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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Joins 178 Colleagues In Introducing Bill To Raise Federal Minimum Wage To $17 By 2030

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Raise the Wage Act alongside 32 of her colleagues in the Senate and 146 members of the House of Representatives. This bicameral legislation would raise the minimum wage to $17 for all workers and gradually eliminate subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers.

    Last year, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. made less than $17 per hour. In New York, the minimum wage is currently $15.50 in most parts of the state and $16.50 on Long Island and in New York City, and Westchester. According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), passing the Raise the Wage Act would provide raises to 213,000 New Yorkers.

    “A living wage is critical to make sure that Americans can pay their bills, feed their families, and put a roof over their heads,” said Senator Gillibrand. “No one working full-time in the United States should be living in poverty. This legislation will help lift workers out of poverty, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to get it passed.”

    Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined significantly since it was last increased in 2009. Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately feel the burden of these low wages as compared to their white counterparts, and that disparity is even worse for women of color. Nearly 40 percent of Hispanic women and 35 percent of Black women make less than $17 per hour.

    Gillibrand is joined on the Raise the Wage Act by 32 senators: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Additionally, over 85 organizations endorsed the legislation, including Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFL-CIO, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Equal Pay Today, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), National Education Association (NEA), National Employment Law Project (NELP), The National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), One Fair Wage, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, UNITE HERE, United Autoworkers (UAW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).

    The text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Practice AI™ Showcases Innovation at ALM Legalweek 2025 in New York

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Practice AI™ is proud to announce its active participation at ALM Legalweek 2025, held from March 24th to 27th in New York City. As one of the most anticipated gatherings for legal professionals and technology innovators, the event provided an exceptional venue for exploring the evolving landscape of law and legal tech. Attendees experienced a vibrant mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, all designed to foster meaningful dialogue on innovation and collaboration.

    Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Engagement

    The conference served as a vital networking platform where industry leaders, legal practitioners, and tech experts converged to share insights and forge new alliances. For Practice AI™, the opportunity to engage with forward-thinking professionals reinforced its commitment to driving transformative change in legal services.

    The event’s diverse agenda and comprehensive programming highlighted the critical role of technology in modernizing legal processes from case management to ethical AI integration.

    “Our presence at Legalweek reaffirmed our belief in the power of alliances. Partnerships allow legal and legal tech players not just to collaborate but to also explore new solutions and new horizons,” said Hamid Kohan, CEO of Practice AI™. This sentiment resonated strongly throughout the event, as discussions frequently centered on how strategic partnerships can accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to clients.

    “Legalweek was a powerful catalyst for meaningful conversations and new relationships. The energy and openness to innovation in legal tech made it the ideal environment to advance our business development efforts.” said Krista Garren, Business Development Manager of Practice AI™, while also adding the following: “It’s clear that collaboration is the engine behind real progress in legal tech, and this event helped accelerate that momentum for Practice AI™—momentum we’re excited to carry forward in our upcoming partnerships.”

    Opportunities for Collaboration, Partnerships, and Future Growth

    Throughout the event, Practice AI™, together with one of its strategic partners, Legal Soft, engaged in extensive dialogue with potential partners, sharing its vision for a future where legal services are more efficient, accessible, and ethically sound. The company’s commitment to innovation was evident as representatives explored avenues for joint initiatives, technology integration, and mutual growth. The exchange of ideas during networking sessions has paved the way for collaborative projects aimed at enhancing legal workflows and improving client outcomes.

    The discussions at ALM Legalweek 2025 reinforced the idea that collaboration is key to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancement. By connecting with a broad spectrum of professionals, Practice AI™ aims to position itself at the forefront of legal innovation, ready to contribute to a smarter, more connected legal ecosystem. Having recently launched lemon law demands, Practice AI™ has been collaborating with prominent lemon law firms to streamline their firm operations, with one firm (Lemon My Vehicle) praising the ability to use a fully-AI solution to do the heavy lifting while they supervise the entire process: “This is exactly what we look for in an AI solution; enough autonomy to do the redundant tasks, with appropriate amounts of supervision from the legal team to ensure consistency. We have been able to generate lemon law demands much faster with the same level of consistency and quality that we expect from our team.”

    Looking Ahead

    As the legal industry continues to adapt to the demands of the digital age, Practice AI™ remains dedicated to harnessing advanced AI technologies that streamline processes and empower legal professionals. The insights gained and connections made at Legalweek 2025 will undoubtedly influence the company’s strategic initiatives in the coming months. Practice AI™ is excited to embark on new collaborative ventures that promise to deliver innovative solutions, improve operational efficiencies, and set new benchmarks in legal tech excellence.

    For additional information about Practice AI™ and its innovative solutions, please visit our website or contact our media relations team.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Practice AI
    Address: 21731 Ventura Blvd. #175, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
    Phone: (424) 476-5858
    Email: sales@lawpractice.ai

    Visit us on social media:
    Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | X.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 10, 2025 Rep. Mullin’s Statement on House Republicans Passing Harmful Budget “Trump and his Republicans are continuing to prioritize billionaires over the hardworking families across America who rely on vital programs for survival. Despite false promises to lower costs, today House Republicans narrowly passed a budget resolution that will increase expenses… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    “Trump and his Republicans are continuing to prioritize billionaires over the hardworking families across America who rely on vital programs for survival.

    Despite false promises to lower costs, today House Republicans narrowly passed a budget resolution that will increase expenses for everyday Americans who are already struggling with inflation. I voted no because Republicans are locking in higher costs for energy, food, health care and essential services, all while refusing to make the ultra wealthy pay their fair share.

    At the same time, Trump’s chaotic tariff war has been upending the economy, driving up prices and hurting American businesses. Instead of focusing on helping those affected by his policies, Republicans are doubling down on tax cuts for billionaires, leaving the rest of the country to deal with the consequences.

    Republicans’ budget has $880 billion in cuts to programs overseen by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. There’s no other way to slice it, these cuts are directly targeted at Medicaid and as a member of that committee, I will do everything I can to protect the health care program that millions of Americans rely on.

    House Democrats will continue to fight against this harmful budget, which not only slashes programs families rely on, but also exacerbates the economic instability that is already gripping our nation. We will stand strong to protect healthcare, reduce costs, and ensure that our government works for the people, not for billionaires.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. Issues Advisory for 1,587 Cases of 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Marketside Celery Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 10, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 10, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

    Company Name:
    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Marketside

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Celery Sticks

    Company Announcement
    Oxnard, Calif. – April 10, 2025 – Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 in/1.6oz Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date 03/23/2025.
    This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.
    This advisory is being initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.
    Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
    To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.
    The specific products involved are 4 count 4 in/1.6 oz bundle packs of Marketside Celery Sticks sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 16151 0 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025, and Lot Code: P047650 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale.
    Consumers who have this product in their possession, including in their freezer, should not consume and discard the product.
    This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. produced products.
    The only products involved in this advisory can be identified with the following details:
    Marketside Celery Sticks 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Pack

    Store: 

    Walmart 

    Distributed to select stores in:

    AL, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY.

    Product UPC Code:

    6 81131 16151 0

    Lot Code:

    P047650

    Best If Used by Date:

    03/23/2025

    Pack Size & Packaging:

    4/1.6-ounce, bag

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/10/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Nominations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider the nominations of William Kimmitt to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Kies to serve as the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “This meeting will come to order.  Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Kimmitt and Mr. Kies, for being here today.  Congratulations on your nominations and thank you both for your willingness to serve.
    “Today, we will first hear from William Kimmitt, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
    “If confirmed, Mr. Kimmitt will oversee the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration—or ITA.  Importantly, the ITA promotes market access and redresses unfair trade practices.  Both functions are critical to American prosperity.
    “In terms of market access, American farmers and manufacturers win when they have a chance to compete.  ITA helps to facilitate those opportunities. 
    “Our manufacturing and agricultural industries are second to none and we need to make sure they have opportunities to fairly compete at home and abroad.   
    “Mr. Kimmitt, given your background, I am confident that you will make important contributions to trade.  I look forward to working with you, if confirmed.
    “Moving to the other nominee before us today, Kenneth Kies, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department.
    “The Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy is the senior advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury for analyzing, developing and implementing federal tax policies and programs.  Mr. Kies, if confirmed, will be a vital partner in Congress’ efforts to enact pro-growth tax policy and ensure it is properly implemented.
    “My Republican colleagues and I are committed to preventing a $4 trillion-plus tax hike on American families and businesses, and to delivering additional tax relief for middle-class workers and families who have struggled to keep up due to historic inflation over the last four years. 
    “We are also committed to making permanent the proven tax policy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).  Making this tax policy permanent will provide the certainty that businesses need to make long-term investments that drive growth, and will also provide the stability that families need as they save and plan for the future.
    “Fear-mongering and mischaracterization aside, the generational reforms we made in 2017 strengthened investment, boosted economic growth, increased take-home pay and reduced poverty.
    “The TCJA made the tax code more progressive, helped all Americans keep more of their hard-earned money, and fostered a growing economy that powered median household income to an all-time high. 
    “Permanently extending and building upon our current tax framework is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for working families.
    “Mr. Kies’ wealth of experience in the world of tax policy makes him eminently qualified to assist us in this effort.  
    “Mr. Kies spent a total of 47 years as a tax attorney.  His experience covers every aspect of the Internal Revenue Code and, since 1981, he has been involved in every significant piece of federal tax legislation.  He also has a first-hand understanding of the legislative process, having served as Chief Tax Counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee and as Chief of Staff on the Joint Committee on Taxation.
    “Mr. Kies, if confirmed, I look forward to working with you to deliver on President Trump’s economic agenda.
    “Thank you again, Mr. Kimmitt and Mr. Kies, for your time today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Questions Nominees for NASA Administrator, FCC Commissioner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – yesterday questioned Jared Isaacman, the nominee for NASA Administrator, and Olivia Trusty, the nominee to be Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), during a hearing to review their nominations.
    Sen. Moran questioned Ms. Trusty on spectrum policy, the implementation of the 5G Fund and her vision for the FCC.
    “Ms. Trusty, I’m pleased by your nomination; I have great faith in you,” said Sen. Moran. “It’s been my disappointment over time to watch the FCC become much more partisan and incapable of reaching decisions. I would encourage you to use every effort to find solutions to these problems and bring the commission together to serve the American people.”
    Sen. Moran questioned Mr. Isaacman on NASA’s plans for the Space Launch System (SLS), parts of which are manufactured in Kansas, and highlighted the Cosmosphere and its importance to Kansas.
    “Do you believe the current Artemis architecture featuring the SLS rocket or Orion spacecraft is the best or fastest way to beat China to the Moon,” asked Sen. Moran.
    “Senator, this is the current plan, and I do believe it is the best and fastest way to get there,” answered Mr. Isaacman.
    Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s Questions

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Locus Chain Launches Public Testnet in April – Smart Contract and NFT Functions Under Full Review

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Open testnet available to all developers starting April 4, focusing on technical validation and usability

    – Smart contract development IDE and NFT minting environment provided, with real-use scenarios fully applied

    – Testnet mirrors the structure and performance of the mainnet, enabling debugging and stability testing ahead of a mainnet update

    GYEONGGI-DO, South Korea, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Chain Launches Public Testnet on April 4 – Usability-Centered Environment for Real-World Testing.

    Locus Chain, a next-generation blockchain project striving to reach the pinnacle of blockchain technology, is launching a fully open, always-accessible public testnet starting April 4th. Far beyond a simple demonstration, this testnet marks the beginning of a comprehensive validation process, designed to expand the ecosystem through hands-on participation from developers and showcase the full capabilities of Locus Chain’s core technology step by step.

    The newly released testnet is architecturally identical to the mainnet, offering the same structure and real-time performance levels. It enables in-depth evaluation of functional completeness, network stability, and scalability under realistic conditions. The Locus Chain development team will use data gathered during the testnet phase to drive continuous improvements and debugging. Once individual features are confirmed to be technically stable, they will be gradually rolled out to the mainnet. More than just a technical preview, the public testnet serves as a symbolic milestone for Locus Chain—a bold open experiment that challenges the limits of public blockchain technology and marks the starting point for its future ecosystem.

    A Locus Chain representative stated, “The testnet is more than a simple functionality check—it’s a proving ground for a technological breakthrough that pushes the boundaries of public blockchain performance. By offering an open, accessible environment, we also aim to grow and strengthen our global developer ecosystem.”

    One of the key goals of this testnet is to verify Locus Chain’s unmatched scalability. In a real-world performance test conducted last December, the platform achieved an impressive 1,400 transactions per second (TPS). It is expected to maintain this performance even as the transaction volume increases to over 4,000 TPS—demonstrating one of the highest scalability levels in the industry without compromising speed or efficiency. The testnet also features the completed trial of Cubic Sharding, Locus Chain’s proprietary next-generation parallel processing technology. Unique to the platform, this innovation is expected to deliver transaction speeds in the hundreds of thousands TPS once fully implemented in real-world conditions—setting a new benchmark for blockchain performance and scalability.

    Decentralization Meets High Performance — A Technological Breakthrough Achieved Only by Locus Chain

    Locus Chain has achieved a breakthrough long considered unattainable in the blockchain industry: the true coexistence of full decentralization and high performance. While many of today’s fastest blockchain platforms reach high TPS (transactions per second) by compromising on decentralization—centralizing nodes, relying on high-end hardware, or weakening security—Locus Chain has taken an entirely different path. It delivers industry-leading speed and scalability without sacrificing decentralization or structural integrity, setting a new technological benchmark.

    What sets Locus Chain apart is its ability to maintain real-time, high-throughput performance while preserving the openness and purity of a truly public blockchain. This rare combination has become one of Locus Chain’s defining competitive advantages. It positions the platform not just as a faster blockchain, but as the only high-performance public infrastructure ready for real-world applications in next-generation industries like AI, real-time content delivery, and large-scale user platforms.

    Further reinforcing its accessibility, Locus Chain is built on an ultra-lightweight node architecture that requires minimal system resources—allowing stable operation even on low-spec devices or in limited infrastructure environments. This stands in stark contrast to traditional high-performance blockchains that depend on expensive servers or specialized hardware to function. With this approach, Locus Chain isn’t just raising the bar—it’s redefining what a high-performance public blockchain can be: decentralized, scalable, low-cost, and truly open to all.

    Developer-Centric Testnet: Hands-On Scalability with VME and Universal Asset Functionality

    In this testnet, users will have the opportunity to experience VME (Virtual Machine Engine)—Locus Chain’s proprietary smart contract execution environment—firsthand. Using custom-built developer tools, smart contracts written in Solidity can be seamlessly deployed and executed on Locus Chain, following the same familiar workflows used in other major blockchain platforms, but under a variety of testing conditions. The testnet offers two distinct channels: the PREVM channel, optimized for rapid feedback and iteration, and the VME channel, designed to evaluate network load handling and overall system stability. With these two channels offering entirely different use cases, developers can test a wide range of scenarios with precision. This setup allows even everyday developers to work in an environment that closely mirrors the mainnet—providing a realistic and hands-on experience of Locus Chain’s flexibility, performance, and real-world usability.

    Another standout feature of the testnet is Locus Chain’s exclusive Universal Asset Support. This functionality goes far beyond standard NFT capabilities. Users can mint NFTs, create and trade tokens, and manage digital assets through a dedicated interface—all without needing additional tools. The system also supports the creation of data-driven, utility-rich tokens, laying the foundation for cross-industry applications and future expansion.

    This testnet represents more than a routine technical evaluation—it is a comprehensive gateway into the full scope of the Locus Chain ecosystem. Developers can explore everything from conventional blockchain features, smart contracts, NFTs, digital asset issuance and trading—to advanced innovations unique to Locus Chain: real-time interactions, support for large-scale user environments, cost-efficient scalability, and readiness for AI integration.

    Ultimately, this testnet marks the true starting point for realizing Locus Chain’s long-term vision. It’s the only platform that not only performs existing blockchain tasks better—but also enables bold experimentation in areas that were previously out of reach.

    Real-Time Monitoring and AI Integration — Ushering in the Next Generation of Blockchain Ecosystems

    Locus Chain’s latest testnet marks a major step forward not only in performance validation but also in transaction transparency and monitoring. With the newly enhanced Locus Chain Explorer, users and developers can track smart contract execution, NFT and token creation, asset transfers, and timestamped transaction flows in real time. This level of visibility is essential for ensuring trust and transparency throughout the development lifecycle.

    More importantly, this testnet signals Locus Chain’s move toward integration with next-generation technologies, particularly AI. Traditional blockchains have long struggled with the processing speed and flexibility required for real-time AI interactions, high-frequency transactions, and large-scale user behavior analysis. Locus Chain’s uniquely high-performance, fully decentralized architecture breaks through these barriers—unlocking use cases that were previously out of reach for public blockchain infrastructure. This forward-looking structure sets the stage for a new kind of ecosystem—one capable of connecting diverse industries such as gaming, the metaverse, digital asset distribution, and knowledge-based content. All of it runs on the secure, scalable foundation that only Locus Chain can provide.

    A Locus Chain representative noted, “There are very few public blockchains in the world that can achieve thousands of TPS while remaining fully decentralized. This testnet is not just a technical showcase—it’s a meaningful milestone for developers and ecosystem participants to directly engage with Locus Chain’s advanced technology and long-term vision.”

    —————— Appendix ———————-

    • Universal Object Support Functionality
      A common and widely adopted use case for blockchain smart contracts is the creation and management of NFTs. NFTs are distinct, identifiable objects—each one a unique asset tied to a specific account via an ID. While these are often implemented through smart contracts, the actual storage and handling of these assets can be decoupled from the contract logic. Locus Chain’s Universal Asset Support feature takes this concept further by embedding asset object functionality directly into the protocol. This allows for the high-speed, large-scale processing of NFTs and other object-based assets without relying entirely on smart contracts, significantly improving efficiency and performance.
    • Locus Chain is a next-generation blockchain platform designed to solve the long-standing trilemma of decentralization, scalability, and security. With its proprietary Dynamic Sharding technology, Locus Chain ensures stable network performance under any conditions. Its Verifiable Pruning system minimizes node size, enabling even low-spec devices such as mini PCs or home routers to run full nodes and participate in the network. This low entry barrier allows anyone to operate a node at minimal cost, ensuring a highly efficient and stable infrastructure. As a result, Locus Chain is ideally suited for large-scale projects where high scalability and network reliability are essential.
    • Locus Chain’s Without Server technology is a groundbreaking innovation that replaces centralized game servers with blockchain infrastructure. It enables online games to remain playable permanently, as long as players are active—even without a centralized game operator.

      In 2023, this serverless architecture was successfully integrated into CRETA, a Web3 metaverse platform, and Locus Chain plans to expand its application to a broad range of Without Server DApps in the near future.

    Beyond gaming and metaverse applications, Locus Chain’s architecture also supports serverless operation for services like video conferencing and streaming—unlocking radical cost savings and ushering in a new paradigm for decentralized, infrastructure-free digital services.

    Reference:

    Locus Chain Official Webpage: https://locuschain.com/

    Locus Chain Official Telegram: https://t.me/locusofficialGroup, https://t.me/locusofficial 

    Locus Chain Official X: https://twitter.com/LocusChain

    Media Inquiry:
    Contact Person: Bloom Technology, Business Division, Senior Development manager, David Wang
     Email: david@bloomtechnology.co.kr
    Address: 802, Building 2, 15 Pangyo-ro 228beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd8b6e78-48d0-483a-83b2-65bbb6bdce90

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4704554-cb6f-4e0b-8837-3eb9d3064ce5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8aa6fc1a-fce7-43e8-a33e-45a471305f40

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Durbin Reintroduce Bill Protecting Employees of Bankrupt Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, April 10, 2025

    U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act. The bill would empower rank-and-file employees whose companies are facing bankruptcy, allowing them to retain more of their wages, benefits, and retirement savings when their employer files for bankruptcy. The Senators previously introduced the legislation in 2024. 

    Currently, the law fails to adequately look out for employees during bankruptcy proceedings. Instead, it prioritizes creditors. The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would put workers first, granting employee claims higher priority and placing restrictions on golden parachutes for executives.

    “Employees shouldn’t be the ones left holding the bag when companies go under. Rather than giving precedence to the desires of predatory creditors, we should prioritize workers and protect the compensation they’ve earned through years of hard work,” said Senator Hawley. “Our bill would safeguard workers’ claims to wages, benefits, and retirement funds throughout bankruptcy proceedings.” 

    “When their company files for bankruptcy, employees should not have to worry that they will lose their hard-earned wages, benefits, and retirement savings,” said Senator Durbin. “The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would ensure that all employees, not just C-suite executives, receive the benefits they were promised.”

    Senator Hawley has been a staunch supporter of workers’ rights. He was a leading voice in confirming pro-worker Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Last month, he sponsored the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would speed up first contracts for new unions. In addition, he has stood with and and voted to support rail workers as they sought a fair deal with sick leave, fought to keep jobs here in the U.S., and advocated for United States Postal Service workers. 

    Read the text of the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Reintroduces Hammers’ Law to Honor Omaha Natives, Hold Cruise Industry Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, reintroduced Hammers’ Law to hold the cruise industry accountable for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income — including children, students, and retirees. In addition to Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).

    The bill is named for Larry and Christy Hammer of Omaha, who tragically lost their lives in a fire in their cabin onboard a Peruvian river cruise on April 10th, 2016. Today marks the nine-year anniversary of the incident.

    “Nine years ago today, Larry and Christy Hammer tragically and unexpectedly lost their lives because of the negligence of a cruise company. Since then, their bereaved daughters, Jill and Kelly, have endured a frustrating fight for accountability. My Hammers’ Law, named for Larry and Christy, will help prevent future tragedies and give families fairer compensation if tragedy does strike,” 

    said Fischer.

    “A century-old law has prevented families from obtaining fair financial accountability when their loved ones die tragically onboard a cruise ship. Our bipartisan effort will ensure that bad actors in the cruise industry fairly compensate Americans whose family members are killed on their ships – just like an airline does, when something goes wrong on a plane. No amount of money can ever fully compensate a family for this kind of tragic loss, but our measure will help bring about some small measure of justice after a cruise catastrophe,” said Blumenthal.

    “Families like the Hammers deserve justice when loved ones are wrongfully lost at sea. This bipartisan bill ensures that cruise lines are held to the same accountability standards as airlines,” said Ricketts. 

    “Hammers’ Law is a crucial step toward justice and accountability for the countless families who have tragically lost loved ones due to negligence onboard cruise ships. This legislation ensures that no victim’s family is denied the right to seek justice solely because of antiquated laws. Hammers’ Law will extend to cruise passengers the same protections airline passengers have enjoyed for decades, compelling cruise companies to prioritize safety and protecting millions of travelers each year,” said the Hammers’ daughters, Jill Hammer Malott and Kelly Hammer Lankford.

    Background:

    Hammers’ Law would amend an over 100-year-old law, known as the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Today, the cruise industry uses DOHSA to avoid financial accountability for the wrongful deaths of passengers who do not have dependents or income. These passengers — including children, students, and retirees — account for a significant portion of the 12 million Americans who cruise each year. 

    As retirees, Larry and Christy Hammer did not have financial dependents or wages, so antiquated DOHSA rules restricted the Hammer family from pursuing the accountability that would likely be available for wrongful deaths occurring on dry land. DOHSA was amended in 2000 to allow the same kind of compensation for victims of major airline accidents.

    Passing Hammers’ Law will enable future families to pursue fairer compensation when similar tragedies strike, and it will hold the responsible cruise line accountable by allowing for compensation that more fully reflects the company’s negligence.

    Hammers’ Law was first introduced in 2019. Since then, Fischer has continued to grow support for this legislation, reintroducing it during the 117th Congress and again last Congress. 
     
    Click here to read the full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Peetz, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University

    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Can the government actually make a difference to the wages Australians earn?

    A lot of attention always falls on the government’s submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review, which this year called for a real boost to award wages, above the rate of inflation.

    The commission’s decision has a big impact on wages received by at least a quarter of employees, many among the lowest paid. While the government’s submission must make some difference to the outcome, it’s hard to quantify how much of a difference that is.

    My new research for the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work focuses on another, possibly bigger impact the government can have on wages – certainly one that affects a wider range of workers. This is its effect on the bargaining power of all workers and employers.

    We had a long period of poor wages growth, against a backdrop of low power for workers, driven both by markets and policy. More recently, though, the tide has started to turn.



    Read more:
    Labor wants to give the minimum wage a real boost. The benefits would likely outweigh any downsides

    The economy and worker power

    In recent decades, trends in the economy and labour market almost all worked to reduce worker power. My research examined 16 economic or related factors that were considered to either influence or indicate power in the labour market.

    Almost all have reduced workers’ power over the medium to long term. One had ambiguous effects. Only one had the opposite effect and helped boost worker power for a while.

    Among the many factors reinforcing or reflecting less bargaining power for workers were:

    • long-term declines in union membership, collective bargaining coverage and industrial action
    • the expansion of the “gig economy”
    • the growth of casual employment, particularly between the 1980s and 2000s
    • a reduction in job switching among employees
    • growing use of outsourcing and contracting out, to do work formerly undertaken within large organisations

    A decline in the gender pay gap suggested a gradual increase in female workers’ power, relative to equivalent male workers at least.

    The only factor that could increase overall worker power was the decline in unemployment from 2010 to 2023 (setting aside the pandemic blip).

    Policies limiting workers’ power

    With the Coalition in government from 2014 to 2022, a lot of policy acted to reinforce the loss of worker power that had happened due to economic and labour market trends.

    Of the seven major federal policy changes considered in this period, five acted to reduce workers’ power (including the establishment of new bodies regulating unions and the abolition of a transport safety regulator).

    Only two increased it (including some tighter regulation of franchises).

    A change of course

    After Labor came to power in 2022, a series of (mostly legislative) changes were introduced. Out of 23 federal policies implemented by the government, 22 increased workers’ power.

    These included policies to:

    • abolish new bodies regulating unions
    • limit the use of fixed-term contracts
    • expand workers’ rights to request flexibility
    • make it harder for firms to classify workers as contractors
    • create protections for “employee-like” workers
    • expand the scope for multi-employer bargaining.

    Only one reduced worker power – clarifying certain exemptions for small business – and its impact was neither large nor controversial.

    What’s been the outcome for wages?

    So, what’s happened to Australian wages under these different policy environments?

    Some policies, such as protections for “employee-like” workers, could not yet have a measurable impact. The most recent policy, banning non-compete clauses for middle and lower-income workers, was only announced in March.

    Still, three major measures of wages growth, that performed poorly from 2014 to 2022, showed some upturn from the end of 2022.

    Overall, wages growth mostly averaged a little over 2% per year through most of the period from 2014, falling then recovering in the pandemic.

    It’s been 3%, 4%, or more since the end of 2022, against a backdrop of higher inflation.

    Wage increases under new enterprise agreements gradually declined from around 3.5% a year in 2014 to about 2.5% in 2022. However, they have grown since then and peaked at 4.8% at the end of last year.

    The data suggest wage gains associated with increased worker power are experienced by both union members and non-members – but that union members benefit the most.

    Inflation not the cause

    There’s an argument that Australia’s recent growth in wages is simply a response to a temporary surge in inflation.

    But we can look at how big a share wages make up of Australia’s total national income. From 2014 to 2022, we see the wages share of national income falling, then rising sharply until today. If inflation was the only cause of the upturn, labour’s share would not have grown like this.

    This increase occurred while inflation was falling — from over 7% at the end of 2022, to below 3% at the end of 2024. So, wages growth clearly hasn’t caused a rise in inflation.

    The verdict: do governments really make a difference?

    My research suggests the answer is yes, governments can influence wages. The direction of influence depends very much on who is in government, most importantly in the federal parliament.

    One of the biggest ways governments have affected wages over the past decade has been by taking power away from workers — and then by giving some of it back.

    Returning some of that power to workers has correlated with the fastest growth in wages for a decade, and a growing share of national income going to wages, despite falling inflation.

    As a university employee, David Peetz undertook research over many years with occasional financial support from governments from both sides of politics, employers and unions. He has been and is involved in several Australian Research Council-funded and approved projects, which included contributions from those bodies, and undertaken several private commissioned projects, including one in which he gave expert evidence commissioned by both sides in a State Wage Case.

    – ref. Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think – https://theconversation.com/yes-government-influences-wages-but-not-just-in-the-way-you-might-think-254282

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As more communities have to consider relocation, we explore what happens to the land after people leave

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Hanna, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Planning, University of Waikato

    Christina Hanna, CC BY-SA

    Once floodwaters subside, talk of planned retreat inevitably rises.

    Within Aotearoa New Zealand, several communities from north to south – including Kumeū, Kawatiri Westport and parts of Ōtepoti Dunedin – are considering future relocations while others are completing property buyouts and categorisations.

    Planned retreats may reduce exposure to harm, but the social and cultural burdens of dislocation from land and home are complex. Planning, funding and physically relocating or removing homes, taonga or assets – and even entire towns – is challenging.

    Internationally, research has focused on why, when and how planned retreats occur, as well as who pays. But we explore what happens to the places we retreat from.

    Our latest research examines 161 international case studies of planned retreat. We analysed what happens beyond retreat, revealing how land use has changed following withdrawal of human activities.

    We found a wide range of land use following retreat. In some cases, comprehensive planning for future uses of land was part of the retreat process. But in others we found a failure to consider these changing places.

    Planned retreats have happened in response to various climate and hazard risks, including sea-level rise and coastal erosion, tsunami, cyclones, earthquakes, floods and landslides.

    The case studies we investigated range from gradual transitions to sudden changes, such as from residential or business activities to conservation or vacant lands. In some cases, “sea change” is evident, where once dry land becomes foreshore and seabed.

    Through our research, we identified global “retreat legacies”. These themes demonstrate how communities across the world have sought similar outcomes, highlighting primary land-use patterns following retreat.

    Case studies reveal several themes in what happens to land after people withdraw.
    Hanna,C, White I,Cretney, R, Wallace, P, CC BY-SA

    Nature legacies

    The case studies show significant conversions of private to public land, with new nature and open-space reserves. Sites have been rehabilitated and floodplains and coastal ecosystems restored and reconnected.

    Open spaces are used for various purposes, including as nature, community, stormwater or passive recreational reserves. Some of these new zones may restrict structures or certain activities, depending on the risk.

    For example, due to debris flow hazard in Matatā in the Bay of Plenty, only transitory recreation or specific low-risk activities are allowed in the post-retreat environment because of the high risk to human life.

    Planning and investment in new open-space zones range from basic rehabilitation (grassed sites) to established parks and reserves, such as the Grand Forks riverfront greenway which borders rivers in the twin US cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota. This area now hosts various recreational courses and connected trails as well as major flood protection measures.

    Project Twin Streams has transformed former residential sites to allow rivers to roam in the floodplain.
    Wikimedia Commons/Ingolfson, CC BY-SA

    Nature-based adaptations are a key function in this retreat legacy. For example, Project Twin Streams, a large-scale environmental restoration project in Waitakere, West Auckland, has transformed former residential sites into drainage reserves to make room for rivers in the floodplain.

    Importantly, not all retreats require significant land-use change. Continued farming, heritage preservation and cultural activities show that planned retreats are not always full and final withdrawals from a place.

    Instead, they represent an adapted relationship. While sensitive activities are relocated, other practices may remain, such as residents’ continued access to the old village of Vunidogoloa in Fiji for fishing and farming.

    Social and economic legacies

    Urban development in a small number of retreated sites has involved comprehensive spatial reorganisation, with planning for new urban esplanades, improved infrastructure and cultural amenities.

    One example is the comprehensive infrastructure masterplan for the Caño Martín Peña district in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which involves communities living along a tidal channel. The plan applied a community-first approach to retreat. It integrated infrastructure, housing, open space, flood mitigation and ecological planning.

    Alternatively, the decision to remove stopbanks and return the landscape to a “waterscape” can become a tourism feature, such as in the marshlands of the Biesbosch National Park in the Netherlands. A museum is dedicated to the transformed environment.

    The Biesbosch marshland nature reserve was created following historic flooding.
    Shutterstock/Rudmer Zwerver

    Where there was no post-retreat planning or site rehabilitation, ghost towns such as Missouri’s Pattonsburg leave eerie reminders of the costs of living in danger zones.

    Vacant and abandoned sites also raise environmental justice and ecological concerns about which retreat spaces are invested in and rehabilitated to avoid urban blight and environmental risks. Retreat sites may include landfills or contaminated land, requiring major site rehabilitation.

    The 12 case studies from Aotearoa New Zealand demonstrate a range of new land uses. These include new open-space reserves, the restoration of floodplains and coastal environments, risk mitigation and re-development, and protection measures such as stopbanks.

    Moving beyond retreat

    Our research highlights how planned retreats can create a transition in landscapes, with potential for a new sense of place, meaning and strategic adaptation.

    We found planned retreats have impacts beyond the retreat site, which reinforces the value of spatial planning.

    The definition and practices of “planned or managed retreat” must include early planning to account of the values and uses the land once had. Any reconfigurations of land and seascapes must imagine a future well beyond people’s retreat.

    Christina Hanna received funding from the national science challenge Resilience to Nature’s Challenges Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa and from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund.

    Iain White received funding from the national science challenge Resilience to Nature’s Challenges Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa, from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund and from the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake. He is New Zealand’s national contact point for climate, energy and mobility for the European Union’s Horizon Europe research program.

    Raven Cretney received funding from the national science challenge Resilience to Nature’s Challenges Kia manawaroa – Ngā Ākina o Te Ao Tūroa.

    Pip Wallace 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. As more communities have to consider relocation, we explore what happens to the land after people leave – https://theconversation.com/as-more-communities-have-to-consider-relocation-we-explore-what-happens-to-the-land-after-people-leave-253653

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Jordan, Lee and Fitzgerald Launch Bicameral Investigation into Potential Ivy League Tuition Pricing Collusion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are inspecting the tuition pricing practices of Ivy League member institutions. The chairmen are joined by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust.

    “We are particularly concerned that Ivy League member institutions appear to collectively raise tuition prices while engaging in price discrimination by offering selective financial aid packages to maximize profit. These institutions establish the industry standard for tuition pricing, creating an umbrella effect for all colleges and universities to justify higher tuition costs than they could otherwise charge in a competitive market,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The structure and operation of the higher education market strongly suggests the market is not functioning properly and is subject to widespread violations of antitrust laws,” the lawmakers continued.

    The lawmakers sent letters to eight Ivy League universities requesting documents and communications regarding their apparent collusion to raise tuition prices. They contend that the Ivy Leagues’ anti-competitive agreements, use of shared admissions algorithms and ongoing coordination with third parties – such as the College Board and the Common Application – may violate federal antitrust law.

    Their letters follow:

    Background:

    Federal antitrust law prohibits:

    • Certain agreements among competitors that limit competition on price, output or quality of services;
    • Coordination with noncompetitor third parties to facilitate collusion;
    • Businesses from locking consumers into one market, and then forcing consumers to purchase related goods and services in a secondary market; and
    • Certain members of boards of directors from sitting on the boards of competitors.

    There are significant concerns that Ivy League member institutions’ coordinated practices and alleged collusion violate federal antitrust law, and that these institutions continue to benefit from prior collusion, despite Congress sunsetting their antitrust exemption in 2022.

    Additionally, the lawmakers warn:

    • Despite a steady increase in consumer demand and massive endowments that grow yearly, universities continue to limit output and drive prices higher.
    • Binding early decision programs may eliminate students’ ability to receive and compare competing financial aid offers.
    • Institutions requiring students to purchase on-campus housing and meal-plan packages, in addition to tuition, undermines consumer choice and restricts competition in secondary markets.
    • Directors or trustees currently serving on the boards of multiple higher education institutions or other organizations that influence admissions create conflicts of interest.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Pushes Toward Recession, Heinrich & Luján Demand Answers on Cuts to New Mexico Manufacturing Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are demanding answers on the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country, including in New Mexico. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports that tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession. 

    New Mexico MEP is part of a national network of 51 MEPs that have helped boost the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades. The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. Last year, New Mexico MEP worked directly with 134 small manufacturers in advanced manufacturing, lean manufacturing, product development, and market expansion. This helped create or retain 700 jobs and generate $40 million in new sales. The administration’s action to cut this program and other MEP centers across the nation will raise costs on consumers, harm small businesses, and weaken businesses’ ability to recruit and retain employees.

    “Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” the senators wrote. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEPprogram generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.

    The letter was led by Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member of the Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness Subcommittee Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter is signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

    The letter can be found here and below: 

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.

    According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees. Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained. Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.

    Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers.  Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025. 

    Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Fraudulently Spending More Than $300,000 In Covid Relief Funds

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Denys Perez (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilting to wire fraud related to COVID relief funds. Perez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. In addition, he faces a forfeiture order of $502,900, as well as a forfeiture order for the property he purchased with proceeds of his offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, between September 2021 and January 2022, Perez applied for COVID relief funds through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Based on the information submitted by Perez, he was awarded $502,900 in EIDL funds. As part of the application process, Perez certified he would use all the EIDL proceeds solely as working capital to alleviate the economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to this certification, Perez fraudulently spent more than $300,000 of his EIDL on personal expenses, including the purchase of a house.  

    In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. 

    This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.

    To report a COVID-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Offerings and Registrations of Securities in the Crypto Asset Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    As part of an effort to provide greater clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets,[1] the Division of Corporation Finance is providing its views[2] about the application of certain disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws to offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets. These offerings and registrations may involve equity or debt securities of issuers whose operations relate to networks, applications, and/or crypto assets. These offerings and registrations also may relate to crypto assets offered as part of or subject to an investment contract (such a crypto asset, a “subject crypto asset”).[3] The Division recognizes that Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda formed the Crypto Task Force to help the Commission develop a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for crypto assets, including addressing applicable registration and disclosure requirements.[4] The Division is issuing this statement to provide its views during the pendency of these deliberations.

    The disclosures required in connection with offerings and registrations under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and promote fair, orderly, and efficient markets. In recent years, some issuers in the crypto asset markets have registered or qualified[5] offerings of securities under the Securities Act or registered a class of securities under the Exchange Act. This statement reflects our observations regarding disclosures provided in response to existing disclosure requirements. It also addresses our views about certain specific disclosure questions that market participants have presented to the staff. While disclosures should be based on an issuer’s specific facts and circumstances, we believe that issuers may benefit from the identification of common issues we have identified during our reviews.

    This statement addresses our views about certain disclosure requirements set forth in Regulation S-K as they apply to Securities Act registration forms (such as Form S-1) and Exchange Act registration forms (such as Form 10).[6] This statement also addresses our views about certain disclosure requirements of Form 20-F when used by foreign private issuers to register classes of securities under the Exchange Act, and Form 1-A for offerings exempt from registration under Regulation A.[7] This statement does not address all material disclosure items, and the disclosure topics addressed below may not be relevant for all issuers. Each issuer should consider its own facts and circumstances when preparing its disclosures. Each issuer also should consider whether it is permitted to provide “scaled disclosure” with respect to any applicable disclosure requirements.[8] Moreover, issuers should note that disclosure is not required where a particular disclosure requirement is not applicable, or they otherwise do not have responsive information.[9]

    In this statement, we sometimes address the same or similar disclosure items in more than one place. This should not be read to suggest providing duplicative disclosure in multiple places throughout filings. Rather, issuers should use their judgment in determining the location for any relevant disclosures.

    Description of Business

    SEC rules require issuers to provide a narrative description of the material aspects of their business.[10] Issuers are required to disclose information material to an understanding of the general development of their business, and, in the case of the business done and intended to be done by the issuer, only information material to an understanding of the business taken as a whole (or with respect to each segment, if applicable).[11]

    Disclosure should be tailored to the issuer’s business and presented in clear, concise, and understandable language, without overly relying on technical terminology or jargon. For example, we have observed disclosure that:

    • Specifically relates to the material aspects of the issuer’s current or proposed business, rather than to crypto networks, crypto assets, or other technologies that are not specific or material to the issuer’s current or proposed business.
    • Addresses the current stage of development of the business and clearly delineates any forward-looking or future plans of development.
    • Is consistent with the issuer’s public statements and promotional materials (including, without limitation, white papers, and developer documentation) relating to material aspects of the business.

    We also have observed the following disclosure with respect to current or proposed business plans:

    • The issuer’s specific business activity, such as operating or developing a network or application, and the current stage of development of the business.
    • Whether the issuer intends to continue to operate the business following the launch of a network or application, and, if so, a description of the issuer’s contemplated business activities. If not, a description of how the business will be operated following launch and whether another entity will be involved in such operations.
    • To the extent the business has not been fully implemented, milestones (including technology development milestones) needed to fully implement the business.
    • How the issuer generates or expects to generate revenue or increase profitability and/or value.
    • Whether the security or crypto asset has any function(s) in the operation of the business, including whether it has any intended use or role in an associated network or application.

    Where an issuer is developing or acquiring or intending to develop or acquire a network or application, we have observed issuers tailoring their disclosure to provide a narrative description of the purpose of the network or the application, and its operation, including the following:

    • Whether the initial development team is developing a network and/or application and/or a crypto asset for the network or application.
    • The current state and timeline for the development of the network and/or application to show how and when the initial development team intends to achieve network maturity or deploy the application.
    • Milestones needed to fully develop the network, application, and/or crypto asset, including an estimated timeline, the estimated costs to reach key milestones, and the source of funds for the development of the network, application, and/or crypto asset.
    • The objectives of the network and how the technology of the network or application functions and accomplishes its objectives, including its architecture, software, cryptographic key management, and functionality.
    • Whether the technology is derived from proprietary or open-sourced software, and a description of any licenses or intellectual property rights relating to the technology.
    • The process for validating transactions, the consensus mechanism, the block size, the transaction speed, the transaction (or “gas”) fees, and reward mechanism, if any.
    • A description of any products and services that will be offered through the network and/or application.
    • The various roles that exist or are intended to exist in connection with the network and/or application, such as users, onchain[12]  and offchain[13] service providers, developers, transaction validators, and governance participants.
    • The process of how network and application upgrades and updates are disclosed, proposed, developed, reviewed, and ultimately deployed.
    • The measures, if any, taken to ensure network and/or application security.
    • A description of the network or application’s governance system, as applicable.

    Risk Factors

    SEC rules require a discussion of the material factors that make an investment in the registrant or the offering speculative or risky.[14] In the context of offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, the content and scope of an issuer’s disclosure will depend on the nature of the security and the issuer’s business, and may include factors that address the development and implementation of the issuer’s business and the particular characteristics of the security, such as its features, price volatility, limited rights of holders, valuation and liquidity risks, technological risks, cybersecurity risks, business, operational, and network risks, and legal and regulatory risks. Disclosure should address risks relating to an associated network or application if material.

    The following are examples of risks that have been disclosed:

    • Risks relating to the issuer’s planned business operations, such as risks relating to technology and cybersecurity, and implementation of the issuer’s business, as well as reliance on another network or application.
    • Risks relating to the security, such as the risks relating to any unique characteristics of the security including its form, price volatility, the rights of holders or their lack of rights, valuation and liquidity, supply, and custody.
    • Risks related to other applicable laws and regulations, such as whether the issuer’s activities may require it to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network or certain state financial services agencies under money transmission laws, or to register with another regulatory authority, such as federal or state banking regulators or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    Description of Securities

    SEC rules require an issuer to provide a materially complete description of its securities.[15] The specific disclosure depends on the particular type of security, with these rules setting forth requirements for specifically identified types of securities, such as traditional capital stock and debt securities. These rules also include a general category for securities that are not specifically identified, referring to them as “other securities” or “other kinds of securities.” In the context of offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, we have observed disclosure where issuers have considered how this requirement applies in the context of their particular security, such as where an offering or registration involves a subject crypto asset. In these cases, issuers have provided a description of the terms, rights, and characteristics of the security in their specific context. It is important for investors to understand what the security represents.

    Examples of disclosure we have observed in the context of describing a security in the crypto asset markets include, among others, the following:

    Rights, Obligations, and Preferences

    • How the rights of holders and characteristics of the security are memorialized, how such rights and characteristics convey when the security is transferred, and whether, when and by whom such rights and characteristics can be modified.
    • The rights that holders have and do not have, such as with respect to dividends, payments, profit sharing, distributions, and voting rights, as well as the rights holders have to enforce their rights, preferences, and obligations.
    • If the holders have voting rights, how the issuer intends to comply with applicable proxy rules.
    • The rights that holders have and do not have with respect to transactions that impact the issuer or the network, such as liquidation, bankruptcy, sale, merger, network forks or other similar events.
    • The characteristics of the security, such as term, maturity, restrictions on transferability, how the security or subject crypto asset can be accessed, held and transferred, redeemed, retired, or burned, whether the security can be loaned or pledged and by whom, and whether the security will be certificated or uncertificated, and eligible for deposit at a securities depository.

    Technical Specifications

    • The network or application associated with the security or subject crypto asset, and whether the underlying code can be modified, how, when, and by whom, and what effect(s) that may have on the rights of a holder of the security or subject crypto asset.
    • The technical requirements for holding, accessing and transferring the security or subject crypto asset, such as the requirements and characteristics as to wallets and keys, whether the wallet addresses of the sender and receiver must be included in an approved list of participants, and any network transaction fees required for the transfer of the security or subject crypto asset and who is responsible for those fees.
    • Where the definitive record of ownership exists and who maintains it.
    • Whether the security or subject crypto asset is divisible, and, if so, whether there are any limits on its division.
    • Whether the security or subject crypto asset and the smart contract(s) and/or code on which it is/are based, if applicable, have been subjected to a third-party security audit (i.e., an independent assessment to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards), and if, so who conducted the audit and the results of the audit.

    Supply

    • The rules governing the total supply of the security or subject crypto asset, including the total supply, whether it is fixed at a maximum possible supply, the method for minting or generating the security or subject crypto asset, whether the supply will be created at initial generation or continuously or from time to time, whether there is a process for redeeming, retiring, freezing or burning the security or subject crypto asset, whether any of the supply is reserved for the network’s treasury, particular uses or participants, and whether any portion of the supply is subject to vesting and/or lock-ups.
    • Whether any entity or person (or group of persons) is responsible for implementing rules governing the total supply and/or has the authority or ability to change the rules.
    • Whether the issuer intends to enter into any arrangements with market makers or similar firms to distribute and/or provide liquidity for the security or a subject crypto asset and the terms of such arrangement.

    If the issuer’s business involves crypto assets that themselves are not securities, whether offered as part of or subject to an investment contract or otherwise, similar disclosures, if material, may be relevant to the section of the registration or offering statement discussing the issuer’s business.[16]

    Directors, Executive Officers, and Significant Employees

    SEC rules require disclosure of information relating to the identity and experience of those entrusted with the management of the issuer, including executive officers, directors, and certain significant employees who are (or are expected) to make a significant contribution to the issuer’s business.[17] SEC rules also require such disclosure for persons who do not hold formal titles or positions as executive officers or directors but who perform policy-making functions typically performed by executive officers or perform similar functions as directors.[18] Further, if a third party is performing the policy-making functions typically performed by executive officers and directors, we have observed disclosure addressing the third party that satisfies the applicable disclosure requirements. For example, certain trusts – such as the spot crypto exchange-traded products – have a sponsor with directors and executive officers who perform functions similar to directors or executive officers of the trust. In these cases, disclosure has been provided with respect to the directors or executive officers of the sponsor. Although disclosure regarding executive compensation of the issuer would not be applicable in this situation,[19] disclosure may be required of any fees paid to the third party for performing such functions.[20]

    Financial Statements

    SEC rules require issuers to provide financial statements that comply with applicable requirements.[21] Issuers with requests for assistance regarding the form and content of financial statements and other financial information required to be included in Commission filings should contact the Division’s Office of Chief Accountant.[22] Issuers may also consult with the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant on accounting and financial reporting questions, especially those involving unusual, complex, or innovative transactions.[23]

    Exhibits

    SEC rules require an issuer to file as an exhibit any instrument defining the rights of security holders.[24] In connection with offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, to the extent that the rights, preferences, and obligations of holders of the securities are memorialized in smart contract(s) or otherwise programmed into the code of a network or application, we have observed filings include as an exhibit the code of the smart contract(s) and/or the network or application, with the issuer updating any such exhibit in response to subsequent changes in such code.[25]

    Contacting the Division

    The Division welcomes questions about the application of the SEC’s disclosure rules to offerings and registrations, as well as any ongoing reporting obligations. We also welcome requests for other assistance (including requests for interpretive or no-action letters) relating to these issues and questions. Information about how to contact the Division is available on our website.[26]

     

    [1]     For purposes of this statement, a “crypto asset” is an asset that is generated, issued, and/or transferred using a blockchain or similar distributed ledger technology network (“crypto network”), including, but not limited to, assets known as “tokens,” “digital assets,” “virtual currencies,” and “coins,” and that relies on cryptographic protocols. References in this statement to “network” refer to a crypto network, and references to “application” refer to an application running on such a crypto network.

    [2]     This statement represents the views of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance (the “Division”). It is not a rule, regulation, guidance, or statement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”), and the Commission has neither approved nor disapproved its content. This statement, like all staff statements, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person.

    [3]     Nothing in this statement is intended to suggest that registration or qualification is required in connection with an offering of a crypto asset if the crypto asset is not a security and not part of or subject to an investment contract.

    [5]     Offerings of securities in the crypto asset markets can be, and have been, qualified under Regulation A.

    [6]     See 17 C.F.R. §229.10 et seq. Form F-1 is a Securities Act registration form that can be used by foreign private issuers. Certain of the disclosure topics discussed in this statement may apply differently to foreign private issuers using Form F-1

    [7]     See 17 C.F.R. §239.90. Form 20-F is an Exchange Act form that can be used by foreign private issuers. Certain of the disclosure topics discussed in this statement may apply differently to foreign private issuers using Form 20-F and issuers conducting exempt offerings using Form 1-A.

    [8]     Scaled disclosure refers to disclosure accommodations that the federal securities laws sometimes provide for smaller or newly public companies, such as smaller reporting companies, non-accelerated filers, or emerging growth companies. These accommodations apply to a qualifying company’s registered offerings and its ongoing public company reporting. Scaled disclosure permits these companies to provide less extensive disclosure than other companies.

    [9]     See, e.g., Rule 404(c) under the Securities Act, and General Instruction II.B. of Form S-1, and General Instruction C of Form 20-F. For example, disclosure regarding dilution to stockholders, market price and dividends, and certain other stockholder matters only is required if the securities being offered are equity securities. See Items 201 and 506 of Regulation S-K, Items 8.A., 9.E., and 10 of Form 20-F, and Items 4 and 7 of Part II of Form 1-A. In addition, disclosure regarding properties only is required where issuers have material physical properties. See Item 102 of Regulation S-K, Item 4.D. of Form 20-F, and Item 8 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [10]     See Item 101 of Regulation S-K, Item 4 of Form 20-F, and Item 7 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [11]     The SEC, upon written request of the registrant and where consistent with the protection of investors, may permit the omission of any required information relating to the issuer’s business or the furnishing in substitution thereof of appropriate information of comparable character. See Instruction 3 to Item 101 of Regulation S-K.

    [12]     An “onchain” transaction occurs directly on a network and is validated in accordance with the protocol of the network, with the transaction recorded on the network’s public ledger.

    [13]     An “offchain” transaction occurs outside the network where the parties agree that a third party will validate and authenticate the transaction.

    [14]     See Item 105 of Regulation S-K, Item 3.D of Form 20-F, and Item 3 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [15]     See Item 202 of Regulation S-K, Item 12 of Form 20-F, and Item 14 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [16]     See footnote 10 above and accompanying text.

    [17]     See Item 401 of Regulation S-K, Items 1 and 6 of Form 20-F, and Item 10 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [18]     See Rule 405 under the Securities Act and Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act. As noted above, disclosure is not required where a particular disclosure requirement is not applicable, or the issuer otherwise does not have responsive information. For example, certain trusts do not have a board of directors or persons performing similar functions and, therefore, do not provide disclosure regarding members of a board of directors.

    [19]     See Item 402 of Regulation S-K, Item 6 of Form 20-F, and Item 11 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [20]     See Item 404 of Regulation S-K, Item 7 of Form 20-F, and Item 13 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [21]     See Item 11 of Form S-1, Items 8, 17, and 18 of Form 20-F, and Part F/S of Form 1-A.

    [22]     See footnote 26 below and accompanying text.

    [24]     See Item 601 of Regulation S-K, Item 19 of Form 20-F, and Part III of Form 1-A.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, after the market close on Thursday, April 24, 2025. SPS Commerce will host a call to discuss the results at 3:30 p.m. Central Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on the same day.

    To access the call, please dial 1-833-816-1382, or outside the U.S. 1-412-317-0475 at least 15 minutes prior to the 3:30 p.m. CT start time. Please ask to join the SPS Commerce conference call. A live webcast of the call will also be available at http://investors.spscommerce.com under the Events and Presentations menu. The replay will also be available on our website at http://investors.spscommerce.com.

    About SPS Commerce

    SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics are using SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 96 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

    SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.

    SPS-F

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    The Blueshirt Group
    Irmina Blaszczyk
    Lisa Laukkanen
    SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com
    415-217-4962

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kansas Realtor Indicted for Tax Evasion and COVID-19 Loan Program Fraud

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment yesterday charging a Kansas woman with tax evasion and wire fraud.

    The indictment alleges that Michelle O’Connor, of Louisburg, owned and operated a realty company based in the Kansas City metro area. For tax years 2008 through 2015, O’Connor filed federal income tax returns, self-reporting that she owed approximately $300,000 in taxes. Despite acknowledging she owed the taxes, O’Connor did not pay them. In 2011, the IRS audited her 2008 and 2009 tax returns and concluded that O’Connor had improperly claimed tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses as charitable deductions to the “Church of Revelation and Love,” a purported church she and her husband created and were, along with her family, its primary members. Based on that audit, the IRS assessed over $40,000 in additional taxes against O’Connor.  

    Starting in 2011, the IRS began trying to collect the outstanding taxes from O’Connor, sending her over 50 notices regarding them. From 2011 through 2023, however, Michelle O’Connor tried to stymy the IRS’s collections efforts by, among other things, filing three separate false and frivolous bankruptcy petitions, purchasing approximately $250,000 of cashier’s checks to reduce her bank account balances, and closing her personal bank accounts and using her business’ bank accounts to pay personal expenses.

    By 2020, O’Connor owed the IRS nearly $500,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest.

    In 2020, O’Connor submitted 34 fraudulent COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on behalf of her real estate business and seven other corporate entities she created for the purpose of maximizing potential EIDL credits. Under the EIDL program, a small business could receive a loan of up to $150,000 from the Small Business Administration to cover six months of working capital. In total, O’Connor received nearly $300,000 from her fraudulent EIDLs, which she used for personal purposes, including $115,000 to purchase cryptocurrency.

    If convicted, O’Connor faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Dominick Giovanniello and Robert Kemins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Realtor Indicted for Tax Evasion and COVID-19 Loan Program Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment yesterday charging a Kansas woman with tax evasion and wire fraud.

    The indictment alleges that Michelle O’Connor, of Louisburg, owned and operated a realty company based in the Kansas City metro area. For tax years 2008 through 2015, O’Connor filed federal income tax returns, self-reporting that she owed approximately $300,000 in taxes. Despite acknowledging she owed the taxes, O’Connor did not pay them. In 2011, the IRS audited her 2008 and 2009 tax returns and concluded that O’Connor had improperly claimed tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses as charitable deductions to the “Church of Revelation and Love,” a purported church she and her husband created and were, along with her family, its primary members. Based on that audit, the IRS assessed over $40,000 in additional taxes against O’Connor.  

    Starting in 2011, the IRS began trying to collect the outstanding taxes from O’Connor, sending her over 50 notices regarding them. From 2011 through 2023, however, Michelle O’Connor tried to stymy the IRS’s collections efforts by, among other things, filing three separate false and frivolous bankruptcy petitions, purchasing approximately $250,000 of cashier’s checks to reduce her bank account balances, and closing her personal bank accounts and using her business’ bank accounts to pay personal expenses.

    By 2020, O’Connor owed the IRS nearly $500,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest.

    In 2020, O’Connor submitted 34 fraudulent COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on behalf of her real estate business and seven other corporate entities she created for the purpose of maximizing potential EIDL credits. Under the EIDL program, a small business could receive a loan of up to $150,000 from the Small Business Administration to cover six months of working capital. In total, O’Connor received nearly $300,000 from her fraudulent EIDLs, which she used for personal purposes, including $115,000 to purchase cryptocurrency.

    If convicted, O’Connor faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Dominick Giovanniello and Robert Kemins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Grills Trump Trade Chief Over $4,600 “Tariff Tax” on Families as Trump Caves on $6 Trillion Trade Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    Gomez: “You imposed tariffs on an island inhabited by penguins. Consumer confidence is plummeting—and you’re saying, ‘Trust us?’”

    **VIDEO AVAILABLE**

    Watch his full remarks HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Trump Administration’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) delivered a powerful rebuke of the Trump administration’s reckless tariff policy, calling out its devastating impact on working families and exposing the out-of-touch economic priorities driving it. In a pointed exchange with Trump’s top trade official, Gomez demanded answers, accountability, and clarity for everyday Americans feeling the squeeze.

    During his five-minutes of questioning, Rep. Gomez:

    • Confronted Greer on the skyrocketing costs of Trump’s tariffs and their impact on food, clothes, cars, and basic household goods
    • Blasted the administration’s misleading claims of “short-term pain,” equating it to economic gaslighting
    • Exposed Greer’s multiple overlapping roles — including USTR, acting ethics chief, and whistleblower overseer — and questioned who’s really running the trade agenda
    • Mocked the administration’s incompetence, citing reports of tariffs on an island inhabited only by penguins

    KEY MOMENTS FROM THE HEARING:

    On tariffs as a hidden tax on working people: “Do you agree that tariffs are a tax—yes or no? …Economists say that 98 to 99% of that tax is passed on to the American consumer in higher prices… and it’s going to fall disproportionately, especially on working Americans.”

    On the real cost of Trump’s trade war: “Yesterday, it was said there’d be a $3,800-a-year increase for working families. Today it’s $4,600. What’s the increase going to be tomorrow—$5,200?”

    On the disconnect between Trump’s advisors and American families: “My constituents don’t make $1.5 million a year like you did at King & Spalding. We check our budgets every month to decide what we have to cut back on. That’s the reality for working families.”

    On hypocrisy at the top: “You also have a Cabinet of billionaires. Lucknick, Bescent, Elon Musk—I mean Donald Trump himself. For them, $4,600 doesn’t mean anything. But for the average worker, it does.”

    On lack of credibility and leadership in the trade agenda: “You’re the USTR, the acting ethics chief, the chief whistleblower, and the lead trade negotiator—so who’s actually running the show? Even Donald Trump said it was the Commerce Secretary.”

    On the administration’s failure to level with the American people: “You’re saying, ‘Trust us, trust us—there’ll be short-term pain.’ But we see a plan that doesn’t make sense, a flawed formula, the stock market crashing, and red lights blinking on a recession.”

    On calling out absurdity and demanding accountability: “You imposed tariffs on an island inhabited by penguins. Consumer confidence is plummeting—and you’re saying, ‘Trust us’? That doesn’t pass the smell test.”

    Rep. Gomez concluded: “We’ve worked on other issues before, and I hope we can work on others moving forward—but you need to be straight about who’s running the show, because this is going to fall and hurt the American worker.”

    You can read the full transcript HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Animal Testing Requirement for Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Drugs

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    April 10, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking a groundbreaking step to advance public health by replacing animal testing in the development of monoclonal antibody therapies and other drugs with more effective, human-relevant methods. The new approach is designed to improve drug safety and accelerate the evaluation process, while reducing animal experimentation, lowering research and development (R&D) costs, and ultimately, drug prices.
    The FDA’s animal testing requirement will be reduced, refined, or potentially replaced using a range of approaches, including AI-based computational models of toxicity and cell lines and organoid toxicity testing in a laboratory setting (so-called New Approach Methodologies or NAMs data). Implementation of the regimen will begin immediately for investigational new drug (IND) applications, where inclusion of NAMs data is encouraged, and is outlined in a roadmap also being released today. To make determinations of efficacy, the agency will also begin use pre-existing, real-world safety data from other countries, with comparable regulatory standards, where the drug has already been studied in humans.
    “For too long, drug manufacturers have performed additional animal testing of drugs that have data in broad human use internationally. This initiative marks a paradigm shift in drug evaluation and holds promise to accelerate cures and meaningful treatments for Americans while reducing animal use,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “By leveraging AI-based computational modeling, human organ model-based lab testing, and real-world human data, we can get safer treatments to patients faster and more reliably, while also reducing R&D costs and drug prices. It is a win-win for public health and ethics.”
    Key Benefits of Replacing Animal Testing in Monoclonal Antibody Safety Evaluation:

    Advanced Computer Simulations: The roadmap encourages developers to leverage computer modeling and artificial intelligence to predict a drug’s behavior. For example, software models could simulate how a monoclonal antibody distributes through the human body and reliably predict side effects based on this distribution as well as the drug’s molecular composition. We believe this will drastically reduce the need for animal trials.
    Human-Based Lab Models: The FDA will promote the use of lab-grown human “organoids” and organ-on-a-chip systems that mimic human organs – such as liver, heart, and immune organs – to test drug safety. These experiments can reveal toxic effects that could easily go undetected in animals, providing a more direct window into human responses.
    Regulatory Incentives: The agency will work to update its guidelines to allow consideration of data from these new methods. Companies that submit strong safety data from non-animal tests may receive streamlined review, as the need for certain animal studies is eliminated, which would incentivize investment in modernized testing platforms.
    Faster Drug Development: The use of these modern techniques should help speed up the drug development process, enabling monoclonal antibody therapies to reach patients more quickly without compromising safety.
    Global Leadership in Regulatory Science: With this move, the FDA reaffirms its role as a global leader in modern regulatory science, setting new standards for the industry and encouraging the adoption of innovative, humane testing methods. In recent years, Congress and the scientific community have pressed for more human-relevant testing methods. Today’s announcement is a step by the FDA towards its commitment to modernize regulatory science as technology advances.

    Working in close partnership with federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Toxicology Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the FDA aims to accelerate the validation and adoption of these innovative methods through the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM). The FDA and federal partners will host a public workshop later this year to discuss the roadmap and gather stakeholder input on its implementation. Over the coming year, the FDA aims to launch a pilot program allowing select monoclonal antibody developers to use a primarily non-animal-based testing strategy, under close FDA consultation. Findings from an accompanying pilot study will inform broader policy changes and guidance updates expected to roll out in phases.
    Commissioner Makary noted the far-reaching significance of this proposal. “For patients, it means a more efficient pipeline for novel treatments. It also means an added margin of safety, since human-based test systems may better predict real-world outcomes. For animal welfare, it represents a major step toward ending the use of laboratory animals in drug testing. Thousands of animals, including dogs and primates, could eventually be spared each year as these new methods take root.”
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

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

    Inquiries

    Media:
    202-690-6343

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    04/10/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering small businesses with a new industry-first My Biz Plan and a 3-year price lock guarantee

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Empowering small businesses with a new industry-first My Biz Plan and a 3-year price lock guarantee

    NEW YORK — Starting today, Verizon Business offers a market-leading solution for small and midsized business (SMB) customers to create and customize their wireless business plans – paying for what they need, when they need it.

    Introducing My Biz Plan

    Carriers today offer small businesses a “good, better, best” choice. But why be forced to make a trade-off? Small businesses want control and flexibility in their mobile plans.

    Enter My Biz Plan. It’s easy: one simple plan with unlimited calling, data and texting that each small business can customize with business add-ons. Ranging from international connectivity to business productivity and more, customers can easily add and remove their add-ons as needed. Plus, add-on spending can unlock discounts on their smartphone.

    Verizon My Biz Plan includes: 

    • Price Lock: 3-year price lock guarantee for all customers who add My Biz Plan which provides peace of mind to small business owners. This industry-first guarantee ensures core monthly plan price for calling, data and texting will not change, excluding taxes, fees, Economic Adjustment Charge and add ons.
    • Security Applications: Verizon Business Mobile Internet Security is included with My Biz Plan, helping protect small business devices against malware, ransomware and phishing when connected to the Verizon network. Additional security add-ons are also available.
    • Affordable Pricing: Plans are as low as $29 per month for 5+ lines with auto pay and paper-free billing, with add-ons starting as low as $5 per month each.
    • International Connectivity: Small business employees can stay connected when traveling in over 210 countries and destinations with unlimited data, talk, and text starting at $10 per month.

    Special Introductory Offer

    From April 10 until June 10, Verizon Business is offering customers value with 15% off the core monthly plan price for any new line added to the My Biz Plan, applied each month over 36 months.

    That means small business owners can get 5 lines for $25/line per month with auto pay and paper-free billing, one of our best deals ever.

    “We understand the unique challenges that small businesses face because we are with them every single day,” said Iris Meijer, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, Verizon Business. “We are so excited to launch My Biz Plan. It is the only plan in the industry that directly addresses their needs for control and flexibility, empowering them to stay a step ahead.”

    My Biz Plan offers small business owners the certainty and control that they need: according to the 2024 State of Small Business Survey, many small businesses struggle to manage costs while investing in the tools and internet access required for growth. My Biz Plan aims to help small businesses thrive by putting the control in their hands. 

    Learn more about My Biz Plan and available offerings for SMBs at verizon.com/mybizplan.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CASTOR OPPOSES REPUBLICAN TAX GIVEAWAY FOR BILLIONAIRES, WARNS OF HARM TO MIDDLE-CLASS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted ‘no’ on the Republican “budget for billionaires” that would gut health care for children, seniors and people with disabilities – all for $7 trillion in giveaways to GOP billionaire donors. The Republican scheme to make the richest Americans richer will explode the deficit by heaping trillions of dollars of debt on children and middle-class families.

    “Republicans in Congress are intent on saddling middle-class Americans with higher costs and more debt, so their billionaire donors can buy another vacation home or private jet,” said Rep. Castor. “In the Tampa Bay area, the GOP budget would gut Medicaid health care for over 682,000 neighbors, raise health care premiums by $430 on average per year, slash food assistance for 481,000, and jeopardize Pell grants for over 78,000 students.”

    The vast majority of health care cuts will be fought out in Castor’s Energy and Commerce Committee, where she will defend her neighbors, their health care, and their wallets. In Castor’s district alone, 148,000 are covered through the Affordable Care Act and are protected from discrimination for preexisting conditions. Under the GOP budget, the average premium would increase by $430 per year on average- a stunning 65% increase.

    In addition to deeply harmful health care cuts, the Republican plan threatens nutrition assistance for 179,000 people in FL-14 by slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) at a time when families are struggling with high grocery prices and rebuilding their lives after the devastating hurricanes.

    Rep. Castor is committed to fighting back against this reckless Billionaires’ Budget and standing up for Florida families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Host Panel on Advancing Africa’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Potential

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

    PARIS, France, April 10, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum will feature a high-level panel on Advancing Africa’s LNG Potential: Overcoming Infrastructure and Investment Challenges, sponsored by Perenco. As global demand for natural gas rises, Africa’s abundant reserves and strategic location position the continent as a key supplier – provided infrastructure, regulatory and financing hurdles can be addressed.

    Moderated by Jacqueline Chinwe, Global Future Energy Leader, the panel brings together influential voices from the LNG value chain. Confirmed speakers include Julius Rone, Managing Director of UTM Offshore; Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Eni; Dominique Gadelle, Vice President, Upstream & LNG at TechnipEnergies; and Denis Chatelan, Head of Business Development at Perenco. These leaders will share strategies to accelerate LNG development, including de-risking investments, leveraging blended finance models and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure commercial viability.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4lq1VMj) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Africa’s natural gas resources – particularly in countries like Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania and the Republic of the Congo – are attracting growing international interest. Natural gas is expected to account for 40% of Africa’s oil and gas capital expenditures by the end of the decade, according to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report. In West Africa, major projects such as Phase 2 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development and the Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project in Senegal are set to significantly boost LNG production and regional gas-to-power capacity, while Eni’s Congo LNG project in the Republic of the Congo is leveraging FLNG technology to fast-track exports and monetize offshore reserves.

    With major LNG projects advancing across the continent, investment momentum continues to build. Floating LNG solutions – such as UTM Offshore’s facility in Nigeria and Perenco’s Cap Lopez terminal in Gabon – are offering scalable, capital-efficient models for deployment. In Mozambique, Eni is expanding on the success of its Coral South FLNG by developing a second floating facility, Coral North. Meanwhile, gas-to-power initiatives hold strong potential to address chronic energy shortages, contributing to both energy security and the transition to a more sustainable, lower-carbon energy mix. The panel will explore how to align Africa’s export ambitions with domestic industrialization and energy access goals, driving inclusive economic growth while contributing to global energy security and environmental objectives. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Highlights Range of New Measures to Stop Fraud

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) highlighted several new verification measures within its loan application process to strengthen protections against fraud and ensure its programs only benefit eligible American small business owners.

    The changes were implemented with the help of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which last month uncovered new abuse of SBA’s loan programs – including over $630 million in loans made to applicants over the age of 115 and under the age of 11, according to data from the U.S. Social Security Administration.

    Key changes to combat fraud within the SBA’s loan programs include:

    • Citizenship Verification: All SBA loan applications now include a citizenship verification provision to ensure only legal, eligible applicants can access SBA programs. Lenders are required to confirm that applicant businesses are not owned in whole or in part by an illegal alien, consistent with President Trump’s executive order ending the taxpayer subsidization of open borders.
    • Date of Birth Verification: All SBA loan applications now include a process to verify applicant age and date of birth. This provision will mitigate fraud stemming from applicants using an identity other than their own, including those of children or the deceased.
    • Automatic Fraud Alerts: SBA’s date of birth verification process will automatically flag any applicant claiming to be younger than 18 or older than 115 years of age.

    “With the help of DOGE, the SBA has already made a number of common-sense reforms to prevent the rampant fraud we’ve seen over the last four years,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Unlike the previous Administration, we respect the American taxpayer and are dedicated to ensuring every dollar entrusted to this agency goes to support eligible, legitimate small businesses. With these simple fraud prevention measures, we will end the abuse of our loan programs – with stronger safeguards to hold bad actors accountable.”

    Under the last administration, lax guardrails allowed illegal aliens, children and the deceased to apply for and receive approval for SBA assistance:

    • In June 2024, the SBA approved a $783,000 loan application for a small business that was 49% owned by an illegal alien. In February, an internal SBA audit identified the illegal status of the individual and halted the loan from being disbursed – ensuring that $0 was distributed to the business.
    • DOGE found that from 2020-2021, the SBA issued more than 3,000 loans worth $333 million to borrowers over 115 years old according to the Social Security database.
    • DOGE also identified over 5,500 SBA loans totaling about $300 million that were disbursed to children under 11 years old during the same time period.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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: Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. Recalls 1,587 Cases of 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Marketside Celery Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    April 10, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    April 10, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

    Company Name:
    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Marketside

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Celery Sticks

    Company Announcement
    Oxnard, Calif. – April 10, 2025 – Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 in/1.6oz Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date 03/23/2025.
    This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.
    This advisory is being initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.
    Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
    To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.
    The specific products involved are 4 count 4 in/1.6 oz bundle packs of Marketside Celery Sticks sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 16151 0 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date 03/23/2025, and Lot Code: P047650 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale.
    Consumers who have this product in their possession, including in their freezer, should not consume and discard the product.
    This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. produced products.
    The only products involved in this advisory can be identified with the following details:
    Marketside Celery Sticks 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Pack

    Store: 

    Walmart 

    Distributed to select stores in:

    AL, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY.

    Product UPC Code:

    6 81131 16151 0

    Lot Code:

    P047650

    Best If Used by Date:

    03/23/2025

    Pack Size & Packaging:

    4/1.6-ounce, bag

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    04/10/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canadian retailers are seeing a surge in domestic sales amid the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

    In recent months, the “Buy Canadian” movement has gained significant momentum, driven by a collective push to support domestic products and services, strengthen local businesses and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

    Escalating trade tensions and tariff disputes with the United States and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada have played a pivotal role in fuelling this shift toward economic nationalism.

    Though still in its early stages, the movement has already gained strong support from Canadians, with both consumers and businesses prioritizing homegrown products to strengthen the local economy.

    Early results are promising

    The “Buy Canadian” movement is already delivering promising results across the retail sector. Major retailers such as Loblaws Companies have reported a 10 per cent increase in sales of Canadian-made products. Sobey’s parent company Empire also noted a decline in sales of U.S.-sourced goods.

    Importantly, the shift isn’t limited to big retailers or headline product categories. Smaller retailers and established brands are also seeing tangible benefits.

    Ice cream producer Chapman’s, long known for its strong Canadian brand identity, has seen a 10 per cent increase in sales. E-commerce platform giant Shopify has reported a spike in sales for Canadian merchants across a long list of categories including mattresses, row boats, ribbons, armchairs and more.

    Some provinces have pulled U.S. alcohol from store shelves to prioritize selling homegrown options, putting Canadian wineries, breweries and distillers in a position to grow substantially.

    Though more data will emerge in the months ahead, early indications show that Canadians are backing the “Buy Canadian” movement not just in spirit, but with their wallets.

    Helping Canadians choose Canadian

    One of the most noticeable effects of the “Buy Canadian” campaign has been a nationwide effort to make it easier for consumers to identify Canadian-made products.

    Demand for clear labelling has surged, prompting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to issue a notice to industry urging producers to improve transparency.

    Consumers are becoming increasingly proactive in educating themselves, with searches for “Buy Canadian” related terms skyrocketing in the past few months. Websites such as Madeinca.ca have seen a large uptick in traffic, peaking at 100,000 visits in a single day.

    Retailers have been offering more in-store and online signage highlighting Canadian products. Loblaws has introduced a “Swap & Shop” tool in its Optimum app that helps users find Canadian-made alternatives for items on their shopping list. It has seen a 75 per cent week-over-week growth.

    Home improvement retailer RONA has launched the “Well Made Here” campaign that provides staff training and partners with non-profits to educate consumers about Canadian-made alternatives.

    Celebrity endorsements have also amplified the movement. Actor and comedian Mike Myers showcased the colloquial expression “elbows up” on Saturday Night Live, while Michael Bublé used his platform at the Juno Awards to deliver the message that “Canada is not for sale.”

    #TheMoment ‘Elbows Up’ became a rally cry against Trump (CBC News).

    Pushing the movement forward

    Consumers have been turning to social media to further propel the Buy Canadian movement. Hashtags like #ShopLocalCanada and #MadeInCanada have gained significant traction, with nearly three million posts across major social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

    A newly launched web browser plug-in called Support Canadian is also gaining attention. It works by bringing Canadian products to the top of search results on retailers such as Amazon. In its first week, it attracted 500 users. Although these numbers may appear small, early analytics suggest it could keep over a million dollars inside the Canadian economy.

    Mobile apps designed to help consumers determine the origin of their purchases are gaining popularity. The BuyBeaver app, which crowd-sources product origins, reached 100,000 downloads in just five weeks.

    Meanwhile, OScanAda, which uses AI and barcode scanning to provide detailed insights into Canadian ownership and sourcing, has been downloaded 160,000 times. MapleScan, which currently is ranked second in the shopping category on the Apple App Store, uses AI to scan products and suggest Canadian alternatives.

    Brands are leveraging their Canadian roots

    In response to growing national sentiment, a number of Canadian brands are using marketing strategies to underscore their national identity for consumers.

    Kicking Horse Coffee, for example, has humorously rebranded the Americano as the “Canadiano” in a nod to Canadian pride. Black Diamond recently launched a campaign with the cheeky tagline “Made with 0% American Cheese.”

    Meanwhile, Moosehead Brewery has launched a limited-edition “Presidential Pack” containing 1,961 beers — one for each day of the U.S. presidential term.

    Other companies have modified existing campaigns to better align with the movement. Sobeys recently debuted a new “So Canadian” campaign, a new iteration of its long-running “So.be.it.” campaign.

    Healthy Planet has expanded its #Healthyplanetswap campaign to include #HealthyCanadianSwap, which focuses on providing domestically sourced options.

    Whether through packaging that clearly marks country of origin or marketing campaigns that play on national pride, Canadian brands are leveraging their national identity to resonate with consumers.

    A smart choice in uncertain times

    The early momentum behind the Buy Canadian movement is promising. While Canada was largely spared from Trump’s most recent tariffs under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy and broader global tensions make it more important than ever to build long-term economic resilience at home.

    The early days of the movement show a strong desire among Canadians to support local industries, protect jobs and reinforce national self-sufficiency. Even as higher costs and global disruptions remain real challenges, buying Canadian serves as both a practical and symbolic choice, one that reduces dependency on volatile foreign markets and strengthens the domestic economy.

    This is a pivotal moment. The foundations of the movement are in place, and its early success is encouraging. For the “Buy Canadian” effort to have lasting impact, it needs sustained commitment from consumers, businesses and policymakers alike.

    By continuing to prioritize homegrown goods and services, Canadians can help shield their economy from future shocks and chart a more independent, stable path forward.

    Melise Panetta 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. Canadian retailers are seeing a surge in domestic sales amid the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement – https://theconversation.com/canadian-retailers-are-seeing-a-surge-in-domestic-sales-amid-the-buy-canadian-movement-253502

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro at the Port of Philadelphia: New Tariffs Causing Chaos, Uncertainty, and Higher Prices for Pennsylvania Consumers and Businesses

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 10, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    Governor Shapiro at the Port of Philadelphia: New Tariffs Causing Chaos, Uncertainty, and Higher Prices for Pennsylvania Consumers and Businesses

    Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) to hear directly from port leaders, businesses, and workers about how new federal tariffs are injecting chaos and uncertainty into their work and raising costs for consumers across the Commonwealth. The Governor’s visit comes as new federal tariffs – the highest in 100 years – disrupt supply chains and raise prices on everything from fruit and produce to cars, electronics, and cocoa.

    PhilaPort is the largest port in the U.S. for imported fruit and a major gateway for goods entering the country, supporting 12,000 jobs locally and 66,000 maritime jobs statewide. Last year, the Port accounted for $3.2 billion in fruit imports – more than any other American port and 20 percent of all U.S. food imports – and is a global leader in the import of food products, cars, meat, cocoa, and steel. Pennsylvania is also home to two other ports – Pittsburgh and Erie – that support international trade.

    “Tariffs are taxes – and they’re going to make everything from fresh fruit to chocolate to auto parts more expensive for Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “While Washington drives up prices and makes it harder for our businesses to compete, my Administration is focused on cutting costs, growing our economy, and making smart, strategic investments to show Pennsylvania is open for business. The President may have announced changes to his tariffs yesterday – but despite the chaos and confusion, the reality is this: the tariffs

    List of Speakers:
    Michael Pearson, Chairman of PhilaPort
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Daniel Duffy, a crane operator with 27 years of experience at PhilaPort and a member of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1291
    Leo Holt, President of Holt Logistics;
    Representative Ed Neilson

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California’s Jobs First regional plans recognized by federal government, creating new opportunities for state economic investment and coordination

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 10, 2025

    What you need to know: The U.S. Economic Development Administration formally accepted all 13 Jobs First regional plans as Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies, allowing communities across California to accelerate local economic investment.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom and the California Jobs First Council Co-Chairs announced that the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has formally accepted all thirteen Jobs First regional plans as Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This acceptance marks the first time in California’s history that all 482 cities, 58 counties and every community have a federally recognized strategy, creating new opportunities to attract and leverage investments in the implementation of these plans. 

    “This is a significant milestone for communities up and down the Golden State – giving our regional partners access to additional federal funds, in addition to state, private, and philanthropic resources, that will help us grow and strengthen California’s world-leading economy. This is the Jobs First vision of an inclusive, bottom-up economic development strategy come to life.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The U.S. EDA, along with many other federal agencies, requires an approved CEDS for communities to be eligible for funding from a wide variety of programs that promote economic, infrastructure, and workforce development. The approval of these plans also positions California’s regions to further advocate for financial resources from many funders, including philanthropy, private investors, Community Development Financial Institutions, and Community Reinvestment Act bankers.

    “Over the past two and a half years, communities have worked tirelessly to develop these regional plans, and this acceptance is a major accomplishment that comes at just the right time as we pivot from planning into action,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “We look forward to supporting our regional partners as they work to attract more investment and economic activity to their communities in the coming years.”

    In 2022, California invested $5 million into each of the thirteen Jobs First entities, to establish collaboratives made up of a variety of stakeholders including local governments, business and labor leaders, environmental justice advocates, workforce professionals, and more. These collaboratives then developed region-specific, data-driven, community-led economic development strategies focused on creating good-paying, accessible jobs and sustainable growth. 

    These thirteen strategies laid the foundation of the statewide Blueprint and marked the first time that California had ever made this type of investment to promote regions-up economic planning, clearing the way for newfound regional and cross-regional collaboration.

    “Having led the development of local and regional CEDS across California, I can attest first-hand how incredible it is for all our communities to have received this acknowledgement,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. “Now, it’s time for us to get to work on making sure these new opportunities result in good-paying jobs up and down the state.”
     

    California’s Economic Blueprint

    These approvals are a direct result of the recently released  California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a statewide plan built with input from thirteen regional strategies to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade.

    Made up of ten strategic industry sectors, this framework will help streamline the state’s economic, business, and workforce development programs to create more jobs, faster. The state’s thirteen economic regions engaged more than 10,000 local residents and experts who collectively identified these sectors as key to driving local economies into the future.

    California’s economic dominance

    California remains the fifth-largest economy in the world. With an increasing state population and record-high tourism spending, California is the nation’s top state for new business starts, access to venture capital funding, and manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture.
     

    Learn more

    More information about California Jobs First and the Economic Blueprint can be found here. For ongoing updates, follow California Jobs First on LinkedIn and X.

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    Apr 10, 2025

    News What you need to know: California officials continue to protect consumers and support the legal cannabis market through operations to seize 212,681 illegal cannabis plants worth $316 million. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that officials have…

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government steps up support for enterprises in coping with US tariffs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (April 10) announced that in view of the reckless tariff imposition by the United States (US), including the further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will introduce a new round of enhanced measures to support the export trade in Hong Kong and help enterprises in expediting expansion into new markets.
     
    The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED), Mr Algernon Yau, said, “The US has been repeatedly changing its policies, increasing tariffs within days and imposing the so-called reciprocal tariffs against Hong Kong notwithstanding that we have never implemented any tariffs. It is totally illogical and ungrounded, once again showing the US’s bullying act for suppressing its competitors. I call upon the business community to unite and face the challenges together with a view to jointly counteracting the unreasonable coercion of the US. Further to the Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the ECIC to 95 per cent, the three enhanced measures introduced by the ECIC will help accelerate Hong Kong enterprises’ expansion into new and diversified markets.”
     
    To support Hong Kong enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) in coping with the current challenges, the ECIC will, with immediate effect, introduce three enhanced measures, including (1) extend the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP) which is tailor-made for the SMEs until June 30, 2026; (2) offer a 50 per cent discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders; and (3) reduce the premium rates for new markets to be in line with those for traditional major markets to reduce the costs and support exporters in tapping into the ASEAN market.
     
    Since the US’s announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariffs last week, the SCED has separately met with the representatives of major local chambers of commerce, SME associations, and representatives of industries that are more affected by the tariffs (including jewellery, textiles and garment, food and aluminium industries) to listen to their views and discuss measures in response to the incident. The CEDB will continue to maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the unreasonable coercion of the US and provide support to the SMEs through various funding schemes and support measures, including the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, etc in managing cash flow, enhancing competitiveness and expanding into more diversified markets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market – O-000012/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000012/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Anna Cavazzini
    on behalf of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Parliament underscores the pivotal role of the single market in fostering European economic integration, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Despite its successes, persistent barriers and new challenges call for targeted and pragmatic reforms. Among others, these challenges are: market fragmentation, high administrative burden and compliance costs, inconsistent enforcement of EU laws and lack of resources allocated to this, unjustified obstacles to the free movement of goods and services, access to basic public goods under pressure, and investment gaps in digital innovation and environmental adaptation that increase economic inequalities within the EU. The rapid expansion of digital platforms and e-commerce has introduced new market dynamics. Evolving trends in global e-commerce and the restructuring of supply chains exert additional pressure on customs controls, market surveillance and consumer protection authorities, necessitating a reinforced single market. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure a level playing field, enhance competitiveness, safeguard consumer protection and maintain the single market’s integrity.

    • 1.How will the forthcoming new single market strategy address the risks to the single market’s integrity that are caused by geopolitical tensions, climate change, challenges to EU competitiveness and economic disparities?
    • 2.What specific reforms does the Commission envisage to reduce both market fragmentation and administrative burdens in some specific sectors? Does it envisage targeted proposals to improve the consistency of EU law enforcement across Member States, including through a simplified, harmonised framework?
    • 3.There has been a rise in awareness regarding instances where goods and services offer less in terms of quantity or quality while prices remain the same or increase. How will the Commission assess the scale and underlying causes of such practices and explore appropriate measures to enhance transparency and consumer awareness? Furthermore, how will the Commission investigate the causes of the varied levels of inflation of basic goods and the consumer price increases observed in some Member States?
    • 4.In what ways will the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act impact the dynamics of new commercial practices within the single market, and what steps should be taken to further strengthen consumer protection online, while also ensuring simplification and coherence in EU digital legislation?
    • 5.What specific reforms does the Commission envisage to improve cross-border service provisions and workers’ mobility, and in which sectors does it see the need to align Member States’ fragmented legal frameworks in this regard?
    • 6.How does the Commission plan to simplify reporting requirements that concern European businesses, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises?

    Submitted: 8.4.2025

    Lapses: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –