NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors Law Enforcement for Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, and law enforcement officers everywhere, in recognition of National Police Week (May 11-17), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (observed May 15th every year).

    This year, Congresswoman Amata is cosponsoring two Resolutions expressing support for professional law enforcement officers and honoring their vital role in the safety of communities, that are being introduced during Police Week. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin (final passage in Consolidated Appropriations, Public Law 116-94, signed by President Trump). In April of this year, Congress passed the yearly Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds for this year’s 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

    “My heartfelt thank you to all of our law enforcement officers as we observe this National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a time of crisis, we look to you. That fact means you deserves our strong support, including the best in training and preparation activities, and high quality equipment and facilities. When there is a need, our officers rush toward it, including the possibility of danger. As a free and law-abiding society, we depend on honorable, dedicated officers that protect and serve. May God bless our police, law enforcement and peace officers daily, and especially keep them safe in times of crisis.” 

    “We also specially think of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We respect, honor, and remember their sacrifice, and pray for their families and memories.” 

    HISTORY: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil, which is May 13th this year, for fallen officers. The Memorial, dedicated in 1991, currently has the names of more than 24,000 officers carved into the walls, with names added yearly, as part of National Police Week. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial site. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Raises Red Flags Over Exorbitant Kennedy Center Funding Proposal as Trump Moves to Dismantle Arts Agencies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member on the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee, is voicing skepticism and concern over Republicans’ budget reconciliation proposal for the Kennedy Center–which is nearly six times more than the annual funding appropriated through the Subcommittee. 

    “It’s hard to ignore the red flags here. While the Trump Administration is gunning to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities entirely, cancelling arts grants already allocated, and censoring exhibits at the Smithsonian, Republicans are quietly pushing through an exorbitant $256 million allocation for the Kennedy Center—six times what Congress typically appropriates,” said Pingree. “While I appreciate President Trump’s interest in the Center’s future and the dire need for funding, we must ensure that funds appropriated by Congress are truly benefitting the artists and audiences that make the Kennedy Center great. We need transparency on how this money would be spent and assurance it’s not being used to reward loyalty or bankroll pet projects under the guise of cultural investment.”

    On Tuesday, Pingree sent a letter to Richard Grenell, a Trump ally who was installed as President of the Kennedy Center in February, demanding answers and transparency. The full letter is available here and copied below. 

    Pingree, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Arts Caucus, has been vocal about her strong opposition to President Trump’s attacks on the arts. In a statement on Saturday, she said the Administration’s decision to abruptly cancel NEA grants is an outrageous attack on our nation’s cultural heritage and a reckless decision that will hurt local economies across the country.

    +++

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Slams DOGE’s Plans to Gut NPS Funding for Tribes, Climate Resilience

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is sounding the alarm over illegal plans by Elon Musk’s rogue “agency” to gut grant funding for the National Park Service. Many of the grants, including two in Maine, targeted by DOGE for elimination aimed to support Tribes and protect public lands from the impacts of climate change. Pingree, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the National Park Service, released the following statement: 

    “DOGE has no constitutional power, no codified mission, and absolutely no authority to rescind funding already approved by Congress. That this rogue and unaccountable ‘agency’ can target $26 million in grant funding from the National Park Service for elimination—money that would’ve been used to support Tribes and Indigenous history and help protect public lands from the effects of climate change—is as enraging as it is outrageous. 

    “Two of the grants on the Administration’s chopping block are for Maine-based projects that aimed to amplify Indigenous voices—and highlight the critical role these communities have played in drawing attention to the impacts of climate change in our state. 

    “Both of these initiatives, along with nearly 100 other programs across the country, are now in jeopardy. All because this Administration and Elon Musk believe they have the unchecked authority to cut or claw back any program that doesn’t adhere to their extreme MAGA agenda. 

    “My Democratic colleagues and I will do everything in our power to fight back against these illegal and indiscriminate cuts and ensure that this Congressionally-appropriated funding is delivered to the communities it was meant to serve.

    “Next week, when Secretary Burgum testifies before the Appropriations Committee, I expect him to explain why this Administration believes it has the right to ignore Congressional intent and undermine decades of bipartisan conservation efforts.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Begins Action To Remove Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products for Children from the Market

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 13, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that it is initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. Unlike toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses, these products are swallowed and ingested by infants and toddlers. They have also never been approved by the FDA. Ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome, which is of magnified concern given the early development of the gut microbiome in childhood. Other studies have suggested and association between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain and possibly decreased IQ.
    “The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome. For the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a child’s health,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “I am instructing our Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to evaluate the evidence regarding the risks of systemic fluoride exposure from FDA-regulated pediatric ingestible fluoride prescription drug products to better inform parents and the medical community on this emerging area. When it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety.”
    The agency has set a goal date of October 31 for completing a safety review and public comment period and for taking appropriate action regarding removal of these products from the market. In conjunction with this evaluation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to disseminate best practices for dental hygiene in children that are feasible, effective and do not alter gut health.
    “Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Makary for his leadership on this vital issue — one that directly safeguards the health and development of our children. This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Several states have taken action to stop fluoridation of drinking water, and fluoride is not added to drinking water in most of Europe or other countries of the world. This action by the FDA is consistent with Secretary Kennedy’s Make American Healthy Again effort to ensure children grow up in a healthy environment.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    05/13/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH researchers discover a new tissue biomarker for aggressive breast cancer risk and poorer survival

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory
    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    Using artificial intelligence, scientists characterized tissue samples from more than 9,000 women.
    What
    Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a series of changes in the architecture and cell composition of connective tissues of the breast, known as stromal tissue, that is associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancer among women with benign breast disease, and poorer rates of survival among women with invasive breast cancer. This process, which they call stromal disruption, could potentially be used as a biomarker to identify women with benign breast disease who are at high risk of developing aggressive breast cancers, as well as those with breast cancer who may be at increased risk of recurrence or death.
    Such insights could help inform the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies that target the stromal microenvironment. In addition, stromal disruption is inexpensive to assess and could be widely adopted, particularly in low-resource settings where molecular analysis is impractical or very expensive.
    In the study, the researchers used machine learning to detect subtle changes in the stroma of 4,023 donated samples of healthy breast tissue, 974 biopsies of tissue with benign breast disease, and 4,223 biopsies of tissue with invasive breast cancer.  

    In women who donated healthy breast tissue, the same risk factors associated with aggressive breast cancer— including younger age, having two or more children, being self-reported as Black, obesity, and family history—were also associated with increased stromal disruption, suggesting that those risk factors may act via a common stromal tissue pathway.
    In women with benign breast disease, having substantial stromal disruption on biopsy was associated with a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer and more rapid onset of breast cancer than having minimal or no stromal disruption.
    In women with invasive breast cancer, increased stromal disruption was associated with more aggressive disease phenotypes and poorer survival outcomes, particularly for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype.

    The researchers noted that factors such as chronic inflammation and wound healing play a role in stromal disruption. They emphasized the need for additional studies to determine whether strategies to prevent these tissue changes from occurring, such as lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory medications, might be beneficial to reduce aggressive breast cancer risk, particularly among high-risk women.
    Who
    Mustapha Abubakar, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
    Reference
    “Unraveling the role of stromal disruption in aggressive breast cancer etiology and outcomes” appears May 14, 2025, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
    About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of people with cancer. NCI supports a wide range of cancer research and training extramurally through grants and contracts. NCI’s intramural research program conducts innovative, transdisciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research on the causes of cancer, avenues for prevention, risk prediction, early detection, and treatment, including research at the NIH Clinical Center—the world’s largest research hospital. Learn more about the intramural research done in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s contact center at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia

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

    THE TRUMP EFFECT
    $600,000,000,000

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eN4KpwlvpY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Participates in a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum

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

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj1QOz3iuCE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board announces termination of enforcement action with Perry County Bancorp Inc. and Du Quoin State Bank

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

    Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock (
    Lock
    Locked padlock icon

    ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Delivering on the Governor’s Affordability Committments

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul is celebrating a FY 2026 New York State Budget that delivers all of the Governor’s affordability commitments and will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of millions of families on Long Island over the coming year and beyond. These huge wins include drastically expanding the size of New York’s Child Tax Credit, including tripling the credit for children four and under, cutting taxes for 1.2 million middle class Long Islanders, and sending inflation refund checks directly to 1.3 million households on Long Island.

    “The cost of living is too damn high for Long Island families, so I promised to put more money in your pockets — and we got it done,” Governor Hochul said.“Putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families means helping Long Islanders afford the rising costs of groceries, raising kids, and just enjoying life. When I said your family is my fight, I meant it – and I’ll never stop fighting for you.”

    The Governor’s FY 2026 Enacted Budget totals $254 billion and does not raise income taxes — all while delivering nearly $4 billion in affordability relief statewide. On Long Island, that means direct benefits for hundreds of thousands of families, workers, and students.

    Expanding New York’s Child Tax Credit
    The FY 2026 State Budget includes Governor Hochul’s plan to give 215,000 Long Island families an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child from four through sixteen. This is the largest expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit in its history — benefitting approximately 355,000 children on Long Island. Governor Hochul’s expansion of the credit will significantly increase the size of the average credit going out to families, helping cut child poverty statewide by upward of 8 percent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adding More Affordable Mixed-Use Housing in Brooklyn

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of Logan Fountain, a new affordable housing development in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn. The $214 million project transformed a vacant parcel into affordable apartments, transitional housing for homeless families, and new retail space. With 343 total units, the new building includes 173 affordable apartments and 169 units of transitional housing, as well as one unit reserved for a superintendent. The development is a city-state project with investments from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), and New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Since the Governor has taken office, HCR has financed over 7,600 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Logan Fountain continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “It’s simple: the only way to address the housing crisis is to build more housing,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve a safe, stable and affordable home. By working together with Mayor Adams and our partners in New York City, we can address the needs of New Yorkers and create the types of modern and sustainable homes that uplift communities and allow families to grow.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Every day, we are working to make New York City more affordable, and our whole-of-government approach is allowing us to partner with Governor Hochul and the state today to deliver over 340 units of affordable and transitional housing. This project will provide exactly the type of long-term stability our families need to help them thrive — providing them access to on-site services, resources, and housing. We are thrilled to open this world-class building with crucial supports and energy efficient designs that will make a lasting impact on hundreds of families, and which will serve as a model for how we can smartly address our decades-long housing crisis.”

    Apartments are available to households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Of the 173 affordable apartments, there are 105 supportive apartments with onsite social services including case management, career counseling, mental health support, and referrals to healthcare. Logan Fountain was designed to appeal to families of different sizes and has a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, the building includes ground-floor retail, play areas, fitness space, and a courtyard.

    Logan Fountain will also host 169 units of transitional housing for families. Designed with trauma-informed principles, HELP New Leaf will offer critical support for families including clinical care, employment counseling, and housing placement support.

    Logan Fountain’s sustainability measures include rooftop solar panels for on-site energy generation, a Variant Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system that captures and repurposes heat already in the environment, as well as ENERGY STAR (r) appliances.

    The project to redevelop the vacant site into a mixed-use hub for families was identified in the New York City Department of City Planning’s East New York Neighborhood Plan. The project’s developer is Hudson Companies, Jericho Project is providing the onsite support services, and HELP USA is operating the transitional housing within the building.

    The 173 affordable and supportive apartments at Logan Fountain are supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program which generated nearly $50 million in equity and $18 million of long-term bond financing from its Housing Finance Agency.

    The site is also participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and will be eligible for approximately $9 million in tax credits to be issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Operational funding for the 105 supportive apartments is being provided by the New York City 15/15 Supportive Housing Program. DSS’s 30-year contract facilitates financing for the development and not-for-profit ownership of the 169 units of transitional housing.

    Additional support included $24 million from HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, $1 million in discretionary capital funding from the New York City Council, and over $150,000 in incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “HCR’s investment in affordable housing will bring benefits to Brooklyn’s Cypress Hills community for generations to come. With affordable apartments, family-friendly amenities, and energy-efficient features, Logan Fountain demonstrates the potential housing can have on the lives of New Yorkers and the future of our neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to addressing the housing crisis in Brooklyn, and we appreciate the continued collaboration and support from City Hall and our partner agencies.”

    NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris said, “Reimagining vacant infrastructure by incorporating the latest sustainable building technologies moves New York State forward in its just and equitable transition to a clean energy economy. The transformation of Logan Fountain will help to meet the diverse, local needs of the Brooklyn community, while creating comfortable, and affordable spaces for future generations.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Cleaning up environmental pollution in communities like Brooklyn unlocks investments in critical needs like affordable housing, transitional housing services, and commercial development. New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a vital tool that supports community revitalization across the state and the Logan Fountain project in Cypress Hills is a prime example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while also protecting public health and the environment.”

    New York City Housing Preservation and Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said, “Turning a former gas station into the largest project of its kind in New York City with affordable homes, supportive services, and transitional shelter all under one roof shows what real public-private partnership can deliver. Logan Fountain is a powerful example of what’s possible when we rethink how underused land can serve our communities. These 105 supportive homes, along with critical onsite care, reflect a new model for housing that prioritizes stability, dignity, and opportunity.”

    New York City Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter said, “The Logan Fountain is an exemplary project that transforms underutilized city space into much-needed supportive and transitional housing for vulnerable families. At DHS, we are committed to reimagining the shelter system through innovative high-quality models and strong provider partnerships that enhance our delivery of services and strengthen pathways to long-term housing stability for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to our partners at HELP USA, The Hudson Companies, and others as we continue to raise the bar on the physical infrastructure of our shelter system.”

    U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has generated $68 million to help build Logan Fountain in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn — a new development with 174 affordable apartments and a 169-unit family shelter with on-site support services. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, especially for vulnerable New Yorkers, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources needed for more affordable housing options.”

    State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “This is an incredible addition to the Cypress Hills neighborhood. By providing affordable housing alongside comprehensive wraparound services, Logan Fountain sets a standard for how we should address community needs — strengthening families, supporting vulnerable New Yorkers, and building more resilient neighborhoods.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “I am thrilled to see what was once a vacant gas station transformed into a vibrant mixed-use facility with more than 300 units of housing, including transitional housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. Logan Fountain’s unique financing embodies the innovative thinking we need more of to make a dent in our housing crisis. I am so thankful to Governor Hochul and NYS Homes and Community Renewal for supporting Logan Fountain and their long-term commitment to building desperately needed housing in Brooklyn.”

    New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse said, “Logan Fountain will bring hundreds of much-needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing units to Brooklyn. I am particularly grateful that forty-one percent of the units will be family sized units, which will help stem the exodus of primarily Black families from the city. This project will help stabilize those most in need of permanent housing and allow families to put down roots in East New York.”

    Hudson Companies President David Kramer said, “Logan Fountain stands as the largest project of its kind in New York City — a truly groundbreaking achievement that brings much-needed housing and social services to East New York. Today’s ribbon-cutting marks the transformation of a long-vacant site into a vibrant, mixed-use development designed to support and uplift our most vulnerable residents and tackle the city’s housing crisis. We’re deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her support in bringing this development to life and to The Jericho Project and Help USA for their vital role in delivering these essential social services.

    Jericho Project CEO Tori Lyon said, “Jericho Project is honored to provide support to the 105 families residing in Logan Fountain’s supportive housing complex — a critical initiative made possible through strong public and private partnership. Through our integrated service model – which includes mental health care, employment support, family counseling, and housing stabilization – our experienced staff will help ensure these families have the tools and support necessary to thrive.”

    HELP USA President and CEO Dan Lehman said, “HELP New Leaf Family Shelter at Logan Fountain is a powerful example of what’s possible when the City and State work in true partnership with nonprofits and private developers. This shelter stands on the site of HELP 1 — our very first family shelter — which opened in the 1980s and set a national standard for transitional housing. As we celebrate HELP USA’s 40th anniversary and our work serving more than 30,000 people each year, New Leaf reflects all we’ve learned since then — a new model of care, services, and design built to meet the complex needs of today’s families. Logan Fountain is more than a building — it’s a commitment to dignity, stability, and opportunity for families rebuilding their lives.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the Fiscal Year FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Over 300 communities have currently been certified, including the City of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Introduces Regulatory Accountability Act to Rein in Unelected Bureaucrats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) today introduced the Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) to reform federal rulemaking by curbing agency overreach, restoring congressional authority, and ensuring that regulations are transparent and lawful while preventing agencies from bypassing Congress and the Constitution.
    “For too long, unelected bureaucrats have been writing binding rules with little accountability to Congress or the American people,” said Lankford. “Now that the Court has ended Chevron, it’s time for Congress to step up and make that accountability permanent. Small businesses in Oklahoma deserve certainty and clarity, not burdensome red tape from Washington. The Regulatory Accountability Act ensures that agencies follow the law, not write it.”
    “This bill restores accountability to a regulatory process that has become overly complex and burdensome, especially for small businesses and workers,” said Johnson. “It reins in unelected bureaucrats by ensuring major regulations receive proper scrutiny and cost analysis before taking effect. Increasing transparency and simplifying the regulatory process will further economic growth for all Americans.”
    Background:
    The Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) modernizes the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), first enacted in 1946, to require transparency, cost-benefit analysis, and consistent procedures across the board. It also restores independent judicial review, ensuring courts don’t blindly defer to agency interpretations of law.
    The RAA focuses on three core areas: improving the rulemaking process, increasing transparency, and restoring judicial independence.
    Key provisions include:
    New rules must be directly tied to a law passed by Congress, not a broad grant of unchecked authority to the agency
    Improves the Congressional Review Act (CRA) requirements to simplify timeliness and the submission process
    Ending rulemaking through informal guidance documents
    Guaranteeing adequate public comment periods and data disclosure
    Requiring courts to review agency interpretations de novo rather than deferentially
    Lankford previously introduced the RAA in 2023.
    You can read the full text of the Regulatory Accountability Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ATLANTA – Six members of a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for their roles in distributing deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

    “These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office will continue to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute drug traffickers and prevent dangerous narcotics from poisoning our communities.”

    “These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine,” Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case. “DEA will continue to aggressively pursue the criminals that contribute to the drug crisis.”

    “This case highlights the critical role Homeland Security Investigations plays in dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The defendants in this case were responsible for introducing massive quantities of deadly narcotics into the metro-Atlanta area—methamphetamine that was trafficked across borders, chemically altered, and distributed without regard for the devastating impact on public health and safety. Through the combined efforts of HSI and our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve disrupted a dangerous supply chain and brought key members of this organization to justice.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2022, federal special agents discovered that a drug trafficking organization (DTO) was distributing drugs obtained from a Mexico-based supplier throughout metro-Atlanta. These drugs included methamphetamine which arrived from Mexico in liquid form and was converted to crystal methamphetamine.

    During an early phase of the investigation, defendant Erik Rosales-Lopez was arrested in December 2022 at a residence used to process liquid methamphetamine that had been mixed with paint. Rosales Lopez had distributed methamphetamine on three previous occasions, including to an undercover agent. During a search of his residence, investigators seized 11 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine. 

    In April 2023, agents surveilled defendants Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza as they left a residence believed to be used as a methamphetamine lab. Local law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop of their vehicle. Police officers seized approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Agents later searched the residence as well and, while doing so, confirmed that the location was a methamphetamine lab. The agents found approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine and methamphetamine conversion equipment on the premises.

    Following the arrests of Garcia-Picasso and Pacheco-Carranza, agents continued to investigate the DTO. In June 2023, defendant Alex Chamorro-Valencia was arrested after a search of a vehicle he was driving was found to contain nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigators also searched the residence from which he was seen departing and discovered a second methamphetamine lab used by the DTO. Agents recovered 15 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and 135 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine in the residence. Defendant Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was encountered in the residence and arrested.  

    The following defendants were convicted and sentenced:

    • Juventino Rodriguez was sentenced earlier today by U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert to 54 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Rodriguez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl after he pled guilty on December 19, 2024.
    • Garcia-Picasso was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown to 12-and-a-half years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Garcia-Picasso was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on November 7, 2023.
    • Pacheco-Carranza was sentenced by Judge Brown to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pacheco-Carranza was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on January 18, 2024.
    • Chamorro-Valencia was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Chamorro-Valencia was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on October 16, 2023.
    • Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was sentenced by Judge Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Gameno-Cortez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on February 28, 2024.
    • Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Rosales-Lopez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on July 31, 2023.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Clayton County Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Howard, prosecuted the case. 

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates.  The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi unveils roadmap for deepening cooperation with LAC countries 2025-05-13 22:12:54 Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday announced the launch of five programs to advance shared development and revitalization with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum and delivers a keynote speech at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday announced the launch of five programs to advance shared development and revitalization with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.

    The five programs, ranging from solidarity, development and civilization to peace and people-to-people connectivity, were announced by Xi when delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing.

    In 2015, Xi and LAC delegates attended the opening ceremony of the first ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, which marked the launch of the forum.

    On Solidarity Program, Xi said China is willing to strengthen solidarity with LAC countries and continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, to firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and to speak with one voice in international and regional affairs.

    In the next three years, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China to facilitate exchanges on national governance best practices, Xi said.

    On Development Program, China is willing to work with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation, Xi said.

    Noting that the two sides should foster greater synergy between their development strategies and expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said China will import more quality products from LAC countries and encourage Chinese enterprises to expand their investment in the region.

    On Civilization Program, Xi called for joint implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative. He said both sides should uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, champion humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and enhance China-LAC civilizational exchanges and mutual learning, including through a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue.

    On Peace Program, Xi called for joint implementation of the Global Security Initiative. He said both sides should cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organized crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region.

    On People-to-People Connectivity Program, Xi said in the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge program, initiate 300 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education.

    China has decided to offer a visa-free policy to five LAC countries, and will expand the policy to cover more regional countries in due course, Xi said.

    Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia, the CELAC rotating chair, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, addressed the event respectively.

    Special representative of Yamandu Orsi, president of Uruguay, the incoming CELAC rotating chair, read out the president’s congratulatory letter.

    Faced with a world full of uncertainties, LAC countries and China should work together to promote continuous new progress in building a community with a shared future, they said.

    Both sides should respect each other and firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and choosing their own development path, they said, calling for strengthening the synergy between the development strategies of LAC countries and the Belt and Road Initiative, and promoting cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, new energy and education.

    The two sides should also promote exchanges and dialogues among civilizations, safeguard the authority of the U.N., support multilateralism and free trade, and oppose unilateralism, protectionism, power politics and bullying to safeguard the common interests of the Global South, they added.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum and delivers a keynote speech at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with guests attending the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. Xi attended the opening ceremony of the meeting and delivered a keynote speech. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum and delivers a keynote speech at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and guests attend the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and guests attend the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro, also rotating president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    Chilean President Gabriel Boric delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Breaks Out Again — BexBack Empowers Traders to Ride the Momentum with 100x Leverage, No KYC, and Double Deposit Bonuses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin now holding strong above the $100,000 mark and flashing renewed bullish momentum on the daily chart, the market is once again sending a clear message: the bull run isn’t over. MACD crossover signals, strong price support at $96,000, and aggressive follow-through candles suggest that the next leg higher may already be underway.

    As traders across the globe rush to capitalize on breakout opportunities, BexBack, a fast-growing cryptocurrency derivatives platform, is offering the tools, flexibility, and rewards that modern traders demand — including 100x leverage, no KYC, and over 50 tradable crypto contracts.

    “This chart tells the story — the bulls are back, and momentum is accelerating,” said David, Operations Director at BexBack. “We want to give traders the ability to take full advantage of market conditions, with high leverage, instant access, and powerful trading incentives.”

    Key Features of BexBack:

    • 100x Leverage on 50+ Crypto Contracts
      Maximize capital efficiency by trading BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more with up to 100x leverage.
    • No KYC Required
      Register instantly with just an email. Trade anonymously without any identity verification process.
    • $100 Trading Bonus
      Make a deposit of at least 0.01 BTC or 1000 USDT and complete your first trade within one week to receive a $100 bonus — usable as margin.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus
      Double your first deposit with BexBack’s 100% bonus offer. For example, deposit 1 BTC and get 1 BTC in bonus margin (non-withdrawable, but usable for trading).
    • Zero Spread Execution
      All trades execute at the displayed price — no spread, no slippage, no surprises.
    • Demo Account with Virtual Funds
      New to futures trading? Start risk-free with 10 BTC or 1M USDT in demo funds and test your strategy before going live.
    • Global Coverage + 24/7 Support
      BexBack operates in 200+ countries and regions, with multilingual customer support available around the clock.

    The Market Is Moving — Are You?

    Bitcoin’s chart is clear: upward momentum is building, and technical indicators are aligning with market sentiment. While many traders are stuck watching from the sidelines, BexBack gives you the edge to enter positions with confidence and scale.

    About BexBack

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange headquartered in Singapore, offering perpetual contracts with up to 100x leverage on more than 50 digital assets. With its KYC-free registration, professional-grade infrastructure, and powerful bonus system, BexBack is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform is fully MSB-registered under U.S. FinCEN and is accessible across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond.

    Start trading now at www.bexback.com Claim your 100% deposit bonus + $100 Trading bonus and join the next wave of crypto opportunity.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. he statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ed2149c-d1b2-492e-a516-215b8143e422

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bbfcc703-a321-4444-9cc2-daaf313fde90

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52c6f6ee-aa9a-441c-ae63-1c2ea0df002b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Guelph General Hospital receives $300,000 from Alectra to assist in establishing a new women’s health diagnostic imaging centre

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. is proud to announce a $300,000 contribution over five years to help establish a new community-based medical centre including a diagnostic imaging centre at Guelph General Hospital (GGH). This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing access to critical women’s health services for residents of Guelph and Wellington County.

    This new centre, focused on preventative screening, diagnostics and intervention, will serve as a hub for women’s health imaging including breast and bone density imaging. The funding from Alectra will support the purchase of a second mammography machine, significantly expanding capacity for breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment support. By locating the facility in a community-based setting, with accessible parking and transit, the medical centre will help eliminate common barriers that prevent women from accessing life-saving screening services.

    “As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, Alectra is proud to continue its support for Guelph General Hospital with this transformative project,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “This new community-based diagnostic imaging centre will significantly enhance access to preventative care, ensuring more women in the region benefit from early detection services that are crucial for saving lives.”

    As one of only three Breast Assessment Centres in the region, GGH’s new facility will help ease pressure on neighbouring hospitals and address the growing demand for services, especially now that Ontario has lowered the breast cancer screening age to 40. The innovative centre will provide a full continuum of care, guiding patients from screening to biopsy to surgery, and will serve individuals across Guelph and surrounding communities.

    Julie Byczynski, Foundation CEO, spoke to the significance of this support. “This exciting new GGH medical centre is a huge leap forward for access to imaging services for our community, and requires significant start-up funding to support the purchase and installation of the new equipment. Therefore, having this generous commitment from Alectra underscores the vital role that corporate partners can play in helping build stronger, healthier communities.” Byczynski continued, “in this initial phase of the centre, the additional mammogram capacity of Guelph General is a huge win for women’s health locally. Increasing access and early screening will save lives.”

    Through its AlectraCARES Community Support Program, Alectra has been supporting the GGH Foundation since 2021, including a previous contribution to the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD). In 2022, Alectra furthered its commitment with a $180,000 donation to help reduce medical waste by funding the purchase of a new sterilization container system designed to minimize the waste generated from operating room surgeries.

    Guelph General Hospital announced in December 2024 that the medical centre would be located at the Speedvale Campus of Conestoga College in Guelph. With a fundraising goal of approximately $10 million, bringing this transformative vision to life will rely on the generosity of donors and strong community partnerships.

    About Alectra Inc.

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    X: https://x.com/alectranews

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3566edac-4318-414f-96f4-f61a641f75eb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HUMAIN and NVIDIA Announce Strategic Partnership to Build AI Factories of the Future in Saudi Arabia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HUMAIN, the new full AI value chain subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, today announced a landmark strategic partnership with NVIDIA, the world leader in AI computing infrastructure, to drive the next wave of artificial intelligence development.

    The two organizations will leverage NVIDIA platforms and expertise to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI, GPU cloud computing and digital transformation to drive innovation and growth worldwide.

    The partnership underscores HUMAIN’s mission to position Saudi Arabia as an international AI powerhouse — combining cutting-edge infrastructure, frontier AI models, immersive digital platforms and human capital development.

    Powering AI Factories of Tomorrow

    HUMAIN is making a major investment to build AI factories in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a projected capacity of up to 500 megawatts powered by several hundred thousand of NVIDIA’s most advanced GPUs over the next five years. The first phase of deployment will be an 18,000 NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell AI supercomputer with NVIDIA InfiniBand networking.

    These hyperscale AI data centers will provide a secure foundational infrastructure for training and deploying sovereign AI models at scale, enabling industries across Saudi Arabia and worldwide to accelerate innovation and digital transformation.

    Unlocking the Era of Physical AI With NVIDIA Omniverse

    HUMAIN will deploy the NVIDIA Omniverse™ platform as a multi-tenant system to drive acceleration of the new era of physical AI and robotics through simulation, optimization and operation of physical environments by new human-AI-led solutions. This will allow industries such as manufacturing, logistics and energy to create fully integrated digital twins, boosting efficiency, safety and sustainability while fast-tracking the Kingdom’s journey toward Industry 4.0.

    Enabling the Kingdom’s AI Ecosystem Through Workforce Transformation

    To support this transformation, HUMAIN and NVIDIA will collaborate on large-scale upskilling and training initiatives, providing thousands of Saudi citizens and developers with hands-on experience in advanced AI, simulation, robotics and digital twin technologies. This effort will contribute to building a robust national AI ecosystem and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and digital leadership.

    “AI, like electricity and internet, is essential infrastructure for every nation,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Together with HUMAIN, we are building AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom.”

    “We thank NVIDIA for their strategic partnership with the Kingdom. This collaboration with HUMAIN marks a turning point, building the AI factories of the future, unlocking compute and powering the next era of physical AI,” said His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. “This lays the groundwork for a new industrial revolution, anchored in advanced infrastructure, talent and global ambition. This is how Saudi Arabia continues to lead as a partner of choice in shaping the future of AI.”

    “Our partnership with NVIDIA is a bold step forward in realizing the Kingdom’s ambitions to lead in AI and advanced digital infrastructure,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. “Together, we are building the capacity, capability and a new globally enabled community to shape a future powered by intelligent technology and empowered people.”

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    About HUMAIN
    HUMAIN is a global artificial intelligence company delivering full-stack AI capabilities across four core areas — next-generation data centers, hyper-performance infrastructure and cloud platforms, advanced AI models, including the world’s most advanced Arabic multimodal LLMs, and transformative AI Solutions that combine deep sector insight with real-world execution.

    HUMAIN’s end-to-end model serves both public and private sector organizations, unlocking exponential value across all industries, driving transformation and strengthening capabilities through human-AI synergies. With a growing portfolio of sector-specific AI products and a core mission to drive IP leadership and talent supremacy world-wide, HUMAIN is engineered for global competitiveness and national distinction.

    HUMAIN is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with presence in the USA and Europe; offices opening soon.

    For further information, contact:
    Corporate Communications
    NVIDIA Corporation
    press@nvidia.com

    Charles Palmer, FTI
    charles.palmer@fticonsulting.com
    +44 7976 743360

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits and impact of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; the partnership between NVIDIA and HUMAIN and the impact and benefits thereof; and HUMAIN and NVIDIA building the AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo and NVIDIA Omniverse are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on Kudlow: “We’re so fortunate to have President Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss how President Trump is delivering wins for the American people left and right.
    Read excerpts from the interview below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    KUDLOW: “The great Alabama Senator, Mr. Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, welcome, sir, as always. You know, Charles Payne was on in the first segment of the show, and he was talking about ‘Pax Americana’ and, you know, listing things that Mr. Trump is getting done. India, Pakistan, perhaps a ceasefire deal, the last American hostage being released by Hamas, the potential for, you know, Zelensky-Putin meeting, Trump himself might broker it. President Trump will be in the Middle East and maybe something is cooking with Iran. Is there a ‘Pax Americana’ back on? Is Mr. Trump reordering the chaos of the world under Biden into something resembling, you know, peace and prosperity and America first?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, Larry. Don’t forget about the Abraham Accords. I think that might be one of the reasons he’s going to see the Saudis and bounce around the Middle East, but I don’t know how he keeps up with it. It’s hard for us here in the States to keep up with what’s going on. From the tariffs to the wars to the, you know, great big beautiful bill—it is mind boggling. But I’m enjoying every bit of bit of it. The Democrats are running for cover. We dealt for four years with somebody that had no negotiation skills. Now we got somebody that just loves to do it. He eats and breathes it, and we’re so fortunate to have President Trump as President.”
    KUDLOW: “So, think about this, on the home front, I guess, but it’s also international affairs. Basically, in the same four- or five-day period, we got a very good trade deal with the United Kingdom, and we have a 90-day pause and a significant easing of tariffs with China and the US. What do you make of that?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, and there’s about 30 to 35 [countries] Larry. I know for a fact they’re lined up ready to make deals with the United States. We’re controlling it, and we should, you know—[…] we’re the grocery store of the world. You know, we make everything in terms of being able to make it available to other people. Now, we’ve got to get in the manufacturing business again—that’s what President Trump’s doing all this for. But we’ve got to be choosy with it. But in my state of Alabama, I have people coming every day about new manufacturing ideas [saying] ‘We wanna move it here from either Ireland or Germany.’ It is amazing how much busier we are here in the Senate as Republicans [who are] wanting to bring [manufacturing] back and on the contrary of what the Democrats just tried to say, ‘No, we don’t want you here. We wanna raise all of our food out of the country, put our farmers out of business.’ It is totally different than what it was six months ago.”
    KUDLOW: “So, nobody really talks much about it, but President Trump has raised $4 or $5 trillion dollars for American investment. He’s gone to the Middle East and so forth. He’ll probably raise, I don’t know, a couple trillion dollars more. I’m just guessing, but that’s part of the deal. The tax changes, the tax policy coming out of the Ways and Means Committee will provide incentives for those people who invest in the United States. So, there’s a tide of onshoring that seems to be coming not only from foreign relations and trade relations, but also just tax incentive relations. Where, you know, this is unheard of. This is unseen. It all goes hand in glove. Trump is taking advantage of this. What do you make of it? Can it all pass the Senate? I guess that’s my final thought. Is it gonna get through the Senate?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, all the tax incentives normally come from the states, in which they still do. President Trump’s doing it on a national level. You know, the Opportunity Zones, all those things that he’s put into place. But right now, they’re negotiating [potential reforms to] Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that everybody are a little bit worried about. But always remember this—there’s really, as we’ve looked at all this, it’s all about reform. We have algorithms now that can go into the Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid that can be hooked up to these machines that can make sure that we can cut out all this fraud and all this nonsense with people getting on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, that shouldn’t be on it. We’re not in the 20th century. This is the 21st century, and all those things will kick in this year. You don’t hear much talk about AI in that area, but Larry, we will get it passed. It’s gonna be tough. We have to get cuts. We cannot pass a bill that does not have cuts in it. We’ve got to cut back somewhere close to the 2019 budget [spending levels]. And if we don’t do that, I don’t know how we can save the country, but President Trump is all for that, but he wants to do it in the right spot.”
    KUDLOW: “But, Senator Tuberville, you know, able-bodied young men should not be on Medicaid. They should not be on Medicaid and the expansion of eligibility. So that’s not a cut really, sir. That’s enforcing the eligibility mandate, which Barack Obama tried to break. Now you all have a chance to put it back together again. And Medicaid is still gonna grow significantly. It’s just gonna grow by slightly less. It’s not really a cut. It’s just a slowdown in the phenomenal, bankrupting growth.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, illegals are on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Everything that goes along with people that, as you said, are sitting around at home, watching The View on television, getting [EBT] cards, food stamps, and on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid—that’s got to be over with. Our country is not gonna make it. We cannot afford [for] that to happen, and President Trump is all about that. That’s what the House is pushing very hard. All the reforms that you just talked about have to be in there, but we cannot afford to take care of the world. Let’s take care of the people in this country first and then we might be able to help outside our borders.”
    KUDLOW: “Actually, [if] we cut taxes and spending and have an investment-led boom and onshoring, the rest of the world might copy us. That’s what happened under Reagan. Anyway, Senator Tommy Tommy Tuberville. Thank you, sir, as always. We appreciate your wisdom.”
    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: NEWS: Sanders Releases Report Documenting Trump’s War on Science

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released a new report uncovering the far-reaching scope of Trump’s attacks on science and their impact on public health.
    “Since January, Trump has launched an unprecedented, illegal and outrageous attack on science and scientists. Trump is not only denying scientific truth but actively seeking to undermine it,” said Sanders. “That is beyond unacceptable.  This is a war we cannot allow Trump to win. Far too many lives are at stake.”
    The report finds that Trump officials effectively cut $2.7 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the first three months of 2025 – including a 31 percent cut to cancer research through March, compared to the same timeframe last year.
    “Trump’s war on science is an attack against anyone who has ever loved someone with cancer,” said Sanders. “The American people do not want us to slash cancer research in order to give more tax breaks for billionaires.”
    The report draws on HELP Committee Minority Staff’s interviews with dozens of federal scientists, workers, and experts to explain how Trump officials are suppressing what scientists can say, controlling how scientists work together, and erasing scientific data. Among those interviewed:
    One doctor said, “purging public health agency websites of data” would leave health care workers “without vetted guidance on how to treat patients.”
    Staff at the NIH Clinical Center explained how clinical care had been abruptly interrupted, and said, “Initially, we had whole labs full of people that were fired. Complete chaos. Nobody had any idea if their tests were being run. This administration has a lot of blood on their hands. We’re not political people. We just want to take care of people.”
    One former HHS official said, “I chose to go into federal service because I care about people. I want to be able to answer to the taxpayer, not the shareholder.”
    Multiple officials confirmed that scientific communication with the World Health Organization has been severely restricted.
    Trump’s arbitrary firings of HHS workers are already threatening the health and well-being of tens of millions of seniors, children, and working families.  For example, HHS has fired:
    A division at FDA that helped millions of Americans get faster access to low-cost generic prescription drugs;
    A team at CDC that supported states responding to environmental health threats like pollution, wildfires, and lead in drinking water; and
    Critical staff in NIH’s clinical cell-therapy program, delaying treatment for patients with advanced cancer. One Stage IV cancer patient said, “The reality is that by reducing money and staff, the NIH will not be able to produce my treatment and it might cost me my life. That does not sound like an administration that cares about its people.”
    The report documents how Trump officials have undermined the important role that vaccines play in preventing disease during the single largest measles outbreak in over 25 years –  with 1,001 cases reported, 126 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.
    Trump officials have also lied about the consequences of their actions. Elon Musk says “no one” has died from the foreign aid freeze. But researchers estimate nearly 200,000 people have already died, and a global vaccine program estimates 1.2 million children – equivalent to 60,000 classrooms of kids – will die because of cuts that will save taxpayers 0.005 percent of the federal budget.
    “Let’s be clear. Trump’s war on science is not making America healthy again. It is making Americans and people throughout the world sicker,” said Sanders. “This must end. Congress, the scientific community, and the American people must stand up and fight back.”
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Secretary-General – Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    [Bilingual, as delivered]

    Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.

    That is what our peace operations are about. 

    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…

    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…

    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…

    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.

    Excellencies,

    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.

    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.

    But they are united in their commitment to peace.

    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…

    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…

    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…

    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.

    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.

    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.

    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  

    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 

    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.

    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  

    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.

    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]

    Thank you.

    Excellencies,

    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.

    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.

    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…

    Growing polarization and division around the globe…

    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…

    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…

    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…

    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.

    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.

    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.

    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.

    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.

    But we need to do more.

    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.

    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     

    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.

    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  

    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.

    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 

    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.

    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.

    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.

    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.

    Member States make peacekeeping possible.

    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.

    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 

    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.

    Peacekeeping is no exception.

    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.

    That requires more flexible rules and processes.

    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.

    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.

    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.

    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.

    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Troisièmement, nous avons besoin de votre soutien politique – qui passe notamment par les engagements que vous prendrez demain.

    Sans solution politique, les opérations de paix sont vouées à l’échec.

    Ensemble, nous devons rallier un soutien accru en faveur des solutions politiques pour toutes les missions de maintien de la paix.

    Faire avancer ces solutions politiques nécessite d’avoir les moyens nécessaires pour mener à bien nos opérations – notamment un soutien politique unifié de la part des États Membres, un leadership fort, des troupes bien préparées, du matériel et des technologies.

    Ces éléments peuvent renforcer nos opérations et améliorer sensiblement la vie des gens.

    Cela nécessite aussi un soutien de tous les États membres pour assurer la sécurité des Casques bleus sur le terrain, ainsi que le plein respect des privilèges et immunités pertinentes de notre Organisation et de son personnel.

    Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants de votre soutien et des contributions concrètes que nombre d’entre vous annonceront demain.

    Excellences,

    Le budget des opérations de la paix des Nations Unies, réparti entre les 193 États Membres, ne représente qu’une infime partie des dépenses militaires mondiales – environ 0,5 %. Ces opérations demeurent donc l’un des moyens les plus efficaces et les plus économiques de consolider la paix et la sécurité internationales.

    Toutefois, leur force est tributaire de l’engagement des États Membres à leur égard.

    Malheureusement, les opérations de maintien de la paix sont soumises a un sérieux problème de liquidité. Il est absolument essentiel que tous les Etats Membres respectent leurs obligations financières en payant les contributions intégralement et dans les temps.

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, le monde a besoin de l’ONU.

    Et l’ONU a besoin que les opérations de maintien de la paix disposent de tous les moyens nécessaires pour faire face aux réalités d’aujourd’hui et relever les défis de demain.

    Ensemble, faisons en sorte que les opérations de maintien de la paix de l’ONU répondent aux défis du moment, aux attentes des États Membres, et aux besoins légitimes de nos soldates et soldats de la paix – et des personnes à qui ils viennent en aide.

    Je vous remercie.

    Full translation in English.

    Full translation in French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Local 2930 Marks 1-Year Milestone

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Get IAM MOBILE

    IAM Mobile Spaces offers more features and functions to read and share information about our union and the important issues we face as working families. This app combines all of the IAM’s popular online functions such as the IAM Journal, the Machinists News Network on demand video service, the IAM webpage GOiam.org, iMail, an IAM Photo Gallery, the IAM Facebook Page, and lots more — all in one easy-to-access App for tablets and smartphones.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Announcement: Death of L-667 Brother Steve Chambers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

    International President Timothy Simmons

    It is with deep sorrow that the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers must inform members of the death of Brother Steve E. Chambers, Local 667, of Cameron, West Virginia.

    Brother Chambers was working on a Simakas project at Westlake Chemical Plant in Proctor, West Virginia, when he was tragically killed on the jobsite Sunday, May 11. Due to ongoing investigation, no further details on the incident can be shared at this time.

    “We offer our deepest sympathy and support to Brother Chambers’ family and our Local 667 brothers and sisters. We are thinking especially of his father, who is also a L-667 Boilermaker,” said International President Timothy Simmons. “And as we share this profound grief in the loss of our Boilermaker brother, we also come together to raise the critical importance of safety on jobsites.

    “Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

    “Each and every safety protocol matters. We know all too well that the smallest details that might seem insignificant or trivial can mean the difference between life and death. Protocols simply cannot be ignored. Ever.”

    L-667 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Forshee said memorial arrangements have not yet been made by Brother Chambers’ family. The local has collected funds to pay tribute and will present a customized Boilermaker Bible to his family.

    “Brother Chambers’ death is such a tragic, senseless and tremendous loss,” Forshee said. “Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and we are reminded: Safety must always be top priority on every jobsite. Lockout/tagout is not an option. It is necessary every time.

    “Our hearts are especially with our brother’s father, son and girlfriend.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Congress is charging ahead with a plan to shower billionaires with tax breaks at the expense of our communities.

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after House committees released the text of their portions of the reconciliation bill:

    “This language makes it crystal clear: Congressional extremists are charging ahead with a plan to shower billionaires with massive tax breaks at the expense of our communities. Their scheme to further enrich the ultra-rich would substantially gut Medicaid and is expected to rip health care away from more than 13 million individuals, especially low-income workers, seniors and people with disabilities. Instead of making Medicaid more efficient, they plan to add bureaucracy by imposing strict work reporting requirements that will just make it harder for those most vulnerable to access the care they need.

    “The Medicaid cuts are only the beginning as anti-worker elected officials also plan cuts to food assistance. AFSCME members are watching what happens this week, and we are mobilizing. We’ll be in the halls of Congress and holding events in communities across the country to sound the alarm on how damaging these cuts will be. We won’t stand by while families are robbed of lifesaving public services just to line the pockets of billionaires.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia

    Source: The White House

    STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY:
    Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia’s $600-billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come. The first deals under the announcement strengthen our energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals. 

    • The deals celebrated today are historic and transformative for both countries and represent a new golden era of partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
    • From day one, President Trump’s America First Trade and Investment Policy has put the American economy, the American worker, and our national security first.
    • The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in Saudi Arabia:
      • Saudi Arabian DataVolt is moving forward with plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States.
      • Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber are committing to invest $80 billion in cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries.
      • Iconic American companies including Hill International, Jacobs, Parsons, and AECOM are building key infrastructure projects like King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, The Vault, Qiddiya City, and much more totaling $2 billion in U.S. services exports.
      • Additional major exports include GE Vernova’s gas turbines and energy solutions totaling $14.2 billion and Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft for AviLease totaling $4.8 billion.
      • In the healthcare sector, Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC will be investing $5.8 billion, including a plant in Michigan to launch a high-capacity IV fluid facility.
      • Investment partnerships include several sector-specific funds with a strong emphasis on U.S. deployment—such as the $5 billion Energy Investment Fund, the $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund, and the $4 billion Enfield Sports Global Sports Fund—each channeling substantial capital into American industries, driving innovation, and creating high-quality jobs across the United States.
    • Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.
      • The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories: (1) air force advancement and space capabilities, (2) air and missile defense, (3) maritime and coastal security, (4) border security and land forces modernization, and (5) information and communication systems upgrades. 
      • The package also includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services.
      • This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training.
    • The United States and Saudi Arabia celebrate these and many other deals today as a result of the growing momentum of the last four months. The total package has quickly built to more than $600 billion–the largest set of commercial agreements on record between the two countries.

    UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH DEEPER ALLIANCES: The strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia has grown increasingly robust over the past eight decades since the meeting between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt on board the USS Quincy, the 80th anniversary of which was celebrated earlier this year.

    • Saudi Arabia is one of the United States’ largest trading partners in the Middle East.
      • Saudi direct investment in the United States totaled $9.5 billion in 2023, focused on the transportation, real estate, and automotive sectors.
      • In 2024, U.S.-Saudi Arabia goods trade totaled $25.9 billion, with U.S. exports at $13.2 billion, imports at $12.7 billion, and a trade surplus in goods of $443 million. 
    • The United States and Saudi Arabia share a commitment to deeper economic integration, underscoring the Kingdom’s pledge of expanding cooperation in critical sectors such as health, energy, and science.
      • The U.S. Department of Energy and the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded an agreement for cooperation in the field of energy.  This agreement builds upon their strong existing relationship; it will focus collaboration on examining the potential for innovation, development, financing, and deployment of energy infrastructure.
      • The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Department of Energy of the United States of America have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to collaborate on mining and mineral resources.  The agreement contributes to economic development and the diversification and resilience of critical mineral supply chains.
      • NASA and the Saudi Space Agency have signed an agreement for a CubeSat to fly on NASA’s Artemis II test flight. Saudi Arabia’s CubeSat will measure aspects of space weather at a range of distances from Earth and deploy in high Earth orbit from a spacecraft adapter on the Space Launch System rocket after the Orion spacecraft is safely flying on its own with its crew of four astronauts.
      • The United States and Saudi Arabia recently agreed to modernize the Air Transport Agreement to allow U.S. airlines to carry cargo between Saudi Arabia and third countries without needing to stop in the United States, an important right for cargo hub operations. Saudi carriers will have the same rights to serve the United States.
    • The United States and Saudi Arabia further underscored their commitment to deeper cultural, educational, and scientific partnerships through the signing of agreements between the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art and the Royal Commission for AlUla on collaborative research and an exhibition focused on artifacts from ancient Dadan in AlUla, and between the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Royal Commission for AlUla to support the conservation of the endangered Arabian leopard through creation of a dedicated exhibit in Washington, D.C.
    • Saudi Arabia remains our largest Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases valued at more than $129 billion.
      • Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership, and the package signed today, the largest defense cooperation deal in U.S. history, is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthening our partnership.
      • The agreement opens the door for expanded U.S. defense industry participation and long-term sustainment partnerships with Saudi entities.
    • The deepening United States-Saudi Arabia partnership reflects a joint vision for long-term prosperity and employment opportunities in both nations.

    BUILDING ON A RECORD OF WINNING AT HOME AND ABROAD: President Trump is delivering on his promise to Make America Great Again by catalyzing investment and negotiating fair trade deals to accelerate American employment and prosperity.

    • President Trump is the dealmaker in chief, and he has once again secured a historic deal that strengthens America’s economic dominance and global influence. 
    • This comes just one week after President Trump announced a U.S.-UK trade agreement that levels the playing field, creates jobs, and opens market access with the United Kingdom.
    • Leading up to this historic deal, President Trump had already secured trillions in U.S.-based investments, setting the stage for a new era of American prosperity.
    • The $600 billion in Saudi investment in the United States builds on President Trump’s record in 2017 of securing billions in commercial deals and agreements with Saudi Arabia for the defense, energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Welcoming Afrikaner Refugees

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

    Today U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau welcomed the first group of Afrikaner refugees fleeing persecution from their native South Africa. We stand with these refugees, many of them farmers and former business owners, as they build a better future for themselves and their children here in the United States.

    Learn more: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/05/welcoming-afrikaner-refugees-fleeing-discrimination/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIw7aXBB2Jw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs

    Governor Stein Announces Genentech Will Build New Manufacturing Plant in Wake County Creating 400 Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that Genentech, one of the world’s premiere biotechnology companies, will invest $700 million to build a new manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, creating 400 jobs.

    “World-class companies like Genentech recognize that North Carolina is a leading state for biotechnology,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These companies know that our life science workforce is ready to help them deliver their cutting-edge medicines to the world. We are proud to welcome Genetech to North Carolina.”

    Genentech, with headquarters in South San Francisco, California, is a member of Switzerland’s Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) and is considered the original biotechnology pioneer. For more than 40 years the company has pursued groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious or life-threatening diseases. Genentech’s project in Holly Springs will establish a new 700,000 sq. ft. high-volume fill-finish operation to support its existing product portfolio as well as its future pipeline, allowing the company to meet growing demand for its medicines.

    “Genentech would like to thank Governor Stein and Commerce Secretary Lilley for their support and for welcoming us to North Carolina. We are thrilled to establish this relationship with the city of Holly Springs, where we will create new manufacturing and construction jobs while making a broader positive impact on the local economy and community for many years to come,” said Genentech CEO Ashley Magargee. “Our new facility will serve as an important new setting within our manufacturing network to help deliver on the promise of our company’s life-changing science and industry-leading pipeline.”

    “Genentech siting its first East Coast production facility in North Carolina is a gamechanger for our already strong biotechnology sector,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Thanks to amazing state leadership from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and continued investments in workforce and infrastructure, these kinds of successes breed great jobs and great therapies that make the world a healthier place.”

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $119,833, compared with an average wage in Wake County of $76,643. The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $50 million per year.

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $3 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and the capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $9,846,750, spread over 12 years and based on the creation of 420 jobs. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 230 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $3.30 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company. 

    Because Genentech chose to expand in Wake County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $3,282,250 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Wake, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.

    “Our momentum in biotech is off the charts as these new jobs and new investment come to Holly Springs,” said N.C. Senator Lisa Grafstein. “Genentech is a renowned brand in the industry, and we welcome the company to our growing family of life science partners.”

    “Economic development success takes teamwork, and I’m proud of the many local, regional, and state organizations that worked hard to bring Genentech to our community,” said N.C. Representative Ya Liu. “We look forward to seeing this innovative company put down roots and grow in Holly Springs, Wake County, and North Carolina.”

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, N.C. State University, Duke Energy, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Capital Area Workforce Development, Wake Tech, the Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, and Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber.  

    May 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Lifts Moratorium on Seafood Buying, Processing Licences

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotians can apply for seafood buyer and processor licences starting August 1, as the Province ends the moratorium that started in 2018.

    “Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to reimagine the economic potential of our traditional and natural resources,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Accepting applications from new entrants, or established businesses that want to diversify or expand their products, will help drive the economy and grow our seafood sector.”

    Over the last seven years, the Province has consulted with industry representatives during a policy and regulation review, which is now complete. The moratorium was a temporary measure to maintain fair competition and to reduce speculation during the review period.

    Seafood is Nova Scotia’s primary export and generates significant economic return to the province, supporting about 20,000 jobs. Buyers purchase seafood after it has been caught, and processors produce seafood products such as fish fillets and frozen snow crab sections.

    About 50 per cent of the industry is in southwest Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia fish and seafood exports totalled $2.4 billion in 2024.

    The Province is also lifting the long-standing moratorium on issuing groundfish buying and processing licences, which has been in place since the 1994 collapse of the groundfish fisheries.

    The moratoriums will be lifted in two stages. The government will begin accepting applications for buyer and processor licences for most species on August 1. Following continued consultation with industry partners, the government will begin accepting applications for lobster buyer licences and snow crab buyer and processor licences on January 2, 2026.

    Quotes:

    “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the government has been listening to industry, and we look forward to continuing those conversations. Lifting the moratorium and ensuring new entrants are qualified will support continued diversification of the shore sector and provide strong measures to ensure that the multi-generational family enterprises that are the basis of this industry will continue to contribute to strengthen the provincial economy while also welcoming new entrants.”
    — Kris Vascotto, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance

    “As a market and customer-focused seafood company, Sea Star needs a flexible and responsive licensing system that allows me access to the licences that I need when I need them so that I can grow my business. The moratorium has been an artificial barrier to maximizing the value of Nova Scotia’s seafood sector. I fully support the Minister’s intention to lift the licensing moratorium, and I want to thank him and his team for bringing the long-standing policy review to a close so that we can all refocus on selling our fish to the world.”
    — Kerry Cunningham, sales/procurement, Sea Star Seafoods

    “We are pleased with the Minister’s decision to lift the licensing moratorium. We strongly believe in a free market approach to fish buyer and fish processor licensing that is responsive to market conditions while also encouraging growth and innovation in the sector. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Minister and his Department as they set the regulatory conditions for our seafood sector to compete and thrive in the global seafood marketplace.”
    — Ian McIsaac, President, Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • fish and seafood products were Nova Scotia’s largest export commodity in 2024, accounting for 36 per cent of the province’s export goods
    • 329 companies in Nova Scotia have buying and/or processing licences
    • there are 4,000 registered fishing vessels and more than 5,700 commercial fishing licence holders in Nova Scotia
    • harvest quotas are regulated by the federal government; lifting the moratorium on buyer and processor licences does not impact the volume of seafood harvested

    Additional Resources:

    Fish processors and fish buyer licence policy: https://novascotia.ca/fish/commercial-fisheries/licensing-leasing/

    Nova Scotia Seafood Export Directory: https://nsseafood.com/directory#&market_id=

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

     
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
     
    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
     
    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
     
    That is what our peace operations are about. 
     
    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
     
    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
     
    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
     
    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
     
    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
     
    But they are united in their commitment to peace.
     
    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
     
    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
     
    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
     
    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
     
    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
     
    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
     
    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  
     
    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 
     
    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
     
    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
     
    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  
     
    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
     
    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]
     
    Thank you.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
     
    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
     
    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
     
    Growing polarization and division around the globe…
     
    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
     
    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
     
    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
     
    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
     
    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
     
    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
     
    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
     
    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
     
    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
     
    But we need to do more.
     
    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
     
    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     
     
    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
     
    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
     
    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  
     
    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
     
    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
     
    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 
     
    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
     
    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
     
    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
     
    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
     
    Member States make peacekeeping possible.
     
    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
     
    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 
     
    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
     
    Peacekeeping is no exception.
     
    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
     
    That requires more flexible rules and processes.
     
    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
     
    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
     
    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
     
    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
     
    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.

    Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.

    Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions. 

    Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.

    These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

    And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.

    We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.

    Excellencies,

    With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.

    But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. 
      
    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.

    And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Health and Environmental Officials Offer Spring Health Reminders

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    With warmer weather now here, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are reminding people to take precautions to prevent tick bites, mosquito bites, and animal bites when outdoors.

    “Enjoying nature and being physically active outside are some of the best things you can do for your health,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “While you are doing that, you can take some simple steps to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe.”

    “We all love spending time outdoors and making the most of everything Rhode Island has to offer during the summer,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Whether you’re hiking at Lincoln Woods or relaxing on one of our world-renowned beaches, it’s essential to follow our tick and mosquito prevention guidelines to stay safe and healthy.”

    Tick and mosquito bite prevention

    Repel Prevent tick bites by:

    –Using repellents that contain 20 to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on exposed skin and clothing for protection that lasts up to several hours. This will repel both ticks and mosquitoes. Always follow product instructions. Parents can apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. DEET containing insect repellants are not recommended for use on infants under 2 months old. You can also find other EPA-approved insect repellents at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you. –Avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaves to avoid tick bites. If you are going to be in a wooded area, walk in the center of the trail to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaves at the edges of the trail. You can also spray your clothes and shoes with permethrin to keep ticks away. Make sure to not spray this on your skin. –Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside. –Tucking your pants into your socks so ticks do not crawl under your clothes. –Wearing light-colored clothing so you can see ticks more easily.

    Check Check yourself, your children, and pets, for ticks by:

    –Taking a shower as soon as you come inside if you have been in grassy or wooded areas. –Doing a full-body tick check using a mirror; parents should check their kids for ticks and pay special attention to the area in and around the ears, in the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in their hair. –Checking your pets for ticks as well because they can bring ticks into the home.

    Remove Remove ticks from your body, as well as from children and pets, if you find them.

    –Use a set of tweezers to remove the tick. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up. –If you don’t have tweezers or a tick removal spoon, use your fingers with a tissue or rubber gloves.

    Most people who get Lyme disease get a rash anywhere on their body, though it may not appear right away. At first, the rash looks like a red circle, but as the circle gets bigger, the middle changes color and seems to clear, so the rash looks like a target bull’s-eye.

    Some people don’t get a rash but feel sick, with headaches, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Over time, they could have swelling and pain in their joints and a stiff, sore neck; or they could develop shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet, or facial drooping from nerve palsy. Some people may experience heart problems. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.

    Learn more about tickborne diseases at https://health.ri.gov/ticks.

    Animal bites and rabies prevention

    Rabies is a serious, fatal disease that is most often transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. People can be exposed to the rabies virus when the saliva or central nervous system tissue of an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound or a mucous membrane, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. A less common way to be exposed to rabies is for a pet owner to touch saliva from a high-risk animal which has been deposited in a wound or the muzzle of the pet, resulting from an encounter between the pet and a wild animal.

    Prevention

    –Make sure your dog or cat is vaccinated against rabies. –Avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals. –Wear gloves to tend to pets with wounds of unknown origin, or immediately after encounters have occurred between the pet and either stray animals or wildlife. –Make sure garbage is contained in a trash can with a secure lid to prevent attracting animals. –Take steps to keep bats out of your home (info here https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html)

    If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, or you wake up to a bat in your house:

    –Wash all wounds and the area around the wound thoroughly with soap and water. (Washing for 5-10 minutes can destroy as much as 90% of the rabies virus.) –Contact your doctor or hospital emergency department. –Call RIDOH at 401-222-2577 and contact the animal control officer at your police department to report the incident. Provide the authorities with an accurate description of the animal (including distinctive markings, not just color and breed). –Capture and isolate the animal if possible, but do not risk further injury to yourself or a pet if the animal is dangerous. For a bat, do not touch the bat, but try to secure it in a clear container with a lid. Keep children away from all animals involved.

    If your pet is bitten or scratched by another animal:

    –Try to find out what type of animal bit or scratched your pet. Do not touch the attacking animal. –Wear rubber gloves and a hose to wash your pet’s wounds. Do not touch your pet with bare hands. There may be saliva from the rabid animal still on your pet. –Call your pet’s veterinarian immediately, even if the wound is superficial. –Call the animal control officer at your police department and RIDOH at 401-222-2577.

    Learn more about rabies and animal bites at https://health.ri.gov/rabies.

    Data This year, RIDOH has launched a new animal bites data dashboard. The dashboard includes information on reported animal bites in Rhode Island by year, counts for the administration of rabies vaccine by year, and the types of animals involved in biting incidents, among other data. The data can also be viewed by county, city, and town. Around 2,500 animal bites are reported in Rhode Island annually. The animals involved include dogs, cats, bats, rodents, and raccoons.

    The launch of this animal bites dashboard comes a year after RIDOH developed an interactive dashboard with data on several tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, broken down by demographics and geography. The dashboard makes data available by case counts and case rates by year, sex, county, city, and town.

    In 2023, Rhode Island had 2,852 cases of Lyme disease, with Washington County continuing to have the highest rate of Lyme disease in the state. Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis are among the other tickborne diseases found in Rhode Island.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Banks Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Veterans’ Benefit Claims Process Fairer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jim Banks (R-ID), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation to make the veteran benefit claims process more streamlined and fair. The Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act would reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process, helping to ensure that veterans’ benefits claims are never denied solely because they miss a medical disability exam appointment.

    Currently, many VA disability compensation claims require a medical examination to determine if a claimed disability is related to a veteran’s service. However, many veterans and veteran service organizations frequently report frustration with the exam scheduling process and veterans can be penalized for administrative mix-ups out of their control. Under the Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act, the VA would be restricted from denying a benefits claim solely on a veterans’ failure to show up to a scheduled exam.

    “Our veterans gave their very best during their service to our country and they deserve access to all their earned, well-deserved benefits,” said Senator King. “No veteran should ever be denied their benefits because of bureaucracy, mistakes or unplanned schedule conflicts getting in the way. The bipartisan Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act will work to humanize the VA’s claims process and ensure we make true on our promise to take care of the brave men and women who served.” 

    “Veterans’ benefit claims shouldn’t be tossed aside because of red tape or poor communication,” said Senator Banks. “VA has a duty to assist veterans every step of the way, and my bill makes the claims process fairer so veterans always get the benefits they have earned.”

    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, he joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO Recommendations Have Led to $725 Billion in Financial Benefits – New Duplication and Cost Savings Report Shows Potential for Another $100 Billion or More

    Source: US Government Accountability Office

    WASHINGTON (May 13, 2025) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued its 15th annual report identifying new opportunities to save taxpayers billions of dollars by reducing overlap, duplication, and fragmentation across the federal government. Since 2011, implementation of GAO’s work in this area has led to $725 billion in savings for the federal government. This year’s report adds 148 new measures in 43 topic areas that Congress and federal agencies could take to reduce costs, improve programs, and boost revenues. Implementing our newest measures, in conjunction with our existing recommendations, could save over $100 billion for the American people.

    “Our updated report provides Congress and federal agencies with new and meaningful opportunities to save federal funds across a wide range of programs,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “By addressing this year’s updated list, as well as open recommendations to both agencies and Congress from GAO’s past work, the federal government could potentially save an additional one hundred billion dollars.”

    Notable suggestions in our latest report include:

    • The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 24 federal agencies should implement statutory requirements for annual IT portfolio reviews and high-risk IT investment reviews, which could result in one hundred million dollars or more in cost savings by reducing duplicative IT investments and halting or terminating investments, when appropriate.
    • The Space Development Agency should fully demonstrate its space-based laser communications technology in each iterative development phase before progressing, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars over 10 years.
    • The Department of Defense should take steps to incorporate data analytics into its fraud risk management strategy and improve the usability of fraud investigative information to support fraud risk management and potentially save one hundred million dollars or more.
    • OMB and General Services Administration should join Congress in taking steps to help ensure the Federal Audit Clearinghouse contains quality single audit information, which could reduce risk and resolve deficiencies in federal award spending by hundreds of millions of dollars per year.
    • The Department of Interior could prevent continued productivity losses and cost overruns from a failed data system development and improve its compliance activities to verify federal oil and gas royalties, potentially increasing collections by tens of millions of dollars per year.

    While significant work remains, Congress and federal agencies have made strides on these issues. As of March, they had fully or partially addressed 1,590 (about 78 percent) of the 2,049 matters and recommendations that GAO identified from 2011 to 2025.  Since last year’s report, GAO identified about $57 billion more in savings from continuing work on these efforts, bringing the total level of government savings to $725 billion. Implementation of our recommendations has also achieved additional benefits, such as improved interagency coordination and reduced mismanagement, fraud, waste, and abuse. The status of GAO’s recommendations can be followed on its Duplication and Cost Savings page on the GAO website.

    For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek, Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs at media@gao.gov.

    #####

    The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

    MIL OSI USA News –