout your term because of your maximum pressure campaign.
    Tragically, the Biden administration systematically undid that pressure, functionally re-implementing the nuclear deal. They immediately rescinded your decision to reimpose U.N. sanctions, allowed Iran to sell oil at JCPOA-levels, and even re-issued waivers allowing Iran to build out its nuclear program. As you predicted, those policies indeed allowed Iran to reach the brink of nuclear breakout, which is where they are today. The Biden administration made those concessions without any reciprocal concessions from Iran, and Iran even ceased providing international inspectors access to significant parts of its nuclear program in the early days of the Biden administration.
    The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium. In its most recent report, published on February 26, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that because of Iran’s activities over the last four years, ‘the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and UOC, which it will not be possible to restore.’
    You and your administration have therefore correctly drawn a redline against any deal that allows Iran to retain any enrichment capability. Your National Security Presidential Memorandum on Iran stated that “Iran’s nuclear program, including its enrichment- and reprocessing-related capabilities and nuclear-capable missiles, poses an existential danger to the United States and the entire civilized world,” and you recently said that only ‘full dismantlement’ of those capabilities would be acceptable. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has made it clear in that context of negotiation that for any final arrangement to work, “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.” 
    We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated. 
    As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.
    Sincerely,”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 254

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 254
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    505 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    North-Central/Northeast North Carolina
    Central and Eastern Virginia
    Far Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon from 505 PM until Midnight
    EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase over the
    next few hours. Environmental conditions across the region favor a
    cellular mode, including the potential for supercells capable of
    large to very large hail. Some damaging gusts are possible as well.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles north of
    Lynchburg VA to 40 miles south southwest of Roanoke Rapids NC. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 251…WW 252…WW 253…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    29030.

    …Mosier

    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 254
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    505 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    North-Central/Northeast North Carolina
    Central and Eastern Virginia
    Far Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon from 505 PM until Midnight
    EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase over the
    next few hours. Environmental conditions across the region favor a
    cellular mode, including the potential for supercells capable of
    large to very large hail. Some damaging gusts are possible as well.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles north of
    Lynchburg VA to 40 miles south southwest of Roanoke Rapids NC. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 251…WW 252…WW 253…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    29030.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 254 SEVERE TSTM NC VA WV CW 152105Z – 160400Z
    AXIS..90 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55N LYH/LYNCHBURG VA/ – 40SSW RZZ/ROANOKE RAPIDS NC/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 80NM E/W /53N LYH – 39E RDU/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29030.

    LAT…LON 38117754 35897637 35897958 38118086

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 254 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

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

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (40%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: To Combat Race Discrimination, Energy Department Terminates Funding for Harvard University

    Source: US Department of Energy

    In case you missed it, the Department of Energy issued a notice to Harvard University this week terminating approximately $89 million in grant funding from DOE’s Office of Science and Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy due to the University’s policy of racial discrimination. This cancellation from DOE resulted in an immediate savings of $7 million to the American taxpayer and was issued in coordination with the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism’s letter to Harvard University announcing the termination of $450 million in grants from eight government agencies in addition to $2.2 billion that was previously frozen by the Trump Administration.

    Excerpts of DOE’s letters to Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber are below:

    DOE understands that Harvard University (Harvard) continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admission process, and in other areas of student life, such as access to the Law Review at Harvard Law School. We are also aware of recent events at Harvard involving antisemitic action that suggest the institution has a disturbing lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students. Harvard’s ongoing inaction in the face of repeated and severe harassment and targeting of Jewish students has ground day-to-day campus operations to a halt, deprived Jewish students of learning and research opportunities to which they are entitled, and brought shame upon the University and our nation as a whole.

    Indeed, as the Harvard Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias concluded, actions at Harvard during the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in widespread abuse of Jewish and Israeli students by an institution “that mainstreamed and normalized what many Jewish and Israeli students experience as antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias.”

    DOE maintains a firm policy of not supporting entities, individuals or actions that engage in discrimination or which promote and condone, by action or acquiescence, antisemitism. Despite being aware of deeply rooted racial discrimination and antisemitism at Harvard, Harvard has refused to take immediate, definitive and appropriate remedial action.

    Therefore, based on the available information, DOE has concluded that no modification of the Harvard projects could align the projects with agency priorities and any continued funding of the projects is inconsistent with DOE’s stewardship of American taxpayer funds and would be inconsistent with the DOE’s overall mission and goals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Announces New Policy for Increasing Accountability, Identifying Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced new actions to increase accountability and promote responsible stewardship of American taxpayer dollars. In a Secretarial Memorandum entitled, “Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright outlined DOE’s policy for evaluating financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to identity waste of taxpayer dollars, protect America’s national security and advance President Trump’s commitment to unleash affordable, reliable and secure energy for the American people. 

    “Over the past 110 days, the Energy Department has been hard at work reviewing the billions of dollars that were rushed out the door, particularly in the final days of the Biden administration, and what we have found is concerning,” said Secretary Wright. “With this process, the Department will ensure we are doing our due diligence, utilizing taxpayer dollars to generate the largest possible benefit to the American people and safeguarding our national security. Any reputable business would have a process in place for evaluating spending and investments before money goes out the door, and the American people deserve no less from their federal government.”

    To comply with the Secretary’s memorandum, the DOE has begun requesting additional information needed to evaluate 179 awards. These awards total over $15 billion in financial assistance. DOE is prioritizing large-scale commercial projects that require more detailed information from the awardees for the initial phase of this review, but this process may extend to other DOE program offices as the reviews progress.

    Full Policy Memorandum is below:

    Secretarial Policy on Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance

    It is the policy of the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that financial assistance award recipients and the individual projects are, among other things, financially sound and economically viable, aligned with national and economic security interests, and consistent with Federal law and this Administration’s policies and priorities and program goals and priorities (Standards).  This policy is consistent with the general Federal Stewardship and Substantial Involvement of DOE in the financial assistance awards and essential to identifying and avoiding fraud, waste and abuse.

    DOE intends to conduct focused reviews of awards and other forms of financial assistance on a case-by-case basis, especially for the large complex awards, or on groups of homogenous awards if DOE determines that such a review will adequately address the goals as set forth above.  To conduct this review, DOE may utilize information previously submitted by the award recipient, DOE’s own investigation or analyses or submit  information requests to recipients for information relevant to the project to help inform DOE’s decisional process including, but not limited to,  information regarding a project’s financial health, a project’s technological and engineering viability, market conditions, compliance with award terms and conditions and compliance with legal requirements, including those related to national security.

    To accomplish DOE’s objectives, it is the policy of DOE to require that its financial assistance recipients provide written responses and supporting documentation to its information requests within communicated timeframes, and to cooperate with program personnel on any follow up requests, including verbal requests, in a timely manner, to facilitate this review.  While many financial assistance awards may incorporate the audit rights under 2 C.F.R. part 200, other forms of awards have different information gathering rights available to DOE.  However, in connection with the administration and management of its awards, DOE is entitled to obtain current, accurate and complete information about the project and the recipient.

    It is also the policy of DOE to treat the responses to these information requests as confidential and solely for use in managing the awards and as part of its oversight, including audit, functions.  Responses, as well as responsive information the recipient has previously provided to DOE, will be shared within DOE only to the extent required for proper management and oversight of the awards. Consistent with the National Security Presidential Memorandum on U.S. Government-Supported Research and Development National Security Policy-33, DOE may share information regarding risk identified as part of this due diligence process with other governmental entities.

    If it is determined that a project meets Standards, then those projects will proceed.  If it is determined that projects do not meet Standards, DOE may modify the project or, DOE in its discretion, may terminate the project based on the outcome of DOE’s evaluation, as allowed by law.  Further, if a recipient of financial assistance fails to respond to information requests within the provided timeframe, does not respond to follow-up questions in a timely manner, or offers incomplete responses that do not reasonably facilitate DOE’s review, DOE may treat as the recipient’s refusal to cooperate as grounds for termination of the award or the withholding of funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Incremental Step Along the Journey: The Division of Trading Markets’ Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Crypto Asset Activities and Distributed Ledger Technologies

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Today, the staff of the Division of Trading and Markets issued a set of frequently asked questions (“FAQs”) relating to the application of certain broker-dealer financial responsibility rules and transfer agent rules to crypto asset activities and distributed ledger technology. Many of the responses to these FAQs should not be controversial, as they simply reiterate what our rules already say or do not say. Nonetheless, given the uncertainty in the market regarding the application of our rules to crypto generally, I am pleased that the staff has issued these helpful FAQs.

    As one example, these FAQs address staff’s views about whether and how broker-dealer custody and capital rules apply to crypto assets, including in the context of in-kind creations and redemptions for spot crypto asset exchange-traded products (ETPs). The FAQs note that the possession and control requirements of Rule 15c3-3 are not implicated if a broker-dealer holds non-security crypto assets for customers. These requirements apply only to securities. The FAQs also address the net capital treatment of proprietary positions in bitcoin and ether, which are the only two crypto assets currently underlying crypto asset ETPs trading on national securities exchanges. The statement’s limitation to the capital treatment of bitcoin and ether does not mean that broker-dealers may hold only those crypto assets or that only those crypto assets may be readily marketable for purposes of the net capital rules.

    The FAQs highlight that non-security crypto assets held by a broker-dealer are not protected by SIPA. SIPA is fundamentally tailored to securities, not commodities or other assets. These FAQs, by underscoring the absence of SIPA protection, remind investors about the risks they may face when holding non-security crypto assets through a broker-dealer.

    The FAQs also include questions relating to transfer agents. Notably, the FAQs address a registered transfer agent’s use of distributed ledger technology as its official Master Securityholder File or a component thereof. This FAQ may be relevant for firms (and their transfer agents) considering issuing tokenized securities.

    These FAQs are incremental, not comprehensive. The staff and the Commission still have much more work to do. For example, many market participants have urged us to replace the special purpose broker-dealer statement with a more fit-for-purpose statement addressing how broker-dealers may custody crypto assets that are securities, including tokenized versions of traditional securities. In the meantime, the SPBD continues to be a non-exclusive safe harbor upon which broker-dealers can rely. In addition, market participants have asked for guidance on the net capital treatment of other crypto assets. I also am eager to hear whether the industry believes additional clarity or other actions by the SEC with respect to transfer agent rules would be helpful to facilitate onchain tokenization efforts.

    I appreciate the diligent work of the Division of Trading and Markets in preparing these FAQs. Market participants that have additional questions on these and other issues raised by the FAQs should feel free to reach out to the Division of Trading and Markets.[1] The Crypto Task Force also welcomes inquiries and feedback on these FAQs through crypto@sec.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks of Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Welcome to the 12th Annual Conference on Financial Market Regulation.  It is a pleasure to kick off this two-day conference.  Thank you to all who have submitted papers in connection with the conference and to the discussants who have dissected them.  I would also like to thank the staff of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, led by Dr. Robert Fisher, for their efforts in planning this program as well as our academic partners.  Today’s program covers a number of timely topics. We have a number of different tracks at the conference, so I thought that I would briefly discuss two topics that caught my attention.[1]

    Private Market Capital Raising

    First, panelists will discuss the economic implications of individual investments in private markets.  One panel will discuss findings related to a systematic study of private equity investments by individual investors.[2]  This topic directly impacts capital formation concerns, but also impacts the issue of expanding investment opportunities for individual investors. Notably, the authors found that contrary to concerns about adverse selection, private equity investments by individual investors perform similarly to those of institutions and outperform public markets. Of particular interest, they identified three innovations that enable individuals to invest in private equity: “the proliferation of funds with low minimum commitments, pooling capital via advisors, and leveraging advisors’ networks to access fund managers.”  These structural observations are relevant as the Commission looks at regulatory mechanisms to increase capital formation. The need to empower retail investment in private companies is critical – both from a capital formation perspective and from an investor diversification lens. 

    Additionally, in exploring ways to expand opportunities by promoting greater retail investing in private companies, changes to the accredited investor definition should be considered. While the accredited investor definition has served as the benchmark for financial sophistication on a national – and perhaps global – level, and has provided stability and predictability to market participants, we look to ways to address some potential unintended consequences of the standard during the forty-plus years since it was introduced.

    In promoting opportunities for retail investment in private companies, we should not shy away from discussing the potential investment risks, including the risk of financial losses.  However, investments in private, growth-stage companies that are higher-risk, higher-reward may be beneficial as part of a person’s diversified portfolio, particularly if the exposure is through pooled investment vehicles.  Modern portfolio theory supports the view that a more diversified portfolio impacts overall economic risk.

    As such, we should seek to modernize the exemptive landscape.  If an individual believes that the risk is appropriate and the framework limits investors to those who are financially sophisticated, can sustain the risk of investment loss, can fend for themselves, and have other relevant characteristics, then our regulatory regime should not deny such individual a source of potential wealth accumulation and portfolio diversification. 

    While current and future regulatory proxies for financial sophistication may never be perfect, we should acknowledge that investor protection might also exist through diversification by expanding opportunities for individual investors to allow them to obtain the investment exposure through financial professionals operating under a best interest or fiduciary duty obligation. 

    Notably, recent investor surveys conducted by the Office of the Investor Advocate found that there is investor appetite by accredited and non-accredited investors, for investing in private companies.  Specifically, 14.4% of accredited investors reported being “interested” in investing in this space, while 4.7% of non-accredited investors reported interest.[3]  Investors in both categories – including persons that are currently non-accredited but may be deemed accredited under any new potential standards—have a desire to optimize their investment returns.  I appreciate the thoughtful economic research related to private markets – this research will likely inform any future policymaking.

    Recent Greenwashing by Funds and Impacts on Investments

    Second, attendees will develop a better understanding of the extent to which funds engaged in “greenwashing” – and more specifically, how such practices impacted investors’ returns.  This is particularly interesting, given the focus on these types of funds recently.  The authors of one paper presented this week, The Economics of Greenwashing Funds, found that “funds engaging in greenwashing charge higher fees while attracting greater flows from investors.”[4]  Charging higher average fees and thus impacting overall returns is concerning in any environment, especially when it is unclear whether improved outcomes were achieved. As it pertains to transactional and investment costs, I also note that the authors found that “greenwashing funds are more likely to incur regulatory costs and experience outflows, as reflected in ESG-related comment letters from the SEC.”  To the extent that funds elect to pursue strategies not directly tied to financial performance of the underlying investments, investors should not be penalized through higher overall investment costs, without corresponding clear and unequivocal disclosure of the downsides of such strategies.  

    These are only two examples of the thoughtful and relevant topics in the program.  There are many other interesting topics, including with respect to crypto.  Your research will help inform policymaking and economic analysis in future regulatory endeavors. 

    Thank you to the economists for your work and thank you for your participation in this conference.  In addition to the presentations, I hope that there will be productive side conversations throughout the next two days. One never knows whether the next great idea will start with some notes jotted down on a napkin.

     

    [1] My remarks reflect solely my individual views as a commissioner and do not necessarily reflect the views of the full U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or my fellow Commissioners.

    [2] Cynthia Mei Balloch (London School of Economics), Federico Mainardi (University of Chicago), Sangmin Oh (Columbia University), Petra Vokata (The Ohio State University) Democratizing Private Markets: Private Equity Performance of Individual Investors (forthcoming). 

    [3] Katherine Carman, Alycia Chin, Steven Nash, and Brian Scholl. Exploring Accredited Investors and Private Market Securities Ownership, OIAD Working Paper (2025) (forthcoming).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen Issues Statement on Historic Budget Package

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    .

    “I commend the Nebraska Legislature for its work in passing a balanced and historically conservative 2025-2027 biennial budget package. Nebraskans expect us to reduce government spending, invest in our kids, and lower property taxes.

    I thank the Legislature for rolling back expanded spending, putting idle pillowcase money to work, and having the courage to say no to more spending increases. This budget puts money toward education, property tax relief, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, and bolsters our national nuclear security, all while closing the $432 million deficit reported in November. With this balanced budget, we have the opportunity to make further investments in addressing our property tax crisis. I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming weeks to do the right thing for Nebraskans.”

    Gov. Pillen will review the budget package delivered today for any additional spending reductions, which would result in line-item vetoes.

    “When we commit to strong fiscal conservatism, investing in our kids, and reducing the tax burden for everyday Nebraskans, we make sure our state is the greatest state in the union to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Men Sentenced for Real Estate and Tax Fraud

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Two Men Sentenced for Real Estate and Tax Fraud

    Two men were sentenced to prison for a wire and tax fraud scheme to obtain title to a $1.3 million home in Roanoke County, Virginia. Herman Estes Jr. of Fieldale Virginia was sentenced to 84 months in prison; his co-conspirator Daniel Heggins of Charlotte, North Carolina was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former West Virginia Supervisory Correctional Officer Sentenced to more than 17 Years in Prison on Conspiracy and Obstruction Charges

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Former West Virginia Supervisory Correctional Officer Sentenced to more than 17 Years in Prison on Conspiracy and Obstruction Charges

    Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in covering up an assault by correctional officers that resulted in the death of inmate Quantez Burks on March 1, 2022. Lester, 35, of Odd, WV, was sentenced to 210 months in prison.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Chicago-Area Tax Preparer for Allegedly Fabricating Credits, Expenses, and Deductions on Customer Returns

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Chicago-Area Tax Preparer for Allegedly Fabricating Credits, Expenses, and Deductions on Customer Returns

    The Justice Department filed a complaint in a federal court in Chicago seeking to permanently bar tax preparer Stacy Thomas, of Orland Park, Illinois, individually and doing business as Rapid Tax Refunds LLC, Rapid Tax Refund Profs LLC, and Rapid Refunds Income Tax Service Inc., from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader of Prolific Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization and Guatemalan Politician Who Supplied Tons of Cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel Presented in U.S. District Court

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Leader of Prolific Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization and Guatemalan Politician Who Supplied Tons of Cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel Presented in U.S. District Court

    Today, Freddy Arnoldo Salazar Flores of Guatemala, a representative of the Central American Parliament, made his initial appearance in federal court in the District of Columbia. Salazar Flores voluntarily returned from abroad to the United States on May 14, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas woman sent to federal prison for transporting drugs into the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 29-year-old San Antonio resident has been sentenced for the attempted importation of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Shania Nichele Ellis pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Ellis to serve 97 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that detailed how Ellis knew she was going to Mexico to move narcotics for money. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Ellis made a terrible decision.

    On Aug. 25, 2024, Ellis drove from Mexico to the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge 1 in Laredo and entered the trusted traveler lane. Authorities subsequently referred her to secondary inspection after learning she was not enrolled in that program.

    There, they discovered a small access door on the rear liftgate which revealed several bundles of narcotics. A K9 also alerted to the vehicle’s doors where more bundles were hidden inside the panels.

    Law enforcement ultimately found a total of 44 bundles of methamphetamine, weighing 24.407 kilograms with a 97% purity level as well as two bundles of cocaine weighing 655.6 grams and one bundle of black heroin weighing 494.5 grams.

    The investigation revealed that a friend had attempted to recruit her via social media to transport the narcotics from Mexico to the United States. While visiting that friend in Monterrey, Mexico, her car went missing. It was returned the following day when she was told to leave.

    As part of her plea, she admitted she conspired with at least one other person to import narcotics across the border from Mexico into the United States.

    She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Suicide prevention framework will save lives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New clinical guidance will offer best practices for recognizing and supporting people at risk for suicide, helping more people get the right care and saving more lives.

    “Every life lost to suicide is a profound tragedy,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new framework represents a critical step in ensuring that individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can access the support they need to move toward hope and healing. It sets a clear path for how we will care for and support those most at risk.”

    In partnership with the Province, the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) led the development of a suicide-risk-reduction framework to support health-care organizations in improving care provided to people at risk for suicide. It will apply to patients who are 18 and older and are accessing mental-health or substance use care in hospital emergency departments, acute psychiatry or medical inpatient units or outpatient mental-health services.

    “People experiencing a mental-health crisis need to be met with compassion and person-centred care,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions. “When someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is especially important that they get timely supports for as long as they need. This framework will support our health-care facilities in offering best practice guidance so clinicians can help more people with the right care.”

    Through an early, consistent, and systematic process, the framework offers guidance to enhance the detection of individuals at risk for suicide. It also provides suggestions that can help eliminate bias and barriers to care, including stigma and experiences of discrimination or Indigenous-specific racism.

    It also includes best practices to maximize the patient’s safety during and after their care. With a tailored care plan, evidence-based treatment, effective transition to community care, and follow up and monitoring post-discharge, better outcomes can be achieved.

    “When someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, asking compassionate questions and truly listening can make all the difference,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA BC. “This framework helps health-care teams have these vital conversations, understand each person’s unique story, and support informed decisions about care. We’re deeply grateful to the Province of B.C., our partners, and especially the courageous and wise individuals whose lived experiences shaped this important work.”

    Building on best practices in Canadian and international jurisdictions, the framework was created with input from people with lived and living experience with mental-health crises. Indigenous cultural safety is embedded throughout the framework, as Indigenous Peoples disproportionately experience poorer health outcomes within the health-care system.

    In addition to prioritizing cultural safety, the framework is based on a foundation of patient and family engagement, trauma-informed care and close collaboration with community care providers, which can help ensure the continuity of care.

    “The release of the suicide-risk reduction framework is an important step for British Columbia, and I want to thank our partners for their collaboration,” said Lesley Lutes, professor, director of the Centre for Obesity and Well-Being Research Excellence, department of psychology, UBC Okanagan; and director of advocacy, BC Psychological Association. “When we treat mental health with the same level of rigour and evidence-based interventions as we do with physical health, we save lives.”

    This work is part of the Province’s efforts to build up the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them. This includes increasing early intervention and prevention, adding and expanding treatment and recovery services, building complex care housing, adding overdose prevention services and more.

    If you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433).

    Quick Facts:

    • In Canada, approximately 12 people die by suicide each day, which translates to 4,500 deaths per year.
    • In B.C., there are an average of approximately 615 deaths by suicide every year.
    • Males accounted for 75% of suicide deaths in B.C. in 2023.
    • In Canada, overall suicide rates are higher among some Indigenous populations than non-Indigenous populations.
      • Suicide rates across First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities vary greatly.
    • Deaths by suicide in the province more than double the motor vehicle fatalities in B.C.

    Learn More:

    To see the suicide-risk-reduction framework, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/SuicidePrevention_Framework.pdf

    To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional 12 Defendants Charged in RICO Conspiracy for over $263 Million Cryptocurrency Thefts, Money Laundering, Home Break-Ins

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – A four-count superseding indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, charges 12 additional people – Americans and foreign nationals – for allegedly participating in a cyber-enabled racketeering conspiracy throughout the United States and abroad that netted them more than $263 million. Several were arrested this week in California, while two remain abroad and are believed to be living in Dubai.

    The superseding indictment and the arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    The defendants, listed below, face charges that include RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. The superseding indictment adds charges originally brought against Malone Lam on Sept. 19, 2024.

    According to the superseding indictment, the enterprise began no later than October 2023 and continued through March 2025. It grew from friendships developed on online gaming platforms.

    Members of the enterprise held different responsibilities. The various roles included database hackers, organizers, target identifiers, callers, money launderers, and residential burglars targeting hardware virtual currency wallets.

    Database hackers hacked websites and servers to obtain cryptocurrency-related databases or purchased databases on the darkweb. Organizers and target identifiers organized and collated information across the databases to determine the most valuable targets. Callers cold-called victims and used social engineering to convince them their accounts were the subject of cyberattacks and the enterprise callers were attempting to help secure their accounts. Money launderers received the stolen crypto currency and turned it into fiat U.S. currency in the form of bulk cash or wire transfers.

    According to the indictment, members and associates of the enterprise used the stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, nightclub services ranging up to $500,000 per evening, luxury handbags valued in the tens of thousands of dollars that were given away at nightclub parties, luxury watches valued between $100,000 and $500,000, luxury clothing valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami, private jet rentals, a team of private security guards, and a fleet of at least 28 exotic cars ranging in value from $100,000 to $3.8 million.

    According to the indictment, members of the enterprise laundered stolen cryptocurrency proceeds by moving the funds through various mixers and exchanges using “peel chains,” pass-through wallets, and virtual private networks to mask their true identities. 

    The indictment alleges that in one instance on Aug. 18, 2024, Malone Lam and contacted a victim in D.C. and, through the communications with that victim, fraudulently obtained over 4,100 Bitcoin — worth over $230 million at the time. In another instance in July 2024, Malone Lam and others are accused of stealing over $14 million in cryptocurrency from an additional victim.

    The indictment alleges that members of the enterprise also committed home break-ins. As alleged in the Indictment, Marlon Ferro traveled to New Mexico in July 2024 and broke into a victim’s home to steal their hardware virtual currency wallet while Lam monitored the victim’s location by logging into his iCloud account.

    The superseding indictment also alleges that the enterprise engaged in significant money laundering activity. Kunal Mehta, Hamza Doost, Joel Cortez, and Evan Tangeman are alleged to have engaged in unlicensed crypto-to-cash services for the enterprise, obtained luxury rental homes for members of the enterprise using fake identity documents, booked private jet travel with stolen cryptocurrency for the enterprise, concealed ownership of exotic cars by registering them in shell company names, and shipped bulk cash through US mail to members of the enterprise hidden in squishmallow stuffed animals.

    Following his arrest in September 2024 and continuing while in pretrial detention, Lam is alleged to have continued working with members of the enterprise to pass and receive directions, collect stolen cryptocurrency, and to have enterprise members buy luxury Hermes Birkin bags and hand deliver them to his girlfriend in Miami, Florida.

    This ongoing investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. Significant investigative and operational support was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Miami field offices.

    The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, Acting Deputy Chief of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    If found guilty, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Defendants

    NAME, AGE, & ALLEGED ROLE AKAs HOMETOWN CHARGES
    Malone Lam, 20, Social Engineering, Organizer “King Greavys,” “$$$,” “7,” “Kg,” “Anne Hathaway”

    Miami, Florida,

    Los Angeles, Calif.,

    Singapore

    		 RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Marlon Ferro, 19, Money Laundering, Residential Burglary “Marlo,” “GothFerrari” Santa Ana, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Hamza Doost, 21, Money Laundering “Scyllia” Hayward, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Conor Flansburg, 21,   Database Hacker, Caller, and Organizer “O O,” “Green Room,” “@d0uu0b” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Kunal Mehta, 45, Money Laundering “Papa,” “The Accountant,” “Shrek,” “Neil” Irvine, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Ethan Yarally, 18, Caller “Rand,” “15%” Richmond Hill, New York RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Cody Demirtas, 19, Caller “KO,” “Kody” Stuart, Florida RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
    Aakash Anand, 22, Caller, Money Laundering “Light,” “Dark” New Zealand RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Evan Tangeman, 21, Money Laundering “E,” “Tate,” “Evan | Exchanger” Newport Beach, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    Joel Cortes, 21, Money Laundering “J” Laguna Niguel, California RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-1 , Last Name Unknown-1, Database Hacker “Chen,” “Squiggly” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    First Name Unknown-2 , Last Name Unknown-2, Database Hacker “Danny” “Meech” Unknown RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments
    John Tucker Desmond, 19, Destroyed Evidence

    –

    		 Huntington Beach, California Obstruction of Justice

    24cr417

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Arrested in Vermont Border-Crossing Event

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 13, 2025, Emmanuel Pierre Andre Irene, 26, and Erika Brezault, 23, citizens of Haiti, were arrested by the United States Border Patrol in the town of Troy, Vermont. Both were charged by criminal complaints—Irene with illegally entering the United States as an alien, and Brezault with transporting Irene in furtherance of his illegal entry. Irene and Brezault both appeared on May 14, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Brezault be released on conditions of pretrial supervision pending further proceedings. Judge Doyle accepted Irene’s plea of guilty to illegal entry and sentenced Irene to a time-served sentence.

    According to court records, around 1:00 am on May 13, 2025, one individual was observed walking south in Canada on a road that reaches the United States border; later, at approximately 3:30 am, one individual was observed walking south in the United States in an area close to that Canadian road, approximately a half-mile south of the international border. U.S. Border Patrol agents and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the scene to search for the suspected illegal entrant in the area of Mud Creek, approximately two miles east of the village of North Troy, Vermont. At approximately 9:23 am, an HSI agent made contact with a Massachusetts-plated vehicle that had been pulled over to the side of Bear Mountain Road, and he spoke with the two occupants. The driver was later identified as Brezault, and the passenger was later identified as Irene. They told the agent they were from Haiti and were now living in Worchester, Massachusetts. A uniformed Border Patrol agent joined the HSI agent, and they spoke with Brezault and Irene, who both claimed to have Temporary Protected Status in the United States. After an agent pointed out Irene’s wet, muddy clothing and informing them of the camera images of the male subject approaching and then being south of the international border, Irene admitted to entering the United States from Canada by walking through the woods. Brezault also admitted to picking up Irene after he crossed into the United States. Both defendants were detained and later charged with the respective offenses.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Brezault is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Brezault faces up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Brezault is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon, and Irene was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: FSI ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER, 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    A CONFERENCE CALL IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, 11:00AM EASTERN TIME

    SEE DIAL IN NUMBER BELOW

    TABER, ALBERTA, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE Amex: FSI), is the developer and manufacturer of biodegradable polymers for oil extraction, detergent ingredients and water treatment as well as crop nutrient availability chemistry. Flexible Solutions also manufactures biodegradable and environmentally safe water and energy conservation technologies. FSI is also increasing its presense in the food and nutrition supplement manufacturing markets. Today the Company announces financial results for first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Mr. Daniel B. O’Brien, CEO, states, “The customers who adjusted inventory in Q1 returned to normal order patterns in April.” Mr. O’Brien continues, “ENP also saw lower revenue, which has rebounded in Q2 and we had lower investment income as a result of reduced ownership in the FL LLC.”

    • Sales for the first quarter (Q1) were $7,473,692 down approximately 19% when compared to sales of $9,224,872 in the corresponding period a year ago.
    • Q1, 2025 net income (loss) was ($277,734), or ($0.02) compared to a net income of $457,226, or $0.04 per share, in Q1, 2024.
    • The lower earnings reported for Q1, 2025 were due to lower sales volume, higher cost of goods including higher tariffs. Some costs that are needed for the CAPEX get classified as expenses and are set against current income. Our costs for the Panama factory have similar accounting effects.
    • Basic weighted average shares used in computing earnings per share amounts were 12,587,476 and 12,449,699 for Q1, 2025 and Q1, 2024 respectively.
    • Q1, 2025 Non-GAAP operating cash flow: The Company shows 3 months operating cash flow of $480,268, or $0.04 per share. This compares with operating cash flow of $1,382,874, or $0.11 per share, in the corresponding 3 months of 2024 (see the table and notes that follow for details of these calculations).

    The NanoChem division and ENP subsidiary continue to be the dominant sources of revenue and cash flow for the Company. New opportunities continue to unfold in detergent, water treatment, oil field extraction, turf, ornamental and agricultural use to further increase sales in these divisions. More recently, opportunities in the food and nutrition supplement manufacturing markets have emerged.

    CONFERENCE CALL

    A conference call has been scheduled for 11:00 am Eastern Time, 8:00 am Pacific Time, on Friday May 16th, 2025. CEO, Dan O’Brien will be presenting and answering questions on the conference call. To participate in this call please dial 1-888-999-5318 (or 1-848-280-6460) just prior to the scheduled call time. To join the call participants will be requested to give their name and company affiliation. The conference ID: SOLUTIONS and/or call title Flexible Solutions International – First Quarter, 2025 Financials may be requested

    The above information and following table contain supplemental information regarding income and cash flow from operations for the period ended March 31, 2025. Adjustments to exclude depreciation, stock option expenses and one time charges are given. This financial information is a Non-GAAP financial measure as defined by SEC regulation G. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable is net income.

    The reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure is as follows:

    FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
    FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (THREE MONTHS OPERATING CASH FLOW – UNAUDITED)

        THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31  
        2025     2024  
    Revenue   $ 7,473,692     $ 9,224,872  
    Income (loss) before income tax – GAAP   $ (153,678 )   $ 780,387  
    Provision for Income tax – net – GAAP   $ (110,363 )   $ (264,178 )
    Net income (loss) – GAAP   $ (277,734 )   $ 457,226  
    Net income (loss) per common share – basic. – GAAP   $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04  
    3 month weighted average shares used in computing per share amounts – basic.- GAAP     12,587,476       12,449,699  
           
          3 month Operating Cash Flow
    Ended March 31
    Operating Cash Flow (3 months). NON-GAAP      $ 480,268 a,b,c       $ 1,382,874 a,b,c  
    Operating Cash Flow per share excluding non-operating items and items not related to current operations (3 months) – basic. –NON-GAAP      $ 0.04 a,b,c       $ 0.11 a,b,c  
    Non-cash Adjustments (3 month) –GAAP      $ 563,118 d       $ 676,026 d  
    Shares (3 month basic weighted average) used in computing per share amounts – basic –GAAP     12,587,476       12,449,699  


    Notes    : certain items not related to “operations” of the Company’s net income are listed below.

    a) Non-GAAP – Flexible Solutions International purchased 65% of ENP in 4th quarter, 2018 (October 2018). Therefore Operating Cash Flow is adjusted by the pre tax Net income or loss of the non-controlling interest in ENP for 2023 only. After 2023 the entry in the “Statement of operations and comprehensive income” is a pretax number therefore no adjustment is required.
    b) Non-GAAP – amounts exclude certain cash and non-cash items: Depreciation and Stock compensation expense (2025 = $563,118, 2024 = $676,026), Interest expense (2025 = $198,019, 2024 = $175,266), Interest income (2025 = 49,573, $2024 = $48,197), Loss on lease termination (2025 = N/A, 2024 = $41,350), Gain on investment (2025 = $63,925, 2024 = $182,975), Income tax expense (2025 = $110,363, 2024 = $264,178), and pretax Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2025 = $13,693, 2024 = $58,983). These onetime expenditures were not related to operations of FSI. *See the financial statements for all adjustments.
    c) The revenue and gain from the 50% investment in the private Florida LLC announced in January 2019 are not treated as revenue or profit from operations by Flexible Solutions given the Company does not have control. The profit is treated as investment income and therefore occurs below Operating income in the Statement of Operations. In August 2024, the Company sold 30.1% of its holdings in the Florida LLC and currently has a 19.9% share, with a contract in place to sell the remainder over the next five years. As a result, the gains from all investments (2025 = $63,925, 2024 = $182,975), including those from the Florida LLC, are removed from the calculation to arrive at Operating Cash Flow
    d) Non-GAAP – amounts represent depreciation and stock compensation expense.

    SAFE HARBOR PROVISION

    The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “Safe Harbor” for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, are forward looking statement with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Flexible Solutions International
    6001 54thAve, Taber, Alberta, CANADA T1G 1X4
    Company Contacts

    Jason Bloom
    Toll Free: 800 661 3560
    Fax: 403 223 2905
    E-mail: info@flexiblesolutions.com
                                            

    If you have received this news release by mistake or if you would like to be removed from our update list please reply to: info@flexiblesolutions.com

    To find out more information about Flexible Solutions and our products, please visit www.flexiblesolutions.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Precision Drilling Corporation Announces Voting Results from the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (Precision or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of the election of board members at its 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 15, 2025 (the Annual Meeting). Shareholders approved the election of all eight (seven of whom are independent) of the nominee directors presented in the Company’s Management Information Circular (the Circular), dated April 2, 2025.

    The shares represented at the Annual Meeting voting in favour of individual nominee directors are as follows:

    Nominee

    # Votes For

    % Votes For

    # Votes Withheld

    % Votes Withheld
    William T. Donovan 6,024,596 97.27% 169,249 2.73%
    Steven W. Krablin 5,860,994 94.63% 332,851 5.37%
    Lori A. Lancaster 6,108,219 98.62% 85,626 1.38%
    Susan M. MacKenzie 6,079,078 98.15% 114,767 1.85%
    Kevin O. Meyers 6,022,290 97.23% 171,555 2.77%
    David W. Williams 6,109,239 98.63% 84,606 1.37%
    Alice L. Wong 6,088,633 98.30% 105,212 1.70%
    Kevin A. Neveu 6,082,655 98.20% 111,190 1.80%
             

    All other items of business set forth in the Circular and considered at the Annual Meeting passed, including the non-binding advisory vote on the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation.

    The full results on all matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

    About Precision

    Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

    Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

    Additional Information

    For more information about Precision, please visit our website at www.precisiondrilling.com or contact:

    Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    403.716.4500

    800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
    Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: “I want to wish peace to the Emir and to all Qataris.” –President Donald J. Trump

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

    “We’re setting records on this trip. We’re bringing a lot of investment back into the United States of America. We’ll be well over $10 trillion. I want to thank your Highness for helping with that number. You know you can count on us, and you know that it’s going to be a great investment for you.” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWECwwHuK08

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Revitalizing America’s Economy

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

    This week, President Trump has announced landmark agreements worth hundreds of billions of dollars. These deals will expand American manufacturing, strengthen critical supply chains, and fuel innovation.

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

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

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

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

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

    Washington, May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON— This National Police Week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of several critical pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation that highlight support for America’s brave men and women in blue.
    “National Police Week is a time to recognize, remember, and honor the brave men and women who serve our communities every day,” said Rep. Simpson. “Police officers in Idaho and throughout our country play a vital role in protecting public safety and responding in times of crisis. Their work is irreplaceable, and they will always have my full support. I was proud to reaffirm that commitment by supporting legislation on the House floor to ensure the men and women serving in communities across the country are supported.”
    The National Police Week of 2025 legislation includes:

    H.R. 2240 – Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bill requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress about violent attacks on law enforcement officers, the efficacy of current data collection related to violent attacks, and the efficacy of programs intended to provide protective equipment and wellness resources to law enforcement officers.
    H.R. 2243 – LEOSA Reform Act. This bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition in school zones, national parks, and certain federal facilities, as well as on state, local, and private property that is otherwise open to the public.
    H.R. 2255 – Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025. This bill allows current and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.

    On May 15, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:

    • S.27, An act relating to medical debt relief and excluding medical debt from credit reports
    • S.36, An act relating to the delivery and payment of certain services provided through the Agency of Human Services, services for persons who are incapacitated, and Human Services Board proceedings

    When signing S.27, Governor Scott sent the following letter to the General Assembly:

    Dear Legislators:

    I appreciate the good work of the Treasurer and legislators to provide relief for those saddled with medical debt they cannot afford to repay.  However, I would be remiss if I did not point out a few of my concerns. First, we should recognize much of this debt has already been written off by healthcare providers as uncollectable and built into higher rates for ratepayers.

    Second, with a looming healthcare crisis and our growing crisis of affordability in Vermont, we should anticipate this debt financing program to grow which raises significant concerns about future appropriations and where the funding will come from.

    Finally, now that we have created this million-dollar program, we may be disincentivizing repayment because of a misperception that “the State” will eventually pay for it.

    Again, I very much appreciate the intent and immediate benefits of S.27 to Vermonters, but we will need to manage this program effectively and pair it with real reforms.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    On May 15, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and sent the following letter to the General Assembly:

    Dear Ms. Wrask:

    Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program, without my signature because of my objections described herein:

    I have no objection to providing family support programs for incarcerated parents and guardians, however, this bill violates the constitutionally mandated, separation of powers by attempting to obligate the Governor to include funding in the annual budget submission to the Legislature.

    The Vermont Constitution Chapter II, Section 20 is clear. The Legislature has no authority to direct the Governor on how to establish funding and policy priorities in the Governor’s budget submission. For this reason, I cannot allow this bill to go into law.

    I met with several lawmakers to notify them of my intent to veto the bill and provided assurances that, because this program was also included in the budget (H.493, Sec E.338.1), it will move forward in FY26 as planned. I would also welcome the Legislature to send me the bill again with the change, if preferred, or address it next session.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    On May 15, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and sent the following letter to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions:

    Dear Chair Emmons,

    I want to explain my veto of H.219, An act relating to establishing the Department of Corrections’ Family Support Program and provide a path forward.

    As I noted in my letter to the House Clerk, my objection to this bill relates solely to Section 2 of H.219 which imposes upon the Governor an obligation to include funding annually for this program in the Governor’s recommended budget to the General Assembly. Constitutional objections aside, which obviously prompted the veto, this funding would be required regardless of other budget constraints or competing policy priorities.

    As a policy matter, I support the Legislature’s intent to provide parents and guardians who are incarcerated, with access to services and programs that strengthen family connections. H.219 codifies an existing family support program operating since 2003 at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility known as the Lund Kids-A-Part Parenting Program (KAPP). The goal is to expand this model to other Department of Corrections facilities in order to reduce recidivism and break intergenerational cycles of incarceration.  

    I have confirmed $390,000 in Justice Reinvestment Funds have been included in the “Big Bill” to fund both KAPP and a pilot program to benefit incarcerated fathers at the Northern State Correctional facility, which I support.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    Philip B. Scott

    Governor

    To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2025 legislative session, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thomas Day State Historic Site Debuts New Tour Schedule

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Thomas Day State Historic Site Debuts New Tour Schedule

    Thomas Day State Historic Site Debuts New Tour Schedule
    jejohnson6

    Thomas Day State Historic Site is pleased to announce that starting May 13, the site will offer regularly scheduled walk-in tours to visitors for the first time. Previously, tours were available by advance reservation only. Acquired by the N.C. Division of State Historic Sites in 2024, the site is still under development and will continue to expand opportunities for the public to learn about the life and times of Thomas Day.

    Thomas Day State Historic Site is at 148 NC-57 in Milton, N.C.

    Guided tours will be available Tuesday-Saturday, at 10 and 11 a.m., noon, and 2 and 3 p.m. All tours will begin at the Thomas Day House. The tour fee is $2 for adults and $1 for children, seniors, and military. Groups of 10 or more who would like a tour should call or email the site in advance to schedule a visit.

    “Our staff has been working diligently behind the scenes for months to ready the site for this next stage,” said site manager DeAsia Noble. “We are thrilled that visitors to Milton can now drop in, take a tour, and learn about the remarkable life of Thomas Day.”

    About Thomas Day State Historic Site
    Thomas Day State Historic Site interprets the life and work of Thomas Day, a free Black master craftsman who was renowned for his skill and artistry in creating furniture in antebellum North Carolina. The site consists of Day’s house and workshop, as well as the Historic Milton State Bank building. The site is located at 148 NC-57 in Milton, N.C. For more information, visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/thomas-day-state-historic-site or call (336) 592-8120.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Future Waters Gallery Opens May 23 at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Future Waters Gallery Opens May 23 at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

    Future Waters Gallery Opens May 23 at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
    jejohnson6

    PINE KNOLL SHORES

    The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores announces the grand opening of its newly reimagined Future Waters gallery, opening to the public on May 23. After three years of meticulous planning, design, and construction, the gallery promises an immersive, hands-on experience that connects guests directly with the Aquarium’s conservation and sustainability efforts. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The highly anticipated, brightly colored, comic-themed gallery is a transformative addition to the Aquarium’s visitor experience. The gallery features interactive exhibits, a 1,500-gallon saltwater coral reef habitat called Conservation Cove, and working labs that highlight the Aquarium’s sustainable aquaculture efforts and the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP).

    “Before this gallery, much of our conservation work took place behind the scenes. This updated gallery now highlights these efforts and provides guests with interactive opportunities to experience these amazing ongoing conservation projects,” said Clint Taylor, NCAPKS director.

    The Future Waters gallery was made possible by a $240,808 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the largest ever awarded to the North Carolina Aquariums by the IMLS.

    Interactive Learning
    At the heart of the gallery is a focus on education and future-focused conservation themes.

    The design features large-scale, sculptural coral reefs, a projection mapping interactive where visitors can touch icons that trigger comic-style animations explaining each step in the aquaculture process, videos that interpret coral restoration and aquaculture, interactive microscope, a 360-degree interactive video kiosk that puts guests underwater during coral restoration, and many other tactile components.

    The ACT Lab:
    A major highlight of the gallery is the Aquarium Conservation and Technology (ACT) Lab. The ACT Lab invites visitors to observe aquarists as they raise marine species from eggs laid within the Aquarium’s habitats.

    “Since initiating the aquaculture program across the NC Aquariums Division, the team has propagated over 23 different species collectively. Many of them have been shared with numerous facilities throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) community through larval rearing programs and species survival plans,” Trent Boyette, NCAPKS husbandry curator.

    The Coral Lab:
    In the adjacent lab, guests can view live corals growing as part of the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP). The FRTRP Lab in Future Waters will serve as a grow-out facility for endangered corals.

    Currently, there are approximately eight approved spawning facilities and over 20 grow-out facilities with increasing numbers of participants every year. The ultimate goal of the FRTRP is to spawn these corals, grow them up, and then return them to the Florida Keys in hopes of restoring the area’s coral reef.

    The new Future Waters gallery will open to the public on May 23. General admission and membership reservations can be made online in advance by visiting www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores.

    About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
    The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
    jejohnson6

    A man who served as governor, U.S. Senator and university president soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The marker commemorating Terry Sanford will be unveiled Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m., during a roadside ceremony at the intersection of NC 751 and Science Drive in Durham.

    Sanford, who served as governor of North Carolina from 1961-65, also served his state and country in numerous roles throughout his public career.  

    Born Aug. 20, 1917, in Laurinburg, N.C., Sanford was the second of five children in a middle-class family. He attended Presbyterian Junior College (now St. Andrews Presbyterian College) and then the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating from the latter in 1939. While at the UNC, Sanford met fellow student Margaret Rose Knight, whom he would marry in 1942, and the couple would have two children.

    Following graduation, Sanford entered the University of North Carolina School of Law. While continuing to study law, Sanford joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in December 1941 and after training, he was assigned to duty in Ohio and Missouri. Following the entry of the United States into World War II, Sanford enlisted in the Army on the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned first to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment as a medic, and then to the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In the latter regiment, he saw combat in Italy, southern France, and Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge).

    Following the war, Sanford reentered law school and graduated from the university in 1946. He was admitted to the state bar later in the year. Already entertaining ambitions to one day run for governor, he became assistant director of the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Government before becoming a full-time attorney in Fayetteville. He also served as a captain in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  

    A slow but steady rise in the Democratic Party of North Carolina and state government followed over the next few years, including a job in the North Carolina State Ports Authority, presidency of the North Carolina Young Democratic Clubs, state senator representing the 10th District, and campaign manager for former governor W. Kerr Scott’s successful 1954 run for the U.S. Senate, culminating with his successful run for governor in 1960.

    In December 1969, he was selected to be the new president of Duke University. Upon inauguration, he immediately ended a cap on the number of Jewish students who could be enrolled at the school. Facing a budget deficit and a small endowment, he worked to attract more students, increase enrollment, and increase annual donations. He also sought to improve relations between the student body and the administration, declaring opposition to the Vietnam War, supporting peaceful protest, and increasing student involvement in administration operations. He established the Institute of Policy Studies and Public Affairs, now the Sanford School of Public Policy.

    In 1986, Sanford was elected to the U.S. Senate. He supported efforts to bring about an end to the civil war in Nicaragua and created an International Commission for Central American Recovery and Development to promote regional development under the oversight of the Center for International Development Research at Duke University. As in the case of the North Carolina Fund, the commission would be funded by private philanthropy. The commission became informally known as the “Sanford Commission,” although he was not a member. He also participated in efforts to recruit Democratic candidates for the 1988 presidential election. He ran for reelection in 1992 but lost to Republican candidate Lauch Faircloth.

    Sanford devoted his remaining years to law and teaching at Duke. He died of cancer at home on April 18, 1998, and was interred at Duke Chapel.

    For more information about the historical marker, please visit  https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/07/10/terry-sanford-1917-1998-g-144, or call (919) 814-6625  

    The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Weber Announces KEY Funding for Sabine Neches Navigation District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that he secured $172.711,000 through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan for the Sabine-Neches Navigation District. These funds will be used to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2014. The Sabine-Neches Navigation District is authorized to execute the federal share of the project funding, allowing faster, more efficient progress on this critical infrastructure.

    “This is a great day for Southeast Texas, and we are glad President Trump is back in office to prioritize critical projects like the Sabine-Neches Waterway, one of the most vital waterway systems in the country,” said Rep. Weber. “This funding will strengthen America’s energy and national security, continue to grow our economy, and support jobs right here at home. I am proud to fight for the funding our region needs to remain the commerce and energy leader for decades. Again, thank you, President Trump.”

    “I want to express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, OMB Director Vought and Congressman Weber for their confidence in The Sabine-Neches Navigation District,” said Randy Reese, CEO of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “Our entire team, and my COO Matthew Kaufman have worked diligently for decades to prepare us to answer this call.  Southeast Texas’ strength is its people, its industry and its ports. The recognition and responsibility The White House has put on our shoulders is humbling, and we will not let the nation down.”

    “This $172,711,000 in federal funding and its pivotal language authorizing the Sabine-Neches Navigation District to execute continued construction, directly utilizing federal funds, is effective and efficient, said Matthew Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “It will expedite the deepening of America’s most vital energy and military ship channel – all the way to 48 feet.  We will ensure these hard earned tax dollars strengthen our nation for all Americans and answer President Trump’s call to Unleash American Energy Dominance.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Higgins Announces Army Corps Funding for South Louisiana Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that South Louisiana waterway projects will receive robust funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 2025 Army Civil Work Plan.

    “Maintaining our ports and waterways is an investment in our future,” said Congressman Higgins. “My office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders to prioritize funding for dredging and waterway projects in South Louisiana. The FY25 Work Plan provides critical support for our ports, waterways, locks, and flood control infrastructure across Louisiana’s 3rd District. We will continue to push for the economic success of South Louisiana and our nation by funding our maritime infrastructure.”

    Operation & Maintenance projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District were awarded:

    • $48,541,000 for the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black,
    • $7,276,000 for Bayou Lafourche and Lafourche Jump Waterway,
    • $1,035,000 for Bayou Teche and Vermilion River,
    • $2,082,000 for Bayou Teche,
    • $34,559,314 for the Calcasieu River and Pass,
    • $15,432,000 for Fresh Water Bayou,
    • $26,159,000 for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
    • $14,967,000 for Houma Navigation Canal,
    • $10,597,000 for the Mermentau River,
    • $17,000 for the Waterway from Intracoastal Waterway to Bayou Dulac.

    Construction projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District were awarded:

    • $9,000,000 to continue sediment disposal site construction for the Calcasieu River and Pass project.

    Investigation projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District were awarded:

    • $2,000,000 to continue preconstruction engineering and design at the Port of Iberia.

    Mississippi River and Tributaries projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District were awarded:

    • $650,000 for completion of the floodwall analysis for the Atchafalaya Basin project,
    • $7,761,000 for the design and construction of feature three for Morganza to the Gulf,
    • $1,613,000 for operations and maintenance of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System,
    • $31,197,000 for channel enhancements and guidewall repairs on the Atchafalaya Basin project.

    MIL OSI USA News –