NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Appoints Michal A. Lord-Blegen to the 17th Judicial District Court

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis appointed Michal A. Lord-Blegen to the 17th Judicial District Court. The appointment fills the vacancy occasioned by the retirement of the Honorable Rayna Gokli. The appointment is effective June 7, 2025. 

    Ms. Lord-Blegen is a Magistrate in the Seventeenth Judicial District, a position she has held since 2020. Her docket consists of juvenile matters. Previously, she was a Magistrate in the Second Judicial District (2016-2020); Managing Partner at Wohl Stetler Lord-Blegen, PLLC (2012-2016); Sole Practitioner at Michal Lord-Blegen (2010-2012); and Associate Attorney at Mitch Baker (2010-2011). Ms. Lord-Blegen earned her B.A. from Hood College in 1990, and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2009.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: View Media

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 07, 2025 – Clearfield, PA

    “Beacon of Hope”: AG Sunday Joins Clearfield County Leaders to Honor Eight Graduates of LETI Treatment Initiative

    Attorney General Dave Sunday, along with Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers and other county leadership, announced the graduation of eight individuals who completed the LETI program – an Office of Attorney General-administered program that diverts qualified candidates to treatment in lieu of criminal prosecution.

    The graduates each were facing criminal charges and chose to enter the LETI program, successfully completing all requirements.

    On Wednesday, they were honored with certificates at a ceremony attended by Attorney General Sunday, District Attorney Sayers, and area law enforcement and community leaders.

    “These graduates have made the difficult decision to face their challenges head-on, and I commend them for doing the work to complete the LETI program,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We must embrace redemption, and empower and support people dealing with substance abuse struggles.”

    Speaker list:
    Ryan Sayers, District Attorney, Clearfield County
    Attorney General Dave Sunday
    Jaden Caine-Shrock, Honored LETI Graduate
    Christopher Grunthaner, Director, Clearfield Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Growing Tomorrow’s Workforce: Shapiro Administration Brings Area K-8 Students to Farm City Day for Hands-On Agriculture Career Inspiration, Exploration

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 07, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    Growing Tomorrow’s Workforce: Shapiro Administration Brings Area K-8 Students to Farm City Day for Hands-On Agriculture Career Inspiration, Exploration

    The Shapiro Administration welcomed more than 1,300 K-8 students and educators from across southcentral Pennsylvania to the PA Farm Show Complex for hands-on agriculture career exploration during 2025 Farm City Day. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured career exhibits with Acting Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe and students learning firsthand about careers ranging from dairy farming and beekeeping to sustainable forestry, and technology making our planet and food healthier.

    “Agriculture today is not what it was at the beginning of this century, or even this decade,” Secretary Redding said. “We haven’t even dreamed up the technology that will be shaping agriculture when they get out of school, and we will need workers who can change along with the field – flexible problem-solvers who can imagine how new technology can make agriculture better and more efficient, food safer, and our planet healthier. Farm City Day is about sparking student imaginations and broadening their minds to aspects of agriculture they may have never thought of – how plants, and trees, can end up as fabric, plastics, and building materials, and how food waste can become fuel and electricity.”

    Farm City Day brings elementary and middle school students to spend a day interacting with horses, rabbits, lambs, goats, and pigs, and the innovative people who raise animals and crops on Pennsylvania farms, along with others whose work helps ensure healthy food and other products that enrich their daily lives.

    Interviews in Order:
    Russell Redding – Secretary, PA Dept. of Agriculture
    Shannon Hawkins – Teacher, Pennsylvania STEAM Academy, Harrisburg, PA
    Kendall Carter-Mercado – 5th Grade Student, Pennsylvania STEAM Academy, Harrisburg, PA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of the Commonwealth to Remind Voters to Prepare for May 20 Primary Election

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 08, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – Secretary of the Commonwealth to Remind Voters to Prepare for May 20 Primary Election

    Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt will hold a press conference to provide an update for voters on the upcoming primary election, which will be held May 20. A PACast with audio, video, and a press release will be available after the event.

    WHO:
    Al Schmidt, Secretary of the Commonwealth

    WHEN:
    Thursday, May 8 at 1:00 PM

    WHERE:
    Capitol Media Center

    RSVP:
    Press should RSVP with the name of photographer/reporter to ra-st-press@pa.gov.

    PUBLIC LIVESTREAM:
    pacast.com/live/dos

    SATELLITE COORDINATES:
    DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2025
    TIME: 12:45 to 13:30 (Eastern)
    FORMAT: 16 x 9 HD
    SATELLITE: SES 02 (KU-Band – DIGITAL)
    ORBITAL POSITION: 87 Degrees West
    TRANSPONDER: 15 [1]
    CHANNEL: B9 (9Mhz)
    SYM RATE: 6.333 msps
    FEC: 3/4
    BIT RATE: 8.754441
    VIDEO CODEC: MPEG-4 (H.264)
    DOWNLINK POL: Horizontal
    DOWNLINK FREQ: 11998.00 MHz
    MODULATION: DVB-S, QPSK
    TROUBLE: 717-772-4282

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration to Highlight Efforts to Recruit and Retain More Nurses in Pennsylvania at National Student Nurse Day Event

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 08, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – Shapiro Administration to Highlight Efforts to Recruit and Retain More Nurses in Pennsylvania at National Student Nurse Day Event

    To celebrate National Student Nurse Day, officials from the Departments of Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services will join leaders from HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget, which significantly invests in recruiting and retaining nurses in Pennsylvania. As Pennsylvania tackles a nursing shortage, offering incentives to nurses proves to be a successful strategy for recruiting and retaining high-quality practitioners.

    The Governor’s budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand the health care workforce, including nurses, ensuring communities have access to high-quality health care. The budget proposal includes $5 million to expand the Department of Health’s Primary Care Loan Repayment Program, and a first-time state-level investment of $5 million to create the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program, which will provide funding to organizations that partner with hospitals and nursing schools to provide student loan repayment to nursing students who commit to a three-year work placement at Pennsylvania hospitals after graduation.

    WHO:
    Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker
    Department of Health Special Advisor Dr. Robert Bonacci
    Department of Human Services Deputy Secretary Sally Kozak
    HACC President and CEO John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D.
    HACC School of Health Science Associate Dean Cynthia L. Donell, MSN, RN

    WHEN:
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM

    WHERE:
    HACC’s Harrisburg Campus
    Select Medical Health Education Pavilion
    One HACC Drive
    Harrisburg, PA 17110

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro, DCED Secretary Siger to Highlight $30 Million Investment in the Philadelphia Navy Yard to Create More Jobs and Build Shovel-Ready Sites for Businesses

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 08, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro, DCED Secretary Siger to Highlight $30 Million Investment in the Philadelphia Navy Yard to Create More Jobs and Build Shovel-Ready Sites for Businesses

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger will join legislators and local leaders to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s $30 million investment in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard Greenway District through the first round of the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. The PA SITES program helps to build shovel-ready industrial sites across the Commonwealth to attract businesses, investments, and good-paying jobs.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger
    Senator Nikil Saval
    Representative Morgan Cephas
    Jodie Harris, President of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
    Mark Seltzer, Managing Director of Ensemble Investments, LLC
    Mark Lynch, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 98

    WHEN:
    Thursday, May 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Philadelphia Navy Yard
    1200 Normandy Place,
    Philadelphia, PA 19112

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Southern District of California

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Protecting our community means identifying, arresting and holding accountable anyone who would prey on children,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in this district and across the nation, and our office will continue to prioritize these prosecutions to obtain justice for these vulnerable victims.”

    “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding predators accountable.”

    In the Southern District of California, four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including:

    • Seth Wheeler, who was indicted for distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Wheeler is alleged to have distributed child pornography on two different occasions in September 2024, and in possession of child pornography in October 2024.  He was previously arrested by the state and remained in state custody until he was indicted on federal charges.
    • Adam Harrison Bryant, a convicted sex offender who was charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation of Bryan began when it was suspected that he had attempted to purchase child pornography from a website using cryptocurrency.  A search warrant was executed on May 1, 2025, and Bryant was arrested when he was found in possession of an electronic device that contained child pornography. He was previously convicted in 2008 of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and enticing a child and was sentenced to 40 months and 24 months, concurrent, followed by ten years of supervised release.
    • Kristho Angel Valdez, whowas charged with receipt of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials were notified that two minor victims were exchanging sexually explicit content, including images and videos, through Snapchat with an unknown individual. Valdez was identified as the potential user of the Snapchat account and a search warrant for the account revealed thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors. On March 12, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Valdez’s residence. Valdez admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from the minor victims.
    • Christopher David Miller, who was charged with attempted receipt and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents began investigating Miller when they determined that IP addresses linked to his current and former residences attempted to obtain child pornography using Freenet, a peer-to-peer file sharing platform. A search warrant was executed at Miller’s residence on April 9, 2025, and Miller was found to be in possession of electronic devices containing child pornography.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Colleagues Celebrate Small Businesses During Small Business Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and 81 Senate colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution declaring the week of May 5th as “National Small Business Week.” The measure recognizes the entrepreneurs and innovators that promote growth and create jobs across America. 
    “Small businesses are the heart and soul of the American economy,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Alabama is proud to be home to more than 420,000 small businesses that feed our families and fuel our economy. As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the tremendous challenges that our small business owners face every day. By cutting red tape and lowering taxes, President Trump was a champion for small businesses during his first term. Congress should work with President Trump to help him usher in the golden age of the American small business economy.”
    “Main Street is roaring back under President Trump’s pro-growth policies that are ushering in a Golden Age,” said Sen. Ernst. “This week, we celebrate the small businesses that mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create. These shops embody the American spirit and shape the culture of big cities and rural communities across America. I’m proud to recognize these entrepreneurs’ tremendous contributions and will continue to fight to ensure that they have a champion in Washington.”
    Read full text of the resolution here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Alabama boasts 422,586 small businesses, which account for more than 99% of Alabama’s businesses and nearly half of the workforce in the state.
    Sen. Tuberville has championed small businesses during his entire tenure in Congress. Earlier this year he reintroduced the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would overturn the disastrous Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and protect small businesses. He also joined his colleagues in reintroducing the Main Street Certainty Act to make the 2017 Trump-era 20% pass-through business tax deductions permanent.
    MORE:
    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “Kudlow” on Fox Business to Discuss Trump Trial, Legislation to Protect Small Businesses
    The Corporate Transparency Act Means Jail Time For Small Business Owners
    Congress needs to save small businesses from Big Brother
    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 Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Guyana

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 7, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV Consultation with Guyana.[1]

    Guyana’s economic transformation is advancing strongly and broadening in scale. Rapidly expanding oil production, strong non-oil output, and large-scale public infrastructure investment supported the highest real GDP growth rate in the world, averaging 47 percent per year since 2022. Real oil GDP increased by nearly 58 percent in 2024, while real non-oil GDP expanded over 13 percent, reflecting a solid broad-based performance across sectors. Inflation reached 2.9 percent by end-2024, from 2 percent at end-2023, driven largely by higher food prices (affected by international food prices and earlier floods). The overall fiscal deficit widened from 5.1 percent of GDP (11.7 percent of non-oil GDP) in 2022 to 7.3 percent of GDP (21 percent of non-oil GDP) in 2024 reflecting a large increase in capital expenditure. Driven by higher oil exports, Guyana’s current account surplus more than doubled in 2024, reaching about 24½ percent of GDP. By end-2024, gross international reserves surpassed US$1 billion, while the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) accumulated over US$1.1 billion in 2024, reaching US$3.1 billion (over 12½ percent of GDP). 

    The economic outlook remains highly favorable. The economy is expected to grow on average 14 percent per year over the next five years, driven by robust oil production and strong non-oil GDP growth. Positive spillovers from the oil sector and improvements in infrastructure, productivity, and resilience are expected to boost the real non-oil GDP growth to an average of 6¾ percent over the medium term, about 3 percentage points higher than the pre-oil decade average. While inflation is projected to edge up to around 4 percent in 2025, the overall fiscal deficit and the current account surplus are expected to narrow in 2025. Over the medium term, the continued expansion of oil production will further strengthen the external position, with substantial savings accumulation in the NRF.

    Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced. On the upside, additional oil discoveries and productivity-enhancing investments, including to strengthen energy resilience would further bolster Guyana’s long-term economic prospects, while expanding construction activity would support higher short-term non-oil GDP growth. Downside risks stem from overheating pressures which, if not contained, would lead to higher inflation and a real exchange rate appreciation beyond the level consistent with a balanced expansion of the economy. Commodity price volatility in a highly uncertain global environment, including from trade policy and climate shocks could also adversely affect inflation and alter the macroeconomic outlook.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Guyana’s remarkable economic progress to attain high-income status, supported by rapidly expanding oil production and robust non-oil growth. They noted that Guyana’s economic outlook remains highly favorable with balanced risks, strong fundamentals, and a strong external position supported by substantial accumulation of oil revenue in the Natural Resource Fund. They commended the authorities’ commitment to balancing development needs with prudent policies to entrench macroeconomic and fiscal stability.

    Directors concurred that the current fiscal stance is appropriate given development needs. They welcomed the authorities’ commitment to eliminate the overall fiscal deficit over the medium term and further narrow the non-oil primary deficit to levels consistent with ensuring intergenerational equity and preserving fiscal and macroeconomic sustainability. They highlighted the need for a comprehensive medium-term fiscal framework with an explicit anchor and an operational target, along with regular assessments of expenditure related to reaching development objectives. They positively noted the authorities’ continued efforts to strengthen public financial management as well as the low risk of debt distress given low public debt.

    Directors considered the monetary policy stance as appropriately tight to help contain inflation, while noting the need for further tightening if inflation risks escalate. They saw merit in enhancing the monetary policy toolkit and deepening financial markets to help strengthen the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission. They emphasized the need for maintaining consistent policies to support the stabilized exchange rate arrangement, which remains appropriate, and saw merit in assessing whether transitioning to a more flexible exchange rate regime over the medium term could be beneficial as Guyana’s economy continues to transform.

    Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to maintain financial stability and continue enhancing financial supervision, including monitoring sectoral lending exposures and related-party lending. They supported the authorities’ efforts to further strengthen risk monitoring, strengthen the macroprudential framework, broaden regulatory coverage, and enhance statistics on balance sheets and real estate prices.

    Directors welcomed the authorities’ efforts to foster inclusive growth and economic diversification, improve the business environment, strengthen climate and energy resilience, and enhance labor market skills. They commended progress in strengthening governance, anti-corruption, official statistics, AML/CFT frameworks, fiscal transparency, and transparency in extractive industries, and supported the continued efforts to strengthen them in line with international standards.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Guyana will be held on the standard 12-month cycle.

    Table 1. Guyana: Selected Social and Economic Indicators

     

    I.  Social Indicators

     

    Population, 2023 (thousands)

       814

    Life expectancy at birth (years), 2022

    66

    		  

    Under-five mortality rate (per 1,000 live births), 2023

    14

    Human Development Index rank, 2022

    95

    II.  Economic Indicators

     

    Prel.

    Proj.

    2023

    2024

    2025

    (Year-over-year percent change)

    Production and Prices

    Real GDP

    33.8

    43.6

    10.3

    Real non-oil GDP

    12.3

    13.1

    12.9

    Real oil GDP

    46.8

    57.7

    9.5

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    2.0

    2.9

    4.2

    (Percent of non-oil GDP)

    Central Government

    Revenue

    39.3

    43.7

    49.9

    Grants

    0.2

    0.2

    0.4

    Expenditure

    52.7

    64.9

    63.4

    Current

    25.1

    28.9

    30.5

    Capital

    27.7

    36.0

    32.9

    Overall balance (after grants)

    -13.3

    -21.0

    -13.2

    Non-oil primary balance (after grants)

    -26.2

    		  

    -38.4

    		  

    -37.5

    (Percent of GDP)

    Revenue

    17.0

    15.3

    18.6

    Grants

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    Expenditure

    22.8

    22.6

    23.7

    Current

    10.8

    10.1

    11.4

    Capital

    12.0

    12.6

    12.3

    Overall balance (after grants)

    -5.7

    -7.3

    -4.9

    Total public sector gross debt

    26.7

    24.3

    28.0

    External

    10.5

    9.0

    13.6

    Domestic

    16.2

    15.2

    14.4

     

    Table 1. Guyana: Selected Social and Economic Indicators (Concluded)

    Prel.

    Proj.

    2023

    2024

    2025

    (Year-over-year percent change)

    Money and Credit

    Broad money

    27.6

    25.3

    17.7

    Domestic credit of the banking system

    24.1

    39.7

    4.9

    External Sector

    Current account balance (US$ million)

    1,679.9

    6,067.9

    2,306.2

       (Percent of GDP)

    9.9

    24.6

    8.9

    Gross official reserves (US$ million)

    896.4

    1,010.1

    1,571.4

    (Percent of GDP)

    5.3

    4.1

    6.1

    Crude oil production (million barrels)

    142.3

    225.4

    246.0

    Memorandum Items:

    Nominal GDP (GY$ billion)

    3,527.5

    5,141.3

    5,383.9

    Nominal non-oil GDP (GY$ billion)

    1,524.6

    1,793.7

    2,010.7

    GDP per capita (US$)

    21,307.2

    30,962.3

    32,326.3

    Guyana dollar/U.S. dollar (period average)

    208.5

    208.5 

    … 

    Sources: Guyana’s authorities; UNDP Human Development Report; World Bank; and IMF staff calculations and projections.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Rosa Hernandez

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/07/pr-25132-guyana-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Sen. Markey, Rep. Summer Lee, Lawyers for Good Government Host Roundtable Discussion on EPA’s Termination of Environmental Justice Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (May 7, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Representative Summer Lee (PA-12), and Lawyers for Good Government on Monday hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on the Trump administration’s damaging cuts to environmental justice funding and staff. Roundtable speakers included environmental justice advocates, Massachusetts recipients of environmental justice grants, as well as strategists and legal advocates, who all shared how the Trump administration’s attacks have directly affected frontline and fenceline communities crushed by generations of underinvestment and disproportionate exposure to pollution. This roundtable comes on the heels of news the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will cancel nearly 800 grants, including all of the agency’s environmental justice grants administered under the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, to skirt a recent preliminary injunction that ordered the agency to unfreeze environmental justice funds.
    “The Trump administration revoking federal dollars from community-based groups working hard to clean up the air, water, and land where they live, work, and play is yet another injustice in a long line of unjust policies that deemed certain neighborhoods undeserving of equal environmental protection,” said Senator Markey. “I am inspired by the environmental justice grant recipients who, rather than despair and give in to defeat, joined us and courageously shared their stories of the harm, chaos, and uncertainty that the Trump administration has inflicted by undercutting environmental justice at every turn and every level. Their testimony shone a spotlight on Trump’s shameful abandonment of overburdened communities, and reminds us that strengthening our solidarity, growing coalitions, sharing our stories, and charting paths forward together are powerful antidotes.”
    “What we’re witnessing with the Trump administration’s reckless and targeted cuts to environmental justice funding is nothing short of cruel and deliberate. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet — these are real people, real families, and real communities being told they don’t matter. In places like Western Pennsylvania, we’ve already seen the human cost: frontline organizations shut down, clean air initiatives stalled, job training frozen, and our most vulnerable neighbors left without the tools they need to protect their health and their futures. These cuts are an attack on our kids, our workers, our elders, and on basic human dignity, and we will continue working to stop them,” said Representative Summer Lee.
    “Thank you to Senator Markey, Representative Lee, and the many environmental advocates and grantees for their leadership and courage in fighting back against these unlawful attacks on climate and environmental justice funding,” said Jillian Blanchard, Vice President of the Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program at Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG). “At L4GG, we’re proud to be helping grantees assert their legal rights, navigate this confusing landscape, and push back against these attacks through our Fund Protection Clinic. We know the law is on our side, and we have already won significant victories in the courts to block these unjust terminations. We will continue to fight for impacted communities until these critical funds are fully restored and every grantee is able to do the work Congress intended—building a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future, for all.”
    “I deeply appreciate Senator Ed Markey and team continuing to fight for these federal dollars that we earned as city. My administration has worked very hard to knock down the Asthma rates here in Springfield, but there is much more work to be done to keep all our residents safe, whether young or old, to properly deal with an Asthma affliction. This funding would help prevent future generations from getting it too. I am so proud of my city team, along with our partners, for their work to apply for and receive this significant EPA grant award. This multifaceted funding was to bring tangible health benefits to our community, including improved indoor and outdoor air quality and reduced emissions. We will continue to fight for these vitally important air quality and asthma reduction programs. We will also work closely with MA Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell as she leads the charge to challenge this funding termination through legal channels,” said Springfield, Massachusetts Mayor Domenic J. Sarno,
    “At the time of this unconstitutional and unlawful termination, the Environmental Justice for New England program was poised to invest in sustainable, community-driven environmental justice projects, countering historical disinvestment in rural, urban and Tribal communities across the region. We received almost 400 applications for our first round of funding, proposing activities that address critical environmental harms and which would create jobs, boost energy independence, and reduce pollution exposure. We are outraged,” said Ben Wood, Senior Director of Policy and Practice at Health Resources in Action.
    “As Boston summers continue to break historic heat records, extreme heat has become, and will continue to be, a significant threat to the health, safety, and livelihoods of people across our region. Through our Heat and Health project the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) was proud to be working with residents, community partners, and local government to develop shared solutions to the rising dangers of extreme heat in our communities. It’s not dramatic to say that losing this funding source will negatively impact the health and well-being of our local residents–this summer and for many summers after. Despite this loss of funding–MyRWA is committed to delivering community-driven, science-based solutions to ensure that everyone and everything who calls our watershed home can enjoy clean water, air, and land,” said Mariangeli Echevarria-Ramos, Climate and Social Resilience Manager at the Mystic River Watershed Association.
    “Thank you to Senator Markey and all the co-hosts of the roundtable for creating space for this urgent conversation on the heels of alarming news that the EPA plans to cancel almost 800 environmental justice grants. These aren’t just numbers. These are real losses—for residents breathing polluted air, for communities threatened by flooding, and for young people trying to imagine a future in clean energy. Without access to these funds, we cannot support grassroots organizations, assist residents in navigating regulatory processes, or expand job training programs in the green economy. These disruptions threaten progress in areas already disproportionately affected by climate change, and hinder our ability to complete the work our communities deserve,” said Sarah Baldwin, Senior Director of Operations at the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, member of the Equitable & Just National Climate Platform.
    The Trump administration began halting environmental justice funding in January. Since then, funding recipients have been blindsided by termination notices or cut off from accessing their funds without notice—and, in some cases, grantees are expected to continue projects without assurance that they will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs. Adding to the chaos and uncertainty, Trump administration furloughs and layoffs of Environmental Protection Agency staff have also created additional barriers for environmental justice grant recipients when their point of contact is not able to respond with answers on the status of their funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Pressley, McGovern Applaud Second Circuit Decision Ordering Rümeysa Öztürk’s Transfer to Vermont

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Lawmakers met with Öztürk at Louisiana ICE facility where she has been illegally detained since March
    Washington (May 7, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Jim McGovern (MA-02) released the following statement after the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit directed the Trump administration to comply with a lower court order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont. The court ordered the government to move Ms. Öztürk within one week. On March 25, 2025, Ms. Öztürk, a PhD student at Tufts University, was abducted by six plainclothes ICE agents off the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. She was quickly moved across state lines and shipped more than 1,500 miles away from her community to a detention facility in Louisiana. 
    “We applaud the Second Circuit for rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to delay complying with the district court’s order to transfer Rümeysa Öztürk from Louisiana to Vermont, where she will be closer to her community and to her legal counsel. Rümeysa should never have been abducted and transferred thousands of miles away to begin with. She is being unlawfully detained for writing an op-ed in her school newspaper and has not been charged with a single crime. Last month, we visited Rümeysa in detention in Louisiana, where she faces intolerable conditions and has suffered multiple asthma attacks. Rümeysa’s case is part of an alarming trend by the Trump administration to trample individuals’ constitutional rights to due process and free speech. Rümeysa must be released and have her visa restored immediately, and we will continue to ring the alarm loudly until that is the case.”
    On April 22, Senator Markey and Representatives Pressley and McGovern, along with Representative Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of House Committee on Homeland Security, and Representative Troy Carter (LA-02), visited the Louisiana ICE facility where Rümeysa Öztürk was being held. Also on April 22, Senator Markey, Representative Pressley, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons to demand answers about the Trump administration’s concerning practice of detaining individuals, such as Öztürk, far from their attorneys and communities and in legal environments where their rights are more difficult to defend. The Trump administration is forum shopping to obtain a legal outcome favorable to its deportation agenda.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Fetterman, Lankford, Gallego Introduce SHIELD Against CCP Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Fetterman (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the SHIELD Against CCP Act, which would create a dedicated working group at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP):
    “To effectively counter China, the U.S. must target them from all angles and through all agencies,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This widely supported, commonsense legislation would allow the Department of Homeland Security to arm itself with the tools to protect our sovereignty against the CCP’s malign influence.”
    “The CCP controls everything that happens in China and they will cheat, steal, and poison our communities if it helps them get ahead. They supply the chemicals behind the fentanyl claiming Pennsylvanian lives, rig our immigration rules, and rip off ideas from American companies. Enough is enough,” said Sen. Fetterman. “I’m teaming up with Senators Cornyn, Gallego, and Lankford on the SHIELD Against CCP Act to make sure DHS has the muscle to punch back and keep our people safe.”
    “The Chinese Communist Party threatens our sovereignty—whether it’s flooding our border with illegal immigrants, launching cyberattacks, or pushing deadly fentanyl into our communities,” said Sen. Lankford. “The SHIELD Against CCP Act provides the Department of Homeland Security with the necessary tools to address these challenges directly, safeguard our borders, and protect the American people.”
    “Fentanyl has devastated communities across Arizona for too long, and we need to use every tool available to stop the flow of this deadly drug into our country,” said Sen. Gallego. “This bipartisan bill will help DHS understand how the Chinese Communist Party is exploiting our border and fueling fentanyl trafficking, so we can close those gaps and keep our communities safe.”
    Companion legislation, led by Congressmen Dale Strong (AL-05) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03), overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives 409-4.
    Background:
    The SHIELD Against CCP Act would establish a working group within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:
    Examine, assess, and report on efforts by DHS to counter terrorist, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security threats posed to the U.S. by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including:
    Exploitation of the U.S. immigration system through identify theft, visa processes, unlawful border crossings, human smuggling, and human trafficking;
    Predatory economic and trade practices, including trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods, use of forced labor, customs fraud, and IP theft;
    Direct or indirect support of Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) trafficking fentanyl, illicit drug precursors, and other controlled substances through the US border, international mail shipments, or express consignment operations;
    And support for illicit financial activity by Chinese Money Laundering Organizations.

    Review information gathered by federal, state, and local law enforcement relating to threats, and disseminate such information to relevant authorities;
    Submit an annual report on its activities to the Homeland Security, Finance, Judiciary, Foreign Relations, and Banking Committees;
    And sunset seven years post-establishment.
    The bill would also require DHS Science and Technology Directorate to research technologies and techniques to enhance DHS’s security and situational awareness related to countering threats posed to the U.S. by the CCP.
    The SHIELD Against CCP Act is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), National Border Patrol Council, National Fusion Center Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and National HIDTA Director’s Association (NHDA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo & Video Chronology — May 6, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption episode 20

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Episode 20 of the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea was active for 4.5 hours the evening of Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Lava fountains reached heights of approximately 500 feet (150 meters). The Halema’uma’u eruption is currently paused and the rapid change in summit tilt from deflation to inflation following episode 20 suggests that another eruptive episode is possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Indian airstrikes in Kashmir following tourist attack raises fears of a regional conflict

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By MD Rakib Jahan, PhD Student, Department of Political Studies, International Relations, Queen’s University, Ontario

    In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir last month,, India has launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of targeted airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

    The killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley on April 22 did more than shatter a moment of peace in one of South Asia’s most scenic regions. The assault has significantly increased India-Pakistan tensions and generated worries of possible military conflict between two nuclear-armed countries.

    Though Pakistan denies the charges, India has specifically held Pakistan responsible for sheltering terrorist groups.

    In response to the attack, India has taken several actions against Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic ties, recalling diplomats, suspending participation in a vital water-sharing agreement and closing a significant border crossing.

    This rapidly deteriorating situation underscores the broader consequences of the devastating Pahalgam assault.



    Read more:
    India and Pakistan have fought many wars in the past. Are we on the precipice of a new one?

    Human tragedy

    Described by the region’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” the assault in Pahalgam is not only a humanitarian tragedy and a blow to Kashmir’s economy but a flashpoint in an already fragile regional relationship.

    The Pahalgam attack’s timing coincided with United States Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India in April. This mirrors a grim pattern that includes former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s 2000 trip, when militants struck Chittisinghpura in Jammu and Kashmir hours before his arrival.

    By staging violence during diplomatic milestones, militants aim to amplify global attention and send a message to the Indian government. As global attention shifts back to Kashmir, the Baisaran massacre appears to mark a new chapter in the long-fought battle over this territory — one that risks tourism, targets civilians and threatens to unravel regional stability.

    Strategic targeting of Kashmir’s economy

    Though Kashmir has seen warfare for decades, militant groups had mostly avoided targeting visitors because of the the economic significance of tourism to Kashmir.

    The calculated selection of Pahalgam — one of Kashmir’s top tourist sites — reveals a plan to attack the core of Kashmir’s economy. According to counter-terrorism expert Ajai Sahni, the local community and militant groups have an implicit understanding not to compromise the tourism industry.

    By breaking this unwritten rule, the militants have demonstrated a willingness to inflict economic harm on the population.

    Nearly everyone in Kashmir, particularly in the valley, depends on tourism either directly or indirectly. Tourism, which has seen a resurgence since the COVID-19 pandemic, generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and more than eight per cent of Kashmir’s GDP.

    Experts like Amitabh Mattoo, from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, warn that Kashmir may experience long-term devastating effects from a drop in tourism. A significant exodus of travellers from Kashmir has already taken place.



    Read more:
    Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war and how dangerous is the situation? An expert explains

    Challenging India’s post-2019 Kashmir narrative

    The assault also weakens India’s narrative on Kashmir, an area that has been disputed by both Pakistan and India since their independence from Britain in 1947.

    The attack took place as India Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to open a multi-billion-dollar railway project to the Kashmir Valley, which his government contends will enhance tourism and economic development.

    Modi’s administration has presented the rise in tourism as proof of “normalcy” coming back to Kashmir following India’s removal of special status to Kashmir.

    The intentional targeting of visitors sends a message that the illusion of normalcy is misleading.

    A deadly departure from past tactics

    The Resistance Front (TRF), a rather unknown militant group founded in 2019 and designated as a “terrorist organization” by the Indian government in January 2023, claimed responsibility for the assault via social media. They offered no proof to back their assertion.

    TRF represents a new breed of militant Kashmiri nationalism and resistance. Indian intelligence agencies have connected the group to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    TRF’s communication regarding the assault emphasized resistance to new “outsider” residency rights. This corresponds with worries voiced by some Kashmiris after 2019 modifications permitted non-locals to acquire land and get employment in the area.

    The government disclosed in April 2025 that 83,000 individuals have been given residence certificates under these new standards in the last two years.

    The future of Kashmir’s stability

    Apart from causing obvious human sorrow, the Pahalgam slaughter also endangers years of economic development and could send Jammu and Kashmir back into a cycle of bloodshed and instability.

    Targeting tourists could mean militants are willing to risk Kashmir’s economic core. The assault appears to be an attempt to internationalize the Kashmir problem at a time when worldwide interest had started to fade. It also exploits religious divides, and has succeeded in inciting severe security reactions.

    The future seems more and more uncertain for ordinary Kashmiris caught between security crackdowns and militant brutality. Historical trends indicate that more militancy usually results in more security policies, putting more strain on civilian life.

    For many teenagers and young people in Jammu and Kashmir, the lack of consistent income, mobility limitations and increased monitoring intensifies sensations of marginalization and anger.

    Radical groups can take advantage of these frustrations. To counter this, economic policies must address these inequalities.



    Read more:
    India-Pakistan strikes: 5 essential reads on decades of rivalry and tensions over Kashmir

    A strategy for the way ahead

    The Pahalgam incident calls for a counter-terrorism strategy that balances security with socio-economic stability.

    For example, tourism profit-sharing systems could be implemented and tax advantages or subsidies could be offered to tour businesses, especially those employing young marginalized demographics. This could help to bring some financial respite as well as long-term stability and has been successful in countries like Rwanda.

    The failure to pre-empt the attack despite heightened security during the Vance’s visit and the Hindu pilgrimage season reveals systematic intelligence failures.

    The way ahead calls for tackling both security issues and the underlying complaints still driving militancy in Jammu and Kashmir as the region once again confronts the possibility of violence.

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both nations to de-escalate and return to diplomacy.

    MD Rakib Jahan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Indian airstrikes in Kashmir following tourist attack raises fears of a regional conflict – https://theconversation.com/indian-airstrikes-in-kashmir-following-tourist-attack-raises-fears-of-a-regional-conflict-256166

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez: DEA Drug Bust Underscores Urgent Need to Resource Border, Fight Cartels

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a major federal operation that dismantled a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug trafficking ring in New Mexico, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) is renewing his call for a fully resourced border and bipartisan action to combat fentanyl and transnational criminal networks. 

    “The takedown of a cartel-linked drug ring in southeastern New Mexico is a major win in the fight to keep fentanyl and organized crime off our streets,” said Vasquez. “These are the targeted operations that save lives and protect our communities. But to stay ahead, we need a fully resourced border with proper staffing, cutting-edge technology, and modern infrastructure at our ports of entry. This bust proves that when we work together, we can disrupt the cartels and defend our neighborhoods. I’ll keep pushing for real, bipartisan solutions that stop the flow of deadly drugs and keep New Mexico families safe.”

    The bust, which resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of dangerous narcotics, highlights the ongoing threat cartels pose to New Mexico communities and the need for smart, coordinated enforcement strategies.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Alberta voice in Washington

    For two decades, Alberta has had strong representation in the United States, advocating for Albertans and building integral relationships with key U.S. legislators, decision makers and investors.

    Through these relationships, Alberta and the U.S. have built a $187.2 billion bilateral trade partnership, with the U.S. accounting for 90 per cent of Alberta’s total exports. To maintain and continue building these ties, it is essential that Alberta has a skilled and experienced representative in D.C.

    To prioritize this work, Alberta’s government has appointed the Honourable Nathan Cooper as Alberta’s official representative to the United States, based at the Alberta Washington Office in the U.S. capital.

    Mr. Cooper will draw on his decades of experience in public service, including his most recent experience as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, to lead this important work, focusing on attracting investment, expanding trade opportunities and maintaining the relationships needed to connect Alberta with key decision makers in the U.S.

    “Alberta has seen a lot of success in building its relationship with U.S. decision makers, and much of that success is thanks to the hard work of James Rajotte as Alberta’s Senior Representative to the U.S. In this evolving landscape, Alberta must maintain and build on our ties with U.S. officials, and Nathan Cooper is the right choice to fill this important role. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Nathan as we advocate for Albertans and for our province’s interests in Washington and across the U.S.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “I’m honoured to be entrusted by Premier Danielle Smith with this critical assignment at such a pivotal time. Now more than ever, I see this as a vital opportunity to strengthen and advance Alberta’s long-standing relationship with the United States, ensuring stability and collaboration amid global uncertainty.”

    Nathan Cooper, Alberta’s senior representative to the United States

    “Having worked closely with Nathan, I’ve seen his unwavering commitment to Alberta’s interests. His ability to bring people together, coupled with his deep understanding of U.S. politics, makes him the ideal representative for Alberta in Washington. I’m confident his leadership will be invaluable as we navigate challenges ahead.”

    Nate Horner, Minister of Finance

    “As Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Cooper is highly respected for his wisdom, integrity and ability to find common ground across parties. I cannot think of a better representative for Albertans in Washington.”

    Deron Bilous, senior vice-president, Counsel Public Affairs and former NDP Minister

    “Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to work with Speaker Cooper on the Alberta – Wisconsin relationship and look forward to expanding that in his new role here in the United States. I am confident Nathan’s extensive American connections will serve Alberta well as we seek to maintain our strong bilateral relationship.”

    Robin Vos, Speaker of the Wisconsin state assembly

    “As both a business and community leader, I have full confidence that Nathan will be an invaluable asset to businesses on both sides of the border. Given the complexities of today’s political climate, his ability to bridge divides and foster economic collaboration will prove indispensable.”

    Bob Dhillon, president and CEO, Mainstreet Equity Corp.

    “Team Canada needs a strong Alberta in Washington, and Alberta needs strong representation for our trading interests. There might be some tough days ahead for the relationship between Canada and the United States, but I know Nathan Cooper will work hard for Albertans and a strong Canada.”

    Shannon Phillips, former NDP Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    Since 2005, Alberta’s presence in the U.S. capital has helped advance the province’s economic objectives with U.S. decision makers. Alberta’s envoys have managed this important relationship from the Alberta Washington Office, which is collocated within the Canadian Embassy.

    Biography for Nathan Cooper

    The Honourable Nathan Cooper served as the member of the legislative assembly for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills from May 5, 2015 to May 7, 2025.

    On May 21, 2019, he was elected by his fellow MLAs as the 14th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

    Before his time as an MLA, Mr. Cooper served as chief of staff and director of legislative affairs for the Wildrose caucus and completed two terms as a councillor for the Town of Carstairs. He also brings extensive experience in cross-jurisdictional parliamentary affairs, including:

    • As the longest serving Canadian speaker he became dean of the Canadian Speaker Association in 2025.
    • Leading numerous parliamentary delegations to the United States, with a strong focus on relationship-building.
    • Serving as an international guest speaker at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conferences in Canada and other Commonwealth nations.

    Mr. Cooper’s proven leadership, deep understanding of parliamentary systems and commitment to building meaningful partnerships make him exceptionally well-suited to advance Alberta’s interests in the United States.

    Quick facts

    • James Rajotte, Alberta’s previous Senior Representative to the U.S. has returned to Edmonton after four and a half years representing Alberta in the United States. He continues to serve as a senior advisor to Premier Smith focused on the U.S. file, working out of Premier Smith’s office in Alberta.
    • The salary for the senior representative to the U.S. is publicly disclosed annually in accordance with the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act.
    • Alberta has maintained offices abroad for more than 50 years and currently has 17 offices in key markets like the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Singapore and the Middle East.

    Related information

    • Alberta’s international offices

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney concludes First Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met virtually with provincial and territorial premiers. He was joined by the Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Dominic LeBlanc.

    The productive discussion focused on two pillars: the Canada-U.S. relationship and reinforcing Canada’s strength at home.

    First, the Prime Minister updated the premiers on his meeting with President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. He emphasized Canada’s openness to building a new economic and security relationship with the United States – based on respect, built on common interests, and to the benefit of both nations.

    First Ministers also discussed building projects of national interest to diversify the economy, create higher-paying jobs, and build one Canadian economy instead of 13. They agreed to accelerate project approvals, including through a ‘one project, one review’ approach. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to table federal legislation to eliminate federal trade barriers by Canada Day.

    Prime Minister Carney will meet with the premiers again on June 2, 2025, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Hoyer Remarks at U.S. Department of the Treasury Oversight Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), delivered the following remarks at the subcommittee’s oversight hearing on the Department of the Treasury:

    Click here to watch a full video of his remarks.
     

    “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and welcome, Mr. Secretary. This is our first substantive hearing dealing with the devastating actions that the Trump Administration has taken in the first three months of 2025 – actions planned and predicted by Project 2025. I look forward to having more such hearings with other agencies under our jurisdiction – especially the principals of DOGE, OMB, GSA, and OPM, which are having such a profoundly negative impact on our country.

    “What we’ve seen in the first 100 days of this administration is unprecedented, and – so the polls tell us – disturbing to the American people. An irresponsible, incoherent tariff policy has plunged the Americans and global economies into chaos. These past three months, the American economy shrank for the first time since the final days of the pandemic. The stock market fell more in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration than in the first 100 days of any presidency in the past half century. Consumer confidence is [at its] lowest since May of 2020 – the height of Covid-19. That uncertainty has also rattled the bond market, with investors dangerously starting to doubt the full faith and credit of the United States.

    “Most importantly, Americans are hurting. Families see their costs going up. Retirees watch their life savings losing value. Small business owners and farmers risk going under as they struggle to navigate ever-changing tariffs. Our economy is in chaos and so, I think, is our government.

    “Donald Trump, Russell Vought, and Elon Musk are orchestrating an illegal purge of our federal employees. They clearly had a lot of ideas on how to remove these people and dismantle these programs as quickly as possible. Sadly, they had no clue, in my view, as to the devastating consequences of their actions on our country, our government, our allies, and the professionals we rely on to serve the American people.

    “I am particularly concerned about the Internal Revenue Service, which has been severely understaffed and underfunded for decades. So far, the Trump Administration has forced the IRS to cut as many as 11,443 employees – or over 11 percent of its staff. That includes 6,700 workers who were fired at the height of this most recent tax season. Now, the administration is planning to reduce the IRS workforce, I understand, by another 40,000 jobs – or 40 percent. That includes up to half of IRS enforcement staff. Additionally, Trump’s 2026 budget cuts funding for the IRS by 20 percent. These actions at IRS, in my view, and every other government office, have bludgeoned morale, destroyed efficiency, and increased waste.

    “Cutting back on IRS enforcement makes it easier for the wealthiest individuals and corporations to cheat on their taxes and get out of paying what they owe. That, of course, increases what others pay and explodes the deficit. As the President and Congressional Republicans undermine the ability to enforce our existing tax code, they are also pursuing massive tax cuts for the wealthiest among us.

    “Furthermore, DOGE operatives are rifling through IRS databases that contain Americans’ sensitive information, including their financial history, Social Security numbers, immigration status, and more. The story is the same across the federal government. Americans are reeling from this uncertainty in their economy and in their government. They need answers. More than that, they need an adult in the room. That is the role, I hope, the Treasury Department plays – and Mr. Secretary, in particular, yourself.

    “The economy and markets do not lie. We all depend on the Treasury Secretary to communicate clearly and transparently to the President, the Congress, the American people, and, indeed, the world. I’ve mentioned tariffs and the IRS, but I’m also eager to hear, Mr. Secretary from you about our economic approach to the Russian-Ukraine war – especially in light of last week’s mineral deal and recent questions about our sanctions regime on Russia.

    “Former Secretary Mnuchin – whom I believe you know, sir – and I disagreed on some things, but we still found ways to work in a bipartisan fashion to inspire confidence in the economy. Mr. Secretary, I look forward to doing the same with you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Alsobrooks, Maryland Democratic Delegation in Demanding Back Education Dollars Cut by Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – As reported this week in The Washington Post, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined a letter led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) along with the Maryland Democratic Delegation – U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) to demand that the Trump Administration release the $98 million promised for education funding in the state and urging the Department to work with the delegation to ensure Maryland receives this vital funding.

    “Earlier this year, [Secretary McMahon testified that the President] wants to ‘return education to the states where it belongs.’ We believe that approving Maryland’s application for late liquidation of relief funds would do just that. We appreciate your offer to conduct a thorough review of the ESSER funds rescinded from Maryland and look forward to reaching a resolution in the best interest of the more than 860,000 students in our state who are depending on these Congressionally appropriated funds,” said the lawmakers. 

    “We stand ready to partner with the Department in ensuring the disbursement of this key funding to Maryland,” continued the lawmakers.

    You can read the full letter to Secretary McMahon here or below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write with deep concern regarding the Department of Education’s (the Department) recent letter to State Chiefs of Education, which modified the time period for states to liquidate obligations under the Education Stabilization Fund. The loss of these dollars would be catastrophic for the state of Maryland and its students. We appreciate the fact that the Department did leave an opportunity open for collaboration with states, affording them the chance to appeal for an extension to the liquidation period on a project-specific basis. As such, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has applied for an extension. We strongly support MSDE’s application and urge the Department to approve MSDE’s requests for full reimbursement.

    As you know, on January 22, 2025 – after President Trump was sworn into office – the Department approved MDSE’s late liquidation plan for American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds through March 28, 2026. Similarly, on March 17, 2025, the Department approved a late liquidation plan for the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) from MSDE through March 31, 2025. Yet on March 28, 2025, the MSDE received notice from the Department that the liquidation period for all pandemic recovery resources authorized in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund was rescinded. This sudden reversal has caused a great deal of confusion and would hinder Maryland’s efforts to address pandemic learning loss.

    The impact of this reversal by the Department will indeed be devastating for Maryland schools. Pandemic relief funds were set to go towards capital projects including school heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning repair and replacement that have been delayed because of supply chain and construction issues, as well as new curricula and instructional materials that Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are still awaiting.

    As such, Maryland has submitted a late liquidation request to the Department for $98,706,860, which includes $42 million spent by LEAs that have not been submitted to the State for reimbursement, as well as $56.7 million remaining to liquidate. The remaining funding is obligated toward projects to provide temporary housing and mental health support for students experiencing homelessness; community school mental health services; tutoring and technology for students; professional development for staff; Grow Your Own projects, including tuition reimbursement programs for staff to attain teacher certifications; the replacement of older and non-working windows and doors; restroom repairs; and security camera updates to keep students safe. 

    MSDE and the state’s LEAs have utilized ESSER funds to recover reading scores, sustainably address the teacher shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, support student mental and emotional health, and fortify other key ingredients in learning. The state’s reapplication in compliance with the Department’s guidance issued on March 28, 2025, also includes key details of our educational systems’ efforts to modernize classroom infrastructure to mitigate the threat of infectious diseases. 

    We proudly represent a state that places tremendous emphasis on high-quality education and MSDE’s implementation of federal funds is fundamental to that mission. We urge the Department to approve MSDE’s latest reapplication for late liquidation of this vital funding. Like students across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic set young Marylanders back substantially on key metrics of student achievement. As your office has noted, recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results have revealed that “gaps are growing between higher-performing and lower-performing students.” Further, chronic absenteeism still is too high with the latest data indicating “a majority of students still attended schools with 20% or higher levels of chronic absence… in stark contrast to 2019, when slightly over a quarter of schools experienced such high levels of chronic absence.” Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover.

    Again, we want to continue to be collaborative and work together to improve Maryland schools. As you noted in your testimony to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee earlier this year, President Trump wants to “return education to the states where it belongs.” We believe that approving Maryland’s application for late liquidation of relief funds would do just that. We appreciate your offer to conduct a thorough review of the ESSER funds rescinded from Maryland and look forward to reaching a resolution in the best interest of the more than 860,000 students in our state who are depending on these Congressionally appropriated funds. 

    We welcome a further conversation between the Department and the Maryland Congressional delegation on this process and would be happy to help support engagements between the Department and MSDE. We stand ready to partner with the Department in ensuring the disbursement of this key funding to Maryland.

    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Busts Fraudster for Stealing Over $400,000 from a Citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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

    ORANGE COUNTY – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of felony charges against a caretaker for stealing over $400,000 from a citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians who was a dependent adult in her care. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) received a referral from the FBI alleging that the caretaker embezzled money from the victim to pay for personal expenses. These funds were received monthly by the victim from the Pechanga Tribe.
     
    “Caretakers have a profound responsibility to treat those in their care with the highest level of compassion and dignity,” said Attorney General Bonta. “They support individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to fighting against all types of abuse, theft, and neglect. We will take prompt action to hold accountable anyone who exploits or harms vulnerable members of our communities.”
     
    It is alleged that between October 2018 and January 2021, the caretaker used the victim’s funds to pay for vacations, luxurious dinners, mortgage payments, and other personal expenses. DOJ filed criminal charges in the Orange County Superior Court for Embezzlement, Theft from a Dependent Adult, and Grand Theft exceeding $100,000. 
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
     
    The California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.

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

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Senator Britt in Introducing MOMS Act to Support Women, Strengthen Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) in introducing the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. This legislation would improve access to critical resources during the toughest phases of motherhood, including the prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development stages.
    In 2023, the number of U.S. births was the lowest since 1979, and the total fertility rate in America hit an all-time low. Last year, fertility and birth rates remained near record lows, reflecting a continued, concerning trend in America.
    “As a former OB-GYN who spent over 25 years caring for thousands of women and delivering over 5,000 babies, I understand firsthand the importance of supporting mothers throughout their pregnancy and into motherhood,” said Senator Marshall. “The MOMS Act is critical legislation to ensure we are providing countless women in America the resources they need. I am proud to stand beside Senator Britt in sponsoring this much-needed, pro-family legislation.”
    “The Republican Party is the party of life, the party of parents, and the party of families. At the heart of the MOMS Act is building a comprehensive culture of life to give moms, children, and families the support system they need to thrive and live their American Dream,” said Senator Britt. “As a mom myself, I don’t have to wonder what other moms are facing – I’m living it. I know firsthand that there is no greater blessing in life than our children and I also understand the types of challenges that women face during their pregnancy journeys and while raising their kids. I’m proud to support women throughout these seasons of motherhood, and the MOMS Act is part of my continued commitment to fight on their behalf.”
    The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) and Tim Sheehy (R-Montana).
    This legislation is endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans United for Life, March for Life Action, the National Right to Life Committee, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women of America, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the Human Coalition.
    The full text of the bill can be viewed here. 
    Background:
    The MOMS Act would establish a website of resources, Pregnancy.gov, for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children, which will increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women near their zip code and surrounding areas.
    These relevant resources include health and well-being services; financial assistance; and material and legal support. HHS would also be required to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy support.
    The legislation would also improve access to pre and post-natal resources and would establish a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and to care for their babies after birth. 
    It would also institute a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas to support pre-natal and post-natal telehealth appointments.
    The MOMS Act also includes Senator Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act to allow states to apply child support obligations to the time during pregnancy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde Introduces Constitutional Hearing Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) introduced the Constitutional Hearing Protection Act (CHPA) to remove the unconstitutional taxation, registration, and regulation of suppressors under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

    “Burdensome regulations and unconstitutional taxes shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting American gun owners’ hearing,” said Clyde. “As an ardent defender of our Second Amendment liberties, I’m working to remove all infringements on our God-given right to keep and bear arms. By deregulating suppressors, eliminating the costly $200 tax stamp on these firearms, and avoiding additional taxation, my legislation offers a constitutional solution to increase Americans’ access to suppressors. Congress must advance this commonsense measure to preserve our Second Amendment rights and protect the hearing of millions of gun owners.”

    Bill text of the Constitutional Hearing Protection Act is available HERE.

    Original cosponsors include (31): Representatives Nick Begich (AK-At-Large), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Ron Estes (KS-04), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Andy Harris (MD-01), Mark Harris (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Tom McClintock (CA-05), John McGuire (VA-05), Mary Miller (IL-15), Barry Moore (AL-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Scott Perry (PA-10), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Keith Self (TX-03), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Tony Wied (WI-08), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01).

    The Constitutional Hearing Protection Act is also supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA), the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    “Gun Owners of America is fully supportive of Rep. Clyde’s Constitutional Hearing Protection Act — which eliminates all unconstitutional excise taxes on firearm suppressors. GOA urges the House Committee on Ways and Means to swiftly advance this legislation to restore the right of the People and protect the hearing of millions of gun owners,” said GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs Aidan Johnston.

    “The National Association for Gun Rights supports the full deregulation of suppressors, as they should be classified just like any other accessory. Congressman Andrew Clyde’s Constitutional Hearing Protection Act would remove suppressors from the NFA’s burdensome regulations, and eliminate the egregious $200 tax stamp. These are great first steps. We thank Congressman Clyde for being a leader on this issue and on the Second Amendment,” said NAGR President Dudley Brown.

    “Gun owners should not have to pay a tax, ask governmental permission, and endure wait times that can be over a year, just to protect their hearing while exercising their constitutionally protected rights,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “Suppressors do not silence firearms, but they are proven to mitigate hearing damage from shooting. On behalf of our millions of members, the NRA thanks Representative Andrew Clyde for introducing the Constitutional Hearing Protection Act.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst’s “Made in America” Bill Earns Support of Iowans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams’ (R-Texas) newly unveiled initiative to continue the domestic manufacturing explosion happening under President Trump has earned widespread praise.
    Business leaders in Iowa and across the country have applauded the bipartisan Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act that doubles the loan limit for Small Business Administration (SBA) manufacturing loans to bring back “Made in America.”
    What They Are Saying About the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act:
    Iowa Association of Business and Industry
    “Iowa’s manufacturers are ready to grow, invest, and lead in the future of American manufacturing – but access to capital is critical,” said Nicole Crain, President. “The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act is a commonsense solution that will empower small manufacturers to invest in the tools, technology, and facilities they need to compete globally. ABI applauds Senator Ernst and Chairman Williams for their leadership and commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.”
    Iowa Bankers Association
    “The Iowa Bankers Association thanks Senator Joni Ernst for her leadership in proposing the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act,” said Adam Gregg, President. “Bank leaders in Iowa have advocated for increasing the loan limits in these SBA programs with the goal of driving more investment in communities across the state of Iowa.  Manufacturing is an important piece of Iowa’s economy, and Iowa banks are proud partners in helping small businesses grow and expand.  This proposed legislation will make the work of our Iowa banks even more impactful.”
    Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
    “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our region’s economic vitality,” said Barbra Solberg. “By increasing access to capital for small manufacturers, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act empowers businesses to expand, innovate and compete globally—while reinforcing our domestic supply chains. We commend Senator Ernst for her leadership as Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee and her commitment to addressing the financial needs of small manufacturers in today’s economy.”
    Greater Burlington Partnership
    “Increasing loan limits for small manufacturers strengthens the backbone of our local economy,” said Amy O’Brien, CEO. “This bipartisan effort will give more Iowa businesses the tools they need to expand operations, invest in new technology, and create quality jobs right here at home. As the cost of doing business continues to rise, we support the recommended increases in borrowing to accommodate our manufacturing businesses.”
    Job Creators Network
    “Senate Small Business Committee Chair Joni Ernst and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams are standing up for American small businesses by introducing the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act,” said Alfredo Ortiz, CEO. “This legislation significantly expands access to credit for American manufacturers under the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs, providing American manufacturers with the funds they need to invest, expand, and create good manufacturing jobs. This legislation is especially important during this period of high interest rates and scarce access to capital. It will significantly help grow the productive economy and contribute to President Trump’s goal of reshoring critical manufacturing capacity. All legislators on both sides of the aisle should vigorously support it.”
    Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
    “Increasing the SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan program limits to $10 million for small manufacturers is a pragmatic reform that will provide entrepreneurs with a modernized level of resources needed to build, transform, or expand manufacturing facilities and capabilities in support of advanced U.S.-based manufacturing,” said Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO. “Small, entrepreneurial firms dominate U.S. manufacturing, and if our goal is to support their competitiveness, growth and innovative capacity, access to appropriate levels of capital is necessary. Leveling up these proven SBA loan programs will help to fuel manufacturing activity and innovation, which is so vital to U.S. economic growth, opportunity, and our global competitiveness. SBE Council strongly supports the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act.”
    National Small Business Association
    “While the demand for broader access to capital is generalized across the entire small business ecosystem, capital-intensive industries, including manufacturing, face unique challenges,” said Todd McCracken, President & CEO. “Initial investments in these industries, as well as long term development costs and diversification are appreciably more capital intensive than other businesses, as even a small change could result in significant retooling and related costs. Commonsense changes to existing federal support programs for small manufacturers would go a long way to leveling the playing field and allowing American entrepreneurs to invest in the United States. That is why we are pleased to support the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025, which would increase the maximum loans small manufacturing companies are eligible for under the existing 7(a) and 504 loan programs.”
    National Association of Development Companies
    “The time is now to increase the 504 manufacturing loan size and foster expansion opportunities for our nation’s small manufacturers,” said Rhonda Pointon, President & CEO. “The National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) and CDCs across the country strongly support the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act (MAMFA). This legislation would raise the 504 manufacturing loan limit to $10 million – empowering small manufacturers to scale, strengthen domestic production, and create high-quality jobs.”
    National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders
    “Often, manufacturers need large facilities and/or specialty equipment that can exceed the current SBA loan size limitations,” said Anthony Wilkinson, President & CEO. “Therefore, especially since it has been 15 years since the 7(a) Program maximum loan size was increased to $5 million, we believe that it would be appropriate to consider increasing that maximum to $10 million for loans to small business manufacturers as proposed in your legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Grassley to Host Service Academy Virtual Information Nights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    Published: May 7, 2025

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced their offices will hold two United States Service Academy Virtual Informational Nights on Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13 from 6 – 8p.m. CT for Iowa students interested in applying to one of our nation’s military academies. Every year, Ernst and Grassley each nominate 15 students to the academies.
    Representatives from all five service academies will be available to answer questions about the application and nomination process. The Monday session will be attended by representatives from the Air Force and Naval Academies. The Tuesday session will be attended by representatives from the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, and the Coast Guard Academy.
    The senators will not be in attendance at the meetings.
    Attendees must RSVP to receive meeting information. To contact Senator Ernst’s office, please email Brenda_Safranski@ernst.senate.gov or call (515) 284-4574. To contact Senator Grassley’s office, please email academy_nominations@grassley.senate.gov or call (515) 288-1145.
    Each year, Ernst and Grassley nominate current and future Iowa high school graduates for a limited number of academy positions. Click here to view the academy nomination application. Oct. 24, 2025, is the deadline to apply for a nomination for academy admission in the fall of 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Diego, multiagency case results in guilty conviction for would-be sex trafficker attempting to entice, coerce child and adult into prostitution

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO — Steven Terrell Lewis, 39, of El Cajon, was convicted by a federal jury May 6 for attempted coercion and enticement of a 14-year-old high school student and attempted sex trafficking by force or coercion of a 22-year-old woman. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, the National City Police Department, the El Cajon Police Department, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office are investigating this case.

    “This guilty verdict sends the powerful message that those who exploit children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “This outcome is the result of relentless cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Our agency remains steadfast in our mission to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and to stand beside every victim until justice is served.”

    According to evidence presented at the April 22, 2024, trial, the 14-year-old victim was walking to a friend’s house after school around 3 p.m. in El Cajon when Lewis used his vehicle to pin her on the sidewalk, exited his vehicle, and snatched her cellphone from her hand to get her phone number. Lewis then proceeded to send sexually explicit text messages from a phone number ending in 8155 to the victim before she was able to block the phone number. On April 23, 2024, Lewis continued texting the victim, except this time from a different phone number through TextFree, a mobile application and web service, from a phone number ending in 0014.

    When Lewis identified himself as “Pimpin,” he sent a sexually explicit photograph to the 14-year-old victim and invited her to “go get some money” with him. She immediately notified a coach at her high school, who alerted the El Cajon Police Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.

    One week after Lewis’ attempt to sex traffic the minor victim failed, on April 28, 2024, he began recruiting the 22-year-old victim through MegaPersonals and sent a ride-share vehicle to take her to Roosevelt Avenue in National City, known as “The Blade,” to work street-based prostitution for his financial benefit. Fortunately, the next day, an undercover National City police officer posing as a commercial sex buyer picked up the adult victim offered her resources to leave prostitution. However, Lewis continued to message the adult victim (from both phone numbers ending in 8155 and 0014), threatening her to continue to engage in commercial sex for his benefit.

    Officers from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Lewis May 16, 2024, following physical surveillance of Lewis and searches of his vehicles, residence and cellphones.

    The victims did not know each other.

    Investigators believe that other victims exist because, during a search of Lewis’ phone, they discovered a photograph of a handwritten note that appears to have been written by a concerned parent. The note reads, “If I find out one more time that this car is following my daughter down Graves Ave we will have a problem. I suggest you f—- chill.”

    At the time, Lewis was driving two vehicles registered to him, including a white, four-door 1996 Oldsmobile bearing California license plate number 3TIF671:

    He also drove a brown or beige-colored, four-door 1986 Chevrolet bearing California license plate number 1REC517:

    If you or someone you know has had an encounter with Lewis or you know the author of the note, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force by calling 888-373-7888 or texting 233733.

    “The jury’s guilty verdicts are a powerful reminder that human trafficking has no place in our society. These verdicts are not just justice for the victims — it is a warning to human traffickers everywhere that those who exploit and attempt to exploit others for profit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law, no matter how long it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I commend the bravery of the survivors who came forward. Their truth helped convict a predator — and protect countless others.”

    “Every year, there are thousands of reported human trafficking cases across the United States — including right here in California,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Whether it’s for sex or labor, abusing power to force or coerce someone into doing something against their will is wrong. At the California Department of Justice, we’re committed to standing up for survivors, disrupting and dismantling human trafficking rings, and securing justice. I am thankful for our federal, state and local partners because it takes all of us to combat human trafficking. If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking, there are resources available to you. You are not alone.”

    “As a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force, the protection of our youth is our top priority,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “This case highlights the importance of collaboration and the need to share information in order to bring suspects like this into custody.”

    Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 1.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. Announces Special Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on June 17, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI BEACH, Fla., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. (NASDAQ: CUBA) (the “Fund”) today announced that the Fund has filed preliminary proxy materials (“Proxy Materials”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a special meeting of stockholders to be held on June 17, 2025, for its stockholders to consider and vote on proposals necessary to approve the Fund’s conversion from its current investment strategy and redirect the Fund to focus on a “CLO Equity Strategy”. With this change, the Fund’s primary investment objective will change to a total return strategy with a secondary objective of generating high current income for stockholders. In accordance with the change in investment objective, the Fund will focus on investing in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations, or “CLOs”. CLOs are portfolios of collateralized loans consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors.

    The Fund’s Board of Directors (“Board”) has fixed May 5, 2025, as the record date for determination of the Fund’s stockholders entitle to notice of and to vote at the Fund’s special meeting.

    The Fund’s special meeting will be held at the Fund’s offices at 119 Washington Avenue, Suite 504, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, on June 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time.

    There are three proposals to be considered by the Fund’s stockholders at the special meeting:

    • Proposal 1 seeks approval of an amended and restated investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) to permit the Adviser to receive a fee based on “managed assets” and an incentive fee.
    • Proposal 2 seeks approval to revise the Fund’s investment objective from obtaining “long term capital appreciation” to a primary objective of “maximizing risk adjusted total returns” with a secondary objective of “generating high current income;” and to reclassify the Fund’s investment objective as non-fundamental.
    • Proposal 3 seeks approval to amend the fundamental policies of the Fund related to borrowing, the issuance of senior securities, underwriting securities issued by other persons, industry concentration, the purchase or sale of real estate, the purchase or sale of commodities, and making loans to other persons.

    The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires any change to a fundamental policy and the entering into of the new investment management agreement be approved by “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund (as defined under the 1940 Act).

    The Proposals referred to above are discussed in detail in the Proxy Materials filed today with the SEC.

    Additional Information about the Special Meeting

    The Fund is filing today with the SEC its preliminary Proxy Materials (Filing Type: PRE 14A). The Fund’s definitive Proxy Statement currently is anticipated to be filed with the SEC late in May 2025 (Filing Type: DEF 14A). Stockholders can obtain these documents (when available) free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The definitive Proxy Statement for the Fund also will be posted (when available) on the Fund’s website at www.herzfeld.com/cuba. In addition, free copies (when it becomes available) of the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained by directing a request to the Fund at (800) 854-3863.

    This press release is for informational purposes and is not intended to, and does not, solicit a proxy from any shareholder of the Fund. The solicitation of proxies to effect the proposed changes is only be made by a definitive Proxy Statement.

    This press release references a preliminary Proxy Materials filed by the Fund. The definitive Proxy Statement has yet to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). After the definitive Proxy Statement is filed with the SEC, it may be amended or withdrawn.

    The Fund and its directors, officers and employees, and the Adviser, and its shareholders, officers and employees and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed fundamental policy changes and the proposed approval of the investment advisory agreement. Investors and shareholders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of the Fund’s directors, officers and employees, and Adviser and its stockholders, officers and employees and other persons by reading the definitive Proxy Statement when it is filed with the SEC.    INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE FUND ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSALS. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND CAREFULLY. THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND.

    The definitive Proxy Statement will not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities, in any state where such offer or sale is not permitted. Security holders may obtain free copies (when it becomes available) of the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, free copies (when it becomes available) of the definitive Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained by directing a request to the Fund at (800) 854-3863

    About Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.

    Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc., founded in 1984, is an SEC registered investment advisor, specializing in investment analysis and account management in closed-end funds.

    More information about the advisor can be found at www.herzfeld.com.

    Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in the Fund is subject to certain risks, including market risk. In general, shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value and at the time of sale may be trading on the exchange at a price which is more or less than the original purchase price or the net asset value. An investor should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Please read the Fund’s disclosure documents before investing.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release, and other statements that TJHA or the Fund may make, may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Fund’s or TJHA’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. TJHA and the Fund caution that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and TJHA and the Fund assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Fund, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, particularly with respect to Cuba and other Caribbean Basin countries, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Fund or in the Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Fund or TJHA, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or TJHA or the Fund; (9) TJHA’s and the Fund’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of TJHA electing to provide support to its products from time to time; (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions; and (12) the effects of an epidemic, pandemic or public health emergency, including without limitation, COVID-19. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Fund with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on TJHA’s website at www.herzfeld.com/cuba, and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Fund. The information contained on TJHA’s website is not a part of this press release.

    TJHA has received certain nominations or awards by third-parties as reflected herein. Investors should review the criteria for each nomination or award as reflected on the third-party’s webpage. In addition, the nominations and awards reflect past performance of the nominee or award designee and may not reflect the current performance or status of any such firm or individual and may no longer be applicable. Morningstar award content presented with permission and licensing fee. Contact us for more information on how the ratings are apportioned and for full disclosures regarding third party news and awards.

    Contact:
    Thomas Morgan
    Chief Compliance Officer
    Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.
    1-305-777-1660

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the formation of a new government in Germany

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, issued the following statement on the formation of a new government in Germany:

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his swearing-in and on the formation of a new government in Germany.

    “Canada and Germany are close partners, and we will be building on our reliable trade relationship. Through stronger alliances, shared values, and deepened trade and commercial ties, we will work to build stronger economies to the benefit of Canadians and Germans alike. I look forward to speaking with Chancellor Merz soon and to strengthening our collaboration at the G7.

    “I also thank former Chancellor Scholz for his leadership and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) Statement on Rep. Mark Amodei’s Budget Amendment to Sell Off Nevada Public Lands

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

     “I do not support Rep. Mark Amodei’s lands bill for several reasons. It was brought to the House Natural Resources Committee despite opposition from Clark County and without consulting local stakeholders or the rest of the federal delegation. Proposals to sell public lands should be done openly because public lands belong to all of us.

    I also do not support the budget amendment because it rips off the people in Southern Nevada. It sells off 65,000 acres in Clark County without any offsets for conservation. Furthermore, the land would be sold for “billions” and the money would go directly to the U.S. Treasury with no financial benefit for outdoor recreation, protecting critical ecosystems, or wildfire protection in Southern Nevada.

    Developments proposed in the amendment would also siphon off precious water resources as we struggle with prolonged drought, and raise costs for needed infrastructure to accommodate projected growth.

    I believe a lands bill should encourage infill to use existing infrastructure and conserve water. This bill does just the opposite.”

                                                                                                                                                                               ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving the Discovery Process and Cracking Down on Crime

    Source: US State of New York

    With bipartisan support from District Attorneys, domestic violence victim advocates, religious leaders and business groups, the reforms to streamline New York’s Discovery Laws will prevent cases from being thrown out over technical errors and eliminate dismissals and disruptions that have adversely affected survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes.

    The essential changes to New York’s Discovery Laws included in the FY26 State Budget agreement will:

    • Require courts to consider the prosecutor’s efforts as a whole and whether any missing material prejudiced the defense, preventing cases from being thrown out over insignificant mistakes;
    • Narrow the scope of the items that must be disclosed and cut out the need to seek certain materials that are irrelevant to the charges against the defendant, allowing prosecutors to better focus on gathering the evidence that really matters;
    • Allow prosecutors to move the case forward after they have exercised good faith and due diligence to obtain discoverable material and disclosed everything they have actually obtained, even if there are items they are waiting on;
    • Protect against manipulation of the speedy trial clock, requiring defense attorneys to bring challenges early in the case and confer with prosecutors to resolve issues and move cases forward quickly; and
    • Streamline protections for sensitive witness information, both to protect witnesses and to facilitate a culture of witnesses feeling empowered to come forward.

    New York’s Discovery Laws remain the strongest for defendants in the country, achieving the Governor’s joint goals of maintaining due process for defendants while making common-sense adjustments to make the system work for victims and public safety.

    This holistic approach will replace the previous system that allowed for automatic dismissals based on any small discovery error, and will allow victims in New York to seek justice based on the merits of their case while ensuring a public safety system with true accountability.

    I am committed to continue doing everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe, and today we take a step towards rebalancing the scales of Justice and standing up for victims.”

    Governor Hochul

    Staten Island District Attorney & DAASNY President Michael E. McMahon said, “New York’s 2019 Discovery Reforms led to the dismissal of tens of thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases across our State, leaving countless victims and survivors without justice and jeopardizing public safety. As President of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, I along with dedicated prosecutors from across the ‘Empire State’ are proud to have worked with Governor Hochul and our state legislators to enact commonsense changes to New York’s discovery statutes that will prevent automatic and needless dismissals while the most open and transparent discovery law in the country. The amendments agreed to in this State Budget will help alleviate the onerous burdens placed on our prosecutors, prevent the thousands of absurd case dismissals, and halt the revolving door of recidivism plaguing New York State. I applaud Governor Hochul, my fellow district attorneys, legislative leaders Carl Heastie and Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and all those who advocated for these meaningful reforms, and thank them for their commitment to making our communities safer and our criminal justice system fairer and more efficient.”

    Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “I am grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for their collaborative efforts to enact prudent changes to the discovery laws. These modest amendments will assist in achieving justice for victims of crime and continue transparency to the accused. All stakeholders took great care to develop balanced reforms and redress the unintended consequences that led to an increase in technical dismissals over the past five years. This legislation is a significant step for public safety and a proud moment for all in New York.”

    Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “In New York, we’re proving that a commitment to both safety and fairness are inextricable, and these changes to our discovery laws reflect that. By maintaining the most transparent discovery laws in the nation while preventing cases from being derailed over minor technical issues, we’re ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected, that those who commit serious crimes are held accountable, and victims of crime receive the justice they deserve. I commend Governor Hochul and the Legislature for taking this important step forward and for their dedication to justice for all New Yorkers.”

    Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “I thank Governor Hochul, the State Senate and the State Assembly for finding common ground on New York’s discovery laws. The 2020 changes were the right step forward, but they have led to unintended consequences with thousands of cases statewide dismissed for technical violations of the discovery statute. The dismissals left victims of crime unprotected and without justice. The negotiated changes in the State Legislature will preserve the rights of the accused while improving public safety and protecting victims. New York has the most transparent discovery laws in the United States and the agreed upon changes will safeguard that designation.”

    Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., said, “As Manhattan District Attorney I stand with survivors of crime, including domestic violence and sexual assault, and strongly believe they should all get their well-deserved day in court. The changes to our discovery statute are a meaningful step forward that will significantly improve our practice and advance public safety, while maintaining our state’s status as having the most open and transparent discovery law in the country. I want to thank Governor Hochul for championing the law through this session, our legislative leaders – specifically Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins – and the dozens of survivor advocacy groups, elected officials, business and community leaders and prosecutors from across the State who spoke out in favor of commonsense reforms to the law. This is a major step forward in our fight for public safety and justice for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing Celebrating Creation of New State Agency

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing Celebrating Creation of New State Agency

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen ceremoniously signed LB317, creating the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE). He was joined in remarks by Senator Tom Brandt, who brought the legislation on the Governor’s behalf, as well as Jesse Bradley, who will serve as director of the new agency and Matt Manning, the newly appointed chief water officer for the state.

    LB317 combines the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). One of the significant focuses of the DWEE will be preserving and enhancing  the state’s water resources.

    “Water is our life blood, and our pot of gold is the Ogallala Aquifer,” said Gov. Pillen. “In Nebraska, we irrigate millions of acres – more than any other state in the nation. When you couple that with the advancements in cattle production and the other industries that are becoming part of our bioeconomy, that’s what makes this merger a timely development — one that is important for future generations.”

    Sen. Brandt complimented Nebraska farmers and ranchers for being good stewards of their land and raising their crops and animals in the most sustainable way possible. He said the new agency will provide them with additional resources and outreach as well as enhance collaboration when it comes to water planning, state investment in future water-related projects and permitting processes.

    “We’re cutting red tape, streamlining government and making sure our state works as hard as our farmers do,” Brandt added.

    At the bill signing, Gov. Pillen introduced Dir. Bradley, who has been serving as interim director of both DEE and DNR. Bradley started at DNR in 2006 as an integrated water management analyst. In 2012, he became head of the Water Planning Division, and two years later, was promoted to deputy director of DNR. He has degrees in environmental geology and hydrogeology and is a licensed professional geologist in Nebraska.

    Bradley said he was honored by Gov. Pillen’s appointment and looked forward to being the first director of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.  The merger, he continued, will join the best of both agencies in supporting the management of Nebraska’s natural resources.

    “In accomplishing that objective, we will ensure that Nebraska remains a leader in sustainable natural resources management and that those resources will continue to support our agricultural producers, energy providers, communities, and all Nebraskans for generations to come.”

    Matt Manning, an engineer with DNR since 2023, will be the DWEE’s chief water officer. He currently oversees the planning and development of the Perkins County Canal. Prior to joining DNR, he worked for several engineering firms and founded his own heavy civil construction firm.

    “I am excited to work with Governor Pillen, Director Bradley, and our various stakeholders to enhance and protect the state’s most important natural resource for all Nebraskans, now and into the future,” Manning said.

    In addition to the logistics of combining both agencies over the coming months, Dir. Bradley said top priorities would include continued work on the Perkins County Canal as well as engagement with the newly formed Water Quantity and Quality Task Force, slated to gather in June.  

    “Like the Governor said, we want to take a more proactive approach to these issues,” said Dir. Bradley. “We’re asking: How can we use the technology that is out there to help producers innovate? How do we educate them about possible options and opportunities and help leverage that into improving our water quality and enhancing our water quantity?”

    As gubernatorial appointees, Bradley and Manning will be presented to the Legislature for confirmation. The bill has an emergency clause, with an operational date of July 1, which will align with the beginning of the new fiscal biennium.  

    MIL OSI USA News –