NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Slams Trump for Weaponizing FBI to Target National Climate Bank Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senator is co-author of the provision that created the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

    Funds for programs have been frozen for past two weeks with no explanation from Citibank or the EPA

    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after revelations that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been questioning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combatting climate change. The affected $20 billion in funding was lawfully passed by Congress, based on Senator Markey’s National Climate Bank Act, and awarded to grantees around the country.

    Earlier this month, the head of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, Denise Cheung, was pressured to find evidence of a crime as a justification for freezing the release of the congressionally approved federal funds for the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. When Cheung declined to pursue an unwarranted criminal investigation due to insufficient evidence, she was forced to resign. Trump Justice Department officials then took additional unprecedented steps to formally freeze this funding—steps which were subsequently rejected by a federal judge and refused by other federal prosecutors. Now, the Trump Justice Department has sent in the FBI.

    “The Trump administration is carrying out a literal bank heist right now, and weaponizing the FBI to do so. First freezing funding, then cravenly searching for a non-existent crime, and now utilizing the FBI to target the climate bank is unfounded and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the programs that keep Americans safe, healthy, and create jobs. A freeze on these investments would be, by far, the U.S. government’s largest confirmed financial seizure.

    “This kind of illegal and unethical witch hunt is McCarthyesque and shows the Trump administration to be both un-American and deeply worried about the power of clean energy and climate investments. Grantees are already starting to distribute funding to finance projects that will cut energy bills, improve resiliency, and create local economic opportunity around the country.

    “The FBI must immediately stop following the groundless, politicized directives of Trump and Musk and instead return to the important work of protecting the American people, not serving as Trump’s personal corrupt police force. And Citibank must immediately restart the flow of funds to recipients so they can continue to leverage private dollars for projects that will benefit Americans nationwide.”

    Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), the House lead on the climate financing legislation, welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023.

    Since the start of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s unfounded attacks on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund this month, Senator Markey issued a statement urging Citibank not to give into fearmongering, wrote a letter to the Department of Justice Inspector General about revelations that Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Cheung was forced to resign after declining to pursue a criminal investigation, and signed onto a letter with the entire Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats demanding answers from the EPA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $6.5 Million Boost to Enhance Mimosa Rocks National Park

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $6.5 Million Boost to Enhance Mimosa Rocks National Park

    Published: 28 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Environment and Heritage, Minister for Regional NSW

    Work is about to commence at Mimosa Rocks National Park on the NSW Far South Coast, which is receiving a $6.5 million funding boost to strengthen the park’s resilience against natural disasters.

    Severe flood events in 2021 and 2022 caused significant damage to the park, leading to extensive closures of campsites and visitor precincts.

    Around 76 per cent of campgrounds – 60 sites in total – along with several popular day-use areas were either closed or had limited access until repairs could be made.

    The investment is being made under the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is financed by the Australian and NSW Governments to support the repair and rebuilding of public assets directly impacted by natural disasters.

    This funding for Mimosa Rocks National Park will support critical improvements including:

    • Upgraded drainage systems to manage heavy rainfall.
    • Relocation of high-risk campsites to minimise future flood damage.
    • Improved road surfaces for better access and safety.
    • Enhanced pedestrian beach access points to mitigate the effects of ocean storms surges and dune erosion.

    Improvements will be made to four precincts within the national park, including three campgrounds:

    • Aragunnu,
    • Gillards Beach,
    • Middle Beach,
    • Nelsons Beach.

    Construction will commence in the coming months, and visitors are advised to expect intermittent disruptions.

    Visitors should check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before any visit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list.

    People can register for progress updates by visiting: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/mimosa-rocks-betterment.

    Quote attributable to Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

    “Mimosa Rocks National Park is one of the Sapphire Coast’s most popular destinations, which is why we’re investing $6.5 million with the NSW Government to repair the damage caused by storms – supporting upgrades to the park’s facilities, and making it more resilient into the future.

    “From fishing, birdwatching, picnics, and whale watching – Mimosa Rocks has so much to offer, which is why we’re ensuring that locals can make the most of it, and that we can continue to attract more visitors to the Bega Valley.”

    Quote attributable to NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

    “National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, loved by everyone from locals to international visitors.

    “The NSW Government is funding critical upgrades to Mimosa Rocks National Park to ensure visitor facilities can better withstand storms and floods. This will reduce flood closures and minimise disruptions to visitors, while improving safety.

    “The improvements will also reduce economic impacts to the region by ensuring campsites and visitor precincts remain open.”

    Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

    ”This is an important investment in the south coast in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, to ensure more resilience for sites used by visitors can be better protected. This is good for locals and the many Australians who love to visit our parks.

    “This is another good example of the positive outcome when the NSW and Commonwealth Governments work close together to deliver for the south coast.”

    Quote attributable to NSW Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

    “Each year, more than 200,000 people visit Mimosa Rocks National Park, making it a key contributor to the regional economy of the Bega Valley.  

    “It is crucial that Mimosa Rocks is accessible for visitors and offers them an exceptional experience of this beautiful south coast gem.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Oahu Physical Therapy Clinic Sentenced to 9 Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Stephen Timothy Wells, 41, of Waialua, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 9 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for health care fraud. Wells, the owner of Oahu Spine and Rehab, a physical therapy clinic with locations in Kailua and Aiea, pleaded guilty to the charge on September 27, 2024. As part of his sentence, Wells was also ordered to pay restitution to TRICARE, a healthcare program for United States military service members and their families, and Medicare totaling $392,157.20.

    In his plea agreement, Wells admitted that from July 2013 through early 2020, he submitted false claims for payment for physical therapy services to TRICARE and Medicare. Wells used individuals not trained in physical therapy, including massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and an individual who had no professional licenses or certifications whatsoever, to provide physical therapy services to patients. Wells admitted that he knew these individuals were not authorized providers and that he could not legitimately bill TRICARE and Medicare for physical therapy services rendered by them, even under supervision. Nevertheless, Wells billed the programs as though the services had been provided by licensed practitioners.

    “Tens of billions of dollars are lost to health care fraud each year, robbing Americans of vitally needed quality health services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Over a nearly seven-year period, the defendant endeavored to bilk our nation’s taxpayer-funded TRICARE and Medicare programs out of as much money as possible. He diverted scarce program dollars from military service members and their families, as well as elderly and disabled Americans—some the most deserving and physically and financially vulnerable members of our society. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to those who attempt to cheat our taxpayer funded insurance programs: you will be caught and when you are, a prison sentence awaits.”

    This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Rebecca Perlmutter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353February 28, 2025
    Cotton, Scott, Hill, and Colleagues to Uyeda: Review Approach to Consolidated Audit Trail
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), and House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (Arkansas-02) today sent a letter to Acting Chairman of The Securities and Exchange Commission Mark Uyeda to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Consolidated Audit Trail.
    Additional signers of the letter included Senator Boozman (R-Arkansas), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Congressman Bill Huizenga (Michigan-04), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (Missouri-02), and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (Georgia-11).
    In part, the lawmakers wrote:
    “The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed… . Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.”
    Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
    February 28, 2025
    Mr. Mark Uyeda
    Acting Chairman
    U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    100 F Street NE
    Washington, DC 20549
    The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress, including with respect to (i) the unwarranted collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from millions of American investors, (ii) potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and (iii) its inequitable funding structure.
    We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors.
    However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged.  Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced.  And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed.
    Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT.  In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Let’s move beyond the little things and think big for Wales’

    Source: Party of Wales

    In his message to the people of Wales on St David’s Day, Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Leader of Plaid Cymru has outlined his party’s plans to “move beyond the little things” and “think big for Wales” as we approach the 2026 Senedd election.

    Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth said:

    “On St David’s Day, we come together as a nation to celebrate our Patron Saint. Today, we remember what Dewi said – ‘do the little things’ – and as important as that message is, let’s think big for Wales. Let’s aim higher and be ambitious for our future.

    “Plaid Cymru is ready to work with you and your community to offer a new start for Wales. We will always demand fair play for you whilst also setting a much greater ambition for what we can achieve, and for the Wales we want to see.

    “With only a year to go until the next Senedd election, Plaid Cymru will do the little things in order to bring about that big change. From our plans to cut NHS waiting lists, to offering a way forward for creating better jobs and developing a more prosperous economy as we grow in confidence as a country. Plaid Cymru’s message to you is: come with us on that journey.”

    “Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus i chi gyd.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Shaheen, and Congressman Pappas Hold Press Conference to Discuss Impact of Trump Job Cuts on Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Local Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    Portsmouth, NH – On Friday, February 28, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas held a press conference in Portsmouth to discuss the impact the Trump Administration is having on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. They were joined by the Seacoast Shipyard Association, the Metal Trades Council, and representatives from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard unions to discuss how the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s executive orders and job cuts has led the Shipyard to pause hiring, and other impacts the administration’s actions may have.

    “The shipbuilding workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is critical to maintaining our Navy’s crown jewel—the attack submarines that promote our national security around the globe,” said Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “We know the Shipyard is already short-staffed so the last thing the Trump Administration should be doing is interfering with their recruitment efforts—these actions don’t make our region stronger nor our nation safer.” 

    “Granite Staters are alarmed and outraged at the Trump Administration’s move to weaken the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard by curtailing the Shipyard’s workforce,” said Senator Hassan. “The Portsmouth Naval shipyard is both a pillar of our national security, helping the United States remain on the cutting edge, and an engine for our economy, providing jobs for Granite Staters who want to do their part to keep our Navy strong.”

    “The men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard do critically important work every day to ensure our nation’s readiness, strengthen New Hampshire’s local economy, and support our military for any battle that lies ahead. These skilled workers are essential for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to meet its critical mission and their job security should not be in question. But the actions we have seen in recent weeks across the federal government and in the Department of Defense, including hiring freezes, layoffs, and the cancelling of contracts, are dangerous and undermine our national security,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Department of Defense must fully exempt the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from these cuts and layoffs, and I will continue fighting to ensure they provide the clarity the Shipyard needs to meet its mission and ensure our country is strong and prepared for the future.”

    “The incredible women and men who make the vital work of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard possible are essential to keeping our state and country safe. Since I took the oath of office exactly two months ago today, I have met with shipyard employees and heard firsthand about the scope of their mission-critical work and the devastating impact that lawless actions of the Trump Administration have had on their lives,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who previously served for more than a decade as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I will never stop fighting for the support and resources that our civilian and military workforce needs and deserves.”

    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provides maintenance for multiple types of ships, including the older Los Angeles-class submarines and newer Virginia-class submarines. It is one of just four public shipyards nationwide that maintain the US Navy’s submarine fleet. The Shipyard is also the region’s largest employer. In 2023, the latest available data, more than 7,400 civilian employees worked at the base with an economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion, according to the Seacoast Shipyard Association’s 2024 report.

    On Monday, February 24th, the Shipyard implemented a pause on hiring and recruiting in response to the Trump administration’s recent executive orders, job cuts, and the announcement of a Department of Defense (DOD) plan to reduce its workforce by laying off approximately 5,400 employees this week. The pause comes as the Shipyard has been working to hire large numbers of workers to increase capacity amid a $1.87 billion dry dock expansion.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the department’s work on Virginia-class submarines was among many priorities deemed “too important” to be included in the overall downsizing, but a spokesperson for him declined to say whether any jobs at the Shipyard would be exempt from ongoing terminations of probationary workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Rep. Lou Correa Joins FHLBank San Francisco to Address Affordable Housing Crisis in Orange County

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO and SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With intent on identifying practical solutions for the growing affordable housing and homelessness crisis in Orange County, U.S. Rep. Lou Correa, (CA-46) hosted a roundtable discussion with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today in Santa Ana, California. The roundtable brought together affordable housing leaders, community organizations, financial institutions and other stakeholders throughout the area to discuss how organizations and public-private partnerships could play a pivotal role to delivering solutions to address the housing crisis in the region.

    “Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream and represents a tangible pathway for middle-class families in our community build generational wealth,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “Too many families in Orange County struggle to afford housing and make ends meet, which is causing an increase in unhoused people. This roundtable brings together local housing partners that also seek to increase housing supply and make real progress in housing our communities.”

    Rep. Correa has a history of leading on issues related to affordable housing and has secured millions in federal funding for local projects that support affordable housing development, advance homeownership for first time homebuyers and expand supportive housing options. By teaming up with FHLBank San Francisco and its members, he is working to find practical solutions to the local housing crisis.

    We are proud to collaborate with Representative Correa, a long-standing leader with a clear understanding of how complexities surrounding the local housing and real estate market are impacting middle- and lower-income people and families,” said Joe Amato, interim president and chief executive officer, and chief financial officer of FHLBank San Francisco. “We are partnering with community organizations, housing leaders and our member financial institutions to help turn ideas into action to create more affordable housing solutions.”

    Congressman Correa serves as Chair of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on housing and real estate policy. He has been a strong advocate for increasing affordable housing options and addressing homelessness in California, supporting policies that expand federal housing assistance programs and streamline funding for local housing initiatives. He also worked on legislation to speed up disaster relief funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), delivered millions of dollars in federal grant funding to his district to support neighborhood improvements and ensured sustainable access to water for his district amidst climate change.

    Since 2015, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $7.5 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to support a range of projects in Orange County. Last year, FHLBank San Francisco funded $1.6 million for affordable housing projects in Orange and Placentia that helped create over 100 affordable housing units; and statewide more than $49 million in AHP grants were awarded through its member financial institutions to help address and expedite solutions to California’s affordable housing crisis.

    Attendees at the roundtable included:

    • Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46)
    • Laura Archuleta, Jamboree Housing
    • Jeff Ball, Orange County Business Council
    • Alfonso Ceja-Villa, Habitat for Humanity Orange County
    • Cesar Covarrubias, Kennedy Commission
    • Dr. Pooja Bhalla, Illumination Foundation
    • Jordan Hoiberg, Illumination Foundation
    • Noerena Limon, Casitas Coalition
    • Brenda Magaña, NeighborWorks Orange County
    • Margarita Muniz, Orange County Community Housing Corporations
    • Gabriel Orozco, Santa Ana Credit Union
    • Melissa Pederson, Wescom Credit Union
    • Letty Plascencia, Orange County Community Housing Corporations
    • Grace Ruiz-Stepter, Anaheim Housing Authority
    • Greg Ward, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
    • Jeremy Empol, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
    • Anabel Cuevas, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

    FHLBank San Francisco is dedicated to supporting housing initiatives throughout its three-state region, including Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) was created in 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.35 billion in AHP grants to support the construction, rehabilitation, or purchase of over 154,600 homes affordable to lower-income households, including $61.8 million in 2024 alone. Together, the 11 regional FHLBanks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System are one of the largest privately capitalized sources of grant funding for affordable housing in the United States.

    About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Labor Secretary Nominee Declines to Answer Sen. Murray on Whether Basic Workforce Training Laws are “DEI”; Pressed on Trump Dismantling OFCCP And Enabling Illegal Discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Attempt to Dismantle Longstanding Labor Agency Combating Illegal Employment Discrimination 

    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned Keith Sonderling, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Labor (DOL), at a HELP committee hearing on his nomination. Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on whether the Trump administration thinks foundational workforce training laws like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act qualify as “DEI.” Murray also questioned Mr. Sonderling about the Trump administration’s unprecedented dismantling of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which has its origins in a 1965 executive order and plays a unique and vital role in combating unlawful employment discrimination for federal contract workers, who make up about one-fifth of the entire U.S. labor force.

    Murray began by pressing Mr. Sonderling on the consequences of the Trump administration’s dismantling of OFCCP, which Murray forcefully condemned in January. “In 2024, following an OFCCP evaluation, one of the largest global financial services companies agreed to allocate $4.2 million in payments to resolve alleged sex discrimination and undergo an outside pay equity analysis. In his first week in office, President Trump rescinded the Executive Order from 1965 that authorized OFCCP to conduct that investigation. Commissioner Sonderling, do you believe that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    Sonderling dodged the question and Murray pressed again: “Do you think that taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate?”

    “That is not a determination that the Deputy Secretary of Labor or the Department of Labor deals with,” Sonderling responded.

    “You don’t want to answer the question,” Murray observed. “I will say, I don’t think the taxpayer dollars should go to companies that discriminate. I can easily say that.”

    Murray continued her line of questioning: “In our meeting, you suggested that the Department of Labor is looking at eliminating OFCCP entirely even though it has recovered now more than $260 million dollars for more than 250,000 employees and job applicants who were discriminated against by federal contractors over the last decade. And OFCCP just, today, announced plans to cut 90 percent of its staff and local offices. So let me ask you this: do you think DOL has any role to play in addressing illegal discrimination?”

    Mr. Sonderling said he was not aware of those reports, and declined to answer the question again.

    Murray asked again: “I’m just asking you from your own philosophical personal position. Do you think that DOL, which you want to go to work for, has any role to play in addressing discrimination in this country?”

    Mr. Sonderling responded that addressing discrimination is under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to which Senator Murray replied: “It’s interesting that you say that, because Trump fired two of the EEOC commissioners—in an unprecedented move, I would add. So, it really has undermined our government’s ability to go after anti-discrimination. So I am, and everyone should, be deeply concerned about that.” Senator Murray vocally condemned Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners and NLRB members last month.

    Next, Senator Murray pressed Mr. Sonderling on the Trump administration’s definition of “DEI” and their weaponization of the ill-defined term to target all manner of programs and policies. “We’re hearing a lot about DEI, it’s thrown out there everywhere. So, I’m going to ask about some bipartisan laws passed by Congress that were passed to make sure that underserved Americans can receive workforce training and find good employment opportunities. And I want to know if the policies in these laws that I’m going to present to you amount to DEI,” Murray said.

    “The Office of Disability Employment Policy has been statutorily authorized with, ‘Eliminating barriers to the training and employment of people with disabilities.’ Is that DEI? Yes or no?”

    “It is important to protect all rights of disabled workers… and under my leadership, the Office of Disability Employment will continue to do that,” Sonderling relied, without answering the question directly.

    “So that is not DEI?” Murray pressed.


    “That is a civil rights statute that the department enforces to make sure disabled people can prosper in the workforce,”     Sonderling replied.

    “I know you know what it is, but I’m asking if it’s DEI, because, you know, it’s very confusing,” Murray responded.

    Murray continued: “How about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WIOA? It specifically says ‘individuals with a barrier to employment’ and requires grantees to expand training to those individuals. Is that DEI?

    “WIOA is a very important law…,” Sonderling replied. “But do you consider that to be DEI?” Murray pressed.

    “I consider that to be a very important part of the department’s mission to make sure that American workers can get… the training they need,” Sonderling said.

    “The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote veterans? Is that DEI?” Murray asked.

    Sonderling declined to answer the question, saying instead: “It is important to protect all of our veterans. It’s important to protect everybody in the workplace.”

    “Well—Mr. Chairman, I know you’re pounding your gavel—but I just think it’s pretty clear that there is no standard definition of DEI across our federal government,” Murray concluded.

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to combat employment discrimination, including as the top Democrat on the Senate labor committee from 2015-2022—among other things, Senator Murray fought back against a proposed DOL rule by the Trump administration that would allow federal contractors and subcontractors to justify discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of certain religious groups on ideological grounds. Senator Murray first introduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act—comprehensive labor legislation to protect workers’ right to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces—in the 116th Congress. Murray also leads the Paycheck Fairness Act to combat wage discrimination and help close the wage gap, and has helped lead the fight for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s ‘two sessions’ to offer clear policy signals for high-quality development

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

    China’s ‘two sessions’ to offer clear policy signals for high-quality development

    A journalist works at a press center for China’s annual “two sessions” in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Feb. 28 — China will unveil its annual GDP growth target and policy arrangements for high-quality development at the upcoming national “two sessions” in Beijing.

    Contrary to slowdown forecasts by certain Western naysayers, the Chinese economy is well-positioned to sustain its recovery and maintain steady growth this year.

    During the “two sessions,” the annual meetings of China’s national legislature and top political advisory body, measures to expand domestic demand and promote sci-tech innovation and high-standard opening up are expected to be outlined.

    As a priority, domestic demand will be expanded comprehensively. China has huge potential in consumption and investment. The record highs seen in the domestic Spring Festival holiday box office and the number of trips made during the 40-day festival travel rush attest to the vitality of China’s consumption and economy. More targeted steps are expected to uplift consumption further. Fruitful campaigns such as large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs will be expanded. Investment will gain steam in projects to implement major national strategies and build up security capacities in key areas.

    This photo taken on Feb. 13, 2025 shows a poster for the Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” at a cinema in Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The private sector, in particular, is expected to gain more momentum in its healthy, high-quality development. In February, a symposium on private enterprises in Beijing lent a significant boost to morale in the sector, which contributes more than 60 percent of GDP and 80 percent of urban employment in China. The country plans to promulgate a private sector promotion law this year, which will stimulate the sector’s development momentum and promote high-quality development.

    Fresh efforts are expected to develop new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation. Startups DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics, both of which have caught global attention, highlight China’s technological progress. Under the country’s AI Plus initiative and other programs, the integrated development of technology and industry will generate new sources of growth for the Chinese economy. China’s new energy industries and overall green transition, driven by its cutting-edge technologies, will continue to be important growth drivers.

    A humanoid robot is on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Amid rising global trade protectionism, China remains committed to expanding its high-standard opening up. An action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025 has outlined 20 measures to attract foreign investment, such as those related to upgrading pilot free trade zones and expanding pilot programs in fields such as telecommunication and medical services. China will also work to ensure new progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with partner countries.

    This year is important in terms of the further, comprehensive deepening of reform to advance Chinese modernization. Reform measures planned for this year are expected to boost high-quality development by optimizing resource allocation and improving the market environment.

    Last year, the Chinese economy met its annual growth target of around 5 percent, outperforming other major economies and remaining the biggest engine of global economic growth. The 2025 growth target will be a key indicator of the projected operations of the world’s second-largest economy.

    A central economic work conference last December set the tone for a more proactive policy stance, and called for the enrichment of the national policy arsenal this year, as well as improved policy coordination.

    With the pro-growth policies rolled out since last September and a raft of new pragmatic measures for the year ahead at hand, there should be little doubt that China will be capable of navigating challenges at home and abroad, and of securing steady growth while promoting high-quality development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: TWFG Announces Unaudited Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TWFG, Inc. (“TWFG”, the “Company” or “we”) (NASDAQ: TWFG), a high-growth insurance distribution company, today announced preliminary unaudited financial highlights for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The following results are preliminary, unaudited estimates and are subject to change. The Company is currently finalizing its fourth quarter and year end 2024 results, and as a result, these preliminary estimates are based solely on information available to management as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results may differ from these estimates due to the completion of its closing procedures, final adjustments and developments that may arise or information that may become available between now and the time the Company’s financial results are finalized.

    Preliminary highlighted results:

    • Expects total fourth quarter revenue to be between $49 million and $51 million, an increase of 23.8% and 28.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023
    • Anticipates total full-year 2024 revenue to be between $201 million and $203 million, an increase of 16.5% and 18.2% compared to full-year 2023
    • Expects total fourth quarter written premium to be $361 million, an increase of 20% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 
    • Anticipates total full-year written premium of approximately $1.5 billion, an increase of 18% compared to full-year 2023
    • Anticipates fourth quarter Organic Revenue Growth Rate to be between of 20.2% and 20.8% and full-year 2024 Organic Revenue Growth Rate of between 14% and 15% 

    * Organic Revenue Growth Rate is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Organic Revenue Growth Rate to total revenue growth rate, the most directly comparable financial measure, is outlined in the reconciliation table accompanying this release.

    Conference Call and Full Earnings Release Date

    TWFG expects to release its full fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results mid-March followed by a conference call and webcast to discuss these results. Details for the call will be provided in the forthcoming earnings release.

    About TWFG

    TWFG (NASDAQ: TWFG) is a leading independent distribution platform for personal and commercial insurance in the United States, representing hundreds of insurance carriers. The Company provides innovative insurance solutions through its network of agents, carriers, and technology-driven distribution models. For more information, visit www.twfg.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicator

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Organic Revenue Growth included in this release is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and should not be considered a substitute for any GAAP measures, including revenue which we consider to be the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation or as substitutes for revenues, net income, or other consolidated financial statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

    Organic Revenue Growth. Organic Revenue Growth is the change in Organic Revenue period-to-period, with prior period results adjusted to include revenues that were excluded in the prior period because the relevant acquired businesses had not reached the twelve-month-owned milestone but have reached the twelve-month owned milestone in the current period. We believe Organic Revenue Growth is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of acquisitions, which affects the comparability of results from period to period.

    A reconciliation of our expected Organic Revenue and Organic Revenue Growth Rate to Total Revenue and Total Revenue Growth Rate, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, is as follows (in thousands):

      Three Months Ended 
    December 31, 2024    		   Twelve Months Ended 
    December 31, 2024
      Low End   High End   Low End   High End
    Total revenues $ 49,000     $ 51,000     $ 200,500     $ 203,400  
    Acquisition adjustments(1)   (100 )     (150 )     (3,650 )     (3,700 )
    Contingent income   (2,700 )     (3,850 )     (6,400 )     (7,550 )
    Fee income   (2,500 )     (3,000 )     (10,400 )     (10,900 )
    Other income   (200 )     (300 )     (1,300 )     (1,400 )
    Organic Revenue $ 43,500     $ 43,700     $ 178,750     $ 179,850  
    Organic Revenue Growth(2) $ 7,323     $ 7,523     $ 22,025     $ 23,125  
    Total Revenue Growth Rate(3)   23.8 %     28.9 %     16.5 %     18.2 %
    Organic Revenue Growth Rate(2)   20.2 %     20.8 %     14.1 %     14.8 %
                   
                   
    (1)  Represents revenues generated from the acquired businesses during the first 12 months following an acquisition.
    (2)  Organic Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, used to calculate Organic Revenue Growth for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $36.2 million and $156.7 million, respectively, which is adjusted to reflect revenues from acquired businesses with over $0.5 million in annualized revenue that reached the twelve-month owned mark during the year ended December 31, 2024. Organic Revenue Growth Rate represents the period-to-period change in Organic Revenue divided by the total adjusted Organic Revenue in the prior period.
    (3)  Represents the period-to-period change in total revenues divided by the total revenues in the prior period.
     

    Key Performance Indicator

    Total Written Premium. Total Written Premium represents, for any reported period, the total amount of current premium (net of cancellation) placed with insurance carriers. We utilize Total Written Premium as a key performance indicator when planning, monitoring, and evaluating our performance. We believe Total Written Premium is a useful metric because it is the underlying driver of the majority of our revenue.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements reflect management’s expectations based on currently available information and involve significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the finalization of the Company’s year-end financial results, economic conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company’s SEC filings. TWFG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    Gene Padgett, CAO
    TWFG, Inc.
    gene.padgett@twfg.com

    Media Contact:
    Alex Bunch
    TWFG, Inc.
    alex@twfg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Eight FBI Subjects from Mexico in U.S. Custody

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

    he FBI is announcing eight men, including two former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, who were transferred into U.S. custody from Mexico this week. All are key subjects of FBI investigations spanning several states.

    Rafael Caro Quintero is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar in 1985. Caro‐Quintero is widely regarded as one of the Mexican godfathers of drug trafficking and helped to form the Guadalajara Cartel in the late 1970s. Allegedly, he became one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana to the U.S., and oversaw the cartel in Costa Rica and the U.S. and Mexico border. Quintero will face charges in the Eastern District of New York. This case was investigated by the FBI San Antonio Field Office.

    Alder Marin Sotelo faces homicide charges related to the killing of law enforcement officer. On August 23, 2022, Marin-Sotelo was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder following the August 11, 2022, death of Deputy Ned Byrd of the Wake County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. Sotelo will face federal weapons charges in the Middle District of North Carolina and state murder charges in the North Carolina State Court. This case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte Field Office.

    Jose Rodolfo Villareal-Hernández, also known as “El Gato,” is a former FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder-for-hire of a 43-year-old male victim on May 22, 2013, in Southlake, Texas. Villarreal-Hernandez previously held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel. He is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status. He was arrested on January 7, 2023, in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico and will face charges in the Northern District of Texas for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. This case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office.

    Jose Angel Canobbio-Inzunza, also known as “Guerito,” was a key leader and the finance manager of the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Chapitos faction. He allegedly trafficked narcotics, controlled an armed enforcement group, and managed corrupt relationships on the cartel’s behalf. He will face narcotrafficking charges out of the Northern District of Illinois. The subject was arrested last week in Sinaloa by the Mexican Army. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington and San Diego Field Offices.

    Rodolfo Lopez Ibarra is facing drug-trafficking charges with up to life imprisonment out of the District of Columbia. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office.

    Andrew Clark, a Canadian citizen residing in Mexico, allegedly ran and participated in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia—through Mexico and Southern California—to Canada and other locations in the United States. Clark is being prosecuted for four murders and one attempted murder, and will face charges in the Central District of California. This case was investigated by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

    Luis Geraldo Méndez Estevane is facing several federal charges, including murder, racketeering, and drug conspiracy in the Western District of Texas. Mendez was a high-ranking Barrio Azteca lieutenant and responsible for the March 13, 2010, murder of two U.S. consulate employees in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer. Mendez was indicted in the Western District of Texas. This case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, the former leader of the Juarez Cartel, faces narcotrafficking charges in the Eastern District of New York. Fuentes is responsible for the trafficking of narcotics into the United States. He also assisted in perpetrating significant violence throughout Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, area. The case was investigated by the FBI El Paso Field Office.

    “The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The era of harming Americans and walking free is over.”

    Significant and vital assistance was provided by the FBI’s valued international, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners across the country.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Man Who Ran $35 Million Securities Fraud and COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Almost 20 Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Denny Thakorbhai Bhakta, who was convicted by a federal jury in October 2024 of securities fraud, bank fraud and money laundering in connection with a $35 million swindle that left his own elderly uncle bankrupt, was sentenced in federal court today to 235 months in custody. Bhakta was convicted of all 25 charges after a two-week trial.

    The evidence at trial showed Bhakta solicited investors in his companies Fusion Hotel Management LLC and Fusion Hospitality Corporation (collectively “Fusion”). Between at least 2016 and up to 2021, Bhakta falsely told investors that Fusion routinely acquired discounted blocks of hotel rooms from Hilton, which Fusion then sold to United Airlines at a higher price for a significant profit.

    To support these lies, Bhakta provided fabricated bank statements, fake contracts, and profit and loss statements purporting to show millions in revenue and profit. Instead of buying blocks of hotel rooms with investors’ funds, however, Bhakta used the money he obtained from investors for gambling, to make Ponzi-style payments to other investors, and to pay for Bhakta’s personal expenses, including luxury vehicles.

    According to court documents, Bhakta targeted friends, family members and close acquittances during the multi-year fraud scheme. Among the victims was Bhakta’s uncle, who was swindled out of $4.5 million, and who testified during the trial that he came to the U.S. as an immigrant with a suitcase and $8 in his pocket, and because of the defendant, he “lost everything he had worked for in 57 years in America. Everything.”

    Bhakta’s other victims included a childhood friend who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars; his former boss and his wife; a friend of his family who lost $1.6 million; a high school classmate and her father who together lost more than $800,000; and an 88-year-old investor who lost $50,000.

    During the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence that Bhakta was flown to Las Vegas on the Wynn Las Vegas private jet. And in just one 7.5-hour gambling binge in 2018, Bhakta lost $1 million at the casino. Through a trove of casino records, prosecutors demonstrated how Bhakta repeatedly took investors’ money straight to casinos and gambled (and lost) millions of investor money.

    “I haven’t seen a case quite like this,” said U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino, who found Bhakta’s conduct “could not have been more deliberate [and] could not have been more calculated.”  In pronouncing the 235-month prison sentence, Judge Sammartino noted Bhakta’s only apparent motive was “greed and gambling,” his victims included his own friends and relatives, and he showed “nothing resembling remorse” for his criminal conduct that spanned years.

    “This defendant didn’t just betray investors—he callously swindled his own family and closest friends, leaving his elderly uncle bankrupt,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “Instead of safeguarding their hard-earned money, he funneled millions straight to casinos, gambling away their futures along with his own. His lies, deceit, and reckless greed have finally caught up to him. Today’s sentence makes clear that those who gamble with other people’s trust and livelihoods will face the consequences.”

    “Denny Bhakta orchestrated an elaborate investment fraud scheme that caused extensive financial harm to unsuspecting victims, including close family and friends, all for his own personal gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy.  “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his greed and deceitful conduct, bringing justice to the victims he exploited.”

    According to the government’s sentencing materials, in 2020, Bhakta doubled down on the fraud. Through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Bhakta applied for 18 separate PPP loans totaling $4.4 million. To fraudulently obtain the PPP loans, Bhakta created fake W-2 and other IRS documents and used the names and personally identifying information of his victim-investors to claim them as employees of Fusion and other entities under Bhakta’s control.  Bhakta used the more than $4.4 million he received in PPP loans to keep the Ponzi scheme going and to continue gambling and losing money at casinos.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari and Eric Olah.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 21cr3352-JLS                            

    Denny Thakorbhai Bhakta                             Age: 42                                   San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Securities Fraud—Title 15, U.S.C. §§ 78j(b), 78ff; Title 17, C.F.R. § 240.10b-5

    Maximum penalty:  Twenty years in prison and $5,000,000 fine

    Bank Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1344(2)

    Maximum penalty:  Thirty years in prison and $1 million fine

    Money Laundering– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957

    Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and fine twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cotton, Scott urge SEC to review Consolidated Audit Trail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and colleagues in sending a letter to the acting chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mark Uyeda, urging him to conduct a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). 
    The SEC requires brokers to submit investors’ personally identifiable information (PII) to its CAT database. Earlier this month, the Trump administration’s SEC issued an order that exempts certain PII consisting of investors’ names, addresses and years of birth from CAT reporting.
    “The Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) has been a highly controversial endeavor that has raised many concerns from Members of Congress . . . We are pleased that you and fellow Commissioner Peirce have repeatedly acknowledged these longstanding concerns and applaud the Commission for its recent steps to protect the financial privacy of American investors,” the lawmakers wrote.
    “However, there is more work to be done. The prohibition on collecting investor PII must be formally codified (rather than via rescindable exemptive relief) and already-collected PII must be expunged. Cybersecurity measures for the remaining data must be enhanced. And the CAT’s bloated out-of-control budget must be addressed,” they continued.
    “Given these continuing concerns, the Commission should launch a comprehensive review that covers all aspects of the CAT. In doing so, the Commission should take additional steps to pause the CAT’s most controversial elements—not only the collection of customer PII, but also the problematic funding structure that a majority of the current Commission voted against. Further, it would appear appropriate for the Commission to pause and reconsider its position with respect to ongoing litigation related to the CAT, as it has done for other cases commenced during the Biden administration,” the lawmakers concluded. 
    Background:
    Earlier this month, Kennedy introduced the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act.
    Kennedy’s bill would prohibit the SEC from requiring market participants to submit investors’ personally identifiable information to the CAT. 
    The bill would also require the SEC to delete personally identifiable information once the agency resolves the investigation or issue that required that information. 
    Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) also joined the letter. 
    The full letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Labour market forecast lands amid tariff threats, immigration cap

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    VICTORIA – B.C.’s new 2024 Labour Market Outlook (LMO) estimates more than one million job openings in B.C. over the next decade.

    The 2025 LMO will consider the impacts of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and federal changes to immigration levels.

    The LMO delivers a comprehensive forecast of job-market trends over the coming decade. Its purpose is to help current and future post-secondary students, organizations, workers and employers make informed decisions about careers, skills training, education and hiring.

    The 2024 edition uses data collected until April 2024, before changes in the federal immigration targets. Slower population growth will impact labour supply, the demand for some goods and services, and the demand for workers in certain sectors, all of which have implications for the provincial economy. The 2024 LMO was likewise created prior to the U.S. government’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

    The accuracy of any forecast depends on various assumptions about the future, some of which are difficult to anticipate. Due to this, labour market forecasts are updated annually to factor in changing circumstances. Work is underway on the next edition of B.C.’s LMO.

    Compared to the 2023 edition, the 2024 LMO projected 122,000 more job openings for a total of 1.12 million over the next 10 years. Of these job openings, 449,000 are identified as the result of economic growth, with the remainder due to replacing retiring workers. By 2034, employment is projected to reach 3.3 million, up from 2.8 million today for average annual growth of 1.4%.

    As government works with partners to safeguard B.C.’s economy and respond to the threat of tariffs, the Province will continue to make education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant, and will continue to prioritize sectors with labour shortages to ensure B.C. has a skilled workforce.

    Learn More:

    For the 2024 edition of the B.C. Labour Market Outlook, the online dashboard, and other links, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/research-labour-market/bc-labour-market-outlook-2024 (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the March 27, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the May 20‑31, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Shelby, Story, Tama and Wright.

    Under the declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature and suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

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

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

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

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 27, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis: Colorado Continues to Stand with Ukraine

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement following President Trump and Vice-President Vance’s chaotic meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

    “In Colorado, we support freedom and we will not cater to a brutal Russian dictator who is no friend to America, our interests or future. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion of their country is critical for their freedom, the future of the Ukrainian people and important for American global safety and national security. America plays a crucial role in supporting our international allies and protecting democracy abroad, Colorado continues to stand with Ukraine.” 

    At Governor Polis’s direction, the State of Colorado has cut off all diplomatic and financial connections with Russia and Russian-owned businesses, and previously provided a surplus of combat armor to those who are on the front lines fighting Putin’s tyranny. Governor Polis met with President Zelensky this past summer along with America’s Governors. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Resolution Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Denver International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced a resolution to recognize February 28th, 2025 as the 30th anniversary of the Denver International Airport (DIA).

    “DIA has become one of the great airports in the world. It will welcome nearly 100 million passengers this year, almost double what was projected as the original capacity. It is part of the foundation of Colorado’s economy and an essential connection to the rest of America and the world!” said Hickenlooper.

    “For 30 years, the Denver International Airport has connected our communities and helped fuel Colorado’s economy,” said Bennet. “I was glad to introduce this resolution celebrating three decades of this fixture for travelers worldwide.”

    The Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the United States, and the sixth-busiest in the world. In 2024, the airport set a record for passenger traffic, serving more than 82 million passengers.

    The text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Announces Temporary Absorption of Series F and Series A Management Fees of Purpose Premium Money Market Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) announced today that it has temporarily absorbed a portion of the management fees on Series F and Series A shares of Purpose Premium Money Market Fund (the “Fund”). Until Purpose confirms otherwise, the annual management fee payable by investors in Series F shares of the Fund will be 0.20%; the annual management fee for Series A shares will be 0.45%.

    There are no changes to the investment objective of the Fund. Current shareholders of the Fund are not required to take any actions as a result of this absorption.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent, technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated.

    Forward-looking information        

    Purpose cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date they are made. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “on pace”, “anticipates”, or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, and similar expressions or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking statements are based on information available to management at the time they are made, management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions, judgments and expectations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Purpose to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical, technological and social uncertainties. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on assumptions that Purpose believes to be reasonable at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Purpose does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Dan Sullivan Announces Leadership Roles in 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    02.28.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) announced his leadership roles for the 119th Congress: deputy whip for the Senate Republican Conference, chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries.

    “The new Senate Republican majority has a great opportunity to enact President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy, build up our military readiness, strengthen our national security, and revitalize our economy,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee serves an incredibly vital role in overseeing the Defense Department and supporting our military’s readiness as we face one of the most dangerous periods since World War II with dictators on the march and increasingly working together. As chair of this subcommittee, I will be intently focused on our military’s lethality and ensuring our service members are as well-trained and equipped as possible should they ever be called upon to defend our nation. Similarly, I look forward to building up Alaska and America’s infrastructure, broadband, and maritime capabilities to maximize our national security and commercial and economic opportunities through my leadership role on the Commerce Committee. I will also continue this focus on Senator Barrasso’s team as a deputy whip. I am looking forward to working with this administration and with my Senate colleagues to get our country back on track.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Farm Matters on the Menu

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: What ag policies are on your radar in the new Congress?
    A: While work is underway on writing a new farm bill, I’m also rolling up my sleeves on legislative proposals and oversight efforts to address key issues facing the farm economy and rural communities. Since the new Congress started in January, I’m working on issues that matter to the bottom lines of Iowa farmers, including: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI); Prop 12 restrictions; foreign ownership of U.S. farmland; renewable fuels, including nationwide year-round sales of E15 and sustainable aviation fuel; and tax relief, including a permanent repeal of the death tax.
    Let’s start with the HPAI outbreak that’s ravaging the livelihoods of Iowa’s poultry and egg producers and leading to egg shortages and higher prices for consumers. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I participated in two hearings in February gathering feedback from farmers and ranchers about their operations. I asked representatives from turkey growers and egg producers about the importance of vaccines for egg-laying hens and how USDA’s indemnity program helps producers stay afloat during this crisis in the farm economy. I also pushed for swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate to get Secretary Brooke Rollins at the helm of the USDA. During her first week on the job, Secretary Rollins visited an egg farm in Texas and announced a comprehensive strategy to tackle the crisis that’s wiped out 166 million laying hens since 2022. I’ll continue keeping in touch with Iowa farmers as the USDA rolls out its plan to get this outbreak behind us. I’ll also keep pushing to reduce regulatory burdens that restrict market access and add costly decisions for producers to do business in states like California and Massachusetts. California’s Prop 12, what I call its “War on Breakfast” has jacked up the price for eggs and bacon, making protein-rich nutrition unaffordable for American families. I’ll continue working to restore common sense and economic freedom to the farm economy.
    Q: What is the Farmland Security Act?
    A: Foreign ownership of U.S. farmland has increased 85 percent in the last 15 years. Decades ago, when I represented Iowans in the House of Representatives, I co-sponsored the first-ever reporting requirement called the Agricultural Foreign Investment Act of 1978. It required foreign persons who purchase, transfer or hold interests in crop acres to report transactions to the USDA. They must file an FSA-153 in the local Farm Service Agency office where the land is located, within 90 days of the transaction. Our bipartisan law also directed the Secretary of Agriculture to analyze the information and its impact on family farms and rural communities.
    The upward trend of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland comes up regularly at my annual 99 county meetings. Farmland is finite, once it’s paved over with suburban sprawl or sold to foreign owners, America has one less acre to feed and fuel our people. In addition, foreign buyers needlessly increase competition for young and beginning farmers. There are also serious national security implications if a foreign adversary buys up farmland near U.S. military installations. Last year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report that showed as foreign investment in U.S. farmland climbs, the USDA’s processes to collect, track and report key information are flawed. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 included my bipartisan proposal that required the USDA to adopt an online submission process and public database by 2025. Currently, real-time data isn’t available for federal agencies, including the Departments of Treasury and Defense and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review for potential national security risks.
    I’ve teamed up again with Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin to beef up existing federal law. Our Farmland Security Act of 2025 builds on our previous efforts to protect America’s rural communities from shady foreign investments. It would ensure all foreign investors, including “shell companies” who buy U.S. farmland must report their holdings and strengthens penalties for those who evade or misreport their filing obligations. Plus, it invests in research to better understand the impact foreign ownership of farmland has on agricultural production. As a lifelong farmer in the U.S. Senate, I’m proud to champion the livelihoods and way of life in rural America. Food security is national security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Senior UN aid officials sound alarm on Mozambique’s triple crisis

    Source: World Food Programme

    (New York/ Rome, 28 February 2025) Concluding a joint visit to Mozambique today, senior United Nations humanitarian officials are appealing for urgent global action to address a trio of crises – conflict, climate shocks, and a deteriorating socio-economic situation – confronting the country.

    The complex challenges have left millions of people in need of emergency food assistance. Continued fighting, the devastating impacts of recent tropical cyclones, and an El Niño-induced drought have also exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with women and girls being disproportionately affected.

    During their visit, Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), held talks with national and local Mozambican authorities, as well as with humanitarian partners, UN staff, donors and international financial institutions, to discuss the country’s urgent needs.

    They also traveled to the northern province of Cabo Delgado, meeting with people in the Macomia, Pemba and Mecufi districts, where conflict and climate shocks have devastated essential services, basic infrastructure and livelihoods.

    Escalating violence in northern Mozambique has displaced 715,000 people, while Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi having impacted 680,000 people.

    “Communities made it clear: Their main priorities are a lasting peace, durable housing solutions and education for their children,” said Ms. Msuya. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Government of Mozambique to help people in need who have been affected by conflict and climate disasters.”

    In Mecufi, Ms. Msuya and Mr. Skau visited a WFP-supported food distribution site which is run by local partners and is helping around 5,300 people struggling to recover from the destruction wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido in December 2024.

    “The crisis in Mozambique requires more attention. We met families who had been devastated by conflict, only for Cyclone Chido to destroy what little they had left,” said Mr. Skau. “Humanitarian efforts to provide life-saving food and other assistance need more support. We also need to help people rebuild their lives to withstand these recurring crises.”

    Despite the surging humanitarian needs, just 3 per cent of the total amount of funding – US$619 million – needed to reach 2.4 million people in critical need of humanitarian aid this year has been received. Of this amount, WFP urgently requires $170 million to deliver life-saving assistance over the next six months to avert a full-scale hunger crisis.

    “Global humanitarian funding is under immense strain,” Ms. Msuya noted. “We cannot abandon Mozambicans at this critical juncture.”

    # # # 

    High resolution photos available here

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Oversight of Foreign Ownership of American Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to increase scrutiny surrounding the purchase of agricultural land by foreign adversaries like China. The bipartisan bill would permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to add additional scrutiny of farmland and agricultural industry purchases by foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran and help prevent improper foreign disruption to the U.S. agriculture industry.
    “Wisconsin’s farms are the backbone of our state,” said Senator Baldwin. “They’re not just about food, they’re about people’s livelihoods, our economy, and our way of life. That’s why I’m fighting to protect our family farms and agricultural communities from bad actors like China that threaten our food supply, economy, and national security. I’m proud to work with Democratic and Republican colleagues to protect our farmers and rural communities and ensure our Made in Wisconsin agricultural economy stays strong for the next generation.”
    CFIUS is the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies. In addition to permanently adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, the bill would require that the Secretary report any transaction that could threaten national security, specifically concerning purchases made by adversarial nations like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.
    Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threatens our country’s national security. 
    According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres.
    Data from the 2023 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) report shows that Kansas agricultural land with foreign interest totals over 1.3 million acres.
    CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.
    Specifically, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act would:
    Add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of CFIUS
    Protect the U.S. agriculture industry from foreign control through transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or agreements
    Designate agricultural supply chains as critical infrastructure and critical technologies
    Require a report to Congress on current and potential foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural industry from USDA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
    The bill is led by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and also co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Todd Young (R-IN), and Deb Fischer (R-NE). U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) also introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Tillis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Support for Rural Water Systems

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to help rural communities make necessary improvements and repairs to critical water infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water and wastewater treatment services.
    “Every Granite Stater and every American deserves clean water, no matter where they live,” said Senator Shaheen. “Too often, hard-to-reach rural communities have difficulty funding critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Our bipartisan bill would improve support for these projects so that we can help hardworking communities save money, protect the environment and boost local economic development.”
    “Rural communities across North Carolina and the nation are facing financial challenges that threaten their ability to maintain critical water infrastructure,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation will provide new financing tools to help communities repair and modernize their water systems, ensuring they continue to have access to clean drinking water and wastewater treatment.”
    Specifically, the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act would grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) additional authorities to provide low- and zero-interest loans, loan forgiveness and loan refinancing to help rural communities repair, modernize and renovate failing water infrastructure. Last year, the bill was included in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s proposal for reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
    The legislation is supported by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP).
    “This legislation modernizes the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs to better meet the current financial challenges and needs in rural America,” said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matthew Holmes. “These are significant changes with new long-term financing options that will preserve the affordability of services, maintain public health standards, and ensure access to clean drinking water and wastewater services, especially in lower-income and economically distressed communities. NRWA applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis for their leadership and commitment to serve the needs of rural America.”
    “RCAP is pleased to endorse the Rural Water Systems Act of 2025 and applauds the leadership of Senator Shaheen and Senator Tillis on this important legislation. It is sorely needed. According to the EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, there is a 20-year need of $464 billion for capital improvements to America’s public water system infrastructure. This total includes the needs of the approximately 52,000 community water systems; 21,400 not-for-profit non-community water systems; American Indian and Alaska Native village water systems; and the costs associated with proposed and recent regulations. We look forward to working with Senator Shaheen to enact this important legislation,” said RCAP Chief Executive Officer Olga Morales Pate.
    As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee that oversees funding for USDA, Senator Shaheen is leading efforts to ensure Granite Staters who live in rural areas have access to the services they need. Shaheen has supported more than 230 New Hampshire small businesses who have received over $25 million to lower energy bills and cut costs through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. She has also consistently fought for increased funding and improved support for rural development programs. In the FY24 Agriculture Appropriations bill, Shaheen helped secure pilot authority and seed funding to begin issuing one percent water and wastewater loans, which will help distressed communities build critical infrastructure for clean and safe drinking water.
    Shaheen has also championed efforts to ensure every Granite Staters has access to clean water. As a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Shaheen spearheaded the water infrastructure provisions with former Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), securing record funding to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS contamination and replace lead pipes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Commercial Credit Officer Hiring

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKDALE, Calif., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), announced that Jean Turpen has joined the bank as Vice President, Commercial Credit Officer. She is based out of the Roseville Office located at 1478 Stone Point Drive.

    Turpen has 21 years of banking experience and a distinguished career in the banking industry, having held various leadership positions in commercial credit and lending. Her understanding of commercial lending, credit risk management, and financial analysis makes her an invaluable addition to the bank. In her new role, she will be responsible for client relationship management, portfolio management, and credit analysis. She will work closely with the Greater Sacramento Region team to drive sustainable growth and maintain our commitment to excellence in service and performance.

    “We’re excited to welcome Jean to our team. Her experience and proven track record in the banking sector will be instrumental in driving our commercial credit strategies and supporting our growth objectives,” said Gary Stephens, EVP Commercial Banking Group.

    Turpen earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from University of Alaska Anchorage. She is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Turpen resides in Orangevale with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, gardening, orchestral music, and reading.

    Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & their Eastern Sierra Community Bank division, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. They currently operate through 18 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, Roseville, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. The company will open its 19th branch location in Lodi later this year. For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.

    Date: February 28, 2025
    Contact: Chris Courtney/Rick McCarty
    Phone: (209) 848-BANK (2265) 
      Toll Free (866) 844–7500
      www.ovcb.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Innovator ETFs® Announces Closure of ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovator Capital Management, LLC (Innovator), pioneer and provider of the largest lineup of Defined Outcome ETFs™, today announced its intention to close four ETFs. Please reference the table below for important dates surrounding the closure of each ETF.

    Name Ticker End of ETF
    Outcome Period    		 Trading
    Halts    		 Liquidation
    Innovator U.S. Equity Accelerated ETF® – April XDAP 3/31/25 4/1/25 4/4/25
    Innovator Premium Income 9 Buffer ETF™ – April HAPR 3/31/25 4/1/25 4/4/25
    Innovator Premium Income 10 Barrier ETF™ – April APRD 3/31/25 4/1/25 4/4/25
    Innovator Premium Income 40 Barrier ETF™ – April APRQ 3/31/25 4/1/25 4/4/25

    The closing of the ETFs coincides with the end of their respective outcome periods. Shareholders may sell their ETF shares at any point during trading hours prior to the market close on its last day of trading. If investors do not sell their shares before trading is halted, the shares will be automatically redeemed on the liquidation date. After shares are redeemed, shareholders will receive cash equal to the amount of the net asset value (NAV) of their shares on the liquidation date. Payment will be made in the form of a liquidating distribution that is electronically credited to shareholders’ brokerage or other applicable financial-intermediary accounts on or around the liquidation date.

    The ETFs may pay one or more dividends or other distributions prior to, or along with, any redemption payment. As is the case with any redemption of ETF shares, these liquidation proceeds will generally be subject to federal and, as applicable, state and local income taxes if the redeemed shares are held in a taxable account and the liquidation proceeds exceed the shareholder’s adjusted basis in the shares redeemed. Shareholders should consult with their tax adviser for further information regarding the federal, state and/or local income tax consequences of this liquidation that are relevant to their specific situation.

    Innovator also intends to close the July and October series of the funds listed above during the 2025 calendar year. More information about those closures will be released in the coming months.

    The combined assets under management in the four ETFs listed above was $37 million as of February 13, 2025, representing 0.16% of Innovator’s total AUM.

    Media Contact
    Frank Taylor / Stephanie Dressler
    (646) 808-3647 / (949) 269-2535
    Frank@dlpr.com / Stephanie@dlpr.com

    The Funds have characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be suitable for all investors. For more information regarding whether an investment in the Fund is right for you, please see “Investor Suitability” in the prospectus.

    Investing involves risks. Loss of principal is possible. The Funds face numerous market trading risks, including active markets risk, authorized participation concentration risk, buffered loss risk, cap change risk, capped upside return risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, management risk, market maker risk, market risk, non-diversification risk, operation risk, options risk, trading issues risk, upside participation risk and valuation risk. For a detail list of fund risks see the prospectus.

    The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other important information, and it may be obtained at innovatoretfs.com. Read it carefully before investing.

    The following marks: Accelerated ETFs®, Accelerated Plus ETF®, Accelerated Return ETFs®, Barrier ETF™, Buffer ETF™, Defined Income ETF™, Defined Outcome Bond ETF®, Defined Outcome ETFs™, Defined Protection ETF™, Define Your Future®, Enhanced ETF™, Floor ETF®, Innovator ETFs®, Leading the Defined Outcome ETF Revolution™, Managed Buffer ETFs®, Managed Outcome ETFs®, Stacker ETF™, Step-Up™, Step-Up ETFs®, Target Protection ETF™, 100% Buffer ETFs™ and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are the trademarks of Innovator Capital Management, LLC, its affiliates or licensors. Use of these terms is strictly prohibited without proper written authorization. All rights reserved.

    Innovator ETFs® are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    Copyright © 2025 Innovator Capital Management, LLC | 800.208.5212

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel Boss Tied to Southlake Murder-for-Hire Among Defendants Extradited From Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Among the 29 cartel bosses extradited from Mexico to the United States on Thursday was Northern District of Texas defendant Jose Rodolfo Villarreal Hernandez, aka “El Gato,” announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham. 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, a Mexican national who held a high-level position in the Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) Drug Cartel, was charged in June 2018 with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in the brutal slaying of a 43-year-old Southlake, Texas lawyer in 2013. 

    He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in October 2020 and arrested by Mexican law enforcement agents in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico in January 2023.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his successful extradition yesterday, pledging to prosecute all extradited cartel bosses “to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels.” 

    Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will make his initial appearance in federal court next week.

    According to evidence presented at the trial of his coconspirators, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly directed and financed a multi-year effort to locate and assassinate his victim, an attorney with ties to a rival cartel. Testimony revealed that Mr. Villarreal Hernandez allegedly believed the attorney was involved with the death of Mr. Villarreal Hernandez’s father and wanted revenge. 

    The victim was shot while sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle outside an upscale shopping center in  Southlake on May 22, 2013. His wife was standing near the driver’s side door when her husband was killed. 

    Three men who, acting on orders from Mr. Villarreal Hernandez, tracked the victim prior to his death were convicted and sentenced in 2016: Jose Luis Cepeda-Cortes and Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Cepeda were convicted at trial of interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire; Mr. Cepeda-Cortez was also convicted of tampering with documents or proceedings. Both men received life sentences. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Campano, son of Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, pleaded guilty prior to trial to one count of interstate stalking and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

    A fourth defendant, Ramon Villarreal-Hernandez, the brother of Jose Rodolfo, was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States in 2020. He pleaded guilty to interstate stalking in June 2022 and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

    According to the U.S. State Department, in addition to allegedly ordering the Southlake murder, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and the United States to maintain his organization’s power and status.

    “After more than a decade, Mr. Villarreal Hernandez will have to answer for his alleged crimes in an American courtroom,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “Since the victim was gunned down in a public parking lot in 2013, law enforcement’s commitment to this case has never wavered. I extend my sincere thanks to the federal, state, local, and international partners who have pulled together to ensure this defendant will be brought to justice.”

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Mr. Villarreal Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    The statutory maximum penalty for interstate stalking is life in prison; the statutory maximum for the murder-for-hire charge is life in prison or death.

    The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division, with assistance from the Southlake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, the Fort Worth Police Department, and the Grapevine Police Department. The  Mexican Secretariat of the Navy, Fiscalía Generalde la República (FGR), Coordinación Nacional Antisecuestro (CONASE) coordinated in the arrest of Mr. Villarreal-Hernandez.  The U.S. Marshal Service for the Northern District of Texas assisted in securing the defendant upon his arrival in Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, and the U.S. Marshals Mexico City Foreign Field Office provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Burgess (fmr) and Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case against Mr. Luis Cepeda-Cortes, Mr. Ledezma-Cepeda, and Mr. Ledezma-Campano. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Laura Montes are prosecuting the case against Mr. Villarreal Hernandez.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Triumph Financial Announces Dividend for 7.125% Series C Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Triumph Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TFIN) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $17.81 per share on its 7.125% Series C Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, represented by depositary shares (Nasdaq: TFINP), each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will receive $0.44525 per depositary share. The dividend is payable on March 30, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2025.

    About Triumph Financial

    Triumph Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: TFIN) is a financial holding company focused on payments, factoring and banking. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, its diversified portfolio of brands includes TriumphPay, Triumph and TBK Bank. www.tfin.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Triumph Financial’s expected financial results or other plans are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” and the forward-looking statement disclosure contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Triumph Financial undertakes no duty to update the information.

    Source: Triumph Financial, Inc.

    Investor Relations:
    Luke Wyse
    Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
    lwyse@tfin.com
    214-365-6936

    Media Contact:
    Amanda Tavackoli
    Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Communication
    atavackoli@tfin.com
    214-365-6930

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LZ Technology Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HUZHOU CITY, China, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LZ Technology Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: LZMH) (“LZ Technology” or the “Company”), an information technology and advertising company, today announced the successful closing of its initial public offering of 1,800,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.000025 per share (the “Class B Ordinary Shares”), at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The offering generated total gross proceeds of approximately $7.2 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. The Company’s Class B Ordinary Shares started trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on February 27, 2025 under the ticker symbol “LZMH.”

    In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 270,000 Class B Ordinary Shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts. LZ Technology intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for research and development, international expansions, strategic acquisitions, marketing efforts and working capital.

    The offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Benjamin Securities, Inc. and D. Boral Capital LLC acted as underwriters for the offering (the “Underwriters”). Bevilacqua PLLC acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Company, and Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Underwriters in connection with the offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-276234) relating to the offering, as amended, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and was declared effective by the SEC on February 26, 2025. The offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the registration statement. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Benjamin Securities, Inc. by email at info@benjaminsecurities.com, by standard mail to 3 West Garden Street, Suite 407, Pensacola, FL 32502, or by telephone at +1 (516) 931-1090; or from D. Boral Capital LLC by standard mail to D. Boral Capital LLC, 590 Madison Ave 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by email at info@dboralcapital.com, or by telephone at +1(212)-970-5150.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About LZ Technology Holdings Limited

    LZ Technology Holdings Limited is an information technology and advertising company operating through its subsidiaries in China. The Company’s business spans three key verticals: Smart Community, Out-of-Home Advertising, and Local Life. Its Smart Community services provide intelligent access control and safety management systems, installed in thousands of residential communities in China. Its Out-of-Home Advertising division offers multi-channel advertising solutions through a vast network of monitors across approximately 120 cities in China, with ad placements on access control screens, SaaS platforms, and third-party advertising spaces. The Company’s Local Life vertical connects businesses with consumers through online promotions, social media marketing, and retail sales of various products and services. LZ Technology is committed to providing high-quality services to communities and businesses.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Company’s statements regarding the use of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s shares in the offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “seek”, “estimate”, “will”, “aim” and “anticipate”, or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For further information, please contact:

    Michael Wu
    Investor Relations
    LZ Technology Holdings Limited
    michael@lzmh.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Jim Pillen Comments on Good News from Forecasting Board

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Jim Pillen Comments on Good News from Forecasting Board

    LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board (NEFAB) voted today to add $100 million to current fiscal year revenue projections for General Fund receipts.

    Additionally, the Forecasting Board increased projected revenue receipts by $5 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and by $60 million for the following Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Together, these increases account for an additional $165 million that can be leveraged, along with necessary spending decreases, to support a balanced state budget that delivers critical investments in education and property tax relief.

    “The Forecasting Board delivered good news today,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “This is a sign of Nebraska’s strong and resilient economy. There is still work to be done to ensure we are delivering the fiscally conservative budget that Nebraskans expect and deserve.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Raised voices and angry scenes at the White House as Trump clashes with Zelensky over the ‘minerals deal’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    The visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House has not gone to plan – at least not to his plan. There were extraordinary scenes as a press conference between Zelensky and Trump descended into acrimony, with the US president loudly berating his opposite number, who he accused of “gambling with world war three”.

    “You either make a deal or we’re out,” Trump told Zelensky. His vice-president, J.D. Vance, also got in on the act, accusing the Ukrainian president of “litigating in front of the American media”, and saying his approach was “disrespectful”. At one point he asked Zelensky: “Have you said thank you even once?”

    Reporters present described the atmosphere as heated with voices raised by both Trump and Vance. The New York Times said the scene was “one of the most dramatic moments ever to play out in public in the Oval Office and underscored the radical break between the United States and Ukraine since Mr Trump took office”.

    Underlying the angry exchanges were differences between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government over the so-called “minerals deal” that Zelensky was scheduled to sign. But any lack of Ukrainian enthusiasm for the deal is understandable.

    In its present form, it looks more like a memorandum of understanding that leaves several vital issues to be resolved later. The deal on offer is the creation of what will be called a “reconstruction investment fund”, to be jointly owned and managed by the US and Ukraine.

    Into the proposed fund will go 50% of the revenue from the exploitation of “all relevant Ukrainian government-owned natural resource assets (whether owned directly or indirectly by the Ukrainian government)” and “other infrastructure relevant to natural resource assets (such as liquified natural gas terminals and port infrastructure)”.

    This means that private infrastructure – much of it owned by Ukraine’s wealthy oligarchs – is likely to become part of the deal. This has the potential of further increasing friction between Zelensky and some very powerful Ukrainians.

    Meanwhile, US contributions are less clearly defined. The preamble to the agreement makes it clear that Ukraine already owes the US. The very first paragraph notes that “the United States of America has provided significant financial and material support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022”.

    This figure, according to Trump, amounts to US$350 billion (£278 billion). The actual amount, according to the Ukraine Support Tracker of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, is about half that.

    Western and Ukrainian analysts have also pointed out that there may be fewer and less accessible mineral and rare earth deposits in Ukraine than are currently assumed. The working estimates have been based mostly on Soviet-era data.

    Since the current draft leaves details on ownership, governance and operations to be determined in a future fund agreement, Trump’s very big deal is at best the first step. Future rounds of negotiations are to be expected.

    Statement of intent

    From a Ukrainian perspective, this is more of a strength than a weakness. It leaves Kyiv with an opportunity to achieve more satisfactory terms in future rounds of negotiation. Even if any improvements will only be marginal, it keeps the US locked into a process that is, overall, beneficial for Ukraine.

    Take the example of security guarantees. The draft agreement offers Ukraine nothing anywhere near Nato membership. But it notes that the US “supports Ukraine’s efforts to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace”, adding that: “Participants will seek to identify any necessary steps to protect mutual investments.”

    The significance of this should not be overstated. At its bare minimum, it is an expression of intent by the US that falls short of security guarantees but still gives the US a stake in the survival of Ukraine as an independent state.

    But it is an important signal both in terms of what it does and does not do – a signal to Russia, Europe and Ukraine.

    Trump does not envisage that the US will give Ukraine security guarantees “beyond very much”. He seems to think that these guarantees can be provided by European troops (the Kremlin has already cast doubts on this idea).

    But this does not mean the idea is completely off the table. On the contrary, because the US commitment is so vague, it gives Trump leverage in every direction.

    He can use it as a carrot and a stick against Ukraine to get more favourable terms for US returns from the reconstruction investment fund. He can use it to push Europe towards more decisive action to ramp up defence spending by making any US protection for European peacekeepers contingent on more equitable burden-sharing in Nato.

    And he can signal to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, that the US is serious about making a deal stick – and that higher American economic stakes in Ukraine and corporate presence on the ground would mean US-backed consequences if the Kremlin reneges on a future peace agreement and restarts hostilities.

    That these calculations will ultimately lead to the “free, sovereign and secure Ukraine” that the agreement envisages is not a given.

    For now, however, despite all the shortcomings and vagueness of the deal on key issues –– and the very public argument between the parties – it still looks like it serves all sides’ interests in moving forward in this direction.

    This article has been updated with details of the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

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

    – ref. Raised voices and angry scenes at the White House as Trump clashes with Zelensky over the ‘minerals deal’ – https://theconversation.com/raised-voices-and-angry-scenes-at-the-white-house-as-trump-clashes-with-zelensky-over-the-minerals-deal-250855

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –