NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York tax preparer sentenced to two years in prison for submitting fraudulent pandemic relief applications

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to two years in prison for making false statements on loan applications he submitted on behalf of his clients through a pandemic relief program.

    According to court documents, Baltej Singh Brar, 42, of South Richmond Hill, New York, owned and operated Aspire Tax & Accounting Services Inc., a tax preparation, accounting, and consulting firm where Brar was an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) registered tax preparer. In 2021, Brar began filing loan applications on behalf of other individuals through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief program intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others to help them remain afloat during the pandemic.

    Brar advertised, including on TikTok, that he would file PPP loan applications on behalf of clients in exchange for a flat up-front fee paired with 10% of the loan value after the loan was approved. Brar instructed prospective PPP applicants to provide him with their Social Security number, a copy of their driver’s license, email address, prior bank statements, 2019 tax return, and a void check to be used as supporting documentation on applications.

    Most of Brar’s clients were sole proprietors, including taxi drivers, truck drivers, and construction workers. Where clients’ prior year incomes fell below the threshold to receive the maximum PPP loan amount of $20,833, Brar falsely inflated the income amounts in the PPP applications to trigger the maximum loan amount. Brar generated and submitted false and fabricated IRS forms as supporting documentation. Brar certified on each application that the information provided in the applications and supporting documents and forms was “true and accurate in all material respects.”

    Many of Brar’s clients were eligible to receive PPP loans, though not in the inflated amounts of the PPP loan applications that Brar prepared. Others were not entitled to receive PPP loans at all. Across the hundreds of PPP loan applications that Brar falsified, Brar caused the SBA at least $550,000 in actual losses.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, New York Field Office; Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office; Edward Gallashaw, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge for the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-148.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe is developing steadily and opening up wide opportunities – Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) — Economic and trade relations between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries are developing soundly and steadily, opening up great opportunities for further cooperation, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

    Since 2012, China’s trade with Central and Eastern European countries has grown by an average of 8.8 percent per year, while imports from these countries have grown by an average of 7.4 percent per year, outpacing the growth rate of China’s foreign trade over the same period, Deputy Minister of Commerce Yan Dong said at a departmental press conference.

    In 2024, trade volume between China and CEE countries increased by 6.3 percent year-on-year to reach a record high of $142.3 billion, according to the ministry.

    At the same time, both sides have also seen increasingly active investment activities, Yan Dong said, adding that Chinese investment in CEE countries has now exceeded US$24 billion.

    In recent years, a new bright spot has emerged in the investment cooperation between China and CEE countries: Chinese enterprises in the upstream and downstream sectors of the electric vehicle and traction battery production chains have increased their momentum in research and investment in CEE countries, he noted.

    He said that China’s efforts to comprehensively expand the country’s high-level opening up to the outside world and build various economic and trade platforms that provide a basis for both sides to carry out multi-faceted cooperation will open up important opportunities for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe countries in the future.

    The strong trade and economic complementarity between China and the Central and Eastern European countries provides new space for cooperation in the industrial, trade in goods and trade in services sectors, Yan Dong added.

    The 4th China-CEEC Expo and China International Consumer Goods Fair will be held in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, from May 22 to 25 this year. The event will be a major platform for showcasing branded products from CEEC countries, expanding imports from CEEC countries, and promoting mutual investment between China and these countries, the Ministry of Commerce said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Bond Market Launches ‘Science and Technology Platform’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) — The first batch of science and technology innovation bonds was issued in China on Friday, marking the opening of a “science and technology platform” in the Chinese bond market.

    The Beijing Financial Capital Exchange held a roadshow, attended by the first eight companies that issued scientific and technological innovation bonds on the interbank bond market.

    The “science and technology platform” is designed to help financial institutions, science and technology enterprises and direct equity investment institutions issue science and technology innovation bonds, Pan Gongsheng, director of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank), said in March.

    According to a notice published by the Central Bank on May 7, such bonds include corporate bonds, enterprise bonds and debt financial instruments issued by non-financial enterprises.

    Issuers are encouraged to apply flexible bond servicing terms and issue bonds with longer maturities, which will better suit the characteristics and needs of the scientific and technological innovation sector when using equity funds.

    As Duan Dawei, Senior Vice President of iFLYTEK, noted, technology enterprises must remain committed to innovation, which requires long cycles, cost-effective solutions and a variety of financial instruments.

    According to him, a series of innovative solutions presented on the “scientific and technical platform” of the bond market flexibly combine with the financing needs of scientific and technical companies and expand the range of financial support instruments.

    According to preliminary estimates by the PBOC, nearly 100 market institutions are preparing to issue sci-tech innovation bonds worth over 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion U.S. dollars). More participants are expected to join the initiative in the future. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Expand Domestic Energy Production

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mark Amodei (NV-02), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) in introducing the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act. This legislation would provide some much-needed clarity surrounding renewable energy projects and ensure our nation’s resources do not enrich adversarial nations.

    “The Central Valley is leading the way in renewable energy production, and our communities deserve policies that provide stability and certainty for the future,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act preserves the clean energy tax credits farmers and energy producers rely on, while phasing out long-term subsidies for technologies that can now stand on their own. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand domestic energy production and keep the door open for new technologies to grow and compete.”

    “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act is a critical step toward aligning our clean energy priorities with today’s economic and national security realities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “By responsibly phasing out subsidies for technologies like wind and solar, and ensuring foreign adversaries like China and Russia can’t exploit American tax benefits, we are safeguarding both our energy independence and our taxpayers. Energy security is national security, and the bottom line is that in order to increase American energy dominance, we need to protect as much production and innovation as possible. I am proud to introduce this legislation and help secure America’s energy future!”

    “Certainty for the energy industry is essential to securing American energy dominance, driving innovation, and lowering costs for consumers,” said Congressman Garbarino. “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act provides the predictability businesses need to invest with confidence while protecting taxpayers from foreign threats. I look forward to working with my colleagues to responsibly deliver on the President’s energy agenda and meet our nation’s growing energy demand with a stronger, more secure energy future.”

    “America’s path to energy independence must involve an all-of-the-above clean energy approach that puts American manufacturers at the center,” said Rep. Amodei. “By excluding foreign adversaries from tax benefits and prioritizing American innovation, we are one step closer to a more secure and self-reliant energy future.”

    “The United States has the opportunity to lead the world in clean energy production while lowering costs for consumers,” said Congressman Newhouse. “By phasing out tax incentives supporting wind and solar projects, Congress can provide long-term certainty to utilities and investors. This legislation provides critical protections to ensure federal investments are not being utilized by foreign adversaries, including Communist China. I thank Rep. Kiggans for her leadership as we work to ensure American clean energy is safe, reliable, and affordable as new forms of energy emerge.”

    “CRES is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Kiggans, Valadao, Newhouse and Amodei on introducing the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “Right sizing policies in parallel with offering business and investment certainty is both critical and commonsense.  As America seeks to beat China in the global AI race, legislation like this strengthens our nation’s competitive edge while also ensuring American energy remains abundant and affordable.”

    “ACP commends Reps. Kiggans, Garbarino, Valadao, Newhouse, and Amodei for introducing the Certainty for our Energy Future Act. The Act ensures that we protect business certainty for projects currently under planning and development and offers a very constructive starting point for discussions on the clean energy tax credits. With electricity demand projected to increase by up to 50% over the next 15 years, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This legislation helps provide a roadmap to lawmakers as they continue to address this important issue,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association.

    “As electric companies work to meet growing customer demands for electricity and to strengthen our nation’s energy security, we must have policy certainty. We are grateful to Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, and Valadao for their ongoing leadership and for recognizing that clear timelines for tax credits and access to tools like transferability support investment in critical energy infrastructure, while helping to keep costs to customers as low as possible,” said Edison Electric Institute interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “We look forward to continuing to work with Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, Valadao, and other leaders in Congress as they deliberate on tax policy changes that could impact the costs customers pay for electricity.”

    The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act would:

    • Extend the 45Y and 48E tax credit for solar and wind projects with a phase out in 2030.
    • Ensure safe harbor rules apply for 10 years on public lands and 4 years everywhere else—codifying rules already in effect.
    • Restrict or disqualify companies created, organized, or owned by foreign entities of concern (FEOC) from claiming energy tax credits. FEOCs include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Push Trump Administration to Fill Sudan Special Envoy Position as Civil War Continues

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to work with President Trump to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan, build out key senior Africa roles at the State Department and the National Security Council, and to hold accountable both internal and foreign actors prolonging the conflict.
    The ongoing violence in Sudan has led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, it’s estimated that the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand individuals, and in the region, an estimated 30 million Sudanese are in need of immediate assistance.
    Warner and Kaine have led efforts to address this crisis, including introducing the Response to Conflict in Sudan Act, legislation to bolster and coordinate the U.S. response to the war in Sudan. The senators also previously pushed the Biden administration to take steps to better address the chaos and violence displacing millions of people in Sudan and the surrounding regions by appointing a Special Envoy for Sudan. Following the senators’ calls for a special envoy, President Biden appointed former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello to the position, but the position has remained vacant under the Trump administration.
    The senators wrote, “Since its outbreak, this conflict has displaced more than 14 million people – an estimated 11.5 million internally, plus an additional 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions. Approximately 30 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population – are in urgent humanitarian need. By some estimates, the conflict has killed upwards of 150,000 people, in what the U.S. government has officially declared a genocide. Belligerents on both sides stand accused of atrocities, including killings, abductions of civilians, and horrific instances of sexual violence against women and children.”
    The senators highlighted continued bipartisan efforts to respond to the crisis in Sudan and the need to fill crucial roles in countries impacted by the ongoing civil war. 
    Added the senators, “We urge the Administration to fill the Special Envoy position, which would align with bipartisan Congressional intent expressed through the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions of the Response to Conflict in Sudan Act. We also strongly urge you to work with the President to nominate senior officials responsible for Africa, including the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, ambassadors to countries impacted by or otherwise implicated in the conflict, and push for the appointment of a Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council to coordinate interagency efforts.”
    In addition to the need to fill these crucial roles, the senators highlighted the impact that outside influences are having on this crisis, and the need for the U.S. to hold accountable any foreign actors exacerbating the crisis. 
    “To date, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added SAF and RSF members to the Specially Designated Nationals List and taken action against numerous UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions. We encourage you, alongside allies and partners, to continue to hold accountable external actors that support and/or finance the conflict, using all available tools,” they wrote. 
    In addition to Warner and Kaine, the letter was signed by Todd Young (R-IN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
    Dear Secretary Rubio,
    Now into the third year of destructive conflict in Sudan, with escalating violence and atrocities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), U.S. engagement to bring a resolution to this conflict is more critical than ever. You can send a strong signal to the region by working with the President to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan and holding accountable both Sudanese and foreign actors prolonging the conflict. 
    Since its outbreak, this conflict has displaced more than 14 million people – an estimated 11.5 million internally, plus an additional 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions. Approximately 30 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population – are in urgent humanitarian need. By some estimates, the conflict has killed upwards of 150,000 people, in what the U.S. government has officially declared a genocide. Belligerents on both sides stand accused of atrocities, including killings, abductions of civilians, and horrific instances of sexual violence against women and children.
    We urge the Administration to fill the Special Envoy position, which would align with bipartisan Congressional intent expressed through the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions of the Response to Conflict in Sudan Act.  We also strongly urge you to work with the President to nominate senior officials responsible for Africa, including the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, ambassadors to countries impacted by or otherwise implicated in the conflict, and push for the appointment of a Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council to coordinate interagency efforts.
    In addition to naming an envoy, we urge you to hold accountable external actors – including the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt – and foreign businesses fueling the gruesome atrocities. The recent large-scale offensive by the RSF in Darfur – which has included storming and systematically burning down the Zamzam refugee camp, killing hundreds of people in a massacre that has also forced hundreds of thousands more to flee the camp in a matter of days – exemplifies the depravity that is being enabled by these external forces.
    To date, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added SAF and RSF members to the Specially Designated Nationals List and taken action against numerous UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions. We encourage you, alongside allies and partners, to continue to hold accountable external actors that support and/or finance the conflict, using all available tools.
    Conflicts rarely stay localized, and the longer this horrific war drags on, the more combustible this region becomes – an outcome that creates a power vacuum that extremists, terrorists, and our foreign adversaries will only be too happy to fill. The war’s continuation not only harms millions of innocent civilians, but also poses serious risk to American security interests in the region.
    We strongly support U.S. engagement and leadership in Sudan. The appointment of a new Special Envoy would send a strong signal. We look forward to working together to support your efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, address the humanitarian crisis, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities, and stop the actors fueling this crisis inside and outside Sudan.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inland Empire Man Sentenced for Possessing Trade Secrets Belonging to U.S. Employer to Build Business with China Company

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

    A San Bernardino County man was sentenced Thursday for illegally possessing sensitive technologies that he downloaded from his Southern California-based employers and used to market his own competing company to a China-based company.

    Liming Li, 66, of Rancho Cucamonga, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt, who also fined Li approximately $14,000 and ordered him to pay an additional $17,000 in restitution. LI was ordered to self-surrender by August 12, 2025.

    Li pleaded guilty to one count of possession of trade secrets in February.

    According to his plea agreement, from 1996 to 2013, Li worked for a Southern California-based business identified in court documents as “U.S. Company #1,” which specialized in precision measuring instruments and metrological technology and equipment. The company designed and sold a range of products such as micrometers, calipers, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), and optical measurement systems.

    Li worked at U.S. Company #1 as a senior software engineer, then as a program manager. From 2013 to 2018, Li worked as chief technologist at a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Company #1. During his employment at U.S. Company #1 and its subsidiary, Li worked on the development of the source code for one of the company’s software programs, which was considered its proprietary information.

    In July 2013, Li signed an employee handbook and confidentiality agreement with U.S. Company #1 that required him to turn over all writings, records, files, technology, trade secrets or data containing any proprietary information belonging to the company. The agreement also prohibited Li from copying the company’s proprietary information without written permission.

    Li admitted in his plea agreement that he occasionally downloaded the company’s proprietary information onto his personal devices without permission. Li failed to return all the proprietary information belonging to U.S. Company #1 after its subsidiary terminated him in January 2018.

    In February 2018, Li operated a consulting company named JSL Innovations Inc. and in March 2020, he signed an employment agreement with Suzhou Universal Group Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based chain-and-bearing manufacturer. Li continued to work for Suzhou Universal until his arrest in May 2023. During this period, Li continued to knowingly possess U.S. Company #1’s proprietary information and – more than once – accessed this information without that company’s authorization.

    Li admitted that he used the proprietary information for his own economic benefit and that it would injure U.S. Company #1’s interests.

    The FBI investigated this matter with substantial assistance from the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security.

    The case against Li was brought under the auspices of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, which is co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce. The Strike Force seeks to counter efforts by hostile nation-states to illicitly acquire sensitive U.S. technology to advance their authoritarian regimes and facilitate human rights abuses.

    Assistant United States Attorney Aaron B. Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, Solomon D. Kim of the Major Frauds Section, and David T. Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Investigating in Custody Death at Melfort RCMP Detachment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 9, 2025

    On Tuesday May 6, 2025 at approximately 7:13 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding an in-custody death at the Melfort RCMP Detachment. 

    SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.

    On May 6 at approximately 9:48 a.m., members of the Melfort RCMP detachment responded to a disturbance call at a residential address in Melfort, where they encountered a 44-year-old man who was acting erratically and had sustained an injury to his hand. The man was taken into custody pursuant to the provisions of The Mental Health Services Act. The man was transported to the Melfort RCMP Detachment, where at 10:14 a.m., he was lodged in a cell, pending the arrival of EMS who had been contacted on the drive to the detachment. At approximately 10:18 a.m., the man was assessed by EMS, and following that examination was transported to hospital by EMS. The man was unrestrained during transport in the ambulance. The EMS vehicle transporting the man was accompanied to hospital by a member of the RCMP in an RCMP vehicle.

    The man arrived at hospital at approximately 10:27 a.m. While the man was being examined, a further disturbance occurred and he was taken back into custody by the accompanying RCMP member. During the process of taking the man back into custody, a physical altercation occurred. The man was handcuffed and transported back to the Melfort RCMP Detachment, and at approximately 10:44 a.m., was once again placed in a cell.

    The man remained in custody at the Melfort RCMP Detachment until approximately 5:10 p.m., when he was observed to have gone into medical distress. RCMP members entered the man’s cell, commenced first aid, and contacted EMS. The man was moved into the cellblock hallway by RCMP members to allow for more room for first aid. At approximately 5:16 p.m., EMS arrived and assumed responsibility for the man’s care before transporting him to hospital at 5:36 p.m. The man was treated at hospital, but despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced deceased. 

    Following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and five SIRT investigators was deployed to Melfort to begin their investigation. A community liaison will also be appointed pursuant to S.91.12 (1) (a) of The Police Act, 1990. SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest and the cause of his death. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for any investigation into the original incident. No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

    SIRT’s mandate is to investigate alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault or interpersonal violence arising from the actions or omissions of on and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody.

    For updates on SIRT investigations, follow SIRT on X, formerly known as Twitter, at Serious Incident Response Team – Saskatchewan (@SIRT_SK) / X.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate.io Releases Latest Proof of Reserves Report: Total Reserves Reach $10.865 Billion, with $2.415 Billion in Excess Reserves

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate.io has released its latest Proof of Reserves report. As of May 8, the total value of Gate.io’s reserves stands at $10.865 billion, with a total reserve ratio of 128.57% and an excess reserve of $2.415 billion.

    Currently, the BTC reserve ratio is 137.69%, with an increase of 2,802 BTC compared to the previous period. The ETH reserve ratio is 121.36%, with an increase of 188,563 ETH, and the USDT reserve ratio is 102.63%, with an increase of 441,334,786 USDT. In addition, reserve ratios for assets such as GT, DOGE, and XRP all exceed the 100% benchmark, reaching 178.50%, 109.19%, and 116.72%, respectively.

    Gate.io has always prioritized asset security and user trust, consistently advancing the innovation upgrade of its reserve audit technologies. Gate.io employs zero-knowledge technology and Merkle Tree structures, allowing users to verify whether their assets are included in the platform’s reserves without revealing any details. Combined with hot and cold wallet verification and balance snapshots, this approach completes a closed-loop of data, allowing users to independently verify their holdings through a dedicated page.

    In addition, Gate.io regularly updates its reserve data and provides users with corresponding verification paths and report summaries to help them understand asset composition and reserve levels. Currently, Gate.io’s reserves cover most mainstream cryptocurrencies, equipping the platform with robust market resilience and offering strong support for stable operations and long-term growth.

    Looking ahead, Gate.io will continue to leverage its strengths in transparent operations and technical adoptions, exploring new technological breakthroughs to co-create a safer and more trustworthy digital asset trading ecosystem with users worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer:
    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, please read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.io/user-agreement.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Gate. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9abe1667-28a8-43f0-9572-64c7e361d438

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Radio Davos | Stock markets and supermarkets how business is deploying AI

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6WWFwvECBI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Young, Colleagues Push Trump Administration to Fill Sudan Special Envoy Position as Civil War Continues

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to work with President Trump to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan, build out key senior Africa roles at the State Department and the National Security Council, and to hold accountable both internal and foreign actors prolonging the conflict. Joining Sens. Warner and Young in the letter are U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
    The ongoing violence in Sudan has led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, it’s estimated that the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand individuals, and in the region, an estimated 30 million Sudanese are in need of immediate assistance.
    Sen. Warner has led bipartisan efforts to address this crisis, including pushing the Biden administration to take steps to better address the chaos and violence displacing millions of people in Sudan and the surrounding regions. Following the senators’ calls for a special envoy, President Biden appointed former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello to the position, but the position has remained vacant under the Trump administration.
    The senators wrote, “Since its outbreak, this conflict has displaced more than 14 million people – an estimated 11.5 million internally, plus an additional 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions. Approximately 30 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population – are in urgent humanitarian need. By some estimates, the conflict has killed upwards of 150,000 people, in what the U.S. government has officially declared a genocide. Belligerents on both sides stand accused of atrocities, including killings, abductions of civilians, and horrific instances of sexual violence against women and children.”
    The senators highlighted continued bipartisan efforts to respond to the crisis in Sudan and the need to fill crucial roles in countries impacted by the ongoing civil war. 
    Added the senators, “We urge the Administration to fill the Special Envoy position, which would align with bipartisan Congressional intent expressed through the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions of the Response to Conflict in Sudan Act. We also strongly urge you to work with the President to nominate senior officials responsible for Africa, including the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, ambassadors to countries impacted by or otherwise implicated in the conflict, and push for the appointment of a Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council to coordinate interagency efforts.”
    In addition to the need to fill these crucial roles, the senators highlighted the impact that outside influences are having on this crisis, and the need for the U.S. to hold accountable any foreign actors exacerbating the crisis. 
    “To date, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added SAF and RSF members to the Specially Designated Nationals List and taken action against numerous UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions. We encourage you, alongside allies and partners, to continue to hold accountable external actors that support and/or finance the conflict, using all available tools,” they wrote. 
    Sen. Warner has been a leading voice in the Senate about the need for increased diplomatic and humanitarian support for Sudan since the war erupted. Last year, Sen. Warner pushed the Biden administration take more decisive action against foreign entities fueling the ongoing civil war in Sudan. In May 2023, he and Sen. Kaine requested that the Biden administration issue a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Sudan, which was subsequently issued. Later that month, Sens. Warner and Kaine led a group of colleagues in urging the administration to offer all available support for humanitarian efforts in the region – and to be forward leaning on prioritizing local and community-based response efforts – as well as appoint a Special Envoy to Sudan tasked with coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. In December 2023, the senators continued calling on the Biden administration to designate a Special Envoy to Sudan, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello was subsequently appointed to the position. Sen. Warner has also continued his efforts to provide support to Sudan and the Sudanese diaspora and meeting with the Sudanese community in Virginia.  
    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
    Dear Secretary Rubio,
    Now into the third year of destructive conflict in Sudan, with escalating violence and atrocities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), U.S. engagement to bring a resolution to this conflict is more critical than ever. You can send a strong signal to the region by working with the President to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan and holding accountable both Sudanese and foreign actors prolonging the conflict. 
    Since its outbreak, this conflict has displaced more than 14 million people – an estimated 11.5 million internally, plus an additional 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions. Approximately 30 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population – are in urgent humanitarian need. By some estimates, the conflict has killed upwards of 150,000 people, in what the U.S. government has officially declared a genocide. Belligerents on both sides stand accused of atrocities, including killings, abductions of civilians, and horrific instances of sexual violence against women and children.
    We urge the Administration to fill the Special Envoy position, which would align with bipartisan Congressional intent expressed through the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions of the Response to Conflict in Sudan Act.  We also strongly urge you to work with the President to nominate senior officials responsible for Africa, including the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, ambassadors to countries impacted by or otherwise implicated in the conflict, and push for the appointment of a Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council to coordinate interagency efforts.
    In addition to naming an envoy, we urge you to hold accountable external actors – including the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt – and foreign businesses fueling the gruesome atrocities. The recent large-scale offensive by the RSF in Darfur – which has included storming and systematically burning down the Zamzam refugee camp, killing hundreds of people in a massacre that has also forced hundreds of thousands more to flee the camp in a matter of days – exemplifies the depravity that is being enabled by these external forces.
    To date, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added SAF and RSF members to the Specially Designated Nationals List and taken action against numerous UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions. We encourage you, alongside allies and partners, to continue to hold accountable external actors that support and/or finance the conflict, using all available tools.
    Conflicts rarely stay localized, and the longer this horrific war drags on, the more combustible this region becomes – an outcome that creates a power vacuum that extremists, terrorists, and our foreign adversaries will only be too happy to fill. The war’s continuation not only harms millions of innocent civilians, but also poses serious risk to American security interests in the region.
    We strongly support U.S. engagement and leadership in Sudan. The appointment of a new Special Envoy would send a strong signal. We look forward to working together to support your efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, address the humanitarian crisis, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities, and stop the actors fueling this crisis inside and outside Sudan.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Insect trafficking poses a risk to wildlife and human health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elliot Doornbos, Senior Lecturer of Criminology, Nottingham Trent University

    Rhino beetles are just one insect species being traded illegally. Lightboxx/Shutterstock

    Four men were recently arrested and fined for attempting to smuggle more than 5,000 ants out of Kenya. Aiming to sell them as part of the exotic pet trade, these ants were being stored in individual test tubes and syringes with small amounts of cotton wool for transportation. This unusual case highlights an important yet overlooked aspect of wildlife trafficking.

    Wildlife trafficking is a crime against nature which occurs mainly because of consumer demand. Trafficking refers to the illegal smuggling and continued exploitation of wild animals, plants or timber. That includes, as in this case, insects.

    Much conservation effort, reporting, study and enforcement activity focuses on recognised species such as rhinos. Wildlife trafficking is often associated more with these charismatic species and products made from them such as elephant tusks and rhino horn.

    But wildlife trafficking includes a whole spectrum of illicit animal trade from poaching and smuggling to the distribution of protected and endangered species. There is also thriving illegal trade in insects.

    For avid collectors, trophies and the exotic pet trade a wide array of insects have been seized over the years including rhino beetles into Japan, praying mantis eggs into the US and butterflies out of Sri Lanka.

    Globally, insect species are declining. This is caused by an array of threats such as pollution, pesticides, climate change and urbanisation. Although the extent of the harm being caused by trafficking is unknown, this adds further pressure to species that already face extinction.

    Protections for insects vary. The conservation status of each ant species affects their level of protection both nationally and internationally.

    Ants that are on the red list – which is the largest classification of endangered species produced by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – and classed as critically endangered or endangered cannot be captured, killed or disturbed in any manner. An example is the anathema ant, which is currently listed as an endangered species.

    International law puts controls on wildlife that may be threatened by trade. Some ants are protected under UK law which makes it an offence to disturb or destroy the nests of species like the red wood ant.

    Illegal trafficking of wildlife products includes insects as well as ivory and snakeskins.
    Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock

    This case shows how wildlife trafficking extends to areas such as the smuggling of, and illegal trade, in ants. Some organised crime groups have moved from smuggling drugs and weapons to trafficking in plants, medicinal compounds and animals – including insects. Organised crime can include smaller and partially disorganised groups and networks. Where there is money to be made smuggling, networks will target wildlife.

    The scale of the insect smuggling problem is unknown. Many cases will go unreported due to the clandestine nature of the trade. As such, both law enforcement and the wider public might not know or care about this being an offence.

    Although there have been some insect trade seizures, law enforcement agencies are often underresourced and may view wildlife crimes as a low priority in comparison to other areas of criminality, such as drugs.

    Often, insects are easily concealed. For example, 37 rhino beetles were discovered at Los Angeles International airport hidden within sweet and crisp packets.

    Even once insects are seized, it can be difficult to identify the species to find out whether they are protected, given so many different levels of protections for species internationally.

    Invasive species risk

    Insect trafficking could introduce non-native species to new places. If they establish a breeding population and pose a threat to local ecosystems, they can become known as “invasive species”. Invasive species can outcompete native species for food. Some destroy habitats. Others have the potential to bring new diseases to a country.

    Not only can invasive insects pose threats to the environment such as the ongoing issue of invasive Asian hornets within Europe, but also affect people. Hawaii spends US$10 million (£7.5 million) on invasive species control measures – US$2.4 million of that is set aside just for coconut rhinoceros beetles.

    Although predicting which species and when they may become invasive is a challenge, insect trafficking can cause serious consequences. Undervaluing some species protections provides avenues for traffickers, so enforcing trafficking laws for all wildlife, including insects, is crucial.

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

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

    Angus Nurse is a member of the Wild Animal Welfare Committee.~
    He has previously received funding from animal welfare NGOs for research into wildlife and animal law not related to the subject of this article.

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

    – ref. Insect trafficking poses a risk to wildlife and human health – https://theconversation.com/insect-trafficking-poses-a-risk-to-wildlife-and-human-health-255273

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by April Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida to offset economic losses caused by caused by drought beginning April 15.  

    The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Broward and Collier, and the adjacent counties of Hendry, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach.

    Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for 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 3.62% 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.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 22, 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, 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: SBA Relief Still Available to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Excessive Rain

    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 10 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by excessive rain occurring June 22 through July 23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Otsego and Wexford in Michigan.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) 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 10, 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: SBA Relief Still Available to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Excessive Heat

    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 10 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by excessive heat occurring June 23-Aug. 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Otsego and Wexford.

    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 10, 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: SBA Assistance Still Available to Michigan Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by 2024 Frost and Freeze

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in Michigan of the June 10 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the frost and freeze occurring Feb. 19-May 14, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Otsego and Wexford.

    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 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.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 10, 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: Governor Phil Scott Announces 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund Grantees

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the 2025 recipients of Vermont Downtown Transportation Fund awards. This year, the Community Investment Board chose eight Designated Downtowns and Village Centers to share $1,452,405 in funding.

    “Our historic downtowns and village centers are part of what makes Vermont so special,” said Governor Scott. “Keeping them vibrant is a priority for my Administration and I want to thank the Community Investment Board for endorsing these projects.”

    The Downtown Transportation Fund makes investments in infrastructure and public spaces, stimulates private investment, and creates a sense of identity and pride in Vermont’s downtowns by helping municipalities pay for transportation-related capital improvements within or serving a Designated Downtown or Village Center. 

    “These grants will be put to use to make these communities more inviting to guests and residents,” said Alex Farrell, Vermont Housing and Community Development Commissioner and chair of the Community Investment Board Chair. “Whether it’s increasing walkability, supporting multi-modal transportation, or providing better lighting, these are important investments that benefit everyone.”

    Below are highlights from this year’s awarded projects:

    Town of Brattleboro, Bridge Street Enhancements Project: $124,405

    Support walkability via enhancements to Bridge Street and the intersection of Main Street, Bridge Street, and Vernon Street.

    City of Burlington, Great Streets Main Street Project: $200,000  

    Installation of streetscape amenities along Main Street, including benches, bike racks, a bus shelter, and granite elevation indicators.

    City of Essex Junction, Essex Junction Multimodal Train and Bus Station Improvements: $200,000 

    Renovating and adding to the existing station building to include a pitched roof canopy and lighting.

    Town of Hardwick, Hardwick Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project: $200,000

    Demolition and replacement of the deteriorated, unsafe, and currently closed pedestrian bridge with a new ADA compliant pedestrian bridge.

    Town of Hinesburg, Town Common Project: $128,000

    Add two entryways from existing sidewalks along Route 116, signage, sidewalk, a gravel path, more parking on connector road.

    Town of Lyndon, Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project: $200,000 

    Installation of four raised crosswalks with curb extensions and four light posts at each crosswalk, upgrading existing ten light posts.

    City of Montpelier, Montpelier’s Downtown Illumination Project: $200,000

    Assessment and repair of street lights and outlets damaged by the July 2023 flood; installation of a new light on State Street; adding permanent lighting systems to Main Street Bridge, Taylor Street Bridge, North Branch Pedestrian Bridge, Winooski Pedestrian Bridge, and Spring Street Bridge.

    Town of Waterbury, Foundry Street and Bidwell Lane Streetscape Improvements: $200,000

    Add wayfinding signage, flower baskets, and illuminated grapevine balls; install sidewalk on Foundry Street; replace street lights.

    Since its inception in 1999, the Downtown Transportation Fund has invested more than $17 million in Vermont’s downtowns and villages. Visit DHCD’s website to learn more about the 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund grantees.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Signs Legislation Cutting Red Tape and Streamlining Government

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, constitutional officers, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, signed SB 96 and HB 113 into law, streamlining government and helping safeguard the state from interference from foreign adversaries.

    SB 96 was a priority of Governor Kemp, sponsored by Senator Drew Echols and carried in the House by Representative Matthew Gambill. It decreases the administrative burden on state agencies by reducing the number of boards that have grown inactive or perform duplicative roles.

    “Every day we serve the people of Georgia, it’s important for us to remember that we work for them,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “It’s our job to help streamline their experiences with the government, make it easier for them to access opportunity, and limit as best we can the challenges they may face in accessing new skills and good careers. Thanks to the diligent work of our partners in the General Assembly, I’m proud to say that the bills I’ve signed today will help us accomplish that.”

    HB 113 was another priority of Governor Kemp, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett. It directs the Georgia Technology Authority to establish and keep updated a list of companies and products that are produced and/or sold by citizens or governments of countries designated as “foreign adversaries” by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This list will be utilized by the Department of Administrative Services (“DOAS”) and other state agencies in state purchasing decisions to bring greater security to our state agencies.

    Governor Kemp signed several additional pieces legislation that further his commitment to eliminate government waste and cut red tape:

    HB 148, sponsored by Representative John Carson and carried in the Senate by Senator Billy Hickman, authorizes two additional pathways towards obtaining a CPA, while maintaining the current CPA pathway – 150 Credit Hours, one year of experience, CPA Exam. The first requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, two years of experience, and the CPA exam; while the second allows for a Master’s degree in Accounting, one year of experience, and the CPA exam. The other change clarifies that out-of-state CPAs in good standing in their home state and a passing grade on the national CPA exam can practice in Georgia without the need for a second state certification.

    HB 322, sponsored by Representative Lee Hawkins and carried in the Senate by Senator Max Burns, allows the Georgia Board of Dentistry to issue a teacher’s or instructor’s license to applicants who are licensed to practice in another state, country, or territory while they are employed at an accredited school or college.

    HB 579, sponsored by Representative Matt Reeves and carried in the Senate by Senator Larry Walker, grants the Professional Licensing Board Division Director administrative approval for licenses – streamlining the licensure process and removing barriers of entry for individuals to get to work in Georgia. 

    HB 630, sponsored by Representative Marcus Wiedower and carried in the Senate by Senator Larry Walker, streamlines the administration of the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers and clarifies the requirements applicants for licensure must satisfy, while preserving the protections against bad actors within the industry.”.

    HB 635, sponsored by Representative Marcus Wiedower and carried in the Senate by Senator Larry Walker, makes licensing requirements more objective by reducing individual discretion, promoting fairness, and streamlining the three pathways to licensure for Residential Basic, Residential Light Commercial, and Commercial General Contractors.

    SB 125, sponsored by Senator Larry Walker and carried in the House by Representative Lee Hawkins, decouples the pathway to licensure for professional engineers and land surveyors, allowing individuals to take their licensing exam after they graduate from their schooling and before acquiring their experiential requirements. Additionally, this bill authorizes the Secretary of State’s Office to implement a third-party electronic database to monitor the compliance of certain licenses where continuing education courses are required for license renewal. Lastly, the bill revises grammar and out of date language for electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors with few regulatory changes.

    Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ProvisionAi Webinar: Cost Savings and Driving Success – Insights from Scott DeGroot

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProvisionAi recently hosted an exclusive webinar titled “Cost Savings and Driving Success,” featuring Scott DeGroot, former VP of Global Planning at Kimberly-Clark and current Adjunct Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business Global Supply Chain Institute. Moderated by Robert Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of SupplyChainBrain, the webinar offered participants key strategies and real-world insights into achieving significant supply chain improvements.

    In this engaging discussion, DeGroot shared actionable lessons from his successful experiences implementing innovative supply chain strategies that reduced costs, enhanced operational efficiency, and enabled strategic reinvestment in advanced technological systems.

    Key topics covered during the webinar included:

    • Obtaining IT support for supply chain transformation
    • Rapid deployment and leveraging AI-driven supply network planning solutions
    • Using initial successes to identify and seize further business opportunities

    Participants gained practical insights into:

    • Data-Driven Cost Reduction: Utilizing analytics for increased efficiency and waste reduction.
    • AI-Driven Performative Analytics: Enhancing operational efficiency through AI solutions.
    • Strategic Reinvestment: Turning cost savings into investment opportunities for future innovations.

    The initiatives discussed demonstrated notable benefits, including reduced transportation costs, optimized carrier utilization, improved On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery rates, and funded further investments in supply chain technology.

    The recorded webinar is now available for viewing at SupplyChainBrain.

    For more information about ProvisionAi and future webinars, please visit www.provisionai.com.

    About ProvisionAi ProvisionAi provides advanced, AI-driven logistics solutions that dramatically improve supply chain performance, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. Its innovative platforms empower companies to optimize logistics processes and achieve long-term operational excellence.

    Media Contact:

    Tom Moore
    tom.moore@provisionai.com
    Cell: +1 615 417-9591
    ProvisionAi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Wyden, Merkley, Schumer, Lead Colleagues in Fight to Protect Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Social Services from Republican Budget Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today led the Senate Democratic Caucus in sending an open letter to the public exposing the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans’ plan to gut Meals on Wheels, Head Start, and other essential social services. 
    Republican Senators are currently writing legislation that will give a tax break to the wealthiest by ripping away programs American seniors, children, and working families rely on. Republicans have targeted two essential funding sources for social services programs—Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) —putting nearly 25 million children, seniors, and families at risk across the country. 
    “We write to make our position on this legislation perfectly clear: Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by ripping away programs that almost 25 million Americans – close to 50% of whom are children – rely on for basic needs,” the Senators wrote to the American public.  
    “Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed a budget that sets the stage for existential cuts to the safety net. Republican leaders claim they have no plans to eliminate essential services, but tens of billions in catastrophic cuts to these programs appeared on Republicans’ published wish list, alongside cuts to Medicaid and SNAP,” the Senators continued. “State and local leaders confirm that eliminating SSBG and TANF would reduce programs that serve our most vulnerable as states and localities are already operating under tight budget constraints.” 
    The Senators’ letter concludes: “Right now, Republicans are writing the most consequential legislation contemplated in decades entirely behind closed doors. That’s because Trump and Congressional Republicans must hide the ugly truth – their legislation feeds corporate and wealthy individuals’ greed by abandoning vulnerable children, starving seniors, and cutting off families in need. You, your family, and your neighbors deserve far better. Democrats are fighting to protect your communities from Republican cuts. Join us and keep up the fight.” 
    The open letter to the public was signed by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). 
    Read and download the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s central bank to step up financial support to boost consumption

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) will roll out a package of measures to improve financial services to boost consumer spending, the central bank said in a report on Friday.

    According to the PBOC’s monetary policy report for the first quarter of 2025, the bank will continue to consistently implement a moderately accommodative monetary policy while exploring the use of structural monetary policy tools. These measures aim to guide financial institutions to provide greater support to key consumption areas, including tourism, catering, entertainment and education.

    The report stressed that the PBOC will develop a comprehensive package of financial measures to stimulate consumption with an emphasis on supply-side support.

    Financial institutions will be encouraged to optimize credit products and services targeted at key consumer scenarios, priority strategies and key population groups.

    In addition, the NBC will provide support to auto finance companies and consumer credit companies in issuing financial bonds.

    Attention will also be paid to creating an efficient and convenient payment ecosystem, including improving the convenience of payments for overseas visitors to China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Assertio Therapeutics Inc. Agrees to Pay $3.6M to Resolve Allegations that It Violated the False Claims Act in Connection with Marketing its Fentanyl Product

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Assertio Therapeutics Inc. Agrees to Pay $3.6M to Resolve Allegations that It Violated the False Claims Act in Connection with Marketing its Fentanyl Product

    The Justice Department announced today that Assertio Therapeutics Inc., formerly known as Depomed Inc., (Assertio), a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, has agreed to pay $3.6 million to resolve claims that Assertio violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by causing the submission of false claims for the transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) drug Lazanda for individuals who did not have breakthrough cancer pain.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington and California lead coalition of states to challenge Trump’s fake “energy emergency”

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Washington state filed suit today alongside 14 other states to challenge the president’s fake “energy emergency,” declared to line the pockets of Big Oil by handing out free passes to pollute our environment.

    On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump declared a “national energy emergency” under the National Emergencies Act. Congress passed the National Emergencies Act to prevent presidents from declaring national emergencies for frivolous or partisan matters — exactly what the president has done here.

    At the direction of the president, federal agencies are bypassing or shortening critical reviews under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Historic National Preservation Act for energy projects. These laws play a critical role protecting the environment and human health and protecting our heritage and places sacred to tribes in Washington.

    U.S. energy production is at an all-time high. The country is producing so much oil and natural gas that energy companies do not plan to increase output in response to the president’s order. The president is simultaneously seeking to increase exports which, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will increase prices for American consumers.

    The only “emergency” is that the president disagrees with policies to address climate change in Washington state and elsewhere. He is illegally using emergency authorities to keep the nation reliant on energy sources like coal, oil, and gas. The order excludes wind, solar, and batteries — among the cheapest and cleanest modern energy sources that exist today. The end goal is clear: eliminate the competition so his oil and gas donors can keep gouging Washingtonians and polluting the state.

    “The president’s attempt to bypass important environmental protections is illegal and would cause immense harm to Washingtonians. This won’t lower prices, increase our energy supply, or make our country safer,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “We’re back in court to hold him accountable.”

    “Environmental regulations exist because we’ve seen what happens when they don’t,” said Casey Sixkiller, director of the Washington Department of Ecology. “The federal administration is proposing an end-run that ignores the hard lessons of the past. These protections aren’t red tape — they’re guardrails that protect our air, water, land, and keep our families safe.”

    Until now federal agencies have only used emergency procedures during actual emergencies such as hurricanes and catastrophic oil spills — for example, the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, where lives were at risk. Now agencies are acting under emergency procedures only due to the president’s order.

    The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, names as defendants President Donald Trump, as well as the head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Both agencies have taken illegal action to implement the president’s directive.

    The attorneys general ask the court to declare the president’s directive, and the agencies’ implementation of it, illegal and stop them from issuing emergency permits under the executive order.  

    Joining Attorney General Brown and Attorney General Rob Bonta in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the complaint is available here.

    -30-

    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 Security: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Assertio Therapeutics Inc. Agrees to Pay $3.6M to Resolve Allegations that It Violated the False Claims Act in Connection with Marketing its Fentanyl Product

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    The Justice Department announced today that Assertio Therapeutics Inc., formerly known as Depomed Inc., (Assertio), a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, has agreed to pay $3.6 million to resolve claims that Assertio violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by causing the submission of false claims for the transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) drug Lazanda for individuals who did not have breakthrough cancer pain.

    Lazanda, a fentanyl nasal spray, is approved by the FDA solely for break-through cancer pain in patients who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. The United States alleges that, between 2013 and 2017, Assertio, which was known as Depomed at the time, caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs by focusing its marketing on pain specialists who were prescribing high volumes of TIRF products, including those who were flagged for diversion or who were later indicted. The United States further alleges that Assertio placed high-volume TIRF prescribers on its speakers’ bureau and advisory boards and developed its “Signature Support Program” to ensure that Lazanda prescriptions would be approved by insurance companies, including Medicare Part D plans. The United States contends that Assertio’s marketing efforts caused prescribers to write Lazanda prescriptions for Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries who did not have breakthrough cancer pain, resulting in the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE from thirteen high-volume prescribers.

    “This company took steps to boost its profits despite the risk of boosting the deadly opioid epidemic, said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Our office will continue to seek out violations like this that demonstrate a brazen disregard for the safety of the public.”

    “At a time when communities across the country are still dealing with the devasting impact of the opioid epidemic, pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” said Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This settlement reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and holding those accountable who fuel addiction and defraud federal healthcare programs through deceptive marketing of powerful drugs like fentanyl.”

    “Violations of the False Claims Act such as the illegal prescribing practices alleged in this settlement are especially egregious considering the opioid epidemic,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure health care providers and corporations involved in schemes that threaten patient safety are held accountable.”

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by Noelle Webb and Nicole Novellino, who previously worked at Assertio as sales representatives. The FCA authorizes private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Webb et al. v. Assertio Therapeutics Inc., f/k/a Depomed, Inc., No. 1:17-02309 (D.D.C.). Pursuant to the settlement, relators will receive a $657,000 share of the settlement amount.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia handled this matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by its Washington Field Office; the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General provided substantial assistance in the investigation and resolution.

    Today’s settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni, Trial Attorney Matthew Arrow, and Assistant Director Natalie Waites of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrell Valdez for the District of Columbia handled this matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim: plan to transfer its shares to Euronext Growth Paris.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    PRESS RELEASE

    Stock market information

    Boulogne-Billancourt, 9 May 2025 –

    Cegedim, an innovative technology and services group, announces its plan to transfer its shares to Euronext Growth® Paris.

    At its next Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on 13 June 2025, shareholders will be asked to approve the proposed delisting of CEGEDIM S.A. shares from the Euronext Paris regulated market and their concomitant admission to trading on Euronext Growth, within 12 months of the Shareholders’ Meeting of 13 June 2025.

    Such a transfer would enable CEGEDIM S.A to improve the share’s visibility and attractiveness, placing it among the top 30 market capitalizations on Euronext Growth. As part of this change, the Company would move to a less-regulated market, which entails some regulatory relief, but will continue to maintain the best practices described below.

    CEGEDIM S.A. currently meets the conditions for eligibility for the transfer procedure, i.e. a market capitalization of less than one billion euros and a public float of at least 2.5 million euros. These conditions must be met on the date of the transfer request. In addition, the Company is up to date with its Euronext disclosure obligations and will engage the services of a listing sponsor within the timeframe required by current regulations.

    Subject to the approval of this project by the shareholders at the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on 13 June 2025 and the agreement of Euronext, this direct listing will be carried out by means of an accelerated procedure for the admission to trading of the Company’s existing shares, without the issuance of new shares.

    In accordance with current regulations, CEGEDIM S.A. informs its shareholders of the main possible consequences of such a transfer (non-exhaustive list):

    – Periodic information

    The Company will publish, within four months of the end of the financial year, an annual report including its annual and consolidated financial statements, a management report and the reports of the statutory auditors.

    The Company will also publish, within four months of the end of the first half of the year, a half-yearly report including its consolidated half-yearly financial statements and a business report relating to these statements. The half-yearly financial statements no longer have to be audited by the statutory auditors.

    The Company will continue to publish the four quarterly revenue figures, to apply IFRS standards for the consolidated financial statements and to comply with CSRD requirements for sustainability information, the change in market having no impact on this subject.

    Lastly, the following information in the management report (including the corporate governance report) will no longer be required:

    – information relating to the remuneration of corporate officers,

    – information having an impact in the event of a public offer;

    – and the content of the corporate governance report will be streamlined.

    – Permanent information

    The Company will continue to inform the public of any information likely to have a significant impact on the share price (insider information). Regulated information (and in particular insider information) must always be disseminated effectively and in full. The Company will continue to use a professional disseminator.

    The Company will continue to draw up lists of insiders, and senior executives and managers will continue to make declarations of securities transactions to the AMF.

    -Composition of the Board – Corporate governance

    The Company will continue to apply the rules on parity on the Board set out in Article L.225-18-1 of the French Commercial Code. These parity rules are also in line with the Company’s CSR commitments.

    The Company will continue to be subject to the legal provisions of articles L.823-19 et seq. of the French Commercial Code concerning audit committees. More generally, the existing committees will be maintained, as the Company does not wish to change its good governance practices.

    – Executive remuneration

    The Shareholders’ Meeting will no longer be required to approve the remuneration policy for corporate officers or to approve the remuneration paid or awarded to corporate officers in respect of the previous financial year.

    – Shareholders’ Meetings

    The press release specifying the terms of availability of the documents submitted to the meeting will no longer be required.

    The preparatory documents for the meeting and other documents (including the total number of voting rights and shares existing at the date of publication of the prior notice) will no longer be required to be posted online twenty-one days before the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting, but on the date of the notice of meeting.

    The results of votes and the minutes of the Shareholders’ Meeting will continue to be posted on the Company’s website.

    – Disclosure thresholds – Public offer

    The protection of minority shareholders, in the event of a change of control, will be ensured on Euronext Growth Paris by the mechanism of a mandatory public offer in the event of crossing, directly or indirectly,
    alone or in concert, the threshold of 50% of the capital or voting rights.

    Furthermore, companies listed on Euronext Growth Paris only need to communicate to the market, in terms of changes in shareholding, the crossing of thresholds (upwards or downwards) of 50% and 90% of the capital or voting rights.

    However, in accordance with legal provisions, the company will remain subject, for a period of 3 years from its delisting from the Euronext Paris market, to the public offer regime and the maintenance of information obligations relating to threshold crossings and declarations of intentions as applicable to companies listed on Euronext Paris.

    – Liquidity of the share

    As Euronext Growth is a less-regulated market, the transfer to Euronext Growth Paris could result in a change in the liquidity of CEGEDIM S.A. shares, which could differ from the liquidity observed on the regulated Euronext Paris market. The Company confirms that the liquidity contact currently in place will be maintained after the market transfer.

    The transfer could also lead some investors, favoring shares of issuers listed on a regulated market, to sell their CEGEDIM S.A. shares. After studying the composition of its shareholder base, the Company has identified only a very limited number of funds whose prospectuses exclude the possibility of investing on Euronext Growth.

    Provisional timetable for the transaction (subject to approval by Euronext)

    24 April 2025 Decision by the Board of Directors to submit the proposed transfer to Euronext Growth to the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting and adoption of the reasoned report.
    9 May 2025 after close of trading Public information on the proposed transfer to Euronext Growth (1st press release)
    13 June 2025 Shareholders’ Meeting
    – AGM vote on the proposed transfer
    – delegation of powers to the Board of Directors
    13 June 2025 If the Shareholders’ Meeting votes in favor, the Board of Directors will be convened to implement the transfer of the Company’s shares from Euronext to Euronext Growth.

    If the Board of Directors votes in favor, immediate public announcement of the definitive decision to transfer (2nd press release) – Application to delist the shares from Euronext Paris and apply for them to be admitted to Euronext Growth.
    No earlier than 13 August 2025 Delisting of shares from Euronext Paris and listing of CEGEDIM S.A. shares on Euronext Growth.

    Shareholders’ agenda: Shareholders’ Meeting on 13 June 2025

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs nearly
    6,700 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of over €654 million in 2024.
    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @Cegedimgroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations and
    Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    		 Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of
    Financial Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    		 Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:         +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

    		  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Redstone Rising: FBI Director Patel Touts Redstone Arsenal as “Premier” Law Enforcement Capability Center; Recommits to 500 new agents

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Representative Dale Strong, Vice Chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee, spoke with Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, Kash Patel, regarding the Bureau’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. 

    The hearing focused on the agency’s budget requests to fight crime and protect the homeland. During the hearing, Representative Strong questioned Director Patel on Huntsville’s role in keeping Americans safe.  

    Read Rep. Strong’s remarks below or watch on YouTube. 

    STRONG: Let me start by shining a light on my district, Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Huntsville, Alabama, and Redstone Arsenal. The FBI’s presence at Redstone Arsenal dates back over 50 years to 1971. Currently, FBI Redstone seats over 2,000 personnel and includes personnel from 20 of the FBI’s 30 sections.  

    Time and again North Alabama has answered the call to support the FBI with a second to work for state-of-the-art facility and plenty of room for cost-effective and responsible growth. Director Patel, a few weeks ago you visited Redstone Arsenal in my hometown. Could you share with us what you saw while you were there and the impression to visit left with you? 

    PATEL:  What I saw while I was there was the best example of what I see when appropriators work with the bureau to defend the nation and I wish everybody would go down to Huntsville, Alabama. It is our premier, premier experienced law-enforcement capability center and training facility that the interagency only wishes they had.  

    What we have down there in cyber, in long-range missile defense capabilities, nested there with NASA and the Department of Defense and further programs, including our terrorism explosive device center, which the world relies on to stop bombs from going off and so much more is down in Huntsville, Alabama.  

    And the reason it’s there is because appropriators were brilliant enough to provide a space outside of Washington, D.C. to take a geographic footprint and save money instead of rebuilding here in Washington to do it for half the cost in Alabama and that’s why we’re moving 500 FBI employees this year to Huntsville because the technical expertise they possess and we do not want to remove from the FBI is nested in Huntsville and not Washington DC and in order to train the future men and women the FBI, the DHS, the DOD and every other intelligence agency we have they’re already asking us “When do we get to go to Redstone?” So, I encourage everyone to go down there. 

    STRONG: Director Patel, I applaud your efforts to making America safe again and returning the FBI to its core mission. We must continue to get our dedicated FBI agents into the field and out of the beltway to protect America. There’s no better place to achieve this than Redstone in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville provides the most cost-effective location, distinct partnership opportunities, a high quality of life for personnel and remarkable talent. 

    Director Patel, could you expand on the plans for moving personnel and programs to Huntsville as it’s often called FBIHQ2? What are the timelines for executing this and do you have the necessary resources to execute this move? 

    PATEL: Taking those in reverse order, the short answer is no. So, we’ve got the North Campus in the South Campus down there. The North Campus is largely constructed and filled. The South Campus land has been leveled, and the plots have been mapped out. In order to fill it, and in order to build buildings three and four and five as we call them and the new training facilities—that we and the appropriators have already looked into and approved—we’re going to need another $160 million to accomplish that. And once those buildings are built in the next three years, we will move another 1,300 Maybe it’s 1,400 employees down Huntsville.  

    Because again, we are not removing them out of Washington D.C. to remove them. We need a place that allows their skills to be met and it’s not in Washington D.C. and tragically, it’s not Quantico either. I wish it worked, and we wouldn’t move, but that’s what we’re looking to build this for, the future— and it also gives us a landing platform in a more centrally located area of the country for the specialized teams to deploy out into the rest of America when something goes ‘boom’ or when there’s a tragic accident. So, I am asking the appropriators not only for the $145 million to finish the build but for the $60 million for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) to keep the facilities up. 

    STRONG: With the great work occurring in Huntsville, I want to highlight the agency collaboration between the FBI, ATF, and DHS to address bombing instances and the use of explosives. The FBI’s hazardous device school Terrorist Explosive Device Analytic Center or TEDAC is located at Redstone. The ATF’s National Center for Explosive Training and Research and the US bomb data center are also located in Huntsville likewise DHS routinely collaborates with these partners specifically for bombing prevention.  

    Director Patel, could you talk a little bit about the interagency efforts to address bombing instances in the use of explosives? 

    PATEL: Yes, I’ll try to be brief. Just like with drone technology, our adversaries when it comes to explosive devices, their technical capabilities have exponentially increased. And in order to keep up and stay ahead and not behind the boom— what we have to do is train. 

    And this is another point of training for Redstone Arsenal. Everyone that’s qualified as a bomb technician the FBI and the rest of the country gets that training in Huntsville, Alabama. And that’s the reason we need these schools to exist to stay ahead of the fight and these explosive devices that are being engineered in people‘s basements and places across the world and being shipped here we need to know how to shut those off before they explode and that’s what Redstone does. 

    Representative Strong serves as the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies which oversees the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Women Sentenced for Running a More Than $1.5 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Zebulon woman was sentenced Thursday to 8 years in prison for her role in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 fraud scheme.  Loretta Clarice James, 49, had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 29, 2024.  One of James’ co-conspirators, Lakesha Bowles, 43, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, to 30 months imprisonment for her role in the conspiracy.  Both women were also ordered to repay over one million dollars in restitution.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, James and Bowles conspired to commit wire fraud by fraudulently submitting loan applications to the federal Paycheck Protection Program(PPP), which was established by Congress through the CARES Act to support small businesses during the economic uncertainty and layoffs that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The fraudulent claims on the PPP loan applications, guaranteed by the United States Small Business Association, inflated payroll numbers and asked for funding on behalf of dormant or non-existent businesses.  James and Bowles submitted loan applications in their own names, and on behalf of others whom they recruited.  James and Bowles were given a portion of the loan proceeds if the third-party loans were approved.

    In addition to PPP fraud, James also conspired to commit wire fraud by fraudulently submitting loan and grant applications to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Program. These other programs were also created by the federal government as a lifeline to struggling small businesses affected by COVID-19. James submitted fraudulent EIDL loans applications in her name, her family members’ names, and in the names of other friends and associates.  James submitted EIDL applications for businesses that did not exist and for salaries of employees who were fictitious. James submitted several hundred fraudulent EIDL applications, leading to over $500,000 in fraudulent EIDL disbursements. 

    In all, James, Bowles and other co-conspirators facilitated the fraudulent disbursement of more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 Loans.  Darnell William King, who conspired with both women, pled guilty to PPP fraud and identity theft charges on March 11, 2025.

    In addition to this significant COVID-19 loan fraud conspiracy, Loretta James was involved in an identity theft scheme where she and others used stolen identities to obtain loans or personal lines of credit from private lenders. James’ main role in that scheme included obtaining Social Security Numbers of individuals with good credit, completing a loan application in that individual’s name, using forged documents and email accounts in furtherance of the loan applications.  James and her conspirators then hired “Mules” to physically obtain the funds from the bank or lender.  Equipped with fake identity documentation made by James or others, the Mule would physically sign the application and associated paperwork, claiming to be the true applicant and promising to pay the loan back. After securing the funds, the Mule would bring the money back to James and other members of the scheme, and they would give the Mule a cut of the loan, ranging from $100 to $2,000 per loan. James and her compatriots did this over and over again, with loans that ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, none of which was ever paid back.

    “This office is committed holding accountable those who exploited a national crisis and the hardships of others for their personal gain and greed. Public relief funds were created to support hardworking individuals and small businesses during times of crisis—not to line the pockets of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We will continue to work diligently with our many state and federal partners to peruse justice for those who choose to abuse public trust by lying, cheating, and stealing resources that are meant to support our community in its greatest time of need.”

    “This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”

    “The defendants conspired to take advantage of critical aid programs intended to provide relief for businesses affected during the pandemic by fraudulently applying for and obtaining COVID-19 program funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.”

    “This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II announced James’ sentence.  The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation investigated the case with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle License & Theft Bureau. The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies also aided over the course of the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka, Ashley H. Foxx, and Karen Haughton prosecuted the cases.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:24-CR-00132 and 5:24-CR-00363.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China expands financial support for elderly care and service consumption through new refinancing mechanism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) announced on Friday the establishment of a refinancing mechanism for the service consumption and elderly care sectors, in a move to encourage financial institutions to step up support for these sectors.

    According to the PBOC, the refinancing quota is 500 billion yuan (about 69.35 billion US dollars), with an interest rate of 1.5 percent per annum and a term of one year.

    According to the Central Bank, this mechanism is available to 21 national-level financial institutions, including political banks and state-owned commercial banks, as well as five city commercial banks, including Bank of Beijing and Bank of Shanghai.

    The new refinancing mechanism will be in effect until the end of 2027. The PBC emphasized that it intends to encourage financial institutions to strengthen financial support for key areas of the service sector, such as the hotel and restaurant business, culture, sports and entertainment, education, and the elderly care industry. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Prevent Diversion of Advanced Chips to America’s Adversaries and Protect U.S. Product Integrity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353May 8, 2025
    Cotton Introduces Bill to Prevent Diversion of Advanced Chips to America’s Adversaries and Protect U.S. Product Integrity
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Chip Security Act, legislation that will prevent advanced American chips from falling into the hands of adversaries like Communist China by improving oversight of advanced chips and directing Commerce and DoD to study promising chip security mechanism.
    “We must do better at maintaining and expanding our position in the global market, while safeguarding America’s technological edge. With these enhanced security measures, we can continue to expand access to U.S. technology without compromising our national security,” said Cotton.
    Text of the bill may be found here. 
    The Chip Security Act would direct the Secretary to:
    Require a location verification mechanism on export-controlled advanced chips or products with export-controlled advanced chips within 6 months of enactment and require exporters of advanced chips to report to BIS if their products have been diverted away from their intended location or subject to tampering attempts.
    Study, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, other potential chip security mechanisms in the next year and establish requirements over the next few years for implementing such mechanisms, if appropriate, on covered advanced chips. This longer timeline accommodates the years-long technological roadmap for development of the next generation of advanced chips. 
    Assess, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the most up-to-date security mechanisms annually for three years and determine if any new mechanisms should be required
    Make recommendations annually for three years on how to make export controls more flexible, thus streamlining shipments to more countries.
    Prioritize confidentiality when developing requirements for chip security mechanisms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $500M To Expand Families’ Access to Affordable Homes

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today signed new legislation as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget that will make owning and renting a home more affordable. As part of the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul announced more than $1.5 billion in new state funding for housing statewide, including investing $100 million for pro-housing communities to fund critical infrastructure projects to support housing development, $100 million to promote mixed income housing development, $50 million for the first year of the Housing Access Voucher Program to address households that are homelessness or at risk of imminent homelessness, and $50 million for building more affordable starter homes, among other housing initiatives.

    “New Yorkers deserve a fair chance at achieving the American dream, whether it is buying their first home or renting their first apartment, and this bold plan does just that,” Governor Hochul said. “As part of my FY 2026 Enacted Budget, I secured over $500 million in capital for housing to uplift local economies and level the playing field so families can have more access to safe and affordable homes.”

    Helping Families Achieve The Dream Of Owning Their Own Home

    Disincentivizing Institutional Investors from Buying Up One- and Two-Family Homes
    Nationally, private equity firms own more than 500,000 homes. According to some estimates, private equity firms are expected to own up to 40 percent of the single-family rental market by 2030. When large investors hold a disproportionate share of a local housing market it removes opportunities for homeownership, exacerbating the existing scarcity and driving up prices for remaining homes on the market. These consequences are felt most intensely by first-time and low- or moderate-income homebuyers.

    To help level the playing field and increase the opportunities for everyday individuals and families to purchase a home, Governor Hochul signed legislation to disincentivize large investment entities who own 10+ single- and two-family homes and act as a fiduciary for at least $30 million in assets under management from buying single- and two-family homes en masse, and will require a 90-day waiting period for institutional investors to make an offer on one- or two-family homes.

    The prohibition would also apply to an entity that receives funding from a covered institutional investor, other than in the form of a standard mortgage. Nonprofits, land banks, community land trusts, and foreclosure sales would be exempted. With the New York State Attorney General’s enforcement, covered entities that violate the waiting period would be subject to $250,000 penalties, and to $10,000 penalties for failing to provide required notices.

    Additionally, Governor Hochul signed legislation to prohibit institutional investors from claiming depreciation tax deductions for single- and two-family homes, or claiming interest deductions with respect to such homes, to disincentivize their accumulation of single- and two-family homes. The legislation also requires the New York Department of State (DOS) to provide notice when establishing a “cease and desist zone” in which homeowners who opt into coverage are prohibited from being solicited to sell their homes. The notice requirements will require information about the zone to be posted on DOS’ website when a zone is established and annually included in a local newspaper within the area of the zone.

    Provide Starter Home Innovation Funding
    Oftentimes, homes being built by the market today are larger and therefore less affordable than a traditional starter home. An undersupply of homes limits mobility within the market, preventing young families from becoming homeowners and older New Yorkers from downsizing. Governor Hochul’s budget will include $50 million in capital funding to incentivize the building of more starter homes, including innovative approaches to homebuilding such as the use of factory-built and modular development.

    $40 Million to Support the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP)
    The Homeowner Protection Program is a state-wide network of housing counseling and legal services organizations serving every county in New York. The network provides critical services to at-risk homeowners struggling to maintain their housing and avoid foreclosure. HOPP is also a front line defense in gentrifying neighborhoods helping to prevent fraud and deed theft for vulnerable homeowners. This $40 million in funding will ensure that this network can continue to serve thousands of homeowners, preserving millions of dollars in equity and stabilizing communities.

    Expand and Strengthen the Resilient and Ready Programs
    Severe weather events are leaving New York homeowners in need of urgent repairs and long-term resilience measures. Governor Hochul secured $50 million in new funding for the Rapid Response Home Repair Program and Resilient Retrofits Program, which have provided vital assistance, helping over 1,300 homeowners to date recover and prepare for future disasters.

    Create an Affordable Homebuyer Tax Incentive
    Even when homes are developed for the express purpose of being sold to low- and moderate-income homebuyers, local property tax assessments value the homes at fair market value, presenting challenges to creating homes these homebuyers can afford to purchase. The Governor has secured agreement for an affordable homebuyer property tax incentive at local opt-in for homes built with assistance from governmental entities, nonprofits, land banks, or community land trusts, and sold to low- and moderate-income homebuyers. This will aid such homebuyers by making their dream of homeownership more attainable by bringing down costs and increasing the supply of these homes.

    Strengthen Laws and Policies To Combat Home Appraisal Discrimination
    For many New Yorkers, their largest investment and most valuable asset is their home. Homes provide families with a safe place to live and an opportunity to build generational wealth. For too long, pervasive appraisal bias throughout the housing industry has unjustly stripped families of color of this opportunity, widening racial homeownership and wealth gaps. Governor Hochul secured agreement on legislation that will make it a violation of the State’s Human Rights Law to discriminate when providing real estate appraisals or in making such services available. The law will further enable DOS to fine appraisers for violations, in addition to other existing remedies, with half of those fines going to a fund to support fair housing enforcement. Additionally, the budget includes $4 million in new state support for fair housing testing.

    Unlocking Local Development

    Create $100 Million New York State Pro-Housing Supply Fund
    Governor Hochul signed Executive Order 30 in July 2023 creating the Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. In the State Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for accessing up to $650 million in State discretionary programs. So far, 300 localities have been certified, with more than 420 submitting letters of intent from all corners of New York State. To further support localities that are doing their part to address the housing crisis, Governor Hochul is creating a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund for certified Pro-Housing Communities to assist with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing, such as sewer and water infrastructure upgrades.

    Provide Communities Technical Assistance to Become Pro-Housing
    Without resources, some communities may not have the ability to design and adopt pro-housing policies such as master plans, zoning text updates, and streamlined permitting procedures. To help ensure more localities that want to promote housing growth have the ability to do so, Governor Hochul will provide $5.25 million in new grant funding to offer technical assistance to communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.

    $1 Billion in State Funding for New York City To Secure “City of Yes”
    As New York City confronts a generational housing crisis with a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, the citywide rezoning will enable the creation of 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and invest $5 billion. As part of Governor Hochul’s FY26 Enacted Budget, the State is investing $1 billion towards the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout New York City.

    Strengthening Investment in Communities

    Launch New York State’s First Mixed-Income Revolving Loan Fund
    With major forthcoming economic investments in Upstate New York, such as Micron’s $100 billion investment in Clay, the state continues to need an all-of-the-above approach to the housing supply to address acute housing needs and accommodate job growth. Too often, however, communities do not have the tools to create mixed income rental housing, leaving many developments permit-ready but unable to secure financing. To bridge this gap and unlock more housing, Governor Hochul is launching the State’s first revolving loan fund to spur mixed-income rental development. With a $100 million State investment for upstate and New York City, the fund will fill construction financing gaps by providing a lower-cost and more flexible form of capital than is generally available in market financing. The funding will revolve and self-sustain over time through repayments once projects have converted to permanent financing after construction.

    Double New York State Low Income Housing Credits
    Modeled after the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, the New York State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC) was signed into law in 2000 and has been critical to supporting the development of housing for low-and middle-income households. Governor Hochul will build on this success by proposing to double the amount of the tax credits available through the SLIHC program, making it the largest state low-income housing tax credit program in America. This action alone will generate upwards of $210 million in private investment in affordable housing per year.

    Unlock Historic Tax Credits by Decoupling and Expanding Eligibility
    Currently, New York State law requires Federal and State Historic Tax credits to be coupled together to the same investor and be available only in certain census tracts. These factors depress the economic value of both tax credits and needlessly turn investment away from housing projects, a problem felt especially acutely in upstate New York communities. Governor Hochul’s budget agreement will unlock the maximum value of the tax credits and eliminate the census tract eligibility requirement.

    Empower Communities to Redevelop Vacant Properties Into Housing
    Many municipalities struggle to acquire and redevelop vacant and abandoned buildings. Many of these properties are in a significant state of disrepair due to years of neglect and are located in neighborhoods that lack the local economic conditions necessary to incentivize redevelopment by the private sector. Consequently, the investment required to redevelop these properties can exceed their value and the resulting funding gap prevents the property from being rehabilitated. Governor Hochul will better equip communities to fight back against blight while creating more affordable housing opportunities, by securing agreement to authorize localities across the state to adopt a tax exemption to incentivize redevelopment of these properties into affordable homes. The budget also includes $50 million in total funding for Land Banks and $30 million for Infill development.

    Protecting Housing Affordability

    Housing Access Voucher Program Pilot
    As part of the FY26 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul is investing $50 million for the first year of a four-year pilot program for state-funded vouchers for homeless families or families at imminent risk of losing their housing. Vouchers would be available to households making 50 percent of area median income. HCR will administer the program through local partners outside of New York City, with the NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and/or the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) administering the program within New York City. The vouchers will be a critical new tool to help New Yorkers escape or evade homelessness and housing insecurity.

    Reduce Shelter Rent Taxes for Mitchell-Lama Residents
    Mitchell-Lama Program supports 105,000 units of housing that are affordable to low- and middle-income families. Currently, Mitchell-Lama developments can receive a shelter rent tax abatement to reduce their share of local property taxes. However, the current tax abatement is often insufficient to address escalating increases in insurance, utility, and taxes that endanger building quality and the financial health of this critical supply of affordable housing. To provide much needed relief, Governor Hochul’s budget agreement includes legislation that will reduce Mitchell-Lama shelter rent taxes by at least half in New York City and allow for the same by local opt-in in the rest of the state.

    Preserving Public Housing Statewide
    As part of the budget, Governor Hochul has secured $225 million to fund capital improvements for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), including $25 million for vacant NYCHA units, and $75 million public housing authorities outside New York City, providing vital support to this essential housing stock and critical quality of life improvements for the residents who call it home.

    Expand Capital to Maintain and Improve Supportive Housing
    The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) was among the first programs in the country more than four decades ago to dedicate significant capital resources to creating housing, including permanent affordable and supportive housing, specifically for homeless individuals. Tens of thousands of units have been built since its inception, and today, requests for funding exceed what is available. To meet the growing demand for supportive housing and maintain existing units that provide a safe place to live for many of the most housing insecure and vulnerable New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has secured an increase in funding for HHAP.

    Increase Funding for Supportive Housing
    Governor Hochul has made landmark investments to expand supportive housing across New York State, recognizing that stable housing is the foundation for stable health and a stable life. Providers of supportive housing utilize two key State-funded programs to provide vital services to tens of thousands of New Yorkers, such as people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders who would otherwise be homeless. The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) has financed the supportive services and operating costs of over 9,600 units of safe and permanent housing for individuals and families in need, and the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) supports over 20,000 people living safely and stably in affordable housing. However, providers of supportive housing have not been immune to the impact of rising costs, which threatens future housing acquisition and their ability to provide the supportive services that make these programs unique and successful in helping people to remain stably housed. To ensure that New York State’s supportive housing stock and services remain viable and accessible to those who need them most, Governor Hochul has secured increases to take steps to stabilize both programs.

    Extend Security Deposit Protections to Rent-Regulated Tenants
    In 2019, New York State provided market-rate tenants statewide with protections for security deposits, including requiring the return of remaining security deposits within 14 days of vacating the unit and allowing tenants to request an inspection to determine what needs to be remedied to receive a security deposit back in full. Rent-regulated tenants were erroneously left out from receiving these important protections. The Governor has secured agreement to grant rent-regulated tenants the same protections for their security deposits as all other tenants.

    Preserve Expiring Affordable Housing in New York City
    The FY26 Enacted Budget includes legislation that would allow for certain large 100+ unit rental buildings in New York City that currently include affordable units to partially convert to condominiums in order to preserve its expiring affordable units as permanently affordable or increase the amount of existing permanently affordable units in a building. The conversions would be subject to approval by HCR or NYC HPD and have ongoing regulatory oversight over the affordable units, which would be owned by separate nonprofits. The New York State Attorney General’s office would further have an oversight role in approving the conversions. The affordable units could subsequently convert to affordable homeownership units, as well. This legislation is meant to help preserve affordable housing supply that would otherwise be lost when tax breaks expire, or increase the supply of existing permanently affordable units, while also increasing
    omeownership opportunities.

    Help Affordable Housing Access Captive Insurance to Lower Costs
    Insurance costs for affordable housing have skyrocketed, with many owners reporting paying higher premiums for less coverage and renters bearing an increasing share of costs. In recent years, private insurance captives, which are similar to self-insurance and allow for tailored risk management, have been created specifically for affordable housing owners. However, these insurance captives often have eligibility standards for participation, which nonprofits may struggle to meet. Governor Hochul will provide assistance to nonprofit affordable housing owners to undertake repairs and other steps needed to be eligible for such captives.

    Additional Capital Investments
    In addition to advancing these critical policy actions, the FY 2026 Budget includes more than $1.525 billion in new capital funding to support housing statewide, including but not limited to:

    • $225 million for capital improvements of New York City Housing Authority developments.
    • $110 million for capital improvements for Mitchell-Lamas.
    • $75 million for capital improvements of public housing authorities outside of New York City.
    • $100 million for mixed income revolving loan funds; $50 million for upstate and $50 million for New York City.
    • $40 million for Land Banks to redevelop vacant or abandoned properties.
    • $40 million for capital awards to upgrade vacant rental units outside of New York City.
    • $30 million for Infill Housing to fund development of small homes within unused and underutilized lands with existing development patterns.
    • $20 million to preserve distressed affordable housing in New York City.
    • $10 million for capital improvements of rural housing subsidized by the Federal USDA 515 program.
    • $10 million for small multifamily rental developments (SRDI).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Making Community College Free for Adult New Yorkers

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today signed new legislation as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget to make major investments and enact initiatives to increase access to higher education. This legislation creates new pathways for free community college and takes key steps to expand access to financial aid and invest in State University of New York and City University of New York campuses.

    “When my dad got his college degree, our family’s life was changed forever – I want every New York student to have that opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to announce that with the passage of this budget, New Yorkers now have the chance to pursue a free associate degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.”

    Free Community College in High-Demand Occupations

    The FY 2026 Budget provides $47 million ($28.2 million SUNY, $18.8 million CUNY) to cover the remaining cost of tuition, fees, and books for community college students ages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations, including nursing, pathways into teaching, technology and engineering.

    Investments in SUNY and CUNY Campuses

    The FY 2026 Budget provides $307 million in new State support for SUNY State-operated campuses ($138 million) and CUNY senior colleges ($169 million). This funding includes:

    • $244 million in general operating support ($114 million SUNY, $130 million CUNY)
    • $22 million in increased funding for university employee fringe benefits at CUNY
    • $20 million for ACE and ASAP, which support academic and career advisement, tuition grants, textbooks, and transportation costs ($12 million SUNY, $8 million CUNY)
    • $15 million in artificial intelligence investments ($10 million SUNY, $5 million CUNY)
    • $2 million for the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
    • $1.5 million for the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute
    • $1 million for the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at SUNY
    • $750,000 for the First Responder Counseling Scholarship Program at SUNY.
    • $250,000 for the Carol Robles Román Scholarship at CUNY

    In addition, the Budget provides SUNY Downstate with $100 million of operating support, for a total of $200 million over two years.

    The Budget also provides SUNY and CUNY with significant capital investments:

    • $433 million for research facilities at SUNY state-operated campuses ($300 million) and CUNY senior colleges ($133 million)
    • $979 million for other projects at SUNY state-operated campuses ($610 million) and CUNY senior colleges ($369 million)
    • $900 million for modernization and revitalization of SUNY hospitals ($450 million each for Upstate Medical University and Downstate Medical University)
    • $166 million for community colleges ($131 million SUNY, $35 million CUNY)
    • $25 million to establish the Green Energy Loan Fund at SUNY

    Part-Time TAP Program

    The FY 2026 Budget consolidates the three existing State financial aid programs for part-time students, expanding eligibility for part-time TAP to students taking a minimum of three credits per semester, down from six. This builds on Governor Hochul’s historic expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget.

    MIL OSI USA News –