NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Water Repayments from Mexico

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement regarding the recent news on Mexican water repayments.  

    “Water is the lifeblood of our community. I welcome South Texas getting its rightfully owed water,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “However, any water from Mexico must also be met with increased federal funding to improve our local infrastructure.” 

    “We lose 40% of the Mexican water payments to evaporation and seepage. If we don’t get our infrastructure in order, we will never be out of the woods.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez and Congresswoman Stefanik Introduce Bill to Strengthen Border Airports 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    HARLINGEN, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) announced the introduction of the Border Airport Fairness Act, which would designate certain airports within 30 miles of the northern or southern border, including Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, as ports of entry (POE). This bill would also terminate the corresponding airport’s user fees. 

    “I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on this bipartisan legislation to save South Texans and travelers from duplicative costs,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “As our region continues to rapidly grow, it’s essential that our airports and transportation infrastructure not only keep up with increased demand for commercial travel but also continue to support critical federal operations. This legislation is an investment in our future.” 

    “The Border Airport Fairness Act will save Plattsburgh International Airport hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by ensuring that it receives the designation it deserves. My legislation makes certain that Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of Upstate New York and North Country families and continue to provide access for tourists visiting our region,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. 

    “Valley International Airport serves as a vital economic driver for South Texas. As a border community, securing a Designated Port of Entry is critical to expanding international travel and strengthening U.S. Customs and Border Protection services. I want to thank Congressman Gonzalez for standing with Harlingen and helping us take this important step toward a stronger, more connected region,” said Mayor of the City of Harlingen, Norma Sepulveda  

    “For years, Valley International Airport (HRL) has operated at a competitive disadvantage due to the absence of benefits routinely available to other primary commercial service airports located along the U.S. border;” said Marv Esterly, Director of Aviation at Valley International Airport. “Securing a designated Port of Entry (PoE) is essential to expanding our access to critical U.S. Customs services and offering greater international travel options to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley. We deeply appreciate Congressman Gonzalez’s leadership and steadfast support in championing this vital initiative for our airport and community.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    BROWNSVILLE, TX – On Friday May 2, 2025, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Sophia C. Acevedo-Gomez, a 12th grade student at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in Brownsville, Texas, was the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Acevedo-Gomez’s winning piece, “Unspoken Empathy” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside the other winners from across the country.  

    Since 1982, over 650,000 high school students have entered for a chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Each year, the competition has allowed students from the 34th Congressional District of Texas to showcase their talents and creativity through their works of art. This year, the Congressman’s office received 94 total submissions.

    Art Competition winners will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception honoring winners from each congressional district.  In addition, she will be eligible to receive a $3,000 art scholarship to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), should they apply and be accepted for enrollment.   

    “I am honored to recognize Sophia for this extraordinary work of art,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Sophia’s ability to depict compassion and empathy through such a piece is admirable. Congratulations to her and our other winners! We must continue to support our young South Texans and their pursuit of their passions for the arts. I am excited to welcome Sophia and her artwork to Washington, D.C.” 

    For information regarding future art competitions, deadlines, rules, and eligibility, please visit gonzalez.house.gov or contact Congressman Gonzalez’s District Offices at 956-682-5545.  Press can view more photos of the event using this link.

    Full list of winners below:

    1st Place 
    Unspoken Empathy 
    Sophia C. Acevedo (12th grade) 
    Veterans Memorial Early College High School 

    2nd Place 
    State Bound 
    Mailyn Matoviche (12th grade) 
    Lopez Early College High School 

    3rd Place 
    I am Made from the Fragility of Opal 
    Itzel Martinez (11th grade) 
    Rivera Early College High School 

    4th Place 
    Ojitos Lindos 
    Adrian Garcia (11th grade) 
    Edinburg High School 

    5th Place 
    She Leads the Way 
    Sofia Marie Trevino (10th grade) 
    Homeschool 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Urges President Trump to Issue Disaster Declaration for South Texas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sent a letter to President Trump and FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the administration to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Rio Grande Valley so that South Texans impacted by the March 2025 floods can receive essential federal assistance.  

    This letter follows Congressman Gonzalez’s letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 28, 2025, urging him to issue a disaster declaration, and the Governor’s letter to President Trump on April 17, 2025, requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Nearly a month after the devastating floods, South Texans remain waiting for a determination and final decision from the Trump administration.  

    The letter reads: “Due to the damage, on March 28, 2025, I wrote to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to issue a disaster declaration for South Texas so that the affected counties could receive assistance: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.” 

    “As a result, on March 29, 2025, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the four affected counties. Over the last several weeks, members of the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), Small Business Administration (SBA), and local governments coordinated a Damage Assessment of the area. As of April 14, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed the following damages to homes: 842 affected, 2,618 minor, 1,911 major, and 235 destroyed.”  

    “As time progresses and people recover, our communities will continue to confront the long-term damage that these floods left behind…As Congressman for the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I urge you to head Governor Abbott’s request to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Rio Grande Valley and the release Individual Assistance (IA) funds to allow affected communities to rebuild. South Texans need assistance and rely on their public officials to step up and help them. I look forward to working together for the betterment of all South Texans.” 

    Read the full letter here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Statement on FSA Director Jerry Sonnenberg

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO– Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) provided the following statement on the appointment of former Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Director for Colorado:

    “Jerry Sonnenberg is a fantastic choice to be the FSA Director for Colorado and I look forward to working with him to bring real support and helpful reforms for our ranchers and farmers across the Eastern Plains. I’ve gotten to know Jerry over the past year and a half as someone who cares deeply about the health and future of our agriculture industry, a farmer from birth who has passed on his business to his children in Logan County. Jerry is trusted and respected by Coloradans from every background and will always put his community’s interests first. I’m grateful to President Donald J. Trump and U.S.D.A. Secretary Brooke Rollins for making this appointment and I’m excited to see what we can all accomplish together for our farmers and ranchers in the 4th District.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Congresswoman Boebert’s recommendation letter for Jerry Sonnenberg to the U.S. Department of Agriculture can be read HERE.

    Colorado Politics: Former State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg named head of Farm Service Agency for Colorado by President Trump

    Sterling Journal-Advocate: Sonnenberg appointed to run FSA in Colorado

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Helps Restore Three CBP Whistleblowers’ Careers after Nearly a Decade of Retaliation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has successfully secured promotions for three Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblowers, along with full compensation for the more than seven years of retaliation they’ve suffered.

    Whistleblowers Fred Wynn, Mike Taylor and Mark Jones have been elevated to new supervisory roles at CBP, reversing their prior demotion and reduction in pay. The whistleblowers will receive back pay and retirement benefits to cover for nearly a decade of financial losses inflicted by the agency. The agency is also reauthorizing Jones and Taylors’ law enforcement credentials, badges and firearms, after they were revoked by the Biden administration in 2023 for blowing the whistle on CBP’s failure to comply with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. 

    These actions fulfill Grassley’s explicit requests on behalf of the whistleblowers, and fully unwind years of CBP retaliation.

    “Today is a victory for Fred Wynn, Mike Taylor, Mark Jones and the rule of law. At long last, these patriotic men will be made whole again,” Grassley said. “I’m very grateful to the leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, who worked with me to bring these whistleblowers back to their rightful roles. Once again, the Trump administration has shown its respect for people that blow the whistle on wrongdoing. I hope that continues, because when you’re at the top of the bureaucracy, you don’t always know what goes on below. That’s precisely why we need brave whistleblowers like these three.”

    “These men had the courage and patriotism to speak up against the Biden Administration’s deliberate efforts to destroy our national security. They paid an unjust price for doing so — betrayed by an administration that protected lawbreakers and punished law enforcement,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restoring what is right and true and getting these patriots back to doing the work they love.”

    Background:

    The DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 requires federal law enforcement to collect DNA from every individual CBP arrests, charges, convicts or detains. Wynn, Taylor and Jones were sidelined for sounding the alarm on the agency’s consistent failure to collect all legally-required DNA samples. In 2023, data showed CBP was collecting DNA samples from fewer than 40 percent of the illegal immigrants entering under the Biden-Harris administration.  

    Since 2018, Grassley has urged CBP to halt its retaliation of these three whistleblowers and follow the law. He highlighted their case at a congressional roundtable last year, where Wynn, Taylor and Jones addressed senators in a panel discussion on the national security implications of CBP’s refusal to collect DNA samples.

    During last week’s hearing to consider President Trump’s nominee to be CBP Commissioner, Grassley again voiced his request for these whistleblowers to be “100% redirected from the punishment they had by the previous administration.” Days later, CBP agreed to promote Wynn, Taylor and Jones.

    This is the second agreement Grassley has brokered this year on behalf of whistleblowers. In March, the IRS promoted whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, at Grassley’s urging.   

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Phoenix arrest Guatemalan criminal alien wanted by authorities in New Mexico on a sex-related offense against a child

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHOENIX, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix officers and agents arrested criminal alien Francisco Alexander Pablo-Antonio, 23, on May 2, following a routine vehicle stop.

    Though the Guatemalan national was arrested in Phoenix, Pablo faces an outstanding criminal arrest warrant in New Mexico’s Magistrate Court for the County of San Juan, where he is charged with criminal sexual communication with a child, a Class Four felony offense.

    “Illegal aliens who perpetrate egregious crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities will be prioritized for arrest and detention,” said ERO Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida. “ERO Phoenix is resolute in its mission to protect American communities through robust immigration enforcement efforts focused on public safety.”

    Pablo was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near El Paso, Texas, in December 2018. He was issued a notice to appear in March 2019 and released on his own recognizance with strict conditions. An immigration judge ordered Pablo removed from the United States on Sept. 7, 2019, three days before the New Mexico Farmington Magistrate filed criminal charges against him.

    He will be held without bond pending determination on his criminal case.

    If you have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA joins states suing Trump over illegal attacks on wind energy development

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Washington state filed suit today alongside 18 attorneys general against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempt to freeze the development of wind energy.

    “We can’t unleash American energy by kneecapping some of the fastest growing, most innovative, and cleanest resources in the country,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “Without a robust clean energy economy, we will see worsening climate change, more expensive energy from toxic fossil fuels, fewer jobs, and fewer solutions to our greatest challenges.”

    On Jan. 20, President Trump issued a presidential memo that indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Federal agencies have stopped all permitting and approval activities, and have even stopped a fully permitted project in New York that had already begun construction.

    Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity. 

    The attorneys general say the president’s directive harms their states’ efforts to secure reliable, diversified, and affordable sources of energy to meet their increasing demand for electricity and help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. The directive also threatens to thwart the states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development—investments that already total billions of dollars. 

    The memo and associated halt on project approvals could threaten Washington’s ability to meet its greenhouse gas emissions requirements and renewable energy goals. It also threatens an increasingly important part of Washington’s economy. Washington has also enacted multiple state laws that require the phase out of polluting fossil fuels to be replaced with clean renewable energy like that from wind.

    Wind power is the second largest contributor to Washington’s renewable energy generation after hydroelectric power. In 2024, Washington generated 8,421 Megawatt hours from wind power alone. In contrast to fossil fuels, which are often subject to volatile market conditions, wind power enhances Washington’s energy security and economic stability.

    The president’s directive and federal agencies’ subsequent implementation of it violate the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws by providing no reasoned explanation for categorically and indefinitely halting all wind energy development — a sudden change that reverses longstanding federal policy and is inconsistent with recent federal action propping up other forms of energy. The abrupt halt on all permitting violates numerous federal statutes that prescribe specific procedures and timelines for federal permitting and approvals — procedures the administration wholly disregarded in stopping wind energy development altogether.         

    In filing this lawsuit, the attorneys general are asking the court to declare the president’s directive illegal and prevent the administration from taking any action to delay or prevent wind energy development. 

    Joining AG Brown in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.

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    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins states suing to stop dismantling federal Health and Human Services

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other Trump administration officials to stop the dismantling of HHS.

    Since taking office, Kennedy and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered vital programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. The attorneys general argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people.

    “These actions are both plainly illegal and a moral failing. More Americans will suffer from illness, injury, and death without these commonsense programs,” Brown said. “A robust public health system that serves communities with the most barriers to appropriate medical care is vital.”

    The administration has wreaked havoc across the entire health system through their reckless and illegal cuts. Among the examples are

    • Miners suffering from black lung disease have been left unprotected as congressionally mandated surveillance programs were abruptly shut down.
    • Workers have lost reliable access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory.
    • Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.
    • Hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have lost their jobs, and all SAMHSA regional offices are now closed.
    • Pregnant women and newborns are now at risk after the firing of the entire CDC maternal health team and Head Start centers could face closures after many regional employees at the Office of Head Start were let go.
    • The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, has lost the doctors needed to certify new cancer diagnoses, leaving American heroes without access to the health care they deserve.

    These sweeping actions are in clear violation of hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. The administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers and undermining the laws and budgets enacted by Congress to protect public health.

    The coalition is urging the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

    In April, Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. Days later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Administration, temporarily reinstating the funding.

    Joining Washington in this lawsuit – led by Brown, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha – are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.

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    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon DEQ to reopen Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on May 22

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he wait is over! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced it will reopen the popular Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on Thursday, May 22. In even more exciting news, the program will remain open longer this year due to funds awarded to DEQ last summer through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action grant. Any vehicles purchased or leased before May 22 are not eligible to apply for the rebate.

    DEQ offers two rebates*:

    • Standard Rebate (Open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies): Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission ​motorcycle selected from the Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List.
    • Charge Ahead Rebate (Open to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit, low-income service providers):
      • The Used Charge Ahead Rebate: $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
      • The New Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
      • Select vehicle options from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List.

    *You may only apply for one rebate.

    To determine Charge Ahead Rebate eligibility for individuals, check DEQ’s Charge Ahead Rebate: Income Eligibility web page. Charge Ahead Rebate applicants can prequalify by completing the prequalification application to receive a voucher to be used at participating dealerships.

    “The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is enormously popular,” said DEQ Air Quality Transportation Section Manager Rachel Sakata. “By helping to offset the cost of an electric vehicle, it continues to be one of the best ways many individuals and families can gain access to cleaner transportation and improve air quality across the state.”

    The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program receives at least $12 million annually, or 45% of the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax. Last year, overwhelming demand closed the program after just two months. However, the $31 million CERTA grant will expand the Charge Ahead Rebate option, giving more low- and moderate-income households access to savings. DEQ will monitor rebates and is required to suspend the program once funds are depleted. The agency will announce the closure date at least 30 days in advance.

    Applicants have six months from date of purchase or lease to apply for a rebate. However, people are encouraged to apply early and track available rebate funding online. If approved applications are submitted after funds are depleted, those applicants will be placed on a waitlist for payment in early spring 2026.

    Electric vehicles purchased or leased before May 22, 2025 will not receive state rebates and will not be placed on a waiting list, but they may still qualify for federal tax credits.

    A variety of state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on electric vehicle purchases, leases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.

    DEQ’s Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program web page has all the details. Please visit the EV Rebate Contact web page to ask questions. You may register at OCVRP Sign Up to receive program updates by email.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Mass Firings and Dismantling at HHS

    Source: US State of California

    17th lawsuit against Trump Administration asks court to block implementation of “Make America Healthy Again” Directive

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices — including one in San Francisco. Announced on March 27, these actions were part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Directive to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA Directive). In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the MAHA Directive is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), is beyond the scope of presidential power, and violates the Appropriations Clause and Separation of Powers doctrine of the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, they ask the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to declare the MAHA Directive unconstitutional and illegal, and to block its implementation in order to undo the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.  

    “The Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are taking the Trump Administration to court — HHS is under attack, and we won’t stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our States, and our people, are facing real harms as a result of the MAHA Directive. We look forward to making our case in court.”   

    Congress has passed dozens of laws for HHS to enforce and authorized HHS to spend about $1.8 trillion in 2024 alone because, in Congress’s judgment, the work of the Department is that critical. The MAHA Directive has had devastating consequences on HHS’s core mission to protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Following the MAHA Directive, work across several agencies within HHS came to a halt overnight. Further, the MAHA Directive layoffs compounded staff departures through a series of so-called “buy-out” offers, meaning that all told, in the last three months, HHS has lost roughly 20,000 of the 82,000 employees who were working at the agency as of January 2025. In addition, workers across the country can no longer reliably access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have also been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.

    In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that: 

    • Long before he was nominated by President Trump to lead HHS, Secretary Kennedy had a history of spinning conspiracy theories about the Department and advocating for the evisceration of the Department’s statutorily mandated work promoting public health.
    • The MAHA Directive has caused substantial harm to their States. Among other things, the regional staff who were fired helped to provide critical support to early childhood programs within the Administration for Children and Families like Head Start. If Head Start programs in their States are forced to pause operations or close, hundreds of thousands of children (and their families) would be left without child care, early education, and health supports, which would inevitably impact and strain their States’ social support programs.
    • The MAHA Directive has disabled HHS from performing its regulatory and enforcement functions. For example, the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the Center for Tobacco Products — a subagency within HHS — typically filed more than 100 complaints a week seeking civil monetary penalties against retailers that repeatedly sold tobacco to customers under 21, in violation of federal law. The MAHA Directive wiped out the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, straining the ability of remaining staff to seek penalties. 

    In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the complaint can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal Ranked Among Georgia’s Most Effective Lawmakers During 2023-2024 Biennium

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 5, 2025) — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) was recently recognized as one of the most effective legislators in the Georgia General Assembly during the 2023-2024 Legislative Biennium. The nonpartisan evaluation conducted by the Center for Legislative Accountability (CLA) assigned Sen. Dolezal an effectiveness score of 2.09, more than twice the legislative average of 1.0.

    “I’m honored to be recognized as one of the most effective legislators in the Georgia Senate during the 2023-2024 Biennium,” said Sen. Dolezal. “This recognition can be attributed to the hard work my colleagues and I put into advancing policies that reflect the values and priorities of Georgia families. I’m especially proud of the passage of Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, which empowers parents with more educational options and gives every child a better chance at success, regardless of their ZIP code. Throughout the previous biennium, I was also proud to champion legislation that reached final passage, including SB 1, SB 26, SB 204, SB 353 and SB 430. I intend to continue this progress and pass meaningful legislation during the 2025-2026 Biennium.”

    The CLA’s annual effectiveness report assesses all state lawmakers based on key indicators that measure their ability to sponsor, advance and pass legislation through the General Assembly. The criteria include the number of bills a legislator sponsors, how far those bills progress through the legislative process and how many ultimately become law.

    More information on the CLA can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a large part of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Challenge to Trump Administration’s Attempt to Block Wind Energy

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to end the Trump administration’s arbitrary and indefinite halt on new wind energy development across the country. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a sweeping presidential directive suspending all federal approvals for wind energy projects, threatening to undermine a critical source of clean energy and job growth in the United States. As a result, countless wind energy project applications are now frozen. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this blockade on all wind energy projects is unlawful and will be seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the administration from enforcing the freeze while litigation proceeds.

    “This administration is devastating one of our nation’s fastest-growing sources of clean, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Attorney General James. “This arbitrary and unnecessary directive threatens the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in investments, and it is delaying our transition away from the fossil fuels that harm our health and our planet.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s directive is at odds with years of bipartisan support for offshore and onshore wind energy projects, including during President Trump’s first term. It also directly contradicts the president’s own Executive Orders issued on the same day, which declared a “national energy emergency,” singled out New York and several other states for the country’s lack of energy supply, and called for the expansion of most forms of domestic energy production, but not wind energy. 

    The attorneys general argue this unilateral halt on wind energy development is harming states’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their residents. States have a responsibility to meet increasing electricity demand while also mitigating climate harms and reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels. In addition, the indefinite halt on federal approvals is already putting state investments and economic benefits from wind energy projects in jeopardy. New York’s wind projects currently support over 4,400 jobs throughout the state and are expected to create more than 18,000 additional new jobs in the coming years. Those jobs will not materialize if these projects are halted. The administration’s indefinite blockade could leave billions of dollars in states’ clean energy investments stranded or underutilized and significantly harm their economic development.

    This wind energy blockade is also impeding New York and other states’ ability to meet their energy and climate goals. These are statutory targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, more specifically, meet target dates for electricity generated by wind power. New York’s Climate Law requires the state to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that the halt on wind energy development will delay the replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy, a shift that will exacerbate climate, public health, and environmental harms to people across the nation and the globe. The administration’s blockade would derail key projects already under development, many of which are expected to power millions of homes and support tens of thousands of jobs. The attorneys general also note that the risk of these harms to the industry and the states has risen sharply in recent weeks, as the Trump administration ordered a project off the coast of New York, which had already received federal approval, to immediately stop construction. 

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president is acting outside of his legal authority and has no statutory right to unilaterally shut down the permitting process. They are asking the court to intervene and rule the approval blockade unlawful, restoring the wind energy permitting process and protecting the wind energy industry long-term.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on ‘CNN News Central’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on “CNN News Central.”

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Kate Bolduan, CNN:  Let’s focus in right now on the President’s comments on the Constitution, and much more. Joining us right now is the Democratic Governor of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul. It’s good to have you here, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you. Thank you so much.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Let’s start there — where Mark and Sarah were talking about the President saying that he does not know if every person on U.S. soil should be afforded due process under the Constitution. What do you make of that after hearing the President?

    Governor Hochul: He basically said that he doesn’t have to follow or even understand what the Constitution of the United States requires of every person who takes that oath of office. I took the same oath of office 31 years ago to run for town board. I knew I was supposed to uphold the constitution.

    I have to think a President who took the oath of office — not once, but twice — understands that there are limitations and that is the body of the Constitution. He must follow it. Otherwise, the democracy that we fought for and upheld for 250 years is just going to go down the drain and we’re not going to let that happen. But it was shocking and it tells you all you need to know about this presidency and this man — that he doesn’t give a damn about the U.S. Constitution and that is frightening in itself.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Also, overnight, he announced that he wants to put a 100 percent tariff on all films made overseas. I actually saw – I was looking at the budget that you’re rolling out. And as part of the budget, you’re actually expanding tax credits — tax breaks — to try to bring more film production to New York. I mean, while not clear how the President would apply a tariff on intellectual property, something that’s not a physical good. I guess maybe if I can set that aside for a second. Do you like the idea of that?

    Governor Hochul: These midnight ideas that he has or throws out on the table and we’re all supposed to process? I’ll tell you what, I’m fighting hard for this industry in New York State. It’s an economic driver. It’s part of our identity.

    The talent wants to be in New York, and so I’m in competition with other states, but indeed other countries. So I’m focused on what I can do here in the State of New York. I don’t know if that leads to retaliatory tariffs in other countries because once you start the trade war, who knows where it ends.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Right, does it backfire?

    Governor Hochul: Right now, we’re on the bad end of that war because if we’re talking about everything from children’s dolls and toys going up – it may not be here for Christmas. So that’s not what Americans thought they were getting with this president. These were promises they did not expect to see upheld. They thought they’re voting for possible tariffs. But they had no idea that meant when they go to Walmart this Christmas, the shelves may be empty because of what Donald Trump has done.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: You mentioned the dolls. Let me play how he said that, just to remind our viewers how he talked about that when asked, acknowledging the prices would go up, and then he said this, let me play this for you again.

    […]

    What is your reaction to the President’s take on that? I heard Mark Short – who’s a long time Republican operative – say this feels very, “Let them eat cake” at the moment, even hearing that from a Republican.

    Governor Hochul: It’s so condescending on so many levels. But as a mom who has bought dolls for my little girl and my granddaughter. I mean, come on? The President of the United States is telling you that, “Oh, you don’t need that.” This is a millionaire — maybe billionaire, who really knows what his records show — but he has a lot more money than the average American.

    It shows a disconnect with the people who voted him into office — many of them — that he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care about the families, and this is the contrast that I’m drawing with the budget that I just unveiled. And so he shows he doesn’t care about them. And I think they’re starting to hear this and feel this, and they feel they’ve been betrayed.

    And that’s a very overwhelming feeling across the State of New York. People in the North Country who voted for him, people on Long Island who voted for him, who now lost offshore wind jobs. The North Country – our small businesses are saying, why are you at war with Canada? These are our customers, and now they’re not coming to places like Lake George and Saranac Lake.

    They’re not spending money here because you antagonize one of our best friends in the whole world. So people across New York who did vote for him – the majority did not — but those who even did, they’re shaking their heads at what is happening.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: I want to ask you about the budget — the state budget that you’re rolling out. I’ve seen it described in more than one place actually as providing a possible roadmap for Democrats far beyond New York and the coming cycle in the Trump era. Not to get into the weeds of the state budget, but you included measures of increasing public safety and lowering taxes for all but the wealthy.

    Do you see success for yourself in the coming election and your party, as I will broad strokes it as moving more towards the center versus the left, which we’re seeing this conversation happen within the Democratic party.

    Governor Hochul: This is not a new movement for me. I’ve always found comfortable in the very wide center — where I believe that most New Yorkers really are. And what it does is it provides a blueprint for anyone who really cares about delivering what the constituents actually want. They want you to focus on two things. Are they and their families safe? Can you do more to make me feel safe? Or whether I’m on the subway?

    So I put more police officers there on our streets, putting more money for gun interdiction up in our rural communities, making sure that our law enforcement has what they need. You have to feel fundamentally safe and Democrats have to talk about that. Don’t be afraid to talk about fighting crime.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Do you think that’s been one of the misses in and lessons from the election?

    Governor Hochul: For many, many years. Not this year, many years. We will protect defendants’ rights without a doubt. But I changed the laws so no longer will people see cases — violent criminals walking free, because there were technical reasons why a case was dismissed. We ended that. We’re going to make sure that does not — so I’m focused on that, but it’s also public safety and the economy.

    People are worried about prices and their bills, and you see everybody walking around looking at their cell phone, what their 401k plan is plummeting and turning into — numbers that they never thought could go that low. It is frightening for New Yorkers, and I think about the Walmart moms and the people who shop in the big box stores.

    Like I said, I used to do it as a mom, like you’re clutching your coupons. Hoping it’s enough to get you out of that cash out without being embarrassed in front of your kids that you didn’t have enough for the groceries that week because tariffs drove up the prices. So I’m putting money back in people’s pockets — $5,000.

    Inflation rebate. A thousand dollars for kids under the age four, $500 for school age. The biggest — as you mentioned — the biggest tax cut we’ve had for the middle class in 70 years. It’s all about putting money back in their pockets. And lastly, letting them know I care about their families because their family is my fight.

    I’m banning cell phones in all schools so our kids can finally get their childhood back. So you talk to people about things they understand. You don’t give them a 25 point blueprint on future energy needs. Just tell it like it is. Talk like a regular citizen, a regular New Yorker, a regular person, and stop being so condescending ourselves and talking down to people. This is what they want.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: You’re going to face some competition in your reelection effort. Just heard, Elise Stefanik, who was up to be an ambassador for Trump – obviously that did not happen. And she was out just yesterday and had some really harsh words to say about you saying, you’re the worst governor in America, that she dubbed Andrew Cuomo that not thinking anyone could do, do worse.

    She’s clearly — she’s exploring a run against you. Are you concerned there has been a lot of talk about the growing Republican sentiment in the State of New York over cycles. Are you concerned about a Republican challenger?

    Governor Hochul: No. No, Donald Trump has made sure that the Republican Party brand is so tainted in New York that no matter who runs against me, they will have the baggage of explaining why people’s prices went up, why they lost healthcare, why they lost Medicaid, why they lost education, all to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest. I look forward to that fight. No matter who it is, it’s not settled yet, but I say bring it on.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: Governor, thanks for coming in.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Kate Bolduan, CNN: It’s good to have you here. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by September Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations of the June 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Sep. 24, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers Greene, Fayette, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania as well as Marshall, Monongalia, and Wetzel in West Virginia.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 2, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senior Design Project Aims for the Sky

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Once the realm of science fiction, the prospect of utilizing electric vertical take-off and lift (eVTOL) aircraft has gained much popularity, especially due to their convenience and ability to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. However, like electric vehicles, they use batteries to store and power the vehicle. The batteries needed to propel and sustain eVTOL vehicles in flight are bulky and heavy. As a result, these energy-density challenges limit the range of electrically powered aircraft and rotorcraft.

    At UConn’s College of Engineering (CoE), groups of engineering students — working in conjunction with mentors from CoE and from Sikorsky Aircraft — are embracing these challenges and creating senior design projects that might, one day, appear in eVTOL control systems.

    The capstone Senior Design Program features engineering seniors working with faculty and industry engineers to solve real-world engineering problems. Leading manufacturi

    ng companies, pharmaceutical and medical firms, consulting practices and utilities present the College with design challenges or problems they are encountering in their businesses. Working with CoE, they assign a technical representative from their company to help guide and mentor the senior engineering students as they work to properly frame the problem and develop meaningful solutions.

    According to Liang Zhang, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the students have responded enthusiastically and creatively to a variety of difficult barriers and expectations.

    “Students are required to utilize the open-source flight control software PX4, implemented from within Simulink, to add a pilot-assist mode to the flight-control software,” Zhang explains. “This flight mode, when engaged, will help the pilot maintain an optimal flight regime for energy efficiency. Students need to acquire their hardware, thoroughly test its energy usage with a payload, and analyze flight data to determine the optimal flight envelopes. Then they develop a user-enabled flight mode to assist the remote pilot in maintaining an energy-efficient flight. Finally, they need to test this flight mode and prove its effectiveness.”

    Students Neo Joseph, Kevin Loja, and James Weber.

    The project team uses a flight drone and runs various tests for each built-in flight mode, including different speeds and altitudes. For each variation, they record the time and the power consumption upon completion. Using these recorded values, they determine which of the built-in flight modes is most efficient. Once they assess what makes a flight mode efficient, they program and test a new flight mode that optimizes throttle, speed, and other settings to save power.

    These challenges, says James Weber, a senior working on the eVTOL project, are as difficult as they sound. And even in the best of circumstances, he adds, there have been obstacles they didn’t anticipate, from purchasing tools and software, learning how to fly a drone, and being continually grounded by bad weather. But each setback, he admits, including breaking a drone propeller, has been a learning opportunity, and has forced their team to find creative solutions.

    “The biggest challenges have been learning how to use and master the required software,” Weber says, “along with connecting various applications and getting virtual operating systems aligned and working properly. We’re almost done with running tests with our physical drone and will soon move to developing and simulating our new flight mode. I am enjoying the challenge, even with the stress of so much being out of our control.”

    The Senior Design team’s drone.

    Senior Kevin Loja is the project manager for this senior design assignment. Overall, he says, it has been a valuable learning experience when it comes to control systems, helicopters, drones, and aviation.

    “We learned a lot about helicopter and drone flight during the fall semester, especially since our sponsors were very insistent on establishing a good background on these subjects,” Loja says. “Currently, I would say our biggest challenge right now, as Jim points out, is the weather. Storrs is a very windy place, making it difficult to schedule days where we can safely fly our drone to gather the data we need to develop our flight mode. We’ve adjusted to each setback and keep moving forward.”

    Weber, Loja and groupmate Neo Joseph work with their faculty advisor, Shalabh Gupta, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “The students,” Gupta says, “have put great effort in overcoming various challenges associated with collecting flight data that will be used to optimize energy efficiency. This project, like many other senior design projects, has significant practical value in addition to providing valuable hands-on learning experiences for our students.”

    Weber, Loja and Joseph earned second-place in the electrical and computer engineering departmental Senior Design awards on May 2.

    The team also meets weekly with their advisors from Sikorsky to discuss progress and challenges. In addition to the testing, they are building a statistical data model. Their project, Gupta adds, is about 60 percent completed, and the final white paper will be presented in May.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kathleen Adams named 2025 School of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Appreciating her time as an undergraduate student and graduating from the UConn School of Pharmacy in 2015, Adams rejoined Husky Nation as a faculty member in the fall of 2019. While working at Rhode Island Hospital, the Academic Medical Center for Brown University after graduation, Adams found her time working with learners, whether students or residents, to be most valuable. Through mentoring these learners and helping them reach their goals, Adams became driven to move this passion into a University setting as a professor. Wanting to give back to the School where she first found her love for pharmacy, Adams chose UConn – this time, as a professor.  

    “There is so much reward in seeing that lightbulb moment where students understand a hard concept or feel comfortable talking to a doctor.”

    Headshot of Kathleen Adams (UConn Photo)

    As a professor dedicated to her students, Adams looks forward to working each year to continuously improve lectures, curriculum, and experiences for her students. By valuing student feedback and watching her students implement in-class learning in clinical experiences, Adams strives to create more impactful and meaningful educational activities beyond the classroom.  

    The biggest challenge for Adams came during the transition back to in-person lectures and instruction after the pandemic. In pivoting out of this challenging time, Adams had to continuously adapt and rely on feedback from students.  

    Adams’s proudest accomplishment is the product of a collaboration with UConn’s Cassie Doyno and Lisa Holle as well as educators and software developers from Monash University in Australia. In collaborating, Adams and her colleagues developed the inpatient hospital version of a program called MyDispense. Described by Adams to be almost like a video game, MyDispense allows students to practice looking at patient charts, reviewing different medications, and deciding which medications are safe through interactive online simulations. In committing to inclusivity, MyDispense is a free, fully accessible software platform that any university can use. 

    In looking toward the future, Adams will strive to provide the best academic and professional foundations for students through the School’s new curriculum refresh. Likewise, as a believer in keeping students engaged, Adams plans to incorporate more active learning and immersive experiences in her classroom. 

    “Seeing the process of, over time, improving a course through feedback, practice, and experience has been remarkable.”

    Adams will receive her award during commencement weekend in May.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana Welcomes New Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana has welcomed Dr Fiona Braka as its new Country Representative, following official endorsement by the Government of Ghana.

    A seasoned public health expert from Uganda, Dr Braka brings to her new role over two decades of extensive experience in disease prevention and control, public health emergency management, and strategic leadership. She will lead WHO Ghana’s technical and operational work, collaborating with the Ministry of Health, key stakeholders and partners to strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes, and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Before her appointment to Ghana, Dr Braka held several senior positions within WHO across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda. In these roles, she spearheaded initiatives to advance primary health care and public health security, while leading diverse teams in complex settings. Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Emergency Response Operations at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo. In this capacity, she directed WHO’s response to major disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises across 47 countries and oversaw efforts to bolster national capacities for health emergency preparedness and response.

    Dr Braka played a pivotal role in the eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria, contributing to the African region’s certification as wild polio-free in 2020. As an immunization team lead in various countries, she supported the expansion of national vaccination programmes, helping to bring essential health services closer to underserved communities.

    As a dedicated contributor to global public health knowledge, Dr Braka has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Medical Degree from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States of America.

    Her appointment marks a new chapter in WHO Ghana’s continued support to the country’s health sector.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Red Dress Day: Minister Wilson

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes energy action to electrify economy, increase resilience

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is launching an ambitious plan to harness British Columbia’s clean-electricity advantage, driving economic growth and transformative change, strengthening energy security and advancing climate action.

    “With this work, we are securing our energy and our economy for the future by expanding one of our greatest assets: abundant clean electricity,” said Premier David Eby. “We are boosting our clean-energy supply, powering our growing communities and industries, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs – all while advancing reconciliation and reducing pollution. Perhaps most importantly, this will help build a strong foundation for our province and our country at a time of external threats to our sovereignty and prosperity.”

    The Clean Power Action Plan is a forward-thinking strategy to leverage B.C.’s clean-electricity advantage, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for British Columbia. With five transformative initiatives, the plan aims to accelerate economic growth, while securing long-term energy stability for generations to come:

    • launching a second call for power to acquire a target of up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from large, clean and renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers – enough to power 500,000 new homes. This builds on the success of the 2024 call for power, which resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects, with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%, capable of powering about 500,000 new homes;
    • opening up the opportunity to explore B.C.’s power potential through a request for expressions of interest exploring capacity and firm, baseload electricity projects to deliver for peak demand periods and to provide back-up intermittent energy resources;
    • ushering in an expanded era of energy efficiency by partnering with innovators through a request for expressions of interest to deliver market-ready demand-side management technologies that help people and businesses save energy and money;
    • investing more than $12 million from the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund in a targeted three-year call for new, made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies that will combat climate change and create sustainable jobs; and
    • streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid to enable new homes and businesses to access clean electricity faster and less expensively.

    “Uncertain times demand bold, decisive action, and we need to respond with urgency and with confidence and turn adversity into opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Our commitment to strengthening energy security and building a resilient electricity system will unlock critical economic opportunities, foster innovation, deepen collaboration with First Nations and reaffirm B.C.’s leadership in climate action.”  

    These initiatives build on actions underway, including setting BC Hydro rate increases at 3.75% for the next two years to provide stable, affordable rates, while enabling significant investments, offering new optional rates to help residential customers save, and implementing BC Hydro’s $36-billion 10-year capital plan to expand and reinforce electricity infrastructure throughout the province.

    Beyond driving economic development and ensuring energy security, the Clean Power Action Plan also supports electrification – the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity in homes, businesses, industry and transportation, a key pillar of the CleanBC climate strategy.

    “Through collaboration with government, First Nations, and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “The initiatives in the Clean Power Action Plan will set the stage for an increased renewable, reliable and resilient energy supply to support our growing province in the years ahead. At the same time, we remain committed to affordability by offering customers more ways to save energy and money, while maintaining stable, predictable rates.”

    By taking action today, the Province and BC Hydro are laying the foundation for a cleaner, stronger and more resilient future. Through strategic investments, innovation and collaboration, British Columbia is poised to lead in sustainable-energy development, while driving economic progress. As the Clean Power Action Plan moves forward, it will continue to empower communities, create opportunities and secure the province’s place as a leader in clean energy and climate action.

    Quote:

    Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) –

    “The 2024 call for power was historic, showing what’s possible when First Nations, industry, and government collaborate to deliver clean electricity, drive investment, and advance reconciliation. Today’s announcement builds on that momentum with a second call and plan that prioritizes Indigenous equity, local energy solutions and jobs, and sustainable economic growth. CEBC applauds the Province for its continued leadership and remains committed to building a clean and equitable future for all British Columbians.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The 10 wind and solar projects selected through BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power will power 500,000 homes and increase electricity supply by 8%.
    • These projects represent up to $6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province and will create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.
    • Nearly all the projects have First Nations majority ownership – representing up to $3 billion of asset ownership by First Nations.
    • BC Hydro is investing more than $700 million over the next three years in energy-efficiency tools, technology and programs, which is expected to result in 2,000 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity savings, or enough to power 200,000 homes.
    • Since 2008, the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy Fund has committed more than $124 million to support pre-commercial clean-energy technology projects, clean-energy vehicles, research and development, and energy-efficiency programs.
    • BC Hydro’s residential, commercial and industrial rates are the third lowest in North America (among 22 utilities surveyed in Hydro Quebec’s 2024 Rates Comparison Report).

    Learn More:

    For information on B.C.’s Clean Power Action Plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/EnergizingEconomyReport.pdf

    For information about the wind- and solar-energy projects selected in BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/work-with-us/selling-clean-energy/2024-call-for-power/participants.html

    To find out about the Province’s rate stability direction, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECS0011-000216

    To compare BC Hydro rates with other energy utilities in North America, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCHydroRates.pdf

    To learn more about the Innovative Clean Energy Fund and the 2025 targeted call for clean-energy innovation, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/innovative-clean-energy-solutions/innovative-clean-energy-ice-fund

    For information about BC Hydro’s energy-efficiency programs, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/toolbar/about/strategies-plans-regulatory/supply-operations/efficiency-plan.html

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day  

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day  

    Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day  
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 4-10 as State Employee Recognition Week and Wednesday May 7 as State Employee Appreciation Day.  

    “One of the many reasons North Carolina is a great place to live is the state employees who dedicate their lives to service to our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am grateful for their commitment to making our state safer and stronger.”    

    “I want to thank all our state employees for their ongoing commitment to making North Carolina an incredible place to live, work, and play,” said North Carolina Office of State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer. “This loyal and skilled workforce helps make our great state one of the best places to live in the nation.”      

    The State of North Carolina employs more than 77,000 people, who work daily to improve the lives of North Carolinians. These employees serve state agencies, public universities, and community colleges, and their work helps keep our state running smoothly.

    In March, Governor Stein launched a website welcoming talented and dedicated people to apply to work for the state of North Carolina. Commonly referred to as “Join NC,” the initiative encourages people who were displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts to join state government. It also provides resources for servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans to apply for positions in North Carolina state government.  

    People interested in careers with the State of North Carolina can visit the Office of State Human Resources website and create customized job alerts for state government positions.  

    Click here to read Governor Stein’s full proclamation. 

    May 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: “Trump’s Tariffs Are Lifting Some U.S. Manufacturers”

    Source: The White House

    President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of an American manufacturing renaissance is “boosting demand for some U.S.-made goods, with smaller players reaping the early benefits,” writes The Wall Street Journal, as companies onshore production and buy their products in America.

    Here are a few examples from the story:

    • “‘We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,’ said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc., which makes manufacturing tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps and hoists. Schron said his factories in Ohio and Illinois are ‘going like gangbusters,’ partly owing to new orders from customers looking to avoid paying import tariffs.”
    • “Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics in Ashtabula, Ohio, said he has seen a rush of new inquiries and orders. Two previous customers that had switched to Chinese suppliers a few years ago came back in recent days wanting to buy rubber gaskets from Grand River again, for the plastic pails they manufacture. Three manufacturers of oil filters also got in touch, wanting to shift business from China, with two already placing orders. All together, the new business will be worth about $5 million a year if it is completed, or roughly 10% of Grand River’s revenue. That might require the company to hire new employees and expand production lines.”
    • “The tariffs are a lifeline for the U.S. companies that sprang up during the Covid-19 pandemic to produce face masks, rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, after shipments from Asia declined. The companies struggled in the pandemic’s aftermath, when hospitals and clinics abandoned U.S. manufacturers and returned to lower-cost suppliers in China, U.S. executives said. But new U.S. tariffs on rubber gloves from China have doubled the price from a few months ago, and ‘the folks that are relying on China are scrambling for other sources,’ said Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct … ‘We were getting stiffed for a very long time, but just recently we’ve been getting a lot more inquiries.’”
    • “Employees for Massachusetts-based AccuRounds are working overtime to accommodate rising orders for the company’s shafts, valves and other steel components. The company recently added two customers that had shifted business from AccuRounds to suppliers in Singapore and China in recent years. First-quarter sales were 20% higher from a year earlier, said Chief Executive Michael Tamasi.”
    • “Michigan-based Whirlpool, which assembles 80% of its U.S. appliances at domestic factories, says its Asian competitors have had an unfair advantage, as they manufacture their appliances overseas but haven’t been paying import tariffs on them since 2023, when one imposed during Trump’s first term expired. Those rivals’ access to cheaper components and steel in Asia helps give them a $150 retail price advantage on washers, Whirlpool says. Chief Executive Marc Bitzer said the latest tariffs on imported assembled appliances should help close the price gap. ‘The tariffs will finally help create a level playing field for Whirlpool,’ he said in April during a call with analysts.”

    Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports:

    • “At the local Excel Dryer plant, William Gagnon, the chief operating officer, is unfazed. In fact, President Donald Trump’s import taxes so far have been nothing but good news for one of the world’s largest makers of restroom hand dryers. Gagnon, 48, credits Trump’s first-term tariffs with changing the math on production location decisions … the president’s second-term ‘reciprocal’ tariffs might result in the elimination of trade barriers that prevent Excel’s high-velocity hand dryers from dominating markets in countries such as Brazil and Australia … By making foreign goods more expensive, the import taxes make domestic suppliers more competitive while also discouraging Americans from purchasing cheap Chinese copies of Excel’s hand dryers. The tariffs also offer hope of prying open foreign markets … The tariffs Trump imposed on China this year also have brought more work home for one of Excel Dryer’s local suppliers: Double A Molding in Monson, Massachusetts … As Trump escalated his trade spat with China in recent weeks, Double A felt the effects.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wild about wildlife: leveraging park visitor support to fund conservation

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Healthy wildlife populations require the conservation of habitat in and around protected areas, which can be costly. One potential way to fund such conservation would be through increasing visitor fees at national parks. The problem is, increases in visitor fees are expected to decrease visitation, especially for low-income visitors. Meanwhile, however, the failure to maintain the quality of visitors’ experiences (for example, by failing to conserve wildlife species that visitors love to see in the wild) could also reduce visitation in the long run. Park managers thus face the difficult task of balancing visitors’ want to view wildlife with their readiness to pay for it. 

    In a new study, researchers surveyed 991 visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks to explore park visitors’ wildlife-viewing behavior and interests. The survey included questions on the number of trips visitors take, how important they find wildlife viewing, and which animals they most want to see, along with questions asking visitors how they would expect changes in wildlife populations to affect their future park visitation. The researchers estimated what visitors currently spend on trips to the two national parks and gauged visitor support for three conservation fundraising mechanisms within parks: a mandatory fee, a voluntary donation fund, and a tax on goods and services sold within parks.

    Wildlife viewing generates significant recreational value

    The researchers estimated that the net economic value generated from trips to the two national parks is $753 million per year. About 77% of participants stated that viewing wildlife was a primary reason for their national park trip, meaning that of the total net economic value, $581 million can be attributed to wildlife viewing. Large carnivores, particularly grizzly bears, were especially important to some groups of wildlife viewers, who were willing to pay almost 50% more to visit parks.

    Crowds gather to view a grizzly bear in Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park (NPS).

    Wildlife declines could have a large effect on park visitation

    Almost half of all respondents reported that they would take fewer trips to the national parks if there were fewer wildlife to view, potentially reducing total park visitation by 16%. One fewer trip per year for half of all wildlife-viewing visitors could mean 1.1 million fewer annual visitors and a potential loss of $3.9 million over three years for the two parks. 

    Visitors support conservation fees

    Most surveyed visitors supported conservation fundraising through a mandatory fee, voluntary fund, or wildlife conservation fee on park goods and services, regardless of their income levels. The researchers estimated that the implementation of a small fee would have little effect on park revenue and overall visitation, while raising considerable funds for conservation. For example, a $5 conservation fee could raise almost $3 million dollars for wildlife conservation, while only reducing visitation by about 1% per year.

    This research highlights an opportunity to balance the quality of national park visitor experiences with sustainable funding for landscape-scale conservation. Conservation beneficiaries—park visitors—are willing to contribute toward biodiversity protection at ecologically meaningful scales. Implementing even modest conservation fees could generate substantial funding that would benefit visitor experiences and wildlife populations, all while having minimal effects on visitation rates and park revenues.

    Research economists at the U.S. Geological Survey specialize in estimating the economic benefits generated by public lands, including national parks. In related work, researchers quantified the economic value generated by bear sightings in Yellowstone National Park. They provide estimates both for the value per individual bear sighting and the aggregate value from all bear sightings over the course of a year. They also calculated how much a single bear contributes to viewing value every season. Learn more through the links below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CWA, NABET-CWA, and NewsGuild-CWA Condemn Unlawful Executive Order Interfering with Press Freedom for Public Media

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union, representing public media workers at local stations for NPR and PBS across the country and non-editorial workers at the national headquarters of NPR and PBS, has condemned President Trump’s unlawful executive order impeding the freedom of the press for local public TV and radio stations receiving funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

    “President Trump’s attack on public TV and radio stations is an attack on workers and an attack on our communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of CWA. “This country—of the people, built by the people, for the people—relies on an independent and free local press. Working people are at the heart of local news stations, covering the stories that matter most to their communities. And with our communities under attack, working people will stand together and fight back.”

    “This executive order is an unlawful attempt to circumvent Congressional support for a free press and an attack on the working people who provide independent, trusted, local news coverage,” said NABET-CWA President Charlie Braico. “Our independent public TV and radio stations are essential in providing trusted, important local news and weather coverage, and so much more. Without public television and radio stations, we will lose access to critical local news and programming.”

    “President Trump’s actions to attempt to use executive action to stop funding America’s public media is another attack on every American’s First Amendment rights,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “The American public spends a tiny fraction of what every other developed country on Earth invests in public media. This has led to the expansion of news deserts across the United States, denying the American public reliable news and information. We call on every American to respond by supporting NPR and PBS workers and becoming a monthly donor to your local station today.”

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Guilty of Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain Louisiana Driver’s License

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSE GUADALUPE MUNOZ-PEREZ (“MUNOZ”), age 46, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025 to illegally using a social security number to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

    MUNOZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for June 5, 2025.  

    According to court documents, on July 24, 2020, MUNOZ applied for the renewal of a Louisiana driver’s license using the name of a real person, and that person’s Social Security number at a Public Tag Agency in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.  A Public Tag Agency is an authorized entity that handles various vehicle-related transactions of behalf of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

    The Social Security Administration confirmed that Social Security number was legitimately issued to an individual in Puerto Rico.  MUNOZ admitted that by applying for the renewal, he knowingly intended to deceive others, including employers, by falsely representing that the name and Social Security number had been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security. 

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

                                              *  *   *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 5 May 2025, 5:45pm

    • Energy Distribution
      • Retail & Marketing – Solid volume growth at +4%, gross margin at €218m (+4%)
        • Strong momentum of the retail business both in Africa and in the Caribbean region
        • Bitumen activity performing well in Togo and South Africa – Nigeria volume growth resumes
      • Support & Services – Revenue up 2% at €266m
        • Lower bitumen trading margins as a result of higher in-house activity
    • Renewable Electricity Production
      • Secured portfolio up 22% vs March 2024 at 1.1 GWp
    • No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business
    • 2025 Guidance reaffirmed

    SALES BREAKDOWN BY SEGMENT AND BY REGION

    (in €m) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Energy Distribution 1,687 1,652 +2%
    Retail & Marketing 1,420 1,392 +2%
    Europe 215 209 +3%
    Caribbean 584 590 -1%
    Africa 621 593 +5%
    Support & Services 266 260 +2%
    Renewable Electricity Production 11 8 +28%
    TOTAL 1,697 1,660 +2%

    On 5 May 2025, Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Managing Partner, commented on the Q1 2025 activity: “Our position as distributor of energy and mobility solutions, leader in a diversity of regions, has once again proved successful. Q1 demonstrates Rubis’ resilience and ability to deliver strong performance in a challenging global environment. Our Energy Distribution businesses achieved robust growth across all regions while Photosol delivered according to plan. Looking ahead, we remain confident in our 2025 guidance, supported by the strength and growth potential of our diverse businesses”

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business

    None of Rubis’ businesses is directly concerned by the trade tariffs turmoil ongoing. The Group does not operate in the US, nor in China.

    • New geographical development: Acquisition of Soida in Angola

    In March 2025, Rubis Énergie acquired 60% of the share capital of Soida (Sociedade Industrial de Derivados Asfálticos), adding to its existing share of 35% acquired at the end of 2022 and leading to a final stake in the Company of 95%. Soida distributes bitumen in Angola with a market share well over 50% and extending further bitumen geographical footprint.

    • Publication of first Sustainability Statement (CSRD) including strategy and updated climate ambitions for 2030

    Rubis’ first Sustainability Statement (CSRD format) was published on 28 April covering among others: Climate change – Update on decarbonisation targets and financial implications. Beyond regulatory requirements, the Sustainability Statement provides a solid foundation for shaping the Group’s Think Tomorrow 2026–2030 Roadmap, which will integrate business-specific priorities and be co-constructed with the operating entities.

    Q1 2025 COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

    1.   ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – RETAIL & MARKETING

    In Q1 2025, volume continued to increase across the board. Margins also saw an upward trend, with some variability.

    Volume sold and gross margin by product in Q1 2025

      Volume (in ‘000 m3) Gross margin (in €m)
    (in ‘000 m3) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    LPG 346 343 1% 83 84 -0%
    Fuel 1,071 1,048 2% 113 103 10%
    Bitumen 135 100 35% 21 23 -6%
    TOTAL 1,552 1,491 4% 218 209 4%

    Volume sold and gross margin by region in Q1 2025

      Volume (in ‘000 m3) Gross margin (in €m)
      Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Europe 255 245 4% 65 62 4%
    Caribbean 584 573 2% 85 80 7%
    Africa 712 674 6% 68 67 1%
    TOTAL 1,552 1,491 4% 218 209 4%

    LPG volume was slightly up. The main drivers for growth over the quarter were bulk in France, where sales teams were particularly dynamic and won several new contracts. Autogas in France also saw a strong performance, as a result of several contracts won with service stations in 2024. Market share in France continued to increase, benefiting from a high level of customer engagement. These strong dynamics were partially offset by lower volume in Morocco where the market faced a product shortage after difficult weather conditions kept the supply vessels from unloading the product. Gross margin remained stable.

    • As regards fuel:
      • in the retail business (representing 49% of fuel volume and 52% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) volume grew by 4% vs Q1 2024. Gross margin increased by 14%, driven by:
        • increasing volume in East Africa, with Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda showing significant growth rates thanks to rebranded service stations,
        • Madagascar also saw significant volume and margin growth year over year, thanks to a well-maintained network and improved logistics, enabling the Company to increase its market share,
        • activity continued to be very dynamic in the Caribbean, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana still performing well. The situation in Haiti remains unchanged with half of the service stations closed at the end of March 2025;
      • the Commercial and Industrial business (C&I, representing 28% of fuel volume and 24% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) increased by 2% in volume and decreased by 1% in gross margin over the period, led by Kenya, Zambia, Guyana, Suriname and Barbados;
      • the aviation segment (representing 20% of fuel volume and 19% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) saw increased margins in Q1 2025 at +6% despite a slight volume decline of 2%. This performance was mainly driven by the Eastern Caribbean region, where some airlines decreased their frequencies, and the pricing environment was favourable.
    • Bitumen volume was up 35% yoy, mainly driven by Nigeria where Rubis’ supply situation was particularly strong. Togo and South Africa also saw strong volume increase, with improving margins. Gross margin showed a 6% decrease yoy and is the result of a different product mix in Nigeria.

    2.   ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – SUPPORT & SERVICES

    The Support & Services activity recorded €266m of revenue (+2% yoy) in Q1 2025.

    Volume excluding crude deliveries was up 5% and margins were down 4% vs Q1 2024.

    In the Caribbean, trading activity was dynamic with +5% in volume.

    In Africa, bitumen shipping activity was at a level comparable to that of Q1 2024 (volume +1%) with more numerous but shorter routes.

    SARA refinery and logistics operations present specific business models with stable earnings profile.

    3.   RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION – PHOTOSOL

    Operational data Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2025
    vs Q1 2024
    Assets in operation (MWp) 535 450 +19%
    Electricity production (GWh) 102 81 +26%
    Sales (in €m) 11 8 +28%

    Over Q1 2025, Photosol commissionned 12MWp, leading its assets in operation to grow by 19% yoy at 535 MWp. The secured portfolio increased by 22% to 1.1 GWp with 53 MWp new projects secured over Q1 2025. The pipeline reached 5.7 GWp (+21% yoy). Revenue for Q1 2025 stood at €11m, up 28% vs Q1 2024, benefitting from portfolio expansion and a higher load factor.

    In April 2025, Alix Lajoie became President and Thomas Aubagnac became CEO of Photosol, as planned. Both were previously Deputy CEOs since 2023. The two founders, David Guinard and Robin Ucelli, remain shareholders and Board members of Photosol.

    OUTLOOK – FY 2025 GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED

    The working assumptions used to establish the 2025 guidance remain unchanged.

    Group EBITDA is expected at €710m to €760m in 2025 (assuming IAS 29 – hyperinflation impact unchanged versus 2024).

    Reminder: Photosol 2027 ambitions:

    • Secured portfolio(1) above 2.5 GWp
    • Consolidated EBITDA(2): €50-55m, of which c.10% EBITDA contribution from farm-down initiatives
      • Power EBITDA(3): €80-85m
      • Secured EBITDA(4): €150-200m

    NON-FINANCIAL RATING

    • MSCI: AA (reiterated in Dec-24)
    • Sustainalytics: 29.2 (from 30.7 previously)
    • ISS ESG: C (from C- previously)
    • CDP: B (reiterated in Feb-25)

    Webcast for investors and analysts
    Date: 5 May 2024, 6:00pm
    Link to register: https://channel.royalcast.com/rubisen/#!/rubisen/20250505_1
    Participants from Rubis:

    • Marc Jacquot, CFO
    • Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

    Upcoming events
    Shareholders’ Meeting: 12 June 2025
    Q2 & H1 2025 results: 9 September 2025
    Q3 & 9M 2025 trading update: 4 November 2025
    Q4 & FY 2025 results: 12 March 2026

    (1) Includes ready-to-build, under construction and in operation capacities.
    (2) EBITDA reported in Rubis Group consolidated financial statements.
    (3) Aggregated EBITDA from operating PV through electricity sales.
    (4) Illustrative EBITDA coming from secured portfolio.

    Press Contact Analyst Contact
    RUBIS – Communication department RUBIS – Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR
    Tel: +33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

    presse@rubis.fr

    		 Tel: +33 (0)1 45 01 87 44

    investors@rubis.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Presses State Department for Update on Use of Fallon Smart Policy, Urges Trump to Reset U.S.-Saudi Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    May 05, 2025
    Senator: “I will not be silent when Saudi Arabia tries to cleanse its blood-stained hands, nor will I cease to hold Saudi officials accountable for the death of Fallon Smart and others like hers.”
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today asked the Trump administration to provide an update on the State Department’s implementation of the Fallon Smart Policy, which requires the department to identify and revoke visas of any foreign official helping foreign criminal suspects evade prosecution by absconding from the United States.
    The State Department policy secured by Wyden two years ago takes its name from a 15-year-old Portland girl struck and killed by a speeding car while riding her bicycle in 2016. The driver accused in her hit-and-run death on Portland’s Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard was a Saudi national who The Oregonian reported fled the country before trial – ultimate resurfacing in Saudi Arabia — with the likely assistance of the Saudi government.
    “The Fallon Smart Policy sends a strong message that there is no place in our country for foreign officials helping criminal suspects evade the law,” Wyden wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio in today’s letter.  “As I promised the family of Fallon Smart, I will birddog the implementation of this policy and make sure the Fallon Smart Policy is applied whenever there is evidence of foreign officials undermining the American justice system.  I will not be silent when Saudi Arabia tries to cleanse its blood-stained hands, nor will I cease to hold Saudi officials accountable for the death of Fallon Smart and others like hers.  To that end, I ask you to provide me with details about the implementation of the policy.”
    Wyden has long worked since 2018 to expose a pattern of Saudi nationals committing violent crimes in the United States and evading U.S. justice with help from the Saudi government. 
    “In most of these cases, local law enforcement confiscated the passports of the accused criminals and set bail at thresholds the individuals were unlikely to pay themselves,” Wyden wrote, noting passage of his bill in 2019 to declassify an FBI report on Saudi assistance of fugitives that concluded the Saudis wouldn’t stop until the United States addresses Saudi Arabia about its lawlessness. “Yet, many of these individuals somehow made bail and quickly received the resources and travel documents necessary to board a plane and leave our country, only to resurface in Saudi Arabia later.
    Wyden also noted he traveled last month to Saudi Arabia to raise these issues directly with Saudi government officials, and urging those Saudi officials to return to the United States all Saudi nationals accused of crimes so they may stand trial. 
    “I ask that you pursue this issue with the highest levels of leadership within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and formally press for the return of all Saudi nationals who evaded justice,” Wyden wrote. “Finally, I ask that you promptly declassify and make public any information about foreign officials engaging in the practice of helping foreign criminal suspects evade the U.S. justice system.  As the declassification of the 2019 FBI report demonstrated, transparency is necessary if local judicial and law enforcement officials are to be notified of the threat and if the U.S. Government, in coordination with Congress, are to develop and implement policies to protect Americans and the rule of law.
    In a second Wyden letter today, Wyden wrote President Trump to urge a full reset of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship to protect the American people and safeguard U.S. interests. 
    In that letter, Wyden again cited the Fallon Smart Policy as well as the role of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud and Saudi government officials in the brutal slaying of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi along with the surveillance, detention, torture and killing of dissidents, journalists, women’s rights activists and foreign laborers.
    “I understand that you are planning a visit to Saudi Arabia, and I urge you to seek accountability for Saudi abuses against our country, including its punitive economic actions that have undermined U.S. interests,” Wyden wrote Trump. “You must push for Saudi recognition of these actions.  You must also seek retribution for these actions and refrain from handing out favors to the Saudis until they follow through with meaningful reform.” 
    The entire letter to Trump is here. The entire letter to Rubio is here.
    Related Files

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC leadership joins B20 South Africa task forces 

    Bolstering ICC’s engagement as an official B20 Network Partner, ICC representatives will lend expertise and leadership to co-chair the following B20 task forces: 

    Co-Chair, Finance and Infrastructure  
    John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General,   

    Industrial Transformation and Innovation  
    Shinta Kamdani, ICC Executive Board Vice-Chair, and Marjorie Yang, ICC Executive Board Member   

    Digital Transformation  
    Karan Bilimoria, Chair, ICC United Kingdom 

    The B20 is the official platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process. Since 2010, when the B20 was established, ICC has played a consistent and leading role in shaping the process, providing policy leadership and expertise, amplifying outcomes and supporting continuity, most recently as an official B20 Network Partner. 

    This year’s G20 Presidency is held by South Africa, marking the first time it has been led by an African nation. The B20 is hosted by Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).  

    The B20 Secretariat has convened the following eight task forces: 

    • Employment & Education 
    • Trade & Investment 
    • Energy Mix & Just Transition 
    • Digital Transformation 
    • Integrity & Compliance 
    • Finance & Infrastructure 
    • Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture 
    • Industrial Transformation & Innovation. 

    Each of the eight task forces is chaired by a business leader from Africa and will produce a series of policy recommendations in line with the B20’s theme of Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation. 

    Highlighting the unique agency of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and how ICC is working to support its success, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, who participated in the B20 South Africa launch in Cape Town in February 2025, said: 

    “The G20 process in South Africa represents a unique opportunity to revitalise multilateralism in the current context. At ICC we are honoured to be B20 Network Partners once again, supporting all eight of the Task Forces this year. We look forward to working closely with the Secretariat to ensure the private sector is positioned as a true partner to these important discussions, leveraging our global network and policy insights.”  

    In addition to task force co-leadership roles, ICC B20 support includes the participation of 19 members of the ICC leadership across the eight task forces, policy support from the ICC Global Policy department, and network support from the ICC Agri-Food Initiative.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: “Donald Trump is Crushing His To-Do List” 🇺🇸

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

    Promises Made, Promises Kept.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzF5wieR7S0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand High-Speed Internet Across Rural New Mexico

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would permanently authorize and improve the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Program, which delivers broadband internet to underserved rural communities. The legislation is co-led by Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL).

    “In places like southern New Mexico, lack of broadband means a student falls behind in school, a rancher misses out on modern ag tools, or a senior can’t connect to telehealth services,” said Vasquez. “Every family and small business deserves access to high-speed internet, no matter their zip code. My bipartisan bill invests in the infrastructure rural communities need to stay connected, competitive, and healthy.”

    Almost one in four rural New Mexicans still lacks access to reliable broadband, cutting them off from critical services and opportunities that are increasingly dependent on digital access—including education, healthcare, agriculture, and small business development.

    “In our interconnected world, it is essential that American families and small businesses across the country have access to reliable high-speed internet no matter where they live,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “The ReConnect Program helps do that by delivering affordable internet to rural communities that too often find themselves left behind. I’m proud to support bipartisan legislation that will improve this program to help our small business compete globally and ensure families can connect with loved ones, school, and health care providers.” 

    “As small broadband providers in rural areas work tirelessly to bridge the digital divide, the ReConnect program has been an important resource to get the job done,” said Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA Rural Broadband Association CEO. “The ReConnecting Rural America Act improves upon this already successful program to better target funding where it is needed most, recognizes that experience matters when it comes to delivering rural broadband, and ensures that those in the most rural and hard to serve areas receive the same high-quality, high-speed broadband as those in urban areas. We greatly appreciate Representative Nunn for introducing this legislation today and thank him for his leadership on this critical issue.”

    The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 would codify and enhance the ReConnect Program within the Rural Electrification Act, establishing stronger minimum broadband speeds and ensuring federal support reaches the communities most in need of internet service upgrades. It addresses the disparities in internet connection by:

    • Authorizing $650 million annually through 2030 for broadband deployment in unserved and underserved rural areas,
    • Requiring a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download,
    • Focusing funding on areas where at least 75% of households lack access to 100/20 Mbps service,
    • Allowing USDA to offer a mix of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations,
    • Prioritizing small, remote, and underserved rural communities, and
    • Providing up to 100% grant funding for tribal areas, colonias, and other socially vulnerable or persistently poor communities.

     

    The bill also supports the deployment of broadband for precision agriculture on cropland and ranchland, and ensures that participating providers join affordability programs such as Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program. It is endorsed by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association.

    Text of the bill can be found here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –