NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA News: MADE IN THE USA: President Trump’s Vision is Revitalizing American Industry

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump heads to Pennsylvania today, where he’ll champion the partnership he brokered between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel — a $14 billion investment that will create at least 70,000 jobs and ensure steel is made in America for decades to come.

    AMERICAN JOBS, AMERICAN STEEL.

    The landmark agreement comes alongside a host of companies from across industries that are onshoring their production and investing in American manufacturing as President Trump relentlessly pursues his America First trade policies.

    Look no further than the automotive industry:

    • Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, plant and a $388 “megahub” in Detroit, Michigan.
    • General Motors announced an $888 million investment at its propulsion plant in Tonawanda, New York.
    • Volkswagen is planning to make a “massive” investment in its U.S. production.
    • Toyota announced it will boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia plant.
    • Mercedes-Benz announced it will add a new vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing plant.
    • Honda plans to shift production of the Civic from Japan to the U.S.
    • Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment to support its U.S. vehicle production.
    • Kia plans to produce hybrid vehicles at its affiliate Hyundai’s Georgia factory.

    It’s not just the auto industry; scores of others are lining up to invest in America:

    • Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
    • Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
    • NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
    • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
    • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
    • Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
    • Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs.
    • Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    • Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
    • United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
    • Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
    • John Deere announced plans to invest $20 billion over the next decade in American expansion, production, and manufacturing.
    • United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
    • France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
    • Sanofi announced it will invest at least $20 billion over the next five years in manufacturing and research and development.
    • Venture Global LNG announced an $18 billion investment at its liquefied natural gas facility in Louisiana.
    • Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    • AbbVie announced a $10 billion investment over the next ten years to support volume growth and add four new manufacturing plants to its network.
    • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment to create 5,000 new manufacturing jobs in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
    • GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese silicon wafer manufacturer, announced a $4 billion investment in its U.S.-based production.
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
    • Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
    • Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
    • In addition to its overall investments, Amazon announced it is investing $4 billion in small towns across America, creating more than 100,000 new jobs and driving opportunities across the country.
    • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
    • Kraft Heinz announced a $3 billion investment to upgrade its U.S. factories — its largest investment in its plants in decades.
    • NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
    • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, including a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, facility, and other upgrades to its supply chain network.
    • Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced $1.7 billion to expand its U.S. operations.
      • $1.2 billion to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
    • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
    • Carrier announced an additional $1 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce expansion, which is expected to create 4,000 new jobs.
    • GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
    • Anduril Industries announced a $1 billion investment for a new autonomous weapon system facility in Ohio.
    • Williams International announced a $1 billion investment for a new high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County, Florida.
    • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
    • Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operations in Kansas.
    • Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
    • GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
    • Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
    • AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
    • London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
    • Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
    • Anheuser-Busch announced a $300 million investment in its manufacturing facilities across the country.
    • Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
    • Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
    • Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
    • Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
    • Siemens Healthineers announced a $150 million investment to expand production, including relocating manufacturing operations for its Varian company from Mexico to California. 
    • JBS USA announced a $135 million investment for a new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa.
    • TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
    • Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
    • Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
    • Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.
    • Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
    • Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
    • AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
    • Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
    • India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
    • Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
    • Valbruna Slater Stainless announced a $28 million investment in its stainless steel and nickel alloys bars manufacturing plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    • Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
    • Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
    • Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
    • NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
    • LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
    • ViDARR, a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.

    That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments planned by foreign countries:

    • United Arab Emirates committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.
    • Qatar committed to generating $1.2 trillion in an economic exchange between the two countries.
    • Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
    • Saudi Arabia committed investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Africa Dialogue Series High-Level Policy Dialogue [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    his year’s dialogue focuses on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

    This is also the African Union’s theme for 2025, as it was already said.

    And it is a call gathering momentum around the world – from Freetown to Bridgetown. 

    Understandably so.

    Africa is a continent of boundless energy and possibility.

    But for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.

    I deeply regret that these wrongs were perpetrated by many countries, including my own.

    And they continue to distort our world today.

    Decolonization did not free African countries, or people of African Descent, from the structures and prejudices that made those projects possible.

    When African countries gained their independence, they inherited a system built to serve others — not them. 

    The inherited economic model and years of neglect in social and institutional investments during the colonial era created lasting challenges, shaping post-independence reality.

    Structures based on exploitation persisted.

    So did racism. 

    And the long shadow of colonialism can be felt in many of the continent’s current conflicts and governance challenges.

    Many African countries were under colonial domination when today’s multilateral institutions were created.

    And that injustice is reflected to this day.

    Excellencies,

    We point to the poisoned legacies of enslavement and colonialism, not to sow divisions but to heal them.

    Reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    Such frameworks encompass a broad range of measures.

    We need a comprehensive approach, developed with the participation of affected communities, to achieve accountability and redress.

    And we must be clear-eyed about the fact that attempts to repair the past ring hollow unless they also seek to dismantle its manifestations in the present:

    From racism, to extraction of African resources, to the injustices embedded in structures, institutions, and global governance.

    Animated by honesty and justice, we can transform the legacies of slavery and colonialism into equal and respectful partnerships:

    Partnerships that ensure African countries take their rightful place in shaping global decision-making…

    That help to deliver on the priorities of African and Caribbean countries, and people of African descent…

    And that help to ensure that all Africans – and the African diaspora – have the opportunity to thrive.

    We must push for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent to deliver on reparatory justice, equal rights, and the Durban Declaration – the world’s blueprint to tackle racism and racial discrimination.

    Yes, these are turbulent times:

    Times of trade barriers…

    Deep cuts to lifesaving assistance…

    And international cooperation itself called into question.

    But that does not alter the truth that justice for Africa, for the Caribbean, and for all people of African descent requires global action and global partnerships.

    We need partnerships to reform global governance.

    The Pact for the Future agreed last year drove progress. I thank African countries sincerely for their support in getting an ambitious text over the line.

    And we must keep pushing for fair representation within international institutions – including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.

    We need partnerships for peace founded on the principles of justice and international law, as set out in the United Nations Charter.

    The international community must play its part – in preventing and ending conflicts, relieving their appalling effects, and ensuring justice for victims.

    And the United Nations will never relent in pursuing peace for the great continent of Africa.

    We need partnerships to advance sustainable development. 

    The Pact for the Future includes important commitments: 

    To advance an SDG stimulus…

    To reform the international financial architecture…

    And to take action on debt – which is suffocating economies and sapping investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.

    The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla is an important opportunity to push this agenda forward.  

    We need concrete commitments on debt: to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.
                       
    We will keep pushing to boost the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, able to mobilise far more private finance at reasonable cost to the African continent and the Caribbean. 

    And we need action to unleash a surge in finance across the board.  

    Developed countries must keep their promises on development spending…

    Governments must strengthen domestic resource mobilization…

    And we must keep working towards an inclusive, effective global tax regime able to meaningfully reduce tax evasion and to fight elicit financial flows and money laundering that is so dramatically impacting the African continent. 

    Enfin, nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la justice climatique.

    Les pays africains ne sont pas à l’origine de la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, les effets du réchauffement planétaire font des ravages sur tout le continent :

    Ils aggravent la faim, poussent les populations à l’exil, fragilisent les économies, détruisent les moyens de subsistance et fauchent des vies.

    Les Caraïbes sont elles aussi touchées de manière disproportionnée.

    Il est grand temps de mettre fin à cette injustice :

    Il faut que, parallèlement à des sources de financement innovantes, des contributions conséquentes soient versées au nouveau Fonds visant à faire face aux pertes et dommages.

    Il faut que le financement de l’adaptation connaisse un véritable bond et, notamment, que les pays développés honorent l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de verser au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an – dès cette année.

    Il faut également des investissements massifs dans les énergies propres.

    L’Afrique concentre 60 % des meilleures ressources solaires du monde et près d’un tiers des minéraux essentiels à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.

    Pourtant, les installations présentes sur le continent ne représentent que 1,5 % des capacités solaires mondiales.

    Près de 600 millions de personnes sont toujours privées d’électricité.

    Et les pays et les populations d’Afrique sont relégués au bas de la chaîne de valeur des minéraux critiques, tandis que d’autres tirent largement profit de ces ressources.

    L’exploitation séculaire des ressources naturelles du continent, source de conflits et de misère, doit cesser.

    Nous devons agir pour permettre à l’Afrique d’occuper la place qui lui revient, celle d’un leader mondial des énergies propres…

    Pour stimuler les investissements et réduire les risques pour les investisseurs…

    Et pour que les pays et les populations d’Afrique tirent le meilleur parti de leurs minéraux critiques.

    Les nouveaux plans nationaux d’action pour le climat, ou contributions déterminées au niveau national, qui seront présentés cette année, doivent être conformes à l’objectif de limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1,5 degré Celsius, surtout dans les pays qui sont les grand pollueurs.

    Ces plans représentent une formidable occasion d’agir.

    J’exhorte les dirigeants africains à ne pas la laisser passer. Et à intégrer dans ces nouveaux plans des objectifs en matière de climat, d’énergie et de développement durable afin d’attirer les investissements.

    Et j’exhorte les pays, les entreprises et toutes les parties intéressées à collaborer avec nous pour appliquer les recommandations formulées par le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux critiques pour la transition énergétique – et ainsi faire en sorte que les droits humains, la justice et l’équité soient garantis tout au long de la chaîne de valeur, et que les pays d’Afrique soient les premiers à tirer parti de ces ressources.

    Excellences,

    Dans tous ces grands domaines, mobilisons-nous pour qu’aucune personne, aucun pays et aucun continent ne soit laissé de côté.

    Et ensemble, faisons en sorte que justice soit rendue à l’Afrique et aux personnes d’ascendance africaine.

    Je vous remercie.

    *****
    [all-English]

    This year’s dialogue focuses on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

    This is also the African Union’s theme for 2025, as it was already said.

    And it is a call gathering momentum around the world – from Freetown to Bridgetown. 

    Understandably so.

    Africa is a continent of boundless energy and possibility.

    But for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.

    I deeply regret that these wrongs were perpetrated by many countries, including my own.

    And they continue to distort our world today.

    Decolonization did not free African countries, or people of African Descent, from the structures and prejudices that made those projects possible.

    When African countries gained their independence, they inherited a system built to serve others — not them. 

    The inherited economic model and years of neglect in social and institutional investments during the colonial era created lasting challenges, shaping post-independence reality.

    Structures based on exploitation persisted.

    So did racism. 

    And the long shadow of colonialism can be felt in many of the continent’s current conflicts and governance challenges.

    Many African countries were under colonial domination when today’s multilateral institutions were created.

    And that injustice is reflected to this day.

    Excellencies,

    We point to the poisoned legacies of enslavement and colonialism, not to sow divisions but to heal them.

    Reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    Such frameworks encompass a broad range of measures.

    We need a comprehensive approach, developed with the participation of affected communities, to achieve accountability and redress.

    And we must be clear-eyed about the fact that attempts to repair the past ring hollow unless they also seek to dismantle its manifestations in the present:

    From racism, to extraction of African resources, to the injustices embedded in structures, institutions, and global governance.

    Animated by honesty and justice, we can transform the legacies of slavery and colonialism into equal and respectful partnerships:

    Partnerships that ensure African countries take their rightful place in shaping global decision-making…

    That help to deliver on the priorities of African and Caribbean countries, and people of African descent…

    And that help to ensure that all Africans – and the African diaspora – have the opportunity to thrive.

    We must push for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent to deliver on reparatory justice, equal rights, and the Durban Declaration – the world’s blueprint to tackle racism and racial discrimination.

    Yes, these are turbulent times:

    Times of trade barriers…

    Deep cuts to lifesaving assistance…

    And international cooperation itself called into question.

    But that does not alter the truth that justice for Africa, for the Caribbean, and for all people of African descent requires global action and global partnerships.

    We need partnerships to reform global governance.

    The Pact for the Future agreed last year drove progress. I thank African countries sincerely for their support in getting an ambitious text over the line.

    And we must keep pushing for fair representation within international institutions – including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.

    We need partnerships for peace founded on the principles of justice and international law, as set out in the United Nations Charter.

    The international community must play its part – in preventing and ending conflicts, relieving their appalling effects, and ensuring justice for victims.

    And the United Nations will never relent in pursuing peace for the great continent of Africa.

    We need partnerships to advance sustainable development. 

    The Pact for the Future includes important commitments: 

    To advance an SDG stimulus…

    To reform the international financial architecture…

    And to take action on debt – which is suffocating economies and sapping investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.

    The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla is an important opportunity to push this agenda forward.  

    We need concrete commitments on debt: to lower the cost of borrowing, improve
    debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

    We will keep pushing to boost the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, able to mobilise far more private finance at reasonable cost to the African continent and the Caribbean. 

    And we need action to unleash a surge in finance across the board.  

    Developed countries must keep their promises on development spending…

    Governments must strengthen domestic resource mobilization…

    And we must keep working towards an inclusive, effective global tax regime able to meaningfully reduce tax evasion and to fight elicit financial flows and money laundering that is so dramatically impacting the African continent. 

    Finally, we need partnerships for climate justice.

    African countries did not cause the climate crisis. 

    Yet the effects of our heating planet are wreaking havoc across the continent:

    Fuelling hunger and displacement, hobbling economies, destroying livelihoods, and taking lives.

    The Caribbean is also suffering disproportionately.

    Justice is long overdue:

    We need significant contributions – together with innovative sources of financing – to the new fund for responding to loss and damage.

    We need a boom in adaptation finance – starting with developed countries honouring their commitment to at least $40 billion a year by this year.

    And we need massive investments in clean energy.

    Africa is home to 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources and around a third of the minerals critical to the renewable energy revolution.

    Yet the continent has just 1.5 percent of global installed solar capacity.

    Around 600 million people remain without power.

    And African countries and communities are pushed to the bottom of the critical minerals value chain, while others feast on their resources.

    The centuries-old exploitation of the continent’s natural resources – which fuels conflict and misery – must end.

    We need action for Africa to take its rightful place as the clean powerhouse of the world…

    To derisk and boost investment…

    And to ensure African countries and communities receive maximum benefit from their critical minerals. 

    New national climate action plans, or NDCs – must be submitted this year and align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, especially in countries that are the major polluters.

    These represent an immense opportunity.

    I urge African leaders to take it. And to use these new plans to bring together climate, energy, and sustainable development goals to attract investment.

    And I urge countries, companies and more, to work with us to deliver on the recommendations of our Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals – to ensure human rights, justice and equity through the value chain, and to retain maximum benefit in African countries.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these critical fronts, let’s work to leave no person, no country and no continent behind. 

    And together, let’s deliver justice for Africa and people of African Descent.

    Thank you.

    ******
    [all-French]

    Le dialogue de cette année a pour thème « Justice pour les Africains et les personnes d’ascendance africaine grâce aux réparations ».

    C’est également le thème retenu par l’Union africaine pour 2025, comme il a déjà été dit.

    Cet appel prend de l’ampleur dans le monde entier, de Freetown à Bridgetown.

    Cela n’a rien d’étonnant.

    L’énergie et le potentiel du continent africain sont sans limites.

    Mais pendant trop longtemps, les immenses injustices engendrées par l’esclavage, la traite transatlantique des esclaves et le colonialisme n’ont pas été reconnues ni prises en compte.

    Je regrette profondément que ces injustices aient été commises par de nombreux pays, dont le mien.

    Elles continuent de nos jours à peser sur le monde.

    La décolonisation n’a pas libéré les pays africains, ni les personnes d’ascendance africaine, des structures et des préjugés qui ont rendu ces projets possibles.

    Lorsque les pays africains ont accédé à l’indépendance, ils ont hérité d’un système conçu pour servir d’autres qu’eux.

    Le modèle économique hérité et des années de négligence en matière d’investissements sociaux et institutionnels pendant l’ère coloniale ont créé des problèmes durables qui ont façonné la réalité de l’après-indépendance.

    Les structures fondées sur l’exploitation ont persisté.

    Le racisme aussi.

    L’ombre du colonialisme plane sur nombre des conflits et difficultés de gouvernance que connaît le continent de nos jours.

    De nombreux pays d’Afrique étaient sous domination coloniale lorsque les institutions multilatérales actuelles ont été créées.

    Cette injustice est toujours visible aujourd’hui.

    Excellences,

    Si nous pointons du doigt l’héritage empoisonné de l’esclavage et du colonialisme, ce n’est pas pour semer la division, mais pour soigner les blessures du passé.

    Les cadres de justice réparatrice sont essentiels – pour réparer les torts historiques, relever les défis d’aujourd’hui et garantir les droits et la dignité de toutes et tous.

    Ces cadres englobent un large éventail de mesures.

    Nous avons besoin d’une stratégie globale, développée avec la pleine participation des populations affectées, pour faire appliquer le principe de responsabilité et assurer l’octroi de réparations.

    Nous devons nous montrer lucides : il est vain de vouloir réparer les erreurs du passé sans s’attaquer aussi à leurs répercussions actuelles :

    Du racisme à l’extraction des ressources africaines, en passant par les injustices ancrées dans les structures, les institutions et la gouvernance mondiale.

    C’est dans un esprit d’honnêteté et de justice que nous pourrons transformer les séquelles de l’esclavage et du colonialisme en partenariats fondés sur l’égalité et le respect.

    Des partenariats qui garantissent que les pays africains occupent la place qui leur revient dans le processus décisionnel mondial…

    Qui permettent de répondre aux priorités des pays d’Afrique et des Caraïbes, et des personnes d’ascendance africaine…

    Et qui contribuent à faire en sorte que tous les Africains – et la diaspora africaine – aient la possibilité de prospérer.

    Nous devons tout faire pour que la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine aboutisse à une justice réparatrice, à l’égalité des droits et à la réalisation de la Déclaration de Durban – le plan mondial de lutte contre le racisme et la discrimination raciale.

    Nous vivons, certes, des temps agités :

    Des temps où se dressent des barrières commerciales…

    Où l’aide vitale fait l’objet de coupes sombres…

    Et où la coopération internationale elle-même est remise en question.

    Il n’en demeure pas moins que la justice pour l’Afrique, pour les Caraïbes et pour toutes les personnes d’ascendance africaine nécessite une action et des partenariats mondiaux.

    Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour réformer la gouvernance mondiale.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté l’année dernière, a permis certaines avancées. Je remercie sincèrement les pays africains du soutien qu’ils ont apporté à l’adoption de ce texte ambitieux.

    Nous devons continuer d’œuvrer en faveur d’une représentation équitable au sein des institutions internationales, et notamment d’une représentation permanente de l’Afrique au Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU.

    Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la paix fondés sur les principes de la justice et du droit international, tels qu’ils sont énoncés dans la Charte des Nations Unies.

    La communauté internationale doit jouer son rôle – en prévenant les conflits et en y mettant fin, en atténuant leurs effets épouvantables et en garantissant la justice pour les victimes.

    Les Nations Unies ne relâcheront jamais leurs efforts en faveur de la paix sur le grand continent africain.

    Nous avons besoin de partenariats pour faire progresser le développement durable.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir comprend des engagements importants :

    Promouvoir un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable…

    Repenser l’architecture financière internationale…

    Et prendre des mesures concernant la dette, qui étouffe les économies et sape l’investissement dans de nombreux pays d’Afrique et des Caraïbes.

    La prochaine Conférence sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, est une occasion importante de faire avancer ce dossier.

    Nous avons besoin d’engagements concrets à cet égard, en vue d’abaisser le coût de l’emprunt, de faciliter la restructuration de la dette et d’empêcher les crises de s’installer.

    Nous poursuivrons l’action menée pour renforcer la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement, les rendre plus imposantes et plus audacieuses et leur donner les moyens de mobiliser bien plus de financements privés à un coût raisonnable au continent africain et aux Caraïbes.

    Nous devons prendre des mesures pour stimuler le financement dans tous les domaines.

    Les pays développés doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière de dépenses de développement…

    Les Gouvernements doivent accroître la mobilisation de ressources nationales…

    Et nous devons continuer d’œuvrer en faveur d’un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, qui permette de réduire l’évasion fiscale de manière significative et de lutter contre les flux financiers illicites et le blanchiment d’argent cela a un impact si dramatique sur le continent africain.

    Enfin, nous avons besoin de partenariats pour la justice climatique.

    Les pays africains ne sont pas à l’origine de la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, les effets du réchauffement planétaire font des ravages sur tout le continent :

    Ils aggravent la faim, poussent les populations à l’exil, fragilisent les économies, détruisent les moyens de subsistance et fauchent des vies.

    Les Caraïbes sont elles aussi touchées de manière disproportionnée.

    Il est grand temps de mettre fin à cette injustice :

    Il faut que, parallèlement à des sources de financement innovantes, des contributions conséquentes soient versées au nouveau Fonds visant à faire face aux pertes et dommages.

    Il faut que le financement de l’adaptation connaisse un véritable bond et, notamment, que les pays développés honorent l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de verser au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an – dès cette année.

    Il faut également des investissements massifs dans les énergies propres.

    L’Afrique concentre 60 % des meilleures ressources solaires du monde et près d’un tiers des minéraux essentiels à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.

    Pourtant, les installations présentes sur le continent ne représentent que 1,5 % des capacités solaires mondiales.

    Près de 600 millions de personnes sont toujours privées d’électricité.

    Et les pays et les populations d’Afrique sont relégués au bas de la chaîne de valeur des minéraux critiques, tandis que d’autres tirent largement profit de ces ressources.

    L’exploitation séculaire des ressources naturelles du continent, source de conflits et de misère, doit cesser.

    Nous devons agir pour permettre à l’Afrique d’occuper la place qui lui revient, celle d’un leader mondial des énergies propres…

    Pour stimuler les investissements et réduire les risques pour les investisseurs…

    Et pour que les pays et les populations d’Afrique tirent le meilleur parti de leurs minéraux critiques.

    Les nouveaux plans nationaux d’action pour le climat, ou contributions déterminées au niveau national, qui seront présentés cette année, doivent être conformes à l’objectif de limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1,5 degré Celsius, surtout dans les pays qui sont les grand pollueurs.

    Ces plans représentent une formidable occasion d’agir.

    J’exhorte les dirigeants africains à ne pas la laisser passer. Et à intégrer dans ces nouveaux plans des objectifs en matière de climat, d’énergie et de développement durable afin d’attirer les investissements.

    Et j’exhorte les pays, les entreprises et toutes les parties intéressées à collaborer avec nous pour appliquer les recommandations formulées par le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux critiques pour la transition énergétique – et ainsi faire en sorte que les droits humains, la justice et l’équité soient garantis tout au long de la chaîne de valeur, et que les pays d’Afrique soient les premiers à tirer parti de ces ressources.

    Excellences,

    Dans tous ces grands domaines, mobilisons-nous pour qu’aucune personne, aucun pays et aucun continent ne soit laissé de côté.

    Et ensemble, faisons en sorte que justice soit rendue à l’Afrique et aux personnes d’ascendance africaine.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Loudermilk Requests Additional C-130Js in FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill – U.S. Representative Barry Loudermilk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

    Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following his bipartisan request to Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Rep. Calvert and Ranking Member Rep. McCollum for funding of C-130J procurement as part of FY2026 defense appropriations.

    “America’s national security depends on the capability and lethality of our Armed Forces. Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our interests at home and abroad is critical, and I am committed to making sure our military is equipped to face the challenges of both the present and the future.

    “Older, 30+ year old variants of the C-130J platform lack sufficient missile warning systems, leaving them vulnerable to the anti-air capabilities of adversarial nations — further highlighting the need for renewed production. Continued procurement of the C-130J aircraft is essential to ensure the timely transport of both personnel and equipment, as current inventories continue to age. A significant drop in production over the next three years could severely undermine our national security — and that of our allies — at a dangerous time in world affairs.”

    IAM Union International President, Brian Bryant said in support: “The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlift currently in production, and a stable and efficient production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-skilled IAM Union jobs and supports more than 27,000 jobs across its nationwide supply chain.”

    Click here to read the full letter

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The results of the final of the Professionals championship in creative industries and IT were summed up in Nizhny Novgorod

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin during the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals professional skills championship in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    The final of the All-Russian championship in professional skills “Professionals” in the competencies of creative industries and information technologies in Nizhny Novgorod

    May 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov took part in the award ceremony for the finalists of the Professionals championship in Nizhny Novgorod

    The final of the All-Russian Championship of Professional Skills “Professionals” in creative industries and information technology competencies has ended in Nizhny Novgorod. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov, and Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin took part in the award ceremony.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko read out a greeting from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    “Today, Nizhny Novgorod has become a center of attraction for talented young men and women from different Russian regions and foreign countries. At the unique site of the federal technology park, college, technical school and school students were able to demonstrate their skills and ability to solve problems of any complexity. Excellent preparation and strong character allowed you to get ahead of your rivals and prove that you are the best in your field. The all-Russian championship movement is growing in our country from year to year. Competitions give participants an impetus for personal and professional growth, help to reveal their abilities, implement bold plans and projects, and the performances are an example for many young people who want to work in the creative industries and information technology,” Mikhail Mishustin noted in his welcoming speech.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also congratulated the participants and wished them success in their endeavors and professional growth.

    “Dear friends, I would like to send my personal wishes of happiness, goodness and gratitude to all participants. We had the opportunity to communicate with some of you in the wonderful space of the technology park, to see cool specialists, wonderful mentors, interested employers. Search, try, you will succeed, you are all definitely winners. The country is proud of you, you are the best, everyone will look up to you. Good luck!” – said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    24 participants became winners in the main and junior standings, 48 participants became prize winners. In addition, winners and prize winners were announced in the international, industrial and team standings.

    “Dear children, I would like to congratulate all the finalists and especially thank your parents, teachers and mentors. Today, thanks to them, you are in this room. Representatives of your future employers – large enterprises – are also present here. They watch and choose the best of the best. Today, secondary vocational education is developing, and it is in great demand. The President of Russia pays great attention to the training of workers. The “Professionality” project, organized on his instructions, has become a real driver of the development of our country’s economy,” said Sergey Kravtsov.

    The head of the Ministry of Education emphasized that for the first time in Nizhny Novgorod the final of the Professionals championship is being held, he addressed words of gratitude to the team of the Nizhny Novgorod region for the brilliant organization of the event.

    The final of the professional skills championship “Professionals” was held for a week in the Federal Technopark of Professional Education, created on the basis of the property complex “Nizhpoligraf” within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    “I would like to express my admiration for the young people who have gathered in Nizhny Novgorod these days from all over the country. It is breathtaking what you can do in your fields at the age of fourteen, fifteen, sixteen. I wish you to dare, to conquer the whole world, to climb Everest with the flag of our state in your hands, to remain true Russians who love their country in any situation. Great achievements to you, interesting ideas, business startups! We will be rooting for you. A special source of pride for me is that Nizhny Novgorod is hosting the Professionals championship. This became possible thanks to the faith in our region on the part of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and Sergei Sergeevich Kravtsov. Many thanks to Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, whom I can rightfully call a friend of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. He oversees the Volga Federal District and actively promotes the development of our region,” said Gleb Nikitin.

    In 2025, competitions were held in Nizhny Novgorod in 15 competencies, 10 of which were new for the final. The organizer of the championship is the Ministry of Education of Russia with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    In the main classification, college and technical school students (category “Main”), schoolchildren aged 14 and over (category “Juniors”) competed. Young specialists from specialized industries competed in the industrial classification, and representatives of foreign countries – in the international classification.

    Among the 195 contestants are representatives of 46 regions of Russia and 6 friendly countries.

    Over the course of three days, the competition was held in an individual format, and on the last day – for the first time in the history of the championship – in a team format.

    More than 50 enterprises representing specialized industries became partners of the final.

    The Professionals Championship is the largest event in the system of secondary vocational education, the list of competencies is formed in accordance with the demands of the real sector of the economy. In 2025, the championship final will be held in three cities. In Nizhny Novgorod – in creative industries and IT, in Kaluga – in industrial technology competencies, in St. Petersburg – in education and service competencies. Winners and prize-winners get the opportunity to undergo an internship with major employers in the industry with subsequent employment.

    The championship final is held within the framework of the All-Russian championship movement in professional skills “Professionals”.

    The events of the All-Russian Championship Movement for Professional Skills “Professionals” unite over 1 million people in all regions of the country. This is more than 300 thousand contestants, as well as expert mentors, chief experts, competency managers, industry representatives, participants in business and career guidance programs, volunteers. The championships serve as a platform for exchanging experience, broadcasting industry requests to the education system, and also a place for employers and young specialists to meet.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov and Gleb Nikitin also visited the Federal Technopark of Professional Education in Nizhny Novgorod, where the final of the All-Russian Championship in Professional Skills was held. The Technopark was created within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism” in accordance with the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. This is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister and the Governor assessed the venues where the competitions are taking place, and they also talked to the finalists and experts of the championship. The guys shared their impressions of participating in the competitions, talked about their competencies and preparation for the finals.

    It is planned that the Federal Technopark of Professional Education will become a center for advanced training of secondary vocational education teachers. As part of the creation of the technopark, premises for 21 laboratories have been prepared in three buildings (B1, B2 and D). In total, 43 equipped laboratories and workshops in more than 50 competencies in 9 priority industries are planned to be created on the territory of the Nizhpoligraf property complex.

    In addition to the buildings of the Federal Technopark of Professional Education, the guests were presented with the general project of the Park of Masters “Nizhpoligraf”. In 2023, the property complex was transferred to regional ownership and gained a new life. The facades of the buildings, utilities and internal structures were updated, the territory was landscaped.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov launched the production of a new Sollers car model and donated a bus to a large family from Ingushetia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov, as part of a working visit to Tatarstan, took part in the launch ceremony of the new generation Sollers SF5 light commercial vehicle production

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov handed over a Sollers Atlant bus to a large family from Ingushetia via videoconference at the plant site

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov took part in the launch ceremony of the new generation Sollers SF5 light commercial vehicles

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov took part in the ceremony of launching the production of the new generation light commercial vehicles Sollers SF5

    May 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Denis Manturov, as part of a working visit to Tatarstan, took part in the launch ceremony of the new generation Sollers SF5 light commercial vehicle production

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, as part of a working visit to Tatarstan, together with the head of the republic Rustam Minnikhanov, took part in the ceremony of launching the production of the new generation Sollers SF5 light commercial vehicles. In addition, Denis Manturov, via videoconference at the plant site, handed over a Sollers Atlant bus to a large family from Ingushetia, with whom Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken the day before.

    Sollers SF5 is the first Russian car of its class, serially equipped with an automatic transmission. It is produced using full-cycle technology, equipped with a fully localized diesel engine with a volume of 2.7 liters and a power of 150 hp, corresponding to the environmental standard “Euro-5”. Already at the stage of launching production, components of Russian manufacture are installed on Sollers SF5. It is planned that by the end of this year the level of localization of the new model will be 70%.

    “Sollers is taking a responsible approach to fulfilling its obligations, which were included in the special investment contract at the initial stage, and is gradually developing a new product range. Not long ago, last year, we launched the production of tourist buses in the Far East, before that – the previous generation of the Atlanta. I am confident that Sollers, both at other sites and in Alabuga, will confidently expand its product range, model range, increase the level of localization, and also provide work for other enterprises in the automotive component industry. In recent years, the automotive component industry has received a new lease of life in the development of the production of units and components. And Sollers is actively contributing to this, providing workload and orders to a wide range of Russian companies in this sector,” the First Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    “For 20 years, Sollers has been a strategic partner of Tatarstan. Today, the company continues to increase its market share, engage in localization and launch new products. Today, we are meeting another model. We sincerely thank the Government of Russia for supporting our car manufacturers and assisting in the implementation of promising investment projects. Stable operation of enterprises is the key to guaranteed good wages and decent working conditions,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.

    Denis Manturov handed over a 16-seat Sollers Atlant bus to a large family from Ingushetia via videoconference. Earlier, the family of Beslan Ruslanbekovich Bogolov and Maryam Khazhbikarovna Khamkhoeva, who are raising 11 children, asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to assist in purchasing comfortable transport for family trips. The President said that assistance would be provided, and today this informal order was fulfilled.

    Denis Manturov congratulated Maryam Khazhbikarovna on being awarded the title of “Mother Heroine”: “Even raising one child is a huge responsibility and noble work. And you have 10 boys and a girl, so raising them on their feet is definitely not an easy task. You are doing it – and this is truly a parental feat worthy of the deepest respect. The state has a special place for such families. Our President directs all authorities to prioritize support for those whose home is full of love, care and children’s voices.”

    As the First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized, the family will receive new transport within a week. “I hope that with its help you will show the children the beauty of the Caucasus. And it will be easier to solve everyday issues,” Denis Manturov added.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Citizens transfer pension savings to PDS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The number of citizens forming pension savings in non-state pension funds (NPF) decreased by 564 thousand people, to 35.4 million people, according to the results of the first quarter. This mainly happened because NPF clients are actively joining the long-term savings program (LTSP) and transferring their funds there as a down payment.

    As a result, the volume of pension savings decreased by 103 billion rubles over the quarter. The number of PDS participants increased by almost 1.5 times over the quarter and amounted to about 4 million people.

    In the structure of NPF portfolios, the share of investments in OFZ increased and decreased in money market instruments. NPF income from investment was provided primarily by coupons on debt securities.

    Read more in“Review of key indicators of non-state pension funds” for the first quarter of 2025.

    Preview photo: Donat Sorokin / TASS

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24664

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the work of educational and scientific institutions in Nizhny Novgorod

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke with students and teachers at the Nizhny Novgorod Automotive Technical School

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. At the Nizhny Novgorod Automotive Technical School

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. Pilot production of ultra-pure materials for microelectronics at the Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. Deputy Prime Minister and Gleb Nikitin sealed time capsules with messages to future generations from the Governments of the country and the region

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. The Deputy Prime Minister assessed the site where the first stage of the IT campus is currently being completed – 18 student hotels

    May 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working visit to Nizhny Novgorod. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke with students and teachers at the Nizhny Novgorod Automotive Technical School

    During his working visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko visited a number of educational and scientific institutions.

    In particular, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education of Russia Sergey Kravtsov and Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin assessed the organization of the process of conducting the state final certification of schoolchildren. They visited one of the points where the Unified State Exam is held – at School No. 111 in Nizhny Novgorod, where the Russian language exam is being held for more than 200 children.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the main stage of the Unified State Exam began on May 23 in all 89 regions of Russia and 55 foreign countries. Today, the Unified State Exam in Russian is taking place – this is the most massive exam, with more than 640 thousand people registered to take it on the main day.

    During the trip, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov and Gleb Nikitin assessed how the security point works and how security measures are organized at the exam point, and also watched the broadcast from other exam points in different regions. The school also demonstrated how work is organized at the headquarters of the exam point.

    “The procedure for the Unified State Exam has been streamlined in our country over the years and is conducted at the highest level. All assignments are printed directly in the classroom and transmitted in encrypted form, which completely eliminates the possibility of leaks. This is a unique technology that has no analogues in any country in the world. It guarantees absolute transparency and objectivity of the exam, providing equal conditions for all graduates. This year, more than 700 thousand are taking the Unified State Exam. In general, the exam is held in the normal mode, we will do everything possible to ensure that schoolchildren receive their results as soon as possible,” said Sergey Kravtsov.

    According to Gleb Nikitin, this year the region has organized 91 exam centers, which operate on the basis of educational organizations. The exam centers are equipped with video surveillance, metal detectors and mobile phone jammers. This is the most important condition for organizing high-quality and objective state final certification of school graduates.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko, together with Governor Gleb Nikitin, visited the world-class IT campus “Neimark”, the Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky (NNSU) and the Nizhny Novgorod Automotive Technical School.

    “A world-class inter-university campus is being created in Nizhny Novgorod, thanks to which new technologies will be developed. They will be aimed at achieving the national goal set by President Vladimir Putin – technological leadership, and will also be useful for the colleges of the federal project “Professionality”, – said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister assessed the site where the first stage of the IT campus is currently being completed – 18 student hostels. The work is being carried out under the federal project “Creating a Network of Modern Campuses” of the national project “Youth and Children”. It is planned that the first guests of the new complex will be participants of the World Youth Festival, which will be held in Nizhny Novgorod from September 17 to 21, 2025 and will bring together young people from Russia and foreign countries. Students of the Neimark University will move into the buildings from October.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and Gleb Nikitin sealed time capsules with messages to future generations from the governments of the country and the region. In particular, they emphasized that the IT campus in Nizhny Novgorod is not just a complex of buildings or a university, but a growth point for new meanings and technologies. These capsules will be given to the builders, they will be laid in the foundation of one of the IT campus facilities under construction.

    According to Gleb Nikitin, the Nizhny Novgorod Region is one of Russia’s IT centers. The region is home to offices of about 2,000 companies working in the field of information and information and communication technologies.

    “The industry currently employs about 38 thousand people, and even taking into account such an impressive figure, there is a shortage of personnel. In this situation, the implementation of the Neimark IT campus project is of strategic importance to us. It is important that the Neimark University began its educational activities in advance, last year, under two programs. Starting this year, training will be conducted under five programs, which were developed jointly with leading universities of the Nizhny Novgorod Region,” said Gleb Nikitin.

    At UNN, Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the pilot production of ultra-pure materials for microelectronics. At Lobachevsky University in Nizhny Novgorod, they plan to implement a full production cycle for high-purity substances. The project “Development of technologies for obtaining ultra-pure substances for the needs of the microelectronic industry and low-tonnage chemistry” is being implemented within the framework of the Priority-2030 program. The university also continues to conduct developments within the framework of advanced engineering schools aimed at creating space communications systems, radar, as well as developing a new component base and materials for microelectronics.

    The Deputy Prime Minister was told about the university’s advanced developments in the field of artificial intelligence, aimed at developing health-saving technologies, increasing life expectancy, improving cognitive health and active longevity, as well as about developments in the field of neuromorphic and quantum technologies of artificial and hybrid intelligence and their implementation in the real sector of the economy.

    At the Nizhny Novgorod Automotive Technical School (NAMT), Dmitry Chernyshenko talked to students and teachers. In particular, the ambassadors of “Professionalitet” answered the questions of the Deputy Prime Minister and described how they help schoolchildren with career guidance. And student Violetta Chernutskaya spoke about her career choice and explained why girls should learn to work on a lathe.

    Since 2022, NAMT has been the center of the educational and production cluster “Mechanical Engineering” within the framework of the federal project “Professionality” of the national project “Youth and Children”. Within the framework of the project, new educational laboratories in mechatronics and robotics, industrial automation, automated design of technological processes were created. In total, the cluster “Mechanical Engineering” covers over 1.3 thousand students of six educational institutions of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Students consolidate the knowledge gained in the workshops of “Professionality” at the production sites of the Gorky Automobile Plant under the guidance of experienced mentors during practice, master classes, and the preparation of real projects.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov and the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the launch of the industrial technopark “Olimp”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov and Rustam Minnikhanov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    May 30, 2025

    Denis Manturov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    May 30, 2025

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    Denis Manturov and Rustam Minnikhanov visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and took part in the opening ceremony of the industrial technopark in Tatarstan

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, as part of a working trip to Tatarstan, together with the head of the republic Rustam Minnikhanov, visited the KAMAZ automobile plant and also took part in the opening ceremony of a new industrial technology park.

    At the KAMAZ scientific and technical center, the First Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the republic were presented with a number of the latest high-tech vehicles of the K5 generation, as well as quarry dump trucks of the Atlant family, a KAMAZ-6290 water truck and a KAMAZ-53199 (Chistogor) flatbed electric garbage truck.

    KAMAZ presented a set of technical solutions that allow drivers with disabilities to operate trucks. The vehicle is equipped with a device that lifts and places the driver in the cabin. The vehicle is fully controlled using the steering wheel. Denis Manturov instructed the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Rosstandart, and the Ministry of Health to develop regulatory framework to ensure that drivers with disabilities are allowed to carry out commercial transportation in specially equipped vehicles. Such solutions may be in demand, including for participants in the SVO.

    Denis Manturov and Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the grand opening ceremony of the industrial technopark “Olimp”, the residents of which will be enterprises in the field of radio-electronic industry. In particular, the Electronics and Power Elements Center of PJSC “KAMAZ” will be opened here, specializing in the development and production of electronic components for freight and passenger vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells and electric traction. In total, the federal authorities, the Republic of Tatarstan and KAMAZ invested over 2 billion rubles in the project to create a new technopark.

    “Today we had the opportunity to get acquainted with the results of research and development work on technologies related to the development of hydrogen engines or accumulators. This area is developing quite actively in our country. At the same time, the application areas are very wide. This is not only the automotive industry, but also river vessels. We must maintain our potential without slowing down. This is an interdepartmental task. Today, colleagues identified a number of issues that need to be resolved. We will actively work on this area,” Denis Manturov emphasized.

    “This is the result of systematic work to create a high-tech infrastructure for the development of the republic and the entire country. The project was implemented with federal support, and thanks to this, the first stage of the construction of the technology park was completed in the shortest possible time. It is important for us that the technology park is also an educational platform and a center for training engineering personnel. In recent years, much has been done in terms of supporting higher education. I am confident that “Olimp” will become a place of innovation, where breakthrough technologies will be born and a new generation of engineers will grow up. We will always support. I want to wish that those discoveries appear here that will ensure the technological independence of the country,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.

    A meeting of the organizing committee for preparations for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city of Naberezhnye Chelny and the 50th anniversary of the release of the company’s first truck was also held at the KAMAZ site, chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister.

    “The significance of these events not only for Tatarstan, but for the entire country is emphasized by the President’s decree. Therefore, it is important for us to do everything necessary to ensure that the celebrations are held at the proper level. And most importantly, to leave behind a legacy in the form of new and overhauled facilities. We are talking about educational, cultural, sports and medical institutions. About the street and road network and residential buildings,” Denis Manturov noted.

    “We are grateful to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for the decision to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the city’s foundation and the 50th anniversary of the first KAMAZ vehicle at the federal level. The plan of the main events for the preparation and celebration of these significant dates has already been approved. And the main objective of the plan is to preserve human capital in the city, create comfortable conditions for life and work in production,” the head of the republic said.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 242 million rubles is not a trifle: results of the Coin Week

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    More than 51 million coins worth almost 242 million rubles were returned to circulation by citizens during the Coin Week, which took place in April this year. Thanks to the fact that new retail outlets joined the campaign, residents of 3,058 settlements were able to take part in it (2,568 in 2024).

    People handed in 235 tons of change to banks and shops — 17.5% more than last autumn. Half of the total weight was coins of 1, 2 and 5 rubles, the most popular in shops. The largest number of coins was collected in Moscow and the Moscow Region, St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, and Krasnodar Krai.

    Some banks and shops continue to accept coins for exchange for banknotes or crediting to an account. The addresses of participants and the conditions of acceptance are presented on the website coinweek.rf.

    In order to return coins to circulation, it is not necessary to wait for a special occasion; you just need to pay for goods and services with them.

    Preview photo: MaxZolotukhin / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24660

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: It is necessary to continue to open new markets for the development of Russian grain exports

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    May 30, 2025

    IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    May 30, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    May 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the IV All-Russian Grain Forum – 2025. The event was attended by representatives of relevant departments and organizations, as well as more than 60 companies that regularly purchase grain in our country.

    “Russian farmers harvested almost 130 million tons of grain in 2024. This result fully meets our domestic needs and creates a reserve for solving export problems. According to international institutions, this season Russia ranks second in barley production on the world stage, fourth in wheat and is in the top 10 in corn volumes. The 2025 sowing campaign is proceeding ahead of schedule. About 48 million hectares are planned for grain, including winter crops. All areas affected by recurrent frosts have already been resown. I expect that the approved area structure will be observed. And we can count on decent grain harvests. We hope that the harvest will be higher than in 2024,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the Russian Government retains instruments to support farmers – preferential lending, control over the availability of mineral fertilizers, development of a preferential leasing mechanism, and others.

    In 2025, the subsidy for rail transportation of grain from Siberia and the Urals was increased by 2 billion rubles. This will allow more than 2 million tons to be exported from traditionally surplus regions and thereby support local farmers.

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that the intervention fund was transferred to sales mode in 2025. In addition, the export quota for wheat was reduced to maintain stability in the domestic market.

    According to the decree of the President on the national development goals of the Russian Federation, by 2030, with grain harvests of 170 million tons, grain supplies to foreign markets should reach 80 million tons. In the 2023-2024 season, Russia exported more than 71 million tons.

    The Deputy Prime Minister named measures that will allow removing barriers and intensifying current export deliveries. For example, a decree of the Russian Government was signed that increases the maximum volume of the additional quota for grain exports from 45 to 300%. This temporary measure will allow exporters to increase deliveries abroad due to the share of producers who have refused to export.

    “I urge businesses to make maximum use of the capabilities of our attachés on agro-industrial complex issues abroad, as well as the Federal Center for Development of Export of Agricultural Products. We have created this tool specifically to assist exporters in entering new sales markets,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The prospects for increasing exports, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, should also be viewed through the prism of expanding logistics capabilities. To this end, the development of port infrastructure continues first and foremost. Thus, in 2024, grain handling capacity increased by 5 million tons.

    In conclusion, Dmitry Patrushev noted the importance of international cooperation. The BRICS countries supported Russia’s proposal to create the association’s own grain exchange, aimed at strengthening food sovereignty and reducing dependence on Western trading platforms. At the level of the Russian Government, a concept is being developed that will be presented to partners.

    Dmitry Patrushev also answered questions from business representatives. They concerned support for the export of grain legumes, provision of farmers with fertilizers, agricultural insurance, lifting the ban on the export of raw rice and other topics. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, despite the importance of export development, the domestic market is a priority in decision-making.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin approved decisions on measures to support the coal industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Coal enterprises will receive additional support, which should ensure their further stable development in the current unfavorable economic situation. This decision was maderesults of the meeting on the situation in the coal industry, which was held by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The necessary instructions for the implementation of additional measures were given to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy.

    A targeted approach will be used in providing assistance measures to coal industry organizations, developed by the Government on the instructions of the President.

    For this purpose, a decision was made to create a subcommittee to provide financial measures of state support to individual organizations in economic sectors. It will operate within the framework of the Government Commission on Increasing the Stability of the Russian Economy in the Context of Sanctions at the Ministry of Finance. The subcommittee will be headed by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. It will include representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Central Bank, the Federal Tax Service, the Federal Financial Monitoring Service and other structures.

    Together with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance will have until June 5 to develop and approve the criteria on the basis of which decisions will be made on the consideration of applications for state support for industry companies.

    A number of proposals were made at the meeting, which it was decided to support.

    Thus, until December 1, a deferment of the mineral extraction tax and insurance contributions will be granted to all enterprises in the coal industry. If necessary, it can be extended for a longer period by a separate decision of the subcommittee.

    Coal industry organizations will be provided with targeted subsidies to compensate for part of the cost of logistics expenses when exporting coal products over long distances.

    Another decision concerns the provision of compensation in the amount of 12.8% of the tariff for export transportation of coal in the north-west and south directions to Siberian coal companies. Their list will be formed by the Ministry of Energy and approved by the subcommittee.

    On the instructions of Mikhail Mishustin, plans for the financial recovery of enterprises in the industry will be approved, including those providing for assistance from direct beneficiaries (shareholders), as well as restrictions on the payment of dividends, an increase in the salaries of senior management, and cost optimization.

    In addition, it has been deemed appropriate to give coal industry enterprises that are experiencing a serious debt burden the opportunity to restructure their credit debt. When working on this measure, the position of the financial regulator, the Bank of Russia, will be taken into account.

    Mikhail Mishustin instructed Sergei Tsivilev and Anton Siluanov to take personal control of the implementation of the decisions taken.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/30/2025, 12-18 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107UA7 (GPB005P03P) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05/30/2025 12:18

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on May 30, 2025, 12-18 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 103.58) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1141.36 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A107UA7 (GPB005P03P) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Bolivia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 30, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV consultation[1] for Bolivia on May 2. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Bolivia’s real GDP growth has moderated to 2.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, driven by a decline in hydrocarbons production, a slowdown in services activity, and a drop in soy crops and related manufacturing due to ‘El Niño’ effects. The economy has also faced disruptions from road blockages and scarcity of foreign exchange (FX)―given critically low international reserves―fuels and other critical inputs. High import costs, weak agricultural production, and road blockages pushed inflation to 10 percent at end-2024, the highest level in over a decade. Unemployment has fallen, but underemployment is rising, and real incomes retrenched on average. The combination of FX shortages, slowing activity, and depreciation of the parallel exchange rate resulted in a compression of the current account deficit to 2.7 percent for 2024. The fiscal deficit surpassed 10 percent of GDP in 2023-24 with declining hydrocarbon revenues, tax exemptions, increased social spending, and higher interest payments. The deficit has been mostly financed by the central bank amid tight external financing constraints. Public debt has increased to 95 percent of GDP.

    The financial sector remains well buffered. However, deposits declined in real terms and net interest margins are pressured by interest rate controls, limiting banks’ ability to raise loan rates amid rising inflation and slowing credit growth. Banks have experienced improved profitability from FX trading gains, resulting in a strengthened capital adequacy ratio of 13.5 percent in 2024, while non-performing loans have remained low at 3.2 percent of total loans.

     

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They expressed concern over Bolivia’s acute fiscal and external imbalances and unsustainable policy mix and called for urgent actions to address the overvalued exchange rate, bolster foreign reserves, and implement sustained fiscal consolidation. Directors cautioned that inaction could lead to a painful disorderly adjustment and underscored the Fund’s readiness to support the authorities through its various activities. They encouraged the staff to continue to closely engage the authorities on the needed adjustments. Careful communication of the policy reforms to stakeholders would be pivotal to enhance their acceptability.

    Directors stressed that the untenable peg to the U.S. dollar and depleted international reserves call for a decisive shift in the monetary policy framework. They called for a realignment of the exchange rate with market fundamentals, moving toward greater exchange rate flexibility, and for front loaded fiscal consolidation and restrictive monetary policy settings, which would address inflationary pressures, alleviate FX shortages, and allow elimination of FX restrictions. Increasing interest rate flexibility will facilitate effective monetary policy transmission.

    Directors recommended a credible and sustained fiscal consolidation by rationalizing the public wage bill, phasing out fuel subsidies, enhancing public investment management and spending efficiency, and mobilizing tax revenue. Eliminating monetary financing of fiscal deficits is also important. Directors also emphasized the need to mitigate the effects of the policy adjustments on vulnerable populations, including through improved targeting of the social safety net. A coherent fiscal framework can help underpin the consolidation plan.

    Directors emphasized the need to strengthen financial sector supervision amid growing economic vulnerabilities. They called for close monitoring and contingency planning and encouraged the implementation of the remaining 2024 FSAP recommendations and strengthening the AML/CFT framework. Enhancing Bolivia’s public pension fund operations by diversifying investments and strengthening the pension supervisor’s independence is also important.

    Directors called for comprehensive supply side reforms to enhance productivity and growth potential and facilitate external rebalancing by phasing out export ceilings, price controls, and credit quotas. They emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework to attract private investment and to focus public investment on socially beneficial infrastructure projects. Further efforts to enhance transparency and the governance and anticorruption frameworks will also be important. Improving data adequacy also remains a priority.

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

    Table 1. Bolivia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023-30

    Population (millions, 2024)

    11.3

    Poverty rate (percent, 2023)

    36.5

    Population growth rate (percent, 2024)

    1.4

    Adult literacy rate (percent, 2023)

    95.2

    Life expectancy at birth (years, 2024)

    68.7

    GDP per capita (US$, 2023)

    3,736

    Total unemployment rate (2024Q3)

    3.6

    		  

    IMF Quota (SDR, millions)

    240.1

     

     

    Est.

    Proj.

     

     

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    Income and prices

    Real GDP

    3.1

    1.3

    1.1

    0.9

    Nominal GDP

    2.6

    6.5

    16.4

    16.9

    CPI inflation (period average)

    2.6

    5.1

    15.1

    15.8

    CPI inflation (end of period)

    2.1

    10.0

    15.6

    16.8

    Combined public sector

    Revenues and grants

    27.8

    28.4

    24.8

    24.2

       Of which: Hydrocarbon related revenue 1/

    2.8

    2.2

    1.9

    1.6

    Expenditure

    38.7

    38.7

    37.5

    37.4

       Current

    32.3

    33.2

    32.5

    32.6

       Capital 2/

    6.4

    5.4

    5.0

    4.8

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    -10.9

    -10.3

    -12.7

    -13.2

       Of which: Non-hydrocarbon balance

    -15.4

    -16.4

    -16.3

    -16.0

    Total gross NFPS debt 3/

    90.8

    95.0

    90.4

    91.4

    External sector

    Current account

    -2.5

    -2.7

    -2.6

    -3.2

    Exports of goods and services

    26.2

    20.7

    18.0

    16.0

       Of which: Natural gas

    4.5

    3.3

    2.3

    1.8

    Imports of goods and services

    28.6

    23.4

    20.4

    18.9

    Capital account

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Financial account (-= net inflow)

    -2.0

    -3.5

    -2.8

    -3.3

       Of which: Direct investment net

    0.0

    -0.2

    -0.2

    -0.1

       Of which: Other investment, net

    -1.5

    -2.1

    -2.3

    -3.4

       Of which: Unidentified financing inflows

    0.0

    0.0

    -1.4

    -3.2

       Of which: Unidentified financing inflows

    0.0

    0.0

    1.9

    2.8

    Net errors and omissions

    -4.8

    -2.6

    0.0

    0.0

    Terms of trade index (percent change)

    1.2

    -2.3

    -1.6

    -0.2

    Central Bank gross foreign reserves 4/ 5/ 6/

    In millions of U.S. dollars

    1,808

    2,009

    2,118

    2,199

    In months of imports of goods and services

    1.9

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0

    In percent of GDP

    4.0

    4.1

    3.8

    3.3

    In percent of ARA

    20.6

    23.0

    22.3

    20.5

    Money and credit

    Credit to the private sector (percent change)

    -2.1

    4.0

    7.5

    7.2

    Credit to the private sector (percent of GDP)

    70.8

    69.2

    63.9

    58.6

    Broad money (percent of GDP)

    90.2

    87.5

    85.7

    86.9

    Memorandum items:

    Nominal GDP (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    45.5

    48.4

    56.3

    65.9

    Bolivianos/U.S. dollar (end-of-period)  7/

    6.9

    …

    …

    …

    REER, period average (percent change) 8/

    -1.5

    …

    …

    …

      Oil prices (in U.S. dollars per barrel)

    80.6

    79.2

    72.0

    68.2

      Energy-related subsidies to SOEs (percent of GDP) 9/

    3.9

    4.0

    3.4

    2.9

    Sources: Bolivian authorities (MEFP, Ministry of Planning, BCB, INE, UDAPE); IMF; Fund staff calculations.
    1/ Excludes YPFB profits/losses.
    2/ Includes net lending.
    3/ Public debt includes SOE’s borrowing from the BCB (but not from other domestic institutions) and BCB loans to FINPRO and FNDR.
    4/ Excludes reserves from the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR) and Offshore Liquidity Requirements (RAL).
    5/ All foreign assets valued at market prices.
    6/ Includes a repurchase line of US$99.2 million maturing in 2025.
    7/ Official (buy) exchange rate.
    8/ The REER based on authorities’ methodology is different from that of the IMF (see 2017 and 2018 Staff Reports).
    9/ Includes the cost of subsidy borne by public enterprises and incentives for hydrocarbon exploration investments in the projection period.

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

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Bolivia page.

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

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/30/pr-25168-bolivia-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult

    MIL OSI

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  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT’S DISTURBING RULING TO REVOKE LEGAL STATUS OF MORE THAN 500,000 MIGRANTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    May 30, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement:

    “I am truly outraged by the Supreme Court’s morally bankrupt and legally absurd decision to rubber stamp the Trump Administration’s efforts to strip more than half a million migrants in our nation of their protected status. With SCOTUS’ blessing, Donald Trump’s barbaric punishment of hundreds of thousands of innocent Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans living legally in our nation can proceed – and his administration can now take its cruel crusade against immigrant Americans to an unprecedented new level.

    “It’s stunning that our nation’s highest court has all but endorsed a nonsensical argument based only in this administration’s hysterical contempt for immigrants. We’re talking about the most vulnerable people in the world, each of whom was promised safety and protection in this nation, who are instead now staring down a death sentence if forced to return to their previous countries. With this decision, America has betrayed and backstabbed more than 500,000 children, women, and men. Let me be clear: that is a sin that cannot and will not be forgiven.

    “The Supreme Court of the United States gave its resounding approval of a xenophobic policy that punishes the very people it should be protecting, and that is utterly disgusting. In their hour of need, these innocents deserved only love. Tragically, the Trump Administration is capable of only hate.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Require Supreme Court to Adopt Binding and Enforceable Code of Ethics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a former civil rights lawyer and legal ethics professor, joined 26 of his colleagues to reintroduce the bicameral Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act, legislation to require Supreme Court justices to adopt a binding code of conduct and create a mechanism to investigate alleged violations of the code of conduct and other laws. Specifically, the legislation would improve disclosure and transparency when a justice has a connection to a party before the Court, end the practice of justices ruling on their own conflicts of interest, and require justices to explain their recusal decisions to the public. 
    “Our nation was founded on the principle that no one is above the law, including our Supreme Court justices, but recent actions of some justices have led the American people to lose faith in this ideal,” said Kaine. “We must rebuild public trust in our nation’s highest court, which is why I’m proud to be reintroducing this commonsense legislation to create a tough, enforceable, and mandatory ethics standard to ensure the justices are acting in the best interest of the American people and properly carrying out their duties under the Constitution.”
    In recent years, reporting from ProPublica and The New York Times has exposed Justice Clarence Thomas’s long record of accepting undisclosed gifts from politically active right-wing billionaires. Further reporting from ProPublica found that Justice Samuel Alito accepted private jet travel to an all-expenses-paid vacation from a hedge fund billionaire who had contributed over $80 million to Republican political organizations and had business before the Court. Justice Alito’s luxury vacation was organized by Leonard Leo, the engineer of the current right-wing Supreme Court supermajority, at the behest of a cadre of right-wing billionaires and special interests. 
    The SCERT Act would address these and future ethical shortfalls by developing a process for the creation and enforcement of a code of conduct, improving the rules and transparency regarding gifts to justices, and strengthening recusal requirements to ensure impartiality of justices.
    In addition to Kaine, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    The SCERT Act is endorsed by Accountable.US/Accountable.NOW, Common Cause, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Citizens United/Let America Vote, Demand Justice, Fix the Court, New York City Bar Association, People’s Parity Project, League of Conservation Voters, Court Accountability Action, Free Law Project, American Governance Institute, Lawyers for Good Government, Public Citizen, and Stand Up America. 
    As a lawyer and legal ethics professor, Kaine has long supported Supreme Court ethics reform. In 2024, Kaine strongly supported President Joe Biden’s proposed Supreme Court reforms, which would have created an enforceable ethics code. In 2023, following the alarming ProPublica report, Kaine called on Chief Justice Roberts to investigate Justice Thomas. In 2023, Kaine also joined a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to include language in upcoming government funding legislation to direct the Supreme Court to adopt binding, transparent, and enforceable ethics rules.
    Full text of the SCERT Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces More Than $29 Million to Increase Access to Affordable Housing, Improve Public Services in Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that multiple Maine localities will receive $29,017,396 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) formula grant programs. CPD programs support states and communities as they construct and rehabilitate affordable housing, improve public services, and address homelessness. The grant awards are distributed through multiple HUD programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Housing Trust Fund (HTF), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, and the Recovery Housing Program (RHP).
    “This funding will help communities across our state expand access to stable and affordable housing while improving essential local services and supporting job creation,” said Senator Collins. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion investments in housing and community infrastructure so that more Maine families and individuals can find a safe place to call home.”
    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
    This program supports the development of viable urban communities by funding housing, public infrastructure, and job creation programs that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
    The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
    State of Maine – $11,867,952
    City of Portland – $1,807,636
    Cumberland County – $1,509,068
    City of Bangor – $833,082
    City of Lewiston – $788,103
    City of Auburn – $485,861
    City of Biddeford – $424,428
    HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
    This program provides formula grants to build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership, or to provide direct rental assistance to low-income households.
    The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
    State of Maine – $4,076,946
    City of Portland – $800,654
    City of Auburn – $462,520
    Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
    This program funds the production and preservation of affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households.
    The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
    State of Maine – $3,134,373
    Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
    This program helps individuals and families quickly regain stable housing after experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
    The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
    State of Maine – $1,398,052
    City of Portland – $161,146
    Recovery Housing Program (RHP)
    This program provides temporary housing support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
    The funding for this program is allocated as follows:
    State of Maine – $1,267,575

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces More Than $4.2 Million for Airport Improvements Across Maine

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: May 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that eleven Maine airports will receive a total of $4,201,355 to support important infrastructure improvements. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA, which provided $15 billion for airport improvements nationwide.
    “Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities during emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “These significant investments will allow airports across Maine to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and efficiency of their operations, while enhancing passengers’ overall experience.”
    Specifically, the funding has been allocated as follows:
    Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport (LEW) – $1,163,000 to support multiple improvements including construction of a new 11,800 square foot hangar for aircraft storage, a new general aviation apron, and a 900-foot hangar taxilane to improve airfield access and bring the airport in alignment with current aviation standards.
    Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) – $416,385 to update the airport’s master plan, which will guide future development.
    Pittsfield Municipal Airport (2B7) – $268,294 to acquire a snowplow attachment and reseal 4,003 feet of runway pavement to extend its service life.
    Dewitt Field/Old Town Municipal Airport (OLD) – $245,044 to reimburse the airport for construction of a portion of a new 9,000 square foot hangar completed in 2020 that is helping the airport generate additional revenue.
    Sugarloaf Regional Airport (B21) – $237,500 to design rehabilitation plans for 2,797 feet of runway to extend its service life.
    Augusta State Airport (AUG) – $213,750 to reconstruct airfield markings that have reached the end of their useful lives, improving safety for pilots and ground crews.
    Princeton Municipal Airport (PNN) – $183,350 to design a new 4,225 square foot hangar that will support airport self-sufficiency through increased aviation activity.
    Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport (8B0) – $150,000 to reconstruct 3,444 square yards of existing terminal apron to extend its service life and construct new 750-foot taxilanes to improve airfield access.
    Northern Aroostook Regional Airport (FVE) – $118,720 to acquire snow removal equipment, including a snow blower and plow blade, to improve winter operations.
    Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) – $115,615 to acquire and install upgraded security equipment in accordance with federal regulations.
    Lincoln Regional Airport (LRG) – $89,697 to acquire 0.7 acres of land, including an on-property building, for future development,
    Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Slams Trump Administrations’ Cuts to Vital Job Training Program for Wisconsin Workers, Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it is cutting funding for Job Corps and closing centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee.
    “Wisconsin is a state that makes things, but without a skilled workforce, our state risks losing that vital part of our identity and economy. Job training programs like Job Corps are a proven way to connect more Wisconsinites with careers that in turn fuel our economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “Congress appropriated funding for Job Corps, and the Trump Administration can’t just decide to not spend it because they want to make room for tax cuts for billionaires. At a time when Wisconsin businesses are demanding more skilled workers, the Trump Administration is cutting vital resources that put Wisconsinites on a fast-track to good-paying jobs in nursing, manufacturing, and the trades. Gutting Job Corps is a step in the wrong direction, exacerbating our state’s workforce shortage, locking students out of good-paying jobs, and hurting our Made in Wisconsin economy and businesses who rely on skilled workers to compete and grow.”
    Job Corps is the nation’s largest free, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. Since 1964, three million students graduated from Job Corps. However, Thursday the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will begin shutting down contractor operated Job Corp centers nationwide, including in Milwaukee, jeopardizing job training for Wisconsin students and local communities.
    Senator Baldwin has been a champion for workforce training and apprenticeship programs, including Job Corps. During President Trump’s first term, Senator Baldwin blocked the administration from trying to close a Job Corps center near Laona that provides economic opportunities in rural Wisconsin. At a hearing for President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal last week, Senator Baldwin pressed DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer on proposed cuts to workforce training programs, including the Job Corps program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development

    LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Plant Biostimulant Act to create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production. Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to enhance natural processes, improve nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to environmental stress, and boost overall plant health and crop yield. These products also show promise for improving sustainability through practices like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.
    Currently, there is no clear or consistent federal framework to govern the use and approval of plant biostimulants, which creates uncertainty for producers and limits the adoption of these innovative tools. The Plant Biostimulant Act would address this gap through federal guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “As we leverage innovation to make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety. Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”
    “Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture. By creating pathways to approve new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants, our nation’s farmers are able to produce more food with less crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Padilla and Representatives Baird and Panetta to help make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier than we found it.” 
    “The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Representative Panetta. “By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants. Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”
    “Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for famers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Representative Baird. “Biostimulants have the significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint. Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”
    “The reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulant Act in the Senate is a pivotal step forward, and we commend Senators Roger Marshall and Alex Padilla for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA). “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed regulatory clarity for plant biostimulants—ensuring a consistent federal definition and a predictable path to market for these innovative tools. By enabling greater investment in U.S. agricultural innovation, it strengthens our global competitiveness and supports long-term sustainability. BPIA stands ready to work with Congress, growers, and partners across the agricultural community to get this bill passed and deliver the solutions our farmers deserve.”
    Specifically, the Plant Biostimulant Act would:
    Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define plant biostimulants;
    Direct EPA to revise the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the new definition;
    Require USDA to study the contributions of plant biostimulants to soil health and sustainability.
    Plant biostimulants are similar to probiotics or vitamins for plants which stimulate a plant’s natural processes to increase growth and optimize plant health, thereby reducing abiotic stress such as heat, salinity, floods, and drought. Plant biostimulants can provide environmental benefits by improving soil health, enhancing fertilizer efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is a leader in the development of guidelines used to register plant biostimulant products, and the University of California, Davis has pioneered research on the efficacy of plant biostimulants for increasing drought resiliency in tomatoes, among other areas.
    The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by the following groups: Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Bipartisan Coalition of CA Delegation Members Demand Restoration of Critical Disaster Resiliency Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Bipartisan Coalition of CA Delegation Members Demand Restoration of Critical Disaster Resiliency Program

    LOS ANGELES, CA — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and a bipartisan group of California delegation members in demanding the restoration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The Trump Administration recently announced its decision to end the BRIC program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023, a shortsighted move that jeopardizes pre-disaster mitigation measures and infrastructure resiliency efforts in California and throughout the country.
    President Trump signed the BRIC program into law as part of the 2018 Disaster Reform Act, helping fund local projects that reduce damage from flooding, tornadoes, and other weather-related events. Since its inception, the BRIC program has invested $5 billion in grants for resilient infrastructure. Projects in California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in California history.
    “We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects,” wrote the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. “Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.”
    “The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program,” continued the lawmakers.
    Every dollar spent on pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness saves between $6 and $13 in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. California stands to lose over $1 billion in disaster resilience and mitigation funding if the Administration proceeds with the cancellation of the BRIC program.
    In addition to Padilla, Panetta, and Schiff, the letter was also signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Vince Fong (R-Calif.-20), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Young Kim (R-Calif.-40), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), and David Valadao (R-Calif.-22).
    Senator Padilla previously joined over 80 of his colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the BRIC program.
    Full text of the California lawmakers’ letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem and Mr. Richardson,
    We write with great concern regarding the decision to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and cancel all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020- 2023. Given its impact on the State of California, which stands to lose over one billion dollars in promised resilience funding, we urge you to reconsider this decision.
    The BRIC program, established in the 2018 Disaster Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump, has distributed $5 billion in grants since its inception, driving investment in resilient infrastructure. While we understand and support the need to find efficiencies and improve the BRIC program, these grants save federal dollars and help protect our most vulnerable communities through emergency preparedness.
    Projects in the State of California include drought and earthquake mitigation projects in Kern and Tulare counties and wildfire management projects in Santa Cruz, Napa, Sonoma, and Nevada counties, all of which are still working to recover from the 2020 wildfires that were some of the deadliest and costliest wildfires in the State’s history. This BRIC funding, which included a match from local homeowners, would have funded home hardening, defensible space fuels reduction, evacuation route fuel reduction, and landscape-scale fuel reduction work. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision. If FEMA decides to ultimately withdraw its federal investment, these counties will be forced to abandon these life- and infrastructure-saving projects.
    Moreover, pre-disaster mitigation and up-front investment saves taxpayer dollars. For every dollar spent in pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness, between $6 and $13 is saved in damages, cleanup costs, and economic impact. We support the Agency’s goal of reducing the amount of federal dollars spent on disaster recovery and believe the BRIC program helps to achieve future cost reductions. Ending the BRIC Program will result in higher costs for Americans, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.
    Consequently, we respectfully request responses to the following questions by June 13, 2025:
    1. How many projects in California will be impacted by this decision?
    2. What is FEMA’s timeline and process for cancelling this funding?
    3. In a memo, Director Hamilton noted that not all projects will be impacted if they have already commenced. What stage of project completion will allow recipients to continue to receive funding?
    4. Former Director Hamilton also noted that FEMA will create a new, similar program. What are the details and timelines for the rollout of this program?
    The BRIC Program allows the State of California and its many communities to shift away from reactive disaster spending and toward research-supported, proactive investment in community resilience. We urge you to immediately reverse this decision and do all you can to support the work of this vital program.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Signs Last of Bills to Protect Children Online

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Signs Last of Bills to Protect Children Online

     

    LINCOLN, NE – A package of bills aimed at protecting kids, and introduced on behalf of Governor Jim Pillen, are now law. He signed the last of the four bills, LB504, this morning. It helps protect the personal information of children who are online and gives parents the ability to monitor privacy and account settings. Three other bills were officially signed by the Governor last week. At today’s event, Gov. Pillen gave ceremonial copies of those bills to sponsoring senators and to Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

     

    “We’re never going to give up on our kids. They are our future. Today marks a gigantic step in protecting our kids,” said Gov. Pillen. “Collectively all these bills have an incredible impact on helping our teachers and giving our schools the opportunity to teach our kids, instead of being disrupted in the classroom. They also provide parents with the tools they need to protect our kids from big tech online companies and predators.”

     

    Senator Carolyn Bosn said the purpose of LB504 was not about moderating content, but rather, ensuring that design features were made less addictive to young users.

     

    “We’re not going to wait for social media companies to do that anymore. We’re going to take matters into our own hands. Like the Governor said, we’re not going to give up on our kids and I think this piece of legislation really prioritizes kids and their experiences online.” 

     

    As part of the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act, online service providers can be assed civil penalties, if they commit a violation.  

     

    Senator Rita Sanders said similarly the intent of her bill (LB504), was not to ban phones outright, but limit their negative impact in the classroom. She cited success in the Bellevue School District after restrictions were implemented there. She said LB140 will do the same for other school systems across the state. 

     

    “It’s about giving local school districts the ability to limit distractions and create learning environments where students and teachers can thrive,” said Sen. Sanders. “The data is clear — according to PEW research, 72% of high school teachers say cell phones are a top distraction. Over half of school leaders report academic and mental health setbacks due to phone use. Studies show that cutting screen time can reduce anxiety and depression in teens by 40%.”

     

    Under LB140, school boards are required to adopt policies regarding student use of smart phones. Exceptions can be made for emergencies, health situations, educational purposes, with permission by the school board or school employee and as part of an individualized education program. Requirements need to be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year. 

     

    LB383, sponsored on the Governor’s behalf by Senator Tanya Storer, creates the Parental Rights in Social Media Act. In part, that legislation requires that social media companies verify the age of users and minors must get parental consent before creating their accounts.

     

    “I am honored to be a part of this transformational legislative reform package to protect the minds of our youth and empower parents with the tools to parent their children in the digital world the same way they are able to do in the physical world,” said Sen. Storer.    “This is long overdue, and I am excited to see the positive impact this will have on the next generation. This is a major step in freeing our children from the claws of big tech and reversing the tragic trend of depression, anxiety and suicide we have seen in our youth.”

     

    LB172, which was amended into LB383, tackles that issue of AI-generated pornography and creates criminal penalties for offenders. Bill introducer, Senator Brian Hardin, pointed to Nebraska’s leadership in creating protections – protections that have not yet been addressed at the federal level. 

     

    “Our grandparents and great-grandparents could never have envisioned the world that these leaders are bringing into locus. It takes forward leaning leadership to make this happen. We’re leading the way here in Nebraska.” 

     

    “The protections put into place with the passage of LB383 address the rapidly changing world which includes AI that can tragically be used to inflict harm on children through the production of generated child abuse material (CSAM),” added Attorney General Mike Hilgers. “I am grateful the Legislature recognized and addressed this threat with the passage of LB383.”

     

    Noting that nothing was more important than putting kids first, Gov. Pillen offered his appreciation for the hard work undertaken by lawmakers to get all four bills passed in the current legislative session.

     

    “These folks stood up to a lot of big tech companies coming in and saying, ‘we have this fixed, and we have that fixed,’ and nobody bought into that. I just can’t commend everyone enough for standing up and doing what’s right.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen, Sen. Hughes-led bill focuses on TEEOSA

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen, Sen. Hughes-led bill focuses on TEEOSA

     

    LINCOLN, NE — Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Nebraska Legislature passed LB303. Gov. Pillen plans to sign it into law. 

    “LB303 creates the School Financing Review Commission. Nebraska’s long history with TEEOSA has shown there are some glaring flaws in the formula. An independent commission reviewing TEEOSA’s impact on students and educational outcomes will help the legislature find the right solutions for our state’s school funding formula and ultimately be a part of solving our property tax crisis. I’m grateful for Senator Hughes’ leadership and work to pass this legislation on the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen To Sign Key National Security Legislation

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . The legislation passed overwhelmingly with a bipartisan majority of senators. 

    “The security of our nation starts here at home — and that means we must take a strong stand against foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party. National security is not a red or blue issue, and I’m grateful to have worked with Senator Eliot Bostar to make Nebraska safer. I will proudly sign LB644 into law.” 

    Providing protections for critical infrastructure, property, and more has been a focus for Gov. Pillen since he first took office. In that time, he has issued executive orders aimed at safeguarding telecommunications equipment and banning applications, software and platforms created or owned by affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on state networks and devices. 

    Last year, he signed his name to a package of bills to enhance security for the state and nation, including the Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act, which prevents foreign adversaries from buying land in Nebraska.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Concern for welfare – Search and Rescue Operation – Darwin Harbour

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Search and Rescue Section are actively searching for Brendon Doherty, a 55-year-old male, who voluntarily jumped off the Channel Island Bridge last night accompanied by work mates.

    About 9:42pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of the male drifting away after several minutes of him laughing and active within the water after jumping off the bridge. It is alleged Mr Doherty was unable to swim back to shore, despite his friends’ attempts to encourage him. He was last seen in the middle of the channel, drifting toward Darwin City in strong tidal currents. Witnesses observed him for approximately two minutes before losing sight of him.

    He was last seen wearing steel cap boots, shorts and a dark shirt.

    The Search and Rescue Section deployed and overnight have done an extensive search of the Elisabeth River in the East Arm area. Police are urging anyone who may witnesses a male floating or along the shore in the harbour to provide aid and call Triple Zero immediately.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Father and son indicted for providing material support to Mexican cartel engaged in terrorism following ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two family members with ties to South Texas have been charged with allegedly conspiring to materially support a Mexican cartel previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit money laundering and related smuggling charges, following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the DEA and the FBI with substantial assistance of IRS CI along with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Department of Public Safety.

    The superseding indictment, returned May 22, alleges Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, Sandy, Utah, conspired to provide material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación in the form of U.S. currency. The Secretary of State designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20.

    “This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach we are taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei from the Southern District of Texas. “This strategy focuses not just on the traffickers and trigger-pullers directly employed by the cartels but also targeting their confederates and enablers. Whether you are handing the cartel a gun, providing a car or safehouse for smugglers, or putting money in the cartel’s pocket, you will be held to account.”

    The Jensen’s allegedly operated Arroyo Terminals, an enterprise based in Rio Hondo, Texas.

    Both are also charged with allegedly conspiring to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of illegally smuggled goods, crude oil. They also aided and abetted the fraudulent entry of approximately 2,881 shipments of the oil in violation of the Tariff Act, according to the charges.

    “Cases like this highlight the often-dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Through strong collaborations and relentless investigative work, we and our partners exposed a possible large-scale operation that allegedly attempted to move millions in illicit crude oil and launder the proceeds. HSI remains committed to protecting our economy and holding offenders accountable.”

    “What began as a Drug Enforcement Administration drug trafficking investigation evolved into a multifaceted case involving an alleged complex criminal operation generating millions of dollars from crude oil – the largest funding source for Mexican drug cartels,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of DEA – Houston. “Given the charges have profound implications for both the United States and Mexico, we will continue to explore all leads and identify any believed to be involved. The collaboration with federal law enforcement, prosecutors, and state agencies proved critical to unraveling these alleged crimes and will continue until such operations are destroyed.”

    “It is a top priority of the FBI to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations by depriving them of the funding they need to operate and by seizing their most valued assets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will use every resource and capability at our disposal to ensure violent cartels and anyone who corruptly facilitates their operations are held accountable to the American people and unable to establish a foothold in our communities.”

    “Our commitment to taking down drug cartels and organized crime leverages IRS Criminal Investigation’s specialty in forensic accounting that identifies the alleged money trail and shuts down the flow of cash, just like we did in this case,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Some of our best special agents are using their law enforcement expertise to build unshakeable cases to ensure criminals are taken off the streets and their ill-gotten gains are returned to the American people.”

    At the time of the initial arrests, authorities seized four tank barges containing crude oil, three commercial tanker trucks, an Arroyo Terminal pickup truck and one personal vehicle. The Arroyo Terminal property in Rio Hondo, crude oil contained Arroyo Terminal storage tanks and additional real properties are also sought for forfeiture. The superseding indictment also contains notice that the United States will seek a $300 million money judgment upon conviction.

    The conspiracies to provide material support and to commit money laundering both carry a possible prison term of up to 20 years. If convicted of aiding and abetting the smuggling of goods into the United States and doing so by means of false statements, both men could also face up to 10 and five years, respectively. James Jensen also faces one count of money laundering spending which carries an additional 10 years in prison, upon conviction.

    With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.

    Operation Liquid Death involved the combined efforts of ICE HSI, DEA, FBI, and IRS CI and others and is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Sturgis and Laura Garcia from the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster are handling seizure and forfeiture matters.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Refund Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Louis Perpignan, 33, of  Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 27, 2025, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Perpignan was also ordered to pay more than $2.6 million in restitution. Perpignan previously pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud.

    Between May 2016 and May 2021, Perpignan operated an online refund scheme called the “Members Only Refund Service,” through which he charged individuals a fee to “return” purchased items, ranging from televisions to handbags, from a variety of retailers across the country. To accomplish the scheme, Perpignan would pose as the customer and use various methods to trick the retailer into issuing a refund without returning the product. For example, Perpignan would convince the retailer that the item either never arrived or had already been returned. The customer would then be refunded the full purchase price but keep the item. Perpignan, in turn, received a fee of up to 25% of the item’s purchase price from the customer.

    Perpignan admitted to defrauding at least 31 retailers out of more than $2.6 million through the scheme. With his portion of the funds, Perpignan supported his extravagant lifestyle and purchased at least eight vehicles, including a $176,000 Lamborghini Huracan.

    This case was investigated by the Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Task Force, with specific contribution from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-01398-DJH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-085_Perpignan

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    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted for Directing Interstate Stalking and Harassment Scheme and Conspiring to Procure Sensitive U.S. Military Technology

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Bilal Essayli, United States Attorney for the Central District of California announced that federal grand juries in Milwaukee, WI and Los Angeles, CA each returned indictments charging two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom and a U.S. lawful permanent resident, with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking (Los Angeles) and conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act (Milwaukee).

    “As alleged, the defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values. This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on U.S. soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defense systems. We will act decisively to expose and dismantle these threats wherever they emerge.”

    “The defendants allegedly plotted to harass and interfere with an individual who criticized the actions of the People’s Republic of China while exercising their constitutionally protected free speech rights within the United States of America,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “The same individuals also are charged with trying to obtain and export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. I want to commend the good work of the FBI and our partners in the U.S and overseas in putting a stop to these illegal activities.”

    Allegations in the Eastern District of Wisconsin

    According to court documents, beginning in November 2023, Miller and Cui solicited the procurement of U.S. defense articles, including missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices with associated crypto ignition keys for unlawful export from the United States to the People’s Republic of China from two individuals (Individual 5 and Individual 6).   

    In connection with the scheme, Cui and Miller discussed with Individuals 5 and 6 ways to export a cryptographic device from the United States to the People’s Republic of China, including concealing the device in a blender, small electronics, or motor starter, and shipping the device first to Hong Kong. Cui and Miller paid approximately $10,000 as a deposit for the cryptographic device via a courier in the United States and a wire transfer to a U.S. bank account.

    Allegations in the Central District of California

    According to court documents, beginning in October 2023, Cui and Miller enlisted two individuals (Individual 1 and Individual 2) inside the United States to carry out a plot to prevent the Victim from protesting President Xi’s appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November 2023. The Victim had previously made public statements in opposition to the policies and actions of the PRC government and President Xi.

    “The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “My office will continue to use all legal methods available to hold accountable foreign nationals engaging in criminal activity on our soil.”

    Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 1 and Individual 2 were affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

    In the weeks leading up to the APEC summit, Cui and Miller directed and coordinated an interstate scheme to surveil the Victim, to install a tracking device on the Victim’s car, to slash the tires on the Victim’s car, and to purchase and destroy a pair of artistic statues created by the Victim depicting President Xi and President Xi’s wife.

    A similar scheme took place in the spring of 2025, after the Victim announced that he planned to make public an online video feed depicting two new artistic statues of President Xi and his wife. In connection with these plots, Cui and Miller paid two other individuals (Individual 3 and Individual 4), approximately $36,500 to convince the Victim to desist from the online display of the statues. Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 3 and Individual 4 were also affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

    If convicted, Cui and Miller face the following maximum penalties: five years for conspiracy; five years for interstate stalking; twenty years for violation of the Arms Export Control Act; ten years for smuggling.

    The FBI is investigating the case.  The United States is coordinating with Serbian authorities regarding the pending extraditions of Cui and Miller in Serbia.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Taibleson for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and David Ryan and Amanda B. Elbogen for the Central District of California, along with Trial Attorneys Leslie Esbrook and Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases, with valuable assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

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

    # # #

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    414-297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Collin County physician agrees to pay $3.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations of billing false claims to the COVID-19 Uninsured Program for evaluation & management services not rendered

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PLANO, Texas – A Frisco physician has agreed to pay $3.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Samad Khan, M.D. has agreed to pay the United States $3.5 million to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to the Health Resources & Services Administration COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (the “Uninsured Program”) for evaluation and management services that were not performed.

    Between approximately May 2020 and April 2022, the Uninsured Program reimbursed eligible providers for COVID-19 tests, testing-related items and services, treatment, and vaccines performed on uninsured individuals.  Khan is a physician who owns SK Primary Care, PLLC (“SK Primary Care”), a medical clinic in Frisco.  During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (“PHE”), SK Primary Care provided healthcare services, including specimen collection for COVID-19 tests.  The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from April 2020 through October 2021, Khan knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Uninsured Program by billing evaluation and management services (E/M Services) that were not performed.

    As alleged by the United States, claims for E/M Services, sometimes referred to as “office visits,” are submitted under Current Procedural Terminology (“CPT”) Codes, and vary in level of complexity. Higher level codes reflect increased complexity, such as a higher level of decision-making, more detailed history, or longer duration of time.  E/M Services levels 2 through 5 (e.g. CPT Codes 99202 through 99205, and 99212 through 99215) (“Higher Level E/M Services”) can only be performed by physicians or other qualified health care professionals (“QHPs”).  These professionals are distinct from clinical staff, such as medical assistants. A level 1 E/M Service, under CPT Code 99211, may not require the presence of a physician or other QHP. During the PHE, CMS approved the use of CPT Code 99211 for COVID-19 test specimen collection. Physicians and non-physician practitioners, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) were required to use CPT Code 99211 to bill for COVID-19 specimen collection billed by clinical staff incident to their services.

    The United States contends that during the PHE, SK Primary Care provided services at dozens of COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, operated by SK Primary Care and its management company, the majority of which were walk up or drive through testing sites (the “COVID test sites”).   Patients could register to receive a test at the COVID test sites by registering online through a website called “GoGetTested.Com.” The United States alleges that the COVID test sites were staffed with medical assistants who performed specimen collection services through nasal swabs on patients for COVID-19 tests. Khan knew that the appropriate CPT Codes for the services provided at the COVID test sites were specimen collection codes, including CPT Code 99211, but instead submitted claims under CPT Codes for Higher Level E/M Services. The United States contends that patients who went to the COVID test sites were never seen by Khan or any other QHP, and at no time was Khan or any other QHP providing any E/M Services to patients at the COVID test sites either in person or by audiovisual means.  From April 2020 through October 2021, for the services provided at the COVID test sites, Khan submitted or caused the submission of approximately 400,000 claims by SK Primary Care to the Uninsured Program for Higher Level E/M Services, the majority of which were level 2 and 3 E/M services.  Khan is the only rendering provider listed on SK Primary Care’s claims.

    The United States further alleges that Khan, in conjunction with and at the direction of SK Primary Care’s management company, coded the COVID specimen collection services as Higher Level E/M Services.  Reimbursements for E/M Services were substantially higher than reimbursements for specimen collection.  Moreover, in conjunction with and at the direction of SK Primary Care’s management company, SK Primary Care and Khan often submitted two claims for E/M Services for COVID-19 test specimen collection—the first “encounter” for the test, and a second “encounter” for providing results. The second “encounter” of providing results was not Khan providing E/M Services. Instead, an employee or contractor of SK Primary Care or SK Primary Care’s management company, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and medical assistants, would provide tests results via telephone based on a courtesy call script.  NPs were not providing medical services, did not have any audiovisual connection to patients, and in many instances never even spoke to the patients to provide results, which were emailed or sent by text message.  As a result of these false claims for payment for E/M Services that were not performed, Khan received payments from the Uninsured Program to which he was not entitled.

    “The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required both beneficiaries and the government to place their trust in front-line healthcare providers, even more than usual,” said Jay R. Combs, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. “Unfortunately, some of those providers abused that trust and instead took advantage of the crisis to artificially inflate profits. It is these individuals that the Eastern District of Texas will hold accountable for their greed.”

    “When health care professionals receive payments for false claims they submit to federal health care programs, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “This settlement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds and working with our law enforcement partners to use all tools in our arsenal to hold accountable those who steal from the American public.”

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas with assistance from HHS-OIG.  This matter was handled by Civil Division Fraud Section Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Kevin McClendon.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment and Politics – Luxon Government to favour dairy pollution at the expense of drinking water

    Source: Greenpeace

    Luxon’s Government is once again putting corporate profits ahead of people’s health by proposing freshwater policies that will drive more dairy pollution at the expense of safe drinking water and swimmable rivers.
    The proposed changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, announced today, include giving more favour to corporate uses of water like intensive dairy. This fundamentally undermines Te Mana O Te Wai, the framework that prioritises the health of freshwater ecosystems and the health of community drinking water ahead of corporate uses of water.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “Safe drinking water requires healthy freshwater ecosystems, and that should always be the priority. But today’s decision will drive more water contamination, especially in rural communities.”
    “Make no mistake, this will facilitate dairy expansion, and we know what that means for the country. More cows means more pollution from effluent and fertiliser, poisoning waterways with nitrate and nasty pathogens.”
    “Just this year, several new dairy expansion consents have been approved in Canterbury, where many communities are facing a drinking water crisis as a result of nitrate contamination from intensive dairy.”
    “The Government is meant to be protecting the health of communities, not lining the pockets of corporate polluters. We’ve already seen the influence the agriculture lobby has had over the rollback of freshwater protections last year, and this announcement today demonstrates how much of a hold lobbyists have over Luxon and his Cabinet.”
    “But communities are ready to fight for clean drinking water and swimmable rivers, even if Luxon won’t. It’s more important than ever that local governments – like Environment Canterbury, which has responsibility over the majority of New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems – step up and take real action to protect lakes, rivers, and drinking water.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Porirua City Council to launch pilot Waste Minimisation Grant scheme

    Source: Porirua City Council

    A pilot scheme offering grants to Porirua projects that enable waste minimisation in the city was approved at a full Porirua City Council meeting this morning.
    Starting in the 2025/26 financial year, part of the funds received by Porirua City Council from the Waste Levy Subsidy will be used to provide community grants to groups with projects that will encourage reuse, repurposing and recycling capacity in the city.
    The scheme will initially run as a 12-month pilot to gauge the level of demand and the types of projects sought.
    There will be two levels of funding available for projects. The first will be grants of up to $30,000 that will become available in a single application round.
    The second will be grants of up to $2000 which can be applied for year round.
    Establishing this grant is part of the enacting Porirua City’s 2023-29 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
    Porirua City Councillor Geoff Hayward, who represents Porirua City on the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Joint Committee, says this scheme will empower communities in the city.
    “It’s the kind of initiative that reflects the best of what local government can do. It’s backing communities to lead solutions using existing levers wisely.
    “It will reduce pressure on rates and support our goal to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”
    Waste minimisation initiatives could include new projects that reduce waste at the source and encourage movement towards a circular economy.
    Projects that focus on reduction, redesign, reuse, repair and repurpose will also be considered.
    “We want to see initiatives that create new opportunities and encourage community participation in waste minimisation,” says Councillor Hayward.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says this is a positive move for waste reduction in Porirua.
    “This is another way that we can work towards making our communities more healthy and encourage more people to get involved in positive outcomes.”
    The grant scheme will now be developed with more information to come once the details have been finalised.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –